Kaieteur News

Court of Appeal K NEWS ruling on elections recount set for Sunday

Saturday Edition

AIETEUR

April 04, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 14

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Govt. orders partial, countrywide lockdown for one month - no parties, seawalls, - police have authority - 6pm-6am In response 18p. to COVID-19...

clubs, creek, pool, to stop vehicle, vessel, curfew; citizens restricted to home religious gathering airplane; make arrests COVID-19 p. disrupts 11 ExxonMobil’s drilling plans for Guyana OAS willing to return and observe elections p. recount 9

While some wore masks, far too many persons who traversed the Stabroek Market area yesterday were vulnerable enough to contract COVID-19.

Shoppers ignore ‘social distancing’ to make last minute purchases p. 12

- Secretary General

CARICOM team must supervise p. elections Local COVID-19 13 Electionsp. recount 8 recount p.8 - Jagdeo toll reaches 23 confirmed

Govt. officials were planning for coronavirus before WHO confirmed name of disease p.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Govt. officials were planning for coronavirus before WHO confirmed name of disease

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h e r e c e n t explanation provided by the Ministry of Public Health in an effort to dispel rumours of insider trading in the sole sourcing of 14 ventilators from Caribbean Medical has only evoked more questions.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Colette Adams, there was no insider knowledge of the matter while noting that planning for the Coronavirus started since December last.

This remark has left many observers wondering how the Ministry was planning for the virus in December 2019 when it was only confirmed as the Coronavirus by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 7 this year. On

Ministry of Public Health Permanent Secretary, Colette Adams that date as well, the novel virus was named 2019nCoV and was identified as belonging to the coronavirus family, which includes SARS and the common cold.

WHO officials had said that Coronaviruses are common and spread through being in proximity to an infected person and inhaling droplets generated when they cough or sneeze, or touching a surface where these droplets land and then touching one's face or nose.

What has also left observers in bewilderment is the fact that WHO on January 23 had said that the outbreak did not yet constitute a public emergency of international concern and there was "no evidence" at that time of the virus spreading between humans outside of China.

Furthermore, the first death outside China, was on February 2. WHO reported that it was a Chinese man from Wuhan and was an

imported case for the Philippines. Eight days later, the WHO said that the virus would be named COVID-19 and on March 11, it was declared a global pandemic.

In addition to planning that was done in December, Adams said that the Ministry had taken stock of what was needed which included facemasks, gowns and ventilators.

Adams said that the shortage of ventilators was recognised early on to be one of the biggest areas of concern. The official said that since February, requests were made to suppliers but only Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc. signaled its interest.

It should be noted that

the names of the other companies along with the dates of when they were contacted for the supply of the ventilators were not provided

by Adams but a commitment was nonetheless given to do just this.

COMPLAINT FILED On Monday, Trinidadian firm Trans-Continental Medical Products Limited had filed a complaint to the Public Procurement Commission asking for a probe into the purchase of the 14 portable ventilators.

The company in its complaint said, “As a s u p p l i e r, c a p a b l e o f providing a range of ventilators, portable and otherwise, who have been

working with the Ministry for many years, we were not made aware that the Ministry had sent out notices asking for the supply of ventilators.

We must now question if these 14 ventilators were procured following proper procurement procedures.”

It added, “…specifically, we are asking for details of advertisements, and other public documents/notices which would help establish the validity of this transaction.”

A principal of Caribbean Medical, Davendra Rampersaud, is before the courts, after a quantity of expired HIV test kits ended up on the local market.

Those kits were sold to the (continued on page 13)

Psychological evaluation for man who allegedly murdered daughter to get rich

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hirty-three-yearold Ganesh Ramdain, a construction worker of 14 Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was yesterday remanded to prison for the murder of his 11-year-old daughter. Ramdain, was arraigned before Magistrate Marissa Mittelhozer in the Vigilance Magistrate's Court when the indictable charge was read to him.

It is alleged that between March 25 and 27, 2020, at 14 Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, he murdered Varshanie Ramdain.

The facts of the charge revealed that around 10:00hrs on March 25, 2020, the deceased was alone in her bedroom and her mother was in the lower flat of their home when the attack occurred.

The court heard that the child's father entered the room and proceeded to choke her before he tied a rope around her neck and attached it to a rafter in the roof. He then went downstairs.

While downstairs, he raised an alarm and ran upstairs and cut his daughter down. The deceased was then rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was admitted in a critical condition.

The child remained in the Intensive Care Unit until March 27, 2020 around 11:00hrs when she

succumbed to her injuries.

The defendant allegedly confessed to the crime during a video interview that was conducted at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters, Eve Leary.

According to police, the defendant said that he killed his daughter because of his religious beliefs. According to the man, he believed that if he sacrificed his daughter, it would allow him to get rich.

Magistrate Mittelhozer ordered that the defendant undergo psychological evaluation and adjourned the matter to May 11, 2020.

COVID-19 & ELECTIONS WATCH Please join us daily as we facilitate your calls and talk to the experts to discuss COVID-19 AND ELECTIONS updates.

Call us on 226-7453 and/ or post your questions live on the show via our facebook page.

Hosted by: Senior Journalist Leonard Gildarie and Dr Yog Mahadeo

Ganesh Ramdain

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Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Foreign presence, interest and influence It is going to have to come down to this: since we refuse to talk with one another, then this means that the vacuum and role have to be filled by somebody.

Since, there is no welcoming of any Guyanese, who may possess the required pedigree and prowess, then the hard and dirty job would have to fall to the good graces and the helping hands of foreigners. They have a presence locally in the persons of ambassadors and High Commissioners, they have already indicated they have an interest in assisting us with finding a way out from under our intractable problems, and they have the prestige, and the influence that comes from that, to get us on our feet and starting over.

Our leaders resist every encouragement and overture some subtle, some unmistakable - to take the first steps in the long journey towards bridging the yawning craters that keep us apart and at war with each other. The small and necessary steps needed to defuse the situation and to sit around the table are parried away smartly or impatiently rebuffed.

Attempting to get any side to the starting line has been the hardest of goings, with nowhere being the result, and both sides unmoving in their respective public postures, and the known strengths from which they operate. But to the table, they must go, if only to explore what they can get, to consider the possibilities, which only foreigners can help to make happen.

Because of the existing local void, there is the need for other people to get involved urgently. Those people must be perceived as neutral and lacking in any preconceived ideas or biases regarding which group is the fitter and which group is the more proper. They must be regarded as being true and independent referees providing a calming atmosphere in which to operate, driving a purposeful but achievable agenda, and pushing towards a clearing from which this nation and its people can emerge.

To lift itself by the boot straps and embark on the business of erecting the first platforms from which to launch a vision that enables and empowers so much more than what we have achieved. What we have achieved represent a mere fraction, a small one, of our potential.

All of this is sure to encounter the wrath of extremists and tribalists in respective political portions. It would be from the usual portions, and the expected wraths have already be penned or voiced in the public spaces.

The dominant characteristic has been about international intervention and internal guiding, both of which have been resisted. With that in mind, it must be recalled and noted that sources - from more than one constituency - were the ones that originated the appeals and invitations to the foreigners to intervene and be the difference makers. It is either local or foreign help, and locals are effectively ruled out of any contention. By now, it should not escape the attention of anyone that the foreigners have a stake in what unfolds here. In some instances, there is more than one stake in play and with a complex of relationships to consider.

The range of their interests stretch across the colonial and the historical (the British), the strategical and geopolitical (the Americans), the geographical and commercial (both of them, as well as those of neighbours from the regional and European spheres). There is a lot of muscle that could be brought to bear, and it would be better to have that working for us, than operating in opposition of us.

Though some of the foreign entities may have had difficulty with prior regimes, which came close to bringing pariah status upon this country, and with less than ideal political leadership presences, big powers and powerbrokers have a history of going beyond the anger and frustrations of previous experiences. They easily discard such memories and swallow their pride.

The key is that they do what is best, first and last, for maintaining and expanding their own vital strategic interests, be they ideological, economic, or military. They have no permanent friends, only the permanent priority of vital interests. They will work with anybody, exclude anybody.

It is why Guyanese leaders are warned to tread wisely.

Welcome them.

Saying all the right things, not going near the one most needed DEAR EDITOR, I look at us and listen to us and read about us. We are all saying the right things, doing some good things, except one thing. From that we shudder and shrink: the possibilities of where that one thing could lead are found unthinkable and unacceptable.

Our leaders and their stewards are doing some positive things: close the bars (belatedly); call for social distancing (repeatedly and timely); and halting international travel and local school attendance (sensibly and protectively). There are other encouraging things, but these are enough to paint a snapshot of what is being done to counter - evade and deny, really - the virus that comes to kill. Though there is so much more, from my

perspective, that should already be in place, this is what it is, as of now, even as I keep hoping for more.

But it is all about responding to the health crisis that could become a real uncontrolled calamity. And even on this which could decimate us beyond imagination and repair, I note that we can’t even bring ourselves to talk with each other, to agree on a joint approach.

No! Coalition and opposition cannot bring themselves to sit around the same table at the same time and have a vision and conversation for the nation on what could devastate it.

So, they (we) go our separate ways.

It is because we find each other so repulsive in our presences, so retarded in our

visions, and so utterly objectionable in our ambitions that we go on our divided ways. Because, at this most demanding hour, we look upon each other as leaders, as parties, and as wider groups, and all we can behold are those who inhibit the political calculus harboured. So, we hop along in the face of the virus, when two sets of minds (and all hands) are needed to combat this scourge.

On the political side, listen to us: democracy and process, good things all, but in our hands and from our throats, all bull. They function as camouflage for naked ambition and naked power.

Nothing else! And God help any who stand in the way.

To get nearer to something resembling democracy, the Americans had

their Civil War, the French their Revolution, and the British had their taste of Reformation and restoration.

They all are better for those.

What have we had, but the cunning that criminalises a supposedly idealistic process?

We find each other so despicable that we need, clamour and reach for, strangers and outsiders, friendly neighbours and wiser elders, no matter how near or how far away. I am insulted by this, made to feel lesser for this; and for that, I will bow to none.

I observe Guyana, us Guyanese, and I remember (again) the ominous but perfect parallel of a disturbed domestic setting, with all its fears and pains and agonies.

The combative partners and (Continued on page 16)

US right on non-interference in Guyana Elections DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to the US Ambassador’s Statement on the US position on free and fair elections (KN Apr 3).

Her Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch is right. The US has not violated international law on insisting on respect for democracy in Guyana.

The US would not compromise on its position of democracy.

GuyaneseAmericans are appreciative of this immovable American position to support democracy in their homeland.

They are in complete agreement with the Ambassador’s position. It is a most direct, pointed, unambiguous, instructive statement from the US Ambassador on the basis of America’s position vis-à-vis relations with Guyana. The US stands for democracy and respect for human rights.

Governance must be based on respecting the will (majority) of the voters. Ambassador Lynch said the US position is ballots must be counted fairly and transparently and the real winner declared.

In calling for a fair count of votes in an election, the US is not intervening in the affairs of Guyana as per international law and relations between friendly states.

Virtually, no country objects to assistance from the US or other states in support of free and fair elections.

Guyana has perhaps become the only country to object to or take offence with the US and the world community calling for a credible count of votes. Why would the government object to or feel offended by demands from America and

the world for a fair count of votes?

There is a misunderstanding of the concept of ‘non-interference’ in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation. This is a term studied in courses in international relations and international law taught in political science in which I did doctoral studies.

The concept is derived from international law. It goes back to the Treaty of Westphalia (1648) and Congresses of Vienna (1780s) on relations between and among nation states. But the principle has undergone change in recent times. In its simplicity, non-interference means a sovereign state must not intervene in the affairs of another independent country.

But other applicable international laws and concepts come into play in recent times resulting in exceptions to the rule. These have to do with violations of human rights and democratic norms, among others.

Applicable international laws and precedents are cited, granting (powerful) states (and regional bodies) the right of interference to protect peoples’ lives or other states’ national interests.

There are also countless precedents where a state or the global community intervened in the affairs of another country to protect the ballot, among other reasons.

We saw that in the Philippines, Bolivia, Honduras, Venezuela and several African countries.

These countries, like Guyana, are signatory to the UN Charter on democracy.

They have obligations.

Failure to carry out these obligations is a violation of international law and can lead to serious consequences. So the Ambassador is right that the US is not violating any rule on non-interference in the internal affairs of Guyana with regards to international law when it demanded a credible, transparent vote count.

For further amplification on the subject, if the rulers of a State are massacring people or ‘tiefing’ elections, should the world watch in silence?

America and the world intervened in several countries to protect lives from civil wars as well as to promote democracy. In the 1960s until 1992, the US took a hands-off approach with regards to

elections riggings in Guyana.

But America decided enough was enough and took the side of democracy in 1992.

Ever since, the US has supported democracy and respect for human rights in Guyana, pumping tens of millions of dollars with a demand for credible elections.

And the Ambassador made it pellucid that the US is not partisan on Guyana’s politics; it does not support any party in Guyana. It supports democracy and free and fair elections.

I was invited to a Democracy Conference in Asia and Africa in New Delhi around 2002 sponsored by the National Democratic (Continued on page 5)

Reconsider the decisions to shut down the municipal markets DEAR EDITOR, Food security is essential in this time of COVID-19 epidemic. The Georgetown Mayor & City Council (and any other NDCs who are thinking the same thing) must reconsider their decision to shut down the municipal markets.

The Friday wholesale arrangements would not be enough. Vendors can be given suitable masks, and asked to maintain the flow of customers as the supermarkets are doing.

Already the restrictions on numbers to go into supermarkets is creating delays, so there is no need to expect that more people have

to go to supermarkets to get what they could get in the markets.

There is a silence from the Ministry of Agriculture at this time, in terms of ensuring that farmers are secure, as this virus seems to be here for a long time.

