Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_08_25_2020

TUESDAY 25th August, 2020

' No.106102

GFC gets new lease on life

–– $350M injected into cash-strapped Commission

SEE PAGE 03

Lawrence on $100,000 bail for alleged forgery

-- summons issued for Mingo

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11

Former Government Minister and Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence, and her attorney, James Bond as they exit the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

Former ministers, others, urged to return State property PAGE

04

COVID-19 cases pass 1,000 mark

-- 74 recorded in 24 hours; 13 persons in ICU

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03

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

President receives 50th Republic anniversary commemorative coins

PRESIDENT Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Monday received the first of two

newly-minted commemorative coins, which were commissioned in obser-

President Irfaan Ali and Dr. Gobin Ganga, Governor of the Bank of Guyana show off the two commemorative coins at State House on Monday morning

vance of Guyana’s 50th Republic anniversary from the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobin Ganga.

At a simple ceremony

held at State House, Dr. Ganga said preparations for the production and issue of the coins began in October 2019, and the presentation was to have been done in February 2020.

However, due to the challenges of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

pandemic, this was delayed.

As is customary, though, Dr. Ganga said that the first coins are to be presented to the President before they are distributed.

The first of the coins is a $10,000 commemorative coin stuck in 99.99 per cent pure silver with selective

The commemorative coins

gold plating. This issue is limited to 1,500 pieces.

The second is a $100 coin stuck in multiple nickel, issued at face value with a circulation limit of 500,000 pieces.

“This is the first-ever painted coin to be issued by the Bank. Our numismatic designs, as always, seek to highlight points of national pride, and these coins, minted by the Royal Canadian Mint, feature the 50th Republic Anniversary Logo on the reverse, and the Coat of Arms on the obverse. It features the Mace, a ceremonial symbol of authority in Parliament, superimposed on the backdrop of the number ‘50’, which is decorated in the colours of the Golden Arrowhead. Around this, the words “Guyana Together – Reflect, Celebrate, Transform” is present.

This Logo is rendered in gold plating on the $10,000 coin, and painted in full colours on the $100 coin.

The coins will be officially unveiled tomorrow by the Bank of Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

GFC gets new lease on life --$350M approved to keep cash-strapped Commission afloat

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA’S ailing forest sector will be able to stay “rooted” for a while, following Cabinet’s approval of $350 million to support the cash-strapped Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

The once flourishing agency and major revenue earner for Guyana, was at its wits end, and was forced to request a bailout from government early this month in order to stay afloat.

The Commission, which is responsible for the administration and management of all state-owned forest land, had descended into a state of bankruptcy over the past five years, despite having a surplus of more than $4 billion at the end of 2015.

“Forestry is in a mess; staffers are not paid. They owe GPL over $70M, and they also have outstanding sums for NIS and GRA,” said Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat during a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

As a result of its finan-

cial standing, the GFC had asked for a bailout of $581M, which the Commission believes would be able to offset its debts and sustain them for seven months.

“They think in that time, they can go back to their normal footing, and sustain themselves effectively after that, and hopefully become an annual revenue earner,” said Minister Bharrat, as he recalled the days when the forest sector would make “a lot of money” and do a lot of things.

Although the requested amount was not approved, the sizeable $350M bailout will go towards the payment of staff and outstanding utility fees.

The new administration is currently saddled with this burden due to the mismanagement of the sector under the previous administration.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, however, has committed to seeking President Irfaan Ali’s help in sourcing more financial support for the agency.

The situation at the agency is dire, as is evidenced by

Reports following 2015 all showed a consistent decline in revenue earned by the forest sector. For instance, the country had earned US$39.1 million in 2017, and within the space of a year, earnings had dipped to US$37.9 million.

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

the fact that workers were not paid their $25,000 bonus in 2018. Bharrat assured that those outstanding bonuses will be paid to all eligible staff before the end of 2020.

While government has been generous to the Commission, there will come a time when the Commission will have to stand on its own, and discussions to this effect have already started.

Minister Bharrat has commenced discussions with the GFC and other stakeholders within the forest sector, to

examine strategies to enhance the financial performance and management capabilities of this very important sector.

The forest sector had accounted for about three per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2011 and 2015, and according to the GFC’s 2015 report, total revenue earned from the export of forest products was over US$54M in 2014. There was, however, a 15.8 per cent decrease in revenue in 2015, when exports totaled US$45.6M.

HOW DECLINE STARTED “The sector’s decline started when the previous administration (APNU+AFC) took back lands from Barama and Baishanlin, which were both big concessionaires,” Minister Bharrat lamented in a past interview, noting that those companies worked six to seven million hectares of land during their years of operation here.

Both companies ended their logging operations here in 2016. The country’s biggest forestry operator, Barama Company Limited (BCL), had initially announced plans to cut back operations, but eventually closed its forestry operations altogether, and focused mainly on plywood and veneer manufacturing.

During its 25 years of oper-

ation, the company invested approximately $45B into the development of Guyana’s forest industry. Baishanlin, which, along with its partners had exported over 50,000 cubic metres of logs between 2007 and 2015, also “shut shop” entirely.

“Those lands have since been given to small concessionaires, and while I have no problem with that, you have to look at their capacity to work the land,” Minister Bharrat said, adding: “We end up with a problem where you have 70 per cent of these concessionaires working; meaning that ten persons get the land, but only seven working.

“And the seven persons are only working the land up to 30 per cent, because they do not have the capacity to work it to 80 or 90 per cent…

That is why they cannot generate the kind of revenue they got before.”

The reduction in revenue and mismanagement, to some extent, were blamed for the “sad” situation in which the GFC finds itself.

COVID-19 cases pass 1,000 mark

––74 recorded in 24 hours; 13 persons in ICU

By Navendra Seoraj GUYANA continues to see a worrying rise in the number of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, with 74 new cases being recorded in just 24 hours.

The steady rise has caused panic across the country, but authorities have said that cases are being detected because more tests are being done. Sample taking was also increased across the country, because authorities had believed that many cases were going “under the radar”.

This suspicion had prompted authorities to distribute more sample kits across the country, especially to regions where the infection rate is high. Most of the cases have so far been recorded in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

“We are sending out more kits, so there will be an increase in sample collection…

The testing itself has components; one is sample collection, and then there is the processing of samples,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony in a recent report.

The actual testing will be done centrally, at the National Reference Laboratory, because regional facilities lack the capacity and technical skills needed to get it done. While government hopes to improve capacity in those regions, the immediate need for sample testing takes precedence, especially with the high number of asymptomatic cases.

Health authorities have so far tested 7,234 persons, with 6,205 being negative, and 1,029 positive. Of the total positive cases, 510 persons have recovered, and 31 persons have lost their lives.

CLOSELY MONITORED The remaining cases are being monitored by authori-

ties, and according to recent statistics, 409 of those persons are in home isolation, while 66 are in institutional isolation, and 13 persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

It is clear that COVID-19 remains a threat to everyone in all areas of Guyana, and as cases of COVID-19 continue to increase, government will be looking to activate the controversial $1.6 billion Infectious Diseases Hospital as an isolation centre with 55 beds.

In addition to isolation facilities, one of Guyana’s main limitations in the fight against COVID-19 has been the country’s ability to test for the disease, but government, in an effort to build capacity in this area, has sourced an automated Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing machine.

As it is now, the country is equipped with just one machine, which is being

utilised by the National Reference Laboratory. And, it was reported that the machine is over 20 years old, and was previously used to test for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The situation was, however, only made known when the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) was elected to office early this month.

Despite the existing constraints, the new government sought to get maximum results from the existing resources. Health authorities have so far tested 6,904 persons for the disease, with 5,949 being negative and 955 positive.

DOING MORE “With the use of the current machine, we are trying to get them (health workers) to do more, so we have introduced three shifts, and are now able to do three times the amount of tests previously done,”

said Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony during a special COVID-19 update on Saturday.

Increased testing, using the existing machine is, however, just the immediate approach, as government is also seeking to acquire automated machines, which would reduce the time taken to process a sample – it takes nine hours with the existing machine.

“We want to cut that time down significantly, by having an automated PCR machine… We have since ordered one such automated machine, and we believe it will cut the processing time from nine hours to about two hours, max,” said Dr. Anthony.

With the automated machines, authorities will be able to do about 96 tests in just two hours, and if there are several shifts, 500-800 tests could be completed easily in one day.

“We have placed that order, and we are negotiating how fast we can get it.

But as soon as we get that,

it will make a big difference,” said the health minister, adding that authorities have already started the preparatory work for storing the machine.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly-discovered coronavirus. Most people, who fall sick with COVID-19, will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

There are, however, vulnerable groups such as persons with underlying conditions and elderly patients, who may develop severe forms of the disease.

Considering the infectious nature of the disease, Dr. Anthony said there will have to be certain conditions to ensure that testing is done safely and properly.

Although the automated machine will produce faster results, the tests will have to be done in a biohazard cabinet, so as to reduce the chances of contamination.

4

Patricia Shepherd admitted to the Bar THE newest Attorney-at-Law admitted to the Bar is Patricia Lorraine Shepherd. She was admitted to practise law in the Courts of Guyana on Monday before the Honourable Justice Gino Persaud.

Her application was presented by Attorney-at-Law Kim Kyte-Thomas, in association with Attorneys-at-Law Sharon Small and Faye Barker.

The application was heard, via Zoom, and was attended by her parents, Liloutie Seymour and Richard Shepherd and other family members.

Shepherd holds a Legal Education Certificate (LEC) from the Hugh Wooding Law School, which she obtained on April 20, 2020. She is also an internationally accredited civil/commercial mediator, which she obtained from Alternative Dispute Resolution - Online Dispute Resolution International, London, United Kingdom in 2018.

Shepherd holds a Bar Professional Training Certificate from the BPP Law School, Leeds, United Kingdom, which she obtained in 2018, and was admitted to practise as a Barrister before the Courts of England and

Wales in November 2018.

She also holds a Bachelor of Laws with (Hons), which she received in 2016 from the University of London. Shepherd comes to the profession armed with a Diploma in Business Management, and a Certificate in Industrial Relations and Management.

She is now attached as an Associate at the Law Firm of Kyte Small Barker, Attorneys-at-Law. Justice Persaud welcomed her to the Bar, and impressed upon her the importance of preparation in the conduct of her practice, and

encouraged her to rely on the training she received at the Hugh Wooding Law School and the BPP Law School in London.

In turn, Shepherd thanked the honourable judge for granting her application. She paid homage to her family for their support and motivation throughout her journey.

She also thanked God for his never-ending grace, mercy and provision during her journey, and thanked the law firm of Kyte Small Barker for their training and support.

Kingelley Village to be regularised, says AG

UPON the instructions of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Attorney-General (AG) Anil Nandlall met with the residents of Kingelley Village, West Coast Berbice in respect of a claim by Lincoln Lewis that his foreparents owned the village.

In the company of the Chairman and Vice Chairman

of Region Five, Member of Parliament (MP), Fizal Jafferally and former MP, Harry Gill, Nandlall told residents that, from all indications, the land is State Land and that the government will regularise their occupation in due course.

Most of the residents disclosed that they have been

Tuesday, August 25, 2020–– 09:30hrs & 11:00hrs

living in the village, in their individual homes, from birth and their parents lived there as well.

Some of them are now eighty years old. In short, their occupation of that village dates back to over a century.

Trade unionist, Lincoln Lewis, also made his claim of ownership to a Commission of Inquiry, in respect to ancestral lands, established by former President David Granger.

Mr. Nandlall prepared a written statement on behalf of the residents and submitted it to that commission.

Additionally, Nandlall filed Applications for Prescriptive Title for more than 20 of these residents and all were granted.

