Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_26_05_2020

TUESDAY 26th May, 2020

' No.106011

‘Not so Nandlall’ …AG asserts that GECOM has power to resolve the irregularities from recount process

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Moruca man is 11th COVID-19 death

Town Clerk orders closure of NA Market

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--amid reported sighting of COVID-19 quarantine escapee

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Happy 54 th Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese

President David Granger

‘Remember their sacrifice’ SEE PAGE 03

…President recalls sacrifice, struggle for independence

…urges Guyanese to celebrate Guyana’s 54th, but in restrained manner

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

‘Not so Nandlall’ …AG asserts that GECOM has power to resolve the irregularities from recount process … says Chairman eminently qualified to adjudicate in these matters

ATTORNEY GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, said that GECOM has the power to resolve irregularities arising from the recount process and asserted that the chairman of the electoral body is eminently qualified to adjudicate in these matters.

Williams’s comments are in direct response to remarks made by PPP/C’s executive, Anil Nandlall, last Saturday, contending that GECOM would be violating its orders and would be acting ultra vires if it opens investigations into claims made by the coalition about electoral fraud.

On Saturday, the ruling APNU+AFC contended that, of the votes recounted to date, 86,367 lack credibility as it pointed to cases in which Poll Books and the Official List of Electors (OLEs) were missing when the ballot boxes were opened. Of the 86,367 votes, the coalition is contending that 31,958 of them are affected by the variance on the OLEs. In light of the mountain of alle-

gations, the Chair of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, has invited the APNU+AFC to formally submit evidence in relation to their objections, particularly as it relates to deaths and migration. “The submission of evidence would inform the deliberations at the level of the Commission,” Justice Singh said in a correspondence to the APNU+AFC. But this did not sit well with the PPP/C. In an interview with reporters on Saturday on the outskirts of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), PPP/C Executive Member, Anil Nandlall, dubbed the move by GECOM as illegal, while arguing that the Order, which triggered the National Recount, only provides for a numerical recount of the ballots cast during the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

“Anytime GECOM goes outside of the scope of that recount, GECOM will be exceeding its jurisdiction, GECOM will be acting without jurisdiction, GECOM will be acting ultra vires and GECOM will

be violating the very order that GECOM published and undertook to be governed by,” Nandlall told reporters. According to him, the Order does not provide for certain anomalies (allegations of ghost voters and migrants) to be made much less the provision of evidence to support such claims. In arriving at his position, the PPP/C Executive relied heavily on the Representation of the People Act, though the Official Order, gazetted on May 4, makes no direct reference to that legislation as it relates to the procedure to be employed during the recount.

GECOM HAS TO THE POWER In a letter to the editor, Williams contends that it is for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to resolve the irregularities, discrepancies and anomalies contained in the Observations Reports. He noted that paragraph 16 of GECOM’s Order provides that the recitals shall form part of the Order.

The last recital of the Order

provides that the conduct of the recount process is for the purpose of “…the reconciliation of the ballots issued with the ballots cast, destroyed, spoiled,

ballot count and observations made during the recount process, confirming that it is not about the ballot count alone.

Additionally, paragraph 14 of

Attorney General, Basil Williams SC

stamped, and as deemed necessary, their counterfoils/ stubs; authenticity of the ballots and the number of voters listed and crossed out as having voted; the number of votes cast without ID cards; the number of proxies issued and the number utilised; statistical anomalies; occurrences recorded in the Poll Book”.

These provisions are empowering GECOM to not only count the ballots but also to examine irregularities, discrepancies and anomalies in order to make a determination of the credibility or lack thereof, of the recount process, Williams noted. “Further, paragraph 6 of the Order provides for the use of the Observations Report Form (ORFs) to record any observation outside of the ballot box checklist; and under paragraph 12 the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) after tabulating the matrices of all electoral districts submits a report which includes the ORFs and the matrices of the ballot count for each district to the Commission. This shows a clear dichotomy between the

the Order makes it pellucid that it is the Commission to resolve any irregularity, discrepancy and anomaly occurring in the recount process as revealed in the report. According to paragraph 1 (b) of the Order, the role of the Commission is to serve as the final arbiter of issues not resolved at the lower levels in the established procedure; and paragraph 1 (f) provides it shall determine and declare the final results of the Regional and General Elections 2020.”

According to the Attorney General, what is evinced upon a proper apprehension of the provisions in the Order for this special recount process is that GECOM exercises jurisdiction over it. Therefore, it is an erroneous statement by Nandlall when he asserted, “They would be violating the very order GECOM published and took to be governed by to conduct the recount”.

QUALIFIED CHAIRMAN Moreover, he said GECOM is well equipped in that its

Chairman is eminently qualified to adjudicate in these matters. She could use her wealth of experience in determining issues of credibility by assessing weight, veracity and consistency of any evidence before the Commission and can call on the General Registrar’s Office for births and deaths records and the Immigration Department for immigration records to assist in the discharge of the Commission’s responsibilities under the rules in the Order governing the recount process.

The Chairman is well qualified within the characteristics outlined by His Excellency President David Granger in his letter dated 2017.03.14 to the Leader of the Opposition that the Chairman should satisfy certain characteristics including, “ That person is deemed to have wide electoral knowledge, capable of handling electoral matters because he or she is qualified to exercise unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters; that person will discharge his or her functions without fear or favour, that is he or she will not allow any person or organization to influence him or her to compromise his or her neutrality and that person will discharge his or her functions neutrally, between the two opposing parties, as he or she would have done in Court between two opposing litigants”.

The Chairman of GECOM would be familiar with the time hallowed common law principle that evidence is admissible once relevant irrespective of how it was obtained. In conclusion, once GECOM is acting in consonance with the foregoing provisions of its gazetted order, Nandlall’s contention that it is “now expanding the scope of this recounting exercise far outside its parameters and that it is wrong; it is unlawful”, must be rejected.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

‘Remember their sacrifice’

…President recalls sacrifice, struggle for independence …urges Guyanese to celebrate Guyana’s 54th, but in restrained manner PRESIDENT David Granger in urging the nation to celebrate this year’s 54th Independence Anniversary, has asked that they do so in a restrained manner, as the emergency COVID-19 measures do not permit public celebrations.

The President, in his annual address on the occasion has noted that for Guyanese, the celebration of Independence is “recalling the sacrifice, suffering and struggle of our working people, who struck the first blows against colonial oppression 115 years ago in Georgetown.”

He said it’s a time when Guyanese also recall the militancy of the workers who were shot by colonial police in the Ruimveldt Riots of 1905, an incident which led to the formation of our first trade union and the start of the labour movement. “We recall that workers’ rebellions which erupted throughout the British West Indies in succeeding decades, forced the Imperial Government to

ameliorate living and working conditions,” President Granger said, adding: “Britain’s response initiated a constitutional revolution and, eventually, led to Independence for its Caribbean colonies. British Guiana, as part of the labour movement and the Independence movement, achieved its Independence on 26th May 1966.”

He recalled, particularly for the benefit of those who might not have been born as yet, or too young to remember, that Guyana, as a sovereign State, established diplomatic relations with scores of other States, on the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, respect for treaties and international law, and the rejection of the use of force to settle international disputes, among other precepts.

And, recalling saying in his New Year’s message, that the launch of the Decade

of Development: 2020-2029 charted a roadmap for devel-

territorial integrity; reforming the constitution; improving

President David Granger

opment to provide a ‘good life’ for everyone, President Granger said that Guyana has already embarked on a path towards enhancing public education; expanding the economy; extending public infrastructure; ensuring human safety, public security and

governance; intensifying social protection, social cohesion and Indigenous Peoples’ well-being; developing the energy sector; and protecting the environment.

He said, too, that workers and persons in difficult circumstances have already

started to benefit from increased wages and pensions; improved public services in the four new regional capital towns; improved education and employment opportunities and enhanced empowerment through regular local government elections.

According to President Granger, Guyanese can look forward to enjoying greater equality, and a higher quality of life in an expanding economy over the next decade.

“We have become a ‘Petroleum State’, in which the proceeds from the petroleum industry will contribute to transforming the economy,” the President said.

“We are on a path towards becoming a ‘green state’, which will promote the preservation and protection of our environment and the adoption of renewable energy technologies,” he added.

He said that the administration has also embarked on creating a ‘digital state’, by extending the use of information and communication tech-

nology to ensure connectivity in every region. “We are on a path towards becoming an ‘education nation’, aiming at universal primary and secondary schooling and free education at the University of Guyana,” he added.

In closing, President Granger urged Guyanese to await the declaration of the results of the General and Regional Elections which were held on March 2 this year.

The Elections Commission, which is the sole authority charged with administering the elections in accordance with our Constitution, has responded in an orderly and lawful manner to the challenges which have arisen, he noted.

And, saving the best for last, he said that the ‘Decade of Development’ promises to be “the most exciting and exhilarating era in our nation's history.”

Return of 'stranded' Guyanese to be in phases

The return of approximately 300 Guyanese Nationals stranded abroad, will be done in phases based on approval from the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, as it invited applications from the affected. “...In the interest of public health and safety, approvals for re-entry will be phased in a manner deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Public Health, as the designated quarantine authority, and other key Government entities,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a Travel Advisory on Monday.

The Travel Advisory was published days after the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) approved the controlled re-entry of approximately 300 Guyanese, who must first test negative for the deadly disease. Hundreds of Guyanese have been unable to travel home due to the closure

of international borders linked to the global Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and while the Government has given the green light for the return of some 300, it said it must be a coordinated approach.

“You are required to plan your return in coordination with and on approval from the Government of Guyana. This will enable control of the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana and protect the health and safety of all citizens dwelling there, particularly those who are most vulnerable,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

According to the advisory, affects Guyanese must complete an application, inclusive of the entry form, which is located on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website as well as on those of Guyana’s overseas missions — embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates.

It noted an e-mail will be

sent to each applicant confirming receipt of their application and, afterwards, confirmation of the intended date of travel. “We would like to reiterate that you should not attempt to travel to Guyana without gaining prior approval from the Government,” the Ministry emphasized.

It was keen on specifying that all Guyanese seeking to return to Guyana must undergo a strict screening process. “Guyanese nationals should expect to be screened and possibly tested for the novel coronavirus on return to Guyana. This is a condition of return and will be undertaken at the point of entry,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry stated.

It added: “It is anticipated that all persons entering Guyana will need to exercise patience as social distancing and health and safety protocols will be observed.” The Foreign Affairs Ministry was keen on noting that the comple-

tion of the application form would be an indication that applicants read, understood and agreed to comply with the requirements for re-entry to Guyana.

In arriving at the decision last week, the COVID-19 Task Force stated that “…no person who tests positive for COVID-19 will be permitted entry into Guyana and that ALL arriving passengers must undergo the PCR tests and submit the results (which must be in English) at least 48 hours prior to their arrival in Guyana.”

It noted too that approval will only be applicable to Guyanese nationals resident in Guyana who are stranded overseas and who registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as at Thursday, May 21, 2020. It is also only applicable to Guyanese in possession of a valid Guyanese passport although the Immigration Department of Guyana will accept any passenger whose Guyanese pass-

port expired within six months prior to arrival.

Meanwhile, the applicants or their employers must cover all costs for their return via air only.

These new approvals come in addition to ones previously made for the controlled re-entry of over 100 Guyanese from countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent, St. Maarten and Cuba.

These previous approvals were made on May 18 by the NCTF and are inclusive of 70 Guyanese cruise ship workers attached to Royal Caribbean; 19 Guyanese students of the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad; 10 Guyanese in St Maarten; four Guyanese in St. Vincent to return via SVG Air; trade unionist Komal Chand’s body, and his wife from Cuba and a team of officials based in Guyana to return from Suriname after observing their May 25 elections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Coronavirus: Americans flock to beaches on Memorial Day weekend (BBC) Americans have flocked to beaches and lakes for Memorial Day weekend, often flouting restrictions imposed to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.

In Florida, state police dispersed an unauthorised gathering of hundreds of people in Daytona Beach on Saturday.

In Missouri, bars at the Lake of the Ozarks were packed with revellers, who violated social-distancing rules.

US coronavirus task force chief Dr Deborah Birx said she was "very concerned" after seeing such scenes.

"We really want to be clear all the time that social distancing is absolutely critical. And if you can't social distance and you're outside, you must wear a mask," Dr Birx said on ABC's This Week on Sunday.

Lyda Krewson, the mayor of St Louis, Missouri, said: "It's irresponsible and dangerous to engage in such high risk behaviour just to have some fun over the extended holiday weekend.

"Now, these folks will be going home to S. Louis and counties across Missouri and the Midwest, raising concerns about the potential of more positive cases, hospitalisations, and tragically, deaths.

Deeply disturbing."

In Florida's Tampa area, the crowds were so big that authorities closed parking lots because they were full, the Associated Press reports.

In California, big crowds were seen enjoying beaches over the weekend. State officials said most people were covering their faces and keeping their distance on beaches and parks.

In Missouri, revellers partied on the Lake of the Ozarks, violating social-distancing rules

On Monday, US Vice-President Mike Pence said that some people "would do well to be reminded about the importance of social distancing and the importance of

continuing regular hygiene".

However, he added: "We have every confidence that as restrictions are loosened in the days ahead, the American people are going to step

forward and put this country back to work in a safe and responsible way."

Memorial Day - an annual holiday held on the last Monday of May - honours all

those who have died serving in the US military. It marks the unofficial start of summer.

The US has more coronavirus cases than anywhere in the world. It has over 1.6 million known infections and is nearing 100,000 deaths linked to the virus.

All 50 US states have now partially reopened after a twomonth shutdown. However, remaining restrictions vary across the country.

Wide discrepancies also remain between states in terms of infection rates and the pace of their economic restart.

Some of the hardest-hit areas, including New York, New Jersey and Washington state are now showing the sharpest declines, while majority of states have reached plateaus.

Hong Kong security law 'needed to tackle terrorism'

(BBC) Hong Kong needs a controversial new security law to tackle "growing terrorism", the territory's security chief has said.

John Lee said the city had become "shrouded in the shadow of violence".

After months of quiet, this weekend saw a fresh surge of protest after the government in Beijing proposed a security law that would radically change Hong Kong's unique status.

Opponents say it is a

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 --- 5:30

direct attempt to limit freedoms and silence critics.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has offered her support to Hong Kong residents, warning Beijing against using, as she put it, bullets and repression in the semi-autonomous territory.

Relations between China and Taiwan are already tense, because Beijing sees the island as a breakaway province, but many Taiwanese want a separate nation.

Meanwhile, the UK home secretary is being urged to review the status of the more than 300,000 Hong Kong residents who hold British National (overseas) passports but have no right to live or

work in the UK. A British government spokesman said the best solution would be for China to respect fully the rights and freedoms that were set out in the Sino-British joint declaration, agreed in 1997 when control of Hong Kong was handed from the UK to Beijing.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK? The bill was put forward on Thursday as China's parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), met for its delayed annual gathering.

China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, said the legis-

lation - which would ban "treason, secession, sedition and subversion" - should be brought in "without the slightest delay".

On Sunday, thousands of people defied government warnings and marched through the city centre to protest against the bill.

Riot police fired tear gas and water cannon at demonstrators, who were wearing face masks to protect against the spread of coronavirus.

There were at least 180 arrests.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Lee said that in the past year, "the violence in Hong Kong has been escalating, with many cases involving explosives and genuine firearms".

"Terrorism is growing in the city and activities which

harm national security, such as 'Hong Kong independence', become more rampant."

He said the clashes on Sunday showed "the need and urgency of the decision to be deliberated by the NPC" and that the law would ensure Hong Kong's "long-term prosperity and stability".

Commissioner of Police Chris Tang also welcomed the bill, saying weapons and explosives seized from protesters showed Hong Kong was "at the risk point of national security and there is a need to take effective measures to prevent the situation from deteriorating".

