Guyana_Chronicle_Epapers_04_21_2020

TUESDAY 21st April, 2020

' No.105976

Death threat issued to GECOM CHAIR PAGE

03

- --report filed with police, cybercrime unit

Gov’t relaxes curfew to facilitate recount ...CARICOM officials to undergo RT-PCR tests instead of quarantine

Five COVID-19 patients in ICU ...one new case recorded on Monday 50 persons in isolation

Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh in the company of CEO, Keith Lowenfield, and other officials, inspect the Arthur Chung Convention

PAGE

02

Four escape from Lusignan Prison 13 PAGE

PAGE

10

Local political activist loses battle with COVID-19 in the US 10 PAGE

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Gov’t relaxes curfew to facilitate recount ...CARICOM officials to undergo RT-PCR tests instead of quarantine

By Svetlana Marshall ON the intervention of President David Granger, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCFT) has agreed to have Caribbean Community (CARICOM) officials coming to Guyana for the National Recount to undergo the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for COVID-19 instead of being subjected to 14 days of quarantine.

Head of the NCTF, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Sunday indicated that the Task Force had decided that the pending National Recount must be conducted within the COVID-19 curfew hours, and that international observers coming to the country must submit themselves to a 14-day quarantine at a government-run institution. But these decisions were reversed on Monday.

In a statement, the NCTF explained that during its statutory weekly meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Nagamootoo presented the guidance and advice of President Granger on the issue of screening guidelines for CARICOM officials who have been invited to take part in the recount of ballots cast

in the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

The Head of State had received proposals from CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque for medical examinations of

Guyana.

As such, the NCTF, in amending its earlier decisions, decided that “the CARICOM officials identified to participate in the recount of ballots be permitted to under-

the Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, and Secretary-General of CARICOM to convey its decisions.

REVISED POSITION

to have the National Recount done for a period of 10 hours daily from 8:00hrs to 18:00hrs.

Earlier on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, where she was con-

Chairman of GECOM Justice Claudette Singh briefs her comissioners and other officials during a tour of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

members of the delegation to be done in their countries of origin before their arrival in

go WHO-approved reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for COVID-19 in their respective home countries prior to arrival in Guyana, and they will be permitted entry on the basis that such test results are negative.”

The Task Force said if any official is unable to have such a test conducted in their home country, that upon their arrival in Guyana, the Ministry of Public Health will facilitate the test here on condition that the official self-quarantines for a maximum of 48 hours while the test results are being ascertained.

As such, quarantining of the incoming officials for the mandatory period of 14 days will not be applicable upon compliance with either of the established requirements.

“Having been reviewed, and the interest of public health safety being considered, the NCTF accordingly varied the decision taken previously on this issue,” the Task Force said, while noting that Prime Minister Nagamootoo has written to

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Monday, the GECOM Chairman confirmed that Prime Minister Nagamootoo communicated the COVID-19 Task Force’s revised position to the Commission.

In addition to agreeing to have the RT-PCR tests done by the CARICOM officials, Justice Singh said the Task Force has indicated that the tabulation process can be conducted up until 18:00hrs or 6pm daily.

In her initial communication with the Task Force, Justice Singh had signaled the Elections Commission’s intention to have the National Recount executed for a period of 10 hours daily (9:00hrs to 19:00hrs) until its completion. However, the Prime Minister, in communicating the NCTF’s initial position, advised that the tabulation process should conclude at 17:00hrs, so as to allow persons to adhere to the 6pm to 6am curfew.

However, with the intervention of President Granger, the Elections Commission has been granted permission

ducting a site visit with the Elections Commissioners and health experts, the GECOM Chair had also communicated this position to the press.

Justice Singh said that while a commencement date for the National Recount has not been finalised, it has been agreed that the process will take occur for period of 10 hours daily from 8:00hrs to 18:00hrs.

The GECOM Chair said the groundwork must be completed before the recount commences but assured that the process will be initiated shortly.

“I am doing everything possible. I am the person who spoke about the recount; I am the person who made that commitment, and I am going to see it through and shortly too,” Justice Singh told reporters.

While the GECOM Chair last Friday decided that there would be no more than 10 workstations in the Conference Centre, she did not decide on the duration of the process. This, she said, was as a result of the need to communicate and consult

with the National COVID-19 Task Force.

“I could not have told you the hours, because I had to consult with the Task Force as to working beyond the curfew period. As you know, the curfew begins at 6pm, and that means we would have to leave at 5pm,” Justice Singh explained.

VERY DISAPPOINTED Opposition-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj, upon receiving the Chairman’s decision on the 10 workstations, had expressed disappointment that other matters such as the duration were not decided upon.

But Justice Singh on Monday said that Gunraj, like the other five Commissioners, was fully aware that the Elections Commission had taken a decision to consult with the National Task Force before arriving at any other decision, especially with respect to the timing of the tabulation.

It is believed that Gunraj was malicious in his actions, on the basis that he was fully aware that on Friday, the GECOM Chair could not have decided on the duration without seeking guidance from the Task Force.

Gunraj, like the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), had objected to the Elections Commission consulting with the National Task Force before finalising its plans. On Monday, he iterated his position, while alluding to guidelines independently established by the Supreme Court of Judicature.

“I reference that to say that the Supreme Court recognises its powers, and their powers are no more superior than that of the Guyana Elections Commission,” Commissioner Gunraj said. “And we have the power to direct our procedures and the guidelines in which we will operate. In so doing, we have no duty or no obligation to seek guidance or clarity or permission from the COVID-19 Task Force, as it is so labeled. It was always my position that what we needed to do was to inform them of the position that we have taken and which we intend to implement,” he told reporters while at the Conference Centre.

TURN TO PAGE

03

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Death threat issued to GECOM CHAIR - --report filed to police, cybercrime unit

CHAIR of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, on Monday, said she has filed a report withthe Guyana Police Force and the Cybercrime Unit about an alleged plot to have her assassinated.

“Of course, I reported this to the police, but not only the police, but the Cyber Crime Unit as well,” Justice Singh told reporters while at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The GECOM Chair noted that the assassination plot was brought to her attention on Friday (April 17) night, hours after she had taken a decision that there will be no more than 10 workstations during the National Recount of all the ballots cast at the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

Information about the alleged plot to assassinate the GECOM Chair and other GECOM officials, including the Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, appeared on the website ‘Anonymous Guyana.’

“A website found on the dark-web is hosting crowd-funding assassination jobs for interested persons to execute on certain key government officials. The website has so far raised US$15,000 for the assassination of Guyana Elections Commission Chairperson. US$5000 for GECOM

Image of the online report which disclosed the alleged assassination plot

Gov’t relaxes curfew to ...

'ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY' But in the interview with Guyana Chronicle, the GECOM Chair said that given the extent of the National Recount, the intervention of the Task Force was absolutely necessary.

President Granger, on March 16, 2020, had issued directions pursuant to the Public Health Ordinance, in which he empowered the Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence to take strategic actions so as to maintain the wellbeing of the nation. On March 18, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority closed both international airports. As

such, in order to have the CARICOM-high-level team return to Guyana or any other international observer, permission was needed from the Task Force.

Further to that, on April 3, the Government extended its emergency measures to combat the dread coronavirus with the implementation of a 12-hour curfew on citizens – 6pm to 6am. Initially, it was GECOM’s intention to work beyond 6pm (18:00hrs), and as such permission from the NCTF was a prerequisite. The emergency measures to combat the dreaded COVID-19 disease also include social distancing and physical

distancing protocols, which also include a ban on large gatherings. With the estimated 10 workstations having a total of 14 persons at each, there would be more than 140 persons at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on a daily basis, and as such, guidance and permission from the NCTF were required.

On Monday, the technical experts of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) while acknowledging systems that the Elections Commission has decided upon made further recommendations to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of

CEO, Clairmont Mingo,” a section of the report stated.

When asked if she was fearful, Justice Singh had this to say: “I am not afraid because death is inevitable and I believe in God.” The GECOM Chair said that it was in the interest of transparency and accountability that she opted to facilitate the National Recount, and regardless of threats, she will continue to abide by the Constitution of the Guyana.

“I am doing everything possible. I am the person who spoke about the recount. I am the person who made that commitment and I am going to see it through and shortly, too,” Justice Singh said as she pledged to have credible results delivered to the people of Guyana.

On April 3, it was the GECOM Chair who decided that the Elections Commission will proceed with a National Recount in light of the Full Court’s decision to discharge the injunctions and dismiss the Fixed Date Application for Judicial Review, filed by Ulita Moore.

Ahead of her decision, Justice Singh told the Commissioners that she was in no position to backpedal on her commitment to the High Court to facilitate the national recount. She had given an undertaking to the High Court on March 13 after the Peo-

FROM PAGE

2

those who would be present, are protected.

Government nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, told reports that the health experts offered much needed advice and guidance, however, Opposition nominated Commissioner Robeson Benn, Guyana Chronicle was told, objected to many of the recommendations submitted by the health experts.

Commissioner Alexander, nonetheless, indicated that the health experts are expected to submit their recommendations in writing not later than this morning.

GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh

ple’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), through its associate, had filed contempt proceedings against GECOM over an alleged failure by the Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, to tabulate the votes cast in his Electoral District in accordance with Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act. This case was shelved, and, as such, no Contempt Order was issued.

Justice Singh was swornin as GECOM Chairman on April 29, 2019 by President David Granger. Moments after taking office, she committed to upholding the Constitution of Guyana in the execution of her mandate.

With some 40 years of experience, Justice Singh is one of only three women to be appointed Senior Counsel in the history of Independent Guyana.

She was called to the Bar in London in 1973 and admitted to the Bar in Guyana in 1976. Justice Singh served as Deputy Solicitor General, as a Puisne Judge and a Justice of Appeal. During her tenure at the Chamber of the Attorney General (AG), she spearheaded the Modernisation of the Justice Reform Project and is currently serving as the Guyana Police Force’s Legal Adviser.

Man feared drowned after boat collided with GDF vessel A man is feared drowned after the boat he was in collided with a Guyana Defence Force vessel Monday night in the Pomeroon River.

The GDF said in a release that one of its Coast Guard vessels, GDFS HAWK 1028 around bout 21:00 hours Monday involved in an accident with a small civilian vessel in the Pomeroon River.

Initial investigations have so far revealed that the GDFS HAWK , which had four ranks on board, was returning from Charity to the Floating Base when the incident occurred.

The civilian vessel was carrying four occupants and following the incident three of them were recovered alive and transported to the Charity Hospital. One of the men is currently unaccounted for, the GDF said in the release. Coast Guard Ranks along with several civilians have since launched a search for the missing man. The Guyana Defence Force has since commenced a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 21, 2020

Canada shooting: Gunman kills at least 18 in Nova Scotia

(BBC) A gunman disguised as a policeman killed at least 18 people, including a female Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer, in the worst mass shooting in Canada’s modern history.

The 12-hour rampage started late on Saturday and ended with a car chase.

Police said the suspect shot people at different locations in Nova Scotia, many of them randomly. He was killed in a confrontation with police.

He was reported to have been driving what looked like a police car.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described the attack as “a tragedy”.

“Violence of any kind has no place in Canada. We stand with you and we grieve with you,” he said, addressing the nation on Monday.

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil told reporters this was “one of the most senseless acts of violence in our province’s history”.

The RCMP said on Monday that they believe there may be more victim within the remains of homes torched as part of the weekend’s attacks.

Mr Trudeau said that his government was “on the verge” of introducing bans to assault style weapons before parliament was dissolved amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“We have every intention of moving forward”, once the outbreak is curbed, he said.

What do we know about what happened?

At about 23:32 local time on Saturday (02:32 GMT on Sunday), the RCMP said officers were responding to a “firearms complaint” at a home in the small town of Portapique and advised residents to lock themselves

indoors.

The officers found “several casualties” inside and outside the home, but did not find the suspect.

A neighbour told CBC News that he saw three properties were also on fire in the area at the time.

At 08:54 on Sunday, the RCMP said there was an “active shooter investigation” and that there were several victims. It identified the suspect as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, who owned three properties in Portapique.

