police and

GECOM DEPUTY CEO REMAINS IN POLICE CUSTODY

The Deputy Chief reason for the Deputy Lowenfield, is Volda Lawrence, for Election Officer, CEO’s arrest. The facing private criminal conspiracy to commit Roxanne statement said that the charges filed by political fraud. Myers, was taken into Myers was being held in representatives of the Lowenfield is Police custody on custody for conspiracy to People’s Progressive Party scheduled to make his Tuesday morning and defraud. and the New Movement next court appearance on remains in custody The Guyana Police party. The charges alleged Friday, October 9, 2020, after refusing to answer Force has been conducting that he engaged in fraud, and Mingo’s next court questions from the Police a comprehensive misconduct in office and dates are November 16, in their investigation of investigation into alleged breach of public’s trust. 2020, and December 15, alleged electoral fraud. criminal conduct of the Mingo is facing four 2020.

Myers’s Attorney, Chief Elections Officer charges alleging that he Today, he reported to the Nigel Hughes, said that (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, misconducted himself Criminal Investigations she was moved to the Returning Officer of in public office and is Department with his Beterverwagting Police Roxanne Myers Region Four, Clairmont also before another court lawyer, Nigel Hughes. station and has been of justice because of her A statement issued by Mingo, and several others, facing a joint electoral Also reporting to CID refused station bail. He decision to exercise her the Police Force rejected in relation to the March fraud charge with former Headquarters was Volda also said the only charge right not to answer any the claims made by the 2, 2020 Genera and Health Minister and Lawrence and Carol put to her is obstruction questions posed to her. Attorney regarding the Regional Elections. PNC/R Chairperson, Joseph. Digicel retools to capitalize on liberalisation

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

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 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 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 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

Three more COVID-19 deaths recorded

of our services.” related deaths so far in the 31, 2020. first week of October. The order emphasises

The Ministry is the need for correct and reminding Guyanese to consistent use of a face observe the protocols of the mask when leaving your COVID-19 Emergency home; the importance of Measures (NO. 9), which maintaining the six feet are in effect until October physical distance from 2

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.

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 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. 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.

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

Defendant, Lawer Nigel Hughes

conducted by Assistant 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

Some of the protesters

commenced at 12:07 p.m. 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.

Mr. Caesar then asked Ms. Myers: I reserve Ms. Myers if she would my right to remain silent. mind removing her mask Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, briefly to permit the is your office located at camera to capture her face. Barack and Fourth Streets He made it clear that this Kingston, Georgetown? was not compulsory. Ms. Ms. Myers: I reserve Myers politely declined my right to remain silent. observing that she is Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, sensitive to the Covid-19 could you please state risk and wanted to avert 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 any risk. my right to remain silent.

What follows is a Mr. Caesar: In that substantively verbatim interview Mr. Lowenfield record of the questions was asked for certified ASP Caesar asked Ms. copies of the SOP used to Myers and her responses: make two (2) declarations

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, in the March 2, 2020 are you employed by General and Regional GECOM? Elections. He said he was

Ms. Myers: I reserve on leave and we must ask my right to remain silent. you for those documents.

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, 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. are you Deputy CEO of *Insp. Stephens GECOM? intervened at this time to

Ms. Myers: I reserve clarify with Mr. Caesar my right to remain silent. whether the documents

Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, he is referring to are the are you, were you a part SOPs. of the staff that worked Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, during the March 2, 2020 when last you went to General and Regional work at GECOM office Elections? 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

Letters

Dismissals and supersessions represent the new government order

The head of the most part. Dr. government Richard Van West always says that he Charles headed will lead on behalf the Guyana Water of all the people. Inc. He conducted That should mean a massive potable that everyone water programme would have equal in the Rupununi and access to everything in other parts of the 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. country. Places that

One would arrive never had potable at this conclusion water were now when one looks at enjoying water the people who are flowing through being replaced in the their taps. various government Yet Dr. Van and state agencies. West Charles was One can ask about removed as soon the reason for the as the government replacements but changed. He still rest assured, one had another year on would never get an his contract but he accurate answer. was removed.

Vincent Adams, One can only perhaps the most imagine that the qualified of the society has come people to head the to accept such Environmental removals on the Protection Agency, ground of politics. was simply swept It seems that even aside. There was the reporters believe a brief article that that such removals suggested that are the norm. Adams’s affiliation Perhaps at to the Alliance For one of the press Change may have conferences had something with someone may the government make bold to ask removing him. questions about

This has been a the removals. No common feature for one can say with 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

elections. she has been for a

The Guyana while. Sugar Corporation Karen Boyle’s has a new Chief physical appearance Executive Officer. may have conveyed People may the impression that remember that she is not a supporter after the elections of the People’s this individual Progressive Party. was part of a team The result is that she granted a contract is not good enough to investigate to be the bride. some happening There have been involving the adjustments in operations of some other areas. the Coalition Suddenly Guyana administration. is seeing the largest

The PPP said that number of advisers. the investigation Some ministries was done pro bono; now have two. so the Guysuco job These advisers has to be the payoff. supersede the

This individual professionals who a few years back have been working proclaimed support there. for the AFC. He The minister got no big position must now listen back in 2015 so he to his advisers. shifted his loyalty More dismissals once more. could follow on

The Deputy Chief the grounds of Medical Officer redundancy.

4

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

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 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 interviews are done at the regional offices located at Vreed-en-Hoop RDC Compound Region Three, Anna Regina, RDC Compound, Region Two, Fort Wellington RDC compound Region Five 5, New Amsterdam, RDC Compound, Region Six, Lethem, Region Nine and 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 objective of adequate housing as a basic human right.