WHAT IS IN CHINA'S PROPOSED LAW? TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

High drama unfolds at Diamond Hospital --as video surfaces of doctors attempting to ‘kick in’ door at the East Bank facility

By Navendra Seoraj A VIDEO is currently going the rounds on Facebook, showing persons, presumably doctors, trying to “kick down” a door at the Diamond Hospital.

The video, which was posted on Saturday, shows two individuals trying to break open a door, which was purportedly barricaded on the inside by someone said to be infected with the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Doctors were unwavering in their effort to break the door, until other persons, supposedly patients of the isolation facility at Diamond, intervened.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that the patient barricaded the door because he was re-tested recently, and the result came back negative, but the authorities were attempting to place a new

COVID-19 patient with him.

Several health officials were contacted by this publication, but those attempts to get clarity on the matter proved futile.

Just recently, the Guyana Chronicle reported that doctors, nurses and other frontline workers at the Diamond Hospital have been “going beyond the call of duty” to deliver care to persons who contracted the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The care being delivered is, however, not just the traditional medical care, but also that of a parent or guardian. Regional Health Officer (RHO) of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Dr. Quincy Jones found the need to justify the work of frontline workers at Diamond, after Stabroek News had published an article titled “COVID-19 patients fear poor conditions at Diamond

Isolation Unit delaying recovery.”

Dr. Jones, in a press statement, said the article contained several half-truths and fallacies, which were repeated without evidence to support it. “We are truly disappointed that instead of celebrating the very hard and dedicated work of the doctors and nurses who leave their homes and live in the unit to provide medical care and other services to these patients for weeks at a time, we are instead forced to pen a response to an article such as the one mentioned above,” lamented the RHO. Frontline workers at the Diamond facility started working over-time, after a COVID-19 isolation unit was established there.

And according to Dr. Jones, since the establishment of the unit, the facility has been taking

most of the confirmed COVID-19 patients, with the largest number being 52 cases at one time, a figure which was recorded just Sunday.

There are currently 66 active cases of COVID-19 and the persons, housed at Diamond, represent over 85 per cent of the total active cases. The work of frontline workers has so far resulted in over 30 persons recovering and being discharged from the facility, since the pandemic reached Guyana. To date, a total of 62 persons have recovered from the COVID-19 disease.

Clearly established and defined systems compounded by the commitment of frontline workers, resulted in the Diamond Hospital producing more 65 per cent of the recovered patients.

Coronavirus: US suspends travel from Brazil for foreigners (BBC) The US has imposed travel restrictions on foreign nationals who have been to Brazil in the last 14 days.

The South American nation recently became the world's second major hotspot for coronavirus cases.

Brazil has recorded more than 360,000 cases, the country's health ministry announced on Sunday, while over 22,000 people have died with the virus.

A White House spokeswoman said the restrictions would help ensure new cases are not brought into the US. "Today's action will help ensure foreign nationals who have been in Brazil do not become a source of additional infections in our country," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement.

Non-Americans who have been in Brazil in the two weeks before they request entry to the US will be denied that entry. The restriction will not affect trade between the two countries.

The suspension is to take effect on 28 May at 23:59 EDT (03:59 GMT).

The travel ban will not apply to US citizens, or to the spouse, parent, legal guardian, or child of a US citizen or lawful permanent resident, and most siblings under the age of 21.

"The potential for undetected transmission of the virus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States from [Brazil] threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security," said the suspension order published by the White House on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, White House National security adviser Robert O'Brien told CBS "Face the Nation" that travel restriction for Brazil were expected shortly.

"We hope that'll be temporary, but because of the situation in Brazil, we're going to take every step necessary to protect the American people," Mr O'Brien said.

He added that "we'll take

a look at the other countries on a country-by-country basis for sure".

US President Donald Trump suggested earlier this week that he was considering imposing a ban on travel from Brazil.

The US currently leads the world in coronavirus cases. It has over 1.6 million known cases and is nearing 100,000 deaths linked to the virus.

Sunday's announcement is the latest travel restriction imposed by the US in a bid to combat the spread of the virus.

Foreign nationals who have recently visited China, Iran, the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are already barred from entry to the US. Canada and the US also recently agreed to extend the closure of their shared border to non-essential travel.

WHAT IS THE SITUATION ACROSS BRAZIL?

Hong Kong security law...

FROM PAGE

Under Hong Kong's Basic Law - the mini constitution in place since it went back under Chinese rule in 1997 - it largely has responsibility for its own internal affairs and security.

But the "draft decision" - as it is known before approval by the NPC - includes an article that says Hong Kong "must improve" national security.

It adds: "When needed,

relevant national security organs of the Central People's Government will set up agencies in Hong Kong to fulfil relevant duties to safeguard national security in accordance with the law."

That means China could potentially have its own law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong, alongside the city's own.

A group of 200 senior politicians from around the

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world have issued a joint statement criticising China's plan.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also condemned the plans, describing them as a "death knell" for the city's freedoms. The UK, Australia and Canada have also expressed their "deep concern".

Brazil recently overtook Russia with regards to known cases of the virus. President Jair Bolsonaro has repeatedly dismissed the risks posed by the virus.

The number of deaths in Brazil has been doubling roughly every two weeks, compared to about every two months in the UK, four months in France, and five months in Italy.

Experts have warned that the real figure may be far higher due to a lack of testing.

CARICOM pledges support for Guyana on its 54th Independence Anniversary The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has extended congratulations to the Government and People of Guyana as the country celebrates its 54th Anniversary of Independence on 26 May 2020.

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in a congratulatory message to Guyana’s President HE David Granger said the people of Guyana should be proud of this milestone in their history. He noted that the nation has left its mark on the world in the fields of education, sports, diplomacy, climate change and culture to name a few.

“Guyana is a valued member of the Caribbean Community from inception as an original signatory to the Treaty of Chaguaramas and has shaped its evolution through continued positive contributions,” the Secretary-General stated. “The Community pledges its support to the people of Guyana and to the country’s efforts in all areas including economic, social and good governance,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

On this independence anniversary let Guyana be free TODAY Guyana observes its 54th anniversary as an independent nation. This year’s anniversary comes against the backdrop of developments which give us cause not only to reflect on our independence journey and to redouble our collective efforts to preserve the gains we have made these five and a half decades, but it also gives us cause to reflect on the challenges to that independence which have raised their ugly heads in recent times. As a society which had been ravaged by centuries of forced bondage and external exploitation, we are all too aware that the formal end to systems of bondage does not necessarily translate into the de facto erasure of those systems. Independence for us therefore must always mean a constant and persistent struggle of preservation and deepening of our freedom space.

It must always be remembered that Guyana and its Anglophone Caribbean CARICOM family of countries gained our independence in a world that was not configured to accommodate us. The parameters of the new world order which was conceived after the second World War did not take Guyana into consideration—Guyana did not exist. It meant that we became independent in a world that was hostile to the existence of small post-plantation societies trying to build new countries out of the ashes of slavery and colonialism. The anti-colonialism and independence imperatives ran counter to the hegemony promulgated by the victors of the war.

Guyana also became independent in the middle of the Cold War which would help to shape the motion of our independence for its first two and a half decades. This realty

meant that we had the onerous task of navigating a world that forced small countries to choose between two global Goliaths or face the punitive penalties of refusal. History records that even before Guyana became independent, it faced the fury of global actors who viewed our quest for true independence and freedom as inimical to their designs for the world. The 1953 invasion, the dark time as Martin Carter dubbed it, was a signal of things to come.

We also became independent in the wake of civil disturbances which tested our very ability to live together as a cohesive nation. Our ethnic diversity, born of the European quest for accumulation of wealth in far-off lands brought with it a meeting of cultures that promised a positive diverse space.

But it also provided fertile ground for a historic suspicion and competition that was unhealthy for peaceful co-existence.

Independence therefore meant that we were tasked with holding together our multiethnic nation even as we navigated the global challenges.

Given the enormity of these challenges, we must congratulate ourselves for weathering the storms and surviving as an independent nation five decades later. We have had our influenzas and whooping coughs, but our immune system has not been shattered. Guyana is alive as a sovereign state looking to turn the corner in a state of new development as we welcome our oil-and-gas finds. This god-send discovery of a natural resource capable of helping our country to a new plateau of development is the dream of all countries such as ours. If handled well it could help to eradicate the curses of our sordid past which have followed us into independence.

So, this anniversary should be a time of anticipation of better—a time of thanksgiving. It should be an anniversary when we ought to be linking our hands and hearts and looking to the future in unison. Not since emancipation have our road to independence been so brightly lit. The dreams of our foreparents of then and the 1966 generation threaten to burst into reality for their forebears. Our Guyana could be the paradise that we longed for—a new dawn and a new day for the children of bondsmen and women.

Yet even as we are set to welcome this new dawn, we are being visited by the forces of doubt and denial who seem set on a course of derailing our independence and its attendant right to self-determination. The dark clouds of greed and grab are at work as we observe this independence anniversary.

Suddenly, old forces dressed in new garb are at our gate trying their level best to uproot our independence; and what is most disheartening is that they are being encouraged by domestic forces with greedy agendas. They have conspired to test our resolve as a nation.

They come with sweet tongues hiding behind political clichés. They seek to disrespect our flag and our sovereignty. They assault our dignity. But we must use this 54th anniversary of independence to affirm our dignified existence and cry out loud enough for the global family to hear. We are an independent nation that deserves our space to address our challenges. Our potential wealth is ours -- not theirs. Let us stand tall as Guyanese armed with centuries of struggle for better. In the end our independence must mean our unvarnished freedom. Let Guyana be free.

GECOM has power to resolve irregularities emanating from the recount process Dear Editor, I write with reference to an article published on the front page and page fifty (50) of the May 24th Sunday Edition of your paper captioned, “It’s court’s jurisdiction to probe election irregularities, not GECOM - Nandlall”.

I respectfully contend that it is for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to resolve the irregularities, discrepancies and anomalies contained in the Observations Reports.

Paragraph 16 of GECOM’s Order provides that the recitals shall form part of the Order. The last recital of the Order provides that the conduct of the recount process is for the purpose of “…the reconciliation of the ballots issued with the ballots cast, destroyed, spoiled, stamped, and as deemed necessary, their counterfoils/ stubs; authenticity of the ballots and the number of voters listed and crossed out as having voted; the number of

votes cast without ID cards; the number of proxies issued and the number utilized; statistical anomalies; occurrences recorded in the Poll Book”.

These provisions are empowering GECOM to not only count the ballots but also to examine irregularities, discrepancies and anomalies in order to make a determination of the credibility or lack thereof, of the recount process. Further, paragraph 6 of the Order provides for the use of the Observations Report Form (ORFs) to record any observation outside of the ballot box checklist; and under paragraph 12 the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) after tabulating the matrices of all electoral districts submits a report which includes the ORFs and the matrices of the ballot count for each district to the Commission.

This shows a clear dichotomy between the ballot count and observations made during the recount process, confirming that it is not about the ballot

count alone. Additionally, paragraph 14 of the Order makes it pellucid that it is the Commission to resolve any irregularity, discrepancy and anomaly occurring in the recount process as revealed in the report. According to paragraph 1 (b) of the Order, the role of the Commission is to serve as the final arbiter of issues not resolved at the lower levels in the established procedure; and paragraph 1 (f) provides it shall determine and declare the final results of the Regional and General Elections 2020.

What is evinced upon a proper apprehension of the provisions in the Order for this special recount process is that GECOM exercises jurisdiction over it. Therefore, it is an erroneous statement by Nandlall when he asserted, “They would be violating the very order GECOM published and took to be governed by to conduct the recount”.

Moreover, GECOM is well equipped in that its Chairman is emi-

nently qualified to adjudicate in these matters. She could use her wealth of experience in determining issues of credibility by assessing weight, veracity and consistency of any evidence before the Commission and can call on the General Registrar’s Office for births and deaths records and the Immigration Department for immigration records to assist in the discharge of the Commission’s responsibilities under the rules in the Order governing the recount process. The Chairman is well qualified within the characteristics outlined by His Excellency President David Granger in his letter dated 2017.03.14 to the Leader of the Opposition that the Chairman should satisfy certain characteristics including, “ That person is deemed to have wide electoral knowledge, capable of handling electoral matters because he or she is qualified to exercise unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters; that person will discharge his or her functions without fear or favour, that

is he or she will not allow any person or organization to influence him or her to compromise his or her neutrality and that person will discharge his or her functions neutrally, between the two opposing parties, as he or she would have done in Court between two opposing litigants”.

The Chairman of GECOM would be familiar with the time hallowed common law principle that evidence is admissible once relevant irrespective of how it was obtained. In conclusion once GECOM is acting in consonance with the foregoing provisions of its gazetted order, Nandlall’s contention that it is “now expanding the scope of this recounting exercise far outside its parameters and that it is wrong; it is unlawful”, must be rejected.

Respectfully, Basil Williams SC Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

An example of political Happy 54th Guyana! media depravity Dear Editor,

Dear Editor

FOR Kit Nascimento to write such falsehoods, as carried by the Guyana Times of May 23, 2020, about the President’s recent visit to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) can only be reflective of a type of citizen who has descended to the cesspool level of PPP/C opposition politics; fully at home with its putridity, as is the proven case, as he continues to offload similar refuse for and on behalf of his now political masters.

One must wonder if this is the kind of devious use that such a well-known media tradesman will put to use of his self-declared decades of communications? But Nascimento is known for serving where the dollar is highest.

I can recall in May 2000 when the US-based Beal Aerospace Technologies Inc. signed a contract with the Guyana Government to build a launch site for its BA-2 rockets in an area between the Waini River and the Atlantic Coast, which was published in the then media as the BEAL DEAL. Subsequent to this announcement, there was a STABROEK NEWS CARTOON WHICH PORTRAYED NASCIMENTO, WHO WAS HIRED AS THE SPOKESPERSON FOR THE BEAL DEAL PROJECT, JUMPING FROM THE PNC PALM TREE INTO THE PPP/C CUP, CAUSING THE SOUP WITHIN TO SPLASH. This is a matter of public record, hence there is no conflict/dispute of fact.

Of course, he took umbrage at such a depiction, by publicising his protest.

But that such an illustration had been done was because this same Nascimento, who had been a minister in the Burnham government sometime in the late 60s into the very early 70s, was perceived as a political opportunist. And was this not the same Nascimento, who many can testify could have been seen in and out of the precincts of Congress Place, in the run-up to the 1997 general elections?

Further, this is the same former PNC minister who became the spokesperson for and on behalf of the Berbice Bridge Inc. when it was promoting its unjust, rapacious and unconscionable plan to raise its bridge toll fees to astronomical levels for some known PPP/C shareholders, that had it not been for the decisive and just intervention of the Coalition government, citizens, especially Berbice

residents having to traverse both divides, would have been suffocated by such increased bridge tolls. It was Nascimento who, as the face of the Berbice Bridge Inc., held many press conferences on this issue.

No one denies Nascimento his right of political affiliation, since it is his democratic right, though one should wonder as to the kind of citizen who would want to be aligned with such a political party as the PPP/C, whose record of governance is also well chronicled, even at the level of US State Department.

But to resort to malign and defame the person of the nation’s president for his decision to visit the recount process at the ACCC, begs so many questions.