RCMP officers continued pursuing Mr Wortman for hours, following a series of crime scenes that police said were “scattered across the province” and which they are still working to piece together.

Mr Wortman was later

seen in the Glenholme and Debert areas, east of Portapique, driving what the appeared to be an RCMP vehicle and possibly wearing an RCMP uniform.

“There’s one difference between his car and our Royal Canadian Mounted Police vehicles: the car # [registration plate]. The suspect’s car is 28B11, behind rear passenger window. If you see 28B11, call 911 immediately,” the force tweeted.

Mr Wortman then

US oil prices turn negative as demand dries up

(BBC) The price of US oil has turned negative for the first time in history.

That means oil producers are paying buyers to take the commodity off their hands over fears that storage capacity could run out in May. Demand for oil has all but dried up as lockdowns across the world have kept people inside.

As a result, oil firms have resorted to renting tankers to store the surplus supply and that has forced the price of US oil into negative territory.

The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark for US oil, fell as low as minus $37.63 a barrel.

The severe drop on Monday was driven in part by a technicality of the global oil market. Oil is traded on its future price and May futures contracts are due to expire on Tuesday. Traders were keen to offload those holdings to avoid having to take delivery of the oil and incur storage

Monday, April 21, 04:00hrs - 05:30 hrs

changed cars and was seen driving southbound along on Highway 102 from the Brookfield area in a silver Chevrolet Tracker, according to the RCMP. At 11:40, the RCMP said that Mr Wortman had been taken into custody.

It later emerged that he was killed after being intercepted by officers at a petrol station in Enfield, about 92km south of Portapique.

Witnesses reported seeing a body lying on the ground.

costs.

June prices for WTI were also down, but trading at above $20 per barrel. Meanwhile, Brent Crude - the benchmark used by Europe and the rest of the world was also weaker, down 8.9% at less than $26 a barrel.

The oil industry has been struggling with both tumbling demand and in-fighting among producers about reducing output.

Earlier this month, Opec members and its allies finally agreed a record deal to slash global output by about 10%.

The deal was the largest cut in oil production ever to have been agreed.

But some analysts said the cuts were not big enough to make a difference.

“It hasn’t taken long for the market to recognise that the Opec+ deal will not, in its present form, be enough to balance oil markets,” said Stephen Innes, chief global market strategist at Axicorp.

01-04-2020

10 12 13 14 20 23 17

B

03-04-2020

08 09 17 23 24

03 05 07 10 12

876

820

08 12 15 19 21

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 20, 2020

Coronavirus: Brazil’s Bolsonaro joins anti-lockdown protests (BBC) Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro has come under criticism for joining protesters demanding that restrictions on movement introduced to stop the spread of coronavirus be lifted.

Mr Bolsonaro has clashed in recent weeks with state governors who have imposed lockdowns, denouncing the measures as “dictatorial”.

As of Sunday, Brazil had more than 38,000 confirmed cases, the highest number in Latin America.

More than 2,400 people there have died.

President Bolsonaro addressed a crowd of a few hundred supporters outside army headquarters in the capital, Brasilia, on Sunday.

He said the protesters were “patriots” for defending individual freedoms.

As well as demanding an end to the lockdown, some of those attending

the rally also held up signs calling for Brazil’s Congress and the Supreme Court to be closed down.

Others said they wanted the military to take over the handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Brazil was under military rule for more than two decades from 1964 until 1985 and calls for the armed forces to be given more power are highly controversial.

While the president did not make any reference to those demands at the time, his appearance at the rally - at which people were calling for the closure of the country’s democratic institutions - was labelled “provocative” by his critics.

On Monday, however, while talking to journalists, Mr Bolsonaro quickly responded to one of his supporters who called for the closure of the Supreme Court by stating that Brazil was a democratic country. He

Supporters of President Jair Bolsonaro turned out in Brasilia and other major cities on Sunday

said that the nation’s top court, as well as Congress, would remain open.

Journalists have noted that at Sunday’s rally the president neither wore a face mask, even though he coughed on occasion, nor gloves - precautions

which many other politicians in the region are taking.

He has in the past dismissed coronavirus as “little more than a flu”.

Rodrigo Maia, the speaker of Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies and a

Heritage to stop exporting crude as prices crash to record lows (TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Faced with a precipitous fall in crude prices Stateowned Heritage Petroleum has decided to store its oil rather than sell it at record low prices .

This means the company will for the time being stop exporting oil.

Highly placed sources tell Guardian Media that the State-owned enterprise has

the ability to store its present production for up to two and a half months and would prefer wait it out, hoping for better prices, rather than export at half what it is cost to bring a barrel of oil to the surface.

Oil futures have crashed and crude is selling at US $13 a barrel, the lowest in more than two decades.

It costs Heritage US$25 to produce a barrel of oil accord-

ing to Energy Minister Franklin Khan who recently made the revelation on CNC3’s business show.

Sources at Heritage reveal that the company has been producing 41,000 barrels of oil per day and it has storage capacity to hold three and a half million barrels.

As a result it will not be exporting and the company will rely on its cash on hand

to pay its bills.

Oil prices have crashed as demand has plummeted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Multiple sources at Heritage tell GML that the hope is that demand will pick up in the next sixty days, and with it global prices, as world economies start to reopen.

Heritage usually receives the price traded for West Texas Intermediate plus US $5 a barrel.

critic of Mr Bolsonaro, tweeted that “the whole world is united against coronavirus, but in Brazil we have to fight the coronavirus and the virus of authoritarianism”.

“In the name of the Chamber of Deputies, I reject any and all acts which defend the dictatorship,” he added.

Relations between the president on the one hand and Congress and the Supreme Court on the other have been tense, with Mr Bolsonaro claiming they are trying to curtail his powers and even oust him.

Last week, the president sacked his health minister, Luiz Henrique Mandetta, who had backed the lockdown measures.

President Bolsonaro argues that the lockdown measures are damaging the economy and has argued that they should be eased and Brazil’s borders reopened.

Home of Football receives COVID patients

(TRINIDAD GUARDIAN) Patients will be sent to a new step-down facility under the direction of the South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) from Monday.

In a statement the SWRHA says it is pleased to announce the commissioning of a new facility at the Home of Football-Wellness Centre, Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, to accommodate asymptomatic patients, recovering from COVID-19.

It says the Home of Football Wellness Centre, is

a new facility ideally located and represents one step closer to home - for patients.

It adds the spacious “step down” facility has an 80 bed capacity, providing accommodation to aide in full recuperation, with warm and friendly healthcare professionals.

The management and coordination of the facility will be done by the SWRHA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders, such as the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF).

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 21, 2020

Gender-based violence and music

GUYANESE are well aware of the fact that gender-based abuse against women is a major problem in our country.

Also, persons, particularly those in urban communities, will have noticed the proliferation of music, comments

by DJs and other public figures, and advertisements for parties that are nothing short of vulgar.

The relationship between those two issues, though well established, may be less obvious. The crass, distasteful noise that passes for entertainment in some mini-buses is of particular note. Passengers are bombarded with the most obnoxious lyrics imaginable, and, inexplicably, some people appear to enjoy it. Many advertisements for parties and other money-making ventures on the social and mainstream media fall within that same category. Such gatherings are increasingly being marketed under more and more indecent themes; It appears as though the authors and promoters of such events are trying to outdo each other in a competition to have the most obscene content imaginable. The fact that the majority of Guyanese remain silent as our society’s values are eroded is more than unfortunate. And the undeniable truth that increasing numbers of our youth are now joining the ranks of the ‘uncultured’ is even more saddening. Perhaps, most disheartening of all is the fact that the overwhelming mass of objectionable music, advertisements, and utterances by “popular” personalities are directly, and unabashedly directed against women, or, are otherwise demeaning and contemptuous towards females, and downright disrespectful.

Inexplicably, many women — particularly younger Guyanese — seem to simply love it. Unbelievable!

It is generally accepted by experts that gender-based abuse—most frequently directed against women — originate with disrespect for the female gender. American researcher, Dr. Justin Coulson, a father of six daughters, the author of

’21 Days to a Happier Family’ and the holder of a PhD in psychology, posits that there is a direct relationship between disrespect for women, which often begins in youth, and violence. Dr. Coulson wrote, “Domestic and family violence are increasingly being recognised as a problem in our communities, and awareness is increasing – which is good. But we still have a long way to go. But what is poorly understood is the hidden signals and messages that appear in our words and conversations around gender and respect, and expectations for what is appropriate or inappropriate behaviour for girls and boys. As parents and adults, we must pause and ask ourselves whether the things we say to our kids (or the things that teachers, or coaches or community leaders say) could be influencing the way they see relationships?”

It is understood, too, that for persons, including women, to be respected by others, they must first respect themselves.

Two thinkers expressed it as follows: Confucius said, “Respect yourself and others will respect you.” Dostoevsky said, “If you want to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself. Only by that, only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you.”

The line of reasoning is clear, a person must respect himself or, in this particular case, herself, first. The result will be that respect will be earned from others. If that course of action is not taken, the inevitable outcome is disrespect, dysfunctional relationships, and, probably, domestic abuse including the possibility of violence. President Granger recognises the problem; in 2018 he said, “We need to deal with this problem of violence against girls and women. It is not easy. It is not just sexual violence, it is physical violence as well. It is chopping and killing, murder…It is the daily subjugation and suppression of women…”

When we accept the undeniable postulate that lack of

self-respect is a major cause of gender-based abuse, the solution to the problem becomes obvious, though, no easier to implement. Relationships researcher, Laura Forting wrote, “Many things go into gaining respect from a man. Men respect the women they love. Most men do not love women they cannot respect. The definition of respect in Merriam Webster’s dictionary is to consider worthy of high or special regard.” In her widely cited article, ‘What Makes a Man Respect a Woman,’ the expert gives advice to her fellow women. She states that, in order to earn the respect of others, women should respect themselves, be truthful and authentic, set boundaries, and respect others.

Other scientists have emphasised the need for self-confidence, firmness, a sense of responsibility, and the nurturing of a culture of self-assurance. One can hardly argue against such advice, while it must be stated, unequivocally, that under no circumstance is abuse or other forms of violence acceptable, including against women. It must be underscored too, that women have a part to play in fostering healthy, meaningful, and rewarding relationships. And, playing into a decadent, indecent, and immoral culture is certainly not the way to earn respect. One can easily imagine that the same young girls who are, today, revelling in immoral conduct, and frolicking in the indecent atmospheres of less-reputable forms of entertainment, may probably be the women who, tomorrow, could be the victims of abuse because their sense of self-worth would have been distorted from an early age.

Having identified a problem, it is up to society to take action. Publications such as this one, other media outlets, parents, family members, students, teachers, faith-based leaders, organisations, clubs, the police, and government officials all have a part to play. The question is: will we take appropriate and timely action?

Another example of constitutional convenience Dear Editor,

Let us understand when mention is made of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), what organisation is meant.

Are we speaking about a body of sworn legal members, trained in the field of law, which profession, often described as noble, is one in which its practitioners would congregate, for discussions on issues of law, as practiced in their country, and how improvements can be made, for its update and modernisation, bringing into the realities of the national dynamics? Of course, this, from a layman’s view is what a National Bar Association ought to be. One is in no doubt, that such a culture had once been the traditional practice, which would have involved some of the nation’s greatest legal minds. But not these days.

Their legacy is being stripped of its hallowed clothing, unceremoniously trampled underfoot.

In fact, what today exists as a bar

association has been hijacked by a political clique of attorneys, with an unmistakable political agenda, prosecuted for and on behalf of the PPP/C opposition. There are absolutely no apologies for saying so, since their track record over the past two years, particularly since the no-confidence motion (NCM) of December 2018, which has reflected a shameless, deliberate misinterpretation and distortion of the law to suit the criminal political ends of an opposition party, which former government needs no introduction to the culture of sleaze and corruption that had been its blue print.

Editor, what is so conspicuous from the face of this cabal of legal distortionists, is that they are representative of a particular set of dubious practitioners, that it causes one to ask the following questions: • Do they represent, or speak for and on behalf of ALL the membership?

• Is there an ethnic divide in terms

of national politics, existing within the body?