Some persons received their transport already. The

Registrar of Deeds’ Report disclosed that there was no titular owner of the land. No one, including, Lincoln Lewis lodged any opposition to the Applications for Prescriptive Title as is required by the law.

Notwithstanding, Lewis continues to maintain his claim of ownership and has erected fences in certain parts of the village, in some cases, fencing off persons’ homes. In addition, he has been bullying and threatening the residents and has been charged by the police.

The residents complained to the ministers of agriculture, housing and water, local government and the attorney general seeking the assistance of the government.

GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Attorney-at-Law Patricia Lorraine Shepherd

Former ministers, others urged to return State property

THE Government of Guyana has called on all former ministers of government, public officers and employees of the State, government, public corporations, State agencies or statutory bodies to return all documents and property belonging to the State.

The government, in a public advisory, has directed the call to the abovementioned functionaries whose services have been expressly or impliedly terminated, and have been sent on administrative leave.

These officers are hereby advised to return those documents and/or properties immediately to the accounting officers of the ministries, public corporations, agencies and/ or statutory bodies where they were previously employed, or may be still employed.

The APNU+AFC Government was voted out of office in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, but the results were officially announced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) more than five months after voters went to the polls.

Several attempts by actors at GECOM to tamper with the elections results to facilitate a false declaration failed, and the APNU+AFC Government was forced to demit office, in light of mounting international pressure to honour the will of the people.

Prior to demitting office, the Coalition had lost a number of key elections-related court cases, and many of its senior members incurred sanctions by the US in the form of visa revocation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley says goodbye to WPA CHAIRPERSON of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Tabitha Sarabo-Halley has left the party just one day after it would have signalled its intention to quit the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition.

Sarabo-Halley, who served as Minister of Public Service under the previous APNU+AFC administration, was selected by APNU as the WPA’s representative to Parliament, but the decision did not sit well with the executive of the WPA. In a recent show of its power, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the largest party in the five-party APNU coalition, unilaterally decided on the persons who will represent the coalition in the National Assembly.

The list was dominated by members of the PNCR, and included just one member of the WPA, while other “small parties” were neglected.

With its 233,336 votes at the March 2, 2020 Gen-

eral and Regional Elections, the new People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government will be allocated some 33 seats in the National Assembly.

The APNU+AFC, with 217,920 votes, will have 31 seats, while the joinder list of A New United Guyana (ANUG), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM) with 5, 214 votes will be allocated one seat.

“To our utter embarrassment, 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 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 op-

Sarabo-Halley’s resignation, multiple sources confirmed that she left just one day after the request was made.

Efforts to contact Sarabo-Halley for a comment were futile, but the Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the executive arm of the WPA was not engaged before such a decision was made.

Sarabo-Halley, as a representative of the WPA, was expected to take up a seat in the National Assembly, but it is unclear whether her decision to leave the party will make way for another WPA member to be nominated, or the former chairperson will “sneak in”

Former WPA Chairman, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley

portunity to determine who its representative should be.

The party has 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 had requested that their representatives for Parliament and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) be removed.

While it was not confirmed that the party’s request was the reason for

through another party within the coalition.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported that after almost a decade of ‘bludgeoning’ from the PNC/R, the WPA has decided to “walk away” from the Coalition, but had offered an ultimatum, which, if fulfilled, would have seen 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.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Righting the wrongs CHARLES DICKENS’ character, Mr Micawber, disgustedly exclaimed “The law is an ass,” and this became clichéd over time, for obvious reasons: Not so anymore in Guyana – not under the watch of Mohabir Anil Nandlall, who has been vested with the portfolio of Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs by the current PPP/C Government.

If an analogy could be drawn on cricket and the law, then Guyana’s Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs could be acclaimed to be hitting boundaries all over the legal arena.

The current AG under the PPP/C administration, Anil Nandlall, has stamped his name and fame in the corridors of Guyana’s and CARICOM’s history for posterity, ranking among the greatest of the Caribbean legal luminaries; defeating his adversaries in and out of courtrooms, hitting boundaries unceasingly. He has practically, Like Dr Cheddi and Mrs Janet Jagan, and their protégée Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, become a legend in his own lifetime. He is certainly the nemesis of former AG, Basil Williams, whom he has bowled out in the courtrooms of Guyana and the Caribbean Court of Justice, time and again.

The protracted period between Guyana’s 2020 elections and the declaration of results saw Nandlall, already a shining star in the firmament of Guyana’s legal fraternity, blaze like the sun in courtroom after courtroom as the illegal APNU+AFC coalition government led by the de facto President David Granger, under various guises, brought a multiplicity of legal challenges in attempts to rig the elections results, the SORS and SOPS, both of which showed the PPP/C – a partnership of the PPP, again teaming up with its partners in civil society, winning the elections with a comfortable majority, a fact acknowledged by the regional and international communities.

The part Anil Nandlall played in these courtroom battles unquestionably precipitated the synergies that allowed the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret’) Claudette Singh to declare PPP/C the rightful winner of Guyana’s 2020 elections.

Anil Nandlall’s role in the PPP/C construct – in or out of government is a quintessential factor, perhaps even more important than the presidency, to Guyana’s returning to – and sustaining democratic norms and conventions.

The governing party under President Ali’s leadership was aware that the coalition administration had been bleeding the nation’s coffers and decimating the country’s resources to benefit themselves, relatives, financiers and cronies, to the detriment of Guyana’s economic growth and social development, to the extent that people, even their own supporters, were starving.

However, the magnitude of the coalition government’s corruption is only now being revealed as every PPP/C Government’s sectorial head is discovering corruption by the former coalition administration on such a massive scale that explains why Guyana has once again become bankrupt under another PNC-led dictatorial regime.

It is only now that Anil Nandlall’s importance in the role he has been assigned under this new governmental construct is being recognized by all and sundry, because he is tasked with fighting the legal battles of the poor, voiceless and vulnerable, simultaneous to his onerous responsibilities of recouping the nation’s assets and prosecuting the fraudsters and criminals who wantonly stole monies, land and resources that belong to the people of Guyana, and even those who committed electoral fraud; all under the sheltering umbrella of the de facto coalition government.

Within his own Ministry, the AG has discovered financial anomalies that have jeopardized many initiatives; i.e the expenditure of in excess of $92M on a Law Reform Commission; albeit with no work having been done.

During a virtual press conference last Saturday, the AG disclosed that a building had been rented and had housed a secretarial staff since the Law Reform Commission Bill was passed in 2016, but remained inoperable for years, which has prompted the funding agency – the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to threaten to abort the project because of

non-compliance with contracted schedule of implementation of operations.

Minister Nandlall revealed an astounding outlay of monies expended for no returns and no work over a period of time that depleted the funds of over $92M to benefit friends, families and cronies.

However, the AG asserts that the new PPP/C Government will be making efforts to swiftly address the matter, declaring: “We will begin to move swiftly to establish this Commission… so as to not have the project pulled by the Bank, but we will, in due course, refashion the legislation so that the Commission can be constituted in a manner that reflects the best interest of the country.

The AG had also informed the nation that the coalition government had kept secret the fact that Guyana was benefitting from US$8M, since 2017, aimed at initiating a project to curtail prison overcrowding.

In another instance of open fraud, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member Christopher Jones was arrested for the theft of State assets, valuing over $4M that were found by police at his Lot 609 Conciliation Street, Tucville, Georgetown home.

These and more horror stories of corrupt acts in every sector that left Guyana bankrupted by the coalition are engaging the attentions of the AG. Anil Nandlall is on a mission to hold persons accountable for attempting to subvert democracy in Guyana; as well as for the theft and/or misappropriation of State monies and other assets.

Simultaneous to all these onerous undertakings on behalf of the State, the AG is also fulfilling the PPP/C Administration’s pre-election promise of delivering justice to the ordinary men and women who had been oppressed in diverse ways by the bullies in the dictatorial coalition regime; and today, the farmers of Region Five, who have regained their farmlands, are beneficiaries of his representation as a social responsibility.

The Guyana Police Force again under the microscope Dear Editor,

GUYANA, well in its fourth “honeymoon never begun” ambitious week, is basking with the freshness and relief from an impoverished and treacherous five months siege from the heartless APNU+AFC Party. Perhaps, that is the best part of life if at all, knowing that Guyanese do not have to deal with the cabal and the rigmarole nonsense of the election recount result, for, that

is a closed chapter. Is the election petition “water on a duck’s back” and, where is the loud mouth call to “bring it on?” The country is bankrupt and the new government has to perform miracles to financially manage the economy and deal with the COVID-19 repercussions. Guyanese cannot expect to return to a normal life style overnight and still need to depend on the generosity from all sources in order to survive daily. There is no immediate relief

valve to control the perpetration of criminal activities; there is no safe mesh to cushion the road incidents; there is no prevention from family violence which is insanely unavoidable; the school children are uncertain about the guaranteed educational facilities to be implemented, whether in school or in-house, virtually; there is no immediate financial incentives for a number of needy families; there is no job assurance for quick employment opportunities and there

is no promise that Guyana will have a white Christmas either.

Like it or leave it, the choices are limited and chances are, Guyanese will have to suffice and bear the pain a little longer than expected, thanks to the compliments of the departed caretaker who was ruthless enough not to cater to the interest of the nation or the people but to his party and its members. A medal of honor should be given to Mr. Granger for his valor in crime and pun-

ishment to the oppressed people of Guyana.

As the daily news are trying to keep abreast with all the anomalies and miscreants from the previous administration, monitoring the latest discovery in embezzlement, misappropriation, corruption and collusion become more pronounced, baffling and unbelievable. No Guyanese, not the man in the street nor in the high society, by no stretch of the SEE PAGE 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Change Guyana remains --denies claims that strong, says Badal party will be dissolved

POLITICAL newcomers, Change Guyana had entered the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections with high hopes, but after coming out unsuccessful, claims had surfaced that the Party would be dissolved, but those claims have since been debunked by its Founder, Robert Badal.

According to a letter published in the Kaieteur News on Tuesday, the majority of the leadership of Change Guyana made a decision that its dissolution as a Political Party is in the best interest of its members and supporters.

The letter was signed by Chairman of Change Guyana, Nigel Hinds; Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mishka Puran; Vice- Chairman, Ramesh Ramoutar; and Executive Members Ryan Dey and

Everton Morris, but Badal said there is no intention to dissolve the party.

When asked if he was aware of a decision to dissolve the party, Badal told this publication: “No. As far as I know, that is not true...I do not know who said that; somebody creating some mischief.”

He confirmed that he has since reached out to executive members of the party, and there has been no discussion related to the dissolution of the party.

Contrary to what is being mulled in the letter, Badal said the party remains strong, and will continue to develop itself as a formidable force in the political arena.

Change Guyana, one of the 16 new parties that were launched in Guyana

during 2019 to contest the March 2020 elections, contested in seven out of the ten administrative regions, but failed to secure a seat.

Framers of the letter which was published in Kaieteur News, however, said of the six new parties that actually contested in Guyana’s March 2020 elections, Change Guyana received the second most votes in the Regional Elections, and the third most votes in the General Elections.

“The unique and outstanding contributions made by Change Guyana Party over its ten months of existence – set out core economic and social policies that speak to the socio-economic needs of Guyana, by outlining policies for massive poverty alleviation, focused

The Guyana Police Force...

FROM PAGE 6

imagination, had any clue as to what was taking place in the public service and the extent of government’s preposterous and sinister transactions.

Their crooked activities have such a damaging effect on the economy that the raping of the Treasury to bankrupt the nation and create so many humongous overdrafts seemed as if there was a well deliberate and premeditated plan to defraud the sweat of the poor Guyanese people from their hard earnings and make them suffer more. It is not the public servants who will feel the blunt of the pain because their bread is well buttered from guaranteed salaries. All the former ministers and political appointees have no headaches

because of their high pay packets and allowances and perks.

