Monday April 13, 2020
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Kaieteur News
COVID-19 FALLOUTS…
IDB predicts region will suffer economic shock of historic proportions In light of the sharp contraction that will result from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has proposed several economic policies which can be used by its borrowing members to cushion the effects. The policies are outlined in its 2020 Latin American and Caribbean Macroeconomic Report which was coordinated by Victoria Nuguer, IDB’s Research Economist, and Andrew Powell, Principal Advisor in the IDB’s Research Department (RES). The report which analyzes growth scenarios amid coronavirus pandemic, notes that Latin America and the Caribbean will see sharp growth reductions between 1.8 percent and -5.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020. The financial institution noted that the economic damage will carry into 2021 and 2022 unless governments implement wellfocused programs to offset the impacts. The report includes four external shock scenarios: moderate, strong, severe and extreme. The severe scenario would imply a 12.2 percent loss of the region’s GDP over three years and the extreme scenario would mean a loss of 14.4 percent. According to the IDB, the use of scenarios rather than a single growth number estimate is to help policymakers better grasp the profound uncertainties and unprecedented nature of the pandemic. Currently, the financial institution said that the risks are skewed towards the lower end of the range. In his invited comment, IDB Chief Economist, Eric Parrado said that the region will suffer an economic shock of historic proportions.
- proposes help to vulnerable households, incentives to businesses Parrado said that countries should be saving lives by ensuring social distancing and providing their health sectors with adequate resources. The Chief Economist also said that complementary and temporary economic interventions can support economies during the partial, organized shut-downs. Parrado said: “We need to preserve the core of our economies to improve the chances of a quick rebound. Providing relief to those more vulnerable households that have lost their sources of income, helping and giving incentives to firms to reduce liquidations and avoid separation from their employees, and extending liquidity to banks so they be part of the solution, can all work in that direction.” CALIBRATED POLICIES Given the uncertainties around the nature of the virus, its spread and how it can be contained, the IDB explained that its report seeks to help countries navigate this uncertain terrain and try to reduce the economic costs. It was keen to note, however, that financing may be a constraint. In this regard, the bank said that countries can seek greater efficiencies, divert non-essential spending, and borrow and tap central bank balance sheets to some degree. It said, however, that interventions should be calibrated carefully and evaluated to ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries. The financial institution said, too, that policymakers should
consider how such policies will be phased out to ensure fiscal sustainability beyond the Coronavirus crisis. Further to this, the IDB said it is making an unprecedented effort to provide additional resources to countries, acting together with its multilateral partners. In this regard, it was revealed that the bank is making up to US$12 billion available in 2020 to help
countries cope with the coronavirus impacts, and IDB Invest – the IDB Group’s private sector arm – an additional US $5 billion. The IDB has also launched an information hub highlighting the Bank’s research and priority areas to support countries in the face of the coronavirus crisis, including strengthening public health preparations, providing safety nets for
vulnerable populations, improving economic productivity and employment, and fiscal policies to improve economic impacts. Founded in 1959, the Inter-American Development Bank’s mission has been to improve lives. It has also been one of the main sources of
long-term financing for the economic, social, and institutional development of Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research projects and offers policy advice, technical assistance, and training to public and private clients throughout the region.
Guyana not disqualified from receiving int’l COVID-19 aid - National Task Force Former Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, is not aware of any refusal by Guyana’s international partners to grant aid to the country in its effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. So he is of the view that Guyana had not been deemed disqualified from receiving international aid. He made this and other comments during the most recent press conference of the National COVID-19 Task Force on Saturday. Nagamootoo said that former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, has reported to the task force that he has approached a number of institutions for aid, and that some of these are in the process of dealing with those requests.
