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POLICE SLAP SIX CHARGES ON GECOM’S CHIEF Pg2 ELECTIONS OFFICER

Pg2

of missing Airports reopened Body Essequibo Pg2

man found

Pg5

Guyana’s COVID death toll races to 105 Pg4

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POLICE SLAP SIX CHARGES ON GECOM’S CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER

2, 2020 elections; and for misbehavior in public office.

He is out on bail.

Mr. Lowenfield is also before the courts on private criminal charges filed by Desmond Morian of the People’s Progressive Party, and Daniel Kanhai of the nascent New

Movement. He was released on $150,000 bail on each charge.

One charge alleged that Lowenfield conspired with a person or persons unknown to commit the common law offence of fraud by representing to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

that tables attached to his June 23rd elections report accurately reflected the true results of the elections in order to materially alter the results, with intent to defraud as he knew the tabulation to be false.

Morian alleged that Lowenfield while performing his duty as

Chief Elections Officer, without lawful excuse or justification, he willfully misconducted himself by ascertaining results of the elections “knowing the said results to be false.

All told there were three charges.

Today, his attorney, Senior Council Neil

Boston said that the police filed six charges against Lowenfield. Appearing in court for the state was a lawyer from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He sought to oppose bail.

Attorney Boston said that Lowenfield was required to post $50,000 on each of the six charges.

The complainants are the police. These charges seem to supplement the private criminal charges which are likely to be thrown out.

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, during a press conference last week, stated that the police acting under the direction of the People’s Progressive Party, were out to harass and humiliate the Black staff members of the Guyana Elections Commission.

On arrival at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, the police placed Lowenfield in the holding cell like a common criminal.

He will be returning to court on March 23, next, to answer the private criminal charges.

commercial flights.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said that passengers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR

test on arrival. which was taken at least seven days prior to travel. However, if the results were not received within three days of their travel, they would

have to take a second test at the airport.

“If the PCR test is done within 72hrs of travel, the passenger will not be required to do another

PCR test on arrival. If the PCR test is done within 4-7 days of travel, the passenger will be required to do a PCR test on arrival,” the Minister said.

The airports were previously only conducting cargo, repatriation, medical evacuation and special authorized flights. With

…Lowenfield released on $300,000 bail (middle)

…Lowenfield released on $300,000 bail The police slapped six charges against Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield today. The charges, according to the general statement are for tendering a forged document or documents stemming from the March

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he Eugene F. Correia and Cheddi Jagan International Airports will be reopened today, October 12, to

Airports reopened

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the development of a comprehensive list of health and safety measures at airports and on aircraft, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will be able to ensure the safety of both staff and passengers.

Chief Executive

Officers of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Col. Ret’d Anthony Mekdeci, said they were confident that the systems in place are adequate for the restart of commercial flights.

Minister Edghill advised passengers to plan their travel ahead of time and be prepared to arrive early at international airports to have enough time to go through the newly established screening protocols.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said swabbing will be done at the airports while the PCR tests which passengers arrive with, will be validated by local authorities to ensure it is authentic. Passengers will be allowed to leave the airport once the negative result is confirmed.

The CJIA is expecting its first commercial flight today while the Eugene F. Correia International Airport will receive its first flight from Caribbean Airlines around October 19.

Body of missing Essequibo man found The body of an Essequibo man, who went missing during a family outing to Hamburg on Sunday, was recovered this morning.

Umal Jaggernauth, 25, of Spring Garden, Essequibo Coast, and about 25 of his family members left home about noon to go to Hamburg Beach on Sunday.

Jaggernauth and his uncle, Randy, were left to moor the boat after they arrived. After mooring the boat, Jaggernauth and his uncle began to swim to shore but only Randy reached the shore. The other family members were alerted and later went in search for Jaggernauth but did not find him.

The family members and Police returned to

Umal Jaggernauth

the area on Monday morning and recovered Jaggernauth’s body.

Essequibo River

Guyana’s COVID death toll races to 105 The Ministry of Health recorded 111 cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. Of these, 47 cases were recorded on Saturday October 10. A

further 64 were recorded on Sunday October 11.

The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now at 3,469. There have been 575 cases recorded in

the last 11 days.

The death toll has risen to 105 with the deaths of a 61-year-old woman from Region One, recorded on Friday and a 40-year-

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old woman from Region Four, recorded on Sunday.

There have been 25 COVID-19 related deaths recorded so far this October.

As of Sunday, 15,963 persons have been tested for the virus. 2,318 persons have recovered leaving the number of active cases in the country at 1,046.

THE SPATE OF ARRESTS IS TARGETED AT THE ELECTIONS PETITION Former Min.Volda Lawrence

It is a move to disqualify potential witnesses…says Volda Lawrence Former Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, returned to the Criminal Investigations Department, Eve Leary, today. She went there with Chief Elections Officer,

Keith Lowenfield, and political activist Carol Joseph.

She was critical of the method the police are adopting.

“If they want to solve an issue you can’t use the big stick method first. You cannot seek to destroy people; you cannot seek to use inhumane tactics to get people to speak and to cooperate with you.”

She said that what Coalition activist, Carol Joseph, is going through is unbelievable. Carol Joseph was also pulled in by the police for reasons

best known to the police and their directorate.

“What my colleague and comrade, Carol Joseph-Smith, is going through is unbelievable.

What they’re bringing up…because everybody who sat there at the Kingston office and witnessed the reading out of the statements of poll by the Returning Officer.

“So everybody is an accomplice.”

Ms. Lawrence said that Ms. Joseph was not there alone. And what she did was because she was a party agent.

Ms. Lawrence was there in the same capacity doing what all party agents have been doing over the years.

“This is not the first time we have acted in this position and we haven’t done anything different from what we have done in the past.

“So how come in the past we didn’t do something wrong and now it is wrong? Something is not right. I see it as political harassment.

“What transpired with someone like Ms. Roxanne Myers, a former lecturer at the University

of Guyana is way past any form of courtesy or seeking justice in the right direction.”

She said that the action by the police is definitely intended to humiliate all those arrested. It is disrespect, she added.

“Why she had to sleep in the lockup? Why she couldn’t go on bail?”

She is certain that the police are carrying out the task of the PPP political directorate.

She said that there is a lot of pressure on women.

All the people being harassed are women. Ms.

work to resolve whatever issues come up… We can do that in a very cordial way because all of us want the best for our healthcare workers and we have to work together to improve the system.”

Dr. Anthony said he expects cordial deliberations to take place as the government continues to ensure that frontline workers are given the requisite gear to deliver the best service Nurses have been protesting for better pay and risk allowances over the last few weeks

Complex in Region Ten. Last week, GPSU President, Patrick Yarde, issued the ultimatum that the union would await a “positive response” from the Minister by October 6 or the union will work to mobilise and support countrywide protest action and strikes.

The sum of $150 Gov. Adviser Jennifer Westford million was allocated to at facilities across the the frontline workers in the country; the GPHC, the recently approved budget West Demerara Regional and health workers at the Hospital in Region Three, GPHC working directly the Fort Wellington with COVID-19 patients, Hospital in Region Five have been receiving risk and the Linden Hospital allowances.