It is the ordinary citizens who are jobless, penniless, voiceless and sightless from both sides of the electorate who are badly hurting and a number of them too ashamed to identify themselves any longer as supporters of the villainous group that demitted office. Now that the APNU+AFC Party is not in government, there goes all the promises, bluffs, lies, deceits and propaganda. What will this party tell their supporters now, to hold strain and breath, keep your knuckles and toes crossed and tighten your waists and belts, that they’ll be back to take care of all the unfulfilled pledges and commitments,

maybe in another twenty-five years? Who in their right sense will ever believe any word spoken by the APNU+AFC Party or accept their assurances or place their trusts in good faith or swear by their pledges or ever again be fooled by their vows and oaths? Of course, there is always the die-hard and the irrational in a limited capacity and capability who will again fall for the trap.

The Guyana Police Force again came under the microscope last week and many watchful eyes observed more anomalies that lend criticism for controversies. Their handling (mishandling) of the former Sports Director, Christopher Jones, 1:00 AM house search without a war-

Things not right over at the GRDB

Dear Editor,

I like to ask you to please permit me space to highlight this important matter of national interest.

I was reliably informed that millions of dollars of contracts were given to close friends and associates for services procured at the Rice Research Station by the GRDB managers. The process lacks transparency.

Investigate or do an audit and you would see that these managers approved and paid double the average cost or 100 and more percent the normal cost for services such as drying paddy, sowing of paddy, fertilising etc. at the Research Station. The same services used by farmers who paid half the price. How can this

be right?

Imaging the corruption so high that thousands of bags of seed paddy were sold to selected mills for prices far below the market value.

This is evident in the records. These mills paid just over $700 for a bag of high-quality seed paddy sold to them which cost about $5,000 to produce. Is not this sufficient evidence of corruption?

Hon. Minister of Agriculture please launch an investigation or audit in those areas and see what you will find. The evidence is there.

Yours truly, Kumar Ramsingh

job creation, inclusive economic development, restructuring of a burdensome tax system and servant leadership,” said the persons who wrote the letter.

They said the uncompromising and courageous conduct expressed in the party’s writings and actions to ensure a democratic transition, based on the majority votes resulting from Guyana’s March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, was second to none.

Moving forward, the former leaders and members of Change Guyana can now work independently or collectively towards building a new political movement or political party, or pursue their goals afresh, while always being appreciative of those individuals who supported and continue to seek a change in the political culture of Guyana.

rant and arrest for simple larceny, provided food for potential political mischief and an early intervention by the newly-appointed Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. Is it too early to ask if there is any follow up to the case of the 65 missing traffic lights solar panels that disappeared in broad daylight and in view of the public’s eyes (in front Parliament Building too)? What about all those 31 expensive street lights

Co-founder of Change Guyana, Robert Badal

The letter said the focus of Guyanese in leadership positions must be to significantly reduce poverty across Guyana, and practise inclusivity and diversity in governance and employment at the private and public sector levels. “This must be our continuous pursuit.”

that also disappeared? Mischief is sure a foot at the Ministry of Public Works and Minister Edghill needs to put his foot down and demand answers from the relevant authorities responsible before he goes to work one morning and discovers all the assets from his ministry disappeared into thin air! The atrocious police escapade at the Ashmin’s Building election fiasco needs to be investigated. Is the police still protecting

Lowenfield and not Madam Chair? Charging food hamper distributors in Berbice for COVID-19 violation and not APNU+AFC Party protesters in Georgetown is questionable and discriminative. Perhaps, there is need to really rock the boat with the Police Force and not only shake the cradle.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Minibus operators still asking passengers to ‘double up’ --in spite of strict COVID-19 guidelines

WITH the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases now pegged at over 900, it is critical that Guyanese everywhere take heed of the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families against the virus.

Persons are advised to wear a face mask and practise social distancing at all times when heading out into the public, however, one of the biggest issues of the day is the country’s minibus culture, which sees a few operators and commuters not adhering to the health guidelines.

Recently, following the relaxation of a few of those guidelines, several minibus operators have taken it upon themselves to go back to their old habits, one of which is to over-pack the vehicle, asking passengers to ‘double-up’, which leaves little to no room for the practising of social distancing.

Minibuses are Guyana’s primary mode of public transportation, and as such the previous Government had mandated that minibus operators carry half the number of passengers that they usually would, as a means of slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

However, Guyana, as al-

ways, has historically had the misfortune of having an unpleasant minibus culture, and

was initially optimistic that the COVID-19 pandemic would have prompted mini-

the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that there must be some form of social

He said that he has come to realise that there are still many minibus operators who

President of the United Minibus Association, Mr. Eon Andrews

are not wearing their protective gear while working.

This photo was taken recently by a minibus commuter to show what they are subjected to daily

with the current health crisis, it seems to be worsening.

President of the United Minibus Association Eon Andrews, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, revealed that despite the continuous spread of the deadly coronavirus, several minibus operators are still not adhering to the measures to slow it down.

Andrews noted that he

bus operators to be more compassionate towards their passengers by putting their safety first during this particular health crisis.

“You have to be concerned about the people that travel with you; the commuters,” Andrews said, adding: “A part of your job is to take them safely and in comfort.

The public health ordinance, which takes its guidance from

distancing or spacing.”

He said that for the safety of themselves and others, minibus operators should ideally only carry half the number of passengers that they usually would. “It has to be 65% per cent, which affords minibus operators to carry two passengers per seat, and one additional in the front seat; no seat should carry more than two,” he said.

THEIR DON’T-CARE ATTITUDE He added that this nonchalant ‘don’t care’ attitude of theirs can cause a rapid transfer of the virus, and as such while the minibus association can continue with their sensitisation and educational programmes, stricter penalties are needed for operators to adhere to the necessary guidelines.

Stating that it is the ‘hustle mentality’ that keeps them from placing their health and the health of others first, Andrews said, “They are putting money in front, not recognising that we are in a pandemic… This is a very indisciplined society we are living in; they only react when it affects them personally, or their family, and it cannot go on like that.”

He was, however, quick to point out that there are few operators who have been taking heed with the rising number of cases, and adhering to the necessary guidelines.

“I have found that there are very good service providers; there are persons who are of a very small percentage who understand…They recognise what they have to do to practise social distance,” he said.

He disclosed that the Minibus Association is in the process of engaging the various stakeholders, such has the Ministry of Business, Ministry of the Presidency and the traffic department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to have a number of discussions on the country’s main mode of transportation and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cuba commences clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccine CUBA, on Monday, commenced a vaccine trial to fight COVID-19 which could save millions of lives globally, according to President of Guyana-Cuba Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Halim Khan.

The trial is expected to conclude on January 11, 2021. He explained that the Center for State Control of Medicines, Equipment and Medical Devices (CECMED) approved studies developed by the Finlay Vaccine Institute.

The research to develop the vaccine, he said, covers 676 people between the ages of 19 and 80 and it will be randomized, controlled,

adaptive and multi-centred.

He explained that the study will be a “randomized controlled, double-blind trial,” meaning doctors and participants will not know who will be injected with the vaccine candidate.

Recipients, he said, will be selected randomly. Those in the control group will get another vaccine produced in Cuba.

“Its aim is to assess the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate in a two-dose scheme,” Khan added.

The GCSM president noted that the results of that trial would be available on February 1 to be published

President of GCSM, Halim Khan

on February 15.

He noted that Cuban President, Miguel Di-

The Cuban COVID-19 vaccine project, named Soberana 01.

az-Canel, confirmed the progress of the Cuban proj-

ect and showed confidence in the response to prevent

the spread of the novel coronavirus.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Case against Chief Elections Officer postponed THE case filed against Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, was postponed until September 11, 2020, to allow the Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali-Hack, to further review the file and decide the way forward.

On Monday, August 10, 2020, Lowenfield’s attorney, Nigel Hughes, wrote to the DPP requesting that the three criminal charges of alleged fraud and misconduct against his client be withdrawn.

DPP then took over the case from special prosecutor Glen Hanoman and had vowed to review the evidence in the case to decide if the case will continue against Lowenfield or will be withdrawn. When the case was called on Monday, August 24, 2020, before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, a representative from the DPP told the court that the DPP needed additional time to review the numerous evidence and statements.

Lowenfield was represented by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes and Senior Counsel Neil Boston.

The Chief Magistrate adjourned the case until September 11, 2020.

In July, Lowenfield appeared before Magistrate McGusty to answer to three pri-

vate criminal charges brought against him for alleged fraud and misconduct. He was not required to plead to the

District, County of Demerara, State of Guyana, conspired with person(s) unknown to commit the common law

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield (Adrian Narine Photo)

charges and was released on $450,000 bail.

The charges in question were filed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) member, Desmond Morian, and by general secretary of The New Movement (TNM), Daniel Kanhai, on June 30, 2020.

In his private criminal charge, Kanhai is alleging that Lowenfield, between March 5 and June 23, 2020, at Georgetown, in the Georgetown Magisterial

offence of fraud, to wit, by representing to the Guyana Elections Commission, that tables attached to his Election Report, dated June 23, 2020, accurately reflected the true results of the said election, in order to materially alter the results of the said election, with intent to defraud, knowing the said tabulation to be false.

Morian is also alleging that Lowenfield, between March 5, 2020, and June 29, 2020, while performing his

duty as the Chief Elections Officer of GECOM, without lawful excuse or justification, wilfully misconducted him-

Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali-Hack

self at Georgetown, 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 wilful misconduct amounting to a breach of the public’s trust in the Office of the Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission.

The second charge which was filed by Morian against Lowenfield claimed that he,

15 investors come forward so far FIFTEEN persons who have collectively invested in excess of $13M so far in Accelerated Capital Incorporated (AIC) have come forward to make reports to the police against the company, even as the police have confirmed that they will be seeking an extension to keep the company’s operators Yuri Garcia Dominguez and his wife Ateeka Ishmael in custody.

The pair was arrested last Thursday evening, and is being investigated for “financial crimes”, for running what is suspected to have been a “Ponzi Scheme” since October 2019. With the 72 hours having expired on Sunday, the police will need an extension to keep the pair in custody.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed on Sunday that the pair will remain in custody, and that the investors continue to make reports.

“To date, 15 persons; and those individuals in total would have been defrauded of in excess of $13 million,” Blanum said when asked about the latest development with the matter. As to the where-

abouts of the couple, he said: “They are in police custody; when we charge them we will make it public.”

The pair is said to have defrauded as many as 17,000 Guyanese of approximately US$20 million during the period AIC has been in operation here, according to a report submitted by Attorney-General Anil Nandalall, who has been pushing for it and its principals to be investigated.

Last Saturday Nandlall announced that the government is working to ensure the thousands of Guyanese who invested in the Ponzi scheme operating on the East Coast Demerara are reimbursed the monies they have invested.

“Our main priority is to ensure that if this scheme is unlawful, and from all indications it is unlawful, then our main priority is to ensure that the persons who have put money into this scheme are reimbursed… we also have to build a database of persons who have invested and the amount they invested so that they can be reimbursed if possible,” the attorney-general

ACI head Yuri Garcia Dominguez and his Guyanese wife Ateeka Ishmael

assured during a virtual press briefing on Saturday.

Notwithstanding the volume of its operations, the company has never been licensed by the Guyana Securities Council (GSC) to conduct securities business in Guyana, or to solicit investments from the public.

Last Saturday, the Bank of Guyana (BOG) released

allegedly, with Region Four District Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, altered results that had been declared

information on the Company’s bank accounts, as well as those of Dominguez and Ishmael, which showed amounts nowhere near the monies said to have been collected over the period it has been in operation here.