He acknowledged that Government made a request weeks ago to the US-based World Bank for US$5M to fund a national strategy to tackle the virus. It has been weeks since that institution received that request. It has since rolled out emergency COVID-19 aid to assist at least 39 countriesnot Guyana though. Guyana has not received aid from the Bank, despite being identified among the least prepared countries in the hemisphere to tackle the virus. The former Finance Minister had said that when he last approached the bank, it was still processing the request. Nagamootoo said on Saturday that he is not aware of any specific refusal to
grant assistance, even pointing to recent news that Guyana is set to receive 30,000 masks from China, among other essential equipment to combat the virus. China has not raised contentions about the credibility of Guyana’s elections results. Guyana’s relationship with that country was never questioned. It was the US who has said that Guyana could face serious consequences if flawed elections results are not replaced with credible results. History has shown that the US is not shy to lay sanctions on wayward nations. Notably, the US is the largest shareholder in two of Guyana’s major development
partners, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Both of those have been instrumental in the development of Guyana’s petroleum sector, and have been challenged by over 80 global organisations to advocate for free, fair and credible elections in Guyana. The IMF recently refused to consider Venezuela’s request for aid to tackle the virus, on grounds that the government of the Bolivarian Republic lacked the recognition of the international community. More recently, The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reported that the US plans to block Iran’s requested US$5B emergency loan from the IMF to fight COVID-19.
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Easter and its light Over a billion souls around the globe identify with the life and teachings of a man, which culminates in this time and season of Easter. In Guyana, a sizable segment of the population comes to this same place of belief and faith. For those who fervently believe, there are so many things represented and projected by Easter which, when examined at the core, could be of immense benefit not only to those who identify with the messages, but to all of the peoples of this country. Among the timeless and transcendent messages of Easter are these: love, mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. We could use some, maybe all of these ingredients in our way of life in this society, can’t we? We need them, and never more so than now, in this time of great social and political challenges that test the spirit and resilience of Guyanese, don’t we? And in this hour of great physical danger that come from a worldwide scourge for which there is yet to be discovered a medical remedy, we could use some of those resonant elements of Easter in our daily interaction with one another, in our personal vision of how we ought to be before each other. But we are not doing so, are we? For whether Christian believer or not, where is the appreciation that has to be, if only to bring our national motto to that place of oneness? The scant toleration of each other, such as we have, and as forced by circumstances, leaves us in the worst place imaginable at the worst time possible. No reminder is needed, but we do: it is a place and time of elections, now long disputed and forever unsettled in the piercing emotions of sharp hostilities that fuel reciprocal hatreds. This is hurting us and disastrously. Where is the love, understanding, and mutual respect when we need those the most? What we have in the places of those are not going to lead us anywhere. Not anywhere, but which hurries us to a fateful confrontational pass. And in this worst of places and worst of times, we have a virus that menaces the world, and which now threatens our fragile existence. When the house should stand through the unity of one people (again that stirring national motto, all but cosmetic) to combat what comes, it is shattered with the political and associated racial passions that imperil. At Easter time or any other time, no society, no grouping of diverse peoples can succeed in getting anywhere that is wholesome, that is incentivizing as to its powerful possibilities. There is no one destiny. Truth be faced, there is no destiny, only the diminishing weaknesses of division and all the dangers that are a part of them. And yet we are here grasping from some strain, any feather, of communal and national fellowship. Since the liberation that came from Independence, we have allowed ourselves to be enslaved by calculations and visions that pave the way toward a trickling form of self-destruction. Easter climaxes in a moment of supreme self-sacrifice; we talk about it and ponder over it at length, yet when called upon to deliver some semblance of that same selfsacrifice for nation building, we are found wanting. All of us, whether followers of the man from Galilee or another from wherever in the fullness of faiths, we are found wanting and shrinking, because we limit ourselves to the narrowness of the self-serving. We may dismiss love and mercy as having no place in our political paradigms, but when we do so, we might as well jettison any hope we entertain, any vision we harbor, for the truths that could come out of something called reconciliation.And when there is no reconciliation, there can be neither reformation nor restoration. Surely, it is not to this most dismal of dark existence to which we condemn ourselves so willingly… One does not have to believe in Easter or anything that it represents. But if anyone says that he or she loves Guyana, and believes in the future of Guyana, then we know what our duty is, our responsibility, if only to carve out for ourselves a different Guyana.