I hasten to answer that these regular legal sand dancers that would have added to the fomentation of the social tension, through the ever so often attempts to twist the law for political ends, do not speak for the entire body.

Their shameless cohabitation with the PPP/C, to give an entirely different meaning to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CC), stands out as their immoral damnation, as far as interpretation of the law is concerned.

And to have that well-known overnight constitutional expert, and oil and gas authority, support a challenge mounted by the PPP/C to the legality of houseto-house registration, knowing fully well that it is enshrined in the national electoral laws, and had been used for such prior exercises, describes on which side of enshrined legal principles some of these unprincipled men and women in robes are. They have been practicing political opportunism,

even within the sanctified precincts of the Court of Law. This the latest statement, once again, hypocritical and opportunistic, coming from this legal association, from a segment of some illegal minds, about a looming “constitutional abyss” as a result of the four-month requirement for the reconvening of Parliament from the time of its dissolution, reflects a dangerous convenience and partisanship, for entirely vested interest reasons, which have no place in any proper collection of national laws.

First, on the basis of all the events that have been taking place, since March 2, inclusive of the deliberate attack on the constitutional process of GECOM by political forces wellknown to these so called representatives of the law; and the many challenges mounted by its political horse to both stymie and abort the constitutional right of GECOM to complete the process of the March 2 general and regional elections, it was

inevitable that meeting such a constitutional requirement would be difficult, if not impossible.

Second, there is a precedent for this constitutional deadline not being upheld, that dates back to general and regional elections held in 2006. Of course, whoever these legal mouthers are, should ask Bharrat Jagdeo about the background reasons for such a delay.

But this is what occurs when professionalism and sworn adherence to legal principles, become compromised, sacrificed in the process on the altar of dangerous political ends. This is what the PPP/C branch of the GBA has become. What a shame! What a bad example to the young attorneys as members, who are experiencing an immoral narrative which did not form part of their learning at Law School.

Regards, Carla Mendonca

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 20, 2020

An open letter in response to the April 10, 2020 Kaieteur News Editorial – ‘Where are our Religious Leaders?’

Dear Editor, It is in direct response to your editorial “Where are our Religious Leaders?” that I composed this letter. It is encouraging that you have emphasised the significance of the voice of religious leaders in the context of the political strife our country is experiencing. Consequently, please allow me to address three pertinent points emerging from your editorial related to pronouncement, protest and priority.

First, let me say that the conclusion of the editorial that “Guyanese religious voices are silent. They silenced themselves,” is not correct in all details. For example, yours truly, Pastor Richard Avert James, former President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guyana (May 2011 to April 2019) did prepare and issue at least two letters to the editors of our four dailies, on his own behalf, as a religious leader. To be exact, the Kaieteur News published my letters: “What the credible recounting of ballots is expected to achieve?” on March 18, 2020 and, “An Open Letter to the GECOM Chair and CEO – break the ice after the court rules,” on March 25, 2020. These two letters focused on electoral integrity and truth in regard to the 2020 elections. Besides, a considerable amount of time and effort have been devoted to fasting and prayer and interceding with God to guide our nation and politicians before, during and after elections, on the part of many religious leaders and followers.

However, that being said, it’s important for us to acknowledge and embrace the reality that only the omnipresent God is best position to make any valid pronouncement on the total credibility of what happened within the 2,339 polling stations or places across Guyana on Monday March 2, 2020. Not religious leaders! Not business leaders! Not western diplomats!

Not political analysts and commentators! Not politicians! Not judges! Not even election observers! This is not to be inferred that Guyanese are incapable of conducting a credible national election, but rather to emphasise our individual limitation. Yet, religious leaders’ voices are not inaudible.

Second, you said that “when our religious leaders should be in the forefront of civil society pleading, or pressuring, or pouring out dissatisfaction and displeasure at what Guyanese political leaders are doing to the people, they are absent and silent.” This statement invites an obvious question – what should be the role of religious leaders in a multiracial, multi-faith democracy, in regard to the political question or the conduct of public business?

Or to be more specific - what should be the role of religious leaders during times of political strife?

Brother Editor, although an active political life is the right of all citizens, religious leaders should use their power and influence in the interest of the public as a whole and not just for a preferred few. Besides, the focus of most religious leaders is on issues that are clearly moral rather than partisan politics.

Furthermore, it’s ill-advised for religious leaders to express public disapproval of or objection to an electoral process that is incomplete. Religious leaders, who take the liberty to express their political preferences or prejudices for or against politicians and to ventilate their opinions on political questions, will contribute to more division in the religious community and the wider society. In addition, Jesus refused to interfere in legal and political questions when he was asked to decide on such matters.

His remarkable statement “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21NKJV) is a case in point. However, this doesn’t mean that religious leaders have no voice in matters of public morality.

It’s just that the way of the world is not the way of the cross.

Third, you argued that “Clearly, our religious men and women have lost their way in their priorities and their prostrations, which render them unable to be the distinguishing presences so much demanded right now.” Brother Editor, it may very well be true that some religious leaders have lost their way and ability to be that distinguishing presence. And, as you have said, this may be so because they “have compromised themselves by identifying too closely with the worldly men of politics.” But this exact

point may very well be equally true for some business leaders, lawyers, diplomats, newspaper editors, columnists, political analysts and commentators etc. and everyday citizens. We all need to acknowledge that we are not always right. We need to admit that we all make mistakes; it is a part of what makes us human. But we must not allow our mistakes to define who we are as a nation.

What is needed right now is for our political leadership and politicians to find the way to good governance, when the process of electoral integrity is completed. They need to discuss and decide upon a more excellent way to govern Guyana. As religious leaders, our basic duties to government are to pay taxes, obey the law, pray for those holding public offices and support good government. The Bible says: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” 1 Timothy 2:1-3(KJV). Religious leaders must pray and intercede for our honorable men and women in political positions enabling them to achieve a common goal, that of good governance. In that way we might be able to provide that distinguishing presence needed right now. After all, as excellently expressed by Dalai Lama “If you can, help others; if you can’t do that, at least don’t harm them.” Or as another former President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Philip Bowman, told me in a recent conversation, it’s time for religious leaders to pray: “19 Arise, O Lord, Do not let man prevail; Let the nations be judged in Your sight.20 Put them in fear, O Lord That the nations may know themselves to be but men” Psalm 9:19-20 (New King James Version).

Regards Pastor Ricchard Avert James

Guyanese must reject the onslaught of biased and partial reportage by media personnel

Dear Editor,

I am appalled by three articles produced by Demerara Waves on April 15 and 16, 2020 concerning the government’s employment of US Lobbying firm JJ&B, LLC. What is appalling is the fact that Mercury Public Affairs, LLC, hired by the PPP/C is also a US Lobbying firm and Demerara Waves seemed not very concerned with how the PPP/C was, since March 5, 2019 and continues up until now, to be able to pay Mercury its fees. Is it that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) supporters cannot afford, just like PPP/C supporters to pay for a lobbying firm? Demerara Waves seems also not concerned that the information circulated by Mercury on behalf of the PPP/C is one-sided, partial and in most cases, false. Even worse, Demer-

ara Waves seems not in the least concerned that Mercury has had a lead time of more than a year to do the PPP/C’s biddings, “including representing the organisation before, and arranging meetings with, the executive branch and Congress, the Organisation of American States, and think-tanks in connection with issues relating to the anticipated general and regional elections to take place in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana”.

To report on this matter in the manner that Demerara Waves has is not in any way beneficial to the Guyanese people and only serves to cause further mischief in our society. Since it seems that most of the media is being used as a tool by the PPP/C to misinform the Guyanese public, permit me Editor, to bring a balanced view to what is transpiring. The information that I am about to relay and that which

Demerara Waves seem to be using as if obtained through thorough research and investigative journalism is readily available on the US Department of Justice website: https:// search.justice.gov/search?affiliate=justice_fara&page=3&query=People+Progressive+Party%3B+Mercury%3B+Guyana&sort_by=&utf8=%E2%9C%93.

Lobbying on behalf of a foreign agent is permitted in the US under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), 1938, as amended.

Persons carrying out such services are required to be registered with the FARA Unit. The main aim of this Act is to prevent espionage in the US, especially after September 11, 2001, hence it is required that materials submitted on behalf of the foreign client is submitted to the FARA Unit. While this may seem harmless, it is very dangerous when lobbying or paid advocacy as

it is known in the UK, is utilised in certain situations including elections. It is for this very reason that Paul Manaford, President Trump’s former campaign manager, is now imprisoned and also why Lord Barker of Battle of the UK’s House of Lord, who was instrumental in the removal of US Sanctions on En+ Group, was investigated by the Standard’s Committee. The common factor in these two cases is Mercury.

So while A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has only recently contracted a JJ&B, this seems necessary to counter the treasonous actions, in my view, by the PPP/C which has led to threats of “serious consequences” by some of the same persons who were lobbied by Mercury on PPP/C’s behalf.

Having more than a year to lobby persons such as numerous US Senators both democratic and republican; the Chief-of-Staff of

the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS; the US Ambassador to Guyana, Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; the White House National Security Council and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee among many others with information below, is it not only right that APNU be allowed to counter the effects of the dissemination of such partial and inaccurate information? Need I remind Guyanese that our laws seem no longer relevant to lobbied persons? Please recall the allegations made against the Canadian Ambassador to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee,

by Guyana Elections Commission Commissioners that she barged into their meeting and berated them.

Please also recall on March 6, 2020, Ambassador Michael Kozak, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. Department of State tweeted,

See page 8

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 21, 2020

Human life transcends politics Dear editor,

The Chairman of Na tional Coronavirus Task Force, The Honourable Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, has provided requested guidance to GECOM, as it pertains to the recount, under the very dark and heavy clouds of COVID-19. This guidance from National Coronavirus Task Force (NCTF) was requested by the Chairwoman of GECOM, Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh.

The Madam Chairwoman sought guidance from NCTF regarding; (a) Time at which the daily recount exercise should end; (b) Number of persons who should be safely accommodated at the recount venue at the same time; and (c) Required protocols for quarantining persons coming from abroad, and who were invited to be part of the recount process.

The NCTF, excellently headed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, rightfully provided the following guidance to GECOM. 1. That GECOM adjusts its desired 10-hour work schedule within the daily 06:00hrs to 17:00hrs timeframe, and does not extend it into the curfew period (18:00hrs to 06:00hrs).

2. That all persons who are permitted special entry into Guyana during this period when our air space is closed to in-bound passengers, must submit themselves to being quarantined at a government institution for a period of 14 days.

3. That GECOM allows four technical experts of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC)

to conduct a site visit to assess whether distancing arrangements conform to the pandemic guidelines and the published order.

These guidelines appear reasonable and informed by current medical evidence.

Unsurprisingly, the PPP and their surrogates, including their Chief Facebook propagandist, Lenox Shuman, do not support that. It is for this reason, I wish to add my voice in this debate and in the process articulate my expert opinion as to why, in my view, this guidance provided

by NCTF, is not only rational but is informed by medical evidence.

GUIDANCE 1: The fact is, COVID-19 needs a human host to live, an uninflected human host for transmission and multiple human hosts to spread. What the aforementioned underscores is that without humans, the virus cannot spread. How can this be achieved? By making the difficult decision of a lockdown. When everyone is in their homes, then COVID-19 would either be in patients who are in hospitals or their homes with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19. In such an environment, the virus is contained and will not have a mass spread since everyone is either at home or in the hospital. This is the medical science underpinning the lockdown that serves to reduce the spread of COVID-19 that would otherwise occur if the country was opened. Most countries do have a complete lockdown. This government, rightfully recognising that COVID-19 not only has health implications but also economic, social and psychological implications, decided on a partial shutdown. That is, in itself, a difficult compromise. Also, COVID-19 is

no respecter of man or status.

Election observers can be infected with COVID-19, as a result, they have to comply with such restrictions which are being practiced around the world but with notable exception, Freedom House.

GUIDANCE 2: This practise is not unique to Guyana. As a matter of fact, it is now standard worldwide protocol for this once-in-alifetime pandemic. Caveat!

