Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_27_05_2020

WEDNESDAY 27th May, 2020

’ No. 106012

‘End winner-take-all system’ … President recommits to inclusionary democracy if re-elected

… holds out hope that PPP/C will join discussions

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Coalition unearths more irregularities – says over 90,000 votes affected thus far

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54 YEARS! Members of the Guyana Defence Force, at the stroke of midnight on Monday, hoisted the Golden Arrowhead at D’urban Park, as Guyana celebrated 54 years as an Independent Nation. Due to the COVID-19 measures, there was no gathering at the venue. His Excellency, President David Granger, reminded Guyanese of the sacrifices made on the road to the country gaining self-governance on May 26, 1966.

Guyana active COVID-19 cases now at 68 –– with two new cases recorded

Khurshid Sattaur 17 passes PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Guyana active COVID-19 cases now at 68 –– with two new cases recorded

GUYANA now has 68 active cases of the novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), as two more persons have now tested positive for the disease within the past 24 hours.

According to the latest statistics from local health authorities, the new cases were found after some 10 persons were tested between Monday and Tuesday. To date, 1,499 persons have been tested for COVID-19, with 1,360 of those persons testing negative for the disease and 139 testing positive.

Of the total infected persons, 11 persons have lost their lives; 62 persons have recovered; 66 persons are in institutional isolation and two persons are battling for their lives in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

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.

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 of Public

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

“I wish to draw your attention particularly to Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) 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 fully onboard with the regional health authorities, as well as all other entities who have joined in fighting this disease.”

Those hinterland re-

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

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 more than 390,000 cases.

The disease remains a serious issue, not just here in Guyana, but globally as well. And, according to global statistics, there are over 5.3 million cases of COVID-19, with over 342,000 deaths. And with no approved treatment or cure, there is no assurance that persons will survive after contracting the disease.

In the absence of approved medications, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventive measures to contain the spread of the disease.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

‘End winner-take-all system’

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… President recommits to inclusionary democracy if re-elected … holds out hope that PPP/C will join discussions

SHOULD his party win the 2020 General and Regional Elections, President David Granger said that he will, once again, invite the main opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), to the discussion table on shared democracy.

In an interview on NCN’s Context on Monday, the President said that it is his strong view that there must be an end to the winner-takes-all formula that has affected the past governance of Guyana.

He noted that persons have expressed the concern that shared democracy has been the conversation over the years but no transformative changes have taken place. This, he opined, is as a result of some who still hold on to the age-old winner-takes-all formula. He said that his party is willing to change this and hopes that in such a case, the PPP/C will participate in these discussions.

“Organisationally, I would expect that there would be greater collaboration with the People’s Progressive Party which represents a substantial part of our electorate and our population and I would invite them again. People hardly recall that I did invite the PPP into talks but there were some difficulties because of the persons I nominated,” President Granger said.

He added: “At the start of my tenure I did invite the People’s Progressive Party to discuss a form of shared governance and were I to be re-elected after the declaration of the Elections Commission, I will do the same again. I believe in inclusionary democracy and the PPP is part of the future of Guyana.”

He said that the APNU+AFC represents an abandonment of the ideology of the winner-takes-all formula as, for the

first time in Guyana’s history in 2015, a six-party coalition was elected by the people who envisioned a unified way forward under its leadership.

“It’s not a novelty. It’s certainly the first time it has happened in Guyana but it can happen. I don’t think anybody 30 years ago would have imagined the WPA and the PNC sitting down around the same Cabinet table, but here we are, with the AFC and six parties. Every member of the coalition is represented in the National Assembly. We don’t see eye-to-eye on every matter but we resolve our differences and difficulties in a consensual way,” he said, adding: “What the APNU+AFC has achieved over the last five years, all parties in this country can achieve over the next five.”

The President believes that if it is that its leaders truly want the common good, which is a better life for all Guyanese, a similar wave should take over the future governance of Guyana.

Questioned on his thoughts on inclusionary governance on May 20, 2020, PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, said that he sees this as other parties and stakeholders being a part of the decision-making process.

He said that inclusionary governance should not be limited to the Parliamentary level but should branch out to include competent people outside the political arena who can contribute in their areas of expertise.

“We have seen reforms in the Parliamentary system; we have seen how useful the Public Accounts Committee can be which is shared by the Opposition [and] the Economic Services Committee.

With different sectors coming on stream,

The ‘Gallery of Presidents’, which showcases Guyana’s succession of leaders, was unveiled at the Public Buildings in May 2019. In this photo, President David Granger (right) and (going anti-clockwise) former Presidents Donald Ramotar, Bharrat Jagdeo and Samuel Hinds share a light moment after the ceremony.

(Ministry of the Presidency photo) you have to find a model that allows that oversight responsibility to even go beyond the political system to bring in other stakeholders from civil society,” he said.

Ali added: “At the Executive level we will allow ideas, we will allow participation, not only political parties but by civil society, by the private sector, by as many stakeholders as possible.”

When asked why then did the PPP/C refuse to participate on several Committees or to appoint the necessary representatives on State boards during the last five years, Ali said that there were a number

FROM LEFT: PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali; former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall; Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, and then Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon during a meeting in 2019, in which they discussed nominees for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair.

of issues.

He said that his party is interested in the development of agendas designed by leaders from across the country which represent the will of not some, but all the people.

Meanwhile, President David Granger believes that there is need for greater education on the value that can be had from a shared democracy.

“To escape from this winner-takes-all system we need to adapt inclusionary democracy which our Constitution calls for and we need to instruct our supporters, teach, educate our supporters to support this formula that we’re talking about,” he said.

The Head of State said that he has had the unfortunate experience during his tenure whereby Regional Chairmen from Opposition strongholds in Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 9 would intentionally stay away from Central Government meetings with the Ministry of Communities which only hampered development in those Regions.

The President said that no one denies that the PPP/C had won these areas or that it has strength in these areas, but a country cannot be properly run when there is such division among leaders who ought to be working in the best interest of the people He stated: “It is damaging not to have national unity. It is damaging not to have a form of government which all parties can share in.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Four Minnesota cops fired after death of unarmed black man

(BBC) Four Minnesota police officers have been fired after the death of a black man who was taken into custody and seen on video being pinned down by his neck.

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the four officers were now “former employees”.

Footage shows the man groaning and repeatedly saying “I can’t breathe” to the white officer.

The incident echoed that of Eric Garner, a black man who died being arrested in New York City in 2014.

The FBI has said it will investigate the Minneapolis incident, which took place on Monday evening.

Minnesota police said the man, believed to be in his 40s, died after a “medical incident” in a “police interaction”. They said he had been suspected of committing forgery.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed the four officers involved in the incident had been “terminated”.

“This is the right call,” he tweeted.

At a press conference earlier, Mr Frey had described the incident as “completely and utterly messed up”.

“I believe what I saw and what I saw is wrong on every level,” he said. “Being black in America should not be a death sentence.”

It is the latest accusation of US police brutality against African Americans.

Recent high-profile cases include an officer in Maryland who fatally shot a man inside a patrol car.

The incident in Minneapolis began after officers located the man in his car, police said in a statement.

They were told the man, who has not been identified, was “sitting on top of a blue car and appeared to be under the influence”.

After being ordered to step away from the vehicle, the man physically resisted officers, according to police. “Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical dis-

tress,” the statement added.

In the 10-minute video filmed by a witness, the man is kept on the ground by the officer and, at one point, says: “Don’t kill me.”

Witnesses urged the officer to take his knee off the man’s neck, noting that he was not moving. One says, “His nose is bleeding”, while another pleads, “Get off his neck.”

“As additional information has been made available, it has been determined that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be a part of this investigation.”

Speaking to US media on Tuesday, Chief Arradondo said the force’s policies “regarding placing someone under control” will be reviewed as part of the probe.

for our community, justice must be served for our country,” she said.

“I can’t breathe” became a national rallying cry against police brutality in the US after the July 2014 death of Eric Garner.

Garner, an unarmed black man, uttered the phrase 11 times after being detained by police on suspicion of illegally sell-

Video of the incident in Minneapolis was posted on social media

The man then appears motionless before he is put on a stretcher and into an ambulance.

Police said no weapons were used during the incident and that body camera footage had been handed to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is investigating the case.

After the video emerged, police said in a statement:

The FBI declined to comment.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar - who has reportedly been shortlisted as Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden’s running mate - issued a statement calling for a “complete and thorough outside investigation”.

“Justice must be served for this man and his family, justice must be served

ing loose cigarettes. They were the final words of the 43-year-old, who died after a police officer placed him in a chokehold.

A city medical examiner ruled the chokehold contributed to Garner’s death. The New York City police officer involved in Garner’s deadly arrest was fired from the police force more than five years later, in August 2019.

Coronavirus: New York Stock Exchange trading floor reopens (BBC) The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has reopened its trading floor after a two-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But as new social distance rules come into effect, the exchange looks and feels very different.

The NYSE is one of the few bourses to still feature floor trade - most have shifted to fully-electronic trading.

New York City has been hit hard by the outbreak with some 200,000 cases and more than 20,000 deaths.

Financial markets have continued to trade throughout the pandemic, but the exchange’s trading floor was closed from 23 March and activity temporarily moved to fully-electronic trading to protect workers.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was on hand to ring the bell that re-started in-person trade, a sign of the symbolic weight attached to the reopening.

New rules US shares gained on Tuesday amid investor enthusiasm about economic rebound, but the new NYSE rules are a reminder that a full return to business will take time.

“It’s not about returning to normal,” NYSE president Stacey Cunningham told the BBC. “It’s about living with this global pandemic until there’s a vaccine.”

She added that she had faced “no pressure” from the Trump administration, which follows financial markets closely and has generally supported a rapid reopening.

Under the NYSE changes, only a quarter of the normal number of traders will be allowed to return to work.

Traders must also avoid public transport, wear masks and follow strict social distancing rules, with newly fitted transparent barriers to keep people apart.

They will also be screened and have their temperatures taken as they enter the building. Anyone who fails pass the check will be barred until they test negative for coronavirus or self-quarantine in accordance with US government guidelines.

To return to their jobs, floor traders also have to sign a liability waiver that prevents them from suing the NYSE if they get infected at the exchange.

Some large financial companies, such as Morgan Stanley, have reportedly balked at signing, but Ms Cunningham defended the waiver as a way to ensure that traders, which are not employed by the exchange, abide by the new rules.

“We need to make sure that they’re committed to following this new norm,” she said.

VISITOR BAN NYSE, which is owned by Intercontinental Exchange, is the world’s largest stock exchange in terms of the total market capitalisation of listed companies.

The 228-year-old exchange last closed its doors on 29 October 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy. It also shut for four sessions in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

But the bourse resisted closing at the start of the pandemic and the closure reignited debate about the necessity of the floor in an era dominated by electronic activity.

Ms Cunningham said trading has functioned smoothly with the floor closed, but she believed reopening will further ease volatility and help smaller firms that rely on in-person trades for their business.

“We are relevant we are necessary and WE ARE BACK,” floor trader Peter Tuchman wrote on Twitter ahead of the reopening.

For most people outside the financial world, NYSE’s trading floor is a rare glimpse into the seemingly opaque workings of the global markets as well as being a colourful setting for companies to showcase their stock market debuts.

The new regulations mean that the NYSE’s high-profile opening bell events and stock market debut celebrations have been put on hold as visitors are banned.

Media organisations that usually broadcast from the trading floor won’t be allowed back until further notice.

In the BBC interview, Ms Cunningham also addressed a proposal by US lawmakers to require companies that sell shares in the US to abide by American accounting rules and audits, or face de-listing.

The move, which comes as US-China tensions increase, is aimed at Chinese companies. The Senate passed the measure last week and the House is expected to take up the measure before the end of the summer.

Ms Cunningham in the past has said de-listing Chinese companies generally would simply shift their business elsewhere.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The evidence is forthcoming

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N Sunday’s edition of this publication, we reported the APNU+AFC coalition as claiming that 86, 367 votes have been compromised thus far in the ongoing recount. The Coalition plans to present this data to GECOM, in keeping with a request made by the Commission’s Chair, Justice Claudette Singh. Justice Singh was at the time responding to the many objections made by the Coalition. She was reported as saying, “The submission of evidence would inform the deliberations at the level of the Commission.” She went on to make the oft-quoted declaration: “While I continue to monitor the trends, based on the allegations in the observation reports, I am of the view that he who asserts must prove. In this regard, when there are considerable deliberations and decisions at the Commission in relation to claims of anomalies, the outcome would be officially communicated to the political parties and other stakeholders,

particularly the media.”

So, the Coalition has moved to comply with the Chairwoman’s reasonable and commonsense request. It appears to have gathered a great deal of information, and has done the requisite analysis to put that information in context. As we reported in our Sunday edition: “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. From all indications, these revelations have caught the Opposition and its cohorts napping. Since they have long wrapped themselves in the narrative of rigging in Region 4, they seem to have forgotten what transpired in the rest of the election process. Or so sure are they that the foreign forces they appear to have duped would

deliver the election to them, they have been blinded by the ensuing triumphalism.