There might be alternatives of mobile vendors moving through the communities and other ideas for temporary markets. These need to be encouraged and supported, and regulated within the current public health guidelines.

Guyanese do not need more stress at this time.

Yours sincerely Vidyaratha Kissoon

Saturday April 04, 2020

Power to the people trumps power sharing amongst politicians DEAR EDITOR, The narrative of “power sharing” or “ shared Governance” as alluded to by Khemraj Ramjattan on Kaieteur Radio a few days ago, is a hallowed concept; unworkable and lacking in insight. None of the proponents of “Power sharing” has given any suggestions of how this could work for the benefit of the people. Ramjattan in his usual fashion, called for “shared Governance” to avoid “post-elections violence and the propensity for ethnic conflicts.”

You can understand how incredulous this statement is, coming from someone entrusted to ensure the safety of the nation.

Humans are selfish creatures. We have seen examples of this since and before the Advent of the APNU/AFC Coalition.

Contrary to their 2015 Manifesto, the Coalition’s top brass took a 50 percent increase in salaries for themselves while optimising the tax base to the extent of “VATting” water, electricity and private education, contrary to the expectation of

the general populace.

Has anyone of the proponents of power sharing ever thought of the likelihood of a group of politicians from the PPP and APNU joining forces in the absence of opposition and forming a dictatorship in the name of power sharing? This could result in the plundering of the nation’s wealth by politicians, through corruption on a more colossal scale than has been seen since Independence.

If Democracy is “power to the people”, I wonder how do we conceive of “power sharing” at the other end of the spectrum in governance? Logically! This end of the spectrum (Government) should be envisaged as “service to the people”.

Our constitution allows so much sweet power in Government that the APNU/ AFC Coalition, with the knowledge that they have lost the March 2 Elections, are festering thoughts of “power sharing”- thoughts they never entertained while they were in power.

This sweet power lurking in governance is evidence that the drafters of our

constitution failed the people when they wrote, “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives.”

The “List system”, which allows a party to recall or get rid of an MP, is a clear indication that MP’s are representatives of the party and not the people. In “sovereignty belongs to the people”, the right to recall an MP should reside with the people through the Democratic process. Power is not something you can give and still have.

In the list system, we give our sovereignty (power) to the parties at the elections and remain powerless until the next elections where we do it all over again - a vicious cycle.

With the amount of extant power up for grabs, it is no surprise that the losing Coalition is clamouring for “power sharing”.

As citizens, we must understand that power sharing at the top will never improve the quality or quantity of governance, we should rather seek to have our power restored to us so we

can demand good governance.

The “list system” needs to be replaced by the constituency system to restore power to the people.

Over the last two election cycles, the list system saw two of the most unexceptional individuals (Ramotar and Granger) acceding to the presidency.

This country will never progress with such presidents at the helm.

Paramountcy of the parties needs to be broken by resorting to the constituency system. Both politically affiliated and non-affiliated people should be allowed to run for MP, and the presidency and the state should finance the campaigns of the top four contestants in each category (MP or Presidency) on the basis of merit, decided on by the people.

CR in this direction will restore power to the people and break the shackles of racism that continue to haunt us. This will place Government in its rightful perspective - service to the people.

Rudolph Singh

It is time for Ramjattan and Nagamootoo to leave politics DEAR EDITOR, As I write this, the date is April 2. A month has passed and our nation is yet to receive the results of the polling exercise conducted on March 2. At this point, it is simply too embarrassing.

We have a global pandemic to worry our heads over.

This matter should have been resolved weeks ago.

Yet, here we are.

I must note that I was quite amused upon reading Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s calls for an international inquiry into “foreign interference” in our electoral process.

In the recent edition of his Guyana Chronicle column, “My Turn”, he expressed his belief that “foreign electoral engineers and their local lackeys” have attempted to “dislodge a democratically elected government”.

Bewildered as I was, my mind was taken back to March 5 as Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan made the allegation of the PPP colluding with foreign powers to interfere in the elections.

The Prime Ministerial hopeful claimed that a Libyan, American as well as a Russian was arrested and later

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deported after their “intelligence realised that there was some conspiracy to tap into GECOM’s computer system”. He added that a Russian-American was still “on the run”. He continued by claiming that Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo was speaking directly to the Russians by phone.

I would go on and ask why these nationals weren’t tried in court before being deported, but that would be aimless. It was almost too painful to watch him (Ramjattan) make this hilarious allegation that was clearly fed to him. While I did chuckle, at the same time, it made me realise that this is what his political career has been reduced to.

The same can be said about Mr. Nagamootoo.

These were two individuals who claimed to be fighting hard for the people of this c o u n t r y, since the inception of the AFC. Now can we really call them anything but “yes-men” of the PNC? I beseech these two individuals to revisit their memories of growing up under the dictatorship of the late Forbes Burnham and knowing the franchises of individuals disregarded by

fraudulent electoral processes. Both Ramjattan and Nagamootoo were followers of the late Cheddi Jagan’s fight against injustice in Guyana. Their political careers have developed...to this?

Pathetically masquerading the lies that have been fed to them by the PNC? Moreover, the AFC (led

by Ramjattan) is now calling for power sharing with the PPP while still parading the claim that the Coalition won our election.

It seems to me, that they have realised their loss and are desperately trying to grasp onto power.

By parading these claims of foreign interference and who won, is only going to feed the blind Coalition followers’ h o s t i l i t y.

C a n ’t Nagamootoo and Ramjattan see that they will only indirectly contribute to the political divide in this country?

It is disappointing, especially since these are two individuals who braved through a dictatorship in the past. To me, their political careers will now be, when they leave office, reduced to an

embarrassing but pathetic footnote in the history of Guyana’s politics.

I strongly advise the two of them, after this elections fiasco wraps up, to leave the field of politics entirely. We’ve seen them enter the political arena and we have seen what power can do to them, or in this case, say what will keep you in power.

We’ve had enough of them, they both are qualified professionals, so let them actually contribute positively to our country’s well-being.

If the two of them had any desire to salvage what is left of their political careers, they would have come out, like their contemporary Dominic Gaskin, and condemned the now widely believed to be fraudulent results for Region 4 originally declared by Clairmont Mingo. They could have even joined C.N. Sharma of the Justice For All Party and called for a recount. Yet they have stayed mum on the matter, only clearing up any doubts in mind that they are one with the PNC. Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar

This is an urgent appeal to the Health Ministry DEAR EDITOR, Based on information circulating within the public domain, persons experiencing related Covid-19 symptoms who have been unable to reach the Covid-19 hotline have been turning up at public hospitals in their desperate attempt for medical attention.

The Covid-19 Hotline, based on feedback, has not been as effective as desired.

Some calls are reportedly going unanswered, and in those instances where they are answered there is either a prolonged wait for attention or no visit whatsoever by medical staff. Given the potency, asymptomatic nature and viral spread of the coronavirus, the hotline and related home visitation system should be urgently enhanced and improved.

Visits to our public hospitals and medical institutions by suspected ‘covids’, not only place other members of the public there for unrelated medical attention at risk of infection, but also increase exposure risks to medical personnel.

The latter is cause for greater concern, since we need these very medical staff to remain fit and healthy enough for continued service to our nation.

Recently, some medical staff were forced into quarantine after they unwittingly attended to infected Covid-19 carriers. Their peril was compounded by the apparent lack of system coordination and complacency by some of their fellow colleagues. The gravity of such lapses is both alarming and unacceptable.

We should not have the lives of our medical personnel put at risk through inadvertence or error. There are now reports that one of the medical staffers, who attended to a male patient that recently succumbed to the Coronavirus, is also now

hospitalised for contracting the virus.

It is our hope that what appears to be varied levels of confusion among some medical personnel as to when or at what stage of Covid-19 suspicion one should be tested, as well as faltering collaboration and communication between private and public health care institutions, is merely perception.

However, reports that the first victim came into contact with medical staff at a private facility before going to the Public Hospital where she later succumbed to the virus, exposes the vulnerability of our healthcare system.

There is also a recent video testimony made viral by a relative of another deceased victim in which he described his own disturbing experience. He accused the Health Ministry of denying him conclusive Covid-19 testing although he was referred by a private hospital following preliminary tests there, which revealed that he may have contracted the virus.

The same person confessed that he had direct contact with several persons with whom he conducted business transactions.

It is clear to see that while the coronavirus has caught us all by surprise and continues to baffle medical professionals and scientists globally, we in Guyana need to be much more serious and better coordinated in our desperate quest to avert the type of devastation we are witnessing in other countries.

The Ministry of Public Health, and particularly the Epidemiological Department, is therefore called upon to urgently review screening, monitoring and staffing systems at all healthcare facilities, and further address deficiencies affecting the efficiency of the Covid-19 hotline.

Sincerely, Mr. Orette Cutting

Reconsider the...

From page 4 Institute of USA. Delegates from both continents supported the idea of foreign intervention to protect democracy.

Even India, a champion of non-interference in other country’s affairs, through its ExternalAffairs Minister Jaswant Singh, while opposing foreign intervention conceded that prevailing conditions in a state could necessitate foreign interference. Those conditions included human rights abuses and electoral fraud. There was recent interference in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Liberia, and a host of African countries, to lend support to credible electoral

outcomes. Guyana is no exception on the US interest that the right party is declared the winner of the March 2 election.

In sum, rigging of elections pose a serious challenge to relations between Guyana and the US, as indeed also to Canada, UK, and European countries.

Instead of charging that the US or other countries are interfering in the internal affairs of Guyana on the vote count, why not allow a fair, transparent count of ballots and a declaration of the winner? Other nations would have no reason to continue ‘interfering’ in Guyana’s domestic affairs.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

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Kaieteur News

Nigel Hughes’ views on Guyana’s race problem are well-meaning, but incorporate a number of fallacies DEAR EDITOR, In the current tense and contentious political and social climate (conflict over the March 2 elections and the potential spread of Covid-19), an emerging debate now centres around powersharing and constitutional change.

To this end, Nigel Hughes, a leading member of one of Guyana’s largest law firms, delves into a historical analysis of the evolution of Guyana’s political history, and reconstructs the origin of our indelible race issue.

His lengthy exposition, the subject of Paul Harris’s political cartoon (SN, April 1, 2020), is posted on his Facebook page (“How are we going to share the corn, 2020”). However, Nigel’s views, seemingly wellintentioned, incorporate a number of fallacies. I would like to consider two of them, if they help to shed light on our current predicament.

Arguing that, “since May 1966, there has been no significant change in the voting patterns of our people”, Nigel posits that “the numbers have always, by design, been against the Africans.” He concludes that Africans “felt erroneously, that somehow they could

protect the interests of their core supporters by winning a free and fair election.”

However, in reality, the current demographics paint quite a contrasting picture than the one offered by Nigel.

It is less likely today that the PPP, given the declining Indian population, can prevent Africans from capturing executive power in a competitive and fair election.

This demographic change is borne out by the 2012 national census, which showed that Indians now represent 40 percent and Africans compose 30 percent of the population. The faster growing populations are “Mixed race” (20 percent) and Amerindians 10 percent).

Not surprisingly, earlier proposals for power-sharing arrangements by PNC operatives when the PPP/C was in office virtually disappeared after 2015, particularly since the APNU+AFC Coalition claimed to represent a broadbased conglomeration of parties.

In effect, the winning party (notwithstanding the impact of the mini parties) would be the party that captures enough swing votes to win a plurality. This is what the Coalition accomplished in

2015, presumably capturing 11% of the votes outside its traditional base to win by a small fraction.

With the new dispensation in our body politic, a rotation among winning political parties at every election institutionalizes a fundamental principle of democracy. Theoretically, an electoral victory for the Coalition in 2015, followed by a win for the PPP in 2020, and a possible 2025 win for the Coalition, would further demonstrate that voters make rational choices, and such rotation would contribute to the institutionalisation of the democratic process. However, it is my contention that the incumbent APNU+AFC Coalition had no intention of handing over political power if they lost the 2020 election.

This brings me to Nigel’s second point.

Nigel argues that, “the abuse of power, and surrender of the State to the interests of criminal enterprise which saw the deaths of hundreds of African males only served to increase the hopelessness of the African population and their lack of confidence in the ability of any state institution, even though

Closing municipal markets without an alternative, risks compounding the impact of Covid-19 DEAR EDITOR, The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown should be taking measures to enable social distancing, without threatening the food supply of the citizens of Georgetown, and the livelihoods of thousands of small farmers whose produce is sold at Georgetown’s markets.

Restricting vending of fresh produce in a City of more than 100,000 people to 6 hours per week along a strip of land less than 300 yards long, is not compatible with social distancing. These measures will disproportionately negatively impact lower income Guyanese, as consumers, as market vendors, and as producers.

Closing markets removes access to the most healthy and affordable sources of nutrition Georgetown’s citizens have; fresh fruit and vegetables.

In other parts of the world, farmers markets are deemed an essential service during the Covid-19 crisis (see for example: https://

ecologycenter.org/berkeleyfarmers-market-response-to-thecoronavirus-covid-19/); in Georgetown this should be no different.

Instead of closing municipal markets, the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown may wish to consider measures that reduce the likelihood that buying food increases the risk of contracting Covid-19. These could include: · Increasing the space between vendors and reducing densities at markets, e.g. by temporarily increasing the space available for vending (along roadways, at D’Urban Park or the Merriman Mall for instance), and/or restricting vendors to alternate dates. · Increasing the time that shopping is possible e.g. by permitting vending under floodlights on the Merriman Mall or at D’Urban Park. · Improving sanitation for vendors and patrons, e.g. by providing hand sanitizer to vendors free or at a reduced cost, establishing convenient hand wash facilities within all areas of the market, and providing hand sanitizer to patrons of the

markets. · Reduce the number of patrons in the market at a given time e.g. by regulating traffic, or instituting a Kanban system. · Providing public service announcements, and information at the market on best practices for minimizing the spread of Covid-19. · Waiving market fees for vendors, so they can clear expenses faster and get back home sooner. · Collaborating with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and minibus associations to restrict the number of passengers in each bus at any one time.

