K
GECOM meeting NEWS on way forward - Govt. commissioners ask for postponed chance to read decision of Full court AIETEUR
Thursday Edition April 02, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 13
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COVID-19 deaths double in one day p. 3
…as woman, 78, and man, 59, succumb hours apart; Total cases climb to 19
Is this for real? Guyana’s most vulnerable line up to collect their pensions at Bourda Post Office yesterday
See story on page 14
How Europe sleepwalked into the coronavirus crisis: Reuters Exclusive
p. 19
Kingston wharf purchased by BK days before elections p. 17
readership yesterday 184,404
Get on with the recount! The government-nominated Commissioners on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are straining the patience and tolerance of the nation. Following the agreement between President David Granger and Bharrat Jagdeo to have a recount of the total votes cast in the General and Regional Elections, the government-nominated Commissioners asked to be privy to the agreement so that they can satisfy themselves about certain issues. No sooner was this done and the Commission had unanimously agreed to a recount, an injunction was obtained, by a candidate of the APNU+AFC, stopping the recount. That injunction was discharged on Tuesday 31st March 2020 by the Full Court. There are currently no legal restraints prohibiting GECOM from giving effect to its decision to have a full recount of the votes cast. The pussyfooting by the government-nominated Commissioners must cease. If they need a written decision of the Full Court to understand that the injunction has been discharged, then they should not be sitting on the Commission. The Chairman of GECOM Justice Claudette Singh must bring an end to this charade. Her reputation and integrity, which have been called into question, since March 2nd 2020, are on the line. She once said that all the oil in Guyana could not buy her integrity. She has publicly, and in submissions to the Court, committed to a recount of all votes. She must do her duty and salvage her reputation from further taint. Her actions over the next few days will determine whether she will be true to the commitments she gave to the court and to the nation. More than democracy is now at stake. The nation is battling a deadly virus. An inept political leadership is providing little comfort that it can reduce the disease's deaths and transmission during this ongoing political crisis triggered by the elections. There is no time for further pussyfooting. Get on with the recount!
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Kaieteur News
Thursday April 02, 2020
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 02, 2020
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COVID-19 deaths double in one day ...as woman, 78, and man, 59, succumb hours apart; Total cases climb to 19
T
he country's coronavirusrelated fatalities doubled within the space of several hours yesterday, with the deaths of a 78-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man at the Georgetown Public Hospital and Diamond Diagnostic Centre, respectively. Dead are Osa Collins of New Amsterdam, Berbice, and a male individual, who up to press time, this publication had not learnt of his identity. According to reports out of the Public Health Ministry, Collins' case has been regarded an imported one, since she had travelled to the United States. The previous two COVID-19 deaths were those of Ratna Baboolall [another imported case] and Jermaine Ifill [local transmission]. Confirming earlier yesterday that the total number of cases had moved from 12 to 19, within 24 hours, was Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, during a Facebook live update. The Minister also disclosed that another suspected case continued to be inconclusive. This publication understands that the case has been ruled inconclusive because laboratory personnel have been unable to extract novel coronavirus traits from the samples taken from the subject.
And while the Minister's update included confirmation of Ms. Collins' death, it was late last evening that the fourth victim succumbed to complications from the disease. Yesterday, the Minister also sought to put to rest concerns that the recent death of a patient at the West Demerara Regional Hospital was related to COVID-19. “This patient did not, I repeat did not, contract the Coronavirus disease, nor did he die from COVID-19, as is being alleged. His death was as a result of his underlying conditions,” said the Minister. She moreover appealed for “those persons stigmatizing the family to desist from this practice and not indulge in fake news. Rather, let us empathize with the family for the loss of their loved one.” And for those who still have “lingering” concerns as to who should be tested for the virus, the Minister presented multiple scenarios of persons fitting the testing criteria. “Scenario1: If you have travelled and during the 14 days you begin to have a cough, fever or shortness of breath; Scenario 2: 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
Coronavirus pandemic...
Parks closed for Easter weekend
W
i t h t h e mission of following guidelines recommended by the National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19 and other key health agencies, the Protected Areas C o m m i s s i o n ( PA C ) yesterday announced that all of their urban parks will be closed on the Easter weekend from April 9th14th. These parks include the Botanical Gardens, Joe Vieira Park and the National Park. The commission was also keen to note that the zoo will remain closed to the public until further notice. Furthermore, event reservations for the use of any of the parks will not be accepted, since the
Commission's offices were temporarily closed with immediate effect until April 30th. The protected areas of Almond and Shell Beach also remain closed to visitors until further notice. “In order to protect and safeguard the Commission's staff and the general public, the aforementioned were taken,” the PA C said yesterday in a statement to the press. It added that, “The PAC/ NAC calls on all Guyanese to adhere to the necessary precautions and advice as we seek to end the spread of COVID-19. The Commission will update the public in the event of any change to the abovementioned measures”.
breath; Scenario 3: 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 or Scenario 4: in order to protect our patients, all hospitals will have a mandatory test done on patients to be admitted with all the symptoms - cough, fever, shortness of breath that cannot be explained from a clinical perspective,” the Minister explained. As such, she made it pellucid that persons presenting with a fever and other symptoms such as shortness of breath or cough will not automatically be categorized as COVID-19positive. The Ministry, according to her, follows testing guidelines provided b y t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization [WHO]. Based on the Ministry's COVID-19 surveillance data, thus far, the geographical reach of the virus is limited to Region Three [one positive], Region Four [17 positives and one inconclusive] and Region Six [one positive]. According to Minister Lawrence, the total number of persons who have been tested has moved from 52 to 70 with 19 positives, 50 negatives, and the one inconclusive. Added to this, she revealed that 36 persons are in institutional quarantine, 11 in isolation, and one remains hospitalized in the COVID-19 ICU Unit. The Minister said too that the Ministry has endorsed 119 home quarantines, even as
Dead: Osa Collins Region Six expands its quarantine facility to cater for 30 additional persons. As it pertains to containing and mitigating the further spread of the virus, the Ministry has moved to strengthen community and hospital surveillance as well as the rapid response surveillance team, Minister Lawrence said. In this quest, the Minister provided an update on an Action Plan for the BarimaWaini Region, pointing out that “the Mabaruma Regional Hospital has developed an External Triage area and a coloured hand band system for the differentiation of cases.” Added to this, she said that “a separate isolation facility has also been identified with capacity for eight to 10 persons and quarantine capacity for two persons, which will expand as we go along.”
Complementing the efforts already implemented in that Region is the introduction of hand washing stations, complete with running water and hand soap, at the entrance to the hospital, the Minister shared. According to her, too, “the cleaning staff has already started two hourly sanitisations of floors and surfaces.” The novel coronavirus first surfaced in Wuhan, China but has since found its way into more than 200 countries infecting more than 900,000 people with over 46,000 fatalities. Given the unprecedented contagious characteristics of the virus, local health officials have been appealing for persons who
believe they have been exposed to call hotlines set up by the Public Health Ministry to report their conditions or related concerns. [Some of the hotline numbers are: 227-4986, 2317490, 231-1166, 226-7480, 624-9355, 624-6674, 6243067] According to Minister Lawrence, as of Tuesday, calls to the COVID-19 hotlines moved from 1,065 to 1,142. Meanwhile, in lauding the efforts of frontline health workers, the Minister said, “let me first commend the courageous and indefatigable efforts of all of you. The Ministry of Public Health is appreciative of your daily sacrifice to keep us all safe.” Moreover, the Minister hastened to lash out at those who, she said, have been opting to stigmatise the valiant efforts demonstrated by these frontline health workers. “I now wish to make an appeal to all those who are bent on stigmatizing our health workers (refusal of entry to public transportation, among others), to immediately put an end to this. You are being irresponsible and weakening our line of response by your negativity. In this moment of crisis, we need to work in concert and fight this war together. We need to give our (continued on page 9)
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Thursday April 02, 2020
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
There has been dereliction of duty We at this publication are compelled to call matters for what they are, as we are left with no other choice. It is a critical matter of self-protection and national survival. Regardless of the angle from which looked at, there has been dereliction of duty. No Guyanese has to be in the military to be familiar with the duties and obligations that are mandatorily required at this hour, this most testing of times in this society. For what we have is a crisis on our hands which, if left unmanaged or is mismanaged - be it accidentally or incompetently or deliberately - could very well lead to the worst of national catastrophes. Something has to be done, many things, but nothing of substance is happening. Not at the ministerial level, not at the presidential level. We have to say it without shrinking, and we do. On this issue, this existential threat, involving the raging COVID-19, still unknown as to where it accurately and honestly is in Guyana, the opposition could be allowed a temporary pass. But the politics has to stop and stop immediately. His Lordship the Mayor of the city of Georgetown, the epicentre of life in Guyana, says he has no legal authority to lockdown the capital. He may or may not be right, but the same cannot be said of His Excellency, President David Granger. Our wellbeing and very existence are at stake. This is not the time for politics or continuing elections antics. This is the time for the priorities demanded by the potential of coronavirus to inundate us and overwhelm us; to supersede all other calculations and visions. Put a pause on matters concerning elections. Escalate the campaign called for to confront and combat the virus. To do anything other than what is called for would be tantamount to a gross dereliction of duty. We appeal to the president to do what is not just necessary, but absolutely mandatory now. Do the right thing and do it now. Lockdown the country and lock it down beginning today. Already it may be too late. Many have more misgivings about the official numbers that are coming out of the Ministry of Public Health, relative to confirmed cases. Not when our people are milling about in congested places like parks and marketplaces; not when pensioners are lining up in numbers outside post offices; not when schools are closed, and the traffic lanes across the Harbour Bridge are clogged and the lines snake all the way back to Vreed-enHoop. Those commuters are going somewhere, and congregating somewhere, whether in offices or shops or other public spaces. Nobody knows who has anything, or who could contract anything in any place. It flies in the face of good sense to shut down the airports and partially close the borders, but leave the densest gatherings alone and on their own. We say partial for some of the borders, because there are reports of breaches and people still arriving here from other neighbouring countries. What they bring and where they go is anybody’s guess. We urge respectfully, but most strenuously, close the country down. Close it now. Please do not play with our lives, already made wretched and empty due to elections calculations. Whatever the visions, whatever the contemplations, we would hope that it is not to stretch out the legal approaches before the courts to maximize the calendar and then if matters go against, then, and only then, move urgently to declare a state of national lockdown, which is what should have been effected a long time ago. We at this paper would hope - indeed, take serious objection - that the citizens of this country are not being used as electoral cannon fodder in the daily frontlines of what is a war against an unseen and unknown enemy, a mortal enemy that knows neither race nor winner. Do not do this to the peoples of this nation, be they supporters or others. This is the time to stand down from elections foolishness and insanities that have dragged on too long, and which have dragged us all down into an
The COVID-19 pandemic calls for all to act with the utmost personal responsibility DEAR EDITOR, The information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is crystal clear: self-isolation reduces the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID19. The mayors of Bartica, New Amsterdam, Linden and Corriverton have all got the message and taken action to protect the citizens of their towns from the spread of COVID-19 by imposing a number of measures, including curfews and the closing of non-essential businesses. Contrarily, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) continues to refuse to close bars, nightspots and non-essential businesses, such as clubs and gyms. We, who live and/or work in Georgetown and its environs or who have friends and family who do, would like to know if the M&CC is aware that the Ministry of Public Health’s latest COVID-19 update states that based on WHO’s prediction, Guyana is expected to have approximately 1,400 cases of COVID-19. There have been three deaths, 19 confirmed cases and at least 5 having been infected through local transmission, and some 43 people are in institutional quarantine and dozens more in home quarantine. We all know that Guyana does not have the human and medical resources to deal with a large
outbreak of COVID-19, so prevention is our best option. With this knowledge, we call on the M&CC, the Ministries of Communities and Public Security and all other relevant authorities to immediately take all necessary steps to protect all who live and/or work in Georgetown from exposure to and possible death from COVID-19. We call for the immediate closure of all bars and nightspots. Alcohol consumption is proven to dull the senses, increase domestic violence and lead to risky behaviour, including not taking necessary precautions to guard against COVID-19 transmission. Gyms, clubs, and other non-essential businesses should also close at 6.00 pm daily, and workplaces should be encouraged to have their employees who can work from home do so as soon as possible. As other municipalities have taken the initiative to do, there should be no gatherings whatsoever of more than 3 people and social distancing of 6 feet must be maintained. Restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets should be checked to ensure the proper hygiene measures are in place and encouraged to close in-house service and increase their take away and delivery services. An advisory should be issued to all market and road side