“Previous accounts at commercial banks showed transactions, including foreign exchange transactions, which were small and insignificant,”

in March for that district.

Recently, Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched a “comprehensive” investigation against the Chief Elections 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 Magistrate’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 the APNU/AFC Coalition as declared by District Four 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 August 2, after a five-month delay.

--as investigations into Ponzi Scheme continue the Central Bank said, adding: “As the investigation continues, the BoG will cooperate with the relevant authorities consistent with its regulatory responsibilities.”

All of AIC’s commercial accounts have since been closed; the largest account in its name is the one at the Bank of Baroda, and the highest balance that account has ever attained was $14.6 million, with a total deposit of $21 million before it was closed in April.

Dominguez also had a personal account at the said Bank of Baroda, in which the highest attained balance was $200,000. That account was also closed in April.

At Demerara Bank Limited, which had denied the company’s application for a Corporate Bank Account, and closed the respective Personal Accounts of both husband and wife in July, the highest balance Dominguez had in his name was $2.3 million, while deposits amounted to $3.5 million.

Ishmael’s account at that bank had the highest balance

of $459, 000. Ishmael also had a bank account at the Guyana Bank for Trading and Industry (GBTI), which was closed in January, and had deposits totaling $1.5 million; she also had an account at Republic Bank Limited, which was closed in August, and had total deposits of $2 million.

The highest balance in that account was at $341, 000.

Attorney for the couple, Dexter Todd, said his clients never intended to defraud anyone.

“We at this stage are still awaiting the police to say exactly what they are investigating. The police are investigating a number of things, but my client would be more in a position to address specific issues when the police say to him what are the specific issues.

At this point in time, what we can say for sure is that my client never intended or acted in any way to defraud any person,” Todd said, when contacted on Sunday.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Essequibo businessman donates generously towards COVID-19 relief efforts

OWNER of Ramotar Investment and Rooster brand, Rupan Ramotar, on Saturday, pledged his support in the fight against COVID-19 with a donation of four tonnes of rice to bring relief to those in need during the pandemic.

He made an announcement during a recent meeting with the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the presence of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

Ramotar, who happens to be the President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce, said the donation is to be given to the needy around the country.

It is his desire to help as many people during the pandemic. He recently donated $1M to the region’s Health and Emergency Committee to help assist in purchasing gears for frontline workers.

He said the ECCI will supervise the distribution and members will be tasked with identifying the vulner-

Businessman Rupan Ramotar; Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt; and Minister Dharamlall at a recent meeting

able areas in need. Upon hearing this, Minister Dharamlall was happy that the businessman came onboard once more to assist in the fight.

Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, also thanked the businessman for his timely intervention, especially at a time when there is lack of resources to fight the pandemic.

ECCI Vice-President, Suean Sewnarayan also gave her commitment to helping in the distribution process.

Sewnarayan said the ECCI has been generous over the months and has made several donations to the Suddie Public Hospital.

She, therefore, thanked the business community for their continuous support. So far, over 200 hampers were donated to the needy by the chambers to various communities throughout the country.

SBB disburses 91 COVID-19 Minister Parag pledges grants, 30 more pending more professional –– 15.1M in relief grants thus far public service

By Lisa Hamilton

AS small businesses in Guyana manoeuver uncertain times amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the Small Business Bureau (SBB) has done its part by disbursing 91 COVID-19 relief grants to date, totaling $15.1M, while 30 more are being processed.

These figures were confirmed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SBB, Dr. Lowell Porter on Monday. The sum provided to each small business depends on their justifiable needs expressed in their application made.

Meanwhile, the 30 additional grants being processed must first be finalised and approved by a committee.

“We’re still receiving applications, and we’re still trying to provide,” Dr. Porter said.

Though the Bureau has approximately 10,000 businesses on its database, by law, it can only work with those businesses that have been compliant. Only about 400 of the registered businesses have been compliant.

Asked how the Bureau stands financially with regards to being able to continue providing COVID-19 relief grants, Dr. Porter said that this depends on the amount of subvention received from the government. As a result of the successful no-confidence motion against the former administration and the subsequent five-month-long

SBB’s Dr. Lowell Porter

election, the country still possesses no 2020 Budget, and the SBB has therefore been relying on past finances it has been provided.

In 2019, it received $170M, and Dr. Porter said that the SBB will be looking to advocate for a larger subvention moving forward, but understands that some constraints might exist.

“It’s kind of tricky, because, remember, we have six months already that went past with us actually doing nothing [because of COVID].

We couldn’t travel, couldn’t do anything, but work on the grants for the COVID-19 and conduct training. So, we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.

The aim of the SBB is to strengthen and sustain small businesses, through the provision of relief grants to sustain business operations and retain employees. It also provides training and development support to establish and market businesses through Online platforms, diversify

businesses and forge supply partnerships.

As it relates to training, Dr. Porter said that the COVID-19 pandemic has further energised the SBB to move its training Online, so that small businesses in Guyana’s hinterland and far-out regions can have equal access to development.

“We want to actually be able to go out into the Regions, because those are some of the areas that really need help, but the restrictions, due to COVID-19, have made that impossible. One of the things that we’re trying to develop is virtual Online training. It will be made available to clients, so that they can work at their own pace without having to actually come to a physical training,” he said.

The SBB boss noted that there would be a cost to developing such an initiative so plans towards this are still in the works pending the 2020 Budget.

NEW Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag, has pledged to improve the professionalism of Guyana’s public sector, announcing the establishment of a code of conduct and ethics that she said will be enforced to achieve the desired results.

The Department of Public Service will no longer fall under the Ministry of Presidency but is being reverted to an independent ministry, with three programmes under its command, namely, policy development and administration, human resource development and human resource management.

Having been in office for just over two weeks, the minister said she has observed that the ministry has been running on very low human resource skills. Further, she has noted that the processing time prevents the efficiency and expediency within which things can be done in the public service.

For instance, there is no timeframe for when allowances are granted, or for when vacancies are to be filled. “We have this scholarship department which has no timeframe from the time an application is made to the time of an award. So those are things that I wish to place timeframes on,” she said during a virtual press conference on Monday.

“Those were my first observations and the things that I believe I need to change immediately,” Parag continued.

She stressed that her ministry is committed to fostering a professional public service; a culture of excellence by driving change and innovation, facilitating continuous professional development, implementing administrative reforms, creating conditions for conducive work environment, and promoting and maintaining ethics and accountability in the functioning of government agencies delivering services to the public.

PERFORMANCE LEVEL Aside from implementing the code of conduct and ethics, Parag said a periodic evaluation on public servants is also neces-

Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag

sary. This will be able to tell of their level of performance with respect to their job description and will allow the ministry to be able to inform them where they are lapsing.

“And it will allow them to interact with the public in such a way that the public will walk away feeling like they’ve just been professionally dealt with,” Parag noted.

However, the consequences of not adhering to the new code have not yet been worked out, but the minister noted that it will be enforced. “I am looking to improve the professionalism of the public service so that when the public comes to deal with them, they will be dealt with in a courteous and polite manner.”

Towards this end, she is examining training that has to do with interfacing with customers in the public service.

Parag offered that her ministry will also be looking to upgrade its website so that a number of processes might be able to be done online, making them expedient and efficient.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Lawrence on $100,000 bail for alleged forgery -- summons issued for Mingo FORMER Government Minister and chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Volda Lawrence, was, on Monday, August 24, 2020, released on $100,000 bail for uttering a forged document to defraud the public in relation to the March 2 elections.

Lawrence appeared before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The private criminal charges was also filed against the Returning Officer (RO) for Region Four (Demer-

Some protesters outside of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

ara-Mahaica), Clairmont Mingo. However he was not present in court since he was not served by the police. A summons was issued for him.

Particulars of the offence stated that Mingo, having been ‘procured’ by the accused Lawrence, on or about March 5, 2020, at

Massive infrastructure needed for house lot allocations — persons issued letters to inaccessible lands under previous administration MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, said the new administration has inherited several issues that must be resolved concerning the allocation and infrastructure of house lots.

“Persons received letters saying they were allocated house lots in certain areas.

The difficulty we have is that in those areas that persons were allocated, most have no infrastructure or they lack even basic infrastructure,” Minister Rodrigues told DPI in an interview on Monday.

She pointed out that this means the ministry will have to embark on massive infrastructure to create these house lots. This, Minister Rodrigues said is adding to the backlog in the system.

“Let me say, that house lots do not exist! There are just muddy plots of land that do not have any infrastructure....To compound this, many of the areas that have

been allocated, the transaction, the transfer of those lands has not been made to CH&PA. So, that is contributing to the backlog and unless we properly acquire those lands, do the infrastructural work which we are mandated to do and then properly allocate them, that’s the only way we can start to roll out our programme.”

Basic infrastructure, such as water, electricity and roads to create access to those plots of land will have to be installed.

“We have to identify areas that are currently controlled by CH&PA [Central Housing and Planning Authority] and begin infrastructure in those areas.

[Therefore] to deliver on our promise, we have to now look for additional areas, the land we have to first acquire and then carry out infrastructural work before we can allocate those lands and we will remain steadfast to that commitment,” Minister Ro-

drigues emphasised.

Because persons were issued letters to inaccessible lands, under the previous administration, the Housing Ministry will now have to put the allocation of house lots on hold, while the necessary groundwork is done to allow persons to be properly allocated so they can begin building their homes.

Minister Rodrigues assured that the ministry is currently targeting the preparation of lands.

She reminded that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, once worked in the housing sector. As such, “We have to work closely with him because we can draw from his experience while he was minister of housing and water. So, citizens can rest assured that we remain committed despite the challenges we face.”

Hadfield and High Streets, Georgetown, uttered to the Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, a Form 24 Representation of the People Act Regional Elections Election Return, dated March 5, 2020, knowing same to be forged, with intent to defraud the people of the State of Guyana.

The charges alleged that Mingo and Minster Lawrence colluded to forge that Form 24 document. Lawrence’s signature was affixed to the said document, which had shown a win for the A Partnership for National Unity plus the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).

Lawrence was represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes and James Bond. She was released on $100,000 bail and the case was adjourned until September 11, 2020. Evidence in the case

will be led by special prosecutor in the case, Glenn Hanoman.

Outside of the court, despite the Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidelines serveral supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) were protesting for the charges to be dropped against Lawrence.

In March, the now Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, filed criminal charges, contending that Mingo and Lawrence uttered a forged document with the intent to defraud the public, contrary to section 278 of the criminal law Offences Act Chapter 8:01.

Particulars of the offence stated that Mingo, having been ‘procured’ by the accused Lawrence, on or about March 5, 2020, at Hadfield and High Streets, Georgetown, uttered to the Chief Elections Officer of

the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, a Form 24 Representation of the People Act Regional Elections Election Return, dated March 5, 2020, knowing same to be forged, with intent to defraud the people of the State of Guyana.

The charges alleged that Mingo and Minster Lawrence colluded to forge that Form 24 document. Lawrence’s signature was affixed to the said document, which had shown a win for the A Partnership for National Unity plus the Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC).

However, when the PPP/C counted from the SOPs in its possession, it showed otherwise, while the international and local observers deemed the count not credible, and eventually a recount was done which declared PPP/C the winner.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Hire Purchase Bill back on front burner -- will save Guyanese risk of losing millions

By Lisa Hamilton THE Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), advocating for years for the Hire Purchase Bill to be redrafted and tabled in Parliament, is pleased with government’s commitment to doing so as “high priority” when it returns to the National Assembly.

Citizens of Guyana have long complained of losing millions after paying more than 50 per cent of the value of their items, which are oftentimes repossessed after just one missed payment under unavoidable circum-

stances.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, CCAC Director Dawn Holder-Cush said that the Commission has received the commitment of Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall in this regard.