Closing municipal markets without creating an alternative, risks compounding the impact of Covid-19, by adding a food supply issue to the growing shortfall in income facing many Guyanese. It risks increasing traffic and customer density in the established supermarkets, contrary to social distancing efforts, and will likely do the same in rural markets close to Georgetown.

Best, Timothy McIntosh

peopled by them, to be able to protect them.” This is a false narrative that the PNC has carefully constructed, one that has contributed to the current impasse. The coalition (more so the PNC) promoted the narrative through social media of “400 Black youths killed during the PPP years”. It was a narrative which the PPP leadership either dismissed or were incapable of addressing.

The result: the narrative was embraced by most Africans, who were convinced that the PPP could not be trusted and must never be allowed to return to office, even if that party emerged victorious in 2020.

However, in an effort to examine this claim factually, the Stabroek News, utilizing archival materials, listed the circumstances surrounding the 420 persons murdered between Feb 23, 2002, and Sept 2006. The findings showed that “151 had been murdered by bandits; 239 killed during confrontations with police and in unexplained circumstances and 30 security officers murdered.”

More revealing by this exposé, was that there were 105 Indian-Guyanese listed among the 420 killed overall, and all were killed by bandits,

a fact never mentioned by the champions of this mantra.

Also rarely mentioned is the killing wave that immediately preceded the prison breakout and the violence following the 1997 elections.

I have no intention of reducing Guyanese politics to one of ethnicity. It is undoubtedly the single variable around which politics is organised, and the dominant means by which public policy is perceived to be administered in our winnertake-all political system.

At the same time, it would be academically dishonest not to acknowledge that the 23 years of PPP/C rule reflected one of many missed opportunities for meaningful institutional and genuine constitutional reforms, punctuated by violence, high crimes, corruption and heightened narco-trafficking.

But, so was the 28 years of PNC authoritarian rule until 1992, the year the Carter Center, among others, helped to usher in a new climate of democracy in Guyana.

Perhaps the greatest tragedy afflicting the PPP, Guyana’s first mass-based political party, resulted from the purging of an intelligent class of leaders from its inner core since the 1960s.

Understandably, Indians may not have found the Cheddi Jagan charismatic appeal in Irfaan Ali, but they most assuredly cast their ballots for Bharat Jagdeo and the PPP. I am fully in agreement with Nigel Hughes when he suggested that the exit ticket to our predicament lies in “constitutional change to redistribute political power and consequently economic power.”

However, deliberations on powersharing must consider the imbalance in the state institutions of power (such as the army, police, peoples militia, etc).

Furthermore, discussions on consociational arrangements (power-sharing) must address the security concerns of the various ethnic communities, including those of the Amerindians, Guyana’s first people.

Perhaps, what Guyana currently desperately needs (besides a miracle to address the spread of the Covid-19), are more voices from the African intellectual and professional community willing to condemn the political travesty the world witnessed since March 3rd.

Sincerely Baytoram Ramharack

Recount: I have my doubts, and they are not minimal Dear Editor, So Gecom has finally agreed to a recount. From my standpoint, though welcome, that is not news, but simply representative of the delayed inevitable, the greatest of anticlimaxes. Call me contemptuous and call me cynical, but wherever that recount leads, it will not leave in a healthy and constructive place.

That is my position, and I can deliver a script right now for any of the two groups that fall short. Someone has got to lose; this being Guyana and the kind of Guyanese around now, there is sure to be problems with that reasoning, that kind of irrefutable logic.

But I move along briskly, though uncharacteristically gingerly; for elections in this country are like dealing with COVID-19: face masks, gloves, and with a ten-foot pole. It can be unhealthy and unwise to do otherwise. At the end of this contribution, I must not forget to sanitize all over thoroughly. Now I must dive deep into the details and the dirty political and racial realities of Guyana.

The actual physical

recount aside being done by natives, who is going to come here to watch over, with travel restrictions in place and acute fears well embedded? Who is ready to come here, given their own schedules and personal and official obligations? Who will make themselves available by trusting the protective steps we have taken as timely and comprehensive, and in an effort to lend credence to a now completely discredited process? I think that there is a smoking gun and some dead bodies in those ballot boxes.

But to answer all three questions, if I were a foreign observer, I would not be too interested in things Guyanese at this stage. To be more pointed as a returnee, I don’t give a damn about elections anymore; and this is driven home to me when I consider all the deceptions and widespread smoldering hostilities. To those who have invested all they have, and who buried navel string in the result, I say: good luck and God bless. I still have to fend for myself and find ways to care for those who matter.

I will not be the ward of any political leader or any

group, for it is not about who wins, since I now could care less. For all those multitudes, who look to government to be champion, sponsor, and benefactor, I wish the very best. May their dreams come true; they have sold a lot of themselves.

And this brings me to the final question in this shortest of short writings (and indication of my disgust and dismissal), which remains to be answered at the end of the recount process, whoever we cajole and lure to taint themselves: where do we go from that point?

For the benefit and peace of mind of all citizens, it is my sincere hope that genuine democracy will prevail and exhibit its colours, when this grueling episode in our annals is over. Not the familiar colours of Guyanese political parties, but the contours and components that could take us somewhere.

For the last time, I have my doubts, and they are not minimal. Let the games begin.

May God in his mercy bless Guyana.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 04, 2020

PAGE 07

Court of Appeal ruling on elections recount set for Sunday

By Rehanna Ramsay

T

he Court of Appeal is set to rule tomorrow, on the application filed by the APNU- AFC's Ulita Moore, against the decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to hold a recount of votes cast at the Regional and General Elections held last month.

The three judges – Justices of Appeal, Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud as well as High Court Judge, Brassington Reynolds – listened as lawyers involved in the case presented their oral arguments at the Court of Appeal in Kingston, G e o rg e t o w n y e s t e r d a y morning.

Early on in the proceedings, Moore's lawyer, Roysdale Forde, implored the Court to give an undertaking, which will stay the judgment of Full Court.

The Full Court had effectively discarded Moore's application to i n q u i r e i n t h e constitutionality of GECOM's decision to hold a recount. That Court had also discarded the interim injunctions blocking the recount in addition to refusing to grant a stay of its judgment.

As such, Forde requested that a stay be granted until the ruling of the Appeal Court scheduled for Sunday at 11:00 hours. Referencing a press release issued by the GECOM, Forde told the Court that there appears to be a plan in motion to commence the recount despite the current Court process.

He warned that any commencement of the recount by GECOM at this

point could result in undermining of the litigation.

“What we are saying your honours, is that this development could affect the proceedings in the court. So we are asking this court to preserve the status quo to act on its own inherent jurisdiction.”

In response to Forde's request, Attorney for GECOM's Chairperson, Kim Kyte, told the court that the application caught her by surprise.

“I am only learning of this for the first time in the courtroom, your honours. I will need to consult with my client before taking a position before this honourable Court.”

She said, she would need to contact her client, retired Justice Claudette Singh, before taking any decision.

Justice Gregory therefore tasked Kyte with informing the court of any developments in this regard.

Towards the end of the proceeding, the Court was informed that there is no intention by GECOM to commence the recount before the ruling set for Sunday at 11:00am.

At the interim, the Court listened to Moore's other lawyers, Grenadian Queen's Counsel, Dr. Alexis Francis and Dr. Keith Scotland of Trinidad and Tobago.

Contrary to the views upheld by the Full Court, Dr. Alexis argued that the constitutional issues by Moore's application are not issues for an elections petition Court but rather a review by a High Court.

Dr. Alexis asked the Appeal Court to consider Moore's request to have

GECOM and its Chairperson carry out their functions, which is to declare the winning list of candidates and name the President. He argued that the constitutional role of the GECOM Chairman and GECOM had not been usurped by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) high-level team, which should have supervised the recount.

He held that the rule of law requires that the GECOM Chair and Returning Officer be treated equally.

“They are both subject to judicial review in the execution of their duties.”

Similarly, Dr. Scotland said that the issue of judicial review should be considered.

“The Full Court just got it plainly wrong. The Court does have jurisdiction to hear the matter.”

On the other hand, Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes, who appeared on behalf of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, continued to rely on Section 140 of the Representation of the People Act, which prohibits any court from enquiring into deliberations and decisions of the Commission.

“As stated in Guyana's constitution, it is an election court to hear issues concerning unlawful acts and omissions instead of it being dealt with at an intermediate stage.”

Mendes stressed too that the supervision of the process by CARICOM was the mechanism which GECOM chose to correct the deficiencies which had been raised about the process and that arrangement would not

Giftland robbery suspect remanded for another charge

T

wenty-one-yearold Nicholas Singh, of 1818 D'Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, who was arrested for a robbery at the Giftland Shopping Mall a few months ago, was on Thursday remanded to prison for another charge.

Singh was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts, after he was charged for robbing a businessman of $827,000 in credit, three cell

phones, a bag, wallet, jewellery and $107,000, cash. An unrepresented Singh denied the charge which stated that on March 24, 2020, at 65 Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Andrew Blackman of items valued at a total of $1,052,000, and $107,000 in cash.

Police prosecutor Richard Inniss made objections to bail being granted to the defendant based on the seriousness of the offence and the fact that the defendant

was positively identified on an identification parade by the virtual complainant.

The court heard that the defendant was previously charged and arrested for the Giftland robbery. The virtual complainant then told the court that he was shot in the leg during the robbery and that caused him to not be able to walk properly.

After listening to the virtual complainant and the prosecutor, Senior Magistrate Daly remanded the defendant to prison and the matter was adjourned to May 4.

Justice Brassington Reynolds

Justice Dawn Gregory

Justice Rishi Persaud

take away from the powers of GECOM. Given the arguments raised by Mendes, Justice Dawn Gregory questioned whether the Full Court was the proper court to appeal Justice Franklyn Holder's decision that he had jurisdiction to hear Moore's case.

Justice Gregory said her questions were tied to whether the jurisdiction in such an appeal matter ought to have been within the purview of the Appellate Court. The Judge cited Article 133 of the

Constitution, which sets out the position of appeals and provides details on questions on the interpretation of the constitution, which are to be decided by the High Court and where appeals are to be made to the Appellate Court.

“My concern is whether the nature of what was before the court was in fact held within the jurisdiction of the Full Court. I say that to ask whether it was not the Court of Appeal to have entertained the appeal on the jurisdiction.”

“My question is whether the full court which

traditionally has been a court to deal with interlocutory appeals indeed is the court to entertain an appeal that concerns constitutional questions. I believe that all the parties say that they are some constitutional questions involved,” Justice of Appeal Gregory enquired.

On Tuesday, the Full Court, comprised of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan, ruled that the High Court did not have the jurisdiction to hear the injunction application brought by Moore.

Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

CARICOM team must supervise elections recount - Jagdeo L

eader of the Opposition, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has called on the return of the High-Level Team from CARICOM to supervise the National Recount of Ballots from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The reason for this, he shared, is because he has no confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct a credible process.

Jagdeo at his press conference pointed out that “GECOM has compromised themselves so much that it would be hard for them to lead the recount process.”

GECOM Chair, Justice Ret'd Claudette Singh, yesterday ordered the long-awaited recount to commence but Jagdeo is of the view that it will be further delayed as was done in previous weeks.

The initial national recount agreed to by both President David Granger and Jagdeo was slated to commence on March 16 and supervised by the high-level CARICOM team.

But, several events throughout that day, marred this process including an injunction filed by APNU+AFC candidate, Ulita Moore.

The CARICOM team, consisting of Chairman Francine Baron, Former Attorney General and Foreign Minister; Anthony Boatswain, the Former Finance Minister of Grenada, along with Cynthia Barrow-Giles, Senior

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo Lecturer in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies and two Chief Elections Officers from Barbados and Trinidad, left Guyana, unable to conduct their intended task.

According to Jagdeo, several delay tactics will be used again to prevent the recount from commencing.

“Look at the extent they have gone to stop the recount, contrary to their public statements that they want a recount and that Granger wants a recount…they have gone to a great extent to stop this recount and even now, they have a case filed before the court.”

They are hoping somehow that the recount would be stopped and that Justice Singh would have no choice but to declare a President

CARCIOM High-Level Team (from left): Ms. Angela Taylor, Chief Electoral Officer, Barbados; Mr. Anthony Boatswain, former Finance Minister, Grenada; Ms. Francine Baron, Chair of the Team and former Attorney General and Foreign Minister, Dominica; Ms. Fern Nacis-Scope, Chief Elections Officer, Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Cynthia Barrow-Giles, Senior Lecturer, Department of Government, UWI. (team) under these fraudulent results,” the Opposition Leader said.

Along with the CARICOM high-level team, Jagdeo has hopes that whenever the recount commences, local and international observers will return to review this process.

“I hope that the Commission can

make a decision on the way forward that will hopefully see the return of the CARICOM team, along with the other observers, those who are interested to seeing this process come to a swift and legitimate conclusion.”

Jagdeo also made a case for the national recount to be televised to

ensure the utmost transparency of the process.

“We hope that the observers will be present, as many as possible…we are arguing that the recount should be televised or put on social media so that all Guyanese see this themselves and it will be in fully transparent environment…” Jagdeo added.

Elections recount confirmed

By Kemol King

A

national recount of the votes cast in Guyana's 2020 General and Regional Elections has been confirmed. The order in which the recount will be done will be in numerical order. However, a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) release uses the term 'chronological'.

The decision to have the recount was made at a meeting of the Commission yesterday.