How in the name of good Heavens did Nascimento arrive at the defamatory and libelous accusation that “Granger is not innocent of attempt to force rigged elections on Guyana”? Is this frenetic PR mouthpiece of the private sector inferring that such a presidential visit is part of such a plan? And how has he arrived at such a politically- warped and lame-brained calculation, given the president’s undisputed principled and unmatched position that GECOM IS BOTH IINDEPENDENT AND AUTONOMOUS, WITH THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PREPARATIONS FOR NATIONAL ELECTIONS? Of course, the elections have been rigged, and it is being clearly established who the riggers are/WHICH POLITICAL PARTY, because the evidence is being found every day IN SIGNIFICANT QUANTITIES from the relevant constituencies, OF THE VERY POLITICAL PARTY WHICH NASCIMENTO NOW SUPPORTS. In fact, Nascimento must know that what is being uncovered flies in the face of the sham pretence at ELECTORAL DEMOCRACY, WHICH HIS CURRENT POLITICAL PALS HAVE ALWAYS MASQUERADED AS UPHOLDING. HE MUST ANSWER, HOW HE COULD SUPPORT A PARTY THAT PREPARED FOR THE RIGGING PROCESS, BY ITS TRENCHANT BATTLE AGAINST A CLEAN LIST OF ELECTORS VIA HOUSE-TO-HOUSE REGISTRATION. As a reminder to this shameless political grasshopper, none of the leaders within the PPP/C can match the impeccable morals and qualities of President Granger. Not one! He attended all the

known and easily- located academic institutions, wherever they are to be found. Further, he is not before any courts for any criminal matters; and he has led a government that, despite the naked acts of disrespect, shown he has not been vindictive, spiteful, or nasty to those guilty of such shameful acts that are unbecoming of civility. Above all, his governance has been one of genuine democracy, and freedom of expression, so much so that the Nascimentos and those of his ilk can abuse the person of the president so often.

His record of socio-economic achievements has been done for the betterment of all Guyanese, even for those who do not support him/government. Because of this, Guyana is a better place, with greater hopes, especially for the poor and disadvantaged Under his government the policy of, NO RACE/ ETHNIC GROUP MUST BE LEFT BEHIND: THEY MUST ALL BENEFIT And as yet another reminder to Nascimento, President Granger was elected as leader of the PNC/R in a primary-style election where the process had been free and fair. Secondly, he was chosen in a DEMOCRATIC MANNER; NOT FOISTED UPON THE PARTIES TO LEAD A COALITION OF PARTIES THAT SOUGHT TO CHALLENGE THE DEBILITATING TRADITION OF RACE POLITICS IN GUYANA. But the tone of Nascimento’s nasty attacks infers that being African Guyanese, and being president of Guyana, is not a right, although competed for fairly, as David Arthur Granger would have done.

With the latest political depravity, as written by Nascimento, advancement of professional media cannot occur in Guyana IN THE DESIRED MANNER; not with the present configuration of the media which is a poisonous example of vested interest and dangerous racism.

His type is not only a very desultory example, but only serves to mislead younger journalists.

Finally, Editor, I close with a quote from Rickford Burke, president of the Brooklyn-based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), who sums up this erstwhile character succinctly, “Shouldn’t this fossil be parked somewhere in the national archives with an engraved footnote saying, “Discarded old fool?”

Regards, Earl Hamilton

‘A LITTLE-known fact about’(SC May 24), seems more like a well-hidden fact…

I am only now learning that 54 years ago, almost to the day, the ushering in of our independence status saw two 20-yearold members of the Guyana Defence Force playing meaningful roles with our Golden Arrowhead.

While Second Lieutenant Desmond Roberts was at the historic flagraising ceremony at the National Park, Officer Cadet Fairbairn Liverpool, with pomp and ceremony, marched down the aisle at Westminister Abbey,

escorted, bearing our national flag to present it to the diaspora in London.

What sense of pride this task of being the flag-bearer must have been for then Officer Cadet Liverpool and all who supported him. It is indeed staggering that this incredible little-known fact was well hidden for over half-a-century. To all the officers of that day, the nation was proud of you then; and we are proud of you now.

Regards, Shamshun Mohamed

Let us continue to be hopeful while banding together as one Dear Editor, TODAY, free from the rule of Great Britain, Guyana celebrates our 54th Independence; a feat earned by our forefathers through resilience and great strife.

On this historic occasion, we, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace and Religious Solidarity, the Electric Mosque’s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam, in association with the Universal Peace Federation, Guyana, seize this opportunity to extend a joyous Independence Day to our President, His Excellency Brigadier David Arthur Granger, and his cabinet; Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and Dr. Irfaan Ali and their party; our politicians, the nation of Guyana, especially our fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters.

On this day, we must remember our Martyrs who died for the country, and put cultural differences aside so that we can unite

as one and build the future our forefathers saw 54 years ago. They were the ones who struggled for our country, and sacrificed their lives for our Independence, making today of great importance to all Guyanese.

As a nation, we should take time to reflect on how far we have come, from a small colony to an independent nation, managing our resources and governing ourselves to become an independent State. Let us continue to protect and respect the nation we as Guyanese have worked so hard to build. We urge all of the citizens of this great nation to let this day remind us that cohesion is the only way for us to continue to grow and prosper.

Let us continue to be hopeful, while banding together as one human family under God, so that together we can overcome our challenges.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

Kudos to GWI

Dear Editor,

GUYANA is facing two crises presently: Battling COVID-19 and the Father Math of all Elections. The country is practically at a standstill, thus, many are fighting it very hard.

Lots of people were out of jobs before the last election, compliments of the illegal government’s way of governance.

Because of this regime’s actions, international help seems impossible, whilst many countries are benefitting financially.

Despite the cries of the country, attention is being given to the recount.

Editor, I see a glimmer of hope, and I saw the GWI staff on New Road, Vreed-enHoop, disconnecting th water of people who didn’t pay their bills. One lady from Uitvlugt

informed me that she received a telephone call from GWI, informing her that she owes $9,000 and that she should go in and pay to avoid being disconnected. One newscast featured GWI urging customers to pay up or be disconnected.

Whilst COVID has caused fuel prices to drop, there’s leniency in many areas, but, ironically, the electricity and water charges remain the same, and the threats of disconnection still stand. Where will people get money to pay during this crisis? Is that the mentality of good governance? Yes, we are surely enjoying the ‘Good Life’. Kudos on having the interest of Guyanese at heart, GWI! Regards, Sahadeo Bates

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Another desperate PPP/C attempt at legal distortion, dishonesty

Dear Editor,

IT seems that PPP/C’s legal representative and political spin-doctor, Anil Nandlall, is not so certain about his opposition party winning the March 02 National and Regional Elections as they have been crowing?

This observation is made against the background of a part of his press statement made last Saturday, when he alluded to the option of a court challenging the key aspect of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)’s recount exercise, of an analysis of the balloting process on Election Day, and its stated intention to investigate the growing avalanche of what are very serious electoral criminalities, that points to PPP/C’S constituencies.

Editor, it is said that law is a noble profession, and for many reasons, because of its seemingly complex learning which regulates and pertains to all aspects of our lives, represented by men/women who are sworn to uphold its lofty tenets. But inherent in its practice is the fact that it reveals the dark side of humans. One supposes that this

Dear Editor,

description pertains to those whose various acts of offences have been brought to light.

But it is also fair to say that one must also examine those who are its practitioners, and what they do, in terms of using its just dictums for totally dishonest ends. And this has been the local experience within recent times, in matters of a political nature, where many of its retained legal practitioners, for the dangerously narrow ends of vested-interest politics and other blandishments, have sought to misrepresent its many clauses for anti-national ends that have not been a blessing or boon to the profession, its advancement, or to the wider society that has been pushed to the precipice of political stress. It is not for the latter to be repeated here, since the many examples have been graphically publicised during related matters before the nation’s court.

This undoubtedly applies to the Nandlalls of this country. For this legal spin-doctor to be brazenly arguing that “Anytime GECOM goes outside of the scope of that recount, GECOM will be exceeding its jurisdiction, GECOM will

be acting without jurisdiction… it will be violating the very Order that it published and undertook to be governed by.”

This is blatant eye-pass and continuing disrespect of the GECOM, that brings to full scrutiny/exposure the total duplicity of a legal ‘rep’ who is guilty of wanton dishonestly and willful legal fraud in his attempts to twist a legal agreement that had been agreed to by his party’s side of the GECOM’S commission; an arrangement to which he must have been aware, because of his status as the Opposition party’s legal adviser. But, as with so many concluded arrangements, it is always that well-known PPP/C devious trick of seeking to repudiate such agreements, with the plan of having it withdrawn.

Surely Nandlall was not asleep in either the High Court, or Appeal Court, when GECOM’s wide powers were elucidated and expounded, in keeping with Article 162 of the Constitution, “so as to ensure an impartial and fair elections process”. It was further explained that Section 22 of the Elections Law (Amendment) Act is among the provisions

that operationalises Article 162 of the Constitution.

Certainly, he would have welcomed such a ruling, since it validated his Party’s demand for a recount. But he and his Party did not cater for the kind of Orders which the GECOM was at liberty to construct, given the kind of scope that is inherent in its wide powers, as judicially advised.

In fact, in seeking to convey the false perception that the GECOM is acting beyond its legal remit, Nandlall is conveniently omitting the fact that Article 162 authorises the constitutional body to “issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of the constitutions...” The fact of the matter, which Nandlall is attempting to spin, is that although it is said that the Constitution does not cater for a recount, which he is deviously seeking to represent, the said wider powers of the GECOM, as reminded by both courts, ascribes to the electoral body the full authority for the making of its rules for the current recount process,

and any relevant action necessary to achieve satisfactory results. It is a matter of both fact and record, of which Nandlall is fully aware but now dishonestly represents, as he desperately seeks to have his party escape from the criminalities found in the ballot boxes, that have originated from their strongholds.

Again, he must be reminded that every action that is currently being undertaken by the electoral clerks are found within the gazzetted Order, as mandated.

Why would he want to challenge a gazzetted Order, executed by the GECOM, which is rooted in the authority as reminded by the Constitution? This is another devious trick in the PPP/C plot to not only destroy the credibility of the national elections body; it is also designed to bring to a halt the very process which is ongoing that exposes the true extent of the definite acts of political fraud being found. This is what Nandlall and his Party seeks to cover up, and deflect.

Regards, Earl Hamilton

We pray for the well-being of the leaders, people of Guyana

ON behalf of the executives and members of the Queens PNCR group, we embrace the honour of extending to the Honourable President David Arthur Granger, the government, and people of Guyana warm and sincere greetings on achieving the coveted milestone of 54 years as an independent nation. It was with great joy and pride that on May 26, 1966, at the National Park, we witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack for the last time, and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead for the first time.

This act effectively brought an end to British colonial rule in Guyana, while at the same time it propelled Guyana and Guyanese to determine their own destiny.

That day, Guyanese all over were jubilant, happy, and

proud of welcoming independence to Guyana. As we reflect on that historic and momentous day, the big question was, What were our dreams and aspirations then? What Guyana would look like at 54 years of independence?

Guyana gained independence on May 26, 1966 under the astute leadership of the Honourable Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Founder Leader of the PNC. In welcoming independence, then Prime Minister Burnham, in an appeal to Guyanese nationalism, declared: “The days ahead are going to be difficult.

Tomorrow, no doubt, we as Guyanese will indulge in the usual political conflicts and differences in ideology. But today, to my mind, is above such petty matters. For today, Guyana is free.” The festivities included the singing of

the National Anthem, ‘Dear Land of Guyana’, and other patriotic songs, carnival-style parties, exhibitions, float parades, fireworks burst across the sky in various parts of the country, and a military parade accompanied by much pomp and pageantry.

Independent Guyana was faced with many challenges, including Venezuela’s seizure of the Guyanese half of Ankoko Island, in the Cuyuni River, and two years later claiming a strip of sea along Guyana’s western coast; the Rupununi Rebellion in January 1969, where white settlers and Amerindians rebelled against the Central Government; Venezuela’s renewed claims to all of Guyana west of the Essequibo River, rejecting the 1899 Arbitral Award that settled the boundaries between Guyana and Vene-

zuela; the energy crisis of the 70s that took a heavy toll on Guyana’s economy; and the heightened racial tensions and violence that accompanied most elections in Guyana. In the early 2000’s, Guyanese lived in fear for their lives in a so-called troubled period when marauding gangs and the Phantom Squad carried out extra-judicial killings of hundreds of Afro-Guyanese.

But at every step of the way, Guyana faced the adversities with resilience, fortitude, and wisdom.

More recently, Guyana is faced with the March 2, 2020 elections recounts, COVID-19, and a serious threat to our independence by internal and external forces.

This comes at a time when Guyana now ranks as the latest oil-producing country in the world. Noting the Coalition Government’s five-year track

record of sound leadership and progress, we have no doubt that Guyana will overcome these challenges once again.

As the Granger-led administration embarks on another five years of governance, we, as a group in the diaspora, call on the government to give urgent priority to two considerations: (a) Real constitutional changes that are designed to mandate Guyanese to live, work, play, and progress together as one. Since Guyana in its present formation does not allow for any political party to garner the majority of popular votes, it is imperative for a new Constitution or Amendments to set parameters compelling political parties to play a meaningful role in the governance of Guyana; and (b) the government should, on a sustained basis, pursue policies that would foster racial integration, and not only

racial comity. Power must reside in the people as a lasting solution.

Even though power-sharing, national front, unity government, inclusive government, and the likes are important, they are, by and large, only temporary fixes, but racial integration is permanent.

As a nation, we just cannot afford the insane luxury of racial cleavages to fester and grow in any quarter of the Guyanese society.

We pray for the well-being of the leaders and people of Guyana!

Happy Birthday Guyana!

Respectfully, Derrick Arjune, Chair Penelope Lambert, Vice-Chair Eunice Beckles, Secretary Charwyn Thom, Treasurer Joseph Heyliger, Executive Adviser

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Six female ‘Palms’ residents test positive for COVID-19 --Authorities to ramp up testing, containment measures in other State-run Homes

By Navendra Seoraj SIX elderly, female residents of the Palms Geriatric Home have tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the number of confirmed cases at the facility to 12.

With elderly persons already being listed among the vulnerable population for COVID-19, the alarming increase in cases at the facility remains a concern for local authorities.

The additional cases were confirmed weeks after the COVID-19 disease claimed the life of a 64-year-old male resident of ‘The Palms’.

Director of Social Services Wentworth Tanner, however, said the additional six persons are stable, and are being monitored in a special isolation facility there.

“We have one isolation facility, which is the infirmary,

but we are in the process of creating additional spaces for isolation… We had two wards under renovation, and so far, one is back in operation, but we are in the process of setting up another one to house additional persons,” Tanner said in an invited comment on Monday.

He said the goal is to have one ward to house all persons who test positive for COVID-19. But, as things stand now, he confirmed that other persons who were tested during the first round of testing early this month are also in isolation and quarantine.

CONTAINMENT A NECESSITY The containment measures are necessary, especially since it was established that there are asymptomatic persons who may not show symptoms of the disease, but could spread it to other others, who, in some

cases, might be more at risk to severe forms of the disease.

From the inception, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had said that older persons, and those with underlying medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, are more likely to develop the serious forms of COVID-19.

Testimony of this was the death of not just the ‘Palms’ resident, but also Ms. Osa Collins, a 78-year-old resident of New Amsterdam; 77-yearold Colonel John Percy Leon Lewis; and 67-year-old Samuel Morris, who was diabetic.

Persons over the age of 65 years account for just about 6.4 per cent of the local population. And, with ‘The Palms’ being a facility which houses about 190 persons who form part of this section of the population, there is cause for concern, especially since

All visits to ‘The Palms’ have been suspended since March 30, and since then, persons, particularly staff of the facility, have been screened twice daily.

Tanner assured the Guyana Chronicle that the Ministry of Social Protection has been doing everything possible to reduce the spread of the disease at ‘The Palms’, and at other such facilities, to the extent that the ministry has also been partnering with local health authorities from the Ministry of Public Health.

Director of Social Services in the Ministry of Social Protection, Wentworth Tanner

the number of cases have increased.

“As most people know,” Tanner said, “not everyone would show symptoms, so even screening can go so far and only so much they can achieve… That poses a challenge, but we are still screening persons who leave the facility and are returning.”

INCREASED TESTING When asked about plans that are being discussed, Tanner said the idea “on the table” is to conduct regular testing, and to test a wider section of the elderly population, especially those persons being housed at state-run homes.