Be that as it may, the APNU+AFC’s revelations are discrediting the seemingly entrenched PPP narrative. But more than that, it has so unnerved the PPP, they are now lashing out in ways that expose their guilt. The PPP has gone rogue. Anil Nandlall has threatened that should GECOM consider the mountain of evidence, it would constitute a constitutional violation.

He parrots the PPP’s new line that GECOM is not a court; that the examination of fraud is the job of the courts, via an election petition. And Bharrat Jagdeo, in his customary bullish manner, has threatened criminal charges against the Coalition’s operatives for exposing death certificates in their quest to prove that dead persons voted for the PPP. It is downright hypocritical for the PPP to now discover that an elections petition is the preferred way to settle elections disputes. It is worth recalling that it was the

very PPP which ignored that advice when it first raised the spurious charges against the tabulation of the Region 4 votes. It moved to the courts, which ruled that GECOM has the power to correct charges of fraud.

The PPP welcomed that ruling, which guided GECOM to embrace the current recount. So why change the tune now?

Obviously, the fact that the PPP’s massive rigging scheme is being exposed, it wants no change of rules.

The PPP must not be allowed to bully its way out of jail, as it has repeatedly done in the recent past. Let the process go forward. This publication has said over and over again that fairness demands that those who seek the highest office of this land must do so on an even playfield. The PPP has employed tactics that invited external intervention in our elections. The tide seems to be turning, and Freedom House and their agents are looking for new ways to continue their crusade to steal the government.

On Dignity and Direction Dear Editor

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O R some strange reason I started to think who will lead Guyana in this pivotal phase of its history after the results of the 2020 National and Regional Elections are finally declared. Who will be Guyana’s Executive President entrusted with the enormous powers of Office to lead the country amidst the great challenges it is facing? If the APNU/AFC Party wins, it will be current President David Granger.

If the PPP/C wins it will be…I really cannot recall the name of the PPP/C Presidential Candidate. Can you?

Anxious about the country’s future, I was troubled by my lack of awareness. I knew it was not former President Bharrat Jagdeo who after serving more than two terms is legally debarred from any further Presidential term. Nor is it the talented, agentic and ever visible Anil Nandlall. So, I goggled and found the name, oh yes, Irfaan Ali. I do not blame myself for forgetting the PPP/C Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali’s name because Bharrat Jagdeo who is the General Secretary of the PPP/C has been

sucking up all the political oxygen in his party’s representations on the national stage; minimizing in the process any reference to Irfaan Ali whose name rarely appears in the news media, is seldom spoken of and does not really feature when crucial post elections decisions and representations are being publicly expressed.

Is this the individual - veiled, silent, unacknowledged - who could be Guyana’s next President in these challenging and uncertain times? The obscuring of the PPP Presidential candidate at a time when he should be heard or at least heard from is undignified, if not also disrespectful to the nation. Should the Guyanese people home and abroad be bothered by the anonymity of this man who can possibly become our next President? Irfaan Ali reportedly said of his sponsor Bharrat Jagdeo in the Guyanese Online News “I see him as someone who has served tremendously well and someone who has a lot to offer and I don’t know what you meant by pulling strings.” Still the question remains Who is Irfaan Ali? What is his vision for the country? What type of leader is he? Why should he be trusted to become Guyana’s ultimate leader when the Party

of which he is its Presidential candidate evidently does not trust nor allow him to be its leader and speak on its behalf? Will he be just a place holder for someone else who has not faced the electorate? Why should the Guyanese people trust the reticent one?

President Granger has acted with much dignity and sagacity as Guyana’s Executive President and leader of the multi-party and multi-racial APNU/AFC Coalition Government during this period of turbulence over the March 23rd National and Regional Elections. Despite the immense powers of the Presidency which he still holds, he has not sought to dictate to the Guyana Elections Commission how to carry out their Constitutional mandate. He has dutifully respected and adhered to the rulings of Guyana’s High Courts and Appeal Courts on the various Electoral challenges by the PPP/C whether these be unfavorable to his own Party’s causes or not. He engaged Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and formally negotiated a protocol for CARICOM to oversee the recount of the ballots. (Was Irfaan Ali present at these pivotal negotiations?). Granger as President and leader of the APNU/AFC Party has publicly and rightly declared that

he would accept and respect the results of the elections. This leader has acted with the dignity the Office of the Presidency he holds requires, and the country he leads expects.

He has also been demonstrating calm, measured, and effective leadership in managing the Coronavirus Pandemic and other challenges confronting the country.

Just as Granger has held together a coalition of parties with widely varying views, so too he has kept lines of communication open with the PPP/C and readily meets with them to resolve crises and in other ways advance the causes of Guyana. The CARICOM Agreement for the 2020 Elections recount was done expeditiously in collaboration with the PPP/C. Most importantly, President Granger has declared a commitment to inclusive governance regardless of the outcome of the elections. Guyana needs inclusive governance as it moves into the era of oil. What it does not need in these trying times is a leader without voice and agency.

Regards Professor Ken Danns

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

OPED

Geopolitically Investigating…

The Flight Plan For Caribbean Integration: the case of LIAT Dr. Kai-Ann D. Skeete

Corporation and St. John’s Co-operative Credit Union.1

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INTRODUCTION IVEN the Caribbean’s natural geography, air transportation is a critical component of our regional infrastructure. The Caribbean is heavily reliant on air-transportation to provide connectivity which is fundamental to sustaining economic growth in a region highly dependent on trade in goods and services, especially tourism.

However, several CARICOM leaders have chosen not to rally behind LIAT and fail to see the importance of LIAT to the successful functioning of their economies.

As I write this, the region is in unchartered territory and is battling with what geopolitical strategists call wildcard events.

Wildcard events are essentially the improbable events likely to take place within any given year. Although highly unlikely, in forecasting the likelihood of risks for the upcoming year or period, it always remains in the back of the mind. Usually, for us in the Caribbean, it is the occurrence of a devastating natural event whether it be a hurricane, earthquake or severe flooding.

Geostrategic foresight talks about how we should study the future.

This article seeks to examine the future of LIAT Airlines using the geostrategic foresight methodology of assessing the probability, plausibility, possibility and preferability of a Future LIAT as the number one mode of transportation for intra-regional travel.

WHAT IS THE PROBABLE LIAT FUTURE? A probable LIAT future is simply a ‘mirror of the past’ where it is business-as-usual within which the select Caribbean territories will continue as the principal shareholders of LIAT and will continue to struggle to maintain a basic profit margin. As primary shareholders, they will ensure that LIAT predominantly services their main destinations to ensure a steady supply of tourists and goods.

It is noteworthy that 11 out of 14 CSME Participating Member States are LIAT Shareholders. These include the Governments of Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Montserrat and Jamaica totalling 96.4 per cent of total shares.

The other three per cent shareholders are Antigua Commercial Bank, Antigua Barbuda Investment Bank, ACB Investment Co. Lt, Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, BWIA West Indies Airways Ltd, Caribbean Airways, HKH (Antigua) Ltd, Leeward Islands Aeronautical Engineers Association, LIAT Staff Provident Fund, National Commercial Bank of Dominica, National Commercial Bank of Grenada, Joan B. Slack, State Insurance

WHAT IS THE PLAUSIBLE LIAT FUTURE? In the plausible future, LIAT will decide to service those majority shareholder government destinations and relegate the non-majority shareholders within the Caribbean to once a day or every other day service. However, it is hoped that destinations across the region should not be penalised because they have small populations and low demand/passenger volume. An analysis of airline profitability drives this demand and the analysis is usually determined by passenger volume, average fare and operating costs. However, there needs to be a removal of the winners and losers in regional integration but instead an approach that focuses on the greater good and collective security of all.

WHAT IS THE POSSIBLE LIAT FUTURE? Due to consistent and competitive pressure from several regional and international carriers LIAT’s core network is persistently eroded. For the international carriers, their operating costs make their fares more attractive since they operate from bases/home destinations with lower taxes as a proportion of the fare.

This usually results in the cost of a trip to a Caribbean destination equivalent to that of an extra regional destination such as Miami.

As a possible future, LIAT could be completely disbanded and not replaced because of its limited profitability. Rather, for intra-regional connectivity, Caribbean citizens would be forced to transit through Trinidad and connect via Caribbean Airlines or through Miami and connect via American Airlines. At this point, Caribbean Governments would have neglected their obligation to ensure accessible, affordable, consistent airline connection linking hub airports to the wider world.

WHAT IS THE PREFERABLE LIAT FUTURE? The value of the LIAT network is its connectivity. All CARICOM territories should be equitably supporting LIAT to increase connectivity to the participating territories and should result in a reduction of shareholder taxes within tickets. It would be remiss of the author not to mention that Caribbean governments pay international carriers to visit their destinations if a minimum load is not achieved. In this preferable future, the author wishes to suggest that Caribbean governments create an enabling environment for LIAT by creating a similar arrangement. Thus, for those Caribbean destinations with limited passenger volume, governments interested in maintaining LIAT connectivity should be willing to pay if a minimum load is not achieved.

In the future, LIAT has to immediately be sustainable and this author recommends following the Demasian logic of widening

and deepening simultaneously by investing in bigger carriers and expanding to offer intra-regional trade route destinations such as Kingston, Jamaica; Port-au-Prince, Haiti and even Belize City, Belize. In lieu of immediate expansion, LIAT could consider code-sharing with other regional carriers to supply these routes, or partnering with Caribbean Airlines (CAL) so that there may be no duplication.

For the risk takers among us, LIAT could consider expansion similar to Virgin. Recently, Virgin expanded from Airlines to a Cruise Liner. LIAT should consider expanding its services and create a Leeward Islands Sea Transport (LIST) to provide reliable, consistent, affordable service to those closer destinations which would reduce the cost of fuel, operating costs and the maintenance of airlines. It is at this juncture that a LIAT financing structure should be amended with less government involvement and increased Private Sector involvement.

Introduction and expansion of additional revenue streams to add to the cargo services of LIAT Quikpak which the researcher has found to be a faster and reliable service for intra-regional movement of packages with door-to-door delivery within one to two days maximum. Introduction of new cargo services could include the speedy delivery of food and other human products.

In the future, all regional organisations and businesses with a regional presence should be committed to deepening regional integration and commit to utilising Caribbean resources first.

Thus, when travelling within the Caribbean, the first choice should be LIAT. In support of this, LIAT should reintroduce its loyalty/reward programme and cater to the whims and fancies of some business travellers.

CONCLUSION In 2020, in the face of an ongoing crisis, now is not the time for the Caribbean governments to consider a future without the LIAT connecting the CARICOM Full and Associate Member States on a daily basis. The Caribbean requires an efficient air transport service in the form of LIAT and perhaps the introduction of Leeward Islands Sea Transport (LIST) would allow for fair, equitable, transparent transportation options for the CARICOM travelling public. In this current climate, it is absolutely clear that the region needs to focus on alternatives to regional transportation centered around LIAT which remains a vital service for Caribbean integration, communication and connection.

Dr. Kai-Ann D. Skeete is the Trade Research Fellow at the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy & Services of The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. Learn more about the SRC at www.shridathramphalcentre.com.

The opposition wanted a recount and a recount is in progress Dear Editor,

W

ALTER Rodney, even though he was never elected to any office, remains a beacon that still lights the way for us who still have a conscience, a sense of right and wrong and the courage to speak the truth. I was elated when Rodney’s voice, the beacon of truth, was kept alive by our daily newspapers as they published factual missives about the exploitation of Guyana during the PPP years. But what happened to these editors

who have now skewed their perspective as they publish baseless allegations as facts?

On May 24, 2020, two of these newspapers, like concerted twins, published the same nine hundred-word letter that distorts President Granger’s response to the question of accepting the result of the recount.

First, President Granger responded to this question as recently as May 17, 2020 when one of these newspapers reported Granger’s response: “Whatever declaration that GECOM or the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission gives will be

regarded as legitimate.” Instead of accepting President Granger’s response and noting it for the record, people still insist on stoking the fire of discord by publishing letters that maliciously ignore and misconstrue the President’s repeated and affirmative response -- ... “as President of Guyana and Leader of the Government, it is my policy that any declaration coming from the Chairman of GECOM will be accepted by the Government of Guyana”.

The opposition wanted a recount, and a recount is in the process. Wait for

GECOM to produce the recount’s results, and let the opposition answer the same question with which they have been badgering the president: will the opposition accept the results if it is against their wishes or will they continue to shout groundless allegations as facts? And if you, newspaper people, are truly the bringer of light to our nation and not promulgators of sophistry, please publish this letter.

Sincerely, Stanley Niamatali

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

The anomalies continue to pile up I

Dear Sir,

was watching the televised recount of the General and regional elections. As i looked at the zeros piling up for the other parties, I wondered about that. Did they actually pay to be part of this process? and did they actually expect to get more than their own vote? There were eight political parties contesting the General and regional elections, subtracting the two behemoths you have six groups masquerading as political parties.

These jokers were traveling at enormous speeds to get registered, that did not ring a bell with anyone? What! Was it considered just a sick joke? It must be noted in some countries political parties have to prove that they have enough numbers to be called a political party, and even to part take in an election. Did these people reach the criteria?

(1) Apolitical party is a social structure created to meet the needs of people in a changing social and economic society.

(2) Political parties are supposed to play the major role in a pluralistic system in mobilizing the popular will to guide the national leadership.