Kaieteur News understands that the Commissioners, before making the decision, had been involved in a back and forth discussion, which the C h a i r, J u s t i c e ( r e t ' d ) Claudette Singh SC brought to an end. She explained to the Commission that she would be unable to renege on her decision to undertake the recount. She decided that there will be a recount, against the backdrop of

Article 162 (1) (b) of the Constitution, GECOM's statement explained.

That article of the Constitution states that the electoral commission “shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament…”

The recount will not be supervised by CARICOM as w a s p r e v i o u s l y c o n t e m p l a t e d .

Commissioner Sase Gunraj said that the recount does not hinge on the return of the CARICOM delegation to Guyana. Commissioner Vincent Alexander said that the recount will be supervised by the Commission.

Following the meeting yesterday, Alexander told Commission members that one concern he raised was that the Chair cited a contempt motion brought

against her by the People's Progressive Party (PPP) as a reason for the undertakings that she advocated for at the level of the Commission.

Alexander held the view that a contempt order was not granted by the Court, and that the Commission should have therefore discussed the contempt motion.

Nevertheless, he supported the recount.

The Commission asked Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, to determine and provide a framework for the recount's operationalisation. He saw it necessary to request guidance from the Commission to clarify certain legal and procedural issues. The statement said that once those are clarified, he would begin to contemplate the recount's operationalisation.

Alexander said that this is because the recount is not one that was invoked by GECOM based on its constitutional powers, and

that it is not under the Representation of the People Act. He said that it is not being dealt with under normal procedures as outlined in the Act. The Commissioner explained that GECOM is expected to issue a clear directive and order for the recount to the secretariat, and that it is to decide whether the recount is merely a recount of the votes, or whether it will examine all of the materials in the ballot boxes, taking into consideration proxy votes and the votes of persons who voted without presenting their identification cards. He thinks that there's a fair consensus that the latter has to happen.

He said, “it is clear that it will not be a merely numerical recount. It will be an examination of all that took place based on what is now in those boxes.”

Gunraj and Alexander were split on whether the

same returning officers would all be utilised for the recount process. This question has been raised as pertinent, since the credibility of the district four returning officer, Clairmont Mingo, has been brought into question.

He has produced declarations on two separate occasions which are vastly different. Both of the tabulation processes which led to those declarations were determined to lack transparency and credibility, as well as being at risk of electoral fraud, by a majority of the political parties and the international observers.

One was ruled as unlawful by the High Court. A case in the Court questions the lawfulness of the other, on the same grounds.

Gunraj said that he will definitely advocate against the use of the same returning officers. Asked who would replace the returning officer, Gunraj pointed to the scores of deputy returning officers

who also operated in Region Four. He explained that the law considers the deputies as returning officers as well. On the other hand, Alexander said that the recount is not governed by the Act, so he does not know the role the returning officers would play.

Based on statements made by Commissioners Gunraj and Alexander, there appears to be a lack of clarity about what will be done once the recount has concluded.

Gunraj had said that the fact that the Commission recently voted to set aside Lowenfield's report on the current elections results declarations, and the fact that GECOM voted to have the recount, both implied that the results of the recount will be accepted, though the methods of declaration still have to be decided on.

Though he said it was an implied position of the Commission that the results of the recount would be (continued on page

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 04, 2020

PAGE 09

The government is incapable of responding to the coronavirus threat

I

t was quite surprising to learn that the Guyana Elections Commission had to vote again on a decision to recount the ballots cast at this year's General and Regional Elections. GECOM had already taken a unanimous decision, two weeks ago, to undertake a recount.

It would have amounted to an about-turn and bad faith to have gone back on that decision without compelling legal grounds. There are no such grounds; the legal pathway was cleared by the discharge of an injunction preventing a recount.

The fly in the ointment then was that the agreement which was signed between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, as brokered by the Caribbean Community.

It is not my belief that the agreement in any way attempted or intended to usurp the functions of GECOM. Indeed, it was explicit that GECOM holds responsibility for the management of the

elections. The agreement acknowledged GECOM's independence.

A commitment to a recount was echoed by the Chairman in affidavits submitted to the court. Now that GECOM has decided to go ahead with the recount, there are forces which may be inclined to introduce technicalities concerning the basis of any final declarations to be made.

That would be for GECOM to decide, considering its powers under the Constitution.

The law, however, is not an ass. There is no need to engage in technicalities.

Legal interpretation is not based on technicalities.

When it comes to elections' laws, these have to be interpreted purposively to give effect to the intention of the framers. When it comes to the Constitution, the law has to be interpreted with the broadest of latitude so as to respect the democratic underpinnings of State sovereignty.

The government's

strategy is clear. It is one, which is an old military approach which has outlived its usefulness in modern day.

The government is trying to wear the Opposition down so as to break its will.

This was what was done during the process of selecting a Chairperson of GECOM after the decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice, which annulled the previous appointment. The government put forward all kinds of frustration on the process, until they got Jagdeo to agree to the very candidate, which it wanted all along.

Right now, we have a major crisis in the country, a crisis the likes of which has never been seen. The number of confirmed coronavirus cases and the number of deaths have doubled in three days.

For each of the 23 persons, three more persons would have been infected and for each of those three more and so the exponential function goes on. Right now, therefore there are thousands

Dem willing boys seh...to return and observe OAS elections recount - Secretary General

T

he Organization of American States (OAS) is willing and ready to resend its Observer Mission to Guyana to observe the National Recount of ballots from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, posted o n Tw i t t e r y e s t e r d a y supporting the decision made by Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Ret'd Justice Claudette Singh, to move ahead with the recount.

The Secretary General stated that “it is an important step to grant legitimacy to the Guyana Elections.”

He also expressed his hope that the recount process

OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro “encounters no obstacles.”

Further, the Secretary General acknowledged the work of the high-level team from CARICOM which was initially sent to supervise the

recount. However, due to several consecutive issues, the team members were unable to complete their task.

Almagro then offered the support of the OAS Elections Observer Team, in the recount of the ballots.

The OAS was among several international observer teams in Guyana for the March 2, 2020 elections. However, the team withdrew from Guyana on March 13.

In a later release, the team stated that a less than transparent process was being used by Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, to ascertain the results for Region Four, citing this and more as the reason for its departure.

of infected persons in Guyana who may be infected and not know.

This is why PAHO has increased its estimates from 1400 cases to 20,000 by May. This means that PAHO estimates that we will have a surge in confirmed cases and deaths soon. We already have a staggering death rate of about 20% of confirmed cases. No country in the world has that high a death rate.

The curve on Guyana's graph is shot upwards. We are about two weeks away from serious problems unless there is a lockdown. This has been the experience of other countries. Most of the countries, which have imposed lockdowns have seen massive deaths and do not expect changes until two weeks from now.

Things usually get worse just after the lockdowns before they expect it to get better. But without the lockdowns, they will get disastrous Guyana's inept

government expects things to get better without any lockdown. It is defying statistical reality.

The government is incapable of responding to this crisis. One week after calls for a lockdown, the government has put a prohibition on entertainment places after 6pm when more than 80% of the population is at home. This has to be a joke. Is it hoping to drag the spread of the virus out as long as possible in the hope of a result that it finds favorable? The government is living in some outer stratosphere. That strategy

does not work with the election results and it cannot work with coronavirus.

The longer it takes to implement firmer social restrictions, the more uncontrollable the situation will be become. The longer it takes to settle the elections results, the more inept decisions will emanate from the government.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday April 04, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

To support Mingo's tabulation is evil

Y

ou never know the inner Freudian drives that reside in the subterranean parts of the human mind, until an occasion arises and those neatly repressed instincts escape from the id, finds a seat on the ego, and the flaws of the human character are laid bare for the world to see.

You may never know how anti-homosexual a person may be until a gay makes a pass at him and like a raging bull, he gets up and says, “don't talk to me, gays should go to jail.” You are shocked, because you know this liberal-minded person all your life, and never knew he felt so bitter about homosexuality.

You may never know how anti-Muslim your longstanding friend has been until one day the talk is about the resumption of India playing test cricket against

Pakistan, and he says something that betrays his Freudian dislike for Muslims. Two examples should suffice.

There was a very popular jazz personality on a Toronto radio station. He didn't know the microphone was on during a commercial break, so he took a call from his friend to have lunch. He declined, saying that he preferred to stay away from Toronto, because there were 400, 000 Blacks (he used the N-word) on the streets. He was referring to the Caribana parade. How can any expert in jazz, a discovery of African-Americans, be antiBlack?

A basketball club owner was caught on tape telling his girl friend he doesn't like her socializing with Black players.

Here in Guyana, we have seen the Freudian drives of

those who profess to be adherents of democratic principles, but in their souls they care not about rights, j u s t i c e , r u l e o f l a w, democracy, Guyana's future; just ethnic domination occupies their mind.

The 2020 election nightmare has brought out the worst instincts in some humans in Guyana. This is not basic instincts, but uncivilized descent where basic instincts become bestial rampage.

We have seen these bestial directions from all types of people - trade unionists, university lecturers, lawyers, those who call themselves Rodneyites, politicians, etc. They see nothing wrong with what Clairmont Mingo did. They want Guyana to have a new government based on the Mingo declaration.

What is the Mingo

declaration? It is the virtual and literal de-recognition of the rights the ancestors of the current generation fought for, and in which untold numbers lost their lives.

What Mingo did does not exist in the real world. You only read about it is novels about the dystopian future of the world. But it happened here for ten days - March 4 – 13. One of the world's famous history books is entitled “Ten Days that Shook the World.” It is about the Russian Revolution.

In Guyana, there were ten days that shocked and shook Guyana. It is about a man named Clairmont Mingo. He acted like a magician, only he was playing with the future of the people of a modern Caribbean nation. Mingo put his hand in a bag, came up with some numbers, and for ten days shouted, “eureka.”

He discovered who won the 2020 general election, not by tabulation or counting, but

by Draculean, bestial logic.

Then the logic of hypocrisy took over. Trade unionists clamoured for Mingo's magic to be made the

official results of the 2020 poll. The AFC, the party that was supposed to remove dystopia from Guyana and introduce utopia, embraced Mingo's blood bank. The Rodneyites on Thursday in a motion before the GECOM commission voted for Mingo's “black box” to be declared the official results.

The Burnhamites were the ones to introduce the motion. Now that was the only understandable thing that has occurred among those who rode on Mingo's bandwagon. It did make sense. Under Burnham, national elections were rigged. But those in GECOM who are Burnhamites have vulgarized the intellectual finesse of their founderleader.

Burnham was too enamoured of his special character traits to tolerate Mingo's comical statistical masturbation. He would have banished Mingo from the face of Guyana if he saw how Mingo was going about rigging the 2020 election.

With an insult laced with

Frederick Kissoon Latin phrases, Burnham would have told Mingo he w a s a n a t i o n a l embarrassment.

Indeed Mingo was. (I say “was” because Claudette, the mysterious figure in GECOM, did not vote with the Rodneyites and Burnhamites on the commission to ride Mingo's bandwagon.)

His paper bag with the numbers that he shuffled for ten days became porous and the numbers dropped out. But those who wanted his magic to govern Guyana are left stranded on the banks of the three great rivers of this country. Should we live with these monsters in the future?

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Shoppers ignore 'social distancing' to make last minute purchases Photos taken in the capital city yesterday revealed a number of persons are still failing to practice social distancing.

By Renay Sambach

A

large number of s h o p p e r s flocked to the Stabroek Market and stores nearby yesterday to make what seemed like last minute purchases. This came on the heels of word that city markets will be closed until further notice.

But the shopping activities witnessed by this reporter revealed that many shoppers had no regard for the Ministry of Public Health's call for social distancing.

Guyana has seen a notable surge in the number of persons who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to a Ministry update, there are currently 23 confirmed cases of the disease with four resulting fatalities.

B u t s h o p p e r s nevertheless seemed unbothered as they gathered in clusters awaiting their turn to make their respective purchases.

There was suspicion that some persons were failing to socially distance themselves

because of a lack of knowledge. However, this was quickly dispelled after a number of shoppers made it clear that they are well aware of the Ministry's appeal to do so.

“Well I know about the social distancing thing, but I hear that they closing the market and (about) the 6am 6pm curfew. so I'm just here to stock up back on goods and hurry go home back,” Anita Chan stated.

Near the Stabroek Bazaar, there were persons pushing their way through the crowd. Consequently, the

flow of traffic heading north along Water Street was stalled for several minutes.

Around 11:30hrs, in the midst of the increased shopping activities, there was a loud outburst by a woman after a man reportedly snatched her gold chain and made good his escape.

A glimpse of other businesses places in downtown Georgetown revealed long lines outside.

But this was owing to the fact that small numbers were allowed inside.

But there are some who are of the firm belief that some of the measures that

have been implemented could prove to be a disadvantage for some persons.

A money-changer who wished to remain anonymous said, “they should see with some of these people... closing the market, unlike the rich ones, some vendors have to get up every morning to hustle for their family.”

He added, while “it's nice to see the government stepping up their game to tackle the 'Rona', I hope they put some system in place soon to help the street vendors.”

While most fast food

places have stopped allowing persons to dine in, and some stores have closed their shutters, there are others that have settled for reduced hours daily.

But the general state of affairs around the city yesterday was the gathering of much too large crowds which could negatively impact the national response to COVID-19.

“This is we hustle but we better alive than dead... I don't mind giving up a few days on the park to stay home but I'm not rich so I have a question for the Mayor: 'how long we have to stay home?” a vendor questioned.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 04, 2020

PAGE 13

Local COVID-19 toll reaches 23 G

uyana's COVID19 toll has reached an alarming 23. In fact according to information out of the Public Health Ministry, the total number of persons who have been tested have moved from 75 to 83, with the 23 positives, 59 negatives and one remaining inconclusive.

Given the contagious nature of the disease, which had its genesis in Wuhan, China last year, more persons have been taking advantage of toll free numbers the Ministry has provided for persons worried about their COVID-19 status. The total number of calls as of yesterday reached 1,315.