He was made aware of the CCAC’s desire for the Bill to be dealt with urgently through Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond-Allicock.

“The current attorney-general is going to work on the Hire Purchase Bill.

The new Minister, Minister Walrond, has spoken to the

attorney-general about this matter, and he has indicated that he will have this Bill worked on, and we will try to have this Bill before Parliament either this year or early next year. It is a priority,” she said.

The Hire Purchase Bill will offer protection to buyers who use hire purchase agreements. Cush said that the biggest concern is the repossession of items by hire purchase businesses after a consumer would have paid even as much as 23 out of 24 installments, delaying only on one payment. Cush said many persons are still plagued “every day” by the

challenge.

However, the Commission is advocating for a redrafting of the Bill, since a more contemporary and relevant law may be required.

It would ensure that the repossession of items goes through the court, once the consumer has paid a certain percentage of the hire purchase amount.

She explained: “If you buy a fridge, and you have to make 24 installments and you make 23, with the hire purchase legislation, there’ll be a period of time after which Courts [business], or whoever, cannot come and seize the item. They have to sue you in court [legal] to get the money that is owed to them.”

CCAC Director Dawn Cush

The Bill has been lodged at the Office of the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General well before Cush became director, and before the former attorney-general was appointed to the post.

“What happens is there are so many ministries com-

peting to have their legislation pushed through, in terms of things like Anti-Money Laundering and so on, they always get the priority,” the director had deduced in 2019.

The rights of consumers are detailed in the Consumer Affairs Act 2011, which outlines, in simple terms, the responsibilities of both the supplier and the purchaser of any goods or services.

According to the Act, if or whenever a consumer is dissatisfied with the performance or appearance of a purchase, be it food, electronics/appliances, furnishing, tools, construction materials, interior or exterior décor, clothing or any sundry item such as umbrellas, cookware or jewellery, he/she has the right to return it to the place of purchase and seek redress.

‘Paddy Bug Action Unit’ established in five regions THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has expended some G$2.6M to tackle paddy bug infestation in several rice cultivating regions, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said.

“After receiving reports of paddy bug infestation in several of our rice producing regions, I instructed GRDB to come up with a plan of action. The board has since spent $2.6 million to tackle the issue at hand. We’ve established Paddy Bug Action Units in these regions.

Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six have also been equipped with a paddy bug management officer who will work along with extension officers to monitor the paddy bugs and advise farmers on what actions to take to control the infestation,” Minister Mustapha said.

The funds are being used to purchase insecticides, in addition to the cost attached to carry out the actual spraying.

To date, the GRDB has commenced spraying in all of the rice-producing regions, paying specific attention to reported cases of extreme infestation to prevent the bugs from migrating.

GRDB General Manager, Nizam Hassan noted that it is critical to get the bugs under control before the crop is at its flowering stage.

“We always try to encourage farmers to take precaution before the crop is at this stage. If high numbers of bugs are left in the culti-

vation, they tend to multiply rapidly as soon as the rice comes into bearing. The objective of the Action Unit is to step in and kill the bugs before this can take place,” Mr. Hassan said.

Following several concerns raised by a number of rice farmers along the Essequibo Coast about sever paddy bug infestations, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha held a meeting with officials from the GRDB. It was during that meeting that the minister instructed the head of the Rice Board, Nizam Hassan, to look into the issue, prepare a detailed report and see what can be done to assist farmers.

Rice farmers have complained that paddy bugs have been swarming abandoned fields, waiting to destroy rice crops which are flowering at this time.

It was reported that close to 33,000 acres of rice were under threat, as Essequibo Coast rice farmers and officials collaborated to deal with the invasion of paddy bugs.

Following reports of the infestations, the GRDB also issued an advisory to guide farmers on ways they can control and minimise the chances of paddy bugs destroying their crops.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Completion of Payara Review pushed back to this weekend

By Lisa Hamilton MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said, on Monday, that while the completion date of the review of ExxonMobil’s Payara Development project has been pushed back to the end of this week, he does not envisage that it should cause concern to the U.S. oil giant.

The review being conducted by a team of international experts headed by Canadian Queen’s Counsel, Alison Redford, was expected to be completed on August 24, 2020.

A review of the Payara Development Project was previously conducted by the Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants contracted by the Department of Energy (DE) under the previous Administration. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic, however, has decided to review the work already undertaken by the DE to ensure that the interest of all Guyanese is protected and in keeping with international transparency and accountability standards.

“Remember, we had said, initially, that we know that it’s a tight timeframe but we will not compromise the integrity of the work that they’re doing,” Minister Bharrat said in an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Monday.

Even so, the newspaper pointed to the concerns expressed in July 2020 by ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice-President, Neil Chapman. He had stated, during the company’s 2020 Annual Shareholders Meeting that, if the Payara Development Project was not approved soon to allow for a Final Investment Decision (FID), at least by September 2020, weather conditions may delay the project further by months.

Bharrat said: “They would have mentioned that to me and that’s why we are trying to meet an agreed timeframe. So, we would have actually given ourselves a stricter timeline so that there is always leeway

for the consultant to wrap up what they’re doing.”

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, was initially seeking approval for the Payara Development Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Field Development Plan ahead of 2020.

The project, located in the eastern half of the Stabroek Block, is expected to see the drilling of up to 45 development wells which could take up to five years, with drilling initially pegged to begin in 2020 and initial production by early 2023.

SMOOTH PROGRESS The natural resources minister said that, despite the delays, representatives of ExxonMobil Guyana have been cooperating with the international experts and progress is smooth.

“We are in contact with the company as well too because the consultants are working with them. Remember, to review the licence, you need to speak on a regular basis with the company.

So, they’ve been engaging the company. I think this afternoon [Monday], they’re meeting with ExxonMobil again to iron out a few issues,” Minister Bharrat said.

He added: “It’s going smoothly, there are just a few issues, environmental issues, and we’re trying to work with the company to find a solution towards same.

I don’t see a problem moving forward.”

One of the known environmental issues attributed to ExxonMobil is its offshore flaring. ExxonMobil’s responsibility to the environment took the forefront in Guyana when the Company encountered issues with its gas compressor after it increased production in midMay. Key specialist technicians were required to repair the units but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, repairs were initially delayed.

Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat

It caused concern amongst Guyanese who received reports that ExxonMobil resorted to flaring billions of cubic feet of natural gas due to the challenges.

Meanwhile, media reports state that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be taking ExxonMobil to court for EEPGL’s refusal to pay two fines in relation to a “minor” “non-toxic” spill -- according to the Company --- which occurred earlier in the year offshore Guyana.

With Guyana’s fivemonth 2020 General and Regional Elections having previously delayed the approval of the Payara Development Project, Exxon’s Senior Vice-President expressed his confidence that the project will soon receive approval even as he assured stakeholders that the political leaders of Guyana understand the importance of facilitating the work of the oil and gas sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Nand Persaud Group talks up strengthening of port security THE Nand Persaud Group of Companies is calling on the Guyana Revenue Authority and law enforcement authorities to further strengthen their systems in the aftermath of illicit drugs being discovered on one of their containers with rice.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) has reported that it has found no conclusive evidence that the suspected cocaine found in a container of rice shipment intercepted by German police, earlier this month, was loaded onto the container in Guyana.

CANU stated that, following an extensive investigation into the handling, shipping and export of the shipment of white rice, it has unearthed loopholes and irregularities regarding the local handling of the shipment.

On Monday, Nand Persaud Group of Companies, in a press missive, noted that the company plays a major

role in several international markets and it is also concerned with the number of queries from overseas customers about the illicit drugs.

“The group remains confident in the work of the investigators. We are deeply worried that this is not the end of incidents. We have taken note, with deep concern, the recent seizure of a large quantity of illicit drugs

by German authorities. It was reported that the drugs, more than 1,500kg, were found in one of our containers that shipped rice that originated from Guyana. The container was among more than a dozen that left here in May,” the company stated.

The group of companies stated that it was engaged by local investigators and cooperated and it was discovered that their containers were scanned by customs and it was clear that there were no anomalies.

“Our group has always prided itself as a solid cor-

porate citizen with over 30 years of experience in agriculture. In fact, in Berbice, we can boast proudly we have positively impacted people today becoming the largest single private sector employer. Our tax contributions and the fact our rice exports account for more than 25 per cent of containers leaving Guyana cannot be erased. Our holdings include not only mills and agricultural parts, but range from auto sales to real estate,” the Group of Companies noted.

The group said it is proud of being one of the most recognised and respected names in Guyana and sits on several private sector bodies. The group has received numerous awards for its contributions to business in Guyana.

“Our brand, Karibee, is a household name in the region and meeting more than 25 markets worldwide,” the group added.

Some 1.5 tonnes of suspected cocaine found in a

Penalties for persons flouting mandatory mask-wearing orders

HEALTH Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has warned that persons who choose not to wear a mask when in public can be fined. However, he said that this is not a direction that is necessary, as everyone can simply do what is necessary to prevent becoming infected with COVID-19.

In an interview with the DPI on Saturday last, the minister emphasised that the revised emergency protocols for August 16-31, 2020 provides for persons found flouting the measure to be fined and even imprisoned.

“I do not think many persons realise this, but the orders that were passed making it mandatory for anyone who is in the public space, any public building to have to wear a mask because it is the law. But people have not been abiding by that law, so one of the things we will be doing more of is the enforcement of that law.”

Minister Anthony reminded that wearing masks is one of the effective ways to contain the spread of COVID-19 “We do not want to lock up people for not wearing a

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony (DPI/Keno George photo)

mask, so we appeal to persons to do the right thing, because it is going to protect you and your family. Wearing a mask is important, and we have to keep emphasising that, and I hope by understanding how this disease is transmitted that people start paying more attention to wearing a mask.”

The health minister also noted that while persons endeavour to wear their masks, it must be done correctly. This means the face mask should cover the nose, mouth and chin. When not in use, the mask should be safely stowed away, or discarded and not be

placed on any other part of the face or neck.

Mandatory mask-wearing, along with the other preventative measures; handwashing/ sanitising and social distancing are the key measures to halting the severe impact of COVID-19.

“Everybody wants the cases to come down, but the cases won’t come down unless everybody plays their part, and this requires a national effort. It takes the whole of Guyana, if we want to see the cases come down.” Dr. Anthony concluded.

The Port of Hamburg containers are processed daily

container with rice was intercepted at Hamburg Port by Germany police on August 10, 2020.

The suspected narcotic was found in one 20-foot container containing several bags of white rice shipped from Guyana.

The said container was one out of a shipment of a

total of 12 20-foot containers. That entire shipment of the 12 containers comprised 6,000 bags of white rice intended for export to a company in Poland.

CANU stated that newspaper clippings that were wrapped among the drugs indicate that it was out of the territory in which the

said 12 containers remained in-transit.

CANU said its investigation continues and it will continue to participate in inter-agency collaborations to tighten the grip on narcotic distributors throughout the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, August 25, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

DeAbreu, Persaud star in...

CONTINUED FROM BACKPAGE

break, DeAbreu strengthened his lead to end the match at 550 points with Persaud at 530 points. This competition continues on Sunday, when four more recurve archers Talita Kissoon, Nicholas Hing, Robert Singh and Umasankar Madray will be shooting in Guyana. Meanwhile, the last match in the qualification round will be shot by Samira Duncan on Tuesday 25th August.

The Online Archery Cup of the Americas is a World Archery Americas-sanctioned competition which seeks to advance the spirit of competing on a virtual arena whilst abiding with the COVID-19 safety measures across the Americas (North, South & Central America and the Caribbean).

Scores will be recorded electronically, pictures of equipment, scorecards and the target will be sent to the Competitions and Judging Committee via WhatsApp for tabulations and scrutiny.