vendors about necessary measures to ensure their safety and the safety of their customers and the population in general. It is a fact that women will be particularly vulnerable to domestic violence and children to child abuse including child sexual abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Help & Shelter has hotlines and both Help & Shelter and Red Thread have services available, as do Blossom, ChildLink (for children at risk) and United Bricklayers. The Ministry of Social Protection needs to ensure that the distribution of pensions is done in a way that reduces the number of senior citizens having to spend hours in long lines, thus
exposing them to greater risk from COVID-19. Such measures need to be publicly advertised and made known to pensioners. We know that the elderly tend to suffer inordinately from underlying conditions, making them the most vulnerable to infection. More people will be using ATM services during this period to avoid contact with others in the banks. The Association of Bankers should advise its members to ensure that their ATMs are regularly sanitised as the virus can remain on metal and plastic surfaces for days. The countries with the highest number of infections and deaths are those that did not take the necessary preventive measures quickly (Continued on page 6)
Sanctions DEAR EDITOR, Observing that GECOM and its officials are not serious about recounting the votes and are antagonizing, stressing and holding Guyanese to ransom, the ABC and EU countries, the OAS and other international organizations should start putting sanctions on the GECOM officials and other parties who are frustrating the process. This will send a stern and clear message to those who want to do their own thing. We are experiencing what Jessie Burnham said about her brother Forbes – his
personal ends to power justify any means of achieving it and we, the people, will only be pawns in his endless game. The government commissioners, the CEO and other officials are making manifest the words of Jessie. GECOM is certainly a national disgrace and its officials are happy to wash their shame and drink it. How much longer must Guyanese wait to swear in the rightful winner of March 2 Elections? Sincerely, Ed
The GECOM-masquerade has exposed our ethnic fault line DEAR EDITOR, The events of the last year or so - constitutional breaches and defiance, along with the GECOM dodges and attempts to swear in the wrong president - have rendered Guyana an unstable environment. The public is not free from major threats to their safety and national and international actors are unable to engage in building or rebuilding political, economic and other key governance structures and institutions. Clearly, there has been a breakdown of the rule of law. People are no longer
protected from anarchy, as well as from arbitrary exercise of power by public officials; and they are prevented from carrying out their daily affairs with confidence. Amidst all of this, the ethnic fault line has become more pronounced. Some people are looking back at the 1963-64 events while others reflect on those of 1999-2001. The common thread running through their minds is whether we are about to relive those sad episodes. Most of us would agree that reducing ethnic discrimination, tension and
irrecoverable place. We call on President David Granger to do the right thing and take charge, by leading from the front, on this the greatest challenge that this young nation has ever faced. Because what he is doing (or not doing) does not make any sense anymore. Nobody trusts the official numbers anymore, not when Trinidad has reported five times as many confirmed cases as us. Not with our fragile and very limited healthcare system. Not when we are still a visibly wide-open society in quite a few places. Private businesses have taken the timely and commendable
conflict requires integrating the major groups into an institutional and social fabric system; and that democracy is built through active participation of citizens in decisions that affect their lives and through opposition to entrenched patterns of unjustified inequality. Given the current tyranny of the minority, which threatens to widen the ethnic gap and deepen ethnic resentments, how do we as a nation move forward as one people, one nation, with one destiny? I am tempted to offer one radical solution espoused by some politicians decades ago, but that would run counter to what I believe
in and have worked for over the years. I now join the international community, the Guyanese Diaspora, and likeminded progressive Guyanese in calling on Mr Granger, his cabal and his followers to accept the results of the March 2, 2020 General Elections so that the rightful president could be sworn in. It is time to correct this dysfunctional democracy and forge ahead with national development in peace, progress and prosperity. Sincerely, Ronald Singh Barrister & Solicitor
step of narrowing their hours. Businesses are going to suffer and so, too, will workers who may be sent home to save them. Businesses and workers are going to need urgent help, material help. Let government arrangements be made to tide them over for a time, while a comprehensive ban on all but essential services is put in place. Seek some immediate access to some funding from that oil revenue deposit. This is not the time for politicking, nor the time for elections nor the outcome of the courts. Now is the time for President Granger to lead. The baton stops with him. To do otherwise would amount to dereliction of duty of the gravest kind.
Thursday April 02, 2020
There is no basis for power sharing between PPP and PNC DEAR EDITOR, Suggestions for power sharing usually emerge when the PPP wins an election. And the idea is usually to appease the PNC or else there will be trouble, instability, fear, panic, and gridlock. With the tricks they are doing now and have done since the No Confidence Vote, does any Guyanese think the PNC will be a good partner for power sharing? During 1964-1992, when the PPP realized the PNC will never gave up power as Burnham and his PNC routinely rigged elections, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Father of the Nation, had suggested a National Front Government. The PNC was never interested; Burnham wanted absolute power and even gave himself a two-thirds majority of the votes at one “election.” In 2015, the PNC promised constitutional reform, but did zero to move that forward once it got in. In 2016, the PNC lost the Local Government Election (LGE) by 25,000 votes. In 2018, it lost the LGE by 45,000 votes. In December 2018, the PNC was defeated in a No Confidence Motion. In none of these defeats did the PNC and its cohorts call for power sharing with the PPP. The PNC with a one seat and vote win (in Region 8 it won by one vote and no recount was allowed), governed in a triumphalist manner. With no sensitivity to diversity, it fired many supporters of the PPP, hired its own supporters and stacked all the state boards and commissions with its own people, largely locking out the PPP and allowing it token representation. In the regions that the PPP won, the PNC appointed its own REOs who created gridlock and stymied efforts at regional development, especially in Region 5. So, while it’s a good idea, any calls for power sharing is premature as the preconditions and foundations for such an advanced political structure simply do not exist. The PNC did not keep its promise to its main partner the AFC which caused them to
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win the 2015 election. In the 2020 election, the distrust for the AFC was so bad that the PM running mate had to sign that he cannot become the President. That led to an agreement that was so bad, it was kept a secret. The PNC also did not keep its promise with its first coalition partner, the UF (United Force). There is nothing in the PNC’s history and current behaviour that shows it is interested in power sharing. The PNC has always been interested in “power” not “sharing.” Mr. Granger at a meeting said they were “born to rule.” The PNC thinks that because it dominates and controls all the state agencies, including the coercive arms of the state the Guyana Police Force, the Army and various military forces, and GECOM, that it does not have to win, that it can simply seize power, knowing that its control of the state apparatus will guarantee that they stay in power. That worked before for 28 years, and in 2020 the PNC is hoping to pull that same stunt again. Any attempts to have power sharing is tantamount to a “shotgun marriage” that is doomed to failure. The PNC is not amenable to sharing; it wants complete domination. Power sharing should flow from proper constitutional frameworks and a national discourse with all stakeholders and parties. In the current fiasco created by the PNC and PNC alone, the only solution is for the GECOM Chair to do her job and ensure the laws are followed in finishing the Region 4 count using the Statements of Poll, as they were doing. All parties have copies of the SOPs given to them by GECOM, and those show the PPP winning 53% of the votes. The task is to urgently swear in the PPP as the new government. The PNC has done well too and should work harder to win the next time. We are now in the era of “Vote Them In, Vote Them Out.” Sincerely, Jerry Singh
An orphaned nation is left to face the onslaught of COVID-19 DEAR EDITOR, Kindly permit me a bit of space in your hallowed pages; for, I know not for how long we would be able to sound our voices through them. Editor, isn’t it appalling to think of the diminishing mental health of the Guyanese population in light of the current state of affairs in our country? With the much dreaded COVID-19 lurching upon us, and the wanton disregard for democracy by GECOM; is it too grandiose to think that GECOM could easily cut, by at least half, the population’s mental agonies by simply doing what they are constitutionally mandated to
do? Such unnecessary delays in declaring a legitimate government does not augur well for this “Independent” body or, for the people of Guyana. As it is, Guyana is without a government since December 30, 2019. So, who has the authority to strategize and execute a comprehensible, honest, and contemporary plan to protect this hapless nation against the onslaught of the COVID19 pandemic that is literally knocking at our doors? To whom do the distraught people turn for much needed economic sustenance, guidance, and clarity with regard to this world-wide
disaster? It seems to be a luxury here to even imagine having a government working collectively with its people to battle COVID-19. There are daily threats and lamentations because the people are not obeying the laws and curfews. But, can a rogue government expect to have full control over a population that it continues to mentally wound? One shudders to think of the grave consequences that the rampaging COVID-19 will have upon this orphaned nation. With the GECOMinstilled fear and anxiety, the Coalition’s reckless welcome of sanctions, and the psyche already weakened and on its knees, COVID-19 will find this unfortunate nation of
approximately 780,000 an easy victim for obliteration. But who cares? Editor, Democracy has been banished into the closet and the big, bad wolf of rigged elections now usurps her position; while we are watching, nay, the world is watching as those big, greedy eyes glare and those big, salivating teeth flash. When this nation cries for help, will the step-mother listen to or muffle those cries? Beware Of The Cries Of The Oppressed. You Shall Not Covet. God Bless Guyana; “O Beautiful Guyana”. Regards, Mentally Exhausted Citizen
Racially split voting is indeed the root of the issue DEAR EDITOR, Mr. David Hinds writes that Guyana’s problem is larger than simply rigging. He is correct. Racially split voting is indeed the root of the issue. He writes that the Walter Rodney he knew never simplistically opposed PNC election rigging. This seems to fit with the public history and the writings of Mr. Rodney, who tried to promote a mass movement of consciousness change where people powered the government through their awareness of class struggle domestically and internationally, thus eschewing racial conflict. This is a wonderful place for Guyana to end up if we can get there, but Mr. Hinds leaves me questioning a few things about how we can achieve Rodney’s goal under an illegitimate PNC government. For one thing, Walter Rodney did in fact speak out against PNC rigging while fighting for a long-term solution, knowing full well that the racial voting of his day would likely hand government over to a PPP
hegemony powered by racially split voting. He never let the larger view get in the way of calling out the clear injustice of rigged elections. I suspect he saw the establishment of fair elections as a prerequisite for social change. Secondly, the 2011 and 2015 elections clearly showed the waning of racial voting at that time. APNC led by one of Forbes Burnham’s right-hand men was freely voted into office with the support of a significant number of Guyanese who consciously abandoned racial loyalty for a larger nationalist concern. Guyana’s racial dynamics are a serious problem, but they are not impossible to defeat. Before the PNC decided to cast us all back into a recreation of the 1960s with their current rigging attempt, Guyana had made the most progress we had ever seen towards abandoning racial voting dynamics. Saying that opposing rigging is handing over the country to one-party domination seems to ignore the fact that the PPP was voted out of office just one election ago. And speaking of oneparty domination, I would like Mr. Hinds to clarify how it is
better to let the PNC get away with rigging. Mr. Hinds said that he will be fighting for Democracy in 2025 and that he will fight for all races to be represented in the halls of power. But if we accept the idea that the PNC and PPP are equally reprehensible, then it means Hinds has to fight both to achieve his aims. How is fighting the PNC made easier by letting them take control of the treasury, the security apparatus and the state through noncredible elections? Especially when the PNC will probably be forced to hold on to power through non-democratic means? Not speaking against the rigging of elections is de facto consent to it. It will strengthen the power of the PNC to block the kinds of reforms that Mr. Hinds advocates - to a point that is beyond what a PPP government could achieve. Not to mention the huge
amount of racial distrust and animosity it breeds on both sides. At this moment the PNC is pushing its supporters to accept cheating as a strategy. How can a greater political consciousness take hold in the ruling PNC in such an atmosphere? An undemocratic PNC would be greatest source of frustration to Walter Rodney’s dreams of class-conscious populace that Guyana could see. Imam Baksh
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We need to tackle this Embrace private sector to combat Coronavirus crisis in a more spread comprehensive fashion DEAR EDITOR, Is there a plan for the Leadership of the Coronavirus Committee/Task Force to meet with the Leadership of Corporate Guyana /Private Businesses (Banks DIH, DDL, the Financial Institutions, Ansa Mc Al, Massy Group, Demtoco, Digicel, GT&T, Grace Kennedy, etc, etc, etc, and to engage them in meaningful discussions about your plans, the activities you are hoping to undertake and the quantity of resources needed and there possible assistance in helping the nation to acquire the required items; while the present Committee/Task Force is doing what they can it is my humble opinion that Corporate Guyana/ Private Businesses have the
necessary skills and resources that would assist us to put in place meaningful plans and workable activities that would give us a fighting chance to tackle this Crisis in a more comprehensive fashion. I believe that the Leadership of Corporate Guyana/Private Businesses realize and embrace the philosophy that no Company is an island on to itself. If the Leadership of the Committee/Task Force has not reached out to this group I believe you are making a terrible mistake, you can not undertake this journey by yourself. Regards, Dunstan Barrow A.A.