Lawrence said that she has nothing but pity for the GECOM Chairperson.

“These are her staff and she is not sending a clear message. She is not giving them any protection.

I believe she needs to take stock of what is happening. Who would want to work there?

She said that this is programme by the p[olice, under the direction of the PPP, is designed to clean out GECOM. It is also designed to disqualify some of these people from testifying in the pending elections petition.

Strike by nurses put on hold

GPSU Vice-President, Dawn Gardener

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strike by nurses attached to the G e o rg e t o w n Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), which was planned to commence yesterday was put on hold after the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) agreed to negotiate the demands of the workers with the Government.

The negotiation will continue over the next two weeks.

On Wednesday, GPSU Vice-President, Dawn Gardener, and government adviser, Dr. Jennifer Westford,

signed an agreement for the commencement of negotiations between the two sides. General Secretary of the GPSU, Kempton Alexander, confirmed that there was a discussion to have the demands made by the health workers be negotiated over a twoweek period.

“The government has come to an agreement to meet our demands but our strike action has not been abandoned or withdrawn.

But it is just put on hold, if they don’t meet our demands in the two weeks we will take an industrial

move.”

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said, “I am really happy that decision was made, and that we will

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It’s a case of constitutional reform Dear Editor,

The question of constitutional reform has once again surfaced and whether it will make the front-burner and be pursued earnestly and honestly is of course another matter.

I read with great interest a letter written

by Henry Jeffrey in the Stabroek News titled “Constitutional Reform.

The Constitution at 40.”

Henry’s well written analysis is useful and I believe should be read by all political party activists and concerned citizens, old and young I share much of the sentiments and analysis in his letter. However, when the lawyers, constitutional experts and politicians complete the new draft, the intractable question remains.

Will Guyana be blessed with a breed of religious, business and political leaders who are genuine patriots and prepared to make certain sacrifices in the interest of the community and country?

After constitutional engineering, will we have conscientious statesmen

and women with a vision, knowledge of our history and therefore with the capability to avoid past mistakes?

But far and above all this, will our religious bodies, institutions of learning and parental guidance facilitate the emergence of citizens with a solid, moral rudder?

The next period must also share the full history of those of who were here before the Europeans came, those who were enslaved and those who came as immigrants.

All done by the Europeans who came in search for gold and glory.

Our new leaders must be wedded to the idea that for a plural society to flourish, we must never ignore the hemorrhage caused by the European powers, which constituted the wellknown divide and rule policy and unfortunately after Independence this became an internecine struggle between two ethnic groups.

Our new leaders must also be conscious that deep down, there still exists attitudes, which determine who should be at the bottom of the ladder.

Look around the world that now influences Guyana and we see extant this – If you’re black stay back, if you’re brown stick around, if you’re white, you’re alright.

This is a serious matter and the educators, religious leaders, business leaders, parents and guardians need to take account of all the relevant factors.

I know this is the hardest nut to crack but if all of us are to benefit from the Creator’s rich bounty we must stop and ponder and hand-in-hand be triumphant.

I heard one of our enduring patriots, Dr. Yesu Persaud, state that we came in different ships, but we are now in the same boat and may I add, we must all paddle, responding to the drumbeat, whether it be the tassa or the congo-drum, but it must be to inspire us and paddle together in harmony trust and love.

May I add this final caveat, if there is no trust, there can be no forward movement.

Hamilton Green

Robert Corbin hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19

Road fatalities increase dramatically

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he Guyana N a t i o n a l Road Safety Council (GNRSC) said on Wednesday that 112 persons lost their lives due to road accidents over the last nine months this year.

This is an increase of over 40% from 2019.

Coordinator of the GNRSC, Ramona Doergen, said that the deaths resulted from 103 accidents. During the same period last year, 70 accidents occurred which resulted in 74 deaths.

The GNRSC has embarked on an early awareness program to have an impact before the start of National Road Safety Week in November.

Doergen noted the importance of campaigns in education of the public and enforcement of road safety laws.

Traffic Chief, Ramesh

Ashram, said that Police have embarked on an initiative to place more Police ranks at intersections during peak hours since this forces drivers to observe the rules.

He said it was found that “where drivers observe Police, they will adhere.”

Ashram also noted that the placement of ranks along the roadways on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara has led to “a great reduction of accidents, especially fatal ones.”

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said the Government will make provisions in the next National Budget to construct bicycle lanes and install more pedestrian overpasses and traffic lights, traffic signs and signals to help increase the safety of roadways for

pedestrians and drivers.

A ‘No Mask, No Ride’ policy was also launched.

Minister of Public Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, shared the idea of policy with the GNRSC and it was quickly adopted.

McCoy said the principle is simple, “If you do not have on a mask, you do not get into the minibus. It is the conductor and the driver who should ensure that it does not happen. If you are going into a vehicle and you see people without masks, then do not join the vehicle.”

Coordinator Doergen said reducing the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation is critical since 75 percent of the population travel using public transportation.

104 COVID cases in one day

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Mr. Robert Corbin

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ormer Opposition Leader and leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin, has been hospitalised after testing positive for COVID-19.

The 72-year-old was in serious condition on

Tuesday but is now stable after being admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal.

Corbin became weak at home and a decision was made to have him hospitalised after he exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.

His wife, Carol Corbin, who is head of the Public Procurement Commission, has also tested positive for the virus but is not showing serious symptoms and has self-isolated at home.

he Ministry of Heath recorded 104 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday October 7, taking the total number of recorded cases in Guyana to 3,292.

The death toll remains at 99 with 19 of those deaths being recorded in October.

As of October 7, 15,360 persons have been tested for the virus and 2,084 have recovered. This

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leaves the number of active cases in the country at 1,109.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that 200 inmates of the Lusignan Prison who tested positive for COVID-19, are no longer infectious and can be reintegrated into the prison population.

“From a medical point of view, since they are no longer infectious, we can return them to Lusignan.

That is something that the personnel at the isolation centre and the prison authority would have to discuss so that all these persons who have been discharged can go back to the prison setting.”, the Minister said.

President Irfaan Ali also continued to ask that citizens not take the coronavirus pandemic lightly and to follow the recommended health guidelines.

GECOM DEPUTY CEO REMAINS IN POLICE CUSTODY

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he Deputy Chief Election Officer, R o x a n n e Myers, was taken into Police custody on Tuesday morning and remains in custody after refusing to answer questions from the Police in their investigation of alleged electoral fraud.

Myers’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes, said that she was moved to the Beterverwagting Police station and has been refused station bail. He also said the only charge put to her is obstruction

A statement issued by of justice because of her the Police Force rejected decision to exercise her the claims made by the right not to answer any Attorney regarding the questions posed to her.

Digicel is getting ready to bring a new era of connectivity and opportunity to the people of Guyana on the back of the news that the new Government has moved quickly to remove the 31-year GT&T telecoms monopoly.

The telephone company alleged that the monopoly resulted in poor choice, poor quality, poor coverage and poor service.

With a McKinsey study showing that 10% higher broadband penetration delivers a GDP boost to a country of up to 1.4%, and Guyana poised to become the fastest

growing economy in the world on foot of the biggest oil discovery in years, access to world class telecommunications services – and all the attendant benefits and opportunities they bring – will mean that everyday people will also feel the benefits.