There Two (2) Functions are: A political party presents alternative policies to the electorate political parties act as organised opposition to the party in power.

Here we have some people with their lustful motivation of self- interest, who joined either for pride or profit, and I would gamble the latter.

Who are these people? Is your thought process that easy? Well since they have put themselves out front I would think that we ought to know a little more than just rank and serial number.

Like how did you get into this in the first place,

and who prompted you? Did you have an idea of what you were in for? Was their appearance just to muddy the waters? Could they seriously think that they (whoever they are) do a better job running this country? Its incredulous! Are they politicians? Well in Guyana politics that’s a toss-up. But is that it?

Our Caricom sister or brother states like Trinidad; population 22.8 million, political parties two (2). Jamaica pop 3 Mil, parties two (2) Canada Pod 37.mil parties five (%). America pop 328 Mil parties three (3) Guyana pop 779. parties eight (8).

To enter the fray the new political parties have to get 300 members signatures, that is eighteen hundred signatures. I wonder how much a signature cost? Then there is the 65 members for the house, with 30% being women.

Did I fail to mention the deposit?, which would stand to reason that they would have to have a sponsor, a deep, deep pocket sponsor. The talk is how the PPP. spent some 39 Michael, to get their talk show going. But in the Big country money that is only 35 Towels and some change and even though they ‘skinting’ right now, that is still chump change. Therefore it had to be us, and that is plenty, plenty money, to use and come up empty handed.

There is no way that some fly by night political parties could be a part of the General and Regional elections without help, and substantial help also. With 39 Michael to play with we all could make a comfortable guess as to who bankrolled them. Taking into consideration a retread politician who disguises as a writer for one of the ‘rags’ said that there was a 6% (voters) outside the main who were looking for a new political home. Would that be a collective 6%

GECOM must say if the APNU+AFC evidence of PPP elections fraud is true or not Dear Editor

T

HE APNU+AFC coalition has unearthed, in the ballot recount, a massive PPP voter fraud scheme and thousands of fraudulent PPP ballots. The coalition said that with 699 ballot boxes recounted, over 1500 dead people, or people who migrated and were not present in Guyana, were registered as voted for the opposition PPP in the March 2, 2020 elections.

The PPP initially denied this allegation and challenged the coalition to provide the evidence. The coalition has now provided death certificates and immigrations records to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to establish PPP election fraud.

Suddenly, the PPP is crying foul. Their Attorneys Anil Nandlall and Sase Gunraj, a GECOM commissioner, now claim that GECOM has no power to investigate elections fraud. They have also accused the coalition government of unlawfully accessing government information to prove fraud. Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, true to form, has threatened to go after employees of the Deaths Registry and Immigration Division.

But no one is scared of PPP threats. These are not the days when people who exposed wrongdoings by the PPP gov-

ernment ended up dead. When persons in the PPP go after people, those enforcers themselves will be dealt with by the long arms of justice.

When the PPP was advocating for the recount, their Attorneys, Anil Nandlall and Douglas Mendes, argued to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, that under Article 161 (1) of the Guyana Constitution and Section 22 of the Election Laws Amendment Act, GECOM has powers to take such action as appears to be necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the law or inquire unlawful act.

Since March 5, they have accused Region 4 Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, of fraud. This was why they demanded a recount.

However, now that PPP fraud has been unearthed, and that evidence has been submitted to GECOM, the PPP has ignited a conflagration. They have had a change of heart.

They stunningly now claim that GECOM has no power to investigate elections fraud.

Don’t they realize how guilty this asinine contention makes them look? Nonetheless, Bharrat Jagdeo and his PPP minions are not the arbiters of this election. GECOM is!

Therefore, they should sit down, and shut up and let GECOM do its work!

Admittedly though, I’m

intrigued by their “hold-me lose-me,” topsy-turvy, discombobulated assertions which are mutating faster than a virus. Why are they so mortally afraid of GECOM examining the evidence of fraud? Isn’t it their allegation of fraud that led to the recount and ballot re-authentication in the first place? Or are they claiming that GECOM is not allowed to investigate PPP fraud?

One would think that if the PPP has nothing to hide and didn’t commit fraud, they should rejoice and encourage GECOM to examine the evidence to clear the PPP of this damning crime. That’s what innocent people do! The truth is, however, they are not innocent. They are as guilty as sin of election fraud. I continue to argue that the recount is an extra constitutional process.

But it is underway.

So let the full facts come out. I therefore call on GECOM to examine the evidence of Fraud provided by the APNU+AFC coalition, and pronounce on whether or not the evidence establishes the irregularities and fraud alleged. Indeed, it was the GECOM Chairman who recently told the Guyanese people that “he who asserts must prove.”

Regards Rickford Burke

or a singular 6%, whichever it is, it’s definitely a hand shake (set up) for one of the minions to piggy-back right into the big house- compliments of the PPP. While the anomalies pile up the PPP in their usual “we got this” cavalier style relies on the lies and propaganda put out against the coalition, by the daily trumpeters of who continues to imply that what is published showing their underbelly is not factual. The chief sleuth of the PPP boasted in a letter, how many are behind their cause, because their fight is for democracy; DEMOCRACY? what is democracy, that his fight is about. “One Man, One Vote.” (and don’t go thinking that its more than that) we got that so what is the problem? The sleuth said that the world is with them, he named names and organizations that will willingly give assistance if needed. But all he did was to name the usual suspects. One thing he forgot to name is the people with the franchise, we

Guyanese, and how we use it.

Presently we are dealing with the recount and Covid 19, and also the screams of the Carter Center because they did not make the cut. Why are they so gun-ho about returning to Guyana? Do they have the magic bullet? Yes they do. That is why the pleadings are so strenuous. They were supposed to come and put credibility to the whole coalition rigging campaign and that magical word “SANCTIONS” would reappear, forcing our surrender. Unfortunately for them however with the assistance of Covid we were able to make the NO more emphatic. What we should suggest is that when they are observers and scrutineers in their own elections, we will welcome them back.

Regards Milton Bruce

No longer ethnic elections, but elections day fraud Dear Editor

T

HE usual arm chair Indian letter writers, residing abroad, have surfaced and are attempting to flag the PPP’s dead horse of a declaration of the results on the basis of the recount, despite widespread allegations of voter irregularities on elections day.

When those supposed regularities occurred during the initial count process, few pressed for a similar declaration. Funny how minds waver and are attempting to jettison voter fraud on elections day.

Rakesh Rampertab on 25 May in Stabroeknews in a similar view to the Leader of the Opposition’s hastily called Saturday 23 May press conference, attempts to question access to death certificates and their availability to scrutinize an elections. Their claims that an elections petition is needed flies in the face of having a transparent elections. If there is such a credible source of evidence, all parties and observers should be interest to get to the root of the problem, not choose sides of convenience.

Baytoram Ramharack also on 25 May, in Kaieteurnews presented a flawed analysis purely on the basis of limited statistical data, theorizes his work, and limits consideration of a corrupted machinery on elections day which gave rise the huge number of ‘observations’ or fraud. Instead he chose his usual measure of ethnic numbers to smokescreen us to think along ethnic lines, and thus condition the result in that order, by showing Indians have an ethnic majority.

With the PPP receiving declining voter numbers in 1997 elections onwards, 221,352 (1997), 210,013 (2001), 183,887 (2006) and 166,340 (2011), and their abysmal governance failures and massive corruption allegations leading up to 2015, how would their voting numbers have increased to 202,656 in 2015 with a declined Indian population? (We still await

the 2020 count). What would have accounted for this dramatic rise in 2015, would it be the badly mismanaged sugar industry, squandering away rice proceeds from farmers through the Venezuela deal, increased piracy in the fishing sector or Guyana becoming the #1 transit point for narcotics in the region?

Ramharack’s ethnic analysis tries to pull the wool over our eyes into the flagrant violations now noticed in the recount. For the APNU\ AFC to now challenge the recount results, not waiting until the end, but from the beginning is a huge indication that the party is interested in transparency of the process on elections day. Susan Rodrigues half-baked analysis on 26 May in Stabroek news follows a similar analysis to Ramharack by attempting to discredit the observation report and displays her lack of understanding of how rigging took place on elections day, unstamped ballots, missing cold books, etc.

Baytoram’s last sentence, flies in the face of his arguments about a false narrative “Our hope at preserving our fragile democracy and arresting the slide towards ethnic domination lies with a consistent effort at exposing the fraud, pursuing political sanctions against ruling coalition leaders and encouraging the former “colonizers” to intervene to foster a brokered solution – one consistent with the election results.” The fact that fraud on elections day continues to be unearthed, goes completely unnoticed by this gentleman, who seems stuck in the past reliance on rigging prior 1992 and the ethnic numbers. What he fails to account for is the PPP’s dismissal of the electoral reforms between 1992 and 2015 when it was in government and had somewhat of a handle on the elections machinery. Failing to make those changes is a major indication of trying to subvert the electoral processes to manufacture a victory. Machination

by Gocool Boodhoo comes to mind. The main difference

now is APNU-AFC is still in government, and the PPP does not have full control of the elections machinery, and has resorted to other practices on elections day.

Another writer, Shamsun Mohamed, on 26 May in Stabroek News attempts to limit time for proving voter rigging on elections day. This suggests a rushed declaration to cover up something that is vile, wicked and cunning, and supports the PPP narrative of a rushed declaration after the recount. Surely, a recount was intended to unearth any skullduggery, and now that is has come to fold, why we are getting upset. Is it that some a worriedly afraid that truth lies in the APNU-AFC claims? It is historic and monumental that APNU-AFC is by default also putting its electoral count and reputation on the line by questioning the validity of elections day voting process.

APNU-AFC even objected to their own voters in one region on the basis of them residing abroad.

The PPP driven media blasts and heightened coercion attempts particularly in the past two weeks coincidentally surfaces as APNU-AFC began unearthing irregularities.

Rather than take time to analyses these allegations, the PPP through all its various leaders have overreached and tried to overwhelm the media with its false narrative to drown out the governing’s party’s allegation, rather than trying elicit the fairness of the process. Their thirst for power has left them with their half-slip showing, with no urge for a truly free and fair election.

The smaller parties, perhaps due to their novice background, have also not paused to think and consider, but have blindly continued along their merry way, perhaps upset with the electorate which almost completely ignored them.

Regards, Krishna Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Guyana’s Golden Arrowhead - as Regions 7,10 host mini reigns supreme Flag Raising Ceremonies JOINING the celebration of Guyana’s 54th Independence Anniversary was the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 with a simple Flag Raising ceremony and an Independence Award Ceremony, while, upholding social distancing protocols.

On Tuesday, the ceremony, which was held at the Regional Democratic Council, saw the attendance of only the region’s officials, including the Regional Chairman, Renis Morian; Regional Vice-Chairman, Elroy Adolph; and Regional Executive Officer (REO), Orrin Gordon.

The celebration commenced with the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead by a police officer of Region 10.

The Flag Raising Ceremony was followed by an Independence Award Ceremony with the presentation of awards to some of the region’s leading officials and citizens for their years of service in the areas of regional service, education, agriculture, sports, health, volunteerism and communications among others.

Notably, Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valarie Yearwood, was presented with an award for her longstanding service to development of Region 10.

The other awardees were Stanley Collins, Charles Sampson, Denise Belgrave, Renis Morian, Simone Johnson, Maylene Stephen, Mayfil Greene, Pastor Selwyn Sills, Lanna Albert, Dr. Pansy Armstrong, Dr. Joseph Armstrong, Victor Fernandes, Gloria Britton, Stanley Smith, Deryck Collins, Vivienne Munroe, Vernon Todd, Moses Pantlitz, Joseph Gravesande, Cleveland Thomas, Farouk Riyasat, Elroy Adolph, Mortimer Mingo and Orrin Gordon.

Meanwhile, in the town of Bartica, Region Seven, the Golden Arrowhead was also hoisted at the Bartica Stelling Square to mark Guyana’s 54th Independence Anniversary.

The event, which took place on Monday evening right before the 18:00hrs curfew, saw minimum involvement of persons in respect of the social distancing measures.

Those in attendance were: Regional Chairman of Region Seven, Gordon Bradford; Regional Executive Officer, Kerwin Ward; Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall; Commander of the Police Regional Division Seven, Linden Lord; Officer-in-Charge of the Bartica Police Station, Kevin London; and Station Sergeant, Kirk Crawford.

In giving brief remarks, Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, said he is proud of Guyana and the progress it has made through resilience, innovation and sustainability.

“Guyana is at a crucial stage in our history, we await our election results as we battle the deadly virus, COVID-19. I believe like many of you that Guyana will emerge the winner at the end of these challenges,” he noted.

Marshall prayed for peace, racial harmony and prosperity in Guyana. “We pray for His Excellency David Arthur Granger, may God grant him wisdom, knowledge and understanding to lead this nation through this crisis,” he prayed.

The Mayor added that Guyanese should not be distracted during the time but remain focused and work together to continue building the nation.

In 1966, Guyana gained independence from Great Britain which led to the traditional hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead along with a splendid celebration becoming a highly-anticipated event on May 26. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to reduce the participation at this year’s celebration.

The hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead by a rank of the Region 10 Police Division

Region 10 Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, presenting Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valarie Yearwood, with an award on Tuesday

The hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead by a rank of the Region Seven Police Division

Regional Chairman of Region 10, Renis Morian (right), receiving his award from the region’s former Regional Chairman, Mortimer Mingo (left)

Region 10 RDC completes renovation of Linden Concert Hall THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region 10, has completed massive renovations to the Linden Concert Hall And School (LICHAS) to the tune of $14M. This renovation, which was years in waiting, brings new life to theatre arts and other genres of arts in the mining town of Linden.

Persons involved in the entertainment industry in Linden are very upbeat about the changes that were brought to the facility, which is the lone one of its kind in the town.

It is expected to be buzzing

with even more activities when the COVID-19 pandemic no longer affects our daily and social lives.

Theatre Arts expert and founder of the ‘Mic James Drama Group’, Michael James, stated that the rehabilitation was a long overdue request made as they were forced to perform and practice in a dilapidated facility.

With works completed, the building is now equipped with new cushion-covered seats, modern lights, a new ceiling, painted floor and walls, new fans and four air conditioners.

Regional Executive Officer,

Region 10, Orrin Gordon, said that while much has been done, more is still in the pipeline for LICHAS, which is a monumental building in Linden and served as the venue for arts and culture for many years.

“It was unthinkable to have such a venue deteriorate, when it would have produced some of the most popular actors in Region 10 and Guyana. I am very satisfied, persons are feeling a bit more comfortable, I am very satisfied with the work,” Gordon said.

Michael James, who is also one of the pioneers of drama

and theatre arts in Linden, said he was impressed with how expeditiously the work was completed.

“The wear and tear when you see it, it was in a terrible state but the RDC decided to take it [into] their hands and they asked me to submit the proposal and what impressed me was that they were right on the ball with the work. Work started immediately and I am really impressed, it was done under this government,” he said.

James added that he is encouraged to do more by the

gesture and can see a bright future for theatre arts in the mining town.

James has an active drama group with about 25 members that not only provides training in drama, but also jobs for youths, through having them perform at various events. The drama group also hosts their own drama and comedy shows, making available clean entertainment for Lindeners at LICHAS. He also provides his voluntary services to the Theatre Arts’ CSEC students with the practical aspect of their course.

“My payment is when I hear sir I get a Grade One or Grade Two at the end of it, that is what makes me happy,” he said, adding, “and that is what makes LICHAS important.”

He is looking to pursue courses in stage craft and short films for children as well. In addition to the arts and drama, the facility can also be utilised by dance groups, artistes, poets and others, practicing a different genres of arts.

LICHAS was opened in 1975 by the then bauxite company, as a gift to the community.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Coalition unearths more irregularities –– says over 90,000 votes affected thus far REVIEWING the information coming out of 98 more ballot boxes, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has stated that it has uncovered over 300 additional numerical anomalies.

Previously, the party stated that it had reviewed 699 of the ballot boxes during the recount process and found 1,602 numerical irregularities that amount to over 86,367 votes affected. As of May 26, 2020, it has now reviewed a total of 797 ballot boxes and found 1,937 numerical irregularities that amount to over 90,707 votes being affected.

The ballot boxes examined by the party’s agents during the ongoing recount process came from Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and now Seven.

According to APNU+AFC, 1,261 persons voted in the place of migrants; 315 Certificates of Employment are missing; 284 poll books are missing; 143 persons, who had no form of identification, voted without taking an Oath of Identity; 138 missing Oaths of Identity; 40 persons voted in the place of dead persons; 40 unstamped ballots and seven missing Official List of Electors (OLEs). This amounts to a total of 1,937 numerical anomalies.

The party believes that this is “the clear intent of the PPP (the People’s Progressive Party/Civic) to commit voter fraud.” Just on Monday, APNU General-Secretary, Joseph Harmon 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.

Since these irregularities were unveiled in the recount, Harmon said that several electors have expressed their “disgust and anger”.

“APNU and 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 and shared with the international community…the question, however, needs to be asked of the Guyana Elections Commission, how and when are you going to address the unresolved issues that are before the commission that have [been] unearthed,” he stated.

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, last told the media on May 18 that the commission will have to investigate matters such as unstamped ballot papers to determine how it should proceed. However, the opposition believes that GECOM does not have the right conduct such investigations and this should be a matter for the courts.

As the recount progresses, Harmon said his party anticipates that more irregularities will be uncovered and APNU+AFC agents will continue to highlight such irregularities despite the position of some that they should not be highlighted.

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.

Health authorities ‘up’ COVID-19 awareness campaign in Reg. 2 VENDORS and residents, who were present at the Suddie Market in Region Two, on Sunday, were further sensitised on precautionary measures that ought to be taken, during the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Pomeroom-Supenaam Region has not recorded any cases of the deadly disease; however, the Region’s COVID-19 Task Force has enhanced its sensitisation campaign.

On Sunday, the Region’s Environmental Health Department, while raising awareness on COVID-19, monitored the flow of persons entering the market.

Senior Environmental Health Officer, Shaleena Baksh, said that a continuous sensitisation campaign is ongoing in the region and officers attached to the department are reaching out to food vendors, farmers, and residents.

According to Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, the Region-

al Administration and the Regional COVID-19 Task Force commended the staff of the Environmental Health Department for their work on the frontline, in providing screening services. He said that screening is currently ongoing at the stelling and at random surveillance checkpoints.

Hire car drivers are also advised to only take two passengers in their cars.

Persons are also advised to practise good hygiene before entering any public places and also to wear their masks.

Environmental Health Workers reaching out to vendors at Suddie Market

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Elections 2020: 1,290 ballot boxes processed, 1,049 more to go

TO DATE, a total of 1,290 ballot boxes have been processed since the recount of votes cast at the General and Regional Elections commenced on May 6, 2020.

With 1,049 ballot boxes left to be processed, it is clear that the 25-day timeline,

which will expire on Saturday, May 30, cannot be met. The Guyana Elections Commission, headed by Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, will likely extend the timeline this week, as it continues to explore the possibility of increasing the number of workstations

A summary of the number of Statements of Recount (SORs) tabulated to date

from 12 to 14. The National Recount is taking place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Tuesday, marked 21 days since the recount started, and, according to GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, votes within 84 ballot boxes were recounted.

Of the boxes processed on Day 21, 19 were from Region Three (Essequibo-Islands-West Demerara), 15 were from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), 21 from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 10 from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 10 from Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and nine (9) from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) – a total of 84.

Additionally, 1,254 Statements of Recount (SORs) have been tabulated for the General Elections while 1,253 SORs have been tabulated for the Regional Elections.

SORs are generated once ballot boxes have been successfully processed at the level of the workstations.

Notably, all of the ballots from Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) have been recounted.

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 was a total of 26,491 valid voters in the Regional Elections for Region Two.

RCCI calls for three-month closure of Guyana/Brazil border AS the number COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Brazil continues to surge, the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) is calling on the authorities to close the border at the Takutu River bridge for another three months.

Although the number of cases in Brazil has climbed over 374,000, second only to the United States, a number of residents of the town of Lethem and nearby villages along the border have been crossing the Takutu River illegally.

The RCCI noted in a release that two months ago, the international border at the Takutu River Bridge was officially closed to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The body said that only priority goods have been allowed to enter Guyana on Thursdays, after a process of sanitisation, conducted by the Ministry of Public Health and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority.

“So far, it seems that the decision to close the border is justified and has helped in a significant way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 into Lethem and the wider Rupununi Region,” the RCCI said.

The RCCI said that on any normal day, hundreds of Brazilians from the Northern

States of Brazil would visit Lethem to shop various merchandise. These persons would not normally be required to undergo any major checks upon entering the Port Complex at Lethem and most times a visual check is conducted by Guyanese authorities of the persons entering and leaving.

It was noted that Brazilians would travel from Manaus, which is almost 1000km away from Lethem.

It was noted that Manaus presently has over 29,000 persons infected with COVID-19 and Boa Vista has almost 2,500.Hospitals in both cities are overwhelmed with patients.

The recovery rate is slow and the death rate continues to climb, the RCCI said.

It noted too that gold prices are at an all-time high, and over for many years, thousands of Brazilians have travelled to and from Georgetown and interior locations to work in the mining industry. “Certainly, the high price for gold would again encourage them to travel and pose a big risk of bringing the deadly coronavirus with them,” the RCCI said.

It noted that Guyana does not have the capacity to handle any drastic increase of the infection of the population, adding that

A Guyana Police Force vehicle in the Brazilian town of BonFim earlier on Tuesday. Currently, the number of COVID-19 cases in that country has spiraled to 374,000 with hundreds of deaths recorded on a daily basis. the number of positive COVID-19 cases have been slowly climbing. “In order to ensure that this does not get out of control, we need to ensure the Guyana-Brazil border remains closed to people traffic until the situation in Brazil is under control,” the RCCI said.

The body called on the National COVID-19 Task Force to ensure that the border remains closed at least for the next three months or until such time as it is safe

to reopen to regular traffic.

Meanwhile, residents of Lethem are perturbed that ranks of the Guyana Police Force stationed in the area, have been frequenting the neighbouring town of on BonFim on a regular basis in recent days.

A resident at BonFim noted that the ranks were seen purchasing alcohol at shops in the town today. It was noted that the ranks paid little attention to their safety.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Celebrating ‘Independence 54’, virtually Berbice Delight Dancers in action

By Gabriella Chapman

GUYANA celebrated its 54th anniversary as an Independent Nation on Tuesday, and while the country is operating under different and unusual circumstances, the Government of Guyana, through its Ministry of Social Cohesion, still ensured that this celebration was memorable despite the odds.

And it was all thanks the advancements in technology and the world’s transcension into the Digital Age, which came in pretty nifty in this pandemic mode we’re now in, as the usual celebratory activities were broadcast virtually for the entire world to get a taste of our culture, even though we all are currently confined to our homes.

While the activities were not the usual extravaganza we’ve grown accustomed to, with thousands of people crowding the stands and being part of the experience, the current political and health predicament makes it all the more understandable and the efforts of the government commendable.

SHOW-TIME As such, things got off to a grand start on Monday evening, with a rebroadcast of the cultural aspect of the Jubilee celebration in 2016, which was the year of one of the biggest Independence celebrations ever in our country’s history, on State-run National Communications Network’s NCN Channel 11, as well as its Facebook page.

That rebroadcast no doubt helped put the public in a mindset to reminisce and simulate a sense of proudness of being Guyanese.

Following the cultural rebroadcast, several local artistes, musicians, dancers and poets, performed live from their homes, and some on stage at the National Cultural Centre (NCC), putting on a magnificent show, which was hosted by veteran broadcasters Russel Lancaster and Andrea Bryan-Garner.

The show featured such big-name Guyanese acts as Courtney Noel, famously known for his hit single, ‘Arrowhead’; Creole Rock star, Gavin Mendonca; lead vocalist

The hoisting the Golden Arrowhead at D’Urban Park on Independence-eve

Local Chutney Sensation, Bunty Singh, putting his own personal stamp on ‘Suhani Raat’, made popular back-in-the-day by the Legendary Mohammed Rafi in the Heatwave Band, Tennicia DeFreitas; Saxophonist, Courtney Fadlin; Violinist, Akeem Adams; Poet, Mark Luke Edwards; the National Dance Company; and many other talented Guyanese.

THE FORMALITIES The show concluded at exactly 23: 53 hrs, just in time for the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at the break of Tuesday, May 26 (Independence Day).

Due to the stipulations governing social distancing, of course, the stands at D’Urban Park were empty, but thanks the dexterity of the cameraman and the broadcast team, the

HD quality of our phones and TVs had the same effect as if we were all there physically.

A team of six ranks from the Armed Forces, clad in white, green and red, and wearing the mandatory face-masks, hoisted the gigantic, five-coloured beauty into the sky in seven minutes flat, as the military drums rolled excitingly.

By this time, the live broadcast was flooded with comments of pure love, joy and pride at being Guyanese.

Then President David Granger took to the virtual podium to address the nation, and he began by saying that for each and every Guyanese, wherever in the world they may happen to be, the celebration of Independence is about “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 See page 13

Celebrating ‘Independence 54’..

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

From page 12

Guyanese artiste, Carlvin Burnett doing a rendition of ‘Oh Beautiful Guyana’

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 May 26, 1966.”

After referencing his New Year’s message of the ‘good life’ for all, President Granger said that 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. We are on a path towards becom-

ing a ‘green state’, which will promote the preservation and protection of our environment and the adoption of renewable energy technologies.”

In closing, the President urged Guyanese to await the declaration of the results of the General and Regional Elections

which were held on March 2 this year, stating that 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.

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.”

THE ‘WASH-DOWN’ That aspect of the celebrations done, it was now time for the ‘bacchanal’, and as any Guyanese worth their salt would know, no coronavirus or national recount can hold them back from celebrating such a momentous occasion, and thanks to the

The indomitable Charmaine Blackman, doing what she does best, ‘gi’ dem mo fuh talk’

Government of Guyana, Nigel Worrell and Andrew Tyndall, they certainly outdid themselves with the virtual activities. And if you thought that the rebroadcast and the pre-flagraising show was all that was planned, then you thought wrong.