It is time for a bipartisan effort to address this pandemic DEAREDITOR, For anyone in the Ministry of Public Health or from the Covid-19 multi stakeholder response forum that is interested in having more test kits to help detect the virus amongst the populace, please do reach out to Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Lab. It is a Pune, Maharashtra, India-based molecular diagnostic company that has developed a local Covid-19 test kit called Patho Detect. Diagnosis results are obtained in less than half the time of other test kits. Currently the company has the capacity to deliver a high
volume of orders. They can produce kits to test 20,000 samples per day. The High Commissioner of India to Guyana should be able to help expedite the purchasing and delivery process. It is CRG’s hope that this activity can be jointly coordinated between the Ministry of Public Health, the PPP/C and the APNU + AFC. It is time for a bipartisan effort to address this pandemic. Please do not hesitate to contact our Party if you need further assistance. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana (CRG)
DEAR EDITOR, The number of Coronavirus cases is rising. The caretaker government should embrace or seek assistance from the private sector to combat the spread of this virus. It would have been ideal to have a legitimate government in place (sworn in from the real results of the March 2 elections) to handle the health crisis. The international community has threatened sanctions over electoral fraud. Guyana would have been in a position to receive various forms of assistance from wealthy countries to address Corona had the elected government been allowed to swear in and take charge of the situation. We have learnt that the country does not have kits for widespread testing. So there is no way to get a real measurement of the number of Coronavirus cases in Guyana. No one is immune to the virus and it can be easily spread through human contact. Anyone can have it without knowing. T h e v i r u s i s d e a d l y. People are falling like flies in Italy and America. Several Guyanese have gotten the virus in New
York and a few died. It is incumbent on the caretaker government, to take a more activist approach to combat the spread of the virus by seeking the help of the private sector. Meanwhile, the opposition PPP is applauded for its public efforts encouraging people to take measures to mitigate its spread and for advising people how to stay healthy. The caretaker government has an obligation to protect the health of the entire nation. There are no easy answers to the health crisis. The government must inform the public of the symptoms of coronavirus and if they have those symptoms to get a test. Not everyone with a cough or cold or fever is a victim of coronavirus. The ministry should show what steps have been taken to battle the disease and its effects. The answer to some simple questions will provide guidance to managing the spread. It would be wise for government to reveal, as other countries have done, how many tests were administered, how many confirmed cases found, and how many negative. Of those who tested positive for Coronavirus, how many have recovered? How equipped are the hospitals
to address a large breakout of cases? Are there enough medical personnel and ventilators? The government must seek assistance of private medical institutions and coordinate to fight the menace. In this way, we will know whether we can stay above the curve and implement measures to stay ahead if there is a break out. Meanwhile, a common sense approach is needed to continue to stay ahead of the curve (difference between medical supplies and number of victims). People must be encouraged to quarantine themselves. There should be some kind of lockdown. It will cause inconvenience to social life. Social distance or lockdown is for the people’s well-being. People should go out only for essential items or to perform most needed services and avoid group interaction. Those who have tested positive for the virus must be monitored and isolated. Those who came into contact with people infected with the virus must self-contain (no contact with anyone, not even family members). There are no special medicines for this virus. Eat and drink healthy items. Isolation and homemade medicine are the best remedies right now; hot liquid, hot air, food with
high PH value are recommended. The Ministry of Health must take the lead in offering guidance to the public on a healthy lifestyle. No doubt, Ministry is faced with serious challenges and support must be sought from all stakeholders. The government must reach out to all to assist in this battle. It must not lock out the private s e c t o r. Cooperation from all are critical to fight Corona. A multi-pronged approach is needed to defeat the virus enemy – humanitarian, economic, and medical. The medical alone would not succeed unless people are able to eat and have financial support to stay healthy. Government must take care of the vulnerable members of society. Those worked in the private sector are hurting being at home or have lost jobs; some can’t pay rent or mortgage. Government must provide assistance to all in need to tidy them over. Government must give tax breaks to companies that retain their staff during the crisis. May I take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the service provided by health workers under trying times. Stay safe! Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
The COVID-19 pandemic calls for all to... From page 4 enough. We demand that the M&CC take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and health of everyone who lives and/or works in Georgetown. We call on any and all authorising government body to urgently empower the M&CC with the necessary authority to do what is necessary immediately in the face of this clear and present danger. We also call on the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to immediately put in place measures similar to those taken during the flood of 2015 to assist the most at risk - the poor and vulnerable - with the distribution of essential care packages that should include bleach, soap and hand sanitizers, sanitary pads and hampers of essential food items including flour, rice, oil, peas, beans, salt, sugar and Max C packs. We also call on the relevant authorities to expand public hand washing facilities at strategic points and in communities that lack potable running water. We suggest the
establishment of community food and hygienic supplies banks to further the effort to assist the poor and vulnerable. The COVID-19 pandemic calls for all Guyana to act with the utmost personal responsibility, to keep informed, safe, alert and kind. The M&CC and ALL relevant authorities must implement and comply with the WHO/ PAHO and Ministry of Health mandates and measures. This is a matter of the very greatest urgency. Our lives are stake. Yours faithfully, Danuta Radzik Josephine Whitehead Melinda Janki Beverley Harper Raquel Thomas Terry Caesar Vanda Radzik Jocelyn Dow Abbyssinian Carto Chelsea Fung Saskia Wyngaarde Denise Dias Dominique Dias United Women for Special Children Roy Beepat Sonia E Noel Claudia Noel John
Jude B. Da Silva Patricia Fredericks Wintress White, Halima Khan, Joy Marcus, Vanessa Ross, Karen de Souza, Raphael Singh Susan Collymore Sherlina Nageer Vidyaratha Kissoon Anna Iles Aisha Fraites Damian Fernandes Timothy McIntosh Akola Thompson Ian McDonald Daphne Johnson Huichang Yang SabantoTokoroho Annette Dave Martins Rene & Tina Edwards Frederick Collins Mosa Telford Sabine McIntosh Simone Joly-Mangal Pauline Mangal Cherie Crandon Danielle John Shawn Noel Shermon Noel Kristina King Alissa Trotz Maya Trotz Hollis France Alana King
Andrea King Alanna Gonsalves Ana Corriea Kerri Yan JohnetteGonsalves Dr. Amrita Singh Celica Nawbatt Pauline De Jesus Gina Mccamley Belinda Lopes Daina King Tiffany Solomon Melanie McTurk Denise de Souza MarilyneTrotz Alicia Roopnaraine Rose Ann Vieira D Foo R Gonsalves K Degroot S Yarde S Albert R Rodrigues A Khan S Persaud M Watson A Habibula V Deonaraine Alma Peters Nalini Persaud Mata Persaud Kevin & Barbara Lopes Nicholas Lopes Tara Lopez Tyrone Camacho Darshanie Rohit Joseph Boatswain
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 02, 2020
PAGE 07
COVID-19 cases and deaths GECOM meeting on way forward postponed rising, debt relief needed ...as Govt. commissioners request opportunity to read decision of Full Court
A
ll of Guyana was yesterday preparing for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to meet and to deliberate on how the country would move forward in conclusion of its electoral process, which has lasted for one month, to the day. GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh had told Kaieteur News of a planned meeting for 10:00 am yesterday. That meeting did not happen. The Full Court had on Tuesday ruled that the Court did not have the jurisdiction that Justice Franklyn Holder had assumed for the purpose of blocking a CARICOMsupervised national recount of votes through a series of injunctions. The Full Court's ruling effectively paved the way for the recount. But according to Commissioner Sase Gunraj, the Commissioners nominated by the governing coalition said that they needed to seek clarity on the ruling, which required time. Gunraj said that he had received an inquiry from the Chairman's office about his availability for the 10:00 am meeting, but he later received an email early in the morning which read “The
Government Commissioners request that they be given an opportunity to read the decision of the Full Court, since the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the way forward. They requested that the meeting be held tomorrow morning instead (the time will be communicated).” Gunraj found this unacceptable. He said that the judgment, broadcast live on national media, was pellucid and that it required little explanation if any. He referred to the request for postponement as one of many “stalling measures” employed to facilitate “some dilatory tactic or the other”. It was later revealed by People's Progressive Party (PPP) executive, Anil Nandlall, that the applicant in the case, Ulita Moore, would be heading to the Court of Appeal today to apply for a leave of judgment, as they prepared to file an appeal of the Full Court's ruling. Nandlall sought to make it clear that there is currently no stay of execution, and that nothing is stopping GECOM from doing the recount. He too did not understand why it was necessary for the Government Commissioners to get extra time to study the
judgment. In a Facebook post, he asked “What is there to study?” In a statement, the PPP said it appears as though there is an attempt to subvert the will of the people by preventing the recount President David Granger contemplated. The party said that those deceitful efforts by elements of the governing coalition required its leader, Granger, to step in and ensure there is a full and transparent recount. The main opposition party called on Granger to “rein in” those elements in the coalition who are “feigning a desire to move things forward in a lawful and credible manner publicly while engaging in criminal actions that will only lead Guyana down a path of international isolation behind the scenes.” Justice Singh is coming under increasing pressure to assume stronger control over the Commission and ensure the recount happens swiftly. “The Chairperson of GECOM must act now and decisively so,” Nandlall said. She has been written to by several civil society and business organisations to ensure the electoral process is concluded in a credible and transparent manner.
for poorest nations: WHO
GENEVA (Reuters) The head of the World Health Organization voiced deep concern yesterday about the rapid escalation and global spread of COVID-19 cases from the new coronavirus, which has now reached 205 countries and territories. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that his agency, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund backed debt relief to help developing countries cope with the pandemic's social and economic consequences. “In the past five weeks there has been a nearexponential growth in the number of new cases and the number of deaths has more than doubled in the past week,” Tedros told a virtual news conference at the o rg a n i s a t i o n ' s G e n e v a headquarters. “In the next few days we will reach 1 million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths worldwide,” he said. China, where the coronavirus outbreak first emerged in December, reported dwindling new infections on Wednesday and disclosed for the first time the number of asymptomatic cases, which could complicate how trends in the outbreak are read. Asked about the distinction, Dr. Maria ver Kerkhove, a WHO
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
epidemiologist who was part of an international team that went to China in February, said the WHO's definition included laboratoryconfirmed cases “regardless of the development of symptoms”. “From data that we have seen from China in particular, we know that individuals who are identified, who are listed as asymptomatic, about 75 percent of those actually go on to develop symptoms,” she said, describing them as having been in a “presymptomatic phase”. The new coronavirus causes the respiratory disease COVID19. The outbreak continues to be driven by people who show signs of disease including fever and cough, but it is important for the WHO to capture that “full spectrum of illness”, she added. Tedros praised India's $22.6 billion economic stimulus plan - announced
after a 21-day lockdown imposed last week - to provide free food rations for 800 million disadvantaged people, cash transfers to 204 million poor women and free cooking gas for 80 million households for the next 3 months. “Many developing countries will struggle to implement social welfare programmes of this nature,” he said. “For those countries, debt relief is essential to enable them to take care of their people and avoid economic collapse. This is a call from the WHO, the World Bank and IMF - debt relief for developing countries,” he said. But debt relief processes are lengthy, Tedros said. “What we are proposing together with the World Bank and IMF is an expedited process to support countries so their economies will not be getting into crisis and their communities will not be really getting into crisis,” he said.