Gregory Dean, CEO of Digicel Guyana, said, “To say that this day has been a long time coming is an understatement. For 16 long years, we have asked, requested, pushed, lobbied and pressured.

“Today, finally, that day is here. At Digicel, we firmly believe that access to broadband is a basic

reason for the Deputy CEO’s arrest.

The statement said that the Myers was being held in custody for conspiracy to defraud.

The Guyana Police Force has been conducting a comprehensive investigation into alleged criminal conduct of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, and several others, in relation to the March 2, 2020 Genera and Regional Elections.

Roxanne Myers

Lowenfield, is facing private criminal charges filed by political representatives of the People’s Progressive Party and the New Movement party. The charges alleged that he engaged in fraud, misconduct in office and breach of public’s trust.

Mingo is facing four charges alleging that he misconducted himself in public office and is also before another court facing a joint electoral fraud charge with former Health Minister and PNC/R Chairperson,

Volda Lawrence, for conspiracy to commit fraud.

Lowenfield is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Friday, October 9, 2020, and Mingo’s next court dates are November 16, 2020, and December 15, 2020.

Today, he reported to the Criminal Investigations Department with his lawyer, Nigel Hughes.

Also reporting to CID Headquarters was Volda Lawrence and Carol Joseph.

Digicel retools to capitalize on liberalisation human right. Now, the people of Guyana can look forward to a brighter future with affordable access to world-class connectivity solutions that can catapult them to the forefront of the knowledge and digital economy.”

“We are stepping into our future with confidence and are getting ready to make the transformational benefits of high-speed connectivity a powerful reality for Guyanese.

“We look forward to a short administrative process to grant us the necessary permissions to make the desired expansions and upgrades Mr. Gregory Dean, CEO of Digicel of our services.”

Three more COVID-19 deaths recorded

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported that as of Wednesday October 7, three more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died.

The deceased are a

41-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man, both from Region Four, and a 58-year-old man from Region One. The death toll has now increased to 99. There have been 19 COVID-19

related deaths so far in the first week of October.

The Ministry is reminding Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO. 9), which are in effect until October

31, 2020.

The order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from

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others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health did not report any new cases of COVID-19 for Tuesday October 6 as the

National Public Health Reference Laboratory is still working to validate the COVID-19 results.

15,265 persons had been tested for the virus and 2,017 persons have recovered.

Jury trials have restarted

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ury Trials have recommenced.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, the Demerara Assizes opened and two juries were empaneled in the cases of The State v Desmond James and The State v Keron Taylor.

The judges presiding are Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice

Navindra Singh and Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry conducted another empaneling on Wednesday.

Both James and Taylor were freed on the first day of the court hearings. The judge, Justice Navindra Singh, upheld no-case submissions.

The two men who

were represented by Mark Conway and Nigel Hughes, respectively, were indicted for the 2014 stabbing to death of Glendon Cox, at Aranka, North West District.

Jury trials were suspended since March due to the incidence of COVID-19. On Monday, October 5, 2020, Justice Brassington Reynolds

resumed a jury trial which commenced in March 2020 but had to be adjourned due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

These resumptions are a monumental achievement as many jurisdictions worldwide have been unable to restart this essential judicial service.

The Judiciary of Guyana has been working

assiduously over the past 6 months to facilitate the safe resumption of jury trials for the October Session of the Demerara Assizes.

Similar efforts are being undertaken with respect to the Essequibo and Berbice Assizes. These efforts at resuming jury trials have been in recognition of the fact that Jury service is integral to the criminal justice system of Guyana.

A number of measures have been put in place for the safe conduct of cases.

For instance: Judges, Jurors, court staff, attorneys-at-law and all court users will be socially distanced.

Cameras, video link and video conferencing facilities have been installed.

Plexiglass has been placed around witness boxes, desks and other furniture Sanitizing dispensers are in all courtrooms and constant sanitisation of jury seating, court furniture, exhibits and the

courtroom will be done.

Temperature screening will also be conducted upon entry of everyone to the court compound.

The summoning of a jury panel is staggered to allow for social distancing.

Court corridors have been utilized to accommodate the empaneling of juries.

The media is allowed to report on the trials remotely by audio visual link.

The members of the public especially relatives of accused or victims may also view trials by video link. These measures are dealt with extensively in our protocols for the resumption of jury trials during the Covid 19 pandemic.

We are heartened by the fact that the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Police Force, who are all important actors in the Criminal Justice process are on board with the provision of courtrooms and IT facilities at the prison.

Email or text your letters to us we would be happy to publish them ExxonMobil Oil Rig

adameharris@yahoo.com lendellnurse6995@gmail.com 875

HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

It might be challenging dealing with those who are closest to you today. Best to ask yourself if what you are doing is useful. Go slowly and stick to practical tasks. If you work carefully, you won’t have to do the same job again. As the wise carpenter said, “Measure twice, cut once.”

Whatever you do today, proceed slowly, carefully and cautiously. If you try to rush anything, you will regret it. Furthermore, if you are hasty about pushing something through, authority types might try to block you. Easy does it – steady Eddie.

Whatever you do at work today (or for whatever task you’re doing) might be a bit of a slog. The secret is to slow down and be observant. Do things bit by bit. Do each task carefully. Don’t let others discourage you. Expect small gains but proceed in a slow, steady way.

You might be frustrated today because whatever you try to do (likely from behind the scenes) you will meet with opposition. It might be in the form of rules and regulations. It might be in the form of a strong opinion from social media? Be careful.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

If you try to coordinate the efforts of others today, it will be like herding cats.

Expect some opposition. Others might object because of financial reasons or because they think you’re moving too fast. Any advance will have to be slow and steady.

Parents might find it frustrating dealing with their kids today. There’s no point in throwing your weight around. Accept the fact that you can only make small advances and achieve small results.

It’s easy for people to feel discouraged.

Respect that and don’t be demanding.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Expect opposition to whatever you try to do today, especially from authority figures and possibly from a partner or close friend. It’s as if you’re trying to do the impossible? Two steps forward, one step back. In fact, it feels more like one step forward and two steps back! Go gently.

Whatever you attempt to do at home or within your family might meet with resistance and opposition. Don’t overreact.

Be calm. Today is full frustrating little moments that can be overcome with quiet perseverance. Do not engage in angry confrontations. (Definitely!)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Travel plans might be blocked today.

Likewise, your efforts to explore opportunities in publishing, the media, higher education, medicine and the law will be discouraging. Be satisfied with small successes. Everything is relative.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Disputes about shared property, inheritances or anything that you own jointly with others (including debt) might be tough to deal with today. It’s hard to get cooperation. Whatever you do today, you will have to do carefully and pay attention to detail. One step at a time.

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Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

It will not be easy for you to get your way today so the sooner you can grasp this, the easier this day will be for you. Remember the game where you say please take a giant step? Or please take a baby step?

Today is full of baby steps – at best.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Do not try to force financial matters today or purchases. There might be a reason that you meet with obstacles and objections from others. Maybe you need to take a moment and listen? If something is important, you will still be able to do it later.

Dodging the China question

By Sir Ronald Sanders (The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the OAS. He is also a senior fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto.