While I may not be a virologist, I am a highly trained UK medical specialist with unlimited access to the most up-to-date medical guidance on COVID-19 and it’s underpinning evidence. None of PPP doctors or their surrogates doctors wannabe have had that training and clearly are not in my privileged position. There is absolutely no debate about that! The fact is that there are many unknowns about COVID-19.

To date we have no idea if all asymptomatic patients with a negative throat swab are free of the disease. This may be as a result of the virus having not multiplied to numbers that are detectable by a throat swab. Therefore, an asymptomatic person who enters Guyana and has a negative throat swab cannot, with 100 per cent certainty, be considered to be free of the virus. Therefore simply doing throat swabs for the observers on arrival then have them observe the recount on account of a negative result is highly irresponsible and goes against WHO recommendations.

Then there is antibody testing. Antibodies are produced during an infection and serves to provide immunity in most infections but not COVID-19.

This antibody test is simply a blood test that if returns positive, suggests that the person has had exposure to

COVID-19, in the recent past.

As alluded to earlier, it does not mean that the person is immune to COVID-19. Also, as alluded to earlier but is worth repeating for emphasis, this is unusual for infections.

Generally, having the antibodies confers immunity.

What we do know? We know that the incubation period for COVID-19 is up to 14 days.

This is the only certainty in the uncertain history of COVID-19. It is for reason that WHO recommended 14 days quarantine for anyone entering a host country from a country that has cases of COVID-19.This is the reason why it is being universally practised, with no exception.

As result, it displeases me when I have to read the foolish and ill-informed writings of attention-seeking PPP propagandist on Facebook. This character is none other than Lenox Shuman, who foolishly wrote that the observers can simply have a “test” and off they go in the ACCC to undertake a recount. For me this is both highly irresponsible and ridiculous coming from someone who has aspirations to be President.

Sadly, this is not the first time he has spread propaganda on COVID-19. As a result I do have some questions for the attention-seeking and opportunistic propagandist.

What test Lenox? Is that test a blood sample or tissue sample? Where was this test validated? What is the sensitivity of this test, Dr. Shuman? What is false negative rate? Dr. Shuman, why don’t you share your test with the rest of the world so that this ridiculous practise of quarantine can come to an immediate end? Lenox please consider these questions as an assignment coming from someone who knows what

he is about. Please undertake it as a group assignment with those outdated, 1920’s textbook-reading medical doctors in PPP and their surrogate parties.

GUIDANCE 3: The cliche goes that prevention is better than cure. Unfortunately, in this case there is no cure. The fact is that medicine in the third world is not as advanced as in first world countries, with Guyana being no exception. Around the world there is a shortage of ventilators. The unfortunate reality is that if a patient has respiratory failure, they need a ventilator, NOW! Failing that and they will be dead in hours. Guyana has limited ventilators. Around the world there is a shortage of ventilators because of high demand. Therefore, it would be highly irresponsible to place the observers and GECOM staff lives at risk during the recount recognising this shortage. It is for this reason that prevention, as much as possible is critical.

It is for this reason that social distancing is important.

The theory underpinning this practise is that the virus cannot travel beyond six feet if an infected person coughs or sneezes. Secondly, avoiding crowds. The theory underpinning this is that with crowds, the practice of social distance is not possible. Let those characters in PPP tell us one crowd that they have been a part of and was able to maintain six feet gap with everyone around them. It cannot happen. Crowds, by their nature, are space suffocating.

Also by simple statistics, the more persons present increase your chances of coming into contact with someone with COVID-19, hence the reason to avoid crowds. Hence the need to assess ACCC

by PHEOC to ensure that there is space to comply with WHO recommendations.

Mr. Editor, I think our Prime Minister summed it up well when he wrote of opportunistic politicians playing politics with COVID-19. For me COVID-19 presented an ideal opportunity for the country to unite to fight this invisible enemy. Unfortunately that’s not the case, as the PPP run around the country handing out face masks rather than having a united front with the government. And those surrogates are no different as they literally fall over each other to disseminate PPP propaganda and play politics with peoples’ lives.

The fact is that most of the world is on lockdown. All sporting events are cancelled because everyone recognises that human life transcends sports. There is talk of postponing the American elections or possibly have postal voting.

Again, everyone recognises that human life transcends elections. The PPP has no respect for human life as is evident by the hundreds murdered while they were in power. In my opinion, the coalition is not afraid of a recount. In my opinion the coalition will confirm their win, by a larger margin, by having this recount.

What APNU+AFC is afraid of is losing lives for this recount. To me that is being responsible. To me that is being humane. We can always have another election but if someone dies from this recount then that’s a life lost with no second chances.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

Guyanese must reject the onslaught...

From Page 7

irrespective of today’s legal proceedings, any government sworn in on the basis of that result would not be legitimate. A tweet proudly shared by the likes of the Private Sector Commission Chair, Gerald Gouveia repeated by the opposition leader. Is it the Demerara Waves’ expectation that APNU should roll over?

In the meanwhile Mercury has had ample time to, among other things,: 1. Forward elections results as “declared results” which were not

issued by the Guyana Elections Commission. This document has the same content as the now infamous spreadsheet released by the PPP/C on 5 March, 2020 via its facebook page but dated 29 February, 2020.

The only differences are the date which was changed to 7 March, 2020 and the insertion “declared results”; 2. Advised that the current government was known for rigging elections; will not hold free and fair elections without international pressure and called for international

observers to be present at the elections. This is so despite the fact that APNU is a coalition government which first took office in 2015 and first contested the elections in 2011; 3. Instructed Senators Rubio and Menendez to issue statements jointly or separately concerning Guyana’s electoral outcome five days prior the March 2, 2020, elections; 4. Advised, during the period after the no confidence motion, that the Guyana Government was refusing to hold elections when in fact the matter was before the local court;

5. Advised that the Guyana Government is in breach of the Constitution of Guyana by failing to hold elections by March 21, 2019 as per a decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) when the CCJ actually stated, “It is not, for example, the role of the court to establish a date on or by which the elections must be held, or to lay down timelines and deadlines that, in principle, are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional imperatives…”.

Mercury has not slackened its misinformation of those it is lob-

bying, why should APNU remain inactive? I would have expected a more serious, research-oriented approach to the effects of lobbying on the outcome of an elections, especially given what is transpiring in Guyana. Instead, Guyanese are robbed of an opportunity of edification given dribble. It is time Guyanese people unsubscribe from such poor journalism and partial reportage. I have!

Regards M. Rasheed

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 21, 2020

GECOM committed to protecting CARICOM team …GECOM team, health experts visits site for recount exercise

By Svetlana Marshall CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’s) Claudette Singh said, in light of the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Elections Commission will take all necessary precautions to safeguard the wellbeing of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) high-level team that is expected to oversee the national recount, as well as all other individuals who would be integrally involved in the process.

To date, the virus, which is transmitted from person to person, has claimed the lives of over 150,000 persons globally, with over two million cases recorded.

Cognisant of the deadly nature of COVID-19, Justice Singh committed to leaving no stone unturned in protecting the health and wellbeing of those of whom will be involved in the national recount of all the votes cast at the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

On Monday, the GECOM Chair, the GECOM Commissioners – Vincent Alexander, Sase Gunraj, Robeson Benn, Charles Corbin, and Desmond Trotman; the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; and the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers, revisited the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) – the site for the national recount. However, this time,

they were accompanied by experts from Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC).

The visit was in keeping with recommendations made by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), and according to Justice Singh, it was necessary to facilitate discussions between the commission and the health experts on precautionary measures that would be instituted to eliminate the risk of anyone contracting the virus while on site.

“We need to ensure and guarantee the safety of the CARICOM team,” Justice Singh told reporters when approached at the conference centre. She said while the CARICOM high-level team has committed to return to Guyana, through the CARICOM Secretary-General, they have expressed concern about their safety in light of the global pandemic.

“The people are virtually afraid of contracting the virus. So that is why we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure their safety,” the GECOM Chair said.

The CARICOM high-level team is returning to Guyana to validate the national recount based on a request made by the Elections Commission on April 14 to the CARICOM Secretariat.

While the CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque, has not issued a formal statement on the matter, Justice Singh confirmed that the high-level team will return

to Guyana but safety criteria must be met.

“As soon as that is finish, we have to communicate what we have done to ensure the safety [of the team] to the [CARICOM] Secretary-General,” Justice Singh noted.

The independent high-level CARICOM team include former Attorney-General and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Dominica, Francine Baron; former Minister of Finance of Grenada, Anthony Boatswain; Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government of UWI, Cynthia Barrow-Giles; Chief Electoral Officer of Barbados, Angela Taylor; and Chief Elections Officer of Trinidad and Tobago, Fern Narcis-Scope.

Justice Singh said it was out of concern of the safety and wellbeing of those who will be involved in the national recount, that she took a decision that there will be no more than 10 workstations within the conference centre.

“No more than 10 stations; that is what I said because I had to take into consideration the safety of those people. I could not guarantee their safety in 20 stations, outside of the building,” the GECOM Chair told reporters.

But though the GECOM Chair’s decision is final and falls well within the guidelines of National COVID-19 Task Force’s precautionary guidelines, Opposition-nominated Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, on Monday, remained resolute in his po-

sition that the conference centre can comfortably accommodate 20 workstations.

“I still see the possibility of a greater number of stations,” Commissioner Gunraj told reporters while standing outside of the conference centre. In his proposal, Commissioner Gunraj had said with 20 workstations operating at a rate of one hour per ballot box, the recount could have been executed within a period of 10 days.

But Justice Singh made it clear on Monday that she would not be able to guarantee the safety of the CARICOM high-level team nor any of the other persons, who would be present at the ACCC, were there to be 20 workstations. Her decision to limit the number of workstations to 10 came after the CARICOM Secretary-General expressed concern about the large number of persons that would be required to execute the national recount, should the commission agree to the use of 20 workstations.

Government nominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, who had long expressed concern over Gunraj’s proposal, said 20 workstations would have resulted in more than 300 persons assembled in the Conference Centre at a given time and such would have result in a major health crisis.

“The contention, however, continues to be that in any of those circumstances, the large number of persons in the compound, to me, would

defeat the whole question of how we are trying to deal with COVID-19. That apart, I maintain the position that 20 stations in the compound lends to the mob situation that we were disposed to at Ashmins, and we cannot repeat that; we have to learn from our experience. Therefore, what we have to use is the building, where we can have greater control in terms of who attends what,” Alexander had reasoned.

Justice Singh, like Alexander, has underscored the importance of physical distancing throughout the exercise. The Guyana Chronicle understands that there will be more than 14 persons in one workstation, and each person would be required to adhere to the 3ft to 6ft distancing requirement.

THE CARICOM INITIATIVE On the instruction of the CARICOM Chairman, Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, a high-level CARICOM team had arrived in Guyana on March 15 to supervise a planned national recounting of the ballots cast in the March 2 Elections, which had stemmed from an agreement between President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

However, on March 17, 2020, the high-level team withdrew from the process, after it was beset by several stumbling blocks. A private citizen, Ulita Moore, secured four injunctions

from the High Court to block the recount, on the grounds that it was unconstitutional. Added to that, though President Granger and the opposition leader had signed an Aide Memoire agreeing to the recount, CARICOM had requested a legal cover, in the form of a gazzetted order. However, Guyana’s Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Charles Fung-a-Fat, advised against it. According to him, to do so would be to supersede electoral laws, and infringe on the rights of electors.

On April 3, however, GECOM took a decision to proceed with a national recount after the Full Court had discharged the injunctions and dismissed the fixed date application for judicial review filed by Moore on the basis that the challenge ought to have come by way of an elections petition.

Justice Singh said the decision was taken against the backdrop of Article 162 (1) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana, which mandates the commission to “take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.” But while the Court of Appeal ruled out the possibility of CARICOM supervising the recount, the elections commission thought it important to have CARICOM integrally involved to validate the process.

Vlogging keeps you occupied positively and helps you to stay focused on your goals AMIDST the Coronavirus pandemic, persons are looking for various ways and means to stay afloat and ride this wave.