For at 10:00hrs sharp on Tuesday morning, another virtual, cultural music festival was broadcast live on Television, Facebook and radio, coming from the stage of the Na-

tional Cultural Centre.

With the host of this show being Malcolm Ferreira, the energy was all the way up, and was 1000 per cent Guyanese.

Starting with the exceptional lyricist, Clifford ‘Alabama’ Charles, the show kicked off with the ultimate ‘bang’, and the crowd was definitely in for a treat.

Other massive performances came from the likes of Mark Batson, Carlvin Burnett,

Charmaine Blackman, Brandon Harding, Steven Ramphal, and Jumo Primo, taking the broadcast to thousands of views and positive reactions from the public, who were all pleased with the production.

Three full hours of live Guyanese entertainment from the comfort of our homes, ‘Independence 54’ is definitely one anniversary that will always be remembered.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

‘Take advantage of all available data’ –– NDMA official urges, so as to increase efficiency to fight pandemics, assist vulnerable

By Lisa Hamilton THE COVID-19 pandemic has re-opened the eyes of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) to the importance of the use of data, already accessible by the government, to improve the lives of citizens.

Speaking on the subject on Monday on the programme, ‘Bush-Tea Time’, hosted by the National Communication Network (NCN), NDMA General Manager Floyd Levi said that at the height of China’s outbreak, the authorities there made quick use of available technology and data to identify

and isolate people who might be spreading the illness.

He made the point also that though, in China’s case, there are concerns about privacy, persons were generally pleased with a hi-tech approach to dealing with the deadly virus.

‘Big data’, as high volumes of structured and unstructured information are called, he went on to explain, can be organised by governments to increase efficiency in the areas of law enforcement, education, government audits, urban planning, economic development, emergency planning and more.

CLOSER TO HOME Levi said that in the case of Guyana, it is important that those in authority here make an effort to put their houses in order, in terms of organising whatever data they have available, as in the event another crisis like COVID-19 should ever impact the country again, Guyana should be able to identify the most vulnerable in its society, based on information already collected by the various agencies.

“A lot of this data is generated by your Bank, by your university… It is the

And though Guyana might be a little behind the development curve, Levi believes that such deliberate changes will allow for a better-governed country with more efficient systems.

“We should be embracing these concepts of ‘big data’ and ‘open data’ to make our governance so much easier,” he said, adding: “Unfortunately, we’re not there as yet, but a lot of these things come down to our understanding.”

NDMA General Manager, Floyd Levi reservoir of the data that you generate in your daily, weekly, monthly, annual interaction in a particular space,” Levi said, adding: “Using that data, we now see how China has been able to do contact-and-tracing of persons affected by COVID, even without the individual having to raise their hand to say ‘I think I’ve been in contact with someone.’”

As he went on to explain, “That’s just one very small but glaring example of how ‘Big Data’ is being used. We can use that in so many instances; from the time we are born, we go through so many requirements before we get to adulthood… We should not be waiting on citizens, in this day and age, to come to government for services; Government has to have the mentality that it is their duty to deliver services to citizens, and use the available data that we already capture.”

OTHER USES Giving other examples of how databanks can come in handy, Levi said that for instance, data already available from the birth of a child at hospitals can address school admissions, while data from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) can help to locate possible businesses in need.

UNIQUE CHALLENGES However, impacting this general understanding of the importance of organised data is the level of digital literacy in Guyana.

According to Levi, there is a 50-55 per cent Internet penetration-rate in Guyana as a result of its unique challenges, when compared its regional neighbours.

Guyana is the largest Caribbean country with a population of less than a million. And as a developing country, its geographical landscape and infrastructural challenges hinder ease of access to many remote areas.

As a result, depending on where one lives, they may not have access to Internet services. Levi said that at times, the geography of Guyana can prevent telecommunications companies from delivering services to some locations.

And geography aside, there are also such other challenges as the socio-economic aspect of things, which can limit Internet access to the less fortunate, who often choose to prioritise other basic needs before that of technology.

“At 50 per cent Internet penetration,” Levi said, “we recognise that many of our citizens are being left out of this global information revolution that we’re all enjoying.”

However, the NDMA has come to realise that even if these challenges were to be eliminated, and

all citizens were presented with devices and access to the Internet, there is still the challenge of the inability of all Guyanese to understand how to safely navigate their way around the Web. DIGITAL LITERACY “So, the question of digital skills really poses a unique challenge for us,” Levi said, adding: “I believe it’s going to take some time and some diligent effort to have our citizens develop the necessary digital skills to allow us to participate fully in this cyber space.”

He noted that the Centre for Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT) at the University of Guyana (UG) and other technical institutes are working towards filling the gap.

Deputy Programmme Manager for Information and Communications Technologies for Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Ms. Jennifer Britton, who was also on the programme, emphasised that digital literacy must begin from childhood.

She said that as the world becomes more and more digitised, Guyana also needs to ensure that their adults are efficient in the use of technology as these are who the country currently depend upon to plan for present and future development.

“It has to be this constantly moving continuum, where we are rolling out people who are trained,” Britton said. Levi agreed that no segment of the population should be neglected in this regard, be it the elderly, Persons With Disabilities (PWD) and a balance of both genders.

He said that the government, academia, the private sector and civil society all have roles to play in ensuring that the necessary policies and infrastructure are in place to ensure that no group of citizens suffer digital exclusion.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Keep your children home!

–– Henry on reports of children roaming streets amid COVID-19 pandemic DESPITE the closure of schools, and the Ministry of Public Health’s advisory for citizens to remain at home, there are increasing reports of school-aged children roaming the streets, pastures and playgrounds.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, said while she is unaware of the issue, parents must do more to keep their children safe.

“I’m not aware of such, but if that were the case, I would say that there is more supervision that is needed in the homes,” the Education Minister told this newspaper.

Minister Henry said it is crucial that adults play their role in ensuring that children observe the safety measures outlined by the health authorities, inclusive of social and physical distancing.

“Children always have to be supervised, they always have to guided, they have to be given good guidance and direction and as adults, we have to do our due diligence because it is our responsibility to ensure [that the youths are sheltered],” she said.

Minister Henry further stressed that it takes a community to raise and protect children, especially during the current health crisis, adding that “every responsible adult should be vigilant and step in whenever they see children put themselves in harms way.”

the different methodologies they’re using — some are using workbooks, some are using Internet,” Minister Henry explained.

However, she noted that this will need an all-handson deck approach not only from the ministry, but from everyone.

“I think for every minis-

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry CHALLENGES STILL REMAIN Additionally, while taking into consideration that not every child would have access to Information Communication Technology (ICT) hubs, Internet and other academic materials, the minister admitted that the Education Sector is still challenged with administering the curriculum.

“Well we know schools are out and so that obviously poses a challenge for the ministry to execute its work, since we function in the classroom…in some homes they may not have the things that many people take for granted in order to have the classroom setting; it depends on the work space, the number of children in a home,

Murder of elderly WBD farmer still unsolved IT has been over one month since the lifeless body of 67-year-old Sohan Ramdial was found buried in a shallow grave on his farm at Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The police are yet to make an arrest.

On April 6, Ramdial’s lifeless body was discovered in the shallow grave after his family had mobilised a search party for him, after he did not return home.

Ramdial was last seen on the morning of Sunday, April 5, when he left his Lot 69 Sohan Ramdial Claybrick Road, Canal No. 2, home to tend to his cattle in the backdam.

An autopsy conducted on the body of Ramdial found that he died from the perforation of the lungs and heart due to multiple stab wounds.

A Senior Police Detective, on Monday, May 26, 2020, told the Guyana Chronicle that the Ramdial’s murder investigation was still open and was on-going.

The police had arrested several persons but they were later released.

try of education, every country in the world, they have had challenges. The first being, for some age groups you have to rely on in-classroom activities; as such, for the [pupils] in the nursery level the ministry is relying on the parents to do their part …if you don’t have the parental supervision, then you know

what’s going to happen,” she stated.

While acknowledging that the government had put a lot of its effort and time in ensuring that there are sufficient educational infrastructure and ITC hubs across the country, the greatest need right now exists within the homes of citizens.

Nevertheless, the minister noted that staffers, teachers and other education officials have been working above and beyond, and will continue to work to ensure that every child is receiving a sound education, as more strategies and resources become available.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

THIS IS A PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

AIR Link Guyana partners with GTT to offer premium quality IPTV services to Guyana NEW HD quality premium IPTV services will be accessible to Guyanese through Air Link Guyana, as the company announced its Partnership with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT).

CEO of AIR Link Guyana, Riyad Mohammed, said the expansion drive would be launched with a new offer of 90 days free TV, available exclusively to customers of GTT’s Blaze Internet service. This offer is valid to all new Air Link customers who sign up for the service before June 15, 2020 and will thereafter enjoy 90 free days of free entertainment. Following the 90 days, customers have the option of paying their TV subscription using MMG. The company which services several regional markets offers free unlimited access to more than 140 channels, inclusive of all the popular categories of sport, entertainment and news from major international providers, in addition to local content. Air Link said all GTT Blaze customers would benefit from the offer which would provide viewers in Guyana with a superior quality TV experience, and the lowest rates available in the country.

GTT CEO, Justin Nedd, said the decision by Air Link to choose GTT, was a resounding vote of confidence in GTT’s Blaze Internet product, which provides fast and reliable fibre-optic service for enhanced streaming video capabilities and a better overall customer viewing experience.

“GTT’s commitment to delivering a world-class consumer experience to all of our Blaze customers includes knowing what customers want and adding value in unexpected ways. This is why we are pleased that Air Link has selected GTT to benefit from their premium digital TV services,” Nedd said.

Some of the benefits Blaze customers signing up for the new service would receive include no hidden fees and commitments, with the option to cancel at any time. The Air Link TV app is available for Amazon Fire Stick users as well as any Android phone and tablet users through Google Play and the Amazon App Stores.

Air Link customers can register up to five (5) devices per account.

Air Link TV also works on GTT’s Mobile Network so that customers can enjoy on-the-go TV access.

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Guyanese-born American student receives scholarships to 6 universities GUYANESE born students have always had a way of making waves in the education systems all over the world when given the opportunity.

One such student is 18-year-old Shemar Davenport, who recently received scholarships to six universities in the United States, including Kennesaw State University, Georgia Perimeter and Tuskegee University.

Davenport, who migrated to the US in 2014, said that his transition from Guyana was somewhat difficult, especially in the school system. He explained that the school system he was transitioning into was somewhat different to what he was accustomed to. He said that he had humble beginnings being at the Central Primary School and then at the Dolphin Secondary School until he and his family migrated.

He recalled his first year being in a new learning environment trying his best to adjust. He said not having his mother and his friends physically with him was a bit difficult, but said that he felt the support of his mother through the constant contact he had shared with her. He said his mother gave him strength and that he wanted to make sure he made her proud.

Man dies following accident on Saffon Street POLICE are currently investigating the fatal accident at Saffon and Sussex Streets, Georgetown, which claimed the life of a 23-year-old man.

Dead is Terry Danraj, of Ogle Railway Road, East Coast Demerara.

The Guyana Chronicle was made to understand that on May 25, 2020 around 21:00 hours, Danraj was a passenger in motor car PSS 1314, which was being driven by a 26-year-old resident of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

Terry Danraj The vehicle was reportedly proceeding north at a fast rate when it col-

lided with the trailer of a container truck at the intersection of Sussex and Saffon Streets.

The front of the motor car was pinned under the trailer which caused Danraj to be pinned down.

Danraj, who was unconscious, along with the motor car driver, were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

However, around 13:30 on Monday, May 26, Danraj succumbed to his injuries. The motor car driver is in a stable condition but is still hospitalised.

A police investigation is still ongoing.

Shemar Davenport After several months, he said that he realised that he had to set his goals and set out a plan to achieve them and that’s when he started setting timetables to study and complete work as a way to keep his social life and school life balanced.

“After the first few months I got myself together, I found a few friends and I think that helped my transition better because they made me feel comfortable and welcome. After I got comfortable, I decided that I had to make sure I set my priorities. After working harder and harder, I had gotten selected for my school’s honour roll.”

He stated that he never planned to land a spot on the honour roll but that his hard work surprised even him when it had been announced. He further stated that he had used his time in his high school serving as part of the school’s student

society as a way to bring about positive changes for his fellow students.

Davenport, who will be reading for a bachelor’s degree in political science in September, recalled the moment he received that first acceptance letter. He said, “when I got the first letter I was excited, it was a full scholarship to university and I felt proud, I felt like deserved it, all my hard work finally paid off.”

When asked his view on the CSEC examination, which, in the Caribbean, is considered the gateway examination of one’s future, Davenport said that he feels for the children who would view waiting until next year as putting their future on hold for a year, but he feels they should consider their safety. He further stated that he understands that some of the students might find it difficult to focus on preparing themselves for the

examination, and that this might affect their overall performance.

Davenport said that if he could offer a piece of advice to students it would be, “ Set your goals and never give up, keep moving forward, keep working harder than you did the day before, don’t let anybody stop you from achieving your goal, if your goal is to go to college or be a lawyer or a doctor, you have to take the responsibility and put in the work to achieve the things you want to, if your believe in yourself there’s nothing you cannot achieve.”