Jury trials have restarted

Jury 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 have published them

ExxonMobil Oil Rig

adameharris@yahoo.com lendellnurse6995@gmail.com

Aries (March 21-April 19)

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.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

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)

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.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

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.

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.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

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.”

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

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.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

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.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

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!)

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.

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.

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.

CASSAVA BREAD

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

Guyanese 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

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR LIBERALISED

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

Prime Minister, in other countries in the legislature. universal access and treatment of stakeholders developmental trajectory Brigadier Mark Phillips, world and ending a thirty- The Prime Minister services programme. It and benefits and protection especially in the face of has announced that year-old anti-competitive also said that this step will create a level playing for consumers. the Covid-19 crisis. the Government telecommunications is consistent with field for the sector with a T h e The Government of of Guyana issued monopoly. the government’s clear framework. Telecommunications Act Guyana remains ready Commencement Orders The implementation of vision of furthering There will also be 2016 was first laid out and willing to work with to fully bring into force these pieces of legislation national and regional transparency and non- in the 9th Parliament in all stakeholders to ensure the Telecommunications will create a modern and social and economic discrimination in the August 2011, and again that every Guyanese Act 2016 and the Public competitive environment development. issuance and monitoring of in the 10th Parliament has affordable access Utilities Commission Act for telecommunications, The Telecommunications licences and authorisations in 2012. The Act was to quality and modern 2016 greater choices, better Act will address to use the spectrum, finalised before the 2015 services which they so

The commencement quality of service the expansion of seamless interconnection elections. badly deserve, as well as of these Acts is described and lower prices for telecommunications and access between It was enacted by the ensuring that the existing as historic. It will be consumers and will ensure networks and services telecommunications Coalition Government operators suffer no aligning Guyana’s that all operators continue into unserved and networks and services, in 2016 by Minister disadvantage whatsoever telecommunications to enjoy the same benefits underserved areas through and price regulation. It Catherine Hughes, as they continue business regime to those found provided by the previous the institution of a new will also guarantee equal with bipartisan support. in the sector. GPL to obtain power from Giftland Mall by month end Coast Demerara corridor. Ramtahal also stated that preliminary works [that] over the last four to five years, investments to generation was under are beginning for another five per cent, [which is] 30 megawatts of power merely seven megawatts.” for the Demerara-Berbice He said that there is Interconnected System. a very low generation The third project is a reserve. There are “dual engine for Garden of not enough “spinning Eden to 46.5 megawatts.”. reserves” or spare reserves This project is expected to ensure that the grid to be implemented by the continues operating in second quarter of 2021. the Demerara-Berbice “By that time, we Interconnected System should be able to be when there are problems. in a better position to The reserve is Giftland Mall manage our reliability of electricity in this intended to allow reliable connections

Samaroo Ramtahal, Mall, through a Power company is considering. Personnel are currently country,” Ramtahal said. and ensure supply the new Deputy Chief Purchase Agreement. GPL is looking to on the ground working The DCEO explained capacity is always Executive Officer (CEO) GPL has several projects obtain an additional five on the connections, and that since his appointment above the demand. of Strategic Operations in train to maximise megawatts of power GPL expects to see the he has uncovered a When the reserve is at Guyana Power and the potential of power from the Giftland system project completed by number of inconsistencies too low and power Light Inc.(GPL), has generation in both the short which has a 6.7 megawatt the end of the month. in the company’s consumption in an said that the company and long term. Obtaining output capacity but only Once it is competed it previous management. area is above normal, will be looking to secure power from Giftland is uses 1.6 megawatts will help to mitigate “I’m there for just two blackouts or power power from the Giftland one of three avenues the during prime operations. blackouts on the East weeks, but I’ve discovered outages occur. 11

Hess selling interest in Shenzi field to fund Payara Project

BHP President of Petroleum Operations, Geraldine Slattery

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

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

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 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 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. 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

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

Clarabel Yolanda Johnson

you get all them marks? ‘good morning.’ I didn’t He give she all them know that she gone out on marks. Me friend get a the road. long mark cross s “Is when somebody

12

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

closing conditions. Not long after Yolanda Johnson’s Brother explaining she got the news that her back into her home almost daughter had died. The seven years ago. When killing ended a long and she moved back in her last abusive relationship. child, a seven-year-old

Patricia Johnson said was just a baby.

COVID-19 Update October 6

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 3,188. been tested for the Four, one in Region The death toll has virus. 1,972 have Six, 11 in Region risen to 93 with the recovered leaving Seven, three in deaths of a 38-year- the number of active Region Eight, seven old man and an cases at 1,123. in Region Nine and 84-year-old woman, The Ministry 14 in Region Ten. The both from Region 4 continues to remind total number of cases As of October 5 Guyanese to observe in Guyana is now at 15,078 persons have the protocols of the COVID-19 feet physical distance Emergency Measures from others; and (NO. 9) emphasising the need for good the need for correct hand-hygiene to help and consistent use reduce the spread of a face mask when of COVID-19. This leaving your home; order will remain in the importance of effect until October maintaining the six 31st, 2020.

Another GECOM official dragged in by CID

Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers

Charged with obstructing justice by remaining silent

The Irfaan Ali government has been presiding over what some people say is rampant persecution. Some have 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.

Among 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 the Guyana Elections

Commission.

All of these have appeared in court. However, those elections agents who were responsible for missing poll documents from ballot boxes have not been questioned by the police. 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.

Almost immediately, Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, nolle prosequi those charges.

There are other such cases

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