The number of persons in

institutional quarantine is now at 34, while 12 persons are in institutional isolation.

The number of persons currently on home quarantine, known by the Ministry of Public Health, now stands at 149.

The foregoing was shared yesterday when Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, shared, via a live Facebook presentation, the country's novel coronavirus situation.

Dr. Boyle began her update yesterday by impressing upon Guyanese the seriousness of the Coronavirus pandemic. She said that despite the countless appeals for citizens to comply with the preventative measures

Govt. officials were planning...

From page 3 Ministry in January.

The World Health Organization has asked local authorities to ensure that the kits are pulled out of use.

An investigation has also been launched in Kenya where the kits were supplied from. It is believed that the kits were part of a batch donated to Kenya by the US, using donor funding.

The Ministry has said it is continuing to investigate the matter. So did the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD).

outlined by the Ministry of Public Health, along with its stakeholders, “to keep us all safe, Guyanese still continue to act as if it is business as usual.”

She added, “I wish to emphasize that everyone is at risk of contracting the disease.

Therefore, the Ministry is begging to do your part and to adhere to all credible advisories in the media, for your protection and for mine.”

The DCMO was keen to highlight that the Ministry is still experiencing challenges with persons who have been in contact with the disease.

She complained of situations where patients failed to provide the health officials with accurate information, so that they could better manage their situation.

She added that some persons who were placed on home quarantine were either refusing to adhere to instructions, or recommendation given by the surveillance officers, or “down-right refused to be quarantined”.

“I am pleading with all of you to be responsible, to take

this situation seriously, and to assist us in our efforts to combat the Coronavirus disease in Guyana,” Dr. Boyle said.

She further disclosed that the Health Ministry is working with the Ministry of Communities to ensure that transportation is in place for healthcare workers to and from work.

Regarding equipment, the Ministry is also working to ensure that a stock of healthcare equipment reaches all health facilities.

The Ministry of Public Health is also looking at provisions of housing for those health workers dealing with critical persons so as to reduce the risk of infecting their family members.

And according to reports too, the Ministry will soon launch an App which will allow persons to self-test for COVID-19. This is expected to be rolled out on April 5, 2020, on the National Communications Network.

For those persons in areas where NCN is not televised, they can listen to their radio for guidelines on the use of this app.

During her update to the

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle

nation, Dr. Boyle explained that with the app, persons can test themselves for the virus, after which the information will go directly to the Ministry's surveillance team.

After self-testing, persons will be contacted by the surveillance team once they fit any of the following scenarios: if you have travelled and during the 14 days you begin to have a cough, fever or shortness of breath; if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and during 14 days since that meeting you begin to have – a cough, fever or shortness of breath.

If you visited a facility where COVID-19 positive cases have been identified and during the 14 days after that visit you begin to have a cough, fever or shortness of breath “This app will further strengthen the efforts made thus far by the Ministry of Public Health to meet the needs of persons who may suspect that they have signs and symptoms of COVID19,” Dr. Boyle stated It was noted that the Health Ministry is working to ensure the necessary lab equipment are acquired at the soonest possible time to increase the number of COVID-19 tests being done.

GAWU appeals for temporary closure of sugar estates GAWU wants sugar workers and their families protected.

A

m i d t h e Coronavirus outbreak, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is calling on the Chief Industrial Relations Manager, Deodat Sukhu, under the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), to temporarily suspend their operations.

In a letter to GuySuCo officials, GAWU was keen to highlight that workers are becoming more fearful with each passing day, while

Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

noting that the number of infected Guyanese continues to rise.

Against this backdrop, the union stated that, “In our missive, we recognised the Corporation embraced several measures as a means to allay workers' fears.

Those, while welcomed, have not helped to sufficiently subdue workers' concerns at this time, especially given the unfolding national situation.”

Furthermore, the union

wants support to be given to workers, should a temporary suspension of operations be implemented.

GAWU explained that, “The union, in its correspondence, also called on GuySuCo to provide appropriate financial support to the beleaguered and hardpressed sugar workers.

We a d v i s e d t h e GuySuCo that it ought to approach its political bosses to access sufficient financial support to ensure that it can assist its workers in the crisis period. We reminded the state-owned enterprise, that the Government is ensuring that all its workers do not suffer any loss in pay, and therefore, the sugar workers are just as deserving.”

The union body has expressed optimism that the Corporation would sincerely consider its requests adding that, “the sugar corporation has often repeated that its workers are the most important assets, and therefore it should pursue every means to ensure that they and their families are safeguarded and protected at this time.”

'Aunty Vera' is 101 not out

M

arry Adialla also known as “Aunty Vera” of No. 1 Road Corentyne Berbice is 101 years old. The woman who was born and raised in the said community where she celebrated her milestone on March 29, 2020.

She celebrated the occasion with a simple ceremony where family and friends gathered to wish her well.

'Aunty Vera' is bubbly and in good health, except for a little hearing problem.

In an interview with the media, the woman related how she is still able to do a lot for herself and revealed that she is grateful for life. She expressed thanks to God for keeping her alive for so long.

The woman explained that her parents had 10 children – three girls and seven boys. Only three are still alive. She is proud to be the only person in her family that has lived so long.

'Aunty Vera' still has fond memories of her young days.

She stated that she did sewing for a living. “Let me tell you, I did sewing for a living, and I enjoyed it a lot. I sewed for bridesmaids and churches in and out of the area, even in my late 90s,” she revealed. Evidently pleased by the media

At 101 'Aunty Vera' is still bursting with energy

attention, Aunty Vera said that she always encourage people to do the right things in life. “I always tell the little children to behave…Don't make your Mom and Dad shame, do the right things in the world. Up to now I would tell my niece, if she ain't do something too right, I tell her no, don't do that."

“I believe that I did a lot of good things to make the Lord keep me up to this age. I live a nice and decent life," she added She stated too that “a lot

of people have favourite meals, but I don't have a favourite meal; I eat anything that I have.”

Giving a rundown of her daily routine, she stated that after waking up from her bed every day, she would usually start a prayer session, read her Bible, tidy herself and then wait for the day to unfold.

'Aunty Vera' is cared for by one of her nieces. Other relatives usually lend their support and chip in from time to time with her welfare.

Submit Skills Certificate Foreign Affairs application online -Ministry urges

T

he Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken extra measures to protect its staffers and visitors from COVID-19.

It is now urging persons applying for the Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification (commonly referred to as the CARICOM Skills Certificate) to submit their applications via the online platform at www.caps.caricom.org.

“Those utilising the platform will be required to create a profile, scan and upload relevant documents (qualifications; birth certificate; deed poll or other document to support name change, if any; passport size photograph; bio data page of passport; and proof of marital status — if married) to initiate the application process.”

According to the Ministry, as necessary, applicants will be updated and contacted via phone or email on the process and to facilitate the authentication of documents, payment and collection of Certificates.

“Please be reminded that information on the free movement of skills and the categories of persons eligible to apply for the Skills Certificate can be accessed at the following link on the Ministry's website: https://www.minfor.gov.gy/ caricom-free-movement-ofskills-overview/.

Persons requiring further information about the Certificate and the application process should contact the Ministry via e m a i l t o minfor@guyana.net.gy and djordan@minfor.gov.gy or telephone (592) 226-1606 ext. 265 or 247.” The

Ministry reminded that it has become necessary to implement preventive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “As a consequence, the Department is incorporating a number of procedures, including staff rotation, social distancing and the general sanitization of the working environment. In view of the foregoing, members of the public will be given limited and restricted access to the D e p a r t m e n t a n d s t a ff members with immediate effect.”

However, the Ministry said that while it is not intended that there is a total cessation of the operations of the department, it is imperative for strict adherence to the protocols formulated to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 04, 2020

PAGE 15

As COVID-19 toll rises…

Health Ministry promotes 'mental health' tips

W

i t h t h e emergence of the novel coronavirus here in Guyana and growing numbers around the world, it is quite normal, natural and expected that anxiety will increase and people will become worried and emotional.

This is according to Mental Health Unit Director within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas, during an interview with the

D e p a r t m e n t of Public Information (DPI).

Dr. Richmond-Thomas noted that while everyone has been affected psychologically by the pandemic, to effectively win the battle against COVID-19, one must maintain a state of mental health, which is sufficient to allow them to be resilient during this period.

In this regard, she made recommendations in keeping with those of the World Health Organization

(WHO) that will help alleviate the stress and worry that comes with the presence of COVID-19.

WHO has outlined specific recommendations for the general public, the e l d e r l y, t h o s e w i t h disabilities, healthcare workers and children.

Chief among these was that persons should ensure they have someone to talk to about their feelings and their thoughts. That someone can be a family member, friend, healthcare provider, mental

COVID-19 impact…

IPED waiving fees, restructuring clients' loans; working by appointments only IPED is a local loan agency

health specialist or a religious leader.

“Th e p s y ch o lo g ical relief gained by doing so will be tremendous,” Dr. Richmond-Thomas said.

“It is also important to connect daily with those persons who are 'in your corner'; those who support you, empower you and make you feel good about y o u r self,” she further explained.

Added to this, persons should maintain their social networks, while maintaining social and physical distancing.

Technology has proven to be a major 'make-up' allowing thousands to connect through various social media platforms and virtual communication.

Persons are also encouraged to keep occupied by rediscovering hobbies and doing things they love. Also, they can minimise psychological trauma by limiting the amount of COVID-19 news

Director of the Mental Health Unit, Dr. Util Richmond-Thomas they expose themselves to.

Dr. Richmond-Thomas advised, “Do not overload with the bad news. Each exposure to bad news inflicts psychological trauma and several episodes of trauma per day adds up and will be harmful.”

Exercise is also an important way to reduce

stress as it can result in reduced tension and relaxation, deep breathing is also quite calming. Seven to eight hours of sleep per night is also essential along with a balanced diet and drinking lots of water daily.

Persons, who have tested positive for COVID19, have undergone psychosocial support as a part of their recovery process. Their families also underwent the process.

It was recently highlighted by Minister of P u b l i c H e a l t h , Vo l d a Lawrence that relatives, healthcare workers and those generally working frontline also require psychosocial support due to the mental toll caring for those with the virus, as well as stigma and discrimination has on them.

Minister Lawrence called for an end to the unfair treatment and urged that everyone throws their support behind those working to save and protect lives.

Local businesses donate food to citizens

A

s a number of commercial banks and other institutions continue to grapple with the fallouts of COVID-19, the Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited (IPED) has also joined in taking measures to reduce impact on customers.

Among other things, there will be waiving of fees.

The IPED is one of the premier small business financing institutions in the country.

The entity yesterday said that it understands the difficulties which many are currently experiencing in the various enterprises they manage and operate.

“We wish to assure them that it is our intention to continue providing the necessary support that they may need to overcome this difficult period. We have been in communication with

most of our existing clients and are aware of the challenges confronting them. We continue to monitor the situation and to develop solutions to these challenges as they continue to emerge.”

The IPED said that it is wishing to advise clients that all late fees generated after February 29, 2020 will be waived and penalty interest for late or deferred installments will be suspended. “Restructuring, rescheduling, refinancing, deferred installments and payment arrangements will be determined on merit for each loan beneficiary. We reiterate that we understand and will work with all of them to overcome the current crisis.”

The IPED said it has taken steps to increase the frequency of sanitization of its facilities.

“We have placed wash

basins at our offices for you to wash hands before entry and we have implemented the protocols of physical distancing which we encourage all to strictly follow on our premises and at all times in every public place.

We encourage all persons wishing to transact business with IPED to call their various officers and branches before visiting the office.”

According to the entity, visits to the office will only be accommodated by appointments as limited employees are in the office whilst others work from home. “Please call or send your messages to telephone numbers 608-4096 or 6088920 for assistance if you are unable to make contact with your regular loan officer or Manager.”

The entity has branches in the various regions.

Sections of the food items provided by Gandhi's Variety Store

A

s the country goes on partial lockdown through the implementation of curfews, the temporary closure of businesses and a general economic slowdown, it is only natural that some families will have to look for alternatives to source food. Recognizing this, a few local businesses have taken it upon themselves to make available food, snacks and drinks at their facilities for public consumption. Gandhi's Variety Store is among the businesses playing a key role in this regard.

The business has set up tables with loaves of bread, soft drinks, water, and snacks at its Stabroek Market Square outlet for citizens to take home or consume if they are hungry.

These are accompanied by signs that saying: "Please Take One.” In social media posts, proprietor of the Business, Seeon Satrohan, said "Anyone passing at Gandhi's can take a snack if they are hungry, absolutely no judgments. We love you

Snacks on display at Perfect Fit Boutique for public consumption all...please don't worry, we will keep the table full, if you are hungry just take something and eat. Right in the market at Gandhi's, you don't even have to be a customer.”

Perfect Fit Boutique, another local business has also taken a similar approach by making available water, snacks, juice and soft drinks available to their customers and passersby.

They have also put measures in place to ensure that all of their customers sanitize or wash their hands and tissue to dry off.

Speaking to Kaieteur News, owner of the Boutique, Radha Dharie, said that "I am doing it as just a way of showing my concern for my customers who are at home and have kids, they can just come and pick up a snack."

Both of these businesses which were opened for business up to yesterday were following all necessary protocols recommended by the Public Health Ministry to fight the novel coronavirus.

PAGE 16

Venezuela navy vessel sinks after ‘ramming cruise ship’

LEGALNOTICE

SERVICES

FOR SALE

Visa Forms Preparer.

Tel#626-7040, Publish your Death Annoucements & In Memoriams online. Email: dthmemo@gmail.com

6 weeks old purebreed rottweiler puppies. $140,000. #663-1295/639-8924

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Boodhoo’s General Store will be closed until further notice.

Order via Telephone & delivery will be done.