“We will not just be testing the elderly persons, we will also be testing persons who are caring for those elderly persons, because we are faced with the situation where persons who work at those facilities do not live-in,” Tanner

said. “So, in most cases, they utilise public transportation, which exposes them to the disease because they are in contact with different persons on a daily basis,” he said, adding that a solution to this problem is also under discussion.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported erlier that the Ministry of Social Protection has heightened measures at various local care centres to protect “vulnerable” groups from contracting the dreaded COVID-19, which has so far infected 137 persons here and killed 11.

According to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), among some of the measures implemented by ‘Social Protection’ is the adjustment to the daily operations at all of the care facilities.

Those care facilities include the Palms Geriatric Home, Night Shelter, Hugo Chavez Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre, the New Opportunity Corps, Sophia Care Centre, Mahaica Children’s Home, Children and Family Centre, and specialty home centres.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

GECOM must act on unresolved issues ---APNU+AFC iterates cases of irregularities ----says voters expressed 'disgust and anger' that rights disenfranchised

THE A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has iterated its calls for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to state how and when it is going to address a number of unresolved issues coming out of the national recount process.

In an online press briefing on Monday, APNU General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, said that, after reviewing over 699 of the ballot boxes during the recount, his party has found qualitative irregularities that amount to over 86,367 votes.

Listing the unresolved issues which he said must be resolved, he pointed to cases where several ballot papers had the same counter foil numbers. He said that poses the question of whether there were fake ballots printed, and how widespread, if so.

Added to this, he said, are missing Official List of Elec-

tors (OLEs) in several ballot boxes or OLEs belonging to one ballot box being found in an entirely different ballot box. Meanwhile, in other cases, he said that ballots distinguished by colour coding to represent their requisite Regions were found in ballot boxes of the wrong Region.

Harmon said that these last two cases pose the question of whether ballot boxes were tampered with and to what extent. “GECOM has to explain this,” he said.

Another matter the APNU+AFC has requested clarity on is the matter of unstamped ballots belonging to the disciplined services.

Members of the disciplined services cast their ballots on February 21, 2020 ahead of the March 2, 2020 elections. This is done to ensure that they are available to serve on E-Day. Their ballots are not stamped at the time they are cast but on E-Day when they are intermixed at

APNU General Secretary, Joseph Harmon

specified polling stations.

However, the recount process had uncovered that, on numerous occasions, those ballots were not stamped, or were stamped only on one half of the ballot paper and were therefore deemed invalid.

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, last told the media on

May 18 that the Commission will have to investigate the matter further to deter-

mine how it should proceed.

The Opposition believes that GECOM does not have the right to conduct such investigations and this should be a matter for the courts.

Since this irregularity was unveiled in the recount, Harmon said that several ranks of the disciplined services have expressed their “disgust and anger”.

To ensure that these ballots are not disregarded during the recount process as they are based not on the fault of the voter, Harmon said: “We have called upon GECOM to ensure that the votes of the disciplined services, that they are counted.

We will insist on that because

it was clear for all to see that the overwhelming majority of the disciplined services personnel, that they were in support of the APNU + AFC. So, it would appear to be a calculated effort to ensure that those votes, which they knew were going to come our way, that they were deemed invalid.”

Harmon said that for years, Guyana’s electoral system has been “fraught with unresolved issues” which the APNU+AFC believes has presented an avenue for the People’s Progressive Party / Civic (PPP/C) to illegally obtain votes.

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This is a paid political ad

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54

th Independence Anniversary Messages

PNCR pledges to work with all Guyanese to forge social cohesion As we celebrate the 54th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes all Guyanese, both here at home and our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, on our achievement of yet another year as a politically independent people and country.

The political developments of the past five years have opened new avenues for the forging of a new democratic culture so necessary for the achievement of real independence and social progress in our country. Our Party is confident that if as a nation we can build a truly, inclusive political culture in which all stakeholders are allowed to play a meaningful role and which can create an enabling environment for the orderly development of the nation, we can look forward to a future that is politically successful, economically self-sustaining and culturally rewarding.

As we celebrate this 54th Anniversary of Independence, the PNCR pledge to work with all responsible and reliable forces whose aim is to forge social cohesion and national unity. We believe that working together we can ameliorate the many known problems which have bedeviled our country and stymied our development. The PNCR is proud of our record in government and the important role that our Party and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham played in our country’s struggle for Independence.

PAC hails Guyana on 54th Independence Anniversary On Tuesday 26th May 2020 Guyana will mark 54 years as an Independent nation. In the face of the Global COVID-19 pandemic and the measures in place to hinder the spread of the virus which also prevent massive public events, there is still much to celebrate, though perhaps not in the usual way.

Our country gained Independence on 26th May 1966 and has over the years had much to celebrate and take pride in, especially our diversity of people, animals, plants and vast, beautiful landscapes. The Protected Areas Commission is so proud of our natural heritage and the role the Commission plays in managing our National Protected Areas System which helps to maintain that heritage. We take seriously our role of managing, maintaining and promoting Guyana’s national heritage in the National Protected Areas and urban parks that are part of our National Pro-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

tected Areas along with the array of animals and plants that dwell in these spaces.

These areas represent Guyana’s natural capital and with continued effective management they can continue to contribute to a green economy, improving lives, helping with climate regulation. On this our country’s 54th Independence Anniversary we encourage all Guyanese to take time to reflect on and take pride in our rich natural heritage and focus on how we can work together so that it can be preserved for present and future generations. Guyanese.

The Commission also takes this opportunity to thank its hard-working staff, sister agencies and partners for the support shown over the years.

Happy 54th Independence to all of Guyana.

GTUC: Give meaning to inclusionary democracy The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) brings anniversary greetings to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora.

54 years ago, Guyanese achieved a major milestone in our quest for self-determination. We set aside superficial differences to celebrate the hard-fought victory that began centuries ago and commit to chart a course as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” This year marks a nation on the cusp of economic greatness if we can properly harness the resources and revenues from oil and gas to the benefit of country and citizens. Simultaneously, we are waging the battle against the deadly coronavirus virus (COVID 19) and are in the midst of the process of completing the March 2nd General and Regional Elections.

History has shown ours have been a journey of struggles for what we have achieved.

That we continue to overcome bears testimony to our resilience and will as a people to not only survive but live in dignity and respect. This election has brought to the fore, once again, the issue of governance.

Whereas many viewed it as the 'Mother of all Elections' given who will likely secure the privilege to manage the affairs of state at this pivotal juncture, it has also exacerbated ethnic conflict borne out of insecurities and fears of marginalisation. To this all Guyana must turn attention and resolve as matter of urgency.

GTUC reiterates its call for meaning to be given to our political system of inclusionary democracy, consistent with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. Said article mandates, “providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” We recognise and value the importance of this declaration because its aims to bring about peace and harmony among society’s diverse groups.

As we move forward, Guyanese are reminded in true trades union spirit that we are stronger together. We are also reminded of the spirit that guided our great leaders of the past and which we must continue to work hard to achieve as Valerie Rodway wrote in the Hymn for Guyana's Children: "Great is the task that Thou hast given: Thy will to show, Thy truth to find: To teach ourselves that we are one In thy great Universal mind But not in vain we’ll strive to build A new Guyana great and free; A land of glory and of hope, A land of love and unity"

PPP/C recommits to Guyana's development As our nation observes its 54th Independence anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends best wishes to all Guyanese, at home and abroad, on the commemoration of this significant national milestone.

Fifty-four years ago, on May 26, an independent Guyana was born when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time breaking the shackles of colonialism, bringing forth freedom and instilling hope and expectations in our people by the dawn of self-governance.

Unfortunately, the freedom from colonialism, which so many valiantly fought for, and the birth of self-governance did not realize the dreams and aspirations of our people because soon after independence, we endured another form of imposed rule, this time from within.

For twenty- eight years thereafter the PNC hijacked democracy and stole from the people of Guyana their right to vote and their freedom to elect a Government of their choice.

It was not until 1992, that democratic elections were restored to our country and our people were offered an opportunity to elect a Government of its choice.

Those twenty-eight years of dictatorship brought with it deep ethnic divisions, social decline, and economic stagnation.

From October 5, 1992, Guyana was able to breathe freedom again and with it came social and economic progress and infrastructural rehabilitation across the length and breadth of the country. During this period, Guyana moved from the poorest country in the western hemisphere to a middle income developing nation-state.

It is not that there were not challenges, there were many, but a legal Government, governing in accordance with the Constitution, backed by sound economic policies and driven by programs and policies designed to positively affect the lives of every single Guyanese, irrespective of race, ethnicity or class, made monumental strides.

In 2015, there was a change in government. The PNC returned to Office under the rubric of a coalition and with them returned violations of the rule of law, destruction of democratic credentials, violations of the Constitution, discrimination, corruption, and the worse forms of incompetent governance.

As we enter this fifty-fourth year of independence, our country remains precariously perched on a precipice. The results of elections held since March 2, 2020, are still to be pronounced by the Guyana Elections Commission.

In our recent elections campaign manifesto we promised a package of policies and programs which will improve the lives of Guyanese from every stratum and in every region. These include, but are not limited to; infrastructural development, job creation, and the establishment of a framework for proper management of our Oil and Gas resources, one that ensures transparency and accountability and secures benefits for all Guyanese. We promised to also engage in extensive consultations in order to formulate a new governance model and a better system for managing elections. On this solemn occasion, the PPP remains resolute and determined to continue this great struggle started by our ancestors to create a free, prosperous, and united Guyana where all Guyanese can achieve their full potential and share equitably in our nation’s resources. Once again, Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

54

th Independence Anniversary Messages

GPSU: Don’t be distracted by those with narrow self-interest

On the 26th day of May 1966 Guyana gained Independence from Britain and was established as a Sovereign State. It later joined the United Nations and subsequently the International Labour Organisation. Most Guyanese welcomed these developments. As an Independent State the motto “ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE DESTINY” seemed to find acquiesce, nationally.

Notwithstanding this acceptance, it was well established that there was no genuine commitment by many to this common cause.

The major obstacle was the political environment that exploited the tenuous existence largely between the two major components of the country’s small population and which created the challenge to overcome growing racist trends. This state of affairs which existed significantly before Independence escalated and reared its ugly head each time there was National Elections. At such events, seemingly good relations that existed among our people were openly disrupted and seemingly united communities were torn apart by seething race hate fueled by some political leaders, operatives and followers. This undermined clear thinking and ultimately objective, broad based national development in the interest of all.

This unenlightened, narrow pursuit is generally advocated by those who feel that they have the advantage of attracting the largest numbers of racist support in General and Regional Elections. The end result of such a retrograde action has always concluded in a much divided nation, far less progress and development of the country and its people, as can be noted over the 54 years of the existence as an Independent State. Moreover, a large segment of the educated workforce has opted to migrate or otherwise draining the State of its capacity to develop through nefarious methods, but reappear at times of Elections to undermine the possibility of credible democratic governance, because of their racist ideologies.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) as the premier workforce representing public servants, undertook significant action to contribute to correcting this national defect in the relationships amongst our people. The Union amended its objectives and the body of its rules to include “striving for racial harmony and human rights” and the establishment of a Race Relations Standing Committee. On June 7th, 1997, the late Mrs. Janet Jagan, then Prime Minister of Guyana, was invited to address the gathering at the launching of the Race Relations Committee at the National Cultural Center. That apart, the Union did not attract Governmental support, but continued its efforts to promote racial harmony and conflict resolution and will continue to do so.

Currently, our country is at a cross road, at the height of another political and racist rivalry for power. Also, regardless of competence and capacity it is faced with responding to the challenges of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which is overwhelming the world. Unlike our political situation, the Government and people have very limited control of its impact and implications, but the leadership has continued to aptly manage the situation with limited resources and even less interracial support.

What is clearly ahead are a series of uncertainties and likely crises with detrimental impacts and far reaching consequences.

Challenges that would impact on production, the way we work, socialize and our lives in general. Manifesting the need for each other.

As the membership of the GPSU commits to being in the vanguard, paving the way as essential workers, I call on the authorities to be inclusive. Noticeably and disappointingly so, trade unions have been excluded from involvement in addressing this pandemic crisis even though their members’ lives are at risk as they comprise of a significant fraction of the essential workers responding daily to the demands of this pandemic responsibly and with dedication.

To the International Community, the GPSU has noted your involvement in the current political situation here and would advise that your efforts be more merited, genuinely invested in the promotion of racial harmony and enhancement of conflict resolution.

This would be more enlightening, purposeful and beneficial for the inhabitants of Guyana. Many Guyanese both locally and abroad look to you for a fair and unbiased overview and assessment and you are also uniquely positioned to have a positive impact and promote unity.

I therefore call on the people of Guyana to be focused and not be distracted by those whose self-interest and narrow pursuits undermine national achievement and development for all. I call on all workers to contribute to the safety, protection and development of our dear country for the benefit of all. I call on all patriots to advocate unity and harmony and to commit themselves to eradicating racism and denouncing, neutralizing and isolating all who promote division.

Let us recommit ourselves to our National Motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

Happy 54th Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese.

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UG clarifies ‘mix-up’ –– Says not demanding tuition fees; deadlines relaxed during COVID-19 epidemic

THE Transitional Management Committee (TMC) of the University of Guyana on Monday clarified that the university is not demanding tuition fees from students during the COVID-19 health crisis.

However, due to various queries during the last week, a blanket note was sent by the Registry Division via UG’s internal Students Records Management Systems (SRMS) on May 22, 2020; this was in response to those queries, and explained what new on-line procedures are now in place to facilitate payments during this period.

The university further noted that persons still need such documents as transcripts, letters and so on. In addition, some students are paying fees since all student means are not uniform. However, for those who are experiencing difficulty, all deadlines have been relaxed thus far.

In clarifying the mix-up, the university stated that the Registry did not mention deadlines and should not be read as a demand for payment of fees.

The TMC wishes to reiterate to students that there is currently no enforced deadline for payment of fees and the university has not and is

Labourer sentenced for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition

A 58-year-old labourer of HoffVan-Aurich Backdam, Essequibo Coast, was, on Monday, sentenced to one year’s imprisonment and fined $100,000 for the possession of a shotgun and ammunition.

Chandra Shankar, called ‘Rooplall’, or ‘Zappa’, appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate Court, charged for the possession of a firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Shankar pleaded guilty to the two charges which alleged that, on May 23, 2020, at his home, he had two improvised shotguns and live ammunition.

He was sentenced to one (1) year’s imprisonment and fined $ 50,000 for each charge. The sentences will run concurrently According to the facts, on May 24, around 14:00 hours, a party of policemen went to Shankar’s residence and conducted a search.

Two improvised shotguns as well as seven live and one spent cartridge were found concealed on his premises; one of the weapons was disassembled.

not demanding fees at this time and in these circumstances.

It is hoped that this clarification brings relief to any student for whom the situation was not clear.

Students are asked to refer to the university’s HRMIS, SRMS and official website for further updates and all official notifications.

The university (staff and students) is currently in safe mode and the administration is working to support students as far as possible during this period.

Injured Army Sergeant goes home

--after being hospitalised since recent Camp Stephenson mishap SERGEANT Quincy Threfall who was warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), after being injured in the April 30 explosion that rocked the Army's Base Camp Stephenson at Timehri, has been discharged.

Threfall and another soldier, Lance Corporal Paul Peters, who was also injured but was treated on the base, have both received counseling, following the explosion, which also claimed the lives of three of their colleagues, who died on the spot.

They were L/Cpl Tooney Peneux, 28, of Orealla, Corentyne River; L/Cpl Kevon Samuel Nicholson, 23, of Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam, East Berbice; and Private Shaqueel DeHarte, of Paradise Village, West Berbice. They have all since been buried with

full military rites.

The soldiers were in process of preparing pyrotechnics for a demolition exercise when a stack of it exploded.

Another explosion had earlier in the year rocked Camp Stephenson when on the eve of Guyana’s Republic Anniversary back in February, pyrotechnics that had been loaded onto a truck to be used for a fireworks display also exploded, injuring several soldiers in the process. Unfortunately, Cpl Seon Rose, who’d reportedly borne the brunt of the explosion, died the following day.