The view expressed are entirely his own) Of all the questions that both Kamala Harris and Mike Pence dodged during the U.S. Vice Presidential debate on October 7, the most revealing concerned China.

Susan Page, the moderator, from the publication, “USA Today”, put a clear question to Pence and Harris in turn: “We have no more complicated or consequential foreign relationship than the one with China. It is a huge market for American agricultural goods.

“It’s a potential partner in dealing with climate change and with North Korea; and, in a video tonight, President Trump again, blamed it for the Coronavirus saying China will pay… how would you describe our fundamental relationship with China: Competitors?

Adversaries? Enemies?”

Apart from being very categoric, in keeping with President Trump’s position, that “China is to blame for the coronavirus”, and “China had been taking advantage of America for decades”,

Vice President Pence did not say whether China was a competitor, adversary or enemy of the U.S. Senator Harris was no clearer in her response.

She said President Trump’s trade war with China “resulted in the loss of over 300,000 manufacturing jobs and a manufacturing recession, and the American consumer paid thousands of dollars more for goods because of that failed war”.

She added, “Pew, a reputable research firm has done an analysis that shows that leaders of all of our formerly allied countries have now decided that they hold in greater esteem and respect Xi Jinping, the head of the Chinese communist party, than they do Donald Trump”.

From these answers, it is little wonder that people in the U.S. have no clear picture of their country’s relationship with China.

The real situation is far more complex, and both Pence and Harris know it.

The U.S. and China are the two largest economies in the world.

They have an inter-dependent relationship not only in bilateral trade and investment, but in the maintenance of a stable global economy that serves both their interests for markets and supply of raw materials that neither of them has.

Both Pence and Harris

know that it is not in the interest of the U.S. to encourage hostility with China. They both dodged the question because they each weighed their answers on a narrow, ‘political opportunity’ basis.

Pence’s response fed prejudice against Chinese, and Harris’s answer nurtured a sentiment of horror that an American leader could be less respected than a Chinese ‘communist’. Neither of them set-out a clear and constructive strategy for relations with China.

The absence of a China strategy is also obvious in the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) whose membership is divided between recognition of China and Taiwan. Nine of the 14 independent CARICOM states have diplomatic relations with China, and five others with Taiwan.

Once this division remains, there can be no “CARICOM Strategy” on China. Although, as I have argued in other writings, CARICOM, by now, should have negotiated a formal collective partnership with China that covers the terms of trade, investment, labour practices (including the use of imported Chinese workers for projects); competition; and dispute settlement through independent machinery.

Instead, the nine

CARICOM countries have an ad-hoc relationship with China that is characterised by Chinese investment and loans, as well as a trade surplus in China’s favour.

The increased presence of Chinese companies in the nine CARICOM countries as well as their importation of Chinese labour for their projects have caused resentment in local populations. These concerns have not been adequately addressed.

The ground for growing anti-Chinese sentiment has been fertilized recently by statements from high representatives of the U.S. government. These include questioning the value of Chinese money if it “feeds corruption and undermines your rule of law”, and calling for investments to be examined “if in fact they ruin your environment, and don’t create jobs for your people”.

Ahead of the March 22 meeting between President Trump and leaders of five Caribbean countries – Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and St. Lucia – a White House spokesperson said one of its aims was to “counter China’s predatory economic practices.”

Within CARICOM countries, these unsubstantiated statements appeal to prejudiced-thinking in certain sections of the

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societies. This thinking could be tempered by better information.

Misapprehension lingers because governments have failed to inform their people fully.

For example, the amount of money borrowed from China to finance much-needed infrastructural projects, is considerably reduced by using Chinese labour.

It is also little known that China, as a donor state, contributes to regional economies through its membership of the Caribbean Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, and as a Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States. Its investment outreach to the Caribbean is not only bilateral; it is also multilateral.

Many – if not all – of these matters could be addressed in a transparent and balanced manner if CARICOM countries could jointly negotiate a partnership agreement with China as they have done with the European Union.

Further, joint CARICOM negotiations, using the leverage available to the entire region would be more advantageous than national bargaining where China would be in a much stronger position.

This observation equally applies to the CARICOM relationship

with the U.S. which is no less ad-hoc and lacking in regional strategy. The U.S. enjoys a perennial trade surplus with Caribbean countries that topped $4 billion in 2019, notwithstanding preferences for a narrow range of goods exported by some CARICOM countries.

While the U.S. has withdrawn from offering loans and investments to the majority of Caribbean nations, and International Financial Institutions have disqualified many of them from concessional financing, China filled the gap with soft loans and, in some instances, grants particularly in the struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic.

From 2006 to 2015, under the George W. Bush and Barack Obama Administrations, while expressing concern about China’s influence in the region, the U.S. generally viewed China’s engagement with the region positively, regarding it as a contributor to economic growth.

Such collaboration with Caribbean participation would be beneficial to all.

CARICOM countries need joint strategies toward the U.S. and China. They should be based on being partners not pawns in any game of competition, rivalry, or enmity.

DCEO ROXANNE MYERS CHARGED FOR MISCONDUCT IN PUBLIC OFFICE

D

eputy Chief Elections O f f i c e r Roxanne Myers has been granted $300,000 bail following her first court appearance today at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Police charged Myers with two counts of misconduct in public office regarding the March 2 election. She was granted $150,000 bail on each charge.

She is expected to make her next court appearance on October 23.

Myers surrendered to police and was arrested on Tuesday, after seeing a report that police were looking for her. Police spokesman, Assistant

Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor, said they have been trying to reach the DCEO for questioning for over a month.

Myers’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes said that Myers exercised her right to silence during a video interview with investigators and was then informed that she would be arrested for alleged obstruction of justice.

The police refuted Hughes’s claims on Wednesday in a statement saying Myers was arrested for the offence of “conspiracy to defraud” and she was told of the allegation at the said time.

She then exercised her right to remain silent.

Hughes later released

a transcript of the proceedings at CID and showed that the police lied.

Attorney Ronald Daniels, another of Myers’ lawyers, refuted the account provided by the Police Force, claiming that Myers was arrested for “perverting the course of justice”. This claim was also denied by police.

The Guyana Police Force has been pitchforked to investigate alleged criminal conduct of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, and several others, in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Roxanne Myers Regional Elections.

Two dead after car crashes into motorcycle 10 Oct 2020/0 Comment

scences fro the accident

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wo men died on the Chateau M a r g o t Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) this morning.

The deceased are 24-year-old Kevin Persaud, a mechanic of Goedverwating, ECD; and 52-year-old Lionel Brower, a security officer of Bachelor’s Adventure, ECD. Persaud was driving

a motorcar and Brower was on a motorcycle According to a report from the Guyana Police Force, the motorcycle was heading west on the southern side of the road and the car was going in

the same direction. The motorcar then collided with the rear of the motorcycle “without explanation”.

The car lost control and crashed in a canal on the northern side of the

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road while the rider of the motorcycle was thrown around 100ft from the point of impact.

Both men received injuries about their bodies and were taken to the Georgetown

Public Hospital by the police where they were pronounced dead.

The bodies are currently at Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.