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Thursday April 02, 2020
Eco Atlantic undertakes strict cost-cutting programme in response to oil price crisis - Board, Management taking pay cuts of up to 40% - Will remain fully funded for Guyana wells when market improves
G
iven the recent lower oil price environment and current market conditions resulting from COVID-19 since February 2020, Eco Atlantic announced that it has undertaken a strict costcutting programme across all aspects of the business, aside from the necessary maintenance of certain operations. These include the termination of non-core services and cessation of business-related travel. In addition, the Board and management are voluntarily taking pay cuts of up to 40 percent starting in April 2020. Eco said that this will be kept under review on a
monthly basis thereafter. Further to this, the company said that it will continue to monitor its operating budget for 2020 and work closely with its partners to discuss and plan next steps. To date, Eco has met all of its work commitments for 2020 under the various petroleum agreements offshore Guyana and Namibia, and thus only minimal costs are expected to be incurred over the remainder of the year. As at March 31, 2020, the company continues to benefit from its strong balance sheet, with cash and cash equivalents of CAD$26.5 million
(US$18.8 million) and zero debt. Eco also reminded that it remains fully funded for its share of further appraisal and exploration drilling at Orinduik Block offshore Guyana, up to US$120 million (gross). In light of the costcutting measures described above to preserve the company's significant cash balance, the Board believes Eco will be in a robust position to progress its exploration strategy when market conditions improve and operations are able to resume. ORINDUIK JV PARTNERS In January 2016, Eco
signed a Petroleum Agreement and is party to a Petroleum Licence with the Government of Guyana and Tullow Oil for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana. Tullow Oil, as the Operator of the Block, paid past costs and carried Eco for the first 1000km2 of the 2 5 5 0 k m 2 3 D S u r v e y. Further, Tullow contributed an extensive 2D seismic data set and interpretation. The Company's 2550
km2 3D seismic survey was completed in September 2017, well within the initial four-year work commitment the Company made for the initial 1000km2. In September 2017, Eco announced that its subsidiary, Eco Atlantic (Guyana) Inc. entered into an option agreement on its Orinduik Block with Total, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Total S.A. Pursuant to the option.
Total paid an option fee of US$1 million to farm-in to the Orinduik Block. An additional payment of US$12,500,000 was made when Total exercised its option to earn 25 percent of Eco's working interest in September 2018. Following the exercise of the option by Total, the Block's working interests became: Tullow – 60% (Operator), Total – 25% and Eco – 15%.
Free mobile services for healthcare workers during COVID-19 fight - GTT
H
ealthcare workers, the b r a v e individuals on the frontline of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, are to benefit from free mobile services, compliments of GTT. This will last until the COVID-19 battle is over. Making the announcement during an online media conference yesterday was Chief Executive Officer, Justin Nedd. “We want to show our appreciation and encouragement to all of the doctors and nurses and other health care workers working on the frontline in the fight against the Coronavirus,” Nedd told the media. To access the services, those in the medical field will have to register through the Medical Council and the Nurses' Association. GTT is also examining ways to allow other medical professionals to benefit from the service. This free mobile service extended to the medical workers will allow them to make free calls to GTT
CEO of GTT, Justin Nedd numbers, as well as to other networks. H o w e v e r, t h i s f r e e service will not be extended to the thousands of Guyanese consumers forced to isolate themselves due to the virus. When Kaieteur News inquired why this was not the route taken by the telecommunications giant, the CEO explained that providing free services “is not feasible at this time.” He said “although this is what people are expecting, we cannot provide free services right now because it is not feasible; we are not
laying off staff, so we need to generate income to pay salaries.” According to Nedd, the company has implemented several measures to safeguard staffers and costumers against COVID19, including closing all GTT stores countrywide, to aid social distancing. The CEO did emphasise, however, that the services offered by the country are considered to be essential, thus a total lockdown of GTT is not possible, since the country cannot be without connectivity. “Keeping connected is a priority,” he asserted. As it relates to the payment of utility bills, Nedd noted that Guyanese can take advantage of their online billing service and the Mobile Money App to pay bills from the comfort of their homes. Further, the CEO pointed out that the company is looking for avenues to improve their services, since the majority of Guyana's population will be at home, meaning an increase in mobile and internet services.
Duo nabbed with drugs during Canje River sting operation
R
anks of the Guyana Police Force, acting on intelligence, proceeded to a location on the Canje River at about 21:45hrs on Monday, where they intercepted a wooden vessel with two men aboard. A search of the boat was conducted and twenty-four parcels of Cannabis Sativa were found.
The two men, both of whom reside at Sand Hills, Berbice River, were taken into custody, along with the parcels and the boat. When weighed, the parcels were found to be a total of 46,980 grams. The men remain in custody as investigation continues. They are likely to be charged soon.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 02, 2020
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The Ministry of Public Health and its ventilators T
he Ministry of Public Health appears to have psychic powers. How else does one explain that a top official of the Ministry could have said that the Ministry had begun to prepare for the coronavirus threat since December? This is impossible. The Ministry of Public Health, presently entangled in procurement controversies for its orders for ventilators and HIV test kits, could not have begun to prepare for the coronavirus threat since December. It was only on December 31st 2019, that China informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of an unusual type of pneumonia in one of its provinces. At that time, the virus causing the illness was not yet known. It was not until one week later, on January 7th 2020, that the novel virus was identified. Even then the full symptoms and complications were not yet fully known. China's first COVID-19 death did not occur until 11th January 2020. One week later a second death took place. As at January 22nd there were still only 17
deaths and 550 cases. It was then that one day later, on the 23rd January 2020 that Wuhan, then the epicentre of the spread, was placed on a lockdown. At that stage the WHO did not consider the outbreak as a public health emergency. And it was not until February 2nd that the first coronavirus death occurred outside of China, in the Philippines. It is therefore impossible for Guyana's Ministry of Public Health to have predicted in December that it would have needed ventilators to fight the pandemic. The credibility of the statement attributed to the senior official of the Ministry that, “The Ministry took the initiative since then [December] to start planning” for the virus has to be questioned. Or it has to be viewed as an April Fools' Day prank. This is no time, however, to be fooling around. The present crisis is not going to be helped by some of what is emanating from the Ministry in recent weeks. Another top official recently alluded to what she believed was the foresight of the framers of the
Constitution in predicting a pandemic by subjecting personal liberty to restraints in the interest of health. There was no need for the framers to have any foresight about pandemics. It has been a timeless feature of Commonwealth Constitutions to place limitations on personal freedoms in the interest of public health, public order and public morals. The daily COVID-19 briefings, by the Ministry of Public Health, have been extremely guarded. This is creating greater uncertainty. Despite having an ethical obligation to protect patient confidentiality, the Ministry can reveal much more in its daily briefings. It should not view the media as hounding some families. The media can be an important ally in the fight against the coronavirus. The media is not there to hound anyone. It was the media which unearthed certain valuable information which led to better contact tracing after the death of Patient Zero. The Ministry's leadership during the present public health crisis leaves much to
Dem boys seh...
Wheh Soulja Bai deh?
D
e m b o y s w a t c h i n g Claudette de Singer wid four eye. Dem wan' see if she gun do the right thing and save the country or the wrang thing and destroy she reputation that tek ah lifetime to build. Dem boys watching dem other Commissioners. Some of dem want read out de whole court paper before dem guh meeting. Dem boys looking to see if they gun pussyfoot again and if somebody waiting in the wings to put anodda spokes in the elections wheel.
Dem boys watching but dem ent seeing Soulja Bai. Is like the coronavirus gat he suh frighten he hiding way. The man supposed to be leading from the front, but is like he marching backwards. Jagdeo bin seh how he does sleep early every night, but is like Soulja Bai sleeping all day now that he waiting fuh see whether he gun get swear in as Pressy or Opposition Leader. Dem Boys hope he wake up and impose a lockdown before all ah we dead from de virus. Nuff people calling fuh Jagdeo and Soulja Bai to come
together to form one government. Dem boys seh that can't be good. One of dem is bad enough, much less two. Dem boys thought dem did see it all under Jagdeo but the next government come and do wuss. Dem boys seh that with power sharing dem two gun sit down and divide the country among themselves. Dem boys support Pedro, who call fuh cutting dem power before any power sharing. Talk half, and leh we see wha Claudette de Singer really deh pun from today.
COVID-19 deaths double in one day From page 3 overwhelming support to our health workforce,” the Minister passionately urged. The Minister also made an earnest appeal for health workers to put forward any recommendations that can help to improve the national COVID-19 response. “I encourage you, if you
have recommendations concerning any aspects we may have overlooked, to pen those to the RHO in your region. For staff at GPHC, you can submit to Brigadier Ret'd, George Lewis [GPHC CEO], and for those of you in the private institutions, you can submit your recommendations to the CEOs of your
institution,” she added. As the Minister reminded of the importance of persons giving accurate information to the COVID-19 surveillance team, she continued to stress the importance of social distancing and the application of proper and regular hygienic measures in the fight against COVID-19.
be desired. Months ago, the Ministry said it was prepared, but time has proven that it was not prepared. The Ministry, using a model reportedly developed b y PA H O / W H O , i s predicting 1400 cases in Guyana. Does the Ministry understand what this means in terms of critical cases and severe cases. Given the deficiencies of the health system, including the limited
number of ventilators, this can mean at least 70 deaths (5% of all cases). Is this what the Ministry is prepared to accept, and if so, has it used the powers which has been given to it, under the Public Health Ordinance, to order a lockdown of the country so as to reduce this number? The Ministry needs to get i t s a c t t o g e t h e r. T h e conundrum over the procurement of the
ventilators and the sparse details being provided in its daily briefings are not going to inspire public confidence in its ability to protect the nation from this highly contagious virus. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
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Thursday April 02, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Nagamootoo/Ramjattan: Yesterday's self-destructive men
H
istory is replete w i t h t h e destructive side of human nature. In countless instances, the mind is unable to grasp the motives behind selfdestruction. When a friend called to inform me that Khemraj Ramjattan was sharing a programme with Hamilton Green on the election results, I saw right before my eyes how flawed human nature is, and another example was born of the destructive side of human nature. There are unseen, inexplicable forces that shape men and women that civilization has been unable to explain and will never explain. But there are times
you wonder if there isn't a subterranean logic that lies deep in the wilderness of life that makes sense of things we mortals cannot. I believe the political careers of both Moses Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are over, consigned to ephemeral footnotes that will dissolve as the ink on the wasted pages of history loses its colour. Was it this subterranean logic that drove Ramjattan to share a platform to justify a rigged election result with of all people, Hamilton Green? Few decent citizens of this land who are more than sixty years of age and few decent scholars who respect their education would publicly deny that there have been
successive rigged elections from 1968 to 1985, including a corrugated 1978 referendum on changing the 1966 constitution. M r. G r e e n w a s n o innocent bystander in those fraudulent and infamous endeavours. In my experience of witnessing rigged election results from a young boy onwards, I would classify the tampering with the election results between March 4 at the Ashmin's Building of GECOM command centre to March 13 at GECOM head office, as the most barefaced, comical and insane of election frauds. I have seen operations from 1968 onwards that tampered with the general
election – before and after voting. I have seen terrible conspiracies that rendered the results of the elections in this country absolutely depraved and sickening. But they were never so bereft of any attempt to appear to hide things. The words “appear to hide things” are important and relevant to understanding the fraud of 2020. Both Presidents Burnham and Hoyte did use methods that were attempts to hide the hatched conspiracies that made the elections unfair and un-free. I will give only one example because of space. I saw ballot boxes removed and when the trucks were followed, police prevented that process. The boxes were later revealed the next day to be at the army head office. Burnham had an explanation - police prevented crowds from following the trucks to stop attacks on them; the boxes were best secured at a high level security building. What happened on March 4 and March 13 that resulted in an election result perhaps would never happen again in any part of the world, simply because men and women have more commonsense than the conspirators who planned the hijacking of March 4 and March 13.