The Army has since convened a Board of Inquiry into both incidents, but no report has been released as yet.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

1,206 ballot boxes processed to date …decisions on additional workstations, extension of recount pending

With 1,133 ballot boxes riod of 11 hours (08:00hrs to margins of the recount at the from the March 2020 Gen- 19:00hrs) daily at the Con- Conference Centre, Eleceral and Regional Elections ference Centre. However, tions Commissioner Sase left to be processed, the the Elections Commission, in Gunraj, while confirming Guyana Elections Com- reviewing the exercise, took a that GECOM has not conmission (GECOM), this decision in the second week cretised its plan to extend week, is expected to extend of the recount, to increase the 25-day timeline, said the the 25-day timeline for the the number of workstations Commission is anxiously National Recount even as but sought clearance from awaiting clearance from the it continues to explore the the COVID-19 Task Force, COVID-19 Task Force.

“We are still anxiously possibility of further in- in light of the Emergency creasing the number of Measures that have been awaiting, a decision or a poin place since mid-March. sition on the addition of new workstations.

Elections Commission, On Monday, May 18, 2020 workstations. It is the singuheaded by Justice (Ret’d) the COVID-19 Task Force lar most important factor in Claudette Singh, met on submitted its report to the improving the pace at which Monday. However, no deci- Elections Commission, and this process will be concludsion was made to extend the though highlighting a number ed,” Gunraj told reporters.

He noted that since the duration of the recount as it of infractions, approved the awaits clearance from the establishment of the two ad- number of workstations was National COVID-19 Task ditional workstations. Those increased to 12 on May 19, Force for the establishment new workstations were put 2020, the number of ballot boxes processed on a daily of two additional work- into operation on Tuesday.

However, GECOM’s basis has increased. Howevstations within the Arthur Chung Conference Centre Public Relations Officer er, he said, much more is de– the venue of the national (PRO), Yolanda Ward, said sired. During the early days that though there are now of the recount, the number of recount.

Last Wednesday, the Elec- a total of 12 workstations ballot boxes processed on a tions Commission asked the engaged in the recounting of daily basis ranged between National Task Force to recon- ballots, two more worksta- 40 and 60; however, since the sider its decision to allow for tions are needed to effective- first increase took effect, the two more workstations to be ly increase the pace at which number of boxes processed added, in an effort to acceler- the ballot boxes are being has been between 70 and 88.

“I believe that with the ate the pace at which the 2020 processed.

In an interview with re- addition of more workstaElections Ballots are being porters on Monday, on the tions, that the numbers can recounted. To date, a response has not been forthcoming.

An increase in the number of workstations would directly impact the pace at which the ballots are being recounted, and would ultimately influence the duration of the exercise.

Two days before the request was made, the COVID-19 Task Force had approved the establishment of two workstations from a proposed six based on an earlier request. Initially, there was a total of 10 workstations A summary of the number of SORs tabulated to date operating for a pe-

rise and rise significantly, that is to say the number of boxes processed daily,” Gunraj said. According to him, the locations for the additional workstations have been identified. Were it up to Gunraj, the stations would have been established and put in operation but the decision lies in the hands of the entire Commission.

Even as it awaits further advice from the Task Force, the Elections Commission, he said, will be taking critical

(Mahaica-Berbice) recounted as of Monday. All of the ballot boxes from Region One

GECOM’s Public Relations, Officer Yolanda Ward

Elections Commissioner Sase Gunraj

steps to reduce down time at the workstations. “We recognize that several of our processes are not operating with maximum benefits and with maximum efficiency and as a consequence we have agreed to take steps in relation to speed up the [process],” the Elections Commissioner said.

Already, the Commission has resolved a basket of issues, which in effect, addressed a number of “teething” problems that were experienced during the early days of the recount.

1206 BALLOT BOXES PROCESSED TO DATE Notwithstanding the challenges faced, the Elections Secretariat, to date, has processed a total of 1,206 ballot boxes, with all of the votes from Region Five

(Barima-Waini) and Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were completed earlier. The completion of Region Five paved the way for the ballots from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) to be recounted.

According to GECOM’s PRO, the last seven (7) boxes from the Mahaica-Berbice District were processed on Monday. That district has a total of 158 ballot boxes.

Aside from those seven, 18 ballot boxes from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) were processed on Monday, in addition to 21 from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 18 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), seven from Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), five from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and six from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) – a total of 82.

Ward also indicated that of the total number of ballot boxes processed from Region One (Barima-Waini) to Nine, 1,169 Statements of Recount (SORs) have been tabulated for the General Elections, and 1,117 for the Regional

Elections. SORs are generated once the ballot boxes have been processed.

Based on the votes recounted for Region One, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) secured 3,909 votes in the General Elections while the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) raked in 170, PPP/C 8002, People’s Republic Party 24 and the United Republican Party, six – a total number of 12,111 valid votes cast. According to statistics coming out of GECOM’s Tabulation Centre at the ACCC, there were 328 rejected ballots and 41 spoilt ballots.

In the Regional Elections, the APNU+AFC raked in 3,843 votes while LJP secured 144, the PPP/C, 7, 996 and the URP 77 votes. There were a total of 12, 060 valid votes cast by a total of 12, 440 persons who had presented themselves on March 2 to vote in Region One. Meanwhile in Region Two, the APNU+AFC secured 7,340 votes in the General Elections while the PPP/C raked in 18,785 votes.

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) received 85 votes while Change Guyana (CG) 151, LJP 121; PRP, 57; The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) 18 and URP, 64. In total, there were 26,621 valid votes cast.

For the Regional Elections, the APNU+AFC received 7,290 votes while its primary contender – the PPP/C – secured 18, 755. The smaller parties, Change Guyana (CG) raked in 216 votes while LJP secured 135 and URP, 95. There were a total of 26,491 valid voters in the Regional Elections for Region Two.

GECOM must act on unresolved...

He said that this infringes on the democratic right of the people to elect a government of their choice and, through the recount process, the APNU+AFC has been able to expose many cases of such infringement.

“We have discovered that after reviewing over 699 of these boxes, that the qualitative irregularities that we found amounted to over 86,367 votes. These show that the dead voted, the out-

of-country voted, missing poll books, affidavits of identities not signed, etcetera. It points to a systematic undermining of the GECOM process and fraud on the Guyanese population,” Harmon said.

As the recount progresses, his party anticipates that more irregularities will be uncovered. He said that APNU+AFC agents will continue to highlight such irregularities despite the position

of some that they should not be highlighted.

He also said that the APNU+AFC has noticed that the main Opposition and other smaller parties have not expressed much concerns about these irregularities save to question the validity and legality of the proof being provided by the coalition.

He said that the Opposition’s criticism is that the APNU+AFC recount but now deems the process “fraught

with unresolved issues”.

“The declarations made and on record at the Guyana Elections Commission is that the majority of votes cast in the March 2, 2020 elections were cast in favor of the List of Candidates for the APNU + AFC. Questions of the credibility of the process arose and it was agreed that a recount of the valid votes will be done in all ten electoral districts. APNU + AFC made it pellucid that any recount

would reveal significant irregularities committed by the PPP/C amounting to electoral fraud and that the results would put into serious doubt the fictitious statements presented by the PPP/C and shared with the international community,” he said, adding: “Yes, it is true that we called for a recount. The question, however, needs to be asked of the Guyana Elections Commission, how and when are you going to

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address the unresolved issues that are before the Commission that have been unearthed.”

He said that such irregularities which the party sincerely believes will affect the outcome of the elections, cannot be ignored by the Commission which has the duty to present Guyanese with a free, fair and credible elections process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Another COVID-19 death recorded --Active cases move to 66

fully onboard with the regional health authorities, as well as all other entities who have joined in fighting this disease.”

Those hinterland regions are following closely behind Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), but health authorities have since sent mobile testing units to this region.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

FIFTY-nine-year-old Vincent Torres of the Moruca Sub-Region in the Barima-Waini Region is the eleventh person to have succumbed to COVID-19.

Torres died on Friday evening as a result of COVID-19 complications.

He tested positive for the virus after he checked into the Kumaka District Hospital, complaining of feeling unwell and displaying signs of the virus.

Torres was said to have travelled to Georgetown in recent weeks to transact business. His is the second positive case for Region One. The first case was confirmed in April, and that person has since recovered after being isolated for 34 days.

According to reports, the dead man is a former teacher, and also served as Assistant Returning Officer at this year’s General and Regional Elections. Several persons from hinterland communities who have been testing positive for the virus were said to have visited the city for essential business reasons.

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence, during her daily virtual COVID-19 update, said on Monday that 32 persons were tested within the past 24 hours, and of that number, two have tested positive for the disease, taking the total number of active cases to 66. Of the infected persons, 64 are in institutional isolation, and two are being treated at the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

To date, 1,489 per sons have been tested for COVID-19, with 1,352 proving negative and 137 positive. Outside of the negative outcomes caused by the disease, some 62 persons have managed to recover and have since been medically cleared.

It was reported that

health authorities continue to work towards strengthening the healthcare system to respond to COVID-19 on a long-term basis; the potential and existing activities are part of the plan to have a comprehensive COVID-19 health network, whereby patients across the country’s 10 administrative regions will be able to access these services.

STILL THE EPICENTRE Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) remains the epicentre of the disease, and there are a number of communities outside of Georgetown which have recorded cases.

Among communities on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) where cases have been recorded are: Atlantic Gardens, Friendship, Golden Grove, Good Hope, Lusignan, Plaisance, and Strathspey. Among communities on the East Bank Demerara (EBD) where there were cases are: Diamond, Grove, Land of Canaan, Providence, and Timehri.

Minister Lawrence, in her update on Monday placed emphasis on the growing number of cases in hinterland regions, saying that to date, three of four of them have recorded positive cases.

“I wish to draw your attention particularly to Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) where seven positive cases have been identified, most of these cases coming from the mining community,” she said, adding: “We are concerned, particularly because other mining communities can be affected, since our miners can transport this disease from the coastland into the interior.

“We recognise that our efforts in limiting the spread of this disease are dependent on this community coming

Residents of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), have also been advised to be watchful and careful, as Brazil has now become the country with the third highest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the world, after registering a total of more than 250,000 cases.

The disease remains a serious issue, not just her in Guyana, but globally as well.

And, according to global statistics, there are over 5.2

million cases of COVID-19, with over 337,000 deaths.

And with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease. In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.

As a result of the prevailing situation, Guyanese will have to commemo-

rate Guyana’s 54th year of Independence, in their homes. In advising persons on the way forward, Minister Lawrence said: “As we look through those lenses on 54 years of development, let us use this opportunity to reflect on our strengths and let this guide the path we take as we move this nation forward. Health wise let us come together as a resilient nation to win this fight against COVID-19.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

More revenue from roy deposited in Federal Rese

THE Ministry of Finance’s monthly report on the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) shows that the revenue from Guyana’s first earnings of oiland-gas royalties from gross production to date has been deposited in the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank.

The total royalties received

by Guyana for the first quarter of 2020 was US$4,909,505.30

and this sum now joins the previous US$54,927,994.80 deposited in the NRF from the sale of Guyana’s first million barrels of crude to Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited. There is now a total of US$59,855,083.44 in the account.

According to a release from the Ministry of Finance, the account was credited with

the royalty payment on April 30, 2020. It stated that during this quarter, approximately 5,029,301 barrels were produced and sold from the Stabroek Block, and no crude oil produced during this period was used for fuel or transportation.

In keeping with Article 15.6 of the Petroleum Agreement for the Stabroek

Block, Guyana was entitled to two per cent of this quantity. The US$4.9 million received by Guyana for the first quarter averages around GY$1,040,815,123.60 in consolidated total or approximately GY$346,938,000 a month.

Under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) governing the Stabroek Block, Guyana will be receiving at

a minimum two per cent royalty on all oil produced in the Block, plus 12.5 per cent profit oil. As the capital and operating costs are liquidated, Guyana’s share of profit oil will increase.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan stated that he is pleased that there can be no distrust about whether these finances are being managed well as the Ministry of Finance, and

government by extension, has remained transparent in its dealings.

“Everything has been to the book, by the book and transparent and accountable. All the monies that we have earned so far, as people can see, is going into the account and they can see the interest being earned,” he told the Guyana Chronicle in a previous interview.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

yalties erve Bank As of May 21, Guyana officially lifted its second million-barrel of crude from the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and payment for this shipment is expected within in the first week of June.

Guyana became an oil-producing nation on December 20, 2019 and, anticipating the same, the government set up a Sover-

eign Wealth Fund (SWF) – also known as the NRF — to safeguard against the resource curse and to ensure that petroleum revenues benefit both current and future generations.

The government has committed to managing the fund in accordance with international best practices outlined in the Santiago Principles.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

COVID-19 makes for a very tech-savvy judiciary --Justice George-Wiltshire finds, as it opens opportunities for remote access to justice

By Lisa Hamilton STRANGE though it might sound, this COVID-19 pandemic does have its advantages after all, as according to Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire it has taught her and her colleagues a thing or two about technology and in-

novation.

She said that for starters, it has taught the local judiciary that, moving forward, there are many ways in which the court system can increase its efficiency.

She made this startling observation on the Sunday day-time television programme, ‘Bush-Tea Time’,

hosted by the National Communication Network (NCN), where she began by saying that COVID-19 has opened the eyes of many to the usefulness of technology in making life easier.

“We are looking in the court system to increase our efficiencies. We have realised for instance… and we’re

going to be asking the public to do this, and the lawyers… that emailing queries is better than you coming to the court to stand up there to ask us to do something,” Justice George-Wiltshire said.

Speaking to the experience of one particular Department, she said that those in charge of collecting que-

ries have found it so much easier to do their job, and at the same time prevent members of the public from having to visit the court for simple matters.

And while acknowledging that everyone may not be tech-savvy enough to send their queries by email, Justice George-Wiltshire said that such a change, which is already being implemented, will stand to benefit everyone in the long-run.

She said: “It will reduce the number of persons that have to physically attend the court, and it will allow us to increase our efficiencies.

So, going forward, where we thought that if we do not have counsel appear before us, things will fall apart, the answer to that is, ‘No!’ That if we don’t have litigants appearing; that the case can’t go on, the answer to that is, ‘No!’ We will put in place measures to ensure continued access to justice.”

Chief Justice George-Wiltshire said that the court must, and will also consider those who do not have the capacity to engage it remotely, and that provision will be made for these individuals, even as they adhere to all safety measures in place.

EMERGENCY DIRECTIVES Following the emergence of COVID-19 in Guyana, the Supreme Court of Judicature implemented a number of COVID-19 Emergency Directions intended to guide the public on how to access justice.

Among those directives was the suspension of court sittings and hearings with immediate effect, save for those matters which qualify as urgent, and applications.

“We have had to institute restrictions on the filing of matters that are only urgent, though we are now moving to open up slowly,” the Chief Justice said, adding: “I know persons thought we had shut down, but we could not; we cannot. Access to justice cannot be impaired or put on pause.”

And with the suspension of all ‘in person’ hearings, courts are being conducted remotely, as sittings of the Magistrates Courts continue via such electronic means as

Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire

Zoom, Skype, or WhatsApp video and teleconferencing.

Though prior to COVID-19, several courts in Guyana possessed telecommunications equipment for remote participation in the justice system, this was seen an exception to the rule.

Chief Justice George-Wiltshire pointed out that this has now become the rule.

Given what has been achieved since the advent here of COVID-19, the Chief Justice envisions that the judiciary will be able to better serve the people of Guyana, but noted that while it may take a lot of work to acquire the additional equipment, Internet connection and training, there is commitment to seeing it through.

“Going forward,” she said, “our new normal will be that what was an exception, in terms of remote hearings, could and will become the norm; it will assist our remote locations. We have a lot of courts in areas that are very, very distant in our interior, and in terms of getting magistrates to those courts, the terrain that has to be travelled [it’s difficult]. If we can get those court buildings to be remotely connected, it means that court doesn’t have to be held at distant intervals; it can be more immediate, then it serves the public better.”