Contact# 260-4124/4018/4115 / 650-0402/ 603-1402.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

WANTED

We repair Fridge, Freezer, AC, Washer, Dryer-Call#231-0655/ 683-8734 Omar.

NOTICE

Skilled mason & labourers to work in Georgetown. #6029469/660-6385/687-2506 One Spindle Maker. Kindly contact Jettoo’s Lumberyard & Sawmill. Tel# 226-2756/2255341 1 Male Bahir to work in the Interior, must know to bake as well between the ages 30-45.

Contact#668-4973

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent condition, Low Mileage (50,000Km).$3.4M Neg.Call #649-0956.

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS & SUV'SCALL:643-5122./ 656-0087 WEB: WWW .PROGRESSIVEAUTORENTA L.COM LAND FOR SALE Land for sale in Herstelling New Scheme (44x87) $3.2 Million. Contact Alistair #626-8040 PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale- Station Street Kitty. # 225-7746 TOLET LodgeApartments (Vlissengen/Durban): Unfurnished $40,000-$60,000 p/m. Furnished ( For Visitors) $600 US p/m. #633-8514/6687305/697-6421

Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

Newly renovated apartment for rent, Peter’s Hall. #6481391/698-5800 (1) One & (2) bedroom apartment available in Providence. Tel#672-1906 Bottom flat fully furnish 25 Oronoque fully furnished 25 Oronoque St, fully furnished, grill/mesh windows/doors.

Call: 226-7012 VACANCY Security Officers to work, preferably ex army, police or disciplined services.Age 2440.Contact#223-4172/6396648.

Maid to cook and clean for East Bank area. Call:615-9132 Vacancy for one Experienced Teacher who love reading to teach a 5 yr old boy. Call#6231615.

REPUBLIC OF GUYANA COUNTY OF BERBICE 2020 N.43-FD BERBICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND M AT R I M O N I A L JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION Petition No.43-FD/2020 Petition for Divorce and Other Matrimonial Causes Between: ROYSTON MC INROY Petitioner PATRICIA MC INROY nee JOHANNES Respondent TO: PATRICIA MC INROY nee JOHANNES OF LOT 8 CALCUTTA, MAHAICONY, EAST COAST, DEMERARA AND FORMERLY OF TRINIDAD. TAKE NOTICE that on the 27th day January, 2020 a petition for divorce was filed against you by ROYSTON MC INROY Petitioner in the family division of the high court in New Amsterdam, Berbice, Guyana AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of the order made on the 12th day of March,2020 the petitioner was directed to effect service of his petition for divorce, form “3” Notice of proceedings and form “4” blank acknowledgement of service, on you by publication of this notice in 2(two) consecutive issues of a newspaper in general circulation in Guyana and in 2(two) consecutive weekly issues of the newspaper in general circulation in Trinidad and Tobago AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or attorneyat-law at the registry of family division of the High Court at New Amsterdam, Berbice, where you will be issued with a certified copy of the petition for divorce together with related documents.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to defend this divorce then upon receipt of the certified copy of the divorce petition you must file an acknowledgement of service/notice of intention to defend (forms are all available at the registry) answer and/or cross petition in the registry of the family division of the high court in New Amsterdam, Berbice, within 42(forty-two) days from the date of the second and final publication of this notice AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that the petition for divorce is fixed for directions hearing on the 28th day of May,2020 at 9:00A.M. in the direction hearing room of the family division of the High Court New Amsterdam, Berbice IN DEFAULT OF your filing and acknowledgement of service/notice of intention to defend

(BBC News) A Venezuelan navy coastal patrol boat sank in the Caribbean after allegedly ramming a cruise ship that it had ordered to change direction.

The owners of the Portuguese-flagged RCGS Resolute said the naval vessel Naiguata also fired shots in an “act of aggression in international waters”.

The collision left the cruise ship, which has a reinforced hull for sailing in icy waters, with only minor damage.

Venezuela accused the Resolute of an act of “aggression and piracy”.

It also said it “did not rule out” that the cruise ship “was transporting mercenaries to attack military bases in Venezuela”.

President Nicolás Maduro has previously accused the United States and other countries of plotting to overthrow him.

The incident took place near La Tortuga Island, a Venezuelan federal dependency, on 30 March.

Columbia Cruise Services, which operates the Resolute, said the cruise ship had been carrying out routine engine maintenance in international waters more than 13 nautical miles (24km) from La Tortuga.

A statement from the Hamburg-based company said

The RCGS Resolute, currently in Curaçao, sustained minor damage to its bow (Photo Credit: Columbia Cruise Services) that shortly after midnight, the Naiguata radioed the Resolute, questioning its intentions, and ordered the captain to follow it to a port on Isla Margarita, to the east. “While the master was in contact with the head office, gunshots were fired and, shortly thereafter, the navy vessel approached the starboard side at speed... and purposely collided with the RCGS Resolute,” it added.

“The navy vessel continued to ram the starboard bow in an apparent attempt to turn the ship’s head towards Venezuelan territorial waters.”

Although the Resolute - a purpose-built polar expedition vessel - suffered minor damage, the patrol boat began taking on water after hitting its bulbous bow, according to the statement.

Columbia Cruise Services said the Resolute remained in the area for more than an hour and contacted rescue coordinators on the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaçao.

All attempts to contact the Naiguata went unanswered and the Resolute eventually sailed to Willemstad on Curaçao, it added.

A statement by the Venezuelan military (in Spanish) accused the Resolute of “cowardly and criminal” behaviour, “since it did not attend to the rescue of the crew”.

It said all the crew of the Naiguata had been rescued, but did not give details.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López accused the Resolute of ramming the vessel, “which caused its sinking”.

Saying all the right things...

From page 4 leaders confront and clash endlessly, while the children either cower, or are forced to take sides. And then, there are always those magnanimous relations and associations from next door, or elsewhere, who are LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE CONTD and answer and/or cross petition the court may proceed in your absence and may make any order if conditions appropriate including granting this divorce.The Registry of the family divison of the high court is located at New Amsterdam, Berbice. This office is located to the public between 8:00 hours to 3:30 hours Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00 to 2:30 PM on Friday except on public holidays and on such days as the registry is closed.

Dated this 23rd day of March,

20

summoned urgently to rescue.

Again. To help pick up the pieces. Again. To restore shattered spirits. Again. That is, until the next time sure to come, when the worse and unmanaged and unaddressed weaknesses live on and deepen.

Some have led to the lethal.

Just as how community, the neighbourly, and family cannot help such warring and self-destructive partnerships; so, too, it is at the nationally perpetually hostile level. No court, no Caribbean Community, no international agency can succeed in bringing and putting us together, in fusing us together on an enduring basis.

The domestic partners, no matter how handicapped or wasteful the record, have to agree to work this out for staying together and try really hard together; or together decide on going separate ways. And we know what that means, don’t we? I do. I will settle for the simplest phrase: divide us officially; make it what we want it to be, since we cannot coexist together in the same space. There! I said it.

Simply by looking at newspapers, I have no doubt that we are a smart set of

people. Sometimes, we are too smart for our own good.

And no sheltering under democratic norms and principles and altruisms can diminish that; or deter me from thinking this way. We are not ready for its demands; don’t know what to do with democracy. Nor are we prepared to discover and deploy what is required when the challenges come. We have had such challenges repeatedly, and we have failed abjectly.

I foresee that the community - whoever and from wherever - will come.

And then they will go, leaving us with our 5-year plasters and poultices. And then we will still have each other to face daily. How will we be, but the only way that we have always known. How can we be any other? There is limited upside in that.

It is the most savaging of ironies that in this one nation of supposedly “One people…,” we are anything but… Never is. And somehow, some people tell me that we can be different this time. I say wait until the next time.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 04, 2020

PAGE 17

COVID-19 disrupts ExxonMobil's drilling plans for Guyana I

n light of current travel restrictions resulting from the novel Coronavirus, ExxonMobil has made plans to adjust drilling activities offshore Guyana. Kaieteur News was able to confirm this with ExxonMobil's Public Relations and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud.

While this decision has been taken, the official noted that ExxonMobil Guyana is working assiduously towards limiting the disruption of the coronavirus to its operations. Persaud added, “We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will adjust operations as necessary with safety and the protection of the environment as priorities.” She, however, declined to provide specifics on the adjustments Exxon said it would be making.

Be that as it may, Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, was able to disclose that ExxonMobil had planned to drill over 20 wells but the Coronavirus has affected the approval process.

Adams explained that initially, ExxonMobil had

planned to drill 31 wells in three blocks--Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje.

The EPA Head said, “They were split up into three blocks and 25 were for the Stabroek. Permission has not been granted as yet because we are still r e v i e w i n g t h e Environmental Management Plans for those.

Then they have three planned for Canje but that is not permitted. Another three were supposed to be for Kaieteur but after some discussion, they decided to just do one so it is now 29 wells. This entire process would be affected because of the Coronavirus and the need to do staff rotations, etc…”

ExxonMobil owns a 45% stake in the Stabroek Block, with Hess Corporation HES holding a 30% interest. The remaining 25% stake at the block is owned by CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a subsidiary of CNOOC Limited CEO. In the adjoining Kaieteur

Block, located north of Stabroek, operator ExxonMobil owns a 35% interest, partnered by Ratio Energy of Israel and Hess.

The 13,500-square kilometer Kaieteur Block's water depth is in the range of 2,800 -3,800 meters.

Moreover, in the 6,021square kilometer Canje Block located east of Stabroek, ExxonMobil holds a 35% operating stake. It is partnered by Total S.A, JHI

Associates, and MidAtlantic Oil and Gas. Just a few weeks ago, ExxonMobil told the world market that significant budget cuts would be forthcoming as a result of the coronavirus.

While it is still to make those details known, approval for two of its major projects here, Payara and Hammerhead, have been stalled as a result of the current state of affairs.

EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams

ExxonMobil's Public Relations and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud

PAGE 18

Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

In response to COVID-19...

Govt. orders partial, countrywide lockdown for one month - 6pm-6am curfew; citizens restricted to home - no parties, seawalls, clubs, creek, pool, religious gathering - police have authority to stop vehicle, vessel, airplane; make arrests Government has announced a partial, countrywide lockdown as part of the response to restrict the spread of the COVID-19, the novel coronavirus disease.

With 23 persons confirmed infected and four dead so far, Guyana would be joining the rest of the world in restricting travel and public gatherings.

In recent days, however, there has been growing fears that the population was not paying heed with persons going about their businesses and even grocery shopping in groups.

Yesterday, the Minister of Public Health speaking of the emergency measures released, said that persons will be restricted to their homes with only essential workers allowed out.

The restrictions have halted all crowds at weddings and funeral and religious place of worships and even at creeks and pools.

Persons will not even be allowed to visit patients at hospitals or elderly persons at the Palms.

The measures were criticized for not being worded carefully and even not addressing what happens to media workers and houses.

However, it has been clarified that media workers will be allowed to continue their work.

Below is the full

statement as issued by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

“These emergency measures are made pursuant to the paragraphs (1) and (2)(b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement B, 16th March 2020.

The measures shall take effect from the 3rdApril, 2020 and last for one month unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

1. Restriction to home Except as otherwise provided in this notice every person shall remain in the confines of his or her home and its yard space.

2. Restriction on social activities No person shall host, attend or visit- a private party; a recreational or competitive sporting event; a wedding, other than the bride, the bridegroom, official witnesses and the marriage officer; a banquet, ball or reception; a bar or rum shop; the seawall; a pool, creek or river; a wake or vigil; a gym; a beauty salon or spa; a club or discotheque; a meeting of a fraternal society, private or social club or civic association or organisation; or any other social activity.

No water sports or recreational activities shall be allowed on any river, creek and internal waters.

No more than 10 mourners, one officiant and the funeral director and the necessary staff shall attend a funeral.

3. Restriction on visitation No person shall visit or be permitted to visit- any place of quarantine or an isolation facility; a prison or correctional facility; a patient in a hospital, nursing home, senior citizens’ home or any other care facility.

4. Curfew A curfew is hereby imposed throughout Guyana from the 3rdApril, 2020 to 3rdMay, 2020 between the hours of 6:00pm and 6:00am.

5. Public Service, Statutory Bodies and Stateowned Enterprises All persons employed within the public service, a statutory body or a stateowned enterprise shall work remotely from home, except as may otherwise be directed by the Minister of Public Health acting on the advice of the responsible Ministers and Heads of agencies.

6. Essential Services Subject to subparagraphs (2) and (3), all services shall remain closed except for the following essential services which may carry on operations for 24 hourshospitals, healthcare and medical services including

pharmacies, drug stores and private veterinary services; nursing homes, orphanages, shelters and other related care centers; immigration; the Guyana Revenue Authority; electricity services; water supply services; the disciplined forces; prison services; solid waste management, sewerage and janitorial services; air traffic control; Demerara Harbour Bridge and Berbice River Bridge; hotels and accommodation; factories, manufacturers or distributors of food supplies and essential goods including medical supplies where the Minister of Public Health has determined that the continuation of these operations do not pose a risk to public health.

The following services may be opened between 6:00am to 5:00 pm- banks; markets, supermarkets, fruits and vegetable stalls and neighbourhood shops; food services and restaurants only for delivery, drive through and take away services and gas stations.

Any service not listed in subparagraphs (1) and (2) may only continue their services if their employees can work exclusively from home.

7. Social Distancing and Physical Distancing Protocols Any service mentioned under paragraphs 5 and 6 shall make the necessary arrangements to facilitate social and physical distancing and shall- ensure that all staff and other persons maintain physical distancing of at least six feet in or outside of their establishment, if in a line to enter the establishment; determine the number of persons that may be permitted in the establishment at any one time by permitting one person for every thirty square feet of

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence store space; place distance markers at least six feet apart, indicating where each customer shall stand on a line at a check out point or other line; place distance markers at least six feet apart on the outside of the establishment, indicating where customers shall stand while waiting to enter the establishment.