It was this kind of election rigging that Hamilton Green defended. When Green was an actor in election abuse, Ramjattan wasn't born. History has put them together. Funny how yesterday's men find each other. If Ramjattan found Green, Nagamootoo found self-destruction Perhaps no political career will dissolve in obscurity more than Moses Nagamootoo's. People start from point A in life and when they reach point Z, you could never recognize them. The psychological metamorphosis is so complete there are no traces of early identities. The psychic contortion is so deep and extensive that there are no traces of earlier character modes. The self-destruction is final, so history writes an unceremonious footnote that the wind blows into sempiternal nothingness. I have known Nagamootoo in the struggle for free and fair election for over 45 years. It has to be an echo of pathetic, psychological regression to read these words from this soulless man; “Elections in Guyana are governed by the Constitution; the government does not run elections, which is the remit of a constitutional body.” Wa s t h i s t h e
Frederick Kissoon Nagamootoo that fought for a professional GECOM under Harold Bollers, who did the every bidding of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham? According to the gospel of this aimless politician whose career is definitely over, Forbes Burnham then never rigged a national election. Here is Nagamootoo once more; “Guyana has responded with patriotism and dignity to the international threats.” Which Guyana is Nagamootoo talking about? The Guyana whose foreign minister invoked the wrath of one of CARICOM's most respected former Prime Ministers, Owen Arthur, when she threatened to take away his election observer accreditation. Nagamootoo is about to end his career, and it is so tragic that he equates patriotism with the denial of the right to have your vote counted. The protesting teen the police shot is a patriot, not Nagamootoo. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Thursday April 02, 2020
Kaieteur News
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PAGE 14
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 02, 2020
Hundreds of pensioners Vreed-en-hoop boat operators adhering to flock to post offices, despite social distancing pleas Covid-19 precautions
P
ensioners yesterday flocked to Post Offices across Guyana to uplift their monthly pensions. Hundreds of seniors could be seen standing in long queues outside of the facilities in close proximity to each other, despite COVID-19 warnings and pleas for social distancing practices. The Guyana Post Office Corporation had issued advisories asking pensioners
Boats at the Vreed-en-hoop and Stabroek Stellings.
to refrain from visiting the offices on the first two days of the month. The Corporation had also made available the option of authorising a family member to uplift pension payment on behalf of the claimant when it is available. This measure was put in place to avoid crowds and the hassle to seniors in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. While in most areas this was not practiced, some
individuals in the Enmore area took it upon themselves to reach out and assist the elders in their community to practice social distancing, by seating them far apart from each other at their local Post Office. At some offices, pensioners were required to wash their hands and/or sanitize before entering the building. It is advised that all COVID-19 protocols are observed.
Pensioners lined up outside Bourda Post Office
B
oat operators traversing the Georgetown – Vreed-en-hoop route have been taking the necessary precautions in light of the COVID19 pandemic. This includes cutting back on the number of passengers they carry. Several operators indicated that they have cut down the number of passengers per trip from 33 to 23 as of Monday last. They added that they have been cleaning and sanitizing their boats as often as possible, some after
every trip. This move goes hand in hand with the Bartica Boat Owners' Association, which has implemented similar measures and rules to be followed by passengers traversing the waterways. Sinks have also been set up at the Parika and Bartica Stellings where all passengers are required to wash their hands before and after leaving the vessels. Also, the boat captains have a strict sanitisation policy they have to follow.
Public-spirited citizens who assisted Pensioners with social distancing, among other things, at Enmore Post Office
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 02, 2020
PAGE 15
COVID-19 redesigning the Foreign Trade Policy Agenda By Elizabeth Morgan KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC Feature) – In my article on January 8, I outlined the Caribbean's foreign trade policy agenda for 2020, but I certainly did not see COVID-19 on the horizon. With drastic global action to contain and mitigate the impact of this coronavirus, the foreign trade agenda now looks very different. Everything is in a tailspin as meetings are rescheduled or cancelled and timetables are thrown out. The focus has shifted to health and economic recovery. The foreign trade agenda now looks like this: · CARICOM Council for Tr a d e a n d E c o n o m i c Development (COTED) – meeting of senior officials scheduled for April 2-3 postponed. · CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) – In my article of February 26 on Outcomes
and Questions, I was doubtful that the CSME work programme emerging from the Intersessional Meeting of Heads in Barbados, February 18-19, could be completed. With COVID-19 and other issues, it is now clear that this work programme is not likely to be accomplished within the timeframe leading to the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference scheduled for July 2-3 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. As the agenda is reset, COVID-19 may actually convince CARICOM Members of their need to press on with CSME implementation. · ACP/EU Post Cotonou Negotiations – Like elsewhere, staff of the European Commission and the ACP Secretariat in Brussels are working from home and priorities are being reordered. Europe is a hotspot for COVID-19. Countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific are also battling this virus.
Some work is continuing in the negotiations especially on the Caribbean protocol. I cannot, however, see the ACP Council meeting proceeding. It was scheduled for April/May possibly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The conclusion of the negotiations could be further delayed. · The CARIFORUM/EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) 5-year review – preparatory work is continuing but the EPA Council Meeting for the formal review is likely to be later in the year. · ACP Transformation – based on decisions from the ACP Summit, December 2019, the ratification of the revised Georgetown Agreement could be extended. · UK/Caribbean Forum, London – this overdue meeting was scheduled for April 7-8 and should have enabled the Caribbean and the United Kingdom (UK) to consider their post Brexit relationship. It was also
postponed. · Wo r l d Tr a d e Organization (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) – this Conference was scheduled for June 8-11 in Kazakhstan – the host government has informed the WTO Director General of their desire to postpone this meeting. The WTO General Council is to take a formal decision. WTO staff and representatives in Geneva are also working from home. · The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Rwanda – this meeting is scheduled for June 22-27. Although also registering COVID-19 cases, Rwanda had indicated on March 10 that the CHOGM would proceed as scheduled. If the COVID crisis continues, a
decision will have to be taken on whether it will be feasible to convene this meeting. · The CARICOM/Africa Summit is scheduled to be held around the time of CHOGM, so if that is rescheduled, it is likely that this meeting will be also. · CARICOM/US Relations – regarding the extension of the US Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBPTA), which expires in September, so far, there has been little progress in Congress, which is now mainly focused on COVID-19 and its economic fallout. · U N C T A D X V, Barbados, October 18-23 – for now, I am assuming that this Conference is still on track along with the UN General Assembly scheduled for September. On January 1st, we welcomed 2020 intending to follow a set foreign trade
policy agenda. One has to recognize, though, that foreign policy is fraught with the unexpected and unpredictable. In under three (3) months, that 2020 agenda was completely altered by an extraordinary global health crisis. It is now evident that the economic fallout could be tremendous possibly triggering a global economic recession. Some analysts are projecting that the impact of this health and economic crisis could be felt through the year and could result in major policy readjustments. The course is uncharted. Here in the Caribbean, we have to pray for a calm hurricane season, June to November, or this Leap Year could be claiming a special place in history. (Elizabeth Morgan, who writes for CMC, is a specialist in international trade policy and international politics.)
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Thursday April 02, 2020
Kaieteur News
DEMTOCO's parent company in preclinical testing stage of vaccine for COVID-19
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single dose. BAT's US subsidiary, Reynolds American Inc, had acquired KBP in 2014, with the aim of using some of its unique tobacco extraction technology to aid further development of its new category noncombustible products. In 2014, KBP made headlines as one of the few companies with an effective treatment for Ebola, having manufactured ZMapp with California-based company Mapp BioPharmaceuticals in partnership with the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). KBP recently cloned a portion of COVID-19's genetic sequence which led to the development of a potential antigen - a substance which induces an immune response in the body and in particular, the production of antibodies. This antigen was then in-
serted into tobacco plants for reproduction and, once the plants were harvested, the antigen was then purified, and is now undergoing preclinical testing. Dr David O'Reilly, Director of Scientific Research at BAT said that the company is engaged with the US Food and Drug Administration and is seeking guidance on next steps. O'Reilly added, “We have also engaged with the UK's Department for Health and Social Care, and BARDA in the US, to offer our support and access to our research with the aim of trying to expedite the development of a vaccine for COVID-19…” The Director further noted that vaccine development is challenging and complex work, but he holds the view that BAT has made a significant break-through with its tobacco plant technology platform.
'Things under control': how Europe sleepwalked into the coronavirus crisis VACANCY
VEHICLE FOR SALE
stands that the vaccine in development uses BAT's proprietary, fast-growing tobacco plant technology which has several advantages over conventional vaccine production technology. According to BAT, the technology being used is potentially safer, given that tobacco plants can't host pathogens which cause human disease. The company said too that the technology is also faster because the elements of the vaccine accumulate in tobacco plants much more quickly--six weeks in tobacco plants versus several months using conventional methods. Also of significance, it said, is the fact that the vaccine formulation KBP is developing remains stable at room temperature, unlike conventional vaccines which often require refrigeration. It also has the potential to deliver an effective immune response in a
From page 11 second tender but no contracts have yet been signed and deliveries are still weeks away, according to Commission estimates. EU governments had assured Brussels their medical workers were well briefed on how to handle COVID-19 patients, according to documents seen by Reuters, though Italy only required medical staff to wear masks when handling suspected cases from Feb. 24. Nearly 10,000 Italian health workers have been infected, or more than 9% of the cases in Italy, according to official data. At an EU meeting on Feb. 4, national health experts said: “Diagnostic capacities are in place, and several countries have begun rolling out testing.” Now, EU states are facing a massive shortage of testing kits and launched a joint procurement scheme on March 18. The need to jointly acquire ventilators crucial for patients with severe breathing problems only arose for the first time at a meeting of EU health experts on March 13, according to minutes of the meeting. A procurement scheme was launched by the European Commission on March 17. Risks that healthcare sys-
tems might exceed their capacity were considered “low to moderate” in mid-February by the EU agency for disease
control, which relies on assessments by individual member states. A month later, it updated
its assessment to say no countries would have enough intensive care beds by midApril.
Thursday April 02, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Official Gazette notice shows…
Kingston wharf purchased by BK days before elections
Russian plane with coronavirus medical gear lands in U.S. after Trump-Putin call
Former Minister, Winston Jordan BK’s principal, Brian Tiwari Days before the March 2nd general and regional elections, government transferred a key piece of waterfront property to B.K. Marine Incorporated. The transaction is now being described as highly suspicious, with calls for a probe. “This obviously smells…a couple days before elections. It is completely unacceptable,” said attorneyat-law, Christopher Ram. Ram, also a Chartered Accountant, made it clear that the transaction would be seen by some as immoral, and not how a caretaker government should be handling the assets of the state. “Any transactions since the CCJ ruling of last year ought to be reviewed…from a good governance stance, and of course, in the interest of protecting the assets of the state.” According to the Official
Gazette of March 28th, 2020, the order was signed since February 26th, 2020 by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. Elections were a few days later, on March 2nd. The Transfer of Property Order to B.K. Marine Inc. of Queenstown would give the purchaser absolute title to the property. The property had been held by the state’s National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited. The notice in the Official Gazette did not give a price. B.K.’s principal is Brian Tiwari. The property in question was a former rice wharf that was leased to B.K. A stone depot was constructed there. The transfer of lands will include three properties, including erections and totaling 2.553 acres. The property would be prime real estate for the oil and gas industry, as it is located alongside the Demerara River, not far from the Marriott
Hotel. Already, it was announced last year that USowned Halliburton Guyana Inc. has applied for permits to set up a facility at a Kingston wharf meant to service the emerging oil fields. It has applied to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the necessary ‘Environmental Authorizations’ to set up a liquid mud plant to supply the offshore oil exploration and drilling operations. Yesterday, attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin was clear, that the transaction will not withstand scrutiny. “This is a transaction that was done by a caretaker government. How could you enter an agreement days before elections when you are just holding on for the sake of elections? Obviously, it is a transaction that will have to be reviewed.” Calls to the former minister was not answered yesterday.