During the donation of telecommunication equipment to the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court back in January, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards had stated that technology is changing the way countries practise law and administer justice, and that Guyana has the opportunity to join the change.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

‘Tullow’ forges strategic alliance with CDC --commits to helping with Guyana’s COVID-19 response effort TULLOW Guyana has contributed over $2M in supplies to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), to aid in the local response to the effects of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to a press statement from Tullow, the company, since the start of the pandemic, has been working out how it can contribute to Guyana’s efforts in combatting COVID-19, the subsequent threat of infection, and the wider effect on the people of Guyana.

It says that after a careful analysis of the situation, the company has decided to support Guyana by identifying practical measures that support national organisations and businesses, and has since “chosen to support the efforts of the CDC to provide food and sanitation hampers for 100 high-risk and low-income households in communities across Guyana.”

The company also donated 200 reflective vests for the volunteers working with the Commission in the different communities, and has tasked the CDC with continuing to identify, in the coming days, those deemed most vulnerable, and high-risk and low-income households which are in need of assistance, and delivering hampers to those homes.

Since the launch of the CDC’s national response

to COVID-19, over 2,500 persons from a wide range of households deemed “most affected” have benefitted in whatever way from what it has to offer.

Among those persons to have so benefitted are the elderly, low-income families, individuals with a disability, and those now rendered unemployed due to the coronavirus.

And as the pandemic continues its inexorable march across the world, wreaking untold havoc along the way, Tullow has committed to further supporting Guyana’s efforts at alleviating whatever burden it may place on the nation.

According to the company’s website, Tullow has

interests in two neighbouring licences offshore Guyana,

with a 60 per cent operated interest in the Orinduik

Tullow meeting CDC personnel

Block, and a 37.5 per cent non-operated interest in the Kanuku Block.

TULLOW GUYANA Tullow’s position in Guyana dates back to 2008, when the Group farmed into the then named Georgetown licence, operated by Repsol.

In 2013, Repsol re-secured the newly-defined Kanuku Block, and Tullow secured a 30 per cent interest. Then, in early 2018, Tullow agreed to increase its equity share in the Kanuku licence from 30 to 37.5 per cent in a farm-in deal with Repsol.

In early 2016, Tullow increased its Guyana position, after being awarded a 60 per cent operated interest in the Orinduik licence, which

CDC Director-General, Lt. Col Kester Craig signing the donation agreement with Tullow Country Manager, Joachim Vogt

is a 1,776 square-kilometre offshore block.

Acquisition of new 3D seismic across Tullow’s Guyana licences in 2017, highlighted a number of potential prospects across both the Kanuku and Orinduik licences. In 2019, Tullow was ready to commence its exploration programme, and started a three-well programme to test three different play types: The Lower Tertiary, the Upper Tertiary and the Cretaceous.

In August 2019, Tullow announced its first oil discovery in Guyana, with the Jethro-1 well on the Orinduik Block. The well encountered 55m of net oil pay in high quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir in the Lower Tertiary play. This discovery was followed in September by the Joe-1 discovery in the Upper Tertiary play, however, the quality of the oil has been described as “heavy”, and of “a high sulphur content”.

The Cretaceous Carapa prospect in the non-operated Kanaku licence was the final well in the 2019 progamme. In January 2020, Tullow announced that the well encountered approximately four metres of net oil pay, thereby extending the Cretaceous oil play into the Group’s Guyana acreage.

Town Clerk orders closure of NA Market --amid reported sighting of COVID-19 quarantine escapee TOWN Clerk Ms. Sharon Alexander, just after noon on Monday ordered the immediate closure of the New Amsterdam Municipal Market, after receiving word that an escapee from a Demerara quarantine centre was seen shopping there.

According to Ms. Alexander, staffers of the Regional Health Services swooped down at the market, where

they apprehended the alleged COVID-19 quarantine escapee, who happens to be a woman.

Thereafter, vendors were ordered to suspend sales for the day and “pack up”, while Municipal workers, with the exception of those who work with the Town’s Constabulary, were asked to go home.

Vendors told the Guyana Chronicle that what gave

the woman away, was the suspicious manner in which she was acting whilst enquiring about certain ‘bush medicines’.

But, according to the vendors, regional health officials had been on to her the moment she entered the market, as they had a photograph of her, and were quick to identify and apprehend her.

The latest on the matter is that she has since been

taken to an unknown destination.

When contacted, Director of Health Services Jevaughn Stephens told the Guyana Chronicle that they learnt of the woman’s escape from quarantine via a call to the hotline, alerting them to what had occurred, and advising that she had been last seen in the vicinity of the New Amsterdam Market.

“Consequently, we dis-

patched our rapid-response team to verify and collect the patient,” Stephens said.

Following the Town Clerk’s ‘shut-down’ order, officers of the Regional Environmental Health Department have been mobilised to sanitise the municipality.

Since Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 fatality in mid-March with the death of a 52-year-old remigrant East Coast Demerara

woman, New Amsterdam followed closely early last month with the passing of a 78-year-old retired nurse, who had just before her demise returned from the United States.

In the wake of her passing, the streets and Municipal complex have been sanitised, hand sinks have been installed around the township, and business hours have been shortened.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

‘Use the title to touch lives, not for fame’ --a powerful message from Miss Teen India, who’s been finding helping others to be very rewarding since taking the coveted title

By Navendra Seoraj A LITTLE act of benevolence can go a long way in improving someone’s life, even in the slightest way, and while everyone at some point in time practises kindness, there are some, such as models, who could use their platform and title to do this regularly.

In just one year of being Guyana first’s Miss Teen India, 18-year-old Yashmini Amisha Sarjoo has used her title and platform to do just that, by touching the lives of many vulnerable persons and sharing kindness where possible.

She believes a coveted title should not just be used for fame, but as a springboard for addressing social ills, and improving people’s lives, even in the smallest way.

Reflecting on her journey, which started in early 2019, Yashmini said she has managed to bring smiles to the faces of many vulnerable people.

“During my one year, not only have I managed to bring smiles to the faces of the less fortunate, but I was also able to bond with people

throughout the country who have been offering their tremendous support throughout my journey,” said the young beauty queen.

She has been able to reach out to many families and orphanages, which were not well off, to offer her assistance.

On the subject of her love for philanthropy, she said: “Doing charity work is something I’m indeed passionate about, and I am extremely thankful that I was warmly welcomed by these families.

Apart from doing charity work, I was able to use my title to advocate for young people who are suffering from low self-esteem.

“This has always been a problem in today’s society, since youths tend to compare their physical appearance to those who are highly-favoured on social media.

Thankfully, I was able to reach out to many young persons across Guyana via social media, by doing short posts, or even interacting personally w i t h some of them.”

LOVE OF SELF The model strongly believes that young people question their identity because of what they see on social media, but she reminded persons that this should not be the case, as people must learn to love themselves and embrace their flaws.

“No one is perfect; having acne, scars, being dark, being slim or being fat doesn’t make you ugly,” she said. “We are all beautiful individuals with our own specialty. Learn to love yourself, and value the person you are; don’t ever let anyone determine your worth or dull your chrome.”

Even she has had to put into practice what she has been trying to inculcate in others, as her journey taught her a lot about stepping out of her comfort zone and embracing every challenge that presents itself.

Pageantry was something she never dreamt of doing, so she was skeptical at first, since she had never entered a pageant before.

“This was definitely a challenging journey for me as an 18-year-old, who was never exposed to pageantry.

One of the most difficult things to adapt to was attending numerous events in one day, and wearing heels throughout,” Yashmini said.

“Of course, I was very uncomfortable, since it was all new to me. And, yes, I did judge myself whether I would be able to do it or not, but I didn’t give up; I gave it my best, and now I’m very much comfortable with all of this,” she added.

NO EASY TASK Stepping out of her comfort zone was evidently not an easy task, but she managed to do it, and with this experience, she plans to coach persons, particularly future models, to believe in themselves, and overcome imminent and existing challenges.

In what she believes is a snippet of the bigger message, Yashmini said: “There are times when we will feel as though our life is falling apart, but you need to stay strong and pull yourself together, because sometimes you won’t have a shoulder to lean on, and then is when you’ll have to learn to cope with your situations by yourself, and rise even stronger.

“Love yourself, and believe in each step that you take, and don’t ever let anyone’s negativity make you think poorly of yourself.

Instead, use that as a booster to do better, and prove their judgements wrong.”

And, apart from loving themselves, Yashmini strongly believes that models, and every woman for that matter, should help other females to

rise, as in doing so, persons will desist from thinking they are better than others, and instead use their title or position to make others feel valuable and appreciated.

Just as she is advising persons to help others, Sarjoo said she couldn’t achieve her goals without the help of her parents and other supporters. And on that score, she’d like to take the opportunity to thank her directors, Hashim Ali and Melicia Partab Alli; Amrita Jaikaran; Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Trishala Persaud; Ravi Latchman; and the management of Amanda’s Bridal and Muneshwar’s Travel Agency for helping her along the way.

Yashmini Sarjoo

Flashback: Yashmini Sarjoo being crowned Miss Teen India Guyana last year

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Woman killed in Success accident still to be identified

THE woman who was struck down in a fatal accident Sunday evening at Success, East Coast Demerara, is yet to be identified. The woman was said to have been crossing the roadway when she was struck by a Toyota motorcar bearing registration number PKK 9991.

When contacted, Police Commander for ‘C’ Division Royston Andries-Junor, told the Guyana Chronicle that no one has since come forward to identify the woman who was killed in the accident; however, the driver who was apprehended at the scene still remains in custody assisting

with the investigation.

The commander in an appeal is asking anyone with information as to who the woman might be to contact the Beterverwagting Police Station.

The accident occurred around 18:00hrs. According to an eyewitness, he was in his home when he heard a loud scream and when he rushed to his verandah, he saw a woman “flying in the air.”

Shortly after the police, along with an ambulance, were called to the scene; the responding paramedics pronounced the woman dead on the spot.

A scene of the accident

Missing minibus conductor found dead LESS than 24 hours after 30-year-old minibus conductor was reported missing, his lifeless body, was, on Monday, pulled out from the the Unity foreshore, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Rabindranath Persaud, of Longwood Enmore, ECD.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that, on Sunday, May 24, around 06:00 hours, Persaud left home after telling his reputed wife that he was going to work, and was taking a drop with motor car PMM 3961.

Later that day, around 14:30 hours, someone

called the Mahaica Police Station and reported that a group of persons were swimming at the Unity foreshore, ECD. The caller told the police that a wave covered Persaud and he went under and did not surface.

Checks were made for Persaud, but he was not

found.

Three persons who were with Persaud at the time of the accident were questioned by the police.

Persaud's family and friends had managed to launch a search party. On Monday morning, around 08:00 hours, Persaud’s life-

less body was found at the foreshore wrapped in a fishing net.

Police investigation is ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Plans For gas on shore progressing ---- robust Working Group established

DIRECTOR of the Department of Energy (DoE), Dr. Mark Bynoe said on Monday that plans to bring gas to shore are still progressing with the crafting of a Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the establishment of a competent Working Group.

“One of the things we’re

currently looking at is brining gas to shore. In fact, we’re not looking at it, it’s well-advanced. We have a Draft Memorandum of Understanding; we have established a very cogent Working Group and this is made up of critical players within the government and we hope to engage the private sector as well, so that

they can understand what the opportunities are,” Dr. Bynoe said, as one of the guests on NCN’s Independence Forum.

The DoE is preparing to get natural gas to shore by 2023, even though the gas would not be available in “significant quantities” until 2035. Prior to 2035, oil-andgas operators have indicated

to the DoE that they can make enough gas available to meet domestic demand.

An established power plant could see the generation of about 188 megawatts of power that would save the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) significant sums of money. There could also be enough Liquid Natural Gas

Director of the Department of Energy (DoE), Dr. Mark Bynoe

(LNG) to provide Guyana with four times the quantity of cooking gas that is used per day.

However, on Monday, Dr. Bynoe explained that brining gas to shore is no easy task and requires careful planning.

“Bringing a gas-to-shore pipeline is not something that is done overnight,” Dr. Bynoe began.

“It has to be done based on cogent and realistic studies. One has to take into consideration where the built-up demands are and what would be the expectations for future demand in terms of utilising that gas and what other proposals government may have in place for the utilisation of gas, because it’s not just about bringing gas for energy, gas can be used for a multiplicity of other purposes.”

Naming one of these purposes, he spoke to petrochemicals which can be used in the agriculture sector and to manufacture thousands of different products. Meanwhile, the DoE has begun to examine potential sites where a “gas pipeline” can land with special consideration being given to the land-use type and tenure arrangement.

This is why the established Working Group also comprises expert personnel from GPL, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).

Putting into perspective how Guyanese will be able to directly benefit from gas onshore, the DoE director said: “Gas is significantly cheaper than the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) which we currently utilise. So, having it injected into our system will also help to lower the general cost of energy-generation and distribution which will ultimately benefit the end users.”

He said that while many have questioned whether such plans are in contradiction with Guyana’s Green State De-

velopment Strategy (GSDS), he often points them to the bigger picture.

Dr. Bynoe said that the gas to come on shore will have a much lower carbon footprint than what is currently being used; there are substantial offsets in Guyana’s forest resources and there are possibilities for the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and injection of carbon waste dioxide.

Apart from brining gas on shore, the DoE director said that there are many investment opportunities for locals and foreigners in Guyana. He said that these opportunities fall within the categories of current, medium and longterm investment. They also speak to investments in the upstream and downstream areas.

Before Guyana moves towards its planned diversification of interest in the Guyana basin, it must develop a robust legislative framework, conduct its own seismic surveys and develop a new production-sharing contract.

During this period and into the future, there will be need for an increase in ‘lay down yards’ or shorebases; greater investments in building capacity in areas such as welding and fabrication; additional logistic support and additional infrastructural support which includes accommodation facilities.

Dr. Bynoe stated: “We need to create the environment for those investments to be made. We are not here to select winners and losers.

If we can create the environment, the private sector of themselves will find those niches and will pursue those niches.”

He also reminded that Guyana’s other complementary sectors also ought to be equally examined for their opportunities that will increase through the injection of oil-and-gas revenues into the economy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Americas Olympic Qualifier tentatively set for February/March 2021 ....GBA heads back to the ‘drawing board’

By Rawle Toney WITH the Americas Boxing Confederation Olympic Qualifier tournament tentatively set for between February and March of 2021, Steve Ninvalle, president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), said despite being disappointed that the initial event was postponed, they will head back to the drawing board as soon as the boxers return home from Cuba.

Ninvalle had appeared on the last edition of NCN’s Sports on Tuesday show, where he also spoke about his association’s plans for amateur boxers, once the green light is given for the sport to return.

With the support of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) had dispatched Keevin Allicock, Desmond Amsterdam, Colin Lewis and Dennis Thomas for a three-month training stint in Cuba.

Apart from the boxers based in Cuba, Canada-based Taveena Kum is the lone female on Guyana’s five-member team that was set to feature in the Qualifier which was scheduled for March 26 to April 4 in Argentina.

However, things went

downhill for the GBA, after the Americas Olympic Qualifier for boxing was cancelled when Argentina’s Government restricted international events in the country with immediate effect.

Ninvalle related that the postponement was a set-back, more so financially, since the GBA will now have hit the reset button on every aspect of the boxers’ preparation.

He also felt that with the amount of work done, Guyana was robbed of not seeing a boxer qualify for the Olympic Games.

“The four boxers that we have in Cuba, they were trained to a peak; their mental strength was there to a peak and I think it would’ve been the first time that we would’ve had a qualifier for the Olympics in a very, very long time,” Ninvalle said.