8. Religious Worship Except for the conduct of funeral services and weddings, all churches and places of religious worship including mosques and temples shall be closed.

Subparagraph (1) does not prohibit any religious worship by virtual or electronic means provided that if virtual or electronic worship is being carried on in the place of worship the number of persons in that place shall not exceed five persons and the social distancing of six feet between persons shall apply.

9. Domestic Travel Any person who provides transport within Guyana whether by land, water or air shall not carry in that transport more than half the number of passengers which the motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft is licensed to carry and the operators and passengers of any motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft shall have personal protective equipment.

A motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft shall not be used for a purpose other than a purpose related to a service under paragraphs 5 and 6.

The Police Force shall have powers to stop any motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft and inquire as to the purposes for which that motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft is being utilised, and may arrest anyone found in violation of this paragraph.

Medical evacuation flights shall be allowed with only the patient, one health official and, where necessary, one family member.

10. International Air Travel The Cheddi Jagan International and Eugene F. Correia International Airports shall remain closed to all international flights except for outgoing flights, cargo flights, medical evacuation flights, technical stops for fuel only and special authorised flights.

11. Offence Any person who fails to comply with any of these measures commits an offence under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable on summary conviction to the penalty provided under that section.

12. Revocation All curfews or measures taken under any law or administratively are revoked except those made by the Ministers responsible for Education, Civil Aviation, Maritime, Immigration and Finance.

Made this 3rd day of April, 2020. ……………………………

Hon. Volda Lawrence Minister of Public Health

...Elections recount confirmed From page 8 accepted, he later said that it is an explicit position.

On the other side, Alexander said that the matter of what will happen at the end of the recount has not been decided on.

Though the question was floated during the meeting, he said that GECOM is yet to sort out that modality. However, he rhetorically asked, "If you had corrupt elections and the recount brings that up, what

is the purpose of the recount?"

The government-nominated Commissioner said that the recount is “clearly to determine a final count of the credibility of the process”, and that the credibility of the elections would be called into question if anything is found that calls the freeness or the fairness of the elections into question.

The lack of clarity on this issue was posed to the Chair of GECOM through its Public

Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward. Up to press time, there was no response.

Most of the modalities of the recount are still to be sorted out.

The Commission was expected to have a second meeting in the afternoon yesterday, after a request was tendered by Commissioner Robeson Benn for time to gather some document(s), according to Alexander. That meeting did not occur.

Saturday April 04, 2020

Gymnastics - Russia coach urges team to stay in shape under quarantine LONDON (Reuters) The main concern for the coach of Russia’s women’s gymnastics team is that they do not gain weight in quarantine at home, she said after the squad’s training camp was cancelled this week due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

All activities at the Novogorsk training centre in Moscow were halted this week after local media reported that men’s team coach Andrey Rodionenko and one of his team members had tested positive for the coronavirus.

Women’s team coach Valentina Rodionenko,

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Kaieteur News

Andrey’s wife, told TASS media yesterday that her husband had taken a subsequent test which came back negative.

All team members based at the training centre have been sent into self-isolation, like many across the globe.

However, Valentina Rodionenko’s main concern is that the temptation to indulge in home comforts will not become overwhelming for her athletes. “We will be home in quarantine until April 15. The main thing is that the girls don’t gain any weight. That’s the main problem. They have all received homework...,” the 83-year-old said.

WNBA postpones start of season due to coronavirus

Almost all gymnastics events or World Cups this season have been postponed or cancelled, with the Olympic Games in Tokyo also having been moved to 2021.

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday prolonged until April 30 a paid non-working period across Russia in a move he said was designed to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Russia, which has reported 4,149 cases and 34 deaths, has already imposed a partial lockdown on many regions, including the capital Moscow, which has become the epicentre of the country’s outbreak.

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins (7) drives the ball against Connecticut Sun guard Courtney Williams (10) during the second half in game four of the 2019 WNBA Finals at Mohegan Sun Arena. (David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo)

Saturday April 04, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This isn't a good day to get together with your romantic partner, Aries, or even talk on the phone at length. Keep your conversations brief and make arrangements to meet in a few days.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your four walls could seem to be closing in on you today, Libra. You might feel that you'll go crazy if you don't get out for a while. But responsibilities may keep you indoors anyway.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Some technological gadgets that you make copious use of may go out of whack today, Taurus. This could prove frustrating for you, but don't vent your frustrations on them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Sudden psychic insights that seem important could come your way today, but you could be confused about their meaning.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) If you're single, you might meet someone new and exciting today.

You might feel this is the perfect partner for you. Be cautious!

This wonderful new person may have money problems or be jealous and possessive.

CANCER(June21–July22) You might have some important work to do at home, Cancer, but unexpected visitors might have other ideas for your day. Don't get angry or frustrated.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Electronic communication could be difficult today. Everything that can go wrong might go wrong - phones, email, copiers.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Money problems may seem to be escalating, and you could be hard-pressed to find a way to deal with them right now.

The situation is temporary.

Put all paperwork aside for now.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You and some friends might spontaneously decide to do something adventurous, such as take a trip out of town. This might be fun.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) News of an unexpected career break could come your way, Capricorn. This can be exciting and it should make a big difference in your life.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Are you taking a long-distance trip by air? Postpone it if you can. It might end up being slow and tedious. If you must travel, be prepared for delays, lost luggage, or bad weather.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your subconscious mind is active today, Pisces. You might have psychic insights and some odd dreams. However convoluted they may be, they're trying to tell you something, possibly about your relationship with a friend or love partner.

(Reuters) - The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has postponed the start of its 2020 regular season and training camps because of the coronavirus outbreak, the league said yesterday.

The WNBA, whose regular season was originally scheduled to run from May 15-Sept. 20, is the latest league forced to either cancel or postpone games because of the coronavirus.

“While the league continues to use this time to conduct scenario-planning regarding new start dates and innovative formats, our guiding principle will continue to be the health and safety of the players, fans and employees,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a news

Edgbaston to become...

From page 21 to support the fantastic efforts being made by all of our NHS staff in response to the coronavirus crisis.

“We are also very grateful for the support that we have received in delivering this project from Patrizia and Homes England, our development partners.”

The NHS staff COVID-19 testing station will start operating within a few days and will remain at Edgbaston until further notice. While these are not the type of tests anyone expected to see at the ground, they will, at least, ensure Edgbaston continues to play some part in helping the local community.

release.

While a new start date for the 36-game regular season was not given, the WNBA said it will continue to prepare for its virtual draft on April 17 where top prospects will take part remotely.

“This virtual draft allows

players who have worked so hard to have their dreams realized when they hear their names called and provides teams the opportunity to build their rosters in anticipation of the day that we are able to move forward with our season,” said Engelbert.

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Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

Sarwan gives Skerritt Administration passing grade - Wants stronger Regional First-Class tourney

By Sean Devers Former West Indies batsman Guyanese Ramnaresh gave new CWI President Ricky Skerritt’s Administration a passing grade and would like to see better facilities in the Caribbean to produce more players who can produce at the International level.

The 39-year-old, who was born in the Essequibo Island of Wakanaam, was viewed as a young prodigy since he moved to Campbellville in Georgetown as a toddler and reeled off back-to-back centuries for his Primary School Stella Maris. He played the first of his 220 First-Class matches as a 15 year-old to become the youngest First-Class player in the West Indies before making a magnificent 84 against Pakistan in Barbados at 19, while at age 28 years, 228 days he became the youngest West Indian to reach 5000 runs when he scored a century against England in Jamaica in 2009.

The elegant Sarwan played his last Test against India in 2011 at a venue where he announced his arrival on the Test arena, his final ODI was in 2013 when West Indies opposed India and the next year he said goodbye to first-Class Cricket when Leicestershire played Worcestershire in the English

County Championships.

“Since I have retired I spend a lot of time with my family and that has not changed since. I am trying to be as safe as possible during these testing times,” said the proprietor Fitness Gym 53 in Providence, named after his West Indies shirt number.

During his career which was plagued by injuries, he scored 5,842 runs at an average of 40.1 from 87 Tests with 15 centuries and a highest score of 291 against England in the first innings of the fourth Test, equalling the highest score for a West Indian in England made by Sir Vivian Richards. His Test career spanned between March 2000 and June 2011.

After registering his first Test century against Bangladesh in 2002 after 28 matches, his next ton came in a match that has been etched in memory. West Indies chased down 418 against the then number one ranked Test team, Australia in Antigua, a feat that has not been broken as yet.

Sarwan Captained the West Indies in four Tests and scored 5,804 runs from 181 ODIs including five tons and averaged 42.67 while he scored two fifties in 18 T2OIs. In 220 First-Class matches ‘Ronnie’ scored 13,405 runs and made 33 centuries between 1996-2014, while he

led Guyana to the title in inaugural Stanford T20 tournament in 2006 in Antigua and the Caribbean T20 title in 2010 in Trinidad as Guyana qualified for the Champions League in South Africa the same year. Sarwan also played in the 2008 IPL. Sarwan last played competitive cricket in 2016 when he played two matches in CPL for Trinidad &Tobago Knight Riders against the Patriots in Florida and against the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence.

In April last year, ‘Ronnie’ was invited to work with the West Indies team ahead of the Tri-Nations One-day International Series in Ireland and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 England & Wales and again in September last year when he and batting Maestro Brian Lara were brought in to share their knowledge and experiences with Jason Holder’s side in a camp ahead of the first Test against India in Antigua.

“My role with the West indies team was more as a mentor, to offer advice to the players and help them the best way I could.

I was a kind of a mentor to the players and tried my best to assist them in any technical ways and with any shortcomings where I thought they could improve in,” said Sarwan, one of 52

CWI president Ricky Skerritt Guyanese to play Test Cricket.

Last month brought up a year since the Ricky Skerritt led slate won the CWI elections in Jamaica over Dave Cameron.

“Skerrit Administration; when he came in it was a difficult time, not only the financial challenges they had to deal with but so far you got to give him the props where someone deserves props. He has been doing a good job and has had to make hard decisions and it’s good to see when you have to make harsh decisions you make them in the right way. So I would like to see him continue in the path they going so in the coming months they could get some of the things they have been working and they have promised come to fruition,”

said Sarwan who has played for the West Indies, Gloucestershire, Guyana, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Kings XI Punjab, Leicestershire, Stanford Superstars and Trinbago Knight Riders.

The GCC and Demerara right-hander gave his views on the developmental System in the West Indies.

“I think the system we have in place is OK but obviously I think there is room for improvement, of course there is an under-19 camp to help those players and I think if that can be done for the First-Class teams around the region, I think that would be able not only help to improve them mentally but also technically so they would be better prepared for international cricket,”

suggested Sarwan who sponsored a Berbice Cricket Board tournament this year which was won by Rose Hall Youth & Sports Club.

Sarwan wants to see better facilities in the Region to produce better players.

“I have not really looked at Regional in a while, but based on the feedback I am getting is that the standard has dropped a bit, like I have always said before, once you have a very sound and strong first Class level you would obviously be able to go on to make the West Indies team and to be better equipped to perform at the International level I think that is one area we have to look at, so hopefully we would be able to have better facilities in the Caribbean so that players will improve and be ready to play at the highest level,” Sarwan added.

The England series has been suspended due to the Global Pandemic the Corona Virus and the flamboyant Sarwan, one of 37 players to captain the West Indies in Test Cricket, had a message for Guyanese people.

“The Corona Virus has been devastating and I urge everyone to adhere to the instructions and guidelines by the specialists and do the right things. Follow the advice so you can keep your families and those around them safe. Wash your hands and practice social distancing and try to stay indoors if you can,” Sarwan advised.

Foreign stars could be snubbed Bill Gates warned Rafael Nadal in scaled down IPL pandemic would become ‘complicated’, says uncle Toni MUMBAI, India, CMC – West Indies’ Twenty20 stars could find themselves excluded from this year’s Indian Premier League, if a plan by some stakeholders goes forward which would allow the lucrative tournament to come off in spite of the growing threat from the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

The IPL was scheduled to start March 29 but was delayed until April 15 following a March 14 meeting of the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI).

However, India is currently under a 21-day nation-wide lockdown which ends April 15, further putting in doubt the start of the tournament.

And with fears growing the campaign may have to be cancelled altogether, Rajasthan Royals executive chairman Ranjit Barthakur says one of the options on the table was a scaled down tournament without

international stars.

“We look forward to playing the IPL this year, subject to the BCCI getting the requisite approvals,” Barthakur said.

“We are open to a relatively shorter version of the tournament, if needed, with just Indian players. We have always promoted Indian talent and there is plenty of Indian talent now. So, if need be, we will consider that as a possibility.

“However, the final call needs to be taken by the BCCI. We need to wait and watch what they decide.”

Such a move would mean that superstars like West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard and veteran opener Chris Gayle would miss out on the tournament.

Pollard represents reigning champions Mumbai Indians while Gayle, the most successful batsman in T20 history, turns out for Kings XI Punjab.

Left-handers Nicholas

Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, all-rounders Andre Russell, Keemo Paul, Dwayne Bravo and Fabian Allen, along with fast bowlers Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas, and off-spinner Sunil Narine, all campaign in the IPL. India has not been spared an impact from the COVID-19 virus, recording 2500 cases and 72 deaths.

Government last week moved for a nation-wide shutdown to mitigate against any further spread.

Another franchise owner, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said he was not in favour of a scaled down competition and prefer it to be cancelled instead.

“These are difficult times for sure, but we need to consider every aspect and then take a call accordingly,” he said.

“At this point of time, saving lives should be our priority. These are an extreme situation and we need to take tough calls if need be.”