Police working shifts to ensure Suriname backtrack remains closed amid COVID-19 The Guyana Police Force in Region Six has stepped up measures to ensure the backtrack route that leads to neighbouring Suriname remains closed as efforts continue to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) Commander for Region Six, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus said “we have policemen working there on shifts and based on information we receive, if we learn that they are dropping off at other points, we will shift to checking along those lines with the patrols.” H e d i s c l o s e d t hat patrols are stationed at the Berbice Bridge checkpoint on the lookout for foreigners. Ranks are checking vehicles that are known to ply the backtrack route scouting for foreigners looking to get back to
Suriname. “If we realize that there are foreigners who came through the backtrack, they are then escorted to the relevant officials to be screened, and of course, immigration has their part to play,” Brutus said. So far 12 foreigners – from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – were intercepted, but could have not been deported because Suriname has closed its border and refuses to accept them at this time, the Commander explained. The Region Six division is working with the National COVID-19 Task Force to help stop the spread of the virus. They recently joined with the New Amsterdam Town Council to enforce a curfew. The town council has initially mandated that all dining outlets are to be closed at 6pm; supermarkets and grocery shops closed at 7pm and all pharmacies were
given an 8pm curfew. This was subsequently amended to 4:30pm closure for supermarkets and grocery stores, and restaurants are only allowed to offer delivery services until 4pm. Pharmacies are to be closed at 6pm instead of the previously announced time of 8pm. “People are cooperating, but for a few days we had to go to ensure they were closed and make double checks. Some persons were still defiant, so I had to call in those owners and have a talk with them at the office and they are now complying,” the Commander stated. Brutus also highlighted that all the stations in the Region are following the precautionary measures such as washing hands regularly and practising social distancing.
A Russian military transport plane carrying medical equipment, masks and supplies lands at JFK International Airport during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City, New York, U.S., April 1, 2020. REUTERS/Stefan Jeremiah M O S C O W / WASHINGTON (Reuters) Russia sent the United States medical equipment yesterday to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, a public relations coup for Russian President Vladimir Putin after he
discussed the crisis with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, struggling to fill shortages of ventilators and personal protective equipment, accepted Putin’s offer in a phone call on Monday. A Russian military
transport plane left an airfield outside Moscow and arrived at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport in late afternoon on Wednesday. Usually, the United States donates supplies to (Continued on page 18)
Chinese scientists seeking potential COVID-19 treatment find ‘effective’ antibodies BEIJING (Reuters) - A team of Chinese scientists has isolated several antibodies that it says are “extremely effective” at blocking the ability of the new coronavirus to enter cells, which eventually could be helpful in treating or preventing COVID-19. There is currently no proven effective treatment for the disease, which originated in China and is spreading across the world in a pandemic that has infected more than 850,000 and killed 42,000. Zhang Linqi at Tsinghua University in Beijing said a drug made with antibodies like the ones his team have found could be used more effectively than the current approaches, including what he called “borderline” treatment such as plasma. Plasma contains antibodies but is restricted by blood type. In early January, Zhang’s team and a group at the 3rd People’s Hospital in Shenzhen began analysing antibodies from blood taken from recovered COVID-19 patients, isolating 206 monoclonal antibodies which showed what he described as a “strong” ability to bind with
the virus’ proteins. They then conducted another test to see if they could actually prevent the virus from entering cells, he told Reuters in an interview. Among the first 20 or so antibodies tested, four were able to block viral entry and of those, two were “exceedingly good” at doing so, Zhang said. The team is now focused on identifying the most powerful antibodies and possibly combining them to mitigate the risk of the new coronavirus mutating. If all goes well, interested developers could mass produce them for testing, first on animals and eventually on humans. The group has partnered with a Sino-U.S. biotech firm, Brii Biosciences, in an effort “to advance multiple candidates for prophylactic and therapeutic intervention”, according to a statement by Brii. “The importance of antibodies has been proven in the world of medicine for decades now,” Zhang said. “They can be used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases.” The antibodies are not a
vaccine but could potentially be given to at-risk people with the aim of preventing them from contracting COVID-19. Normally it takes around two years for a drug even to get close to approval for use on patients, but the COVID19 pandemic means things are moving faster, he said, with steps that would previously be taken sequentially now being done in parallel. Zhang, who posted the findings online, hopes the antibodies can be tested on humans in six months. If they are found to be effective in trials, actual use for treatment would take longer. Other experts urge caution. “There’s a number of steps which will now need to be followed before it could be used as a treatment for coronavirus patients,” Hong Kong University infectious disease specialist Ben Cowling said when the finding was described to him by Reuters. “But it’s really exciting to find these potential treatments, and then have a chance to test them out. Because if we can find more candidates, then eventually we’ll have better treatment,” Cowling said.
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Thursday April 02, 2020
Kaieteur News
Russian plane with coronavirus... From page 17 embattled countries rather than accepting them. The origin of the delivery, which Moscow called aid, was bound to revive criticism from Democrats that Trump has been too cozy with the Russian leader. “Trump gratefully accepted this humanitarian aid,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was cited as saying by the Interfax news agency on Tuesday. Trump himself spoke enthusiastically about the Russian help after his call with Putin. The State Department said that following the call between the two leaders, the United States “has agreed to purchase” needed medical supplies, including ventilators and personal protection equipment, from Russia and that they were handed over to the Federal Emergency Management Agency on Wednesday in New York City. “We are a generous and reliable contributor to crisis response and humanitarian action across the world, but we cannot do it alone,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. “Both countries have provided humanitarian assistance to each other in times of crisis in the past and will no doubt do so again in the future,” she added. “This is a time to work together to overcome a common enemy that threatens the lives of all of us.” A U.S. official in
Washington said the shipment carried 60 tons of ventilators, masks, respirators and other items. The official said the equipment would be carefully examined to make sure it comports with the quality requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Russia’s Rossiya 24 channel on Wednesday morning showed the plane taking off from a military air base outside Moscow in darkness. Its cargo hold was filled with cardboard boxes and other packages. Confirmed U.S. coronavirus cases have surged to more than 205,000, with 4,500 deaths. In Russia, the official tally of confirmed cases is 2,337, with 17 deaths, although some doctors there have questioned the accuracy of official data. STRAIN IN RELATIONS Relations between Moscow and Washington have been strained in recent years by everything from Syria to Ukraine to U.S. election interference, something Russia denies. Trump spent two years battling a federal investigation into whether his 2016 campaign colluded with Russia. “Nothing to see here. Just a Russian military aircraft landing at JFK with 60 tons of medical supplies to support America’s #COVID19 response. A propaganda bonanza as our own government shrinks from America’s leadership role in a
global crisis,” said Brett McGurk, a former diplomat for Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush. Trump said on Tuesday he and Putin discussed the virus at length. “Russia is being hit pretty hard,” he said. Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, said Moscow hoped the United States might also be able to provide medical help to Russia if necessary when the time came. “It is important to note that when offering assistance to U.S. colleagues, the president (Putin) assumes that when U.S. manufacturers of medical equipment and materials gain momentum, they will also be able to reciprocate if necessary,” Peskov was cited as saying. Peskov complained that some U.S. officials had made it needlessly difficult to expedite the aid. He also was quoted as saying that Russia and China cooperated in a similar way because “at a time when the current situation affects everyone without exception ... there is no alternative to working together in a spirit of partnership and mutual assistance.” Russia has also used its military to send planeloads of aid to Italy to combat the spread of the coronavirus, exposing the European Union’s failure to provide swift help to a member in crisis and handing Putin a publicity coup at home and abroad.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 02, 2020
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'Things under control': how Europe sleepwalked into the coronavirus crisis
B
RUSSELS ( R e u t e r s Exclusive) Barely a month before Europe embarked on a scramble for masks, ventilators and testing kits to fight coronavirus, governments told Brussels their healthcare systems were ready and there was no need to order more stocks, EU documents show. This rosy assessment is in stark contrast to the shortages of masks and medical equipment just a few weeks later, when the European Commission estimated needs across EU states to be 10 times higher than would usually be available. While the dearth of equipment is mostly down to ballooning global demand, internal and public documents seen by Reuters show European Union governments may have worsened their predicament by overestimating their response capacity. “Things under control,” a European Commission official said at a closed-door meeting with diplomats from member states on Feb. 5, two weeks after China locked down nearly 60 million people in Hubei province, or roughly the population of Italy. “There is strong level of preparedness in member states, most have measures in place” to detect and treat COVID-19, the official said, relaying comments from national envoys, according to minutes of the meeting seen by Reuters. That was only two weeks before the first victims of coronavirus in Italy, where 12,428 people have now died from COVID-19, almost four times the death toll in China where the disease first
emerged. Asked whether the documents seen by Reuters showed the European response had been too slow, a spokesman for the EU executive said: “As from January, the Commission offered the possibility of support to member states.” EU governments began to realise the gravity of the situation in March, but rather than focusing on joint action many resorted to protectionist measures, raising trade barriers to hinder the export of medical equipment to their neighbours. Italy still only has a fraction of the 90 million face masks its medical workers need each month, France ordered over 1 billion masks last week and manufacturers are adapting production lines to make ventilators. 'CAPACITIES ARE IN PLACE' The optimistic analysis presented by the European Commission official on Feb. 5 stemmed from a series of meetings with health experts from EU member states. At a meeting on Jan. 31, delegates from national health ministries told the Commission they did not need help acquiring medical equipment, according to the minutes. “No countries have, as of yet, requested support to obtain additional countermeasures,” the minutes showed, with only four states warning they might need protective equipment if the situation worsened in Europe. The four countries were not named. On Feb. 28, a month after its first offer to help, and after urging governments to
clarify their needs in at least two more meetings, the European Commission launched a joint procurement programme for face masks and other protective gear. The tender on behalf of 25 member states initially received no offers, an internal document seen by Reuters showed. EU member states are now assessing bids made under a (continued on page 16)
FILE PHOTO: Military officers wearing face masks stand outside Duomo cathedral, closed by authorities due to a coronavirus outbreak, in Milan, Italy February 24, 2020. REUTERS/Flavio Lo Scalzo/File Photo
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Thursday April 02, 2020
Thursday April 02, 2020
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Italian MotoGP rider Iannone gets 18-month doping ban AFP - Italian MotoGP rider Andrea Iannone has been banned for 18 months after testing positive for anabolic steroids, the international motorcycling federation (FIM) announced yesterday. Iannone, 30, tested positive in a urine sample collected at an in-competition test at the Malaysian MotoGP in Sepang on November 3. An FIM disciplinary hearing imposed a ban from December 17, 2019 to June 16, 2021. Iannone’s team Aprilia said they would be appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as the FIM had recognised the possibility of
Iannone previously raced for Suzuki and Ducati. (STR/AFP/File / Jose Jordan) food contamination. “On the one hand they recognise my innocence, because they speak of
involuntary contamination, but we lost because I was sentenced,” Iannone told Sky Sport Italia.