John Douglas, Guyana’s flag bearer for the 1996 Olympic Games, was the last boxer to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the IOC’s flagship event, where he lost in the first round of his light heavyweight clash with Germany’s Thomas Ulrich, who went on to claim bronze at the event.

“We will have to see their (the boxers) mindset when they get back to Guyana, and it is my hope that

maybe we wouldn’t have to send them out again; we can bring in the Cuban coach and we can have a camp right here (in Guyana), where we’ll have persons from the CARICOM region and we can have our boxers train right at home,” the long-serving GBA president reasoned.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle reasoned that the GBA was only able to run off one of their many tournaments for the year before things came to a grinding halt because of COVID-19, and so far, things remain up in the air as it relates to when the sport will see a return.

“We’ll have to wait and see when Guyana is reopened,” Ninvalle said during the interview, while adding that “as it is, our boxers have all been advised to do nothing in close proximity of each other. So they can run and they can shadow box, but there’s no sparring.”

He added that the boxers will be “just training to keep fit, because they can’t train for a competition that they don’t know when it’s going to be held. So as soon as we have the green light, then we will put our plans in place; but if you ask me, I don’t expect any boxing to be held in Guyana within the next four months.

Taylor says T20 ...

one can start planning and we can stop sitting here and saying ‘well ifs, buts or maybes’.

“My feeling is the World T20 won’t go ahead in Australia in October as planned.

“Is it going to be viable to have a world tournament in October or November? The answer to that is probably

no.”

The ICC had previously said a decision on the World Cup would probably not be made until at least August.

The decision has been complicated by suggestions that administrators are also keen to reschedule the money-spinning Indian Premier League (IPL) for later this year after it was indefinitely postponed in April.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said it would not look to reschedule the tournament un-

FROM BACK PAGE

til after the dates o f t h e T20 World Cup have been decided.

Taylor, however, felt the financial clout of the BCCI and the scale of salaries that players can earn for their stints in the tournament could sway decision makers.

The IPL is worth about $530 million to the BCCI and players can potentially earn hundreds of thousands of dollars for about six weeks work.

Gratitude and Positive ...

FROM PAGE 35

Parliament to convene, a proposed National Sports Policy drafted via expansive consultations by key stakeholders and orchestrated by the present Assistant Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson, is ready to be enacted and that gives us some measure of hope for the future.

Globally, sports have gone way past organizing and running an event or just merely participating in a multi-billion dollar industry where the top athletes are being handsomely paid for their talents.

In going forward, let us all work towards a proper infrastructure and be reminded of the Joy, Recognition, Respect and Unity our sporting successes have brought to our beloved nation as a people, like no other.

These few observations must not be interpreted to be an indictment on anyone or association but merely as a means of suggesting the importance of putting the right measures in place in order for Sports to bridge the many gaps so necessary in nation-building and in the process build well-rounded, self-assured, sincere, dedicated athletes and ambassadors for a healthier nation.

Let gratitude and positive attitude be our guide as we celebrate 54 years of Independence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

critical as Simmons Why are Steven Smith and Joe Root Fitness eyes England tour so averse to batting at No. 3?

By Ian Chappell IF Willie Nelson had been born in Australia or England, he may have penned a different song: “Mama, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be First Drop.”

In recent times, there has been a reticence on the part of talented players from those parts to bat at No. 3.

Michael Clarke studiously avoided the position. Steven Smith has batted there, but at the first opportunity he opts for his preferred No. 4.

All of this notwithstanding Australia’s chronic weakness at three following Ricky Ponting’s retirement.

In England, despite regularly coming in at less than 20 for 2, Joe Root has been reluctant to bat at three. He was virtually press-ganged into the role against Australia, but after he had a relatively successful Ashes series, in which bowlers dominated, he quickly slid back to No. 4.

In each case, it’s a talented batsman allowing a less qualified player to bat ahead of him in the order.

That is a strange stance for any fierce competitor to adopt. Why this aversion to No. 3?

Unless you are a born opener, No. 3 is the ideal position to bat. Even in the event of an early loss of wicket, the No. 3 is still pre-empting disaster, and there’s a golden opportunity to set the tone for the innings. Surely it’s better to come in at 1 for not many rather than 2 for very few.

In India, where Cheteshwar Pujara has made a strength of the position, the tune is very

different. Pujara grasped the opportunity to bat at three early in his career, and apart from struggling in England, he has made the position an Indian strength. His spectacular success on the last tour of Australia was instrumental in helping India win a series there for the first time.

leg umpire? It would save time.”

When I actually collated the figures, I was staggered at how many times a No. 3 went in at 0 for 1. On average, it’s about 7% of the time, and they are in before the score reaches ten in about 30% of their innings.

One of the players who

One Australian who has embraced No. 3 is Marnus Labuschagne. Sensing a problem position with Usman Khawaja’s failures away from home, he volunteered to go in at first drop.

Labuschagne’s tremendous success at No. 3 has solved Australia’s problem and helped stabilise the bat-

To an extent, because of their reluctance, Joe Root (left) and Steve Smith have forced less talented players to bat at No. 3 Jason O’Brien / © (PA Photos/Getty Images)

Without referring to stats, I’ve said in commentary: “If you aren’t mentally attuned to going in early then No. 3 is not the spot for you.”

This attitude was formed in part by memories of batting at the WACA in 197576. In four innings - two in Tests and two in Shield cricket - I was in second ball twice and in all four innings, faced up in the first over.

After that mind-focusing experience, a mate of mine said: “Have you ever considered walking out with the openers and standing by the square-

was saved from that situation more than most was the batsman who needed the least protection - Sir Donald Bradman (about 3.5%).

Smith has no reason to claim he was victimised by batting at No. 3 because, like Bradman, he too is well below the average for going in early and well above it for walking in when the total has passed 100. Root, on the other hand, walks in with the score less than 20 on an above-average number of occasions, so why not come in when one less wicket has fallen?

ting. Crucially, the team is now far less reliant on Smith and David Warner to accumulate sizeable totals.

I’ve never been a proponent of the theory that the best player bats at three, believing this to be a hangover from the heady days of Bradman. Nevertheless, if a team is fortunate enough to possess a talented and forceful batsman, he’ll have the greatest effect at No. 3. It’s no coincidence that in some of Australia’s greatest eras, the number threes were Bradman, Neil Harvey and Ponting. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Roma in mourning for former top prospect Bouasse ROMA have expressed sorrow at the death of former youth-team player Joseph Bouasse. The 21-year-old suffered a heart attack, according to another of his former clubs, Vicenza.

Bouasse arrived in Italy from Cameroon with the hope of establishing a football career, and earned an opportunity at Roma.

Joining the club in 2016, the midfielder played for the ‘Primavera’ youth side at Roma, at times training with first-team stars such as Francesco Totti, also having a loan spell at Vicenza.

Roma said on Twitter: “The club is desperately saddened to learn of the untimely death of former Primavera player, Joseph Bouasse Perfection.

“The thoughts of everyone at #ASRoma are with all those closest to him.”

Senegalese player Keba Coly, a friend from their early days together with Roma, wrote on Instagram:

“Rest in peace brother.”

Vicenza said: “A sad news has shaken the red and white environment. In the night, Joseph Bouasse Perfection, at the age of 21, passed away due to a cardiac arrest.

“The Cameroonian midfielder, born in 1998, arrived in January 2017 on loan from Roma, he wore the red and white number 30 shirt, taking the field in Serie B on one occasion.

“A boy who in his life had managed to overcome various adversities, leaves in Vicenza, in the people who knew him, the memory of a smiling and cheerful person.

“Vicenza share in the pain of Joseph’s loss and wish to express deepest condolences to his loved ones.” (Sportsmax) Joseph Bouasse dead at 21

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has identified fitness as a key component during the ongoing lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is hopeful the Test squad will be at an acceptable standard of readiness if the proposed tour of England goes ahead.

According to Simmons, players had been undergoing fitness regimes – mostly at home – over the last month, and some had even stepped up outdoor preparation as their respective territories had eased curfew restrictions.

“For the past four weeks or a little bit more than that, guys have been given different programmes and have been asked to even though they are locked away – because some territories had locked down very early – [to] find a room in their house or in their backyard to do work and keep themselves at a certain level of fitness,” the former West Indies player told i95FM Sport here.

“As places have opened up, guys have been in some places been able to run on the beach and in other places go run outside but the training itself has been stepped up.

“And even now it (Caribbean) has opened up a little more, you have a few guys who can go out and bowl on a pitch somewhere just to get their rhythm back so that’s how you have to progress.”

He continued: “I don’t think that at this stage they’re enough facilities open where you can go and practice but they’re a few grounds where bowlers themselves can go and bowl.

“There are no batsmen, only spot bowling, and we hope that this develops and develops and by the time if the tour comes off and we’re ready to leave, everybody would’ve done something at home.”

While the tour is yet to be confirmed, Cricket We s t I n d i e s chief executive said recently negotiations were at an

advanced stage and he was “increasingly confident” the three-Test series would be played in July.

If the matches come off, they will be played under strict social distancing and medical protocols, and at venues considered “bio-secure” facilities.

Further, arriving players will be subjected to a two-week quarantine before moving to secure stadia where they will have no contact with the public.

And even though matches will also be played without spectators present, the England-based Simmons believes there will be high pubic anticipation surrounding the series.

“I think a lot of sport for a while is going to go ahead in front closed doors and I think the expectancy here is high because I think people want some kind of sport to go on,” he explained.

“Sport is a part of life in England and even in the [football] Premiership, there’s a lot of talk about if it’s going to start back soon or not. But people are looking forward to sport coming back because the one thing that you’re missing here on the TV everyday is [live sport].

“There’s a lot of old games being shown and people are enjoying that but they’re looking forward to live sport so there’s a lot of hope it happens but that depends on how things are put together.”

The series will be the first international tour undertaken since world cricket was abruptly halted nearly three months ago due to the outbreak of the virus which has already caused nearly 5-½ million infections and 345 000 deaths globally.

And despite the challenges facing the tour, Simmons said he was hopeful it could be played.

“I’m hopeful it can happen but knowing the only way it can happen is if it’s properly safe for all the participants on both teams – players, coaches, umpires, commentators,” he stressed.

“Everybody has to be safe and I think that’s the first thing they’re trying to make sure and that’s everyone is safe.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Shannon Gabriel: ‘I’m just taking my body back into it easy’ EVEN as Cricket West Indies continues to figure out whether the three-Test series in England - in a bio-secure environment - can take place or not, few people are more eager for a bit of on-field action than Shannon Gabriel.

The 32-year-old quick underwent a surgery on his right knee in November last year, and has just completed a six-month rehabilitation programme, and is now hoping to get on that flight to England.

“It’s a good feeling always to represent West Indies. It’s good to be back out on the park,” he told i955FM. “The plan is right now to try to make it to the tour to England - hopefully that comes off. I’m just trying my best to stay positive and I hope everything goes well.

“It has been a long journey since November when I did the surgery on my ankle. Everything is going well, it has been a long process in terms of getting back

to running and bowling and stuff like that.”

Gabriel’s last international appearance was in September 2019, against India, in a two-Test series in which he picked up just four wickets at an average of 56.90.

Then his short county stint with Gloucestershire was unimpressive too, as he picked up two wickets in three innings. This was around the time the right knee started troubling him.

Now, having eased himself back in slowly, Gabriel hopes to be fully ready by July, when the tour is slated to happen. As things stand, the West Indies players are scheduled to leave the Caribbean in the first week of June for a preparatory camp.

“I am trying my best to be as fit as possible so I’m really working hard in terms of my fitness and managing my weight, trying not to get too heavy to put too much strain on my ankle,” Gabriel said of his fitness sessions. “So I know once I put in the hard

Elgar eyes South Africa Test captaincy

work everything will be ok in the end. I just want to stay positive.

“There has been no high-intensity work, I’m just taking my body back into it easy, taking it one day at a time and not trying to push too hard but it’s still long while before the first Test in England and by that time I’m sure I’ll be fit and ready.”

The process of becoming match ready has also involved reworking his action and run-up to ease pressure on his ankles. “My run-up has probably just tweaked a bit, in terms of my running technique and stuff like that, but I don’t think there are many changes,” he explained. “Obviously that ankle was getting most of the pressure and obviously I don’t want that type of injury to happen again, so I’m trying my best to stay fit so I can stay on the park [longer].”

With the ICC having introduced guidelines with regards to shining the ball and several other physical-distancing measures, Gabriel also expects things to be “mentally taxing” when they return to cricket in the post-Covid-19 era.

“It’s going to take a lot. It’s going to be mentally taxing on the brain but you have to stay positive.

Keep your mind fresh,” he said. “I know they [England] are going to be coming at us all guns [blazing] at us, but I know the guys “Plus plenty of the guys haven’t been playing any cricket, so it is going to take us a while to get back there. On the positive side, you’re still getting the opportunity to play cricket and represent your country so that in itself should be enough motivation.”

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Shannon Gabriel hasn’t played since September last year (Getty Images)

Whyte claims to have floored Fury on ‘multiple occasions’ in sparring

Dean Elgar twice deputis`ed for Du Plessis as captain

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Dean Elgar would be willing to become South Africa’s next Test captain as speculation about who will replace Faf du Plessis gathers momentum.

Elgar, who turns 33 next month, put his hand up in an interview with Cricket South Africa (CSA), released on Monday, and joins Aiden Markram on the list of players who have expressed interest in the job.

Quinton de Kock was expected to take over from Du Plessis, having succeeded him as captain of South Africa’s limited-overs teams, but CSA said it did not want to overburden the wicketkeeper-batsman and ruled him out of the test captaincy.

With CSA still trying to find a solution to playing their scheduled three-test series against the West Indies in July, the appointment of a captain has become more pressing.

“It’s definitely not an easy journey being a Test captain but I think leadership is something that comes extremely naturally to me,” Elgar said.

“I’ve captained teams in the past, right up from school level to provincial level and at franchise level. I enjoyed it extremely and if I was asked to take on the captaincy it’s definitely something I would think long and hard about because it would mean a lot to me.”

Du Plessis quit as captain after South Africa lost their home series to England at the start of the year.

Elgar twice deputised for Du Plessis as captain, losing the 2017 Lords test to England by 211 runs and overseeing a 107-run victory over Pakistan in early 2019.

TYSON Fury recently declared he was “unstoppable”, but heavyweight rival Dillian Whyte claims to have floored the WBC champion on “multiple occasions”.

Whyte is scheduled to receive a mandatory shot at Fury’s world title by February 2021 at the latest.

But he must first wait until the champion has taken on American Deontay Wilder for a third time.

There is also a strong push for Fury to face Anthony Joshua in a unification contest after that, but Whyte is tired of being the odd man out.

Whyte, whose only career defeat came against Joshua in 2015, feels Fury would have fought him already if he did not know he would be in for a testing outing.

“He just needs to stop talking rubbish and let’s have a go,” Whyte, who is preparing to

Dillian Whyte

fight Alexander Povetkin next, said about Fury to Sky Sports.

“It will be a major fight. Let’s have it out.

“He’s the one who came out and said he beat me up in the gym and stuff like that. I can tell you now, that didn’t happen. I don’t like telling sparring stories, but people in the game know.

“They know about me. Me and Tyson Fury sparred and I bashed him about and dropped him on multiple occasions. Simple as that.

“If I was such an easy fight, why is he not in any rush to fight me?

“He said before beating Wilder, when I beat Wilder, I’m going to give Dillian Whyte his title shot. He just talks rubbish, I’m just sick and tired of it. This is war, let’s go.”

Undefeated Fury has recently ended talk about retiring in the near future and is now targeting a long title reign.

Whyte’s promoter Eddie Hearn believes Fury should take on the challenge and urged the WBC to ensure it happens.

“We’ve got to push that with the WBC,” Hearn said.

“I would love to see Fury step up and fight Whyte, but I understand he has contractual obligations with Wilder.

“Dillian is right in the mix and we will fight his corner.

We’ve been promised by the WBC and we expect them to stand by it. We’ve done all we can in that respect.