The truth of the confrontation between the police and Roxanne Myers I have read what purports to be a press release from the Guyana Police Force dated October 7, 2020 and which release is titled, “Police Statement Regarding Arrest of Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Ms. Roxanne Myers.”

Might I state

The interview was captured on video and my narration of the events, as they actually unfolded, can be corroborated by the video recording, pre-supposing that the integrity of the video recording is preserved.

The interview was conducted by Assistant

Mr. Caesar then asked Ms. Myers if she would mind removing her mask briefly to permit the camera to capture her face.

He made it clear that this was not compulsory. Ms. Myers politely declined observing that she is sensitive to the Covid-19 risk and wanted to avert

Defendant, Lawer Nigel Hughes categorically that the narration of the police of the events subsequent to Ms. Myers voluntarily attending the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary, is a radical, deliberate, and unfortunate departure from the truth.

I remained at CID with Ms. Myers after Mr.

Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr. (Michael) Caesar, Head of Major Crimes Unit, who introduced himself in these terms. He introduced Inspector Nigel Stephens as his scribe and Corporal Desmond Johnny as the operator of the video equipment. The interview commenced at 12:07 p.m.

any risk.

What follows is a substantively verbatim record of the questions ASP Caesar asked Ms. Myers and her responses: Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, are you employed by GECOM? Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers,

This time was relayed to me by ASP Caesar.

I inquired from ASP Caesar at the outset whether Ms. Myers was being treated as a suspect in the commission of any offence. He explicitly responded that she was not a suspect.

are you Deputy CEO of GECOM? Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, are you, were you a part of the staff that worked during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections?

Some of the protesters Hughes was required to return to the Criminal Assizes. I sat through the police interview with Ms. Myers and remained at the CID up until Ms. Myers was being put into the police van to be taken to the Beterverwagting Police Station.

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, is your office located at Barack and Fourth Streets Kingston, Georgetown?

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, could you please state your present address.

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, do you have any supervisory control over the… of GECOM Headquarters.

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: An interview was done with Mr. Keith Lowenfield.

Do you know Mr. Lowenfield?

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: In that interview Mr. Lowenfield was asked for certified copies of the SOP used to make two (2) declarations in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. He said he was on leave and we must ask you for those documents.

Are you in possession of those documents?

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, the police need those documents to conduct an investigation.

Your holding those documents could cause you to be charged for obstructing an investigation.

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. *Insp.

Stephens intervened at this time to clarify with Mr. Caesar whether the documents he is referring to are the SOPs. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, when last you went to work at GECOM office at Barack and Fort Street?

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Roxanne Myers

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, are you living at the address on the record at GECOM office for you?

Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. **Mr. Caesar then indicated that was the end of the interview unless Mr. Stephens wanted to ask anything further. Mr. Caesar, especially, was visibly frustrated by Ms. Myers responses. Mr. Stephens signalled to Mr. Caesar for them to speak outside. They asked for an excuse. They returned to the room a few short minutes after.

When they returned to the room Mr. Caesar said as follows: Mr. Caesar: Counsel, I will now have to put an allegation to your client for perverting the course of justice.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers: It is alleged that you are perverting the course of justice and as such you will be placed in custody.

During the course of the investigations we will have persons to confront you with.

Mr. Caesar then invited Ms. Myers to exit the room where he placed her in the custody of Women Inspectors Castello and McBean whom he instructed to book her and take her to Beterverwagting Police Station.

I maintain that at no time did ASP Caesar, Insp.

Stephens, or any other police officer, on or off camera, put the allegation of ‘conspiracy to defraud’ to Ms. Myers.

Ronald J. Daniels Senior Associate Attorney-at-Law Hughes, Fields & Stoby

Guyana’s COVID deaths surpass 100 T

he Ministry of Heath recorded 37 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday October 8. One dozen cases were recorded in Region One, four in Region Two, 16 in Region Four, four in Region Seven and one in Region Eight.

Region Four has the highest number of recorded cases at 1,551, followed by Regions One and Nine with 521 and 364 respectively. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now at 3,329.

The death toll has risen to 101 with the deaths of a 57-year-old man

from Region Seven and a 43-year-old man from Region Three. There have been 21 deaths recorded so far in October.

AS of October 8, 15,450 persons have been tested for the virus and 2,165 have recovered.

This leaves the number of active cases in the country

at 1,063.

The Chinese government has also donated a COVID-19 testing machine that will improve the capacity for testing in Guyana and reduce the waiting time for results.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh, said

results could be obtained within two to three hours with the use of this machine. “This is what we call an extractor, which extracts the viral genetic material so it takes a faster time to get the results.”

Current testing takes 48-72 hours to return results. Dr. Singh noted

that samples coming from hinterland regions will take at least a day to get back results.

Dr. Singh added that testing would be done in batches. Between 200 and 300 tests are being done in a day.

Barbadian fined, jailedafter marijuana bust Barbadian Mr. Michael Forde and Trevor Robinson

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Head, James Singh

A Barbadian seaman, Michael Forde, was fined $51 million and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for the offence of trafficking in narcotics. Forde was arrested and charged with five others after 150 pounds of marijuana were found on a Barbadosregistered cargo boat.

Three Barbadians

The marijuana that was found on the vessel

and three Guyanese were arrested during the Wednesday night raid at a southern Georgetown wharf from where the vessel, named CV 1, was preparing to leave with agricultural produce.

The marijuana was found in false compartments on the vessel.

Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) Head, James Singh, said the seizure was part of an

The Guyanese who were nabbed on the vessel on Wednesday evening: Randy Welch, Hardat Monilall, Clyde Outridge and James Emptage ongoing operation with external agencies.

Three of the others arrested were Hardatt Munilall, Trevor Robinson

and Randy Welch. CANU Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford, said Welch was charged with aiding and abetting trafficking and the

others were charged with trafficking in narcotics but the charges against them were dismissed.

GECOM DEPUTY CEO REMAINS IN POLICE CUSTODY

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he Deputy Chief Election Officer, R o x a n n e Myers, was taken into Police custody on Tuesday morning and remains in custody after refusing to answer questions from the Police in their investigation of alleged electoral fraud.

Myers’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes, said that she was moved to the Beterverwagting Police station and has been refused station bail. He also said the only charge put to her is obstruction

Roxanne Myers

A statement issued by of justice because of her decision to exercise her the Police Force rejected right not to answer any the claims made by the Attorney regarding the questions posed to her.

reason for the Deputy CEO’s arrest.

The statement said that the Myers was being held in custody for conspiracy to defraud.

The Guyana Police Force has been conducting a comprehensive investigation into alleged criminal conduct of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, and several others, in relation to the March 2, 2020 Genera and Regional Elections.

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Lowenfield, is facing private criminal charges filed by political representatives of the People’s Progressive Party and the New Movement party. The charges alleged that he engaged in fraud, misconduct in office and breach of public’s trust.

Mingo is facing four charges alleging that he misconducted himself in public office and is also before another court facing a joint electoral fraud charge with former Health Minister and PNC/R Chairperson,

Volda Lawrence, for conspiracy to commit fraud.

Lowenfield is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Friday, October 9, 2020, and Mingo’s next court dates are November 16, 2020, and December 15, 2020.