Thursday April 02, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your attitude is calm and matter-of-fact when talking to others, Aries. You tell it like it is while omitting the frills and fantasies. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You're likely to have tremendous concentration that seems to have materialized out of nowhere. Use this to your advantage, Taurus, because it may not last long. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be careful about shutting yourself off from the rest of the world. You might hesitate to talk to people. You could have the feeling that they're unworthy of your time. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You might talk as if you possess many lifetimes of wisdom. Perhaps you do, but that doesn't mean you should be arrogant about it. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Once you've made up your mind, Leo, it's doubtful that anyone can change it. You're set in your ways and your plans are set in stone. Having this solid base to stand on will let others support you effectively. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might be hard and cold when it comes to the facts, Virgo, and you could come across as tough and rather harsh. In reality, this often just masks your sensitive interior. Perhaps you're insecure about your feelings and how you express yourself.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're likely to be feeling a bit lonely, perhaps even isolated, Libra. Maybe you think no one else has your same wild thoughts running through their heads. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you have the opportunity to teach someone a lesson, Scorpio, feel free to do so. There's probably someone in your world who could use a bit of instruction now. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You could hesitate to take the initiative, Sagittarius. Instead, you'd rather wait and see how things pan out before you make a major move. Your movements are hindered in some way, although you may not be sure why. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You could feel increasingly uncomfortable as the day goes on. Perhaps you're tongue-tied in conversations - quite rare for you. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You could lapse into pessimism, Aquarius. Suddenly the glass appears half empty and everything looks bleak. You feel like you're going around in circles. You might ask yourself what you're doing it all for anyway. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might be much more aware of yourself than usual and hyper-alert to every move you make today, especially around others, Pisces.
“But it could have been worse, now we will immediately resort to CAS to try to get back in the saddle as soon as possible.” Iannone was disqualified from the final two rounds of the 2019 season in Malaysia and Valencia, but remained 16th in the standings on 43 points, as he failed to finish both races. “The sentence leaves us baffled by the punishment imposed on Andrea but also very satisfied,” Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said in a statement. “The judges recognised Andrea’s total good faith in confirming the thesis of food contamination. “We want Andrea riding his Aprilia RS-GP, we will be at his side until the end and we will support him in his appeal.” Iannone joined Aprilia last season following two years with Suzuki.
Wimbledon canceled for the first time since World... From page 20 Shortening the format of the tournament, or playing behind closed doors, would also have proved extremely unpopular with the players. “While in some ways this has been a challenging decision, we strongly believe it is not only in the best interests of society at this time, but also provides certainty to our colleagues in international tennis given the impact on the grass court events in the UK and in
Europe and the broader tennis calendar,” AELTC Chief Executive Richard Lewis said. Tickets holders will be offered the chance to purchase tickets for the same day and court for 2021 championships as well as being issued with a refund for this year ’s event, organizers added. Wimbledon had been held every year since 1946 after a six-year hiatus because the country was at war.
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Thursday April 02, 2020
Kaieteur News
2020 Reebok CrossFit Games
Mahadeo and Adonis persevering despite COVID – 19 The sporting world and the world at large has been brought to a standstill as a result of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which has continued to deliver real body blows that will no doubt be very costly when the virus is brought under control. The rich and poor, young and old are targeted in this shindig of a fight that we are all consumed in. Athletes have been buckling but not giving in as we recently saw, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games has been pushed back by one year; now set to begin on Friday, July 23, 2021 and end Sunday, August 8, 2021. A sturdy physical and fit body along with a high degree of mental and spiritual fortitude are all necessary for athletes to stand the test of time and be ready for battle, come July 2021. But even before that, the Guyanese duo of Dillon Mahadeo and Delice Adonis who are the reigning Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge King and Queen will be hoping to showcase their physical strength, fitness as well as mental and spiritual fortitude at the 2020 Reebok CrossFit Games which will take place in Madison, Wisconsin, at the Alliant Energy Center, the week of July 29 - Aug. 2.
Both athletes have already qualified for this world spectacle which will welcome national champions and top athletes from over 127 countries to compete for the title of Fittest on Earth. These two national gladiators in their own rights have proven their worth and while not excelling on debut last year at the said event, they are both focused to go a step further and their Coach, Jamie Mc Donald is certainly pushing his charges in that direction. And while their Gym, Crossfit 592 has closed off to the public due to the coronavirus, Mahadeo and Adonis are still keeping themselves in shape in anticipation of the Reebok CrossFit Games coming off as schedule. The organisers have stated that they will continue to monitor circumstances globally in the coming months and coordinate with Madison, the host community, to communicate information regarding the event. “At this time, with the CrossFit Games more than four months away, event planning procedures include patient observation of the coronavirus (COVID-19). If
Delice Adonis, will still be hoping to take on the rest of the world. circumstances closer to the event require action, our teams will coordinate with local authorities and share relevant event information as appropriate,” CrossFit stated. Mahadeo, the five-time Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge champion shared that their training has been consistent. “Leading up to the games
we are training as normal because there has been no word from crossfit as to if it has been postponed or cancelled altogether so we’re just training as normal.” Mahadeo said that his training stints prior to the games abroad would have had to be rescheduled: “In the USA, Massachusetts, in Trinidad as well that was
Dillon Mahadeo at a previous edition of the popular games. scheduled to be in April and May. That’s the only thing that has changed for me so I’ll be doing all my training locally. But everything else has been consistent; I’m also off from school so I’ve been using that time to put in even more training in the mornings and evenings.” Adonis, who recaptured the Kares Caribbean Fitness
Challenge crown as the fittest woman disclosed, “Well I’m now finishing up a strength cycle that was mostly focused on barbell cycling at heavier weights. The cycle I’m about to start will be more conditioning and skills focused.” This would be the 14th season for the Reebok CrossFit Games.
Wimbledon canceled for the first time since World War Two LONDON (Reuters) - The Wimbledon championships were canceled for the first time since World War Two yesterday as the coronavirus pandemic struck another blue-riband sports event off the calendar and wiped out the entire tennis grasscourt season. While the decision had looked inevitable for some time, since the virtual shutdown of world sport and the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, Wimbledon had been one of the few events not to have been officially canceled or postponed. But after emergency talks between the various stakeholders over the last few days, the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) announced that it was impossible for the grasscourt Grand Slam, scheduled for June 29-July 12, to take place. “It is with great regret that the main board ... have today decided that The Championships 2020 will be canceled due to public health concerns linked to the coronavirus epidemic,” the AELTC said in a statement. “The 134th
Championships will instead be staged from June 28 to July 11, 2021.” Following the cancellation of the grasscourt major, and with the pandemic worsening in Europe and the U.S, the men’s ATP Tour, women’s WTA Tour and the International Tennis Federation extended the suspension of professional tennis for another five weeks to July 13. “At this time, tournaments taking place from July 13, 2020 onwards are still planning to proceed as per the published schedule,” said a joint statement from the governing bodies. Britain’s death toll from the virus reached 2,352 on Wednesday, according to NHS figures. The French Open, originally due to be held from May 24-June 7 was postponed and controversially rescheduled by the French tennis federation for Sept. 20-Oct. 4, shortly after the end of the U.S. Open. The U.S. Open organizers said they were continuing with their plans to host the hardcourt Grand Slam in New
Coronavirus has forced the cancellation of Wimbledon for the first time since World War II. (Getty Images) York as scheduled from Aug 31-Sep 14. NO VACCINE = NO TENNIS Players across the tennis fraternity reacted with shock and sadness at the cancellation of Wimbledon. Roger Federer, whose record haul of 20 Grand Slam titles includes eight Wimbledon trophies, said he was “devastated”. “There is no gif for these
things that I am feeling,” he added. In a statement from the organizers of the Halle Open, which was also canceled, Federer said: “We are going through difficult times but we will emerge stronger. I already look forward to returning to Halle next year. Stay healthy.” Former Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo did not think either the U.S. Open or the French Open
would go ahead this year. “I think we’re going to have to draw a line under the 2020 tennis season,” Mauresmo said on Twitter this week. “International circuit = players of all nationalities plus management, spectators and people from the 4 corners of the world who bring these events to life. No vaccine = no tennis.” Unlike the French Open
which is played on clay, Wimbledon’s scope for rearranging the start date was extremely limited. While Centre Court and Court One boast a roof, playing elite level tennis outside on grass would have been extremely challenging in late summer or autumn with a lack of light and problems caused by dew forming on the surface late in the day. (Continued on page 19)
Thursday April 02, 2020
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Making a difference in St Cuthbert’s Mission Multi-talented National Athlete Cassie Junor By Sean Devers Growing up in the Amerindian Village of St Cuthbert’s Mission on the Mahaica River and 57 miles from Georgetown through the Linden Highway, National Volleyball player Cassie Junor is changing concept that sports is not for girls in her 240.00 square mile Village she calls home. In a community of just over 200 households, St. Cuthbert’s is regarded by many people in Guyana as the “cultural capital” for Amerindians. A quarter of St Cuthbert’s titled communal village lands are in Region 5 (MahaicaBerbice), with the other three quarters lying in Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica). “Sports is not such a big thing for girls in Pakuri since girls are expected to be at home doing chores or helping out, looking after younger siblings,” informed Cassie, who played football in Secondary School, participated in Track and Field and took part in swimming at the National School’s Championship in 2016. Before Saint Cuthbert’s Day in 1889 when the village was renamed St. Cuthbert’s Mission by the first Anglican missionaries who arrived
there, the Village was named “Pakuri” after the Platonia trees that were then plentiful in the area. Cassie was born on December 19, 1999 in St Cuthbert’s Mission to Raymond Junor and Loleta Simon, she has four brothers and a sister. She attended the St Cuthbert’s Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools and graduated in 2016 from Secondary School. “Growing up in Pakuri is the best thing that ever happened to me, swimming in the Mahaica river, climbing trees, picking fruits and going fishing up and down the river. My grandparents are farmers and I would go with them on weekends to help them plant. Everyday there was something new and exciting to do,” the 20-year-old informed. “I became interested in Volleyball when I first started Secondary school, back then only boys would play Volleyball. I used to sit and watch them play every day after school, hoping that one day I could play and be as good as them,” said Cassie who made her debut on the National Volleyball team in 2014 for the Inter-Guiana Games in
Suriname. Cassie has a multitude of talents and the strikingly pretty young lass got involved in modelling when she won the 2017 Miss St Cuthbert’s Heritage pageant and then went on to represent Region 4 at the Miss Indigenous Heritage pageant in Georgetown. “I love sports …any sports, but most of all I enjoy spending quality time with my family in St Cuthbert’s which is still called Pakuri by many. I also relish Indigenous food of course…. like the famous Cassava bread and pepper pot with some cool fly,” added Cassie who last represented Guyana in Volleyball last February in French Guiana. Cassie informed that the Corona virus has affected the entire Village. Persons are scared and mostly staying indoors, the roads are empty and the playfield, which is mostly sand but has a mud cricket pitch on it, is also empty. “The playfields, which was highly populated in the afternoons with boys and girls, men and Women playing all types of sports, are now empty. Villagers are scared to go to Georgetown to buy their
Cassie doing a photo shoot in the Mission. little groceries. They have to shop right in the Village for items costing twice as much as in the City,” Cassie lamented. She explained that the Council formed a task force to create and oversee precautionary measures to combat the spreading of the COVID-19. “No visitors are allowed into the Village and a gate is under construction to prevent persons from traversing in and out of the Village. When the gate is completed persons who wish to enter the Village would have to seek permission from the Toshao,” informed Cassie, who is a final year student at the Cyril Potter
College of Education pursuing an associate degree in Education. “Sadly I can’t play any Volleyball or any other sport since Villagers were asked by the Village Council to practice social distancing,” the Castrol Strikers player revealed. She is one of the characters featured in a commercial for E-Networks Cable service in remote areas. “I ended up in the Enetworks commercial after being in a GBTI commercial some months before. They wanted to do a commercial in my Village and was seeking persons to be in it and our former Toshao Lenox Shuman (Presidential canidate-LJP) told them about me,”
disclosed Cassie who is presently in St Cuthbert’s. Cassie, who usually resides in Georgetown due to her studies to become a qualified Teacher after which she intends to return to serve her community as a Teacher, pleaded with the Guyanese people to help in the fight against the Covid-19. “I would plead with them to comply with the instructions and guidelines given by the WHO and the Ministry of Health. Let us continue to wash and sanitise our hands and practice social distancing and let’s express love by staying that 3 meters away. Remember if you stay at home you are not only protecting yourself but others also,” Cassie concluded.