Davenport stated that he is happy for the experiences he had in Guyana as it helped him greatly in achieving his goals, he said he got his work ethics from his schooling and life experiences in Guyana, learning how to rise above adversity and come out on top.

Former GRA head passes FORMER Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Khurshid Sattaur, passed away on Tuesday.

Reports are that Sattaur was ailing for some time. He was in his 60s.

Sattaur served as Commissioner-General

of the GRA for 12 years.

He retired in 2011 but remained on the job until 2016.

This publication offers deepest condolences to members, friends and associates of the bereaved family of Khursid Sattaur.

Khurshid Sattaur

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

‘Agri’ Ministry raring to REAP big dividends –– with launch of COVID-19 relief kitchen garden initiative

AS the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many Guyanese, the Rural Affairs Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture recently launched its COVID-19 Relief Kitchen Garden Initiative, with the aim of providing nutritional balance to families, fostering less use of toxic chemicals at a time when maintaining a healthy immune system is important.

This initiative is part of the Ministry’s Rural Entrepreneurial Agricultural Project (REAP), according to a press release from the ministry.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, while encouraging persons to start their own kitchen gardens, said that the Ministry intends to assist

persons with their efforts.

“Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has implemented the REAP (Rural Entrepreneurial Agricultural Project), which will be implemented in all Regions of Guyana.

The Kitchen Garden Initiative, Component Two, will see persons receiving assistance to acquire small garden tools, seeds, and irrigation and other planting

A kitchen garden in Guyana material to get their kitchen gardens going,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

According to the release, with the establishment of the Rural Affairs Secretariat in June 2019, the ministry was able to launch its first Kitchen Garden competition last November in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), more specifically the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara; in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), from Fort Wellington to Bush Lot; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), from Number 53-Union to Kildonan; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), from Lethem to St. Ignatius; and in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Linden.

The release said that with the success of the previous initiative, and preparations for the second leg of the competition underway, Minister Adams-Yearwood has made a few adjustments to the initiative to offer assistance to persons finding it hard to maintain their food supply, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19

pandemic.

And with many persons now out of jobs, Minister Adams-Yearwood said, it may be difficult for them to feed their families with the necessary fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy immune system.

ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOODS “It is important for persons to have access to nutritious fruits and vegetables to maintain healthy immune systems, as these help your body to fight off diseases and viruses,” she said, adding: “This is one of the benefits of having a kitchen garden; access to a variety of healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables.”

She further stated kitchen gardens help persons to save money, reduce their trips to public spaces like markets and supermarkets, and promote recreational activities among family members.

The ministry said that over the past few weeks, other regional and agricultural officials have been

calling on persons to return to kitchen gardening as a means of ensuring their families are fed, especially during crises like the one currently affecting the country.

Persons interested in this initiative can uplift an application form from either the security of the Ministry’s head office on Regent Street, their Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) offices, or regional agricultural officers. Forms are also available on the ministry’s website at: http:// agriculture.gov.gy/publications/kitchen-garden-project-entry-form/.

After a verification process, registered persons will be given assistance in the form of vouchers to acquire seeds, small garden tools, irrigation material and other planting materials needed to either establish or improve an established kitchen garden; said vouchers are redeemable at local or Regional suppliers. Closing date for registration is June 6, 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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CARICOM honours legendary public servant, Miles Stoby

THE Caribbean Region is mourning the death of one of its most-highly respected international public servants, Miles Stoby, who retired from the United Nations (UN) Secretariat after decades of service, most of it in the area of economic and social development.

Miles Stoby died on May 19 in Muscat, Oman, where he resided. Guyanese by birth, he joined the Guyana Foreign Service after completing studies at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. His first external posting was in the then joint Guyana/

was the organisation of the first UN Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that was hosted by Barbados in 1994.

“He was the Coordinator of the Conference Secretariat. At this juncture in the international debate on climate change and environmental sustainability, it is perhaps fitting that we remember the groundbreaking role of that First SIDS Conference, and the skill with which Miles Stoby steered the process to a successful conclusion,” CARICOM stated.

Miles Stoby (left), Permanent Observer of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the United Nations, presents his credentials to Secretary-General Kofi Annan, at UN Headquarters, 5 October 2005.

Barbados Embassy in Washington D.C. He subsequently served in Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the UN and Guyana’s Embassy in Brazil. Thereafter he joined the United Nations Secretariat and served in increasingly senior positions, reaching the level of Assistant Secretary General in the office of the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan.

Stoby served, in 1992, as Secretary of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, known as the Rio Summit, and later as coordinator of preparations for the Millennium Summit and Assembly – the largest gathering of Heads of State that has ever taken place internationally. In its seminal declaration, leaders committed to reduce extreme poverty and set time-bound targets which became known as the Millennium Development Goals.

One of the greatest highlights of his professional career, and the one that gave him the most satisfaction as a Caribbean man,

Following his retirement, Miles Stoby was again of direct service to the Caribbean Region when he held the position of Ambassador and Permanent Observer of CARICOM to the United Nations in New York during the period August 2005 to May 2006.

Stoby was married to Lyutha AlMughairy, a former staff member of the UN Secretariat and later the Ambassador of Oman to the United Nations in New York and more recently to The Federal Republic of Germany. They had one daughter, Aisha Stoby. He was also the father of Tanya and Lara, and the brother of Robin.

In addition to his immediate family members, he also leaves to mourn a host of friends and former UN colleagues around the Caribbean and globally.

Above all he leaves fond memories among all those he mentored, championed or in any way befriended, of a warm, generous and committed human being.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Wednesday, May 27, 05:00hrs - 06:30hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

GBA gets ‘green light’ to bring boxers home

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) stated on Monday, that they had gotten the ‘go ahead’ to bring Cuba-based Colin Lewis, Dennis Thomas, Desmond Amsterdam and Keevin Allicock back to Guyana.

This information, according to Steve Ninvalle, president of the GBA, was given during an informal discussion with the Director of Sport Christopher Jones.

To date GBA, according to a release, is yet to receive an official correspondence from Guyana’s COVID-19 Task Force, with regard to their twoweek old request.

“We are happy with the news that we’ve received; though it’s unofficial. We will expect what the Director of Sport tells us is something that we would have gotten from the horse’s mouth. Of course we would have loved to have an official response from the

COVID-19 Task Force.

Nevertheless, we have commenced work in bringing these young ambassadors back,” Ninvalle told Chronicle Sport yesterday.

“This is now a national effort,” Ninvalle posited, adding that “these guys went out there not to represent themselves but actually to do good for Guyana.

We at GBA) will leave no stones unturned until we get them back home.”

Ninvalle highlighted that GBA had also written to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) - the two bodies that formed an alliance to financially support the boxers’ trip to Cuba - to render assistance in returning the four boxers to Guyana.

The amateur pugilists, Ninvalle related, are mentally-drained, given the fact that it has been 68 days since their originally scheduled return date was disrupted by the closure of the country’s borders and airports, for

commercial travel, when the Government of Guyana took stringent measures to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

Three of the four are breadwinners for their families, and Ninvalle reasoned that the unintentional and extended absence from their homes has had a negative economic impact for their respective families.

The aforementioned boxers, along with Canada-based Taveena Kum, were in preparation mode to compete at the March 26 - April 4 Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) Americas Olympic Qualifier, but the GBA was left counting their losses in the millions, after the Argentina government had restricted international events in the country with immediate effect.

Since their unforeseen extended stay on the Spanish-speaking island the boxers are in care of the Government of Guyana with assistance from the Guyana Consulate in Cuba.

West Indies back in training with board expected to approve England tour

WEST Indies have followed England with a return to training before the expected sign-off tomorrow for their three-Test tour.

A Cricket West Indies (CWI) board meeting is expected to give the green light

for a trip that brings 25 players and a coaching setup together in Antigua and, once individual coronavirus test results have been returned from a private laboratory in Florida, they will depart for the UK on June 8.

After arrival the seven-week tour will begin with a fortnight of quarantine for the squad at the Hilton at Old Trafford, during which time a 15-man squad and 10 reserves are expected to be able to work towards the first Test at Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl – another ground with a hotel – on July 8.

But like England whose 18 red-ball bowlers returned to individual training last week before a wider international training group is named on Friday, West Indies’ preparation for their defence of the Wisden Trophy has already begun.

Seven Barbados cricketers – the captain Jason Holder, Shane Dowrich, Shamarh Brooks, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope and Raymon Reifer – trained in two separate groups at the Kensington Oval on Monday,

with a further six also using the facilities in the lead-up to their departure.

Players in seven other territories are also due to begin in small groups this week, with Johnny Grave, the CWI chief executive, saying: “We are in the final stages of discussions with the ECB and we expect to hear from them shortly once their bio-secure plans have UK government and ECB board support.”

The series, which will move back to Old Trafford for the second and third Tests starting July 16 and 24 respectively, will see players isolated from the public, restricted to zones on site and subject to a regular testing routine.

While it published guidelines for the sport’s resumption last week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to draw up protocols in the event of a player testing positive for COVID-19 during a match, with the subject of possible substitutes – akin to those introduced for concussion last year – still to be debated by the cricket committee.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Coronavirus:

Sports events in March ‘caused increased suffering, death’ TWO major sporting events held in March “caused increased suffering and death”, the scientist leading the UK’s largest COVID-19 tracking project has said.

Data gathered from millions of volunteers found coronavirus “hotspots” shortly after the Cheltenham Festival and Liverpool’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

Professor Tim Spector said rates of cases locally “increased several-fold”.

The government said many factors could influence cases in a particular area.

Less than three months ago sport across the UK was continuing as normal, despite the impending threat of coronavirus - which had already prompted some European countries to stage such events without spectators, or completely call them off.

Sports governing bodies in the UK were taking their cue from Prime Minister Boris Johnson who declared in early March that people should “as far as possible, go about business as usual”.

On the first weekend in March, there was a full programme of football in both England and Scotland, five horse racing meetings, and Six Nations rugby at Twickenham between England and Wales - which the prime minister himself attended.

It was a different matter elsewhere. A forthcoming Six Nations match in Dublin had already been postponed, along with the Chinese Grand Prix and football matches in virus-stricken northern Italy.

The UK government’s stance remained consistent.

Just 24 hours before Cheltenham opened its gates to 250 000 spectators on March 10, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden rebuffed growing

calls for a ban on mass outdoor gatherings.

He told the BBC: “There’s no reason for people not to attend such events or to cancel them at this stage.”

69, having symptoms in those two regions.

Not to be confused with the government’s contact-tracing app, the research draws on information uploaded by

government was. When we flew out of Dublin Airport it was literally like a ghost town.”

Melanie said that racegoers at Cheltenham, on the other hand, believed the UK gov-

telling the Guardian on April 2 that it had followed “clear and ongoing guidance” from the government and science experts.

It added: “We promoted the

More than 250 000 persons flocked to Cheltenham for its annual horse racing festival in March

But Prof Spector from King’s College London said “people will have probably died prematurely” because of the decision.

So did these events contribute to a surge in coronavirus cases?

It’s impossible to say for certain, but figures seen by the BBC Radio 4’s File on 4 programme show in the last week of March, Liverpool and Cheltenham were among the areas with the highest number of suspected cases.

The figures come from the COVID-19 Symptom Study, and show an estimated 5-6% of the population, aged 20 to

more than three million volunteers around the UK, who submit daily reports identifying whether they have any of the 15 symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Irish journalist Melanie Finn recalls the stark difference in approach on either side of the Irish Sea, as she flew in to the Cheltenham Festival from Dublin.

“We had already cancelled the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, and that in itself was huge for us,” she said.

“People were in shock.

No-one could believe that was happening. That was an indicator of how serious the Irish

ernment would have cancelled the event if they had thought it was unsafe.

She said people ignored basic safety rules: “It was like the last days of the Roman Empire, and I think there was a little bit of a sense that if it was open, by God they were going to party.”

She was so concerned by what she saw that she asked her employer to fly her home midway through the festival.

A week later she developed the symptoms of COVID-19 and had to take two weeks off work.

The Jockey Club had previously defended the decision to go ahead with the festival,

latest public health advice and introduced a range of additional hygiene measures at the event, including hundreds of hand sanitiser dispensers and extra wash basins.”

On March 11 - the second day of the festival - the World Health Organisation declared coronavirus a pandemic.

‘JUMPING ALL OVER EACH OTHER’ Later that evening, Liverpool hosted Atletico Madrid in a Champions League football match at Anfield.

Around 3 000 visiting fans were allowed to travel to Merseyside and mingle in bars

and restaurants, despite the fact Madrid was the epicentre of the outbreak in Spain, and at that point accounted for almost half of the country’s confirmed cases.

Liverpool supporter Joel Rookwood, who has been ill for eight weeks, believes he contracted COVID-19 that evening, and recalled how when goals were scored, spectators were oblivious to the risk of transmitting the virus.

“The celebrations were some of the most physical that I’ve experienced,” he said.

“People were jumping all over each other.”

The Spirit of Shankly, a Liverpool supporters group, said it raised concerns about the arrival of fans from Madrid at a council-chaired safety meeting two days before the match but were told it would go ahead in accordance with government advice.