The scores for Guyana qualification round will be submitted to World Archery

Americas. The scores will then be tabulated along with the scores from all other competing countries after which the top two Archers in each category will be short listed to take part in an Elimination shoot, set for late September.

Cognisant of the National Covid-19 Protocols in place and abiding with the laws and the social distancing safety rules as to the limit on the number of persons permitted to be in any gatherings, shooting will be done in pairs at different time and dates (23rd and 25th August).

Archery Guyana will then submit the scores for Guyana by August 31st to World Archery Americas, which will be tabulated along with scores from all other partaking countries. Top 2 Competition and Judging Committee, Archery Guyana archers in each category will be short listed to take part in an Elimination shoot, set for late September.

RAN pulls curtain on Sevens tournament

THE Green Machine, Guyana’s Rugby team, will have to hang up their cleats until 2021, after it was announced by Rugby

Americas North (RAN) the cancellation of their Sevens tournament, where Guyana happens to be the most decorated Caribbean side.

According to the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), the tournament has been cancelled owing to the restrictions that countries currently face because of COVID-19.

“With the continued uncertainty and a landscape which is highly likely to change in the coming months leading up to the Sevens in mid-November, RAN EXCO have taken the decision to cancel the Sevens,” the GRFU said in a release yesterday.

It was stated by the GRFU that the decision was given to Member Unions immediately, “to avoid unnecessary training for the tournament, given the current situation in regards to travel restrictions, high levels of COVID-19 and the imposition of quarantine laws on returning residents in some member countries.”

In April, RAN cancelled their 2020 Men’s 15-a-side competition, along with the Women’s 10s and Men’s Under-19 tournament, which was set to take place July 8-12 in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Senior Men’s 15-a-side tournament was to get underway in April and doubled as the first regional qualification round for Rugby World Cup 2023. These

matches have now been tentatively postponed to 2021, with further details to be confirmed.

Back then, RAN had said their Sevens competition would’ve been assessed as further developments take place.

Rugby Americas also cancelled the 2020 Under-20 Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) in Montevideo, Uruguay, which included Canada and the USA. With rugby, like the rest of other sports, shutdown due to the COVID-19, World Rugby created a relief fund of approximately US$100M, to assist unions around the world as they grapple with the financial impact of the pandemic.

With fixtures either postponed or cancelled, the body said the fund is available to rugby unions that are in need of “immediate emergency funding” as long as certain criteria are met.

The global governing body was also exploring options for rearranging the international rugby calendar in the short term in preparation for sport restarting.

World Rugby’s contingencies include the possibilities that cross-hemisphere travel may not be permitted, which would impact on the northern hemisphere’s autumn series, and that no international rugby at all may be feasible until 2021.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Doncic’s OT buzzer-beater leads Mavs past Clips LUKA Doncic’s 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime lifted the Dallas Mavericks to a 135-133 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers and even up the teams’ first-round Western Conference playoff series as two games apiece on Sunday in the NBA bubble near Orlando.

Doncic shook off the effects of a sprained left ankle sustained Friday and recorded his second consecutive triple-double with 43 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists. He carried the Mavericks to the win despite playing without Kristaps Porzingis (knee).

Trey Burke added 25 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 19 of his 21 in the second half for the Mavericks, while Seth Curry chipped in 15 points.

Lou Williams had 36 points and Kawhi Leonard finished with 32 points for the Clippers, who blew a 21-point first-half lead. Ivica Zubac contributed 15 points, while Paul George managed just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting.

He scored two points in the second half. Game 5 is on Tuesday.

Toronto Raptors 150 Brooklyn Nets 122 Reserve Norman Powell

scored a career playoff high 29 points and Toronto completed a four-game sweep of undermanned Brooklyn in their firstround Eastern Conference playoff series.

Serge Ibaka added a playoff career best 27 points off the bench and grabbed 15 rebounds for the Raptors, who swept a best-of-seven playoff series for the first time in their 25-year franchise history. The Raptors will play the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Caris LeVert led Brooklyn with 35 points and added six assists and six rebounds. Tyler Johnson added 13 points for the Nets, who were without several top players.

Boston Celtics 110 - Philadelphia 76ers 106 Boston completed a fourgame sweep of Philadelphia in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, riding Kemba Walker’s game-high 32 points and a 14-point run bridging the third and fourth quarters.

The third-seeded Celtics will move on to the Eastern semifinals and face second-seeded Toronto, which also finished off a sweep of

Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (2) falls as Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (77) dribbles past him during overtime of an NBA basketball first round playoff game at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports its first-round opponent, Brooklyn, on Sunday.

Jayson Tatum finished with 28 points, including seven inside the final 3:20 of the third period,

during which the Celtics broke from a 77-all tie to take an 89-77 advantage into the fourth quarter.

Joel Embiid led the way for the 76ers with 30 points, but mis-

fired on four of his five 3-point attempts.

Utah Jazz 129 - Denver Nuggets 127 Aug 23, 2020; Lake Bue-

na Vista, Florida, USA; Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with teammates after making a game-winning 3-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during overtime of an NBA basketball first round playoff game at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports Donovan Mitchell scored 51 points and dished out seven assists to help Utah outlast Denver and take a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Mitchell posted his second 50-point game in the series, becoming just the third NBA player, joining Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson, to score 50 points twice in the same playoff series.

Mike Conley scored 26 points and Jordan Clarkson added 24 off the bench for the Jazz. Rudy Gobert chipped in 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Jamal Murray exploded for 50 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists to lead Denver. Nikola Jokic added 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists in the loss. —Field Level Media

Anderson kept waiting for 600th Test wicket as Pakistan dig in SOUTHAMPTON (Reuters) - England bowler James Anderson moved one shy of 600 test wickets as he struck late on a frustrating and mainly forgettable fourth day of the third Test against Pakistan on Monday.

Pakistan, who followed on after being bowled out for 273 in reply to England’s first innings 583-8 declared, ended the day on 100-2, still requiring 210 runs to make England bat again.

England are looking to wrap up a 2-0 series win although today’s weather forecast is for heavy rain.

Pakistan began the day having not started their second innings and crept along to 41 without loss before rain forced the players off for an early lunch.

With England looking flat, both Pakistan openers looked comfortable although Anderson was denied a wicket in his third over of the day when Shan Masood edged behind but Jos Buttler failed to pouch what looked like a routine catch.

When play resumed some three hours later after groundstaff mopped up the pitch, it was Anderson’s partner in crime Stuart Broad who made the initial breakthrough, nipping one back to Masood who was out lbw for 18 not playing a shot.

Despite the lack of runs it was the longest opening stand against England since June 2016, spanning 23.4 overs.

Spinner Dom Bess whirled away without success in a soporific afternoon session as Ali edged towards a half century.

But with the old ball finally beginning to swing, Anderson then pinned him in front of his stumps and umpire Michael Gough raised his finger. Pakistan reviewed but the ball was shown to be just clipping leg stump.

Anderson only managed one more over, however, before bad light and rain ended the day’s play with Pakistan’s captain Azhar Ali, a centurion in the first

By Simon Evans

Play (FFP) regulations but City won an appeal last month to have that verdict and sanction overturned.

The Premier League club was, however, fined 10 million euros ($11.84 million) for non-cooperation with the UEFA probe into their financial declarations.

City had issued strong condemnations of the investigation but in an interview with the club’s website on Monday, Khaldoon struck a different tone when focusing on UEFA’s Champi-

SCOREBOARD

ENGLAND 1st innings 583 -8 decl Pakistan 1st innings Shan Masood lbw James Anderson 4 Abid Ali c Dominic

Sibley b James Anderson 1 Azhar Ali Not Out 141

Babar Azam lbw James Anderson 11 Asad Shafiq c Joe Root b James Anderson 5 Fawad Alam c Jos Buttler b Dom Bess 21 Mohammad Rizwan c Jos Buttler b Chris Woakes

53

Yasir Shah c Joe Root b Stuart Broad 20 Shaheen Afridi c Jos Buttler b Stuart Broad 3

Mohammad Abbas Run Out Stuart Broad 1 Naseem Shah c Dominic Sibley b James Anderson 0 Extras 2b 7lb 2nb 0pen 2w 13

Total (93.0 overs)273all out

Fall of Wickets : 1-6 Khan, 2-11 Ali, 3-24 Azam, 4-30 Shafiq, 5-75 Alam, 6-213 Rizwan, 7-241 Shah, 8-247 Afridi, 9-261 Abbas, 10-273 Shah

Bowling : James Anderson 23 - 3 - 56 - 5, Stuart Broad 20 - 5- 40 - 2, Jofra Archer 17 - 3 - 58 - 0 (1w), Chris Woakes 15 - 2 - 42 - 1 ( 2nb), Dom Bess 18 - 2 - 68 - 1.

PAKISTAN 2nd innings

Shan Masood lbw Stuart Broad 18 Abid Ali lbw James Anderson 42 Azhar Ali Not Out 29

Babar Azam Not Out 4

Extras 0b 7lb 0nb 0pen0w 7 Total

(56.0 overs)

100-2

Fall of Wickets : 1-49 Khan, 2-88 Ali To Bat : Shafiq, Alam, Rizwan, Shah, Abbas, Afridi, Shah Bowling: James Anderson 12 - 3 - 18 - 1, Stuart Broad 11 - 5 - 23 - 1, Chris Woakes 8 - 2 14 - 0, Jofra Archer 9 - 5 - 8 - 0, Dom Bess 14 - 3 - 27 - 0 .

James Anderson moved to 599 Test wickets on the penultimate day of England’s decider against Pakistan. innings, on 29.

Anderson will hope that the weather forecast for Tuesday improves so that he gets the chance to reach another milestone.

Already England’s leading Test wicket taker, Anderson is behind only spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800) of Sri Lanka, Australia’s Shane Warne (708) and India’s Anil Kumble (619).

After court battle, Man City look to make peace with UEFA

LISBON (Reuters) - Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said his club wants to develop a “constructive relationship” with European soccer’s governing body UEFA after the end of their bitter legal battle over financial rules.

UEFA had banned City from European competition for two years after ruling they had breached Financial Fair

ons League, where Pep Guardiola’s side were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Olympique Lyonnais.

“Life is too short to carry grudges. It is an important competition. It is one of the most prestigious competitions in the world of sports and it is a competition we want to win and it is a competition we have to respect in order to win,” he said.

“And this was a challenge, it’s behind us, end of story as far as I am

concerned, I am focused on one thing.

How I can help this club compete in this competition and win it and how to have a constructive relationship with UEFA, I think it’s the only way to go.”

City, one of the biggest spenders in European soccer, have already been busy in the transfer market, bringing in defender Nathan Ake from Bournemouth for a reported 40 million pounds ($52.56 million) and 20-year-old Spanish winger Ferran Torres from Valencia in a deal re-

portedly worth some 20 million pounds.

Khaldoon said the club had moved quickly to get those deals done but added that more new faces could be arriving.

“We don’t take a one-year view, we take a three, five, 10-year view and when we look at what changes or improvements we have to make for this squad, we’re going to make them and we’ll be sensible and pragmatic about it but we will do what it takes,” he added.

“There are additional players we will be bringing in and we will stick to the plan, obviously within the realities of the market that we live in today,” he said.

FFP regulations aim to stop clubs running big losses buying players.

They also ensure sponsorship deals are based on real market value and are genuine commercial agreements and not ways for owners to pump cash into a club to get around the rules.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

BCB and Albion Cricket Club hold cordial discussions on future of Berbice Cricket ..- Butcher Fund donates clocks to Police ‘B’ Division.

BERBICE Cricket Board (BCB) president, Hilbert Foster, last Thursday, led a seven-member delegation to visit the Albion Sports Complex on an invitation from the president and Executives of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC).