Today, he reported to the Criminal Investigations Department with his lawyer, Nigel Hughes.

Also reporting to CID Headquarters was Volda Lawrence and Carol Joseph.

By Sir Ronald Sanders

Editorial Dismissals and supersessions represent the new government order

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he head of government always says that he will lead on behalf of all the people.

That should mean that everyone would have equal access to everything that the government controls.

But the society is seeing that this is not really the case. In fact, one is led to believe that incompetent or people who were less than competent actually occupied positions of leadership in the various branches of the society.

One would arrive at this conclusion when one looks at the people who are being replaced in the various government and state agencies.

One can ask about the reason for the replacements but rest assured, one would never get an accurate answer.

Vincent Adams, perhaps the most qualified of the people to head the Environmental Protection Agency, was simply swept aside. There was a brief article that suggested that Adams’s affiliation to the Alliance For Change may have had something with the government removing him.

This has been a common feature for

the most part. Dr. Richard Van West Charles headed the Guyana Water Inc. He conducted a massive potable water programme in the Rupununi and in other parts of the

conviction that the replacement is better than the person who was in place.

It may be a case of paying someone for political support during the March 2

remains the deputy.

There has been no promotion for Dr. Karen Boyle.

The government appointed another supporter to the top position, leaving Dr. Boyle where

There are advisers everywhere.

Robeson Benn has an adviser at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Frank Anthony has two at the Ministry of Health—but since

country. Places that never had potable water were now enjoying water flowing through their taps.

Yet Dr. Van West Charles was removed as soon as the government changed. He still had another year on his contract but he was removed.

One can only imagine that the society has come to accept such removals on the ground of politics.

It seems that even the reporters believe that such removals are the norm.

Perhaps at one of the press conferences someone may make bold to ask questions about the removals. No one can say with

elections.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation has a new Chief Executive Officer.

People may remember that after the elections this individual was part of a team granted a contract to investigate some happening involving the operations of the Coalition administration.

The PPP said that the investigation was done pro bono; so the Guysuco job has to be the payoff.

This individual a few years back proclaimed support for the AFC. He got no big position back in 2015 so he shifted his loyalty once more.

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer

she has been for a while.

Karen Boyle’s physical appearance may have conveyed the impression that she is not a supporter of the People’s Progressive Party.

The result is that she is not good enough to be the bride.

There have been adjustments in some other areas.

Suddenly Guyana is seeing the largest number of advisers.

Some ministries now have two.

These advisers supersede the professionals who have been working there.

The minister must now listen to his advisers.

More dismissals could follow on the grounds of redundancy.

their appointment COVID-19 deaths have gone through the roof—and even Priya Manickchand has an adviser at the Education Ministry.

And while all this shuffling and replacing is going on, the political campaign must go on. Opponents must be prepared to be attacked with fabrications.

David Granger has been accused of buying a Sports Utility Vehicle for $35 million.

The records show otherwise but the government is not changing that tune.

Even Charles Ramson whose intelligence is questionable— he wanted to be the presidential candidate; then he

13

wanted to be an oil expert after he was so dubbed by Kaieteur News; then he could not pronounce battalion—takes to social media that his party has found the vehicle but can’t find Granger.

Granger is very much a public figure. Just Monday he was officiating at a public function at Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

Perhaps those incidents are blips in Irfaan Ali’s pledge to lead on behalf of everyone. Then something happens.

He says that he will not deal with the political opposition until it stops saying that his government is illegal.

One cannot rule on behalf of an individual or group of people with whom one has no discussion.

But what is all this talk about not holding discussions until one side stops saying that the government is illegal. Five years ago the PPP was saying that the Coalition was illegal. Do suh nah like suh.

Joseph Heller wrote a classic, Catch 22. This is recommended reading if one is to understand the present government.

Ministry of Housing warns against land allocation scam

Hon.Collin Croal

The Ministry of Housing is reminding the public to be alert for phone calls from a person or persons claiming to be the Minister of Housing & Water, Collin Croal, on the premise of allocating house lots to single parents in the Providence, Lusignan, and Dairy areas

for $100,000.

Persons are being asked to send money to an MMG Account which is falsely being linked to the Office of the First Lady, Ms. Arya Ali, under the pretext of payment for the house lot.

The Ministry wanted to make it clear that no Land allocation is made directly from the Minister’s office.

All allocations are made by the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) using the prescribed procedures established by the agency.

Applications and at Vreed-en-Hoop RDC Compound, Region Two, 5, New Amsterdam, RDC interviews are done at the Compound Region Three, Fort Wellington RDC Compound, Region Six, regional offices located Anna Regina, RDC compound Region Five Lethem, Region Nine and

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Linden, Region Ten. The Ministry cautioned persons against participating in any unlawful transactions.

They recognize that the demand for housing is great and continually growing and it presents an atmosphere for the criminal elements to thrive on persons’ gullibility during this period.

The Ministry assures all applicants, that applications will be dealt with in due process as work towards satisfying the obj ect i ve of adequat e housi ng as a basi c hum an r i ght .

Jury trials have restarted

J

ury Trials have recommenced.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, the Demerara Assizes opened and two juries were empaneled in the cases of The State v Desmond James and The State v Keron Taylor.

The judges presiding are Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice

Navindra Singh and Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry conducted another empaneling on Wednesday.

Both James and Taylor were freed on the first day of the court hearings. The judge, Justice Navindra Singh, upheld no-case submissions.

The two men who

were represented by Mark Conway and Nigel Hughes, respectively, were indicted for the 2014 stabbing to death of Glendon Cox, at Aranka, North West District.

Jury trials were suspended since March due to the incidence of COVID-19. On Monday, October 5, 2020, Justice Brassington Reynolds

resumed a jury trial which commenced in March 2020 but had to be adjourned due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

These resumptions are a monumental achievement as many jurisdictions worldwide have been unable to restart this essential judicial service.

The Judiciary of Guyana has been working

assiduously over the past 6 months to facilitate the safe resumption of jury trials for the October Session of the Demerara Assizes.

Similar efforts are being undertaken with respect to the Essequibo and Berbice Assizes. These efforts at resuming jury trials have been in recognition of the fact that Jury service is integral to the criminal justice system of Guyana.

A number of measures have been put in place for the safe conduct of cases.

For instance: Judges, Jurors, court staff, attorneys-at-law and all court users will be socially distanced.

Cameras, video link and video conferencing facilities have been installed.

Plexiglass has been placed around witness boxes, desks and other furniture Sanitizing dispensers are in all courtrooms and constant sanitisation of jury seating, court furniture, exhibits and the

courtroom will be done.

Temperature screening will also be conducted upon entry of everyone to the court compound.

The summoning of a jury panel is staggered to allow for social distancing.

Court corridors have been utilized to accommodate the empaneling of juries.

The media is allowed to report on the trials remotely by audio visual link.

The members of the public especially relatives of accused or victims may also view trials by video link. These measures are dealt with extensively in our protocols for the resumption of jury trials during the Covid 19 pandemic.

We are heartened by the fact that the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Police Force, who are all important actors in the Criminal Justice process are on board with the provision of courtrooms and IT facilities at the prison.