“He stayed patient and has been given a time of February 2021. It is public, so they will look very silly if it doesn’t happen.

“If, for some reason, Wilder is not available to fight Fury, then Whyte must get that fight now.

“Why not? It’s an unbelievable fight, two Brits fighting for the WBC title.”

IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua would be waiting in the wings, and Hearn added: “Then [there would be] a cast-iron certainty of two Brits fighting for the undisputed championship in 2021.”

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

JOA pays homage to Olympic giant Arthur Wint

THE Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), the country’s apex sporting body, bestowed special tribute upon legendary track and field icon Dr Arthur Wint for his “historic and pioneering” achievements as one of Jamaica’s “greatest athletes and administrators”.

The accolades, which were paid by JOA President Christopher Samuda and Ryan Foster, the association’s ceo/secretary general, were occasioned on the 100th anniversary of the birth of the history-making Jamaica Olympian, who was born on May 25, 1920, in Plowden, Manchester. He earned four medals at the Olympic Games.

At the 1948 Olympics in London, Wint, who was nicknamed “Gentle Giant”, won Jamaica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal when he took the 400 metres in 46.2 seconds to defeat his also legendary and long-time Jamaica and Calabar High School teammate, Herb McKenley. The lanky runner also attended Excelsior.

Wint, 28 years old at the time and captain of the Jamaica team, also won the silver medal in the 800 metres at those Olympic Games, beaten only

by American Mal Whitfield,

and missed out on a third medal when he suffered a pulled muscle while running the third leg in the 4x400 metres relay final.

cord-setting (3:03.9 minutes) 4x400 metres team that also included McKenley, George Rhoden, and Leslie Laing.

Arthur Wint (left) equalled the world record in the 400m event at Wembley Stadium in August 1948, coming from behind to defeat fellow Jamaican Herbert McKenley (right), who took silver

Four years later, Wint would return to the Olympic Games, this time in Helsinki, Finland, where he won two medals – silver in the 800 metres, when he was again beaten by Whitfield, and gold as a member of Jamaica’s re-

In a tribute titled The Olympic spirit in Wint, Samuda shared: “The length of his stride was not just in yards, but in measureless value. The depth of his footprints was not just earthbound, but commanding.

Dillon, Lewis throw hat into political arena MERVYN Dillon, a fast bowler for West Indies from 1997-2005, is a nominee for the Toco/Sangre Grande seat for the PNM in the next general election, expected to be held this year.

Dillon’s contract as head coach of the TT Red Force

The height of the man was not just imposing, but inspiring. The breadth of his integrity was not merely wide, but

team came to an end on April 30. Dillon was born in Toco and has a street named after him in the area.

Dillon, 45, declined comment when asked about his political aspirations on Saturday and said Newsday should call him this week.

`TTOC president Brian Lew

Lewis, who has been president of the TT Olympic Committee (TTOC) since 2013, is a nominee for Port of Spain South. Lewis, the president of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), was secretary of the TTOC from 2005-2013.

Lewis grew up close to the area he is hoping to contest, having spent his childhood in Belmont.

He also chose not to comment on Saturday. (Reprinted from Trinidad Newsday)

and T&T bowler r e m For ies fast n t Ind Dillo e W s Mervyn

all-embracing.

“In Arthur Wint stood not only an Olympian, but a gentleman whose character and scholarship went beyond his athletic achievements, which were indeed august. In Arthur Wint resides history and, at the

same time, the future of his earthly run was historic, as it was pioneering.

“Statistics will continue to record the times of his life with laser precision, and historians will scribe, with homage, his athletic pedigree and pilgrimage. But it is the stature and honour of the man that we find his quintessential bequest,” said Samuda.

“On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth, we reflect, as an Olympic movement, on his life spent not only in sport, but generally with humanity, and are inspired beyond the centenary.

In Wint, the Olympic spirit ascends. In Wint, the Olympic spirit transcends generations,” Samuda noted of Wint, a physician by profession, who also served as Jamaica’s high commissioner to London from 1974 to 1978.

He was awarded the Order of Jamaica by the Government in 1989.

Foster highlighted Wint’s storied and rich legacy.

He said: “The Jamaica Olympic Association celebrates the life and historic achievements of our beloved son of the soil, Dr Arthur Wint.

His achievements have been

storied, and have been a part of Jamaica’s rich history at the Olympic Games, especially in track and field. Dr Wint was one of the greatest and most respected athletes and administrators in the Olympic history of Jamaica.”

Continuing, Foster said: “We acknowledge Dr Wint’s dedication and passion for the Jamaican Olympic journey. He has left an enduring legacy which we all can be proud of and one in which we all can seek to emulate.

His life has had a far-reaching impact on the Jamaican and global landscape, and his name will always resonate as Jamaica’s first Olympic gold medallist. We are so thankful for what he has accomplished and for what his dedication, loyalty, and tenacity brought to our country, which will forever live on.”

Honoured eternally with a statue depicting his trademark running form at the National Stadium in Kingston, Wint also served in the Royal Air Force and at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in England, while undergoing medical studies. He died at age 72 in October, 1992.

(Reprinted from Jamaica Observer)

Pollard, Northants cancel contract by ‘mutual agreement’ LONDON, (CMC) – Kieron Pollard’s contract with English county Northamptonshire has been cancelled by “mutual agreement”, amidst the ongoing uncertainty owing to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

Pollard, West Indies’ white-ball captain, is one of one two players to have their deals squashed, with Pakistan’s Faheem Ashraf also suffering a similar fate.

West Indies white-ball skipper Kieron Pollard.

One of the most accomplished Twenty20 specialists, the 33-year-old Pollard had been expected to turn out for the Steelbacks in the Vitality T20 Blast.

However, the domestic season has been upended by the coronavirus, leading the England and Wales Cricket Board to suspend the start of the programme until May 28.

Even so, there is still no start in sight for the season, especially with the United Kingdom one of the hardest hit regions by the virus, having recorded

257 000 infections and nearly 37 000 deaths.

Several other counties have already cancelled contracts with their overseas stars.

Club chief executive Ray Payne said he was hopeful Pollard and Ashraf could return at some point in the future.

“There are a lot of ifs, buts and maybes,” he explained.

“We don’t have any schedule yet for next season so those p l a y - ers don’t know where they’re going to be. But once we’ve got a schedule, we’ll definitely be talking to them about coming back.”

Head coach David Ripley added the club regretted having

to miss out on both players.

“It’s obviously really disappointing as they’re superb players and there was a real buzz around them joining the squad.” he pointed out.

“I’d really like to thank the players and their management for their understanding and cooperation.”

Pollard could also miss out on his campaign in the Indian Premier League which was due to start in March but has also been suspended because of COVID-19.

The Trinidadian, appointed West Indies captain last September, has played 501 T20s scoring 10 000 runs and snatching 279 wickets.

West Indies white-ball skipper Kieron Pollard

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Greaves thinks 85 per cent of cyclists will drop form due to COVID-19 lockdown ―former National rider says athletes should be tested in the future to ensure safety

By Clifton Ross

Veteran cyclist Alanzo Greaves said lack of training, competition due to COVID-19 will hurt cycling fraternity

ALONZO Greaves, one of Guyana’s most experienced cyclists believes that about 85 percent of his teammates will fall back on their form due to lack of real-time training, adding that he hopes measures are in place to properly provide COVID-19 testing for athletes in the future.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport on Monday, Greaves, a decorated local and international cyclist for a number of years, said he was worried about his fraternity. He said that as a professional rider, your main source of practice comes from road-racing, something he said is the closest thing to actually being involved in a competitive race.

Greaves pointed out that real-time training is a key part of a cyclists training regime, as it helps to buff the conditioning of a rider while

helping to increase stamina.

“I think some guys are going to lose fitness because you prepare to train for upcoming year and the guys were training before the New Year started. They will fall back a lot; I think about 85 per cent of them. Some of the guys will be at home, while others will be with home trainers and they will get fed up eventually because most guys will want to do road racing to better their performances”, Greaves explained.

While actual training is key, Greaves said that cyclists in Guyana are at a disadvantage compared to riders internationally who have been staying fit by virtue of virtual training and, as such, that too adds to the shortcomings which will hamper local cyclists.

“Since COVID-19, not just in Guyana but worldwide, professional cyclists have been doing online training in order to stay fit

Dr Mansingh: 2020 CPL could still be on

CRICKET analyst and sports physician Dr Akshai Mansingh believes that the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season could still happen this year, depending on the health status of participating Caribbean islands.

The eighth edition of the T20 tournament is still scheduled to start in August, but there is uncertainty due to the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In an ESPNcricinfo report on April 17, CPL organisers explored options for hosting the tournament, including having no fans in attendance.

CPL chief operating officer Peter Russell, in that report, said that the time frame allows them not to make a snap decision.

Mansingh, who is also dean of the Faculty of Sport at The University of the West Indies, Mona, believes that it is possible to have the event in some capacity as the number of recoveries climbs regionally, but is waiting to see if the current quarantine period of two weeks will be maintained as it could play a factor.

“The way things are going, the trend that it’s taking, it suggesting that it’s probably going to be feasible to have it in some shape or form. What we have to see is what quarantine periods are because if we continue to have two-week quarantine pe-

riods, it would be impractical to move players from jurisdiction to jurisdiction if they have to wait out two weeks of quarantine,” Mansingh told The Gleaner.

where COVID would have petered out and then play within a bubble, having no spectators and so on. It might be feasible to have it in one or two territories,” he said. “Island-hopping may be something that has to be reconsidered if quarantined periods are going to be as they are now.”

Mansingh stressed that the organisers have time on their side to determine a path forward.

“It’s not all lost; there is still time. There still is a bit of time to wait and see, but the trend we are seeing in the Caribbean suggests that in some form or the other, it probably would come off,” he said. (Extracted from The Gleaner)

IMPROVEMENTS Participating countries have been reporting improvements in their fight against the virus.

St Kitts and Nevis, which has a CPL franchise (the Patriots), on Monday reported that all 15 of its positive COVID-19 patients had recovered. Local restrictions have been relaxed, but the borders remain closed.

While all six participating countries (Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados) are currently under travel restrictions, for some countries, there are plans to reopen borders in some capacity this summer.

St Lucia, for instance, home to the Zouks, has announced a phased reopening, starting with air travel on June 4.

Mansingh said that games could happen in territories that have combated the virus successfully and have removed some travel restrictions.

“So the scenario Cricket analyst and does exist where in the sports physician Caribbean, you can go Dr Akshai Mansingh to certain jurisdictions

during lockdown. We don’t have that technology here in Guyana to help keep us fit down here, so I think that too will throw the rider back a bit,” said Greaves.

The veteran cyclist, who is currently recovering from a leg injury, added that one way around the limited training schedule is for riders to have their own home-trainer. Greaves said the piece of equipment is all a cyclist needs to keep his or herself in peak condition while experiencing the same results as real-time racing.

“If I were racing right now, I would have been training at home on my trainer. Not everyone has a home-trainer so as a cyclist you have to invest in one, so when COVID-19 is finished you will have the fitness to compete and you will also have the advantage over the other guys who were probably not working,” said the veteran biker.

Wearing his businessman’s cap, Greaves said he thinks it will be difficult for the newer generation of cyclists to attract major sponsorship, something he said is very crucial when in the early stages of building one’s career.

“I think now business is really slow and the private sector will feel it because they are the ones that usually invest in our sport. When I riding, I used to approach sponsors with my letters, but now it’s harder for the youngsters to get sponsorship because you have to start spacing and doing well to get your name out. When your name isn’t out there, you can’t just go to businesses for sponsorship; you will need to win races because businesses will be expecting returns; so it will be tough for the youths coming up”.

Concluding his interview, the 2014 Commonwealth and world participant said he was looking ahead to what will

happen post covid-19 with regards to how things will flow.

He was also advocating for those in authority to put measures in place to help provide testing for local athletes, given the possibility of a potential second wave of the virus.

“I think after all of this, when people start moving around freely again, people will come out and support sports, entertainment or other activities. I also think that they will continue to practice the same safety guidelines now but I don’t believe gathering can happen right away.

He continued, “To protect our athletes, I think the persons involved in the COVID-19 committee should set up something to test athletes. They should visit the respective sports committees and associations in order to plan a way forward when it comes to testing and monitoring local athletes in the future”.

Greaves ended.

Gratitude and Positive attitude needed in sports says Ras Wadada IT is no secret that very little for Sports, in terms of facilities, were handed down by our former Colonial Rulers when we moved from British Guiana to Guyana on May 26, 1966. And from that time to now, we have struggled, amid the many challenges, to achieve success at the Regional and International levels.

Most sport disciplines, here, cannot match the Regional and International triumphs of Boxing, Cricket, Squash and Rugby, and to a lesser extent, Athletics. While we must agree that not much has been accomplished, we should not disagree that whatever we have achieved, thus far, should be used as an inspiration to motivate the Nation, for Generations to come.

One of our biggest downfalls, among many, in the development of sports has been identified as poor vision and passion within the micro-management of governance. Out goes responsibility and in comes autocratic rule. Other well-known impediments are: the lack of adequate facilities, technical expertise, investment/funding and hidden agendas by those elected to serve.

In recent years, here in Guyana, a new capitalistic-minded bugbear has emerged within the corridors

of sports in the form of private promoters who have been allowed to stretch their tentacles far and wide, and in some cases firmly on schools.

This is counter-productive for the development and growth of sports since the primary objective of a promoter is to profit financially.

Inflated budgets by these promoters are

Ras Wadada served to and facilitated by close associates who are considered as sponsors to run off tournaments; conspiracy to suppress one can safely say.

Another nightmare for meaningful development in sports is the dearth of recognition and respect for coaches who are most pivotal in nurturing and honing talents. Add to this, another profound trait in the service to self and clique and not to the sport that could

be traced in some officials and organisations/associations, thus providing the ideal recipe for stagnation/retardation of growth.

The icing on the cake, though, is the disrespect meted out to accountability, transparency and integrity, hence you will understand why, as an Independent nation, after 54 years we have progressed to ‘that much’ and not to ‘that more’.

This is a very critical juncture in the country’s history, and while we pause to reflect, since real celebration is forbidden due to the Global Pandemic, we should seriously and conscientiously ask ourselves, how far we have reached and where we are going? in order to realize our true potential in going forward. Take note too of the pivotal roles and involvement of the Government and businesses in the other more successful sporting nations.

If after fifty-four years of Independence there is still no National Sports Policy, one can rightfully assume that the Government and all the various associations/federations have failed the people. I must hasten to inform that due to our current tense political climate, over a year now, which has not made it possible for PAGE 31

Americas Olympic Qualifier tentatively set for February/March 2021

Happy

54

th Independence

PAGE 31

....GBA heads back to the ‘drawing board’ Canada-based Taveena Kum is the lone female on Guyana’s five-member team for the Olympic Qualifiers

FLASHBACK!

Guyana’s Keevin Allicock (right) in action against Trinidadian Anthony Joseph during the Caribbean Boxing Championships hosted in Guyana. (Photo compliments: Emmerson Campbell)

Taylor says T20 World Cup 2020 unlikely to go ahead … urges ICC to decide this week SYDNEY (Reuters) - Former Australia cricket captain Mark Taylor has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to make a decision this week on whether the men’s Tw e n t y 2 0 ( T 2 0 ) World Cup will go ahead in October.

The ICC board is due to meet on May 28 to discuss a number of issues related

to the novel coronavirus outbreak and Taylor said he thought they should also address the World Cup, which is due to be held in Australia from Oct. 18 to Nov. 15.

“It would probably be good (if a decision is made)” Taylor, who is also a Cricket Australia director, told the Nine Network on Sunday.

“Because then every-

PAGE 31

Former Australia captain Mark Taylor

Fitness critical as Simmons eyes England tour

PAGE 31

Windies players have been undergoing fitness regimes at home according to Phil Simmons

PAGE 34

JOA pays homage to Olympic giant Arthur Wint

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020