The Albion Club had requested the meeting despite the pandemic crisis to discuss Berbice cricket development and seek answers to several concerns of theirs. The President, as part of his meet-the- clubs programme, readily agreed to the meeting within seventy-two hours.

Since his election to the Presidency, the BCB leader has visited the majority of clubs in the county to listen to their concerns and recommendations.

The BCB president was accompanied by Secretary, Angela Haniff; Treasurer-- Dr. Cecil Beharry; Assistant Secretary, Ameer Rahaman; Assistant Treasurer, Rovin Bahadur; Public Relations Officer, Simon Naidu, and Executive Member-- Mr. Edwards.

The Albion Club president, Mr. Vemen Walter, thanked the BCB for agreeing to the meeting and congratulated the executives on the great job they are doing on and off the cricket field.

Among the topics discussed were the immediate plans for Ber-

BCB Secretary, Angela Haniff hands over donation to the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club. bice Cricket, developmental programmes, relationship with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), the ongoing BCB/RHTYSC programmes, functioning of BCB sub committees and representation of players at that national level.

Walter expressed some concern at the BCB involvement in several legal matters and stated that Berbice needs proper representations on the GCB as decisions were taken about Guyana Cricket without any input from the county.

Foster explained that the legal actions were about restoring democracy to Guyana’s Cricket and making sure that cricket development is for all Guyanese and not a selected few.

He committed to having an Albion executive in the BCB official

delegation whenever it meets with Sports Minister, Charles Ramson Jnr. Foster committed himself to work along with the Government of Guyana to develop the game and to work hard to return regional and international cricket to the Albion Ground, where the first ODI in the Caribbean was played in 1977 against Pakistan.

He admitted that it was unlikely that any cricket would be played for the rest of the year, but stated that efforts would be made to conduct developmental programmes off the cricket field.

The BCB delegation also provided answers to the ACCC on the Basil Butcher Trust Fund, Covid-19 response project, sponsorship after

was trying to establish a working relationship with some regional cricket boards in its ongoing development effort and arrangements are being put in place for coaching of youths using the internet.

He also disclosed that numerous changes would have to be made in Berbice Cricket, including the reduction of cash prizes for finals and the attendance of spectators at matches.

Both delegations agreed to meet in the future and Walters pledged Albion support towards the

detergent and a warm-up football to the ACCCC. Meanwhile, the joint BCB/ RHTYSC Basil Butcher Trust Fund, last Wednesday, handed over twenty clocks to the Management of the Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division.

Public Relations Officer of the BCB and RHTYSC, Vice President Mark Papannah handed over the donation to ‘B’ Division Traffic Chief, Mr. Williams.

Under the Fund, a total of $250,000.00 worth of clocks would be shared out to public institutions

Presentation of clocks to the “B “ division of the Guyana Police Force the COVID-19 pandemic and the work of the board’s four sub committees.

Foster disclosed that the BCB

development of the game. The BCB delegation also handed over a donation of stationery, clocks, cleaning

across Berbice including schools, churches, fire stations and post offices.

WISHING OUR HERO Joe Solomon HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY tomorrow Joseph Stanislaus SOLOMON, AA, was born at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, British Guiana on August 26, 1930, the third of four sons and one daughter.

Born to John Solomon, an employee of the Port Mourant Sugar Estate. Joe and his loving wife, Betty-- now deseased-- are the proud parents of four sons and two daughters and grandkids.

He followed his father in being employed at the Port Mourant Sugar Estate, as a clerk in his youth. As a member of the Port Mourant Cricket team, he captained them in the senior division cricket competitions in Berbice. He would later be employed as a National Coach for Booker Sugar Estates/GUYSUCO.

As a young boy, batting right handed from # 1 to # 6 positions in the line-up and occasionally bowling right-arm leg spin, Solomon learned to play cricket at Port Mourant, in company with the great Rohan B. Kanhai, CCH; Basil F. Butcher, AA; Ivan S. Madray--all former Test cricketers-- and a number of other kids.

Their bats were made of coconut branch or wood and the balls were fashioned from condensed milk tin, balata and a variety of other round object; however, they would later

start using sponge balls or discarded cricket balls.

Solomon first represented Berbice in 1955, under the captaincy of retired testite, Robert Christiani, at the inter-county level when they opposed Essequibo and Demerara in the Inter-county tournament for the Jones Cup at Bourda.

He went on to captain Berbice in this tournament in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1965. In 1960, Solomon also captained Berbice in a 3-day First Class match versus the MCC at Rose Hall Canje, when he made his highest First Class score of 201 not out.

He again captained Berbice at Rose Hall, Canje, in a 3-day match versus an E.W.Swanton XI at the same venue in 1961. He captained British Guiana/Guyana at the regional and international levels on numerous occasions. He first represented British Guiana in 1957 and scored successive hundreds while batting in his first three matches to mark a wonderful start of a brilliant First Class career.

He made his test debut on December 12, 1958 for the West Indies, being the 5th Berbician and 5th member of the Port Mourant Cricket Club to do so. He was also the 5th British Guianese to make his test debut for the West Indies within a period of

nineteen months between 1957 and 1958. The others being Rohan B. Kanhai, Lancelot Richard Gibbs, CCH; Ivan Samuel Madray and Basil F. Butcher, AA. This group was popularly known as the Phenomenal Five.

He was hailed world-wide as the most dependable batsman of his time and the best fieldsman too. In the tied Test, West Indies vs Australia at Brisbane, in 1960, six Australians were run out in the match, three in the first innings and three in the second innings, with Solomon accounting for one is the first innings. In the second innings, Conrad Hunte, with a direct throw to the wicketkeeper from deep mid-wicket, ran out the first Australian during the latter part of the match.

Solomon followed by running out a second Australian with a direct throw to the wicket from cover point.

Finally, with the scores tied, Solomon swooped in from square leg with one stump in view and in one motion threw down the wicket for his third run out of the match. A miss of the stumps from square leg would have given Australia victory.

Both the players and spectators exploded in wild jubilation as though the West Indies had won the match.

The Australians showed their love in wild celebration as they escorted Captain Sir Frank Worrell and his team

in a loud motorcade to the airport for their departure from Brisbane.

After the death of Glendon Gibbs, who was then serving as the Guyana Cricket Board Secretary, in February 1979, Solomon was appointed Acting Secretary, and when President Berkley Gaskin passed on in May, 1979, Berbice Cricket Board president and 1st Vice President of the Guyana Cricket Board, Lennox Phillips, was appointed Acting President of the Guyana Cricket Board until the Annual General Meeting in September, 1979. When Solomon was elected President, serving until August 1980, when he was succeeded by Major /General Norman Mc Lean with then Deputy Commissioner of Police, Balram Raghubir as secretary. Solomon also served as Selection Committee Chairman, Guyana Representative on the West Indies Cricket Board and Regional Selector while serving on the Guyana Cricket Board. During his term as Coach at the Guyana Sugar Estates, access to all Sugar Estate grounds, housing and facilities were readily available for all levels of cricket. It was also during his term as a Selector that all cricketers knew that they would be fairly considered for selection to the National or West Indies team.

He was honored by the Government of Guyana with the Golden Arrow of Achievement( AA). In 2008, he was inducted into the Berbice Cricket Board Cricket Hall of Fame.

In 2009, he was inducted into the Port Mourant Cricket Club Hall of Fame.

In 2018, Solomon was honored by the Berbice Cricket Board with its Tribute to Hero Award. He is a member of the Phenomenal Five and Berbice All time cricket team.

His service to the sport has been Former Guyana and West long, dedicated and of an exceptionally high quality and he is worthy of Indies batsman, Joe Solomon 10,000 accolades. how to reach 100; as a coach he will Career Span 1956 to 1973. tell you to first communicate with Here are his stats: your partner. You should only be Batting and fielding averages defending your wicket, let the wide

Mat Inns balls go, push through the gaps and NO Runs H S drive the balls that are there to be Ave 100 50 Ct driven. Run ones and twos and hope Tests 27 46 7 for the fours.

1326 100* 34 1 Hit everything on the carpet.

9 13 Forget the lofted drives, the threes and First-class104156285318201*41 the sixes. Like Joe, you will get there. .54122746List A210111001 Yes, you can.

Bowling averages MatInnsBallWe love, admire and respect sRuns WktsBBIBBMAveEconSR you Joe. You are our Hero, have a T e s t s 2 7 1 4 7 0 2 2 6 8 4 1 / 2 0 Happy Birthday, keep smiling.

1/23672.29175.5First Class104 36 591950514/.28 38.233.1971.7List Mortimer George A2 1291 1/9 1/994.512 Secretary, Berbice Cricket Now that he is in the nervous Board-- 1976 to 1983.

90’s, no one knows more than Joe 1987 Life Member BCB

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

`Competitions are episodic but development is forever’

– Golden Jaguars Head Coach

Maximo reiterates balance between overseas and local talent ahead of 2022 World Cup campaign AS Guyana look ahead to their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier campaign, Golden Jaguars Head Coach, Márcio Máximo, has reiterated his position on the composition of his team, which he says must see a balance of local and overseas talent.

“Balance between the numbers of internationals, export and local players in all competitions will be maintained as well as our level of competitiveness and at the same time we will continue to develop our local football and local players,” Máximo told veteran journalist, Franklin Wilson, in an article published in Sunday’s edition of Kaieteur News.

According to Máximo, any other position would mean that Guyana will be walking a circle, “going back to the same place.

Competitions are episodic but development is forever. We have

to work on both fronts. Create and improve our local idols as well with identification with our local fans.”

The 58-year-old who stood at the helm of the Brazilian U-17 and U-20 national teams, is known as a youth development-oriented coach and would’ve found considerable amount of success for this out-look, especially during his tenure with the Tanzania senior men’s team (2006 – 2010).

The Golden Jaguars were drawn in Group F in the CONCACAF zone of the 2022 Qatar World Cup Qualifier, alongside Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico and The Bahamas.

Guyana will travel to the Twin Island Republic for their opening game on October 8, after which, they will return home to roar against the Bahamas on Tuesday, October 13.

On November 13, Guyana will travel to St Kitts and Nevis for their third game and then

Golden Jaguars Head Coach, Márcio Máximo host Puerto Rico on November 17.

The first round will be played in a single round-robin format, meaning each team will play four matches; two home and two away, during the FIFA

International match window.

“I think that we have chance to qualify in this first round, the group is balanced,” Máximo stated, but the coach, who led the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho at the youth

level for Brazil, further added that “it will depend on how the players will be after this interruption. I learned through my career as player, also coach, that prognosis should be proven in the field, not in theory; also according to the principles of our programme.”

Meanwhile, despite being unable to train with him back home in Brazil, Máximo related that he has been meeting virtually with members of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) technical department, pointing out that along with Coach Wilson Toledo, they’re “still waiting for the airport to reopen in order to return. Once Government gives the approval for sporting activities to resume, our local staff will immediately start the training on the field with our guidance until we get there.”

“Also, we are very happy with the signals that the new government gave to us when president (Wayne) Forde met with the new Minister of Sport

(Charles Ramson Jr). For me, their support is crucial to our success, as well [as that] of the private sector.”

While visiting the GFF to witness the draw with Forde and staff, Minister Ramson said Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government of Guyana wants “to be able to promote football in Guyana as part of the Government’s programme, working in a collaborative way.”

“Sport is important to the President of Guyana, sport is important to me and we don’t only want to say it, we want to show it and that’s why I wanted to make the time to be here with you when Guyana is being drawn and to know where they are going to play,” Ramson said.

Golden Jaguars’ best run in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers came during the lead-up to the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where they had reached the penultimate round of the CONCACAF zone.