Email or text your letters to us we would be happy to publish them ExxonMobil Oil Rig

adameharris@yahoo.com lendellnurse6995@gmail.com 15

HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

It might be challenging dealing with those who are closest to you today. Best to ask yourself if what you are doing is useful. Go slowly and stick to practical tasks. If you work carefully, you won’t have to do the same job again. As the wise carpenter said, “Measure twice, cut once.”

Whatever you do today, proceed slowly, carefully and cautiously. If you try to rush anything, you will regret it. Furthermore, if you are hasty about pushing something through, authority types might try to block you. Easy does it – steady Eddie.

Whatever you do at work today (or for whatever task you’re doing) might be a bit of a slog. The secret is to slow down and be observant. Do things bit by bit. Do each task carefully. Don’t let others discourage you. Expect small gains but proceed in a slow, steady way.

You might be frustrated today because whatever you try to do (likely from behind the scenes) you will meet with opposition. It might be in the form of rules and regulations. It might be in the form of a strong opinion from social media? Be careful.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

If you try to coordinate the efforts of others today, it will be like herding cats.

Expect some opposition. Others might object because of financial reasons or because they think you’re moving too fast. Any advance will have to be slow and steady.

Parents might find it frustrating dealing with their kids today. There’s no point in throwing your weight around. Accept the fact that you can only make small advances and achieve small results.

It’s easy for people to feel discouraged.

Respect that and don’t be demanding.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Expect opposition to whatever you try to do today, especially from authority figures and possibly from a partner or close friend. It’s as if you’re trying to do the impossible? Two steps forward, one step back. In fact, it feels more like one step forward and two steps back! Go gently.

Whatever you attempt to do at home or within your family might meet with resistance and opposition. Don’t overreact.

Be calm. Today is full frustrating little moments that can be overcome with quiet perseverance. Do not engage in angry confrontations. (Definitely!)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Travel plans might be blocked today.

Likewise, your efforts to explore opportunities in publishing, the media, higher education, medicine and the law will be discouraging. Be satisfied with small successes. Everything is relative.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

It will not be easy for you to get your way today so the sooner you can grasp this, the easier this day will be for you. Remember the game where you say please take a giant step? Or please take a baby step?

Today is full of baby steps – at best.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Do not try to force financial matters today or purchases. There might be a reason that you meet with obstacles and objections from others. Maybe you need to take a moment and listen? If something is important, you will still be able to do it later.

Disputes about shared property, inheritances or anything that you own jointly with others (including debt) might be tough to deal with today. It’s hard to get cooperation. Whatever you do today, you will have to do carefully and pay attention to detail. One step at a time.

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17

Amerindian & Foods GUYANA’S AMERINDIAN Guyana’s Amerindian population consists of several tribes, including the Caribs, Wapisianas, Arawaks, and Warraus.

Anthropologists believe that Amerindian tribes were Guyana’s first inhabitants, arriving around 11,000 years ago. They settled lowlying coastal regions of the country, where they fished, hunted, and used a variety of plant species to produce fibers, oils, dyes, and a variety of different dishes.

Over the centuries, Guyana’s Amerindian population migrated inland, penetrating the dense jungle via the country’s extensive river system, constructing temporary and permanent settlements. While Amerindians dwelling in coastal regions lived on turtles, fish, crabs, and snails, those inhabiting the savannahs hunted various types of mammal, including deer, monkey, and sloth, as well as various types of waterfowl. Guyana’s indigenous eetay palm is an important source of flour in Amerindian cuisine, while the country’s interior is also rich in cashews and wild honey.

CASSAVA BREAD

Amerindian cuisine remains incredibly popular in Guyana, both within traditional indigenous villages and in towns and cities. In 2014 Tuma Sálâ opened in Georgetown, establishing itself as the country’s first Amerindian restaurant.

PEPPERPOT – TASTY TRADITIONAL GUYANESE DISH

Image courtesy International Institute of Tropical Agriculture | Flick Next, the fully dried cassava root, resembling off-white flour, is poured into circular forms to cook over a fire. It is hung to dry and is soon ready to eat.

While cassava bread is one of Guyana’s best known and loved foods, its preparation can require days of travel to obtain the right ingredients.

Made from just cassava and salt, farine can be mixed with sugar and milk, creating a nutritious drink. It can safely be stored over long periods, and it is an effective thickening agent for stews and soups. Farine can also be used as a stuffing for chicken or fish, and it forms a key component in several sweet dishes, such as white pudding, coconut rock buns, and black cake.

PEPPERPOT – TASTY TRADITIONAL GUYANESE DISH G u y a n e s e Pepperpot is an Amerindian dish popular in Guyana and sometimes called pepper pot stew by the locals. It is traditionally served at Christmas and other special events; it is also Guyana’s national dish. Pepper pot is typically a stewed meat dish, strongly flavored with cinnamon, hot peppers, and Cassareep – a special sauce made from the Cassava root. Beef, mutton, and pork are the most popular meats used, though some have been known to use chicken. Pepperpot is popularly served with dense bread and butter, though it is equally as good with rice or roti

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR LIBERALISED

Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips, has announced that the Government of Guyana issued Commencement Orders to fully bring into force the Telecommunications Act 2016 and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016 The commencement of these Acts is described as historic. It will be aligning Guyana’s telecommunications regime to those found

in other countries in the world and ending a thirtyyear-old anti-competitive telecommunications monopoly.

The implementation of these pieces of legislation will create a modern and competitive environment for telecommunications, greater choices, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers and will ensure that all operators continue to enjoy the same benefits provided by the previous

legislature.

The Prime Minister also said that this step is consistent with the government’s vision of furthering national and regional social and economic development.

The Telecommunications Act will address the expansion of telecommunications networks and services into unserved and underserved areas through the institution of a new

universal access and services programme. It will create a level playing field for the sector with a clear framework.

There will also be transparency and nondiscrimination in the issuance and monitoring of licences and authorisations to use the spectrum, seamless interconnection and access between telecommunications networks and services, and price regulation. It will also guarantee equal

treatment of stakeholders and benefits and protection for consumers.

T h e Telecommunications Act 2016 was first laid out in the 9th Parliament in August 2011, and again in the 10th Parliament in 2012. The Act was finalised before the 2015 elections.

It was enacted by the Coalition Government in 2016 by Minister Catherine Hughes, with bipartisan support.

However, only a few sections of the Act were put into force.

Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that these legislations straddled administrations, and were the subject of extensive negotiations with stakeholders which lasted nearly a decade.

The Prime Minister continued to point out that universal and competitive access to telecommunications is pivotal to Guyana’s developmental trajectory especially in the face of the Covid-19 crisis.

The Government of Guyana remains ready and willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every Guyanese has affordable access to quality and modern services which they so badly deserve, as well as ensuring that the existing operators suffer no disadvantage whatsoever as they continue business in the sector.

Personnel are currently on the ground working on the connections, and GPL expects to see the project completed by the end of the month.

Once it is competed it will help to mitigate blackouts on the East

Coast Demerara corridor.

Ramtahal also stated that preliminary works are beginning for another 30 megawatts of power for the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System.

The third project is a “dual engine for Garden of Eden to 46.5 megawatts.”.

This project is expected to be implemented by the second quarter of 2021.