But Liverpool FC would not have been able to unilaterally call off the match - to decide which of the two clubs progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals. That decision would have had to come from one of football’s governing bodies, such as the competition’s organiser UEFA. Prof Spector said: “I think sporting events should have been shut down at least a week earlier because they’ll have caused increased suffering and death that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred.”

In a statement, the government said: “There are many factors that could influence the number of cases in a particular area, including population density, age, general health, and the position of an area on the pandemic curve.”

Players Association seeking ‘certainty’ before return NATIONAL Basketball Players Association (NBPA) executive director Michele Roberts told ESPN yesterday that players are seeking a “level of certainty” regarding their return from the hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

On hold since March 11, Roberts said, “It’s time” for players to get back on the court.

“It’s been two and a half months of, ‘What if?’ My players need some level of certainty. I think everybody does,” she said.

Roberts is holding roundtables with all 30 NBA teams this week. By next week, every franchise expects to have a

detailed outline of when, where and how the NBA plans to resume business, from commissioner Adam Silver.

The NBA Board of Governors is meeting Friday with the intention of laying out some of the protocols that would be in place at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Fla. Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie shared via social media last week that players are expecting to resume practice in June and be ready for games by July 15.

“Let’s just get it out there, because our guys need to know,” Roberts said.

“Certainty will be good. But the players really want to play.”

NBPA executive director Michele Roberts

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

When Colin Milburn went berserk at the Gabba

By Ian Chappell

IN these sports-less days it’s timely to ask: “Is this the best batting in a session ever?”

No, I’m not talking about Sir Donald Bradman’s 309 in a day at Headingley in 1930, where he scored a century in each of the first two sessions.

I’m not reminiscing about the carnage Virender Sehwag caused at Brabourne Stadium in 2009-10 when he broke his own record for the fastest Test 250, coming off just 207 balls.

And I’m not paying tribute to Barry Richards’ 325 in 330 minutes when he pulverised a Western Australia Shield attack in Perth that included great Australian speedsters Dennis Lillee and Graham McKenzie.

If you’re looking for a clue to the innings I’m referring to, think about Richards’ opponents that day and you’re getting warm.

It was a pulsating innings in 1968 by Englishman Colin ‘Ollie’ Milburn when he was playing Shield cricket for WA against Queensland at the Gabba.

On a steaming hot day Milburn opened with Derek

Chadwick and moved rather sedately to 61 by lunch, with WA a secure 0 for 92. In those days the only way to obtain Shield scores - other than the stumps radio summary - was by calling a dedicated telecom number.

I had called at lunch and when I phoned again in the tea break the recorded message said; “WA 0 for 327, Milburn 242 and Chadwick 76.” “ T h e c o m m e n t a t o r ’s drunk,” I thought, “nobody scores 181 in a session.” That’s a mammoth output for a team never mind an individual.

However when I heard the stumps summary, Ollie had indeed scored 181 on his own.

His voluminous tally had been garnered off just 131 balls and was by some margin the most runs scored in an Australian session.

His innings is best summed up by Rod Marsh, who was also playing for WA. “Ollie hit every shot in that session hard enough to reach the boundary,” claimed Marsh, “it’s just that they managed to stop a few.”

What makes the innings even more memorable is the comment the rotund Milburn

made in the lunch break. Spying a fellow cricketer with a thirst, the freely perspiring Milburn looked across the dressing room at Marsh and said: “F*** me, Rodney, it’s hot out there - I won’t be roonin’ too many after lunch.”

tunate Geoff Gray fielding on the boundary. Such was the power of the shot that the ball burst through Gray’s hands, hit him in the chest and continued on over the boundary while the fielder was almost impaled on the pickets.

thirst, he would have scorned rehydration in an ice bath that night; rather he would have drunk what was on ice.

Milburn only played nine Tests prior to a career-ending accident because of the conservative nature of England’s

Floats like a butterfly, swings like a beast: Colin Milburn hits his stride (PA photos)

Milburn hit 38 fours and four sixes in his extravaganza - he was a man of his word. One six was a pull shot smashed straight at an unfor-

Gray received a memento from Milburn’s innings - a lifelong scar where the stitches were inserted.

Knowing Milburn and his

selections in those days. He blazed his way to a century in his last Test innings and just as he appeared set to establish a permanent place in the England

side, he tragically lost an eye in a car accident.

I played two Tests against Milburn in the 1968 Ashes series. He scored a memorable 83 at Lord’s that included two sixes. I don’t recall the second but I’ll never forget the first.

It hit the grandstand scoreboard with such force that some of the numbers flew off their hinges and rained down on the spectators.

Appropriately, the last time I saw Ollie was in a Manchester bar during the 1989 Ashes series. Sadly it wasn’t long after that night out that Ollie died of a heart attack, aged only 48. A mate of mine rang to tell me the bad news: “Ollie died in the car park of the Britannia pub.”

“Was he going in or coming out?” I asked.

“Apparently he was coming out,” was the response.

“That’s good,” I said, “he would’ve died happy.”

And I’ll bet the reported 2038 patrons at the Gabba on November 22, 1968, go to their grave believing they witnessed the best ever batting in one session. (ESPN Cricinfo)

England striker Gary Lineker grimaces (Reuters) - ON THIS DAY -- MAY 27 SOCCER - England striker Gary Lineker grimaces as he does stretching exercises with his arm in a sling during the team’s training session in Monterrey, Mexico ahead of their World Cup campaign.

Despite injuring his arm a week earlier, Lineker started all three games in the group stage, netting a hattrick in the third match in a 3-0 win over Poland.

He scored two more in the last-16 against Paraguay and another in the 2-1 quarter-final defeat by Argentina to go home with the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals in the tournament.

May 27, 1995 SOCCER - Celtic manager Tommy Burns lifts skipper Paul McStay after the team defeated first division outsiders Airdrie 1-0 in the Scottish FA Cup final at Hampden Park.

Dutch striker Pierre van Hooijdonk ended six trophy-less years for the Glasgow club by heading in the winner in the ninth minute of the contest.

Celtic’s first trophy since they won the Scottish Cup in 1989 gave Burns success during his first year in charge and earned the team a spot in the European Cup Winners’ Cup the following season.

May 27, 2002 MOTOR RACING - Helio Castroneves holds the Borg Warner Trophy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway a day after he became the first driver in 31 years to defend his crown, scoring a controversial victory over Canada’s Paul Tracy.

A wild finish occurred with two laps remaining when Tracy made a move to pass Castroneves. At the same time Laurent Redon and Buddy Lazier became entangled half a lap behind and crashed into the wall, bringing out the yellow caution flag.

Officials later ruled Tracy had passed Castroneves under the caution, handing the Brazilian the victory as the race finished under yellow. But Tracy claimed he passed the Brazilian before the yellow caution flag.

After reviewing videotapes and timing results, chief race steward Brian Barnhart confirmed that Castroneves had won.

May 27, 2003 SOCCER - Former Manchester United and England midfielder Bobby Charlton and Eusebio pose with the European Cup trophy outside Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, a day before the Champions League final at the venue.

Charlton faced Eusebio in two of the finest days of his own career, the 1966 World Cup semi-final, when En-

gland beat Portugal at Wembley, and the 1968 European Cup final when Manchester United overcame Benfica in extra-time at the same venue.

Eusebio played for Benfica for 15 out of his 22 years as a footballer, and is the team’s all-time top scorer with 473 goals in 440 competitive matches.

May 27, 2006 TENNIS - Croatia’s team chief Riccardo Piatti, Mario Ancic, Ivo Karlovic and Ivan Ljubicic pose with their trophies after their 2-1 victory over Germany in the World Team Cup final in Duesseldorf, Germany.

Karlovic gave Croatia a 1-0 lead beating Alexander Waske 7-6(5) 6-4 before Ljubicic made sure of the country’s first title in the competition with a 6-4 6-4 win over Nicolas Kiefer.

Germany earned a consolation win when the pair of Michael Kohlmann and Waske beat Karlovic and Ljubicic 7-6(3) 6-3 in the doubles rubber.

May 27, 2007 ATHLETICS - Japanese pole-vaulter Takehito Ariki tries to clear a bar between two Tokyo skyscrapers during a street track and field event at the Marunouchi business district in Tokyo.

Ariki was joined by sprinter Dai Tamesue and long jumper Nobuharu Asahara as the trio showed off their

skills at a makeshift track and field to raise public interest in athletics.

The event was staged to promote the IAAF World Championships in Athletics that were set to take place in Japan later that year and 2500 people gathered in the heart of the city to watch Japan’s top athletes up close and personal.

Barcelona their first-ever treble.

The match was Ronaldo’s last with United in his sixth season at the club before he made a then-world record transfer to Real Madrid worth 80 million pounds ($97.42 million).

FILE PHOTO: England striker Gary Lineker grimaces as he does stretching exercises with his arm in a sling during the team’s training session in Monterrey, Mexico ahead of their World Cup campaign

May 27, 2009 SOCCER - Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts during the Champions League final against Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.

Having beaten Inter Milan, Porto and Arsenal in the knockout stages, defending champions United were beaten 2-0 after goals from Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi gave

May 27, 2018 FORMULA ONE - Monaco Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull Racing belly flops into a pool as he celebrates with his team.

Ricciardo started on pole position and despite complaining about a loss of power in his car early in the race, he managed to finish ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

It was Hamilton who challenged him to do the belly flop during the news conference and the Australian driver duly obliged before other crew members joined him in the pool.

May 27, 2018 GOLF - Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy in action during the final round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

Italian Franceso Molinari won the event as McIlroy faded in the final round to miss out on the chance of a victory in the European Tour’s flagship tournament for the second time.

The pair started the day level on 13 under par and while Molinari carded a flawless 68 to finish at 17 under, McIlroy’s 70 left him two shots adrift in second place despite birdies at the last two holes.

May 27, 2019 SOCCER - Union Berlin players celebrate after winning their Bundesliga relegation/ promotion playoff against VfB Stuttgart at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei in Berlin, Germany.

Union were promoted to the top-flight for the first time following a 0-0 draw in the second leg which gave them an away-goals victory after the tie finished 2-2 on aggregate.

The Berlin club had finished in the top 10 of the second division in each of the previous eight seasons.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Lasting effect of COVID-19 could hamper ‘rock-star lifestyles’

By Clifton Ross SPORTSMEN and women worldwide are usually considered royalty and it’s reflected in their most often lavish lifestyles, but remnants of COVID-19 could slowly reverse the way athletes live.

It’s no hidden secret that most of the world’s top athletes from basketball, America football, soccer and good old fashion baseball, generate billions of dollars of income for its athletes.

For instance, NBA stars are treated as hip-hop royalty as that niche of music is often intertwined, as players and artists coexist in their respective worlds. The ballers and most of the world’s top soccer stars have since taken on a ‘rap-like’ persona, having spent their millions on palatial homes, luxury automobiles while maintaining a high-end way of living.

In boxing, Floyd Mayweather’s moniker is ‘Money’ a true testament to the vast wealth the world champ has punched his way to over the years. While the international list of millionaire athletes and sports figures is lengthy, the effect has trickled down to the Caribbean as a number of the region’s top international and even domestic cricketers, in particular, have managed to do

extremely well for themselves over the last two years.

One of the main contributors of wealth over the past six years is undoubtedly the introduction of the Professional Cricket League (PCL).

With the salaries for regional cricket much higher these days than it was back then, most stars have managed to secure stints either with the international Windies team or other lucrative T20 franchises

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli with one of his exquisite Audi sports cars

The professional system has now created a reservoir which serves as the financial core for the players who are paid thousands of US dollars to train and stay fit.

around the world; which has made them millionaires.

Another key piece of history with regard to cricketers taking on a rock-star like persona these days is T20 cricket.

World Team Tennis to allow up to 500 fans at matches (REUTERS) - World Team Tennis (WTT), an innovative mixed-gender professional tennis league, will start on July 5 at the Greenbrier, West Virginia, and up to 500 fans will be allowed to attend matches during its three-week season, tournament organisers said yesterday.

WTT said it would adhere to all health and safety protocols required by authorities to ensure the well-being of its players, coaches and essential staff amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grand Slam champions Sofia Kenin and Sloane Stephens are set to take part in the event, which will consist of a 63-match regular season followed by the playoffs.

WTT plans to stage at least three matches per day at the Greenbrier’s 2500-seat outdoor stadium, while an indoor court will be installed for back-up.

“The overwhelming feedback from our players is that they want to play WTT and are comfortable in doing so in a safe environment,

which is our number one priority,” WTT CEO Carlos Silva said.

The WTT also said it is increasing prize money to a record $5 million, with an added $1 million awarded in WTT Playoffs compensation.

women’s WTA, have been shut down since March 8 due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Tournaments in the United States and Germany have since taken place with strict social-distancing measures and no fans in attendance.

New Zealand will stage a team-based tennis tournament for local-based men’s players from June 3 while world number one Novak Djokovic has organised a tournament across the Balkans from June 13 to July 5.

Back when jailed billionaire Alan Stanford tossed millions of cash around the Caribbean making players rich for life, the trend continued long after the scrapping of the multi-million-dollar branded Stanford

NBA superstar LeBron James poses by his luxury Mercedes Maybach S600

T20 Tournament.