Young Guyanese YouTuber, Candasy Layne-Thornhil, said that vlogging can have a positive effect on you during this time, specifically with your mental wellness, as it has proven to be therapeutic for her.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, the young woman said that she has been creating vlogs for the past 13 months.

Being a traveller by heart and also a flight attendant who travelled very often and has been seeing much of the world, sharing her knowledge about places she travelled and experienced, with the world through vlogging, became a hobby.

In addition to it being a hobby, vlogging transformed her life for the better.

“Vlogging has definitely helped me in the area of time management; I am more disciplined in completing daily tasks

and projects. It has also helped me to stay mentally active since I’m always researching new trends related to my niche. Creating vlogs can be therapeutic as it keeps me occupied positively and helps me to stay focused on my goals,” Candasy said.

She noted, too, that there are a plethora of benefits that come with vlogging, which persons are in need of at this time.

“You are provided with a platform for sharing your views on matters relating to your niche via YouTube. You can share your knowledge by creating “how to” videos which can give someone the knowledge and direction on what they are researching. Becoming consistent on YouTube can gain the interest of collaborators (companies, businesses and people). This can greatly benefit you and your channel. There are many YouTube creators who have successfully created a full time job via vlogging on YouTube and have become influencers in their niche. But whether you succeed

YouTuber Candasy Layne-Thornhill

at being a vlogger or not, just doing it is a blessing,” the young woman said.

With persons at home now, with a lot of time on their hands, she advises that this time be used fruitfully, by capitalizing on what is available to us to make our day and lives productive.

“Free time must be used constructively is my general advice to all persons at home. Take some time to learn a skill in relation to technology; for example, website creation. Start a YouTube channel (online marketing) and other technology-related skills (logo, flyer creation etc). These skills can earn you an income from the comfort of your homes,” she said.

In relation to persons at home, starting their own vlog, Candasy said, “First you have to identify what you like and what you’re good at. Find your niche and start filming. No need to expense yourself and buy a camera; the best camera is the one in your pocket-- your smartphone. Just start!”

Adding to that, she pointed

out, “Due to the pandemic, there has been a major loss of jobs and this has frustrated many people, mentally, since this was their only income. But from what I can see, the world is moving to a digital state and more and more entrepreneurs are creating YouTube channels and taking their businesses online. This way they can make an income by working from home or any part of the world and are not affected by most circumstances.”

Similarly, persons can use the platform, not just for commercial purposes, but to have an outlet to express themselves and feel good about it.

The name of her YouTube Channel is ‘Dream Travel Write’, and this is so because those are the three things she loves to do.

“I believe in my dreams, I love travelling, and I enjoy writing,” she said.

In the same manner, anyone can identify the things they love, and start vlogging about them.

10

Local political activist loses battle with COVID-19 in the US

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Five COVID patients in ICU …one new case recorded Monday; 50 persons in isolation

Political Activist, Marvin Pearce

By Navendra Seoraj POLITICAL Activist and supporter of the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), Marvin Pearce has lost his life to the dreaded Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in the United States of America (USA).

The Guyana Chronicle understands that 44-year-old Pearce, who lived and worked in the US, was hospitalised at a medical institution in New Jersey for several days before losing the battle to the dreaded disease, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 200,000 persons worldwide.

Pearce reportedly came home frequently, and was deeply involved in politics as well as pageantry.

And while the Guyana Chronicle was unable to make contact with any of his family members, it was able to learn the kind of person the deceased was though the outpouring of condolences on his Facebook page.

Said the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) in a statement: “The PNCR is mourning the passing of our comrade, Marvin Pearce of the North American Region (NAR) who died earlier today (Monday) in New York. The Party leadership and membership wish to offer their sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the family, relatives, and friends of Marvin.”

And according to Keleisha Pearce, a relative of his: “My uncle was so very full of life, as many of you know. Many of us got to experience his soulful laughter, and felt his

warm embraces. And he made sure we knew how he felt about everything at all times.”

As she went on to say in a subsequent post, the family is devastated, because they could have never imagined saying goodbye to him so early in his life.

To those paying tribute to the family at his passing, she said: “At this time, we thank you for your outpouring of love, kind words and prayers.

The one thing giving me comfort is how outspoken he was, and that his life was full of colour. We want you all to keep our family in your prayers. We ask that God wrap his arms around us, bind us and keep us strong.”

NEW YORK TALLY Earlier this month, the Guyana Chronicle reported that COVID-19 had claimed the lives of 34 Guyanese living in New York.

This information was compiled by the Guyana Consulate in New York and submitted to the government, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo reported.

The prime minister had said at the time that the list was incomplete and not a true reflection of the devastation COVID has wrought on the diaspora, as Guyanese not only live and work in New York but all over the world.

He’d, however, said that partial or not, the government will continue to rely on its foreign missions to provide information on the status of Guyanese living abroad.

According to reports coming out of ‘The Big Apple’, the TURN TO PAGE

11

LOCAL health authorities have recorded just one new case of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease over the past 24 hours, a brighter sign than what was seen last week when the country recorded 18 cases.

According to the latest statistics on the pandemic, from the Ministry of Public Health, the number of COVID-19 cases have moved from 65 to 66 over the past 24 hours, although an additional six persons were tested within this time.

Health authorities have so far tested a total of 328 persons, with results showing that 262 of those persons were negative. Nine of the infected persons have so far recovered.

In an effort to contain the spread of the disease, health authorities have placed 50 persons in institutional isolation, while 17 persons are in institutional quarantine. Five of the infected persons are being treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The number of COVID-19 related deaths remain at seven.

Globally, there are over two million cases of COVID-19, with over 150,000 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 medication, governments and authorities across the world have employed a number of preventative measures to contain the spread of the disease.

Guyana Chronicle had reported recently that Guyana is on course to “flattening the curve” and reducing the spread of the COVID-19 disease. This was according to Resident Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, who noted that this will only remain possible if government maintains the existing containment

measures.

Locally, the government had extended its emergency measures to combat the dreaded disease, with the imposition of a 12-hour curfew on citizens.

These emergency measures were taken pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the directions issued by the President, in accordance with the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Official Gazette, Legal Supplement B, on March 16, 2020.

The measures at reference took effect from April 3, 2020, and are expected

es moved from reaching 20,000 in a month to just under 1,000 in a month, with the implementation of the containment measures.

If these measures were to, however, be relaxed, Guyana could see about 5,000 cases in no time.

to last one month, unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

“The measures in place are working and individual measures are working too, but we need to ensure that government enforces the existing measures… the few persons who do not go by these measures, need to comply…we need to see more improvement,” said Dr. Adu-Krow during a virtual press briefing, on Friday.

Already, there have been revised projections which show a reduction in the probable cases, but Dr. Adu-Krow said the new projections can only be maintained if the measures are maintained.

On Friday, Dr. AduKrow, with the use of graphs, showed journalists how the projected cas-

the country has turned to the Government of India for financial assistance.

According to President Granger, the fight requires unprecedented expenditure and outlay of resources to enable identification and testing, isolation, protection and treatment. These added resources will complement systems already in place to suppress the spread of the virus and provide appropriate medical attention.

As the country wages war against the deadly disease, the Head of State said the efforts of the country’s frontline workers, in particular those within the medical field, should not go unnoticed.

“I ask you… to think tenderly of our public health professionals and service providers; that is to say, our doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and all other supporting staff, medical and non-medical, who are providing the re-

HELP ON THE WAY President David Granger had said Guyana is in line to receive approximately 30,000 masks, a number of ventilators and other medical equipment from the People’s Republic of China, as it ups its fight against COVID-19. Added to that,

quired care for those in distress,” President Granger said, adding: “Public health practitioners are on the frontline of protecting those stricken by the disease; they have been working tirelessly, through this very difficult situation, to provide quality healthcare to those who have been infected and afflicted. Everyone in the public health system has played a vital part in the fight against this disease.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly-discovered coronavirus.

The WHO said most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses and recover without requiring special treatment. Older persons and those with underlying medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer, are more likely to develop serious illness.

The WHO believes that the best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well-informed about the virus, the disease it causes and how it is spread.

“Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practise respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow),” the WHO has advised.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Use downtime to birth-- business ideas young entrepreneur urges

Young Entrepreneur, Tamika Henry-Fraser

A

By Gabriella Chapman country's economy thrives on businesses, be it on a small or large scale. The more entrepreneurs a country has, and the more income streams created by an individual or family, the better it is not just for the individual/family, but for the country in which they reside.

Given the aforementioned, tied with the fact that most people are confined to their homes, Guyanese entrepreneur, Tamika Henry-Fraser, advises that this time can be used to develop more income streams. In fact, financial wellness lowers a person’s stress level significantly.

But in the same breath, she said that one should not feel pressured or distraught if they do not create a new source of income.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Henry-Fraser said, "I think this time can be very beneficial if used wisely.

I appreciate the global push to innovate and learn new skills during this time. But I also believe that there is value in using this time to pause, assess what’s most important to you and whether or not you are happy with your choices. It is important to understand that not everyone is going to rise from this having learnt to play the violin or becoming a Michelin Star chef – and that’s okay. No one should feel pressured into or guilty about not embracing a new skill because dealing with the anxiety of what’s happening in the world and what could happen to our loved ones is enough pressure by itself. Self-care, community support and making it through each day with peace of mind are most important to me. That being said, it doesn’t hurt to use this time to either discover a new passion or hone one that you already have, at your own pace."

OPPORTUNITY

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, she said if one does choose to innovate during this time, the benefits would be extraordinary.

“This is an opportunity to be creative with how we serve our respective markets, to satisfy and create new needs, and to extend the reach of our brands beyond their typical audience.

These initiatives, in turn, will translate into higher income and more spending power. For example, can your services be digitized? Can your products be sold online? Do you have a hidden

talent for entertainment that persons would pay to experience?

Only one way to find out,” the young woman said.

But this process of changing mindset to allow for personal and financial development starts with prayer and gratefulness, Henry-Fraser said.

“Personally, I have found gratefulness to be useful; starting each day by taking stock of what you do have – whether that be life, health, family, an income of some sort, a supportive community, nice hair, whatever it is – there must be something to be grateful for. Then, adopt a hustle mindset. Similarly, we each have something that we are good at doing, making, cooking, selling or even saying that can be used to generate income. We need to be willing to take risks, possibly be embarrassed in the process, but also, very likely be successful.

I don’t think ‘survival of the fittest’ has ever applied more during my lifetime. It is also imperative to keep yourself, your family and your community safe by following the Covid-19 guidelines. It doesn’t make you cool to resist wearing a mask or still gather socially or pedal conspiracy theories. It makes you irresponsible and quite literally putting the lives and livelihoods of everyone else at stake.

There is pride and comfort in knowing that you are doing your bit to decrease the scourge of this pandemic,” she enlightened.

Duo charged with two counts of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking

Lawrence Harper (GPF photo)

TWO men, who were identified as 28-year-old Lawrence Harper, a porter of Lot 592 Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara and 32-year-old Stanley Mann, were on April 20, 2020, charged with two counts of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Ranks of the police force, on Saturday, acting on information received, intercepted a minibus with Harper and Mann at Mabu-

DIVERSIFYING TALENT

Sharing bits on her success as a young entrepreneur, she said, “I believe that wealth comes from diversifying one’s talents and sources of income; so I’ve had a ‘side hustle’ for most of my adult years. These included tutoring, proofreading, working in the media, doing hair, event planning and even farming chickens. But I truly found my entrepreneurship stride with the birth of Curl Fete in 2016.”

This has birthed several developmental changes in her life.

“I am overcoming self-doubt to continually harness confidence in my ideas and who I am as a person. My personal growth has included patience, resilience, open mindedness, wisdom and creativity. I am humbled by the support of my Guyanese people, while at the same time becoming less cynical about the local business community. In fact, I’ve had to embrace the ideas of trust and collaboration more, and even find the silver lining in criticisms. I have become more hopeful and inspired by the efforts of other young Guyanese entrepreneurs. Surprisingly, entrepreneurship has also helped me to im-

Stanley Mann (GPF photo)

ra, Upper Demerara River, and conducted a search during which they discovered 89 grammes of cocaine, along with 6,818 grammes of cannabis.