Anderson scrumming for debut By Calvin Chapman Multi-talented sportsman Lloyd Anderson is working hard towards getting his debut call-up to represent Guyana’s senior men’s rugby team; The Green Machine. The 21-year-old old athlete had a bright start to his rugby career after being picked to represent Guyana’s under-19 team, four years ago. And, that initial call-up in 2016 saw him playing against the likes of Jamaica and Bahamas during the junior tour of Miami, USA. Since then, the Panthers rugby club fullback has been working hard to hone his rugby skills to fulfill his dream of taking it to the next level on the Green Machine’s lineup. Anderson shared with Kaieteur Sport during an interview that he was very upbeat about his chances of making the squad that was scheduled to play Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) this month at home in a 15s fixture. The coronavirus pandemic has since caused that match to be postponed indefinitely with Anderson’s chance to don national
Lloyd Anderson (with ball) in action for Panthers against Police Falcons. colours again in a longer queue. The young man explained that the reason why he fancied a call-up was due to the fact that the new executive of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) had outlined that they are looking for a fresh start for rugby and with the rebuilding phase comes much needed attention
to grassroots development and the grooming of young exciting talents, which he considers himself as. The former Queen’s College student has proven his skill on the football field plying the trade as left back, while last season he played as a goalkeeper for Pele FC. “Yeah, I love football but not so much as a goalkeeper but I
have taken a break from the beautiful game to focus more on rugby. I have a more realistic chance of making the national rugby side and I will continue to work hard towards that even during this pandemic. I am not taking any unnecessary risks though; I’m working out at home,” Anderson explained.
Lloyd Anderson (left) and Lance Adonis pose after winning a title for Panthers rugby club.
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Thursday April 02, 2020
Kaieteur News
American gymnast Biles cried at news of Tokyo postponement (Reuters) - Four-times Olympic champion Simone Biles has finally broken her silence on the year-long postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and said yesterday that while the news left her in tears it was the right call. The American gymnast, who is typically very active on social media, appeared on NBC’s ‘Today’ program from her home to give her first public comments since the Olympics were postponed last week because of the coronavirus pandemic. “I was actually in the gym training at the time because we were allowed under 10 people... and I went to the locker in between rotations and I got a text,” said Biles. “I didn’t really know
what to feel. I just kind of sat there. I cried but ultimately it was the right decision. We need to make sure everyone in the U.S. and around the world is healthy and safe. It was hard but it’s okay.” The 23-year-old Biles, already the most decorated gymnast in world championship history, had previously said she would r e t i r e a f t e r t h e To k y o Olympics, which were originally scheduled to run from July 24-Aug. 9 this year. Biles, who in 2018 returned to competition after a nearly two-year layoff, must now endure another grueling stretch of training if she wants to ensure she will be at her dazzling best in Tokyo and
admits it will be a challenge. “Physically I have no doubts that my coaches will get me back in shape, but mentally going another year, I think that is what’s going to take the toll on me and all of us and most of the athletes,” said Biles. “We h a v e t o s t a y i n shape mentally just as much as physically. That will play a big factor moving forward, listening to your body and your mind.” With many Americans staying at home to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, Biles said she has maintained contact with her coaches through text messages and video calls to figure out a plan moving forward for the next year.
Federer ‘devastated’ as Wimbledon cancelled due to virus AFP - Former champion Roger Federer said he was “devastated” that Wimbledon has been cancelled for the first time since World War II because of the coronavirus. Wimbledon chiefs pulled the plug on the oldest Grand Slam tournament on Wednesday in response to the continued chaos caused by the pandemic. Federer, who has won a record eight Wimbledon men’s singles titles, reacted with a single word, tweeting: “devastated.” Serena Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon women’s singles champion, was also rocked by the news as the American tweeted: “I’m Shooked (sic)”. Federer and Serena will be nearly 40 by the time of the 2021 championships. Wimbledon was due to run for two weeks from June 29, with Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep set to defend their singles titles. But All England Club chiefs were left with no choice but to cancel the grass-court event - which was first staged in 1877 - due to the continued health crisis across the world. Halep, the Romanian who defeated Serena to win Wimbledon for the first time last year, tweeted: “So sad to hear Wimbledon won’t take place this year. “Last year’s final will forever be one of the happiest days of my life! But we are going through something bigger than tennis and Wimbledon will be back! And it means I have even longer to look forward
Simone Biles of the U.S. in action during the Artistic Gymnastics of the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in the Women’s Floor Final in Stuttgart, Germany. (REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay/File Photo) “Other than that, they have sent us at-home workouts. I’m also walking my dog a lot more. Just trying to stay healthy and in shape
before we can return to the gym and start the training process again,” said Biles. “(I’m) doing more bodywork, so like arms, abs,
legs. The other day I did a YouTube — it was like a twerk workout ... It was a twerkout, but it was like a lot of squats and conditioning.”
Administration hasty with management team sacking: Bishop
Roger Federer was left devastated by the Wimbledon cancellation. (Pool/AFP / Adrian Dennis) to defending my title.” American legend BillieJean King, a six-time singles champion at Wimbledon, said the cancellation was the right decision. - ‘It’s a tough one’ “I fully understand and support the decision of the committee and it is vital we keep our focus on those most impacted by this pandemic. I have been fortunate to go to Wimbledon every year since 1961 and I am certainly going to miss it this year,” she said. “Right now, we need to make sure we are taking good care of ourselves and our loved ones. These are challenging times for all of us and now is the time for us to do what is right for our world and what works for our sport.” Two-time champion Petra Kvitova summed up the prevailing sentiment among players as she said it would be hard to go a year without visiting Wimbledon. “Definitely a tough one to take, with the announcement of the cancellation of
Wimbledon this year,” she said. “Not only is it a special tournament to me, but it’s a tournament that has been part of history for so long that it will leave a big hole in the calendar. “I will miss playing on the beautiful grass and wearing my whites, BUT of course we know it will be back better than ever next year. And maybe we will all appreciate it even more! Stay safe and stay inside.” Coco Gauff, the teenager who dazzled with her surprise run to the last 16 year, tweeted: “I’m gonna miss playing in Wimbledon this year. Stay safe everyone, love you guys.” Kevin Anderson, beaten by Djokovic in the 2018 final, tweeted: “I’ve always had so many great memories at Wimbledon. “The grass season will definitely be missed but the most important thing right now for us to focus on is that we’re all staying healthy and safe at home.”
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop maintains the wrong call was made to overhaul the entire management team of the senior men’s side on the eve of last year’s 50-overs World Cup in England. A year after former St Kitts and Nevis cabinet minister, Ricky Skerritt, captured the Cricket West Indies presidency, the decision to remove controversial Englishman Richard Pybus and replace him with former West Indies batsman Floyd Reifer, has remained a contentious talking point. And Bishop told CNC3’s ViewPoint considering the fallout from such a move, some measure of patience with the then management team could have been exercised. “Maybe on reflection there should have been a little more patience, from my point of view, handed down just prior to that World Cup,” said Bishop now a well-respected international television cricket analyst. “Instead of those drastic changes because the chemistry of the team and what they were building towards would’ve needed time to blend.” The decision by the previous Dave Cameron administration to appoint Pybus proved a divisive one, resulting in rancour and eventual public spats between CWI directors.
Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop However, the story on the field was a different o n e a s We s t I n d i e s stunned England in the first two Tests of the threematch series in the Caribbean, to retain the Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade before further defying odds to steal a 2-2 draw in a highly competitive five-match one-day series Once Skerritt defeated Cameron in hot-contested elections staged in Jamaica last year March, the new CWI administration moved swiftly to remove Pybus and his staff, along with the entire selection panel. West Indies, who entered the World Cup ranked number nine, then endured their worst-ever campaign at a 50-overs World Cup, losing six of their nine games and winning just two, to finish ninth of 10 teams and miss out on the second round.
The 52-yearold Bishop, who snared 161 wickets from 53 Tests between 1989 and 1998, said the game in the Caribbean faced several challenges to its development in particular, finance and funding. Citing Australia’s example, Bishop said West Indies would continue to lag behind larger nations because of their easier access to financing. “I’ve been to Australia and have seen what Australia are able to pump in economically into their women’s side of things,” the Trinidadian explained. “We don’t have those revenue streams and I think that must be understood. All the things we’re talking about are grassroots, it’s on the ground. [These programmes] require finance, they require revenue and that’s going to be the consistent challenge for us here in the Caribbean.”
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 02, 2020
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Sebai SC chairperson Karen Benjamin calls for upgrading of facilities
Karen Benjamin (right) with one of the club’s female football players Feona Benjamin.
By Zaheer Mohamed Chairperson of Sebai Sports Club of Region One, Karen Benjamin said that the sporting facilities in the area need to be upgraded so the athletes’ talent can be better harnessed. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport, Benjamin stated that the while they manage to host various events, they are being faced with a number of challenges, from time to
NSC facilities remains closed due to COVID-19 pandemic The National Sports Commission (NSC) has informed the media via a Press Release that the general public is advised that all facilities under the commission will remain closed until May 01, 2020. List of facilities include: · Cliff Anderson Sports Hall · N a t i o n a l Gymnasium · National Aquatic Centre · Colgrain Pool
· N a t i o n a l Racquet/Sports Resource Centre The release noted that the public is asked NOT to show up to any of the above mentioned facilities for queries. They can however, call the office at Homestretch Avenue on 225-6340/225-3560 between the hours of 08:00 and noon. The Department regrets any inconvenience caused but would like to thank the
public for their support and understanding. Please be sure to always practice social distancing and wash your hands, the release concluded. Guyana has so far recorded two death and 19 positive results of coronavirus or COVID-19 and the general public is being asked to take every precaution to limit the spread of the deadly virus which has been devastating around the world.
time. She informed that one of the biggest hurdles to overcome there is to maintain the ground. “We do receive assistance in the form of a grant from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, but that alone is not enough to keep the facility in the top shape for competitions. Apart from cutting the ground, we need to put in more facilities to make the ground more comfortable for athletes and fans, and for this we need the corporation of the business community. From time to time we have to use cutlasses to weed the grass, because the brush cutter is not in working condition,” she added. “Sometimes we host fundraising activities, but that has been very slow, so we need more support from
NGOs as well since the club cannot afford to sponsor athletes when they are being selected to represent the region at major competitions,” she posited, adding that sports gears are expensive. T h e c l u b w a s resuscitated in 2019 and under her leadership their female football team reached the final four at the Heritage games. She said that since then females are getting more actively involved in sports moreso cricket, football and volleyball. “We are looking forward to having more young people taking part in sports and getting the opportunity to showcase their talent in the major tournaments,” said Benjamin. “One of the things I would like to see here is the athletes getting a decent
chance to hone their skills. We need qualified coaches and referees and I think the Guyana Football Federation and the Regional authorities can help in this regard, and this will be a big boost for the region since the coaches can reach out to the smaller communities. This is an area where more emphasis needs to be placed.” “Sports should be a priority for the regional authorities so when they prepare their budget, sports can receive more assistance. We also need a sports officer in region one,” she said. “Our athletes have the ability, but they need more exposure and this is an area we are working on as well.” Benjamin informed that the club has 68 members at present, both males and females and her goal is to produce national athletes.
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There is a lot more to number 4! Cassie in her Guyana uniform.
Delice Adonis being urged on by reigning Kares Caribbean Fitness Challenge male champion, Dillon Mahadeo at the 2019 competition.
2020 Reebok CrossFit Games
Mahadeo and Adonis persevering despite COVID - 19
Making a difference in St Cuthbert’s Mission Multi-talented National Athlete Cassie Junor
Wimbledon canceled for the first time since World War Two
A Wimbledon logo is seen inside the grounds at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London June 23, 2008. (REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.