Omnisport - Rafael Nadal was told by Bill Gates in February that the coronavirus would become “complicated”, according to the Spanish great’s uncle Toni.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought sport, including tennis, to a standstill around the world, with Wimbledon cancelled for the first time since World War II. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer played in the Match in Africa in February and Toni said the 19-time grand slam champion was warned about coronavirus by Microsoft cofounder Gates.

“When my nephew was playing in South Africa in February, he spoke to Bill Gates and he told him that what was happening in China was going to get complicated,” Toni Nadal told

Coronavirus: Bill Gates warned Rafael Nadal pandemic would become ‘complicated’, says uncle Toni.

Onda Cero on Thursday.

The Mallorca Open, of which Toni Nadal is the tournament director, is among the events to have been postponed due to coronavirus.

Toni Nadal hopes the tournament can still be held in 2020, saying: “It is not permanently suspended.

“It will try to find new dates to see if it can be done in 2020.”

Saturday April 04, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Mohamed hopeful for DaSilva’s composure, form impresses Harper November race meet Head of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sport Club (GMR&SC) and active Rotary Demerara member; Rameez Mohamed, during an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, explained that he fears the coronavirus pandemic may continue to spread and the GMR&SC, competitors and fans alike would be very grateful if the virus is under control by November for the International race meet at South Dakota.

He posited that, “Coronavirus cases have now reached double digits in Guyana with a reported 19 cases and four deaths as of Wednesday. Linden and Corriverton have both issued measures that will see their residents staying indoors and avoiding large gatherings with the rest of the country set to follow suit.”

Currently, Mohamed shared, the GMR&SC is proactively using its respective social media platforms to get useful and verified information out there to their followers. In addition, the club is cognisant of the fact that many persons are already being affected

financially by the disease and that list will only lengthen as time goes on.

And, in an effort to do their part, the club is currently raising money for a ‘Coronavirus relief fund’ which will be used to help affected persons/families.

Mohamed iterated that, “The health and wellbeing of our people is first priority and although I’m sure many, including myself have missed the racing action at the track, we have to contain this virus first. It’s really hard to predict when the disease will be contained in Guyana but I am hoping for it to be under control as soon as possible.

Until then, we have to look out for each other.”

The GMR&SC hosted two race-meets at the Timehri race track this year, namely the Endurance Championship round one and the National Race of Champions round one in January and February respectively.

Meanwhile, the Dexterity Challenge and the Drag Championship round one that were slated to speed off in March and this month respectively have both be postponed indefinitely.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Trinidadian Joshua DaSilva’s batting during the recent domestic first class championship has not gone unnoticed by West Indies convenor of selectors, Roger Harper.

The 21-year-old emerged from the eight-round tournament with 507 runs at an average of 50 to top Trinidad and Tobago Red Force’s batting, to be the only player to exceed the 500-run mark.

Harper said what had impressed him most was the right-hander’s comfort against both pace and spin, along with his poise in pressure situations.

“He batted very well throughout the tournament. It was a little disappointing that he wasn’t able to just kick on and get at least another hundred,” Harper said.

“But he got a hundred in the Super50 for the Emerging Players and he has shown he’s got the ability to perform consistently and what is the thing that struck me about the young man is his composure – he looked very organised and composed against all

types of bowling.

“The pacers and the spin bowling, even under pressure he seemed to handle them very well. He probably just needs to look at the way he plays the medium pacers but I’m very impressed with his performance.”

DaSilva, who also kept wicket for Red Force, made his first class debut last season, featuring in eight matches but struggling with an average of 21 and just 348 runs.

He redeemed himself during last year’s Super50 Cup, leading the batting for Emerging Players with an average of 44 as the development side produced a stunning upset to win the competition.

His unbeaten hundred in the opening round of the first class championship set the tone for the season as he went on to add three half-centuries to his tally. However, Harper said what he wanted to see more of from the region’s batsmen compile big scores, not just fifties.

“It is something we have to work on. Our players have to learn how to convert starts to half-centuries and halfcenturies to centuries – and I

who have begun their own fund-raising efforts for NHS related charities.

With little immediate prospect of cricket or any of the events that usually occupy Edgbaston, staff at Warwickshire have been looking for ways in which they could help the community through the pandemic. The offer to host a testing centre was gratefully accepted by the Department of Health and Social Care and will be utilised by staff throughout the West Midlands region.

“With our county cricket programme and conference and events business closed until 29 May, our staff have been exploring various options which enable the club to keep supporting our local community during these difficult times, whether that be through making calls to our elderly members and ex-players, volunteering and by offering Edgbaston Stadium for use in the wider civil contingency effort,” Neil Snowball, the Warwickshire chief executive, said.

“Whilst it is a small part to play in grand scheme of things, we are pleased that our stadium can be utilised (Continued on page 19)

think sometimes they get a little bit lost having completed a half-century,” the former Guyana and West Indies offspinner said.

“But these are things we have to work on. They are part of the mental skills we have to develop. They are areas we sometimes ignore – we just look at our ability to strike the

ball and that sort of thing – but our mental skills is an important area which we need to work a little more.

“I think if we do that, we will get more of the type of results we’re looking for, especially our batsmen, they’ll be able to convert and produce the bigger scores that we’re looking for.”

England contracted players volunteer

Edgbaston to become reductions COVID-19 testing centre salary “Following a meeting ESPNcricinfo - England’s

ESPNcricinfo Warwickshire have donated their Edgbaston stadium for the use of the NHS in a bid to help in the battle against COVID-19.

The ground - more specifically, the car park - will be used as a drive-through testing centre for NHS staff.

Those requiring tests will drive in through the Edgbaston Road entrance and undergo the procedure while remaining in their vehicle. They will then leave via the Pershore Road exit.

Warwickshire also plan to offer NHS staff free entry to a Vitality Blast fixture later in the summer. Details of this offer will be released as and when the schedule for the 2020 season is announced.

The UK has witnessed something of an outpouring of gratitude towards NHS staff in recent weeks. As details of the severity of the crisis have become clear, it has also become apparent that many staff - some of whom are not especially well paid - are working in desperately demanding conditions without adequate protective equipment or access to testing. Sam Curran and Jos Buttler are among the England players

Trinidadian Joshua DaSilva.

centrally-contracted men’s players have donated £500,000 to the ECB and selected good causes, while the England women’s squad has volunteered salary reductions for the months of April, May and June, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and the implications for the finances of English cricket.

The move had been hinted at in recent days by England’s senior players, among them Eoin Morgan, the men’s white-ball captain, after it was revealed by ESPNcricinfo that an initial request from Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, for a 20 percent voluntary reduction had fallen on deaf ears with the players’ representatives at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

While the PCA themselves had indicated in a press release earlier in the week that they were seeking a “game-wide” solution to the issue of player wages, it would appear that the players have now taken the matter into their own hands, following criticism of their apparent inaction at a time when many county and ECB employees have been accepting pay cuts or being furloughed for the season.

today of all of the England men’s centrally contracted cricketers, the players have agreed to make an initial donation of £0.5m to the ECB and to selected good causes,” read a statement from the players.

“The precise details of the charitable donation will be decided over the next week by the players.

“This contribution is the equivalent of all of the England centrally contracted players taking a 20% reduction in their monthly retainers for the next three months.

“The players will continue to discuss with the ECB the challenging situation faced by the game and society as a whole and will consider how best to support the ECB and both the cricketing and wider community going forward.

Heather Knight, England women’s captain, spoke on behalf of her squad after accepting a three-month salary reduction in line with their coaches and support staff.

“All the players felt like it was the right response in the current climate to take a pay cut in line with what our support staff are taking. We know how the current situation is affecting the game and we want to help as much

as we can. We will be discussing with the ECB further ways we can help the game in the coming weeks.”

The players’ decision comes after many individuals in both the men’s and women’s squads had made separate contributions to initiatives to combat the

spread of COVID-19. Jos Buttler is currently auctioning the shirt that he wore for England’s victory in last summer’s World Cup final, while Sam Curran has launched a fundraiser for NHS staff. Knight, meanwhile, has put herself forward as an NHS volunteer.

Kenya marathon star Kipsang held for breaking virus curfew AFP - Kenya’s former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang spent the night in jail after being arrested drinking and playing pool with a large group after a nighttime curfew, police said yesterday.

Kipsang, who claimed the world record during the 2013 Berlin marathon, is a police officer who is currently under provisional suspension from the World Integrity Anti-Doping Unit (AIU).

He pleaded guilty in a court yesterday and was released on bail of 5,000 shillings ($47,43 euros).

“We arrested Kipsang and nine others, including one of the administrators of the county at the Keelu Resort club drinking and

playing pool at 10pm,” Iten county police commander John Mwinzi told AFP. Western Iten attracts thousands of elite Kenyan and foreign athletes who flock into the small town, located at 2,400m above sea level, for altitude training.

“This is a very serious offence. These people are respected and they are supposed to lead by example and not breaking the government orders.”

Kenya has imposed a 7pm-5am curfew in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Mwinzi has also ordered the arrest of twelve athletes, including two foreigners found training in a group on Monday for disobeying directives on social distance.

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Saturday April 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

Saturday April 04, 2020

NFL expects to play full season as scheduled despite coronavirus (Reuters) - While the coronavirus wreaks havoc on the global sporting calendar, the NFL said on Tuesday it planned to have a full season, including games in London and Mexico City, and to kick off on time in September.

With a little over five months to go before the 2020 season is scheduled to begin, the NFL has yet to entertain the idea of delaying or shortening the campaign or having its 32 teams play games in empty stadiums.

“Our planning, our expectation, is fully directed at playing a full season starting on schedule and having a full regular season and full set of playoffs,” NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Pash told a conference call.

“Am I certain? I’m not certain that I’ll be here tomorrow, but I’m planning on it, and same thing, we are planning on having a full season.”

A number of major sports events around the world, including the July 24-Aug. 9 Tokyo Olympics, have either been postponed or cancelled in recent weeks because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

The NFL, America’s richest and most watched sport, remains the only major North American professional sports league that has managed to avoid suspending the playing of games because of the coronavirus given its traditional late summer start date.

The league, however, has closed team facilities for the time being, cancelled its annual owners’ meeting scheduled for this week in Florida and made major changes to the April 23-25 NFL Draft in Las Vegas.

The NFL also said it was discussing a “virtual offseason” program that would allow teams to share video and playbooks with

players before eventually launching into the regular season.

When asked about any contingency plans for the 2020 season Pash said the league, which plans to release full details of the schedule around May 9, remains “pretty confident” the campaign will go on as

scheduled.

“All of our discussions, all of our focus has been on a normal, traditional season starting on time, playing in front of fans in our regular stadiums and going through the full 16-game regular season and full set of playoffs,” said Pash.

The NFL’s 2020 season

PAGE 23

Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after winning the Super Bowl LIV. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)

features four games in London and one in Mexico City, all of which Pash said the league expected will be contested as scheduled unless health authorities tell them differently.

“We’re optimistic that just as we expect conditions in the United States to permit playing a full season that that

will be the case for our international partners as well,” said Pash.

“But obviously that’s something that we will have to work closely with the authorities, public health and other government authorities in those other countries to make sure that it’s entirely safe.”

With Wimbledon lost, Federer and Williams running out of Grand Slam opportunities

M

U M B A I (Reuters) T h e cancellation of Wimbledon this week has not only fanned the possibility of a total tennis wipeout for the rest of the season but may also have put an end to the Grand Slam title chase for both Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

Wimbledon was scrapped for the first time since World War Two on Wednesday due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the suspension of professional tennis extended

to July 13.

The entire claycourt and gr asscourt seasons have been cancelled, with the four-month shutdown wreaking havoc on the finances of the lower-tier players.

Tennis Australia head Craig Tiley has said it would be tough for the sport to return before 2021 while All England Lawn Tennis Club CEO Richard Lewis agreed that it was not unrealistic to believe tennis might be done for the year.

While 38-year-old Federer is well insulated f r o m t h e s h u t d o w n ’s

Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during the match against China’s Qiang Wang. (REUTERS /Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo)

financial fallout it could well impact his hopes of adding to his record haul of 20 Grand Slam titles.

The last of Federer’s Slams came at the 2018 Australian Open and the closest he came to adding to his tally was last year’s Wimbledon final.

Federer’s last match was in the Australian Open semifinals before he underwent keyhole surgery on his knee in February. His next chance at a Grand Slam would be the U.S. Open, scheduled in New York from Aug. 31 to Sept. 14.

The French Open, an

event he has skipped in the past, has been rearranged from May to September — a week after Flushing Meadows.

A u s t r a l i a n To d d Woodbridge, a nine-times Wimbledon doubles champion and singles semifinalist, was unsure what was in store for Federer if the season is lost.

“The question that Roger will have to ask himself is how motivated is he to come back for another year?”

Woodbridge told Australian Associated Press this week.

“Or has this actually helped him? But the less match play that you get in this period at that age, it’s so much harder to come back and recover once you start again.

“It has stopped the potential ... of Federer winning one or two more. It becomes very highly unlikely for him.”

While Federer has said he will still be around for Wi m b l e d o n n e x t y e a r Williams has been tightlipped on her future.

The American, who turns 39 in September, lost in last year’s Wimbledon final and remains one Grand Slam

Roger Federer speaks during a media briefing at Cape Town International Airport ahead of his exhibition tennis match against Rafael Nadal, in Cape Town, South Africa, February 5, 2020.

(REUTERS/Sumaya Hisham/File Photo) short of tying Margaret Court’s record 24 major titles.

She has reached four Grand Slam finals since giving birth to daughter Olympia in 2017 but failed to win any of them.

Martina Navratilova, winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, says the situation is not ideal for anyone but for players like

Williams and Federer the clock is ticking.

“The youngsters are missing a chance to improve and match up against higherranked players,” she said.

“The middle players are kind of stuck, and the older players like Serena Williams and Roger Federer, time is not their friend.

“So they lost basically this year this opportunity.”

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