The duo appeared at the Linden Magistrate's Court before Her Worship, Wanda Fortune, and pleaded guilty to both charges. They were sentenced to four (4) years in prison on each charge and fined $240,300.00. The sentences are to run concurrently.

prove my emotional intelligence and build stronger relationships. That is, I am better able to embrace my sources of genuine support and encouragement, while at the same time recognise connections that exist solely for business-related purposes and entirely eliminate outlets that were draining my energy,” Henry-Fraser said.

With that, she encouraged that anyone can find their niche and develop it into a source of income. In addition, persons can identify what is lacking at the moment and capitalise on it. “It’s always a good idea to start with research, particularly into services that can replace basic domestic services that persons typically do for themselves but now cannot do, due to the stay-home directives,” she posited.

Local political activist loses battle ...

Guyana Consulate-General in New York has created a means for Guyanese to publicly pay tribute to loved ones lost to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

The tributes are being shared on a Facebook page titled, ‘Honoring Guyanese Lost to Coronavirus’, and has already been inundated with tributes, support and condolences to the family and friends of those whose names and photographs feature on it.

“The Consulate-General of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in New York joins in expressing sincere condolences to Guyanese in the diaspora who have lost loved ones to the coronavirus. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow,” Consul-General Barbara Atherly said in a message.

Considering the increasing loss of lives across the globe because of the COVID-19 disease, some 12,000 Guyanese in New York have asked to be allowed to return home to Guyana.

Similar requests have been made by some 80 Guyanese living in Miami, as

have another close to 200 working on international cruise ships.

“We have received requests from Guyanese who want to come back, but we are on lockdown, and no flights would come in until the existing orders expire, or if it is amended; we first have to look at how incidences are mounting, already we have 40 (now 65) cases, and six (now seven) deaths… so we need to look at this and review some of our measures. But I cannot say any consideration regarding the requests, is active,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo had reported during one of his regular updates on the situation, adding that it must be noted that Guyana’s first case of COVID-19 was an import, as others have also proven to be.

‘SIT TIGHT’ And while he hastened to assure those wanting to come home that the plight they’re in is not lost on the government, the prime minister asked that they “sit it out” a while longer.

Government, he’d explained, first needs to give itself space to deal with

FROM PAGE

10

cases here; do proper contact tracing; reduce imported cases; and complete arrangements to have facilities to quarantine persons who come back.

“They would have to subject themselves to quarantine, so we will need facilities for the thousands of Guyanese who wish to come home.

“We would want them to come back home, but they need to understand the challenges we face at home; if they come home right now, it will overwhelm our medical and physical capacity to accommodate them, and give them the treatment they deserve,” he said, but hastened to reassure those listening in on the programme that the government is not dragging its feet when it comes to identifying and establishing quarantine, isolation and treatment facilities.

The former Ocean View International Hotel has so far been identified as a dedicated facility for incubation, isolation, quarantine and medical attention for persons diagnosed with, or suspected to have, the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 21, 2020

GTA hooks up with ‘Tourism Guyana’

--in novel approach to marketing ‘Destination Guyana’

By Stephan Sookram NEWLY-established tourism promotion company, Tourism Guyana, and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Monday agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the interest of marketing ‘Destination Guyana’ more aggressively.

In essence, the forging of this new partnership is intended to create such a buzz both here at home and abroad about the virtues of this Land of Many Waters, which has the distinction of being the only English-speaking country in all of South America, that the demand to experience it for oneself will just keep growing from strength to strength.

Through the MoU, signed on Monday, the two organisations have agreed to share information on events and ideas, as well as images and other content,

and align their efforts to further improve the promotion of Guyana as a leading sustainable destination that offers world-class nature, culture and adventure experiences.

Though both agencies are currently being operated virtually, in keeping with the principles of social distancing in light of COVID-19, that did not hinder the signing, which was a digital affair.

According to the MOU, “The GTA and Tourism Guyana have reached a common alliance to develop and promote sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the visitors’ and residents’ experiences.”

As GTA Director Brian Mullis observed, “We value our partnerships with all local influencers, and we are pleased to add Tourism Guyana to our extended

network of marketing partners.

Though travel is not advised right now, we want to make sure that you can easily access inspiring images and stories, so when it’s safe to travel again, you know exactly where you want to go, and what you want to do.”

Tourism Guyana is a branch of Creative Marketing Company (CMC), which was launched in 2019 to provide a more aggressive and interactive approach to the traditional promotion of ‘Destination Guyana’.

PARADIGM SHIFT They achieve this ambitious goal of theirs by creating a paradigm shift away from the traditional travel magazines used locally to promote destinations, and places emphasis on giving Guyana its first digital magazine.

They promise lots of upcoming surprises, and to keep customers up-to-date by follow-

Lesa Fleming, Co-founder of ‘Tourism Guyana’, Lesa Fleming

GTA’s Brian Mullis displaying his copy of the agreement

ing their Facebook and Instagram pages: Tourism Guyana.

Speaking at the signing, Co-founder Lesa Fleming said, “We want to bring a fresh, new concept of awareness to what Guyana’s 83,000 square miles has to offer. We are all about celebrating what makes Guyana an extraordinary destination, from its food, entertainment and cultural diversity to its history, host communities and unique activity offers and attractions, which is what tourism in Guyana encompasses. Our concept is all-inclusive, catering to the diaspora; those in Guyana, and international travellers alike.

We want people to understand that while Guyana is an attrac-

tive destination for international tourism, domestic tourism is a very important part of the sector.”

GTA is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the travellers’ experiences. The GTA is focused on Guyana becoming recognised locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximising local socio-economic benefits.

Promotions in the City Constabulary Department

Members of ‘Tourism Guyana’

Exxon Liza Destiny operations still unaffected

WHILE some Guyanese were concerned, on Monday, when news broke that U.S. oil plunged below zero for the first time in history, Exxon Mobil has stated that its operations onboard the Liza Destiny remain unaffected.

The international community was a buzz yesterday when it was reported that U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude trades were then at the lowest level dating back to 1946.

In the U.S., WTI is the preferred measure and pricing model while Guyana’s Liza grade crude is marketed against Brent. As of press time, Brent was currently trading at $26.13 per barrel.

Reaching out to ExxonMobil, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that

plans for the U.S. oil giant were still moving apace in Guyana.

“Developing the numerous worldclass deepwater discoveries offshore Guyana remains an integral part of ExxonMobil’s long-term growth plans. Current operations onboard the Liza Destiny production vessel are unaffected, and startup of the second phase of field development remains on target for 2022,” Public and Government Affairs Advisor at Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Janelle Persaud said.

On April 7, 2020, the Company had announced that though it is reducing its 2020 capital spending by 30 per cent, and lowering cash operating expenses by 15

per cent, due to the effects of COVID-19, developments offshore Guyana remain an “integral” part of its operations.

COVID-19 has taken a toll on the entire world and businesses such as ExxonMobil, involved in the drilling of oil, have not been able to escape the negative impacts which have vastly reduced the demand for fuel due to a sharp drop in travels.

However, on the local front, the Company continues its operations, both on and offshore Guyana, with special health measures in place.

Persaud told the newspaper that ExxonMobil will continue to monitor the global situation closely and make adjustments as necessary.

Newly-promoted Assistant Superintendent, Allison Mickle

THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown, on Monday, April 20, 2020, promoted nine (9) persons of the City Constabulary Department.

Sherry Jerrick, Town Clerk (ag), encouraged the newly promoted ranks to serve the organization with pride. Heading the promotion list was Allison Mickle who was promoted to Assis-

tant Superintendent.

Myrna Clarke was promoted to Inspector and Leslie Alder and Orin Yaw were promoted to sergeant.

Officers Penny Watkins, Vanessa Critchlow and Lashanna Saul were promoted to Corporal, while officers Shakeel Limburg and Hebroncie Mc Dowell were promoted to Lance Corporal.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Four escaped prisoners on the run FOUR prisoners, including two murder accused, escaped from the Holding Bay at the Lusignan Prison, in the wee hours of Monday, April 20, 2020.

Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, on Mon-

have been interviewed and are cooperating fully. So far, no prison rank has been found culpable.

The GPF is currently putting all measures in place to locate and apprehend the escaped prisoners.

Kenraul Perez

Sasnarine Bisnauth

Anthony Padmore

Ganesh Dhanraj

day, confirmed that Anthony Padmore, Kenraul Perez, Sasnarine Bisnauth and Ganesh Dhanraj escaped from the facility.

He explained that the escape took place around 03:46 hours, during the heavy rainfall on Monday.

However, the discovery was made by prison officials during roll call at 06:15 hours, when the four prisoners did not answer to their names.

The relevant CCTV footage was examined, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) alerted.

The prisoners made good their escape, by jumping the eastern fence. The ranks on duty, at the material time,

Padmore, 26, is serving a three-year sentence for trafficking in cannabis. He is from Ogle Street, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

His next of kin is listed as his mother who lives at Juicetown, Berbice.

Kenraul Perez, 26, of Mabaruma, North West District, a murder accused, is also among the escapees.

His next of kin is listed as his father who lives at Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

Bisnauth, 24, of Tuschen Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara has been charged for two counts of robbery and armed robbery.

His next of kin is his listed as his mother who lives at

Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.

Dhanraj, 32 of Façade, Parika, West Coast Demerara, was also charged with murder.

His next of kin is his mother who resides at Parika In October 2018, three prisoners escaped from the Lusignan Prison.

The three prisoners escaped from the Lusignan Holding Bay at about 0430hrs on Monday, October 15, 2018.

Double-murder accused Travis Evans, Sudesh Dyal, who was on remand for break and enter and larceny, as well as escaping from lawful custody and Dexroy Pollard, who was also on remand for break

and enter charges, escaped from the facility but was later recaptured by the police.

Paul Goriah, who escaped from the Lusignan Prison and Cobena Stephens, called “OJ,” who escaped from the Georgetown Prison during the destructive prison riot on July 9, 2017, are also still on the run.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Guyanese man dies in horrific New York City accident

A 21-year-old Queens man died in a horrific crash early Sunday, after an unlicensed driver he knew from high school sped through a stop sign and slammed into his car, friends and authorities said.

Satesh Permaul was driving a 2003 Nissan Maxima east on 107th Ave. in South Ozone Park, when a 2020 Nissan Altima flying south on 109th St. plowed through the stop sign and into his car just before 01:30hrs, surveillance video obtained by the Daily News shows.

Permaul, a hard-working mechanic who lived five blocks from the crash, was rushed to Jamaica Hospital but couldn’t be saved.

“It’s painful,” said the victim’s devastated father, Arjunun Permaul, 49. “He was just 21 years old.”

“It’s shocking,” he added. “They said he had a head trauma, serious head injury.”

Cops arrested the driver who allegedly struck Permaul. Christopher Garcia, 20, who lives around the corner from the crash scene,

was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle, authorities said.

Garcia’s girlfriend told The News that he and Per-

was awaiting arraignment in Queens Criminal Court Sunday night, has no idea yet who he killed.

“He doesn’t even know

Garcia had texted Perez minutes before the wreck telling her he was looking for a parking spot outside their apartment. She plead-

going to keep looking a little bit more’. And then I heard the crash.” said Perez. After he was taken into custody, he called her again.

Satesh Permaul

A cousin of the deceased, left, grieves at the scene on Sunday morning.

(Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News)

maul were friends from their days together at Robert H. Goddard High School — and that Garcia, who

that because I can’t even call him or anything,” said Garcia’s girlfriend, Evelyn Perez, 20.

ed that he just park the car in the yard but said Garcia didn’t want to disturb the neighbors.

“He was like, ‘I’m just

“He told me he was so scared because he just found out that the guy died”, said Perez. “He said, ‘I’m really scared about what’s going to happen.”

Perez said that her boyfriend has been giving her driving lessons — and telling her how to handle stop

signs.

“You have to wait three seconds to stop and then go a little bit forward and then look for cars, and then you can go,” Perez said he had coached her. “He told me that’s exactly what he did,” she said of the crash.

The surveillance video shows Garcia’s car speeding through the stop sign without stopping or even slowing down.