Now with leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), which modified Stanford’s tournament into an international billion-dollar

DORTMUND, Germany (Reuters) - Joshua Kimmich’s sweet first-half lob gave leaders Bayern Munich a 1-0 win at second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Tuesday to close in on the league title with a seven-point advantage over their rivals and six games left in the season.

Kimmich sent a perfectly-weighted chip over stranded keeper Roman Buerki in the 43rd minute as the champions landed a big win, at an empty stadium that normally seats 80,000

(Wednesday May 27, 2020)

All matches will be televised or streamed live on CBS, CBS Sports Network, Tennis Channel and ESPN+, tournament organisers said.

Tennis’s top professional tours, the men’s ATP and

The CPL in particular has done wonders for a number of the region’s and Guyana’s top stars. The wealth acquired has turned a number of local players into overnight millionaires

and as such our ambassadors can afford to look the part.

But the dark side could be revealed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as a number of big leagues and associations regionally and globally have been keeping one eye on bankruptcy/financial recessions.

Wi t h t h e f i n a n c e r ’s means of income also in jeopardy due to the virus, athletes could be forced to take their spending down a notch.

Although some sportsmen and sportswomen might be covered for the remainder of 2020, should the virus persist, much could change fiscally for not just athletes but the average Joe. Limited live sports, little or no fans present at facilities due to restrictions and with no strong television platforms within the Caribbean; the result may lead to smaller future contracts for some athletes.

Also with less endorsements, sponsors and few financial investors to go around due to the current financial flow, cricketers and other well-paid sports figures will certainly need to brace themselves for a bumpy ride.

Nevertheless, it is utterly crucial for all athletes to now use the wealth and reach to create a system where they can still earn should COVID-19 alter the normal way of living, going forward.

Bayern with one hand on league title after 1-0 win at Dortmund

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

Sloane Stephens (REUTERS/Hannah Mckay)

cash machine, which is responsible for making 70 percent of the world’s cricketers either millionaires right off the bat or continuing to make big bucks as the tournament grows every year.

COMPLIMENTS OF THE XTRA ENERGY DRINK, STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO MONDAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Dennis Amiss-103 (vs AUST, Manchester, 1972) (2) Desmond Haynes-148 (vs AUST, ARG, 1978) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) When did the WI and Australia contest an ODI against each other for the first time?

(2) When did Australia win an ODI game against the WI for the first time?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

fans, in their quest for a record-extending eighth straight league crown.

Bayern, who have now won seven straight league matches, are on 64 points with Dortmund still on 57.

RB Leipzig, who face Hertha Berlin on Wednesday, are third with 54.

“I do not live in the future. The here and now is important,” said Bayern coach Hansi Flick.

“We wanted to win today and take a big step forward. We did that. We were focused, decisive and courageous at times. I am satisfied with my team.”

The Bundesliga restarted 10 days ago after a break of more than two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with games played without supporters to reduce the risk of infection.

It all started well for hosts Dortmund with teenage sensation Erling Haaland almost scoring in the opening seconds as Bayern’s Jerome Boateng had to clear the ball off the line.

The visitors found their footing and had their own effort cleared off the line when Lukasz Piszczek denied Serge Gnabry from five

metres.

In a fluid and entertaining first half Norway international Haaland should have done better when he was sent through in the 33rd minute with Alphonso Davies stealing the ball away.

It was Kimmich’s delightful effort that settled the game when he superbly chipped the ball from the edge of the box over the keeper.

Dortmund lost Haaland, who earlier had another effort deflected wide by Boateng’s elbow, to injury with 18 minutes left and Mo Dahoud tried his luck from outside the box but visiting keeper Manuel Neuer, on his 400th league appearance, managed to preserve his clean sheet.

Team mate Robert Lewandowski hit the post in the 83rd for Bayern.

“I think that now it is only up to Bayern to decide the title,” said Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.

“We are seven points behind and can do nothing more than win our games.

But we have to hope they slip up three times. We know how good they are.”

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Pink-ball destroyer Starc targets India day-night Test THE inclusion of Steve Smith and David Warner in the Australian line-up won’t be the only new challenges India will face in this summer’s Border-Gavaskar Test Series, with the teams expected to meet under lights for the first-time in Test cricket.

And fast bowler Mitchell Starc, the most prolific pinkball wicket-taker in the game by some distance, cannot wait.

India’s last tour in the 2018-19 summer, when they secured their first-ever series win on Australian soil, was played with four Tests in the traditional daytime slots after the BCCI refused to face the pink ball.

It was the first time since the inaugural day-night Test in 2015 that the Adelaide Oval had not held a daynight Test match, and delivered Australia’s first loss

at the venue since 2010 as Virat Kohli’s side secured a 31-run win en route to a 2-1 series victory.

India played their firstday night Test last November when they hosted Bangladesh in front of a huge crowd at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, with a Virat Kohli century capping a massive win completed before dusk on the third afternoon.

T h a t match has been part of a recent acceptance of day-night Test cricket by India, and Sourav Ganguly, the presi-

Adelaide.

Australia have led the way in playing pink-ball Tests since that pioneering event, and Starc admits experience in the format will give his team an advantage.

“I think absolutely a pinkball Test in the series against India is a great thing,” Starc said.

“The fans love it, I think it creates a different aspect COVID-19 pandemic to the contest, bat and ball are closer together in that hit.

Starc boasts an contest.

“India played a pinkenviable record of 42 wickets at 19.23 ball game in India so they’re from his seven day- not completely foreign to it.

“In terms of an advantage, night Tests, having played in every one if you like, we do have a good since Australia first record at home with the pink met New Zealand ball.

“That might come into a under lights in N o v e m b e r home-ground advantage and 2015 in it’s no different to us going to India and they’ve got the With India set to play their first day-night Test in Australia advantage there. this summer, pink-ball’s most prolific wicket-taker “It’d be great to have a dent ofoard of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has declared they would like to face Australia under lights.

“A formal announcement will come soon but we have decided to play a day-night Test in Australia,” Ganguly said in February, b e fore the

Michell Starc is licking his chops at the prospect

Premier League clubs to vote today on next stage of Project Restart

By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Premier League clubs will vote today over whether to move to the second phase of Project Restart as they intensify efforts to return to full action.

Clubs began training in small groups last week under strict limitations and no contact but Wednesday’s meeting opens the door to a gradual return towards contact training.

Phase Two, if approved, would allow up to 10 players to work together and would ease the time restrictions on training sessions and allow players to be closer.

It would then be hoped to move to a more typical form of training in the third phase, with tackling returning in the build-up to actual games.

The league was consulting with players and managers on Tuesday and then plans to hold a vote on the next step during a conference call today.

All plans remain contingent on the number of players testing positive for the coronavirus staying low.

The second round of testing returned two positives — with Bournemouth saying one of their players was now self-isolating.

The first batch returned six cases.

No matches have been played in the Premier League since March, but the government has given the green light for General view of the Premier elite sport to reLeague logo on a match ball sume from June 1, including the top- before the match (REUTERS/Phil Noble /File Photo) flight football.

The league had signalled June 12 as a potential start date but it now looks likely to be much later in the month.

On Thursday the shareholders will discuss the business aspects of Project Restart, including a possible broadcast rebate and what to do if the season has to be curtailed.

Once games do restart, they will be held behind closed-doors but the league has yet to decide whether they will be played in the normal home and away fashion or at neutral venues.

pink-ball contest in that series and from the little bits I’ve seen and heard, India are very much open to that as well, so that’s fantastic.”

But the Australians may not have it all their own way.

The sample pool is just one Test match for India, but that game against Bangladesh yielded nine wickets for Ishant Sharma (9-78) and eight for Umesh Yadav (8-82). Mohammed Shami claimed the other two wickets to fall in that match (with one retired hurt) and Jasprit Bumrah – who claimed 21 wickets at 17 in the 2018-19 series in Australia – has not played a pink-ball Test yet.

Australia’s seven daynight Tests are more than any other nation, but it remains unclear if they will get any exposure to the conditions before the Test against India.

There was no day-night

round in last summer’s Marsh Sheffield Shield competition, despite two pinkball Tests, and this summer’s domestic schedule is yet to be announced.

In the lead-up to last summer’s double-header of daynight Tests against Pakistan and New Zealand, Australia coach Justin Langer said the switch from red ball to pink was just another example of his players needing to evolve.

“It’s just adjusting,” he said. “The only difference is the different colour (of the ball) and the best players adapt to it.

“They’ve got to adapt to a red ball, a pink ball and white ball. They’ve got to adapt to Test cricket, fourday cricket, one-day cricket, and T20 cricket.

“The best players are able to do that, and the best teams are able to do that.”

(Cricket.com.au)

FIBA publishes ‘Return to Basketball – Restart Guidelines for National Federations’

FIBA, basketball’s global governing body, has published recommendations on returning to basketball, with the ‘Return to Basketball – Restart Guidelines for National Federations’, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A basketball-specific Risk Assessment Tool has also been produced in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), FIBA said in a recent release.

The guidelines have been developed by FIBA Medical Commission Chairman, Dr Peter Harcourt of Australia, following his consultation with the FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group (MAG), and also both FIBA Medical and Players Commissions.

Along with being

Chair of FIBA’s Medical Commission, Dr Harcourt holds numerous positions within other sports organisations as well as with WADA and the Commonwealth Games Federation Medical Commission.

with the vast majority around the world having been halted in mid-March due to the pandemic.

The guidelines and risk assessment tool, according to FIBA, will serve as a checklist to ensure any decisions

FIBA’s guidelines, published in English, French and Spanish, are primarily for National Federations that are seeking direction and advice on the restart of basketball activities and competitions,

on basketball events are based on an assessment of risks and the best chance of a successful restart.

The international federation made it clear, however, that their guidelines are not

intended to replace the restrictions of governments and public health authorities, pointing out that the risk assessment tool is a live document and will be updated regularly.

Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Secretary General, thanked the FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group, FIBA’s Commissions involved and the World Health Organisation (WHO) “for their Invaluable work, expertise and continued contribution towards protecting our national federations, players, officials and basketball event organisers.

The FIBA COVID-19 Medical Advisory Group was set up in April, with the purpose to review the latest scientific knowledge regarding the virus and to advise on the return of international basketball competitions.

WADA to ramp up testing to fill anti-doping ‘gaps’ MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - The World Anti-Doping Agency says the COVID-19 pandemic may have harmed the fight for clean sport and that “additional targeted testing” was being planned to eliminate gaps as competition resumes.

Athletes have expressed concerns about reductions in testing for banned substances and urged clarity from authorities about the validity of test results during the global sports shutdown.

WADA, in a Q+A (here) document for athletes posted on its website late on Monday, said it was monitoring closely where levels of testing had been reduced altogether.

It also said it was in close contact with anti-doping organisations to find the best ways of being effective during this period.

“When the sporting landscape returns to a certain normality, these ‘gaps’ in testing will be addressed cooperatively through additional targeted testing especially given that intel-

ligence-gathering and investigations continue,” WADA said.

“Placing public health above the needs of the anti-doping system means that there may be impacts on the fight against doping in sport.

“However, there is significantly less training being carried out and significantly fewer competitions taking place.”

WADA said doping control samples continued to be stored for future analysis and, with the help of the athlete’s biological passport, some samples collected post-COVID-19 might reveal doping that occurred during the shutdown period.

“WADA is also evaluating what has worked well and what has proved challenging for anti-doping in these unprecedented times,” the agency added.

“To that end, WADA is establishing a ‘strategic testing’ working group in order to learn from this experience and see how the anti-doping system may be strengthened further by this experience.”

GBA gets ‘green light’ to bring boxers home

Haiti

football federation head suspended for 90 days

Yves Jean-Bart has been in charge of the Haitian Football Federation for two decades

THE president of the Haitian Football Federation, Yves Jean-Bart, has been suspended from his post for 90 days.

The governing body of world football, FIFA, took the step after allegations emerged that he coerced teenage female players into having sex with him.

He allegedly threatened the girls with losing their spot at the national training centre if they did not comply.

Mr Jean-Bart categorically denies the claims. Police are investigating t h e allega-

FLASHBACK!

GBA president Steve Ninvalle (centre) flanked by boxers (L-R) Colin Lewis, Dennis Thomas, Keevin Allicock and Desmond Amsterdam, during a visit to their camp in Santa Clara

Coronavirus: Sports events in March ‘caused increased suffering, death’

PAGE 24

West Indies back in training with board expected to approve England tour

tions.

FIFA said the suspension would come into force immediately and apply to “all football-related activities at both national and international level”.

Mr Jean-Bart, 73, has been in charge of Haiti’s football federation for the past two decades.

The incidents under investigation are alleged to have taken place in the past five years.

They were first reported

by The Guardian newspaper last month. Since then, several employees at the Haitian football federation have been summoned by a judge to answer questions.

It is not the first time a high-ranking FIFA official has been embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal.

In June 2019, the former president of the Afghanistan Football Federation, Keramuudin Karim, was given a lifetime ban following allegations that he had sexually abused players in the women’s team.

(BBC Sport)

PAGE 23

… WI board to give 25-man squad green light … Squad face fortnight of quarantine at Old Trafford Kemar Roach was among the players who returned to West Indies training (Photo: Cricket West Indies)

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2020