Bulk no burden for West Serena begins marathon Indies spinner Cornwall with exhausting first step

By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI (Reuters) - At 6’6” and 140kg, Rahkeem Cornwall would struggle to fit into anyone’s perception of what a modern day cricketer should look like but the West Indies off-spinner says he knows exactly how to get the best out of his big frame on the pitch.

While his talent was recognised early on, the 27-year-old only made his Test debut against India in August last year.

Three months later, he claimed his first 10-wicket match haul against Afghanistan and also played in the third and final Test against England last month.

“Everybody’s not going to be small,” the towering spinner told Reuters from Trinidad. “I just stick to my strength and do what I know I can do and perform.”

With his height, Antigua-born Cornwall generates more bounce than most off-spinners and combines it with his accuracy to trouble

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batsmen.

“I think my height has played a big part ... I also have to put the ball in the right areas to get the ball to spin,” said Cornwall, who is considered the heaviest player to have played Test cricket.

Blessed with soft hands and sharp reflexes, Cornwall has also grown into a safe slip-catcher, illustrated by his stunning one-handed grab to dismiss England opener Rory Burns in Manchester last month.

“I think my hands are good. I think I’m a good catcher of the cricket ball, so fielding in the slip comes easy to me.

“I can field in different positions but I just prefer to be in the slip because I can catch.”

Cornwall went wicketless in the Manchester Test, where England triumphed by 269 runs to complete a 2-1 series victory, but he said it was a learning experience.

“Patience and adapting to different conditions is key,” said Cornwall, who currently plays for St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League.

“I think England is one of the toughest place to play cricket. I learned a lot from the test series.”

(REUTERS) - Serena Williams shook off some COVID-19 layoff rust to grind out a 7-6(6) 3-6 7-6(0) win over Dutch qualifier Arantxa Rus on Monday to move into the third round of the Western and Southern Open.

Williams’ matches are a magnet for fans but with no spectators allowed onto the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center grounds due to COVID-19 safety protocols, the atmosphere inside a steamy Grandstand was one of relief rather than excitement as the 38-year-old American trudged off following the hard-fought victory.

“I was fine,” said Williams, when asked about playing without fans in the stands. “At one point I was pumping my fist and saying, “Come on”.

“I had a crowd in my head or something.

“It was actually funny to me. For me, it was like there was a crowd there.”

By the time Williams arrived on court to face her 72nd ranked opponent, she was the highest seed left in the women’s draw after number one Karolina Pliskova and number two Sofia Kenin lost their opening matches on Sunday.

And Williams needed to draw on all her experience and survival instincts to ensure she did not join them at the exit as Rus put the former world number one through a near threehour workout.

All four matches Williams has played since the WTA Tour restarted following the COVID-19 hiatus have gone to threesets.

Monday marked the first exhausting day in what could be a three-week tennis marathon for Williams, who will be hoping her long search to win an elusive 24th grand slam title — and equal Margaret Court’s record tally — will end on Sept. 12 with victo-

ry in the U.S. Open final.

Down 6-5 in the third set and with Rus serving for the match, a drained Williams looked down for the count but she picked herself up to break the Dutchwoman to force a deciding tiebreak. She then moved in for the kill to win it 7-0.

After working her way into the main draw through qualifying, Rus came in match sharp while Williams looked sluggish on a hot and humid New York afternoon. She spent much of the first set trying to tame a misfiring forehand.

While Williams fitness has been questioned, her fighting spirit has never been in doubt and never more than in the third set.

Despite showing signs of fatigue, Williams insisted she was fit and ready for the task ahead.

“I’m actually super fit and I’m super ready,” assured Williams. I feel like I’m ready for anything.”

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE , Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Warriors ‘topsy-turvy’ batting form to be tested again by Tallawahs -Defending champs Tridents face TKR in opener

By Clifton Ross

AFTER their low-scoring thriller a few days ago, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs will have the opportunity to duke it out again, this time under lights, while defending CPL champions, Barbados Pride, battle Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) first in today’s double-header at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain.

A shift in venue and time will put all four sides on a new neutral turf, playing their first matches in the ‘Bio-Bubble’ at the legendary ground in the city. The Warriors pulled off the most daring heist thus far in the competition after they easily defended 118 to win by a whopping 14 runs, given the low-scoring nature of that game.

The quick turnaround between games will test both side this evening and looking back at the Warriors performances in the last encounter, as well as their loss to the St Lucia Zouks recently, it seems their middle-order is desperately in need of stability.

Apart from Shimron Hetmyer, who will enter another battle as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 138, with two half-centuries under his belt, no other Warriors batsman has managed to make it into the top 10 leading run-getters thus far in the season.

The ‘almost hero’ Nicholas Pooran rightfully threw his bat away after throwing away the Warriors win on Sunday against the Zouks, further setting back the momentum train for the former 5-time finalists. The overly-aggressive Pooran hit 68, but assessing the outcome of the match, it could have been as significant as a duck because it failed to get his team over the line.

Pooran is the next best batsman in the team with 90 runs over all, falling outside the top 10, while New Zealander Ross Taylor’s 64 run from 4 matches is utterly unacceptable for a player of his calibre and class. The power-hitters have failed the Warriors miserably as Keemo Paul, although brilliant with the ball, seems to have gone cold with the bat and needs

to step up this evening and break his run drought.

The explosive Sherfane Rutherford managed a six and a fours in his 15 on Sunday, following three matches of uncharacteristic batting for a renowned T20 specialist with a career strike-rate of close to 140.

The Warriors should look to break up the current union between Brandon King and Chandrapaul Hemraj as both players have been looking dangerous but have failed to lay a solid platform for Hetmyer and the middle-order.

Another failed attempt by the openers to post a significant opening stand or a decent score this evening should definitely result in Hetmyer having the chance to open with either Hemraj or King; which will take the pressure off of any of the two, seeing Hetmyer is the in-form batsman in the team who has been batting with no pressure despite the early collapses at the top.

Rovman Powell was inches from beating the Warriors when they last met, but some classy bowling by the Guyana franchise managed to keep the Tallawahs at bay; even though they strangely ended with wickets in hands and a batsman unbeaten on a half-century.

That batsman was ‘Dre Russ’ Andre Russell, who’s new moniker of being ‘Dange-Russ’ was realized after he clobbered 5 sixes and 4 fours in 52 not out off 37 balls; putting the hard-hitting all-rounder at the 9th spot with 93 runs to date from three games played.

Russell is not the only batsman who enters this match with their adrenaline pumping. Opener and 4th leading on the run chart with 102 runs, Glenn Phillips, will be keen on making amends for the duck against the Warriors which he fell for the last time.

Both teams learned much from each other; the Tallawahs opted not to play Veerasammy Permaul against his countrymen and old franchise, strangely too after he was fresh off of grabbing two wickets the previous game.

If Permaul does play, he will add support to Mujeeb Ur Rahman who destroyed the Warriors with 3-18.

Nepalese leggy, the 20-year-old Sandeep Lamichhane was also magical, ending with 2-8 from his 4 overs and will work nicely in tandem with Mujeeb. Oshane Thomas and the veteran Fi-

del Edwards were quick but wicket-less and could easily blow the Warriors away tonight, should they hit their straps. Carlos Brathwaite continues to be the dark horse with the ball, but his 3 wick-

ets from the last game will be at the back of the Warriors’ mind.

If skipper Chris Green can keep his current form and Imran Tahir also playing his senior role as one of the Warriors strike bowlers along with Paul, things might go in

favour of the local franchise tonight.

Action at the Queen’s Park Oval is expected to bowl from 10:00hrs with the Pride/Patriots clash, followed by the highly-anticipated rematch under lights between Warriors and the Tallawahs at 17.30 hrs.

By Kate Chappell

Usain Bolt is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Even fastest man alive may not be…Eight-time able togoldoutrun coronavirus medallist Usain Bolt self isolating as he awaits test results

KINGSTON (Reuters) - World-record sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt said on Monday he was self isolating while waiting to hear back from the health ministry after taking a coronavirus test this weekend.

Jamaican radio station Nationwide News had reported earlier on Monday that Bolt, who holds world records in the 100m and 200m distance, had contracted the virus.

In a video message posted to Instagram, which Bolt appears to have taped himself while lying in bed, he said he saw the report when he woke up and scrolled through social media.

Instead of explicitly confirming it, he said he took a test on Saturday because he had to fly for work, but did not have any symptoms.

“I am going to quarantine myself and wait on the confirmation to see what is the protocol,” said the only sprinter to win the 100m and 200m golds at three consecutive Olympics (2008, 2012 and 2016).

“Just to be safe I quarantined myself and just taking it easy.”

Days earlier, on Aug. 21, Bolt celebrated his 34th birthday with a big bash where many partygoers were mask-free, dancing to the hit “Lockdown” by Jamaican reggae singer Koffee, videos posted on social media showed.

“Best birthday ever,” Bolt wrote on Instagram, posting a photo of himself hold-

ing his baby girl Olympia who was born this May. Daily confirmed cases have risen in the Caribbean island nation of around 3 million, to more than 50 over the past four days from less than 10 just a few weeks ago.

Jamaica now has had 1,529 confirmed cases, with 622 active cases, 16 deaths from coronavirus.

Officials put the uptick in cases down to the reopening of international borders as well as celebrations over a long weekend in August marking Independence Day and Emancipation Day. They also put the blame at the feet of people who refuse to wear masks and practice social distancing.

The pickup has raised concerns over national elections that Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness called for in September, six months ahead of schedule.

Holness on Sunday suspended all his own campaigning activities includes motorcades, home visits and rallies and asked other parties to do the same.

Authorities have also delayed the reopening of schools for one month, several communities are under quarantine, and citizens are under a national curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The Commissioner of Police, Major Antony Anderson, has tested positive for the virus, and several government offices and major businesses have shut down as positive cases have emerged.

DeAbreu, Persaud star in World Archery Americas’ Online Cup ARCHERY Guyana continued its good representation, this time in the Qualification Round of the World Archery Americas’ Online Archery Cup of the Americas, which shot off last Friday in Ontario, Canada.

This match saw Wayne DeAbreu and Devin Persaud, both World Archery ranked archers, competing against each other in the Male Recurve category.

It was an evenly-poised game between the two archers in the first 60

arrows. Wayne, on Target 1A, was ahead by the 12th arrow but Devin, Target 1B, was able to even the score by the 15th arrow and gained a lead at the 21st arrow. However, Wayne took the lead again at the 24th arrow and maintained a lead to the half-time break at which time Wayne was 275 points to Devin’s 269 points.

When shooting resumed after the

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RAN pulls curtain on Sevens tournament PAGE

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FLASH BACK! Guyana’s Avery Corbin (left) about to tackle his Jamaican counterpart during the last RAN 7s Championship.

Wayne DeAbreu (left) and Devin Persaud (right)

Paris police attacked, 158 arrested after PSG defeat PARIS (Reuters) Paris police were attacked, shops in the French capital were vandalised and 158 people were arrested after Paris Saint Germain’s loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League soccer final, the interior minister and police said on Monday.“The savagery of certain delinquents from last night: 16 members of the police forces injured, 12 shops attacked, around 15 cars vandalised,” Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter.

The Paris police department said 158 people had been arrested for suspected theft or vandalism, with much

of the trouble occurring around the Champs Elysees avenue where many fans had gathered for the game.

Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint Germain (PSG) 1-0 in the final in Lisbon.

PSG fans had already been involved in clashes in Paris with the police earlier on Sunday. Some supporters threw projectiles at police vehicles outside PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium and had to be dispersed with tear gas.

The Paris police added that as a result of the trouble, it would be closing down bars in the area around the Parc des Princes stadium from Monday afternoon through to Tuesday morning.

Warriors ‘topsy-turvy’ batting form to be tested again by Tallawahs 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

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TUESDAY,AUGUST 25, 2020