The victim’s family tried to see his body after the wreck but were turned away from Jamaica Hospital as the facility struggles to combat the outbreak of coronavirus.

They were told to wait for a call on Monday.

After Permaul migrated from Guyana with his family a decade ago, he fully embraced the American dream, according to his family.

He graduated high school, learned a trade as a mechanic in New Jersey and quickly joined the workforce fixing school buses, which he was continuing to do, as an essential worker, during the coronavirus shutdown.

(New York Daily News)

Lawyers likely to be deemed ‘essential’ workers -- under the COVID-19 emergency measures Head of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, has hinted that the Bar Association of Guyana requests for lawyers to be listed as essential workers under the COVID-19 emergency measures would be granted.

While there has been no official update of the measures, the prime minister, in his Sunday column, ‘My Turn’, stated: “The latest addition to the list of essential service providers are attorneys-at-law, my erstwhile colleagues, who invariably venture out late at night to road-blocks, lock-ups and even quarantine centres in dedicated furtherance of the rule of law.”

He stated that the NCTF has been working to balance the social restrictions and the need to keep the economy open which has resulted in a constant review of the measures to make way for a “continuation of production and distribution of supplies, and to facilitate the uninterrupted delivery of a wider range of essential services”.

On April 17, the NCTF notified the public that the association made a formal request for lawyers to be permitted to work during the curfew hours of 18:00hrs to 06:00hrs.

Bar Association of Guyana, President, Attorney-at-Law, Teni Housty, had ex-

plained to this newspaper on Friday, that even though Guyana remains affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, access to justice and other legal services does not stop.

He stated that all persons who are part of the chain of access to justice should be able to facilitate the same and lawyers are an essential link of the chain.

“It is an opportunity that should not be denied to all practicing lawyers but it is not a situation that all practicing lawyers will necessarily utilise because not all practicing lawyers’ services will be required to address a number of the issues; there are specialist practitioners who would address some of these issues,” he had put forward.

He added: “The primary concern is dealing with clients who are in custody and who would require representation… not because a lawyer’s office is closed means that a client should be denied access to his/her lawyer.”

The last time the emergency measures were updated was on April 9, 2020. The preamble to the initial list of measures had made it clear that it could be terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health, after an assessment of the conditions.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Best friends die in Bagotstown accident

POLICE are investigating an accident at Bagotstown Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), which claimed the lives of two best friends on Sunday night.

Dead are Courtney Marcus, 19, of Peter’s Hall, EBD and his friend Ronaldo Simmons, 20, of Azore Street, Peter’s Hall.

According to police, around 21:15hs on Sunday, the two men were in a motor car bearing registration PVV 7570 which was driven by 29-year old Steven Roberts of Republic Park.

The car was proceeding south along the eastern lane of Bagotstown Public Road at a fast rate of speed when the right side front of the vehicle collided with the concrete median which divides the road.

As a result of the impact, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it careened into a concrete fence of a house, which is situated on the eastern side of the road and came to a halt after it slammed into a utility pole.

The driver and occupants, who sustained severe injuries about their bodies, were taken

out of the vehicle in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens and taken to the

ribs and head injuries. Investigations are ongoing.

The accident was the

Courtney Marcus and Ronaldo Simmons

Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where Marcus and Simmons were pronounced dead on arrival.

Roberts, the driver, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he is admitted a patient suffering from a punctured right lung, broken

eighth to have occurred at the location, the first being one in 2011, in which a car ended-up in the living room of the house where the fence is located.

The owner of the house which the motor car crashed into, Faizal Razack, was preparing to pray that morning

Pharmacies using fear of COVID to exploit customers --jacking up the price of Vitamin C tablets, other essential items

By Telesha Ramnarine EVER since the outbreak of the coronavirus here in Guyana, a number of businesses have been accused of raising their prices on items that the public needs in their fight against the dreaded disease.

The Guyana Chronicle confirmed on Monday that at least three pharmacies have significantly raised their prices for Vitamin C tablets.

While many pharmacies are out of stock, those which have are taking advantage of the fact that people will buy the item irrespective of the cost.

One pharmacy on Middle Street is charging $700 for a pack of 20 Vitamin C tablets, whereas prior to the outbreak of the disease, that same pack of 20 tablets could have been had for $200.

Another pharmacy on Barr Street, Kitty is offering a dozen Vitamin C tablets for $400, while another on Camp Street is retailing it at $30 apiece.

Mike’s Pharmacy on Robb Street in Georgetown is one of the few pharmacies that have not put a heavy markup on their price for one tablet, as on Monday,

they were selling Vitamin C tablets for $15 apiece.

Some businesses have also raised the prices on items such as hand sanitizers, Lysol products, Clorox and other disinfectants, face masks, and medications.

Just recently, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) condemned the practice among businesses to inflate their prices at this trying time. “The PSC does not condone any attempt to profit from the crisis threatening our country from the coronavirus, and condemns all attempts at doing so,” the PSC said.

The Competitions and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) had subsequently issued a statement saying it had credible information on occurrences of price gouging.

“CCAC has received credible information of price gouging on items which have been recommended for use to assist in the prevention of the spread of the coronavirus/ COVID 19,” the CCAC said in a statement.

“While the Commission has no legal standing to regulate market prices, we wish to use moral suasion in our appeal to suppliers to revert

to the common prices for the items they are now gouging on. It is morally wrong to take advantage of consumers during any national emergency, in this case, that of a possible public health crisis.

We appeal to suppliers to put your countrymen over excessive profit,” the CCAC added.

This newspaper had previously reported how household cleaners which regularly retail for approximately $1,200 were being sold for as much as $5,000 at some stores. One customer reported how a 32-ounce can of Lysol spray was being sold at a pharmacy on Middle Street for $4,000.

One woman, who witnessed exorbitant prices being charged, had told this newspaper: “It’s very ridiculous for some of the stores to be increasing their prices of items that can save a life.

What would happen to the smaller man if he doesn’t have the funds to purchase at the increased rate?”

Another person posted on social media a photo of hand sanitisers priced at $2,500, while others claimed to have purchased the same hand sanitizer elsewhere for $200.

when he was disturbed by the front of the car ploughing into his home.

He recommended that a speed hump be placed in the vicinity of his home al-

though persons noted that this may result in traffic delays on the busy roadway.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 21, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 20, 2020

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 21, 2020

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 20, 2020

FIFPRO records rise in players reporting depression (REUTERS) - THE global players’ union FIFPRO says there has been a sharp rise in the number of players reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety since the sport was brought to a standstill by the COVID-19 outbreak.

FIFPRO said that 22% of women players and 13% of men players who took part in a survey reported symptoms “consistent with a diagnosis of depression” such as lack of interest, lack of appetite, lack of energy and self-esteem.

This compared to 11% and 6% respectively in a similar survey conducted in December and January.

It said that 18% of women players and 16% of men reported symptoms of generalised anxiety such as worry or tension.

There was some crossover with 11% of women players and 7.5% of men reporting both sets of symptoms, FIFPRO said.

“In football, suddenly young men and women athletes are having to cope with social isolation, a suspension of their working lives and doubts about their future,” said FIFPRO’s chief medical officer Vincent Gouttebarge.

“It is a time of huge uncertainty for the players and their families due to the insecurity of their future and the social isolation.”

FIFPRO said that the survey, conducted with the Amsterdam University Medical Centre, included 1,134 male players, with a mean age of 26, and 468 female players, with a mean age of 23, in 16 countries.

On a more positive note, Gouttebarge said that nearly 80% of players surveyed reported that they had access to sufficient resources and support for their mental health, often through their national player associations.

FIFPRO general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann said they were not trying to make a special case for footballers.

“We are very conscious that this is a reflection of a problem in broader society than and there is no suggestion that it is more severe for our members,” said Baer-Hoffmann.

“Footballers are more similar to average society than most people think, and that is simply because of the misconceptions about how players live.”

He reiterated that many footballers lived a precarious financial existence at the best of times.

“The average contract length is under two years and the average income is close to that of the general public,” he said. “Many are incredibly dependent on their footballing skills and are not prepared for what would come after.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (TUESDAY APRIL 21, 2020)

COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK - STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Haniff Mohammed, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis

Khan, Azhar Ali

(2) Gary Sobers, Lawrence Rowe, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle Today’s Quiz: (1) When and where did the WI and SL contest a

Test match for the first time?

(2) When and where did SL defeat the

WI in a Test match for the first time?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 21, 2020

Pause in sports good for athletes mental health development

Jerry West

--players could learn from stars who battled mental health problems

By Clifton Ross LOCAL athletes should cherish this forced break in action due to the covid-19 outbreak as it is a golden opportunity to replenish one’s mental strength fol-

lowing an action-packed start to 2020.

With isolated physical therapy being key for those local athletes whose primary mode of practice and work consist of outdoor sessions, mass gathering, physical

contact and social bonding; mental health takes to the forefront of such a lengthy break.

In times when gyms are closed, and mass gathering and mass is prohibited; the mental side of things really

seem to compliment the physical aspect in the lives of the local pros.

Due to the worldwide break in outdoor events including sports, athletes globally have been forced to continue their same training and practice regimes within the confines of their homes or living quarters.

But outside of training with the boys and

i s a

Marcus Trescothick

hitting t h e gym, easing the mind of the rigors of a full season of action whether it be cricket, soccer (football), rugby or even golf which is played almost the entire year; is equally crucial.

Spending time with loved ones and being indoors is an immense part of healing and staying in the right mental frame of mind for professional atheles.

While training relentlessly and packing on gains

great w a y to keep one’s game and career in peak shape, having a calm state and peace of mind is more valuable than Godlike musculoskeletal physique.

Take for example the number of sportsmen who have been forced to take breaks for their work due to battling mental illness.

In cricket a number of famous players both male and female have been forced to take sudden breaks for the game in order to battle their

mental health problems.

Former England players Marcus Trescothick, Andrew Flintoff, Johnathan Trott and Sarah Taylor have all come out publicly as advocates in the battle against mental health illnesses; after they all at some point in their careers battled it successfully.

While Trescothick and Trott, two of England’s batting stalwarts have made intermittent returns to cricket following breaks, they have never been the same since, a true testament to the importance of keeping one’s self fit both mentally and physically.

Other international stars such as Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, Tennis star Serena Williams, NBA legend and the logo of the national basketball association, Jerry West are also some of the famous athletes who have battled mental health illnesses.

Chile’s Jarry gets 11-month doping ban

(REUTERS) - PLAYERS should be wary of using health supplements made in South America, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Monday when banning Chile’s Nicolas Jarry for 11 months for an anti-doping violation.

Jarry was provisionally suspended in January after metabolites of two substances on WADA’s banned list — SARM LGD-4033 (ligandrol) and the anabolic steroid stanozolol — showed up in a urine sample he gave while playing for Chile at the Davis Cup Finals in Madrid at the end of last year.

After an investigation, the ITF said it accepted the 24-year-old’s explanation as to how SARM LGD-4033 and stanozolol entered his system — namely that he had taken “multi-vitamins” made in Brazil that his doctor had recommended because they were supposedly free from banned substances.

Despite clearing him of significant fault or negligence for his violation, the ITF still imposed a sanction, although his period of ineligibility will be back-dated to start on the date of last occurrence of his violation (Dec 16 2019).

He will lose any prize money and ranking points earned at the Davis Cup and subsequent events. Jarry, who reached as high as 38th in the world last July, will be free to resume his career on Nov. 15. He is currently down at 89th.

“With a clear conscience I tell you that we were able to prove in the investigation carried out by the ITF that the prohibited substances identified in the test, were originated in the Brazilian laboratory which cross contaminated my vitamins,” Jarry said in a statement on his Twitter account.

“I have accepted the 11-month sanction offered by the ITF.” In a statement the ITF warned against the dangers of using supplements from South America.

“It is apparent that the consumption of bespoke supplements, in particular those made in compound pharmacies in South America, carries with it a significant degree of risk for sportsmen and women who are subject to anti-doping rules and the escalating bans that have been imposed on tennis players for such violations have not been adequate to deter other players from taking those risks,” it said.