“By that time, we should be able to be in a better position to manage our reliability of electricity in this country,” Ramtahal said.

The DCEO explained that since his appointment he has uncovered a number of inconsistencies in the company’s previous management.

“I’m there for just two weeks, but I’ve discovered

[that] over the last four to five years, investments to generation was under five per cent, [which is] merely seven megawatts.”

He said that there is a very low generation reserve.

There are not enough “spinning reserves” or spare reserves to ensure that the grid continues operating in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System when there are problems.

The reserve is intended to allow reliable connections and ensure supply capacity is always above the demand.

When the reserve is too low and power consumption in an area is above normal, bl ackout s or power out ages occur.

GPL to obtain power from Giftland Mall by month end

Giftland Mall

Samaroo Ramtahal, the new Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Strategic Operations at Guyana Power and Light Inc.(GPL), has said that the company will be looking to secure power from the Giftland

Mall, through a Power Purchase Agreement.

GPL has several projects in train to maximise the potential of power generation in both the short and long term. Obtaining power from Giftland is one of three avenues the

company is considering.

GPL is looking to obtain an additional five megawatts of power from the Giftland system which has a 6.7 megawatt output capacity but only uses 1.6 megawatts during prime operations.

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Hess selling interest in Shenzi field to fund Payara Project U.S. oil company, Hess, has agreed to sell its 28 percent interest in the Shenzi field in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to BHP for $505 million. It proposes to use the money for operations in Guyana.

The Shenzi field is operated by BHP with a 44 percent stake. 28 percent is owned by Hess and the remaining 28 percent is owned by Repsol. The sale to BHP will add around 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of production, of which 90 percent is oil.

John Hess, CEO of Hess, said the sale was

BHP President of Petroleum Operations, Geraldine Slattery

aligned with Hess’s strategy to preserve cash “and preserve the longterm value of our assets in the current low oil price environment.”

The proceeds would be used to fund their investment in the Payara development project that was recently approved for Exxon.

BHP President of Petroleum Operations, Geraldine Slattery, said, “This transaction aligns with our plans to enhance our petroleum portfolio by targeted acquisitions in high quality producing deepwater assets and the

continued de-risking of our growth options.

“We are purchasing the stake in Shenzi at an attractive price, it’s a tierone asset with optionality, and key to BHP’s Gulf of Mexico heartland. As the operator, we have more opportunity to grow Shenzi high-margin barrels and value with an increased working interest.”

The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2020 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

A 28-year-old mother of three is killed by her estranged reputed husband

Clarabel Yolanda Johnson

Domestic violence is one of the most common features in Guyanese life. It is only surpassed by child abuse. Another woman, Clarabel Yolanda Johnson, died horribly at the hands of her estranged reputed husband, in Albouystown, Georgetown.

The killer was 45-yearold Nicholas Shawn Williams.

Clarabel Johnson was 28 years old and a mother of three. Alvin Johnson, a brother, was not around but he learnt of the murder.

“I see she and she children father in a talking.

He chop she in the street. I get a call and I went to the

hospital. That was when I know that she dead.”

He said that at the hospital he saw his other relatives in various states of distress. He spoke of the clashes between the two and these have been ongoing.

“The last time when they fight I wasn’t around. I was working in Suriname.”

Yolanda’s Brother A friend of the now dead victim, Candacy Leung, was near to the crime scene.

“Me son was awake.

So when I wake up he seh Aunty Bella went to you. He didn’t open the door. Me phone ring and

I answer it. Was me friend who tell me to come quick to carry Bella at the hospital. She just get chop up.”

In tears she spoke of the friendship she shared with the woman she called Bella.

“We does go and sell on the market. We go from Parika Market to Mon Repos. We always deh hustling.”

She said that there were constant conflicts with the assailant to the extent that the victim moved out to live with her mother. She spoke of the marks of violence her friend bore.

“When I ask she how

Yolanda Johnson Mother he jaw; all over.”

The dead woman’s mother, Patricia Johnson, recalled the events leading up to the killing. She said that she saw her daughter early in the morning. It was a ritual that the now dead Clarabel would awake and greet the household. Sometimes she would return to bed.

“About 6:00 she come in my room and sehe, ‘Morning Mommy.’ I sehe ‘Morning’. I think she gone back in she room because she does normally come out and tell me and she father

Clarabel Yolanda Johnson’s Mother explaining what happen

call about 6:20 ansd sehe that her daughter started ‘Uncle Aunty, look you the relationship with daughter get chop up.

Nicholas Williams from “By the time we coulda the time she was 15, and run out; my husband run going to school. out. I had on my night She too spoke of the dress. I get so confused. constant abuse. She said I looking fuh clothes that her daughter moved and can’t find anything. My clothes deh right in front of me.”

At the hospital, she was told that the doctors were trying to save Clarabel’s life.

Not long after Yolanda Johnson’s Brother explaining she got the news that her back into her home almost you get all them marks? ‘good morning.’ I didn’t daughter had died. The seven years ago. When He give she all them know that she gone out on killing ended a long and she moved back in her last marks. Me friend get a the road. abusive relationship. child, a seven-year-old “Is when somebody long mark cross s Patricia Johnson said was just a baby.

20

Min

COVID-19 Update

October 6

nister of Public Works, Juan Edghill

The Ministry of Health recorded 95 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, October 5. 12 cases were recorded in Region One, four in Region Two, six in Region

Three, 37 in Region Four, one in Region Six, 11 in Region Seven, three in Region Eight, seven in Region Nine and 14 in Region Ten. The total number of cases in Guyana is now at

feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This order will remain in effect until October 31st, 2020.

3,188.

The death toll has risen to 93 with the deaths of a 38-yearold man and an 84-year-old woman, both from Region 4 As of October 5 15,078 persons have

been tested for the virus. 1,972 have recovered leaving the number of active cases at 1,123.

The Ministry continues to remind Guyanese to observe the protocols of

the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO. 9) emphasising the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six

been dismissed for no reason other than their political affiliation. Then there is the political targeting of people attached to the Guyana Elections Commission.

Just today, Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, was forced to respond to a wanted notice posted by the Criminal Investigations Department.

She chose to remain silent in the presence of her lawyer, Nigel Hughes.

The result is that the police have detained her at the Beterverwagting Police Station Lockups.

The police contend that by her silence she was obstructing justice.

Some of the people were supposed to face private criminal charges. The absence of evidence led to the state intervening and conducting a series of investigations by arresting and detaining people.

A m o n g those arrested outside of the private criminal charges are Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Health Minister Volda Lawrence, and four other

officers employed by questioned by the police. the Guyana Elections None has even been invited by the police.

Certainly, they are facing no private criminal charges.

The one person who faced charges other than the obviously Black elections officers to be hauled before the courts on electoral fraud charges has been Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh.

Commission.

Almost immediately, All of these have appeared in court. Director of Public However, those elections Prosecutions, Shalimar agents who were Ali-Hack, nolle prosequi responsible for missing those charges.

There are other such poll documents from ballot boxes have not been cases

Another GECOM official dragged in by CID

Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers

Charged with government has been obstructing justice by presiding over what some remaining silent people say is rampant The Irfaan Ali persecution. Some have

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