“The ITF (i) urges all players to exercise extreme caution in considering whether to use supplements; and (ii) warns that any TADP violation that results from the ingestion of contaminated supplements will likely lead to a significant period of ineligibility.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 20, 2020

UEFA to provide update on season today (BBC) - UEFA will provide an update on plans to finish the 2019-20 season to all its 55 national associations at a video conference on Tuesday.

European football’s governing body hopes to end the campaign in August, although with every league bar Belarus still suspended there are doubts over whether that deadline can be met.

Uefa has launched two working groups, one specifically assessing the fixture calendar. It is hoped specific proposals will be presented by mid-May at the latest.

However, the continuing uncertainty over the spread of coronavirus is creating major issues, with some leagues - including Germany and Denmark - talking optimistically about a resumption next month, while others - England among them believe it will be June at the earliest before they can play games, and some Premier League clubs feel it will be longer than that.

Leicester’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa on 9 March was the last game played in the Premier League before the suspension

Uefa is still hoping to complete its own tournaments in the normal two-legged format. However, there is an understanding that it may not be possible, so one-off games, and a week-long mini-tournament from the quarter-finals onwards for both the Champions League and Europa League, have also been discussed.

Tuesday’s meeting will be followed on Thursday by a meeting of the Uefa executive committee.

That is expected to provide an update on the Womens’ European Championship and the Nations League, both of which have been moved to allow Euro 2020 to take place a year later than scheduled, plus plans to relax financial regulations this season.

In addition, it is anticipated, Uefa will confirm that it will listen to requests to end domestic leagues early.

It has previously warned against this, saying countries risk their places in next season’s European competitions.

World Rugby begins investigation of Fiji Chair (BBC) - WORLD Rugby has begun an investigation into the chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU), which has backed Sir Bill Beaumont’s bid for re-election as boss of the world game.

Francis Kean is under pressure to stand down amid accusations of homophobia and discrimination, as revealed by the Sunday Times.

The allegations against Kean, who was convicted of manslaughter in 2007, are being taken “extremely seriously” by World Rugby, the sport’s governing body.

The FRU seconded Beaumont’s nomination to stand again as World Rugby chairman.

Kean is also attempting to secure a place on World Rugby’s executive committee, but is now under pressure to withdraw from that

process.

World Rugby has stressed that Beaumont’s nomination came from the Fiji Rugby Union, rather than from the chairman individually.

However this development threatens to disrupt his campaign, with Beaumont and rival Agustin Pichot entering their final week of campaigning before the vote opens on 27 April.

“World Rugby notes allegations in the UK Sunday Times about Fiji Rugby Union chairman Ratu Vilikesa Bulewa Francis Kean and takes them extremely seriously,” a statement said.

“Rugby is a sport built on strong and inclusive values and World Rugby does not in any way condone any abusive or dis-

The Fiji Rugby Union has backed Sir Bill Beaumont’s bid for re-election as boss of the world game.

criminatory behaviour, as outlined within its bye-laws.

“World Rugby is currently in dialogue with the Fiji Rugby Union about the nature of the allegations and it would be inappropriate to further comment at this time.”

Kean currently represents Fiji on the World Rugby council.

World Rugby say a place on the council is

awarded to the Union - in this case the FRU - rather than any individual, and that Fiji met the relevant criteria under the revised governance process launched in November 2015.

Beaumont has pledged a full governance review if he is re-elected, including a ‘fit and proper persons’ test.

The election result will be confirmed at a World Rugby council meeting on 12 May.

Hamilton with ‘dream team’ Mercedes (BBC) - LEWIS Hamilton says he is “not trying to move” away from his Mercedes team in this year’s driver market.

The world champion is one of a number of top drivers whose contracts expire at the end of a 2020 season thrown into disarray by the coronavirus.

Hamilton said on Instagram: “There is no dream of another team.

I am with my dream team.

“There’s not a thing in my way, as I’m not trying to move. I’m with the people who

have cared from day one.”

Hamilton added that Mercedes are “the best team”.

He was responding to a report that his hopes of a move to Ferrari had been hampered by signs that Sebastian Vettel was moving towards a new contract with the Italian team.

Vettel, like Hamilton, is out of contract at the end of the season, while the German’s team-mate Charles Leclerc has a contract until the end of 2024.

In an online news conference last week,

Vettel and Hamilton have won 10 F1 world titles between them

Vettel said he had made it clear he wanted to stay at Ferrari beyond the end of this season

and added: “Whatever the deal will be like, it is whatever I and the team will be comfort-

able with. In terms of duration, normally the contracts I had in the past were all a three-

year deal.”

The only other top driver who is committed to his current team beyond the end of 2020 is Max Verstappen, who has a deal with Red Bull until 2023.

Like Vettel, Hamilton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo are free to move.

McLaren have said they see their future with Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. The Spaniard is expected to sign a new deal and Norris is under option to McLaren for the next few years.

The 2020 season remains in doubt as a result of the first nine races being postponed or cancelled as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

However, F1 bosses are hopeful they can start the season in the summer, with some races behind closed doors in Europe, before completing the season further afield.

F1 is emphasising that the original calendar has effectively been consigned to the bin and they are having to start a new schedule from scratch.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 21, 2020

Arsenal agrees pay cut amid coronavirus outbreak

(BBC) - ARSENAL’S firstteam players and head coach Mikel Arteta have agreed a pay cut to help with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League club said the “voluntary agreement” sees those involved have their annual earnings reduced by 12.5%.

The club’s core coaching staff are also among those taking cuts to their pay.

If the Gunners hit certain targets on the pitch, the club says “agreed amounts” will be paid back.

“We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger,” Arsenal said.

“The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the 2019-20 season and receive the full broadcasting revenues. The resulting savings will help cover some of

the financial risks we have this season in relation to our matchday and commercial income.

“The move follows positive and constructive discussions. In these conversations there has been a clear appre-

(REUTERS) - LA Liga side Valencia have joined other top Spanish clubs in announcing a pay cut for players and coaches to help ease the financial impact caused by the suspension of play due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A statement from the club on Monday said many of its non-playing staff would be able to receive their full salary during the period of inactivity following an agreement with the players.

Valencia did not give details of the pay cut agreements.

“First team and academy players and coaches as well as the board of directors have

shown a huge commitment to help the club and guarantee its economic stability at a time of great difficulty and uncertainty for everyone,” said the statement.

“Also, due to the club’s commitment to protect its most vulnerable workers in the face of the uncertain development of this situation, Valencia will supplement the incomes of a large percentage of its employees.

“The club would like to show its gratitude to the first team players for showing solidarity by reducing their salaries in order to help the club to protect its workers and their families in such complicated

circumstances.”

Valencia were seventh in La Liga when football in Spain was indefinitely postponed last month with 11 games remaining.

Barcelona lead the standings by two points over Real Madrid.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid had previously announced 70% pay cuts agreed by players and coaches to ensure other employees would continue to receive their full salaries.

Real Madrid’s players and coaches have pledged to take an annual pay cut of between 10 and 20%.

Arsenal’s players will receive some of the money back if they hit targets on the pitch

ciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and

staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family.

“We are proud and grateful to our players and staff

for pulling together to support our club, our people and our community in these unprecedented times which are some of the most challenging we have faced in our history.”

Earlier on Monday, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and chief executive Stephen Bettis agreed partial pay and bonus deferrals “to assist the club’s cash flow issues”.

Watford, Southampton and West Ham are the other Premier League clubs to have agreed wage deferrals with their first-team squads.

The Premier League asked clubs to put a 30% pay cut to players but the Professional Footballers’ Association said that would affect tax contributions to the NHS. Earlier this month, Premier League players launched the #PlayersTogether scheme to generate and distribute funds to the NHS.

Valencia announce pay cut to cope with suspension of play

Geoffrey Kondogbia of Valencia passes the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Valencia CF and Atalanta at Estadio Mestalla on March 10, 2020 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by UEFA - Handout via Getty Images)

Russian footballer dies during solo training session (REUTERS) - LOKOMOTIV Moscow youth player Innokenty Samokhvalov has died aged 22 after suffering suspected heart failure during a solo training session on Monday, the Russian Premier League club said.

With the club’s players quarantined during the coronavirus pandemic, Samokhvalov was training on his own.

“On April 20, defender Innokenty Samokhvalov died. The footballer became ill during an

individual training session. Details of the tragedy are being clarified,” the club said in a statement.

Samokhvalov arrived at Lokomotiv in 2015 but had not made any appearances in the Russian Premier League. He was playing for Loko-

motiv’s reserve team Kazanka in Russia’s third tier.

“It’s horrible. The doctors have told us the cause of death was heart failure,” Kazanka coach Alexander Grishin told Russian news agency RIA Novos.

“If the doctors allowed him to train then we must assume he did not have any problems.”

Russia is in lockdown until April 30 while competitive football has been postponed until May 31.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday April 20, 2020

Bess hopeful that Senior Championships can happen at the end of the year

Rosanna Fung won the Ms Bikini competition at the 2019 Seniors.

THE Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) is hoping to run off its Senior Championships by the end of the year.

Initially, the premier competition on the local bodybuilding calendar, which crowns the Mr. Guyana, Mr. Physique and Ms. Bikini winners, was expected to be held in July, but the Coronavirus Pandemic, brought a screeching halt to all sporting activities.

President of the GBBFF Keavon Bess said that hosting the event in 2020 would still depend on Guyana’s ability to weather the COVID 19 storm over the next few months.

“We hope to host the seniors at the end of the year if the situation with Covid is better then. At this stage all regional and international competitions have been put on hold or have been postponed until next year.”

The federation was able to host a successful Mr. Linden Classic, in tandem with the Mr. Novice Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships on February 15 at Lichas Hall.

All other competitions, including the Mr. Berbice and the Intermediate Championships have been postponed. Both of those competitions were originally scheduled for the Ancient County later this month.

“I am aware that a lot of bodybuilders in

Marlon Bennett would look to defend his Mr. Guyana title at the next Senior Championships.

Guyana are disappointed at not being able to compete at the Intermediate and Mr. Berbice Classic 2020 but the federation would like to encourage those athletes to keep the same energy and to be prepared to compete at the Seniors at year end.”CONTINUE HEALTHY PRACTICES Bess noted that healthy practices are a cornerstone of bodybuilding and he is optimistic that despite gyms countrywide being shut down due to quarantine measures, bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts are still in training mode.

“Bodybuilders have an advantage over the average population because, for the most parts, they have been practicing the habit of health eating and exercise.

“I will ask all of them to continue their healthy way of life and to render assistance and guidance to their family and friends so that we all can beat this dreaded virus. What we need now more than ever before is social support after we would have practiced social distancing. So I will ask the entire bodybuilding fraternity to support each other and to support the vulnerable among us as we fight to return this world to what we knew it to be before this virus disrupted our lives.”

UK defends allowing major sports events just before lockdown A general view during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Liverpool FC and Atletico Madrid at Anfield on March 11, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

(REUTERS) - THE UK government was following scientific advice by allowing major sporting events such as the Liverpool-Atletico Madrid soccer match and Cheltenham horse racing festival to go ahead days before the coronavirus lockdown, a senior

minister said.

“At every stage in this crisis we have been guided by the scientific advice and have been making the right decisions at the right time,” finance minister Rishi Sunak said on Monday during the government’s daily news conference.

“There is often a wrong time to put certain measures in place, thinking about sustainability and everything else. At all parts of this we have been guided by that science, we have been guided by making the right decisions at the right time, and I stand by that.”

The government’s deputy chief scientific adviser Angela McLean said the suggestion, made by a reporter, that allowing the soccer game to go ahead in the north-west English city of Liverpool on March 11 contributed to the spread of the coronavirus was “certainly an inter-

esting hypothesis”.

“It will be very interesting to see in the future when all the science is done what relationship there is between the viruses that have circulated in Liverpool and the viruses that have circulated in Spain,” she said.

The Mr. Physique battle was one of the high points of the 2019 Seniors.

See story on page 23

Bess hopeful that Senior Championships can happen at the end of the year

Pause in sports good for athletes mental health development See story on page 20

Serena Williams

Andrew Flintoff,

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020