Appeal to President Granger for an expedited, rible intentions. Is the Granger have any conscience about transparent recount I know driven by greed for the political destruction you DEAR EDITOR, Though disappointed with the governance of the coalition, I still voted for it on March 2 because of the leadership of Mr. Granger. Like me, he is an abiding Christian and a God-fearing man. He is only among a few in the coalition who championed good governance while some Ministers became worse than those they replaced in PPP. Questions abound about bribe dealing and other corruption transactions. Fortunately, I heard no rumours of the President or family members being tainted with self-enrichment. I always praised and defended him. I saw him as a man of decency, morality, integrity, and good intentions. But these values he long stood for are now in doubt because of his behaviour since March 4. There is a side of the President I am now seeing and
which I cannot support as a Christian and which makes me and friends think less about the decency of Mr. Granger. The President has been silent on countless reports of electoral fraud that have not been disputed. International observers from CARICOM, OAS, Carter Center, European Union as well Ambassadors from the US, UK and Canada, condemned the blatant fraud with respect to tabulating the Region 4 SOPs. The behaviour of our party comrades at GECOM and in court convinces supporters that we lost the election. Could the riggers not show some elements of public decency? We voted for the coalition because we didn’t like what PPP was doing. Now, we are behaving worse than PPP. Mr. President you are surrounded by shady characters obsessed with power and ter-
political power to destroy his reputation and character as one of our country’s finest sons? Is this the same person I voted for? Many of my friends, neighbours, church members are asking the same question. Almost all of them are turned off by the behaviour of the President and some of the questionable characters around him. It is not in our psyche as Christians to condone fraud and dishonesty. The President is losing traditional support and in another election many are saying they are not likely to vote for APNU. When will Mr. Granger’s no nonsense wife and two daughters take a stand against electoral fraud and urge husband and father not to ruin the good name of the family and take actions to stem political hemorrhage? Mr. President, don’t you
are bringing to your party and our country by being silent on the sordid affairs at GECOM and that Mingo fraud at counting and recounting of SOPs of Region 4? You have a constitutional duty to be honest and not endorse those who are bent on supporting electoral fraud. The behaviour of our three government Commissioner on GECOM and a few of your colleagues is shameless. Please don’t pay them mind or heed their urging for you to condone rigging. Sir, too many decent supporters are leaving the party over this attempted fraud. You are now being surrounded by and listening to scoundrels costing us support in future elections. Why ignore the views of those decent people who voted for you? Think of your illness, age, family relations, supporters, (Continued on page 5)
Political and legal maneuvers in Guyana reek tional economy.Anyone ex- ing/warning Guyanese about of foreign influence amining the tactics used by the consequences of international sanctions, and encour-
DEAR EDITOR, The December 2018 successful no-confidence motion against the APNU-AFC led government spawned unprecedented political, constitutional and legal challenges, most of which ended, either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, by the courts, or with the pronouncement of, and gazetted date for the new Elections. However, a scrutiny of the tactics employed by APNU and GECOM during the course of 2019, as well as those that have been springing up in the wake of the March 2, 2020 General Elections reveals a common trend, the elements of which have comprised the behaviour of influential international conglomerates and multinational corporations. In light thereof, it would not be unreasonable to infer foreign influence on our sociopolitical and legal landscape from January 2019 to the present. While such influence may not necessarily stem from direct involvement of foreign power(s), it may have emanated from the behaviour of the big-league corporations and conglomerates over the last few decades. Time and again, they find themselves facing new regulations and other real and perceived domestic and international challenges, such as, interference with their profitability, or perceived unfriendly political changes/regimes, In such instances, these big-league entities would resort to selfpreservation mechanisms, such as, (a) Endurance and delaying tactics which include the use of expensive
legal resources to prolong litigation by raising as many motions and technicalities as possible; (b) Continuous lobbying and the use of corporate wealth and political connections to undermine the will of legislators and regulators to enact and or enforce the legal provisions; (c) Tactics of secrecy and deception about ownership and control, and ‘sweetheart’ deals and contracts to prevent exposing the violations and make them more difficult to prove; and (d) Threats of economic consequences to the local communities and to the na-
foreign corporations should not find difficulty in establishing the close resemblance and similarities to the tactics and mechanisms applied by APNU and GECOM. In addition to the blatant disregard for the constitutional provisions and regulations governing the electoral procedures, they have resorted to tactics of deception, endurance and delays. They have refused to complete the verification and reconciliation of the Statements of Polls; and they have been running to the court for flimsy reasons. Furthermore, it is believed that they have engineered the circulation of messages inform-
aging them not to support calls for sanctions. By way of conclusion, it is unfortunate for Guyanese that the coronavirus epidemic hit at this time; it is helping the APNU-GECOM delaying tactics. These political and legal deceptive and delay tactics have tested our tolerance over the last year, and continue to do so, today. In essence, these foreign orchestrated tactics have stalled progress and prolonged our political and economic agony. Sincerely, Ronald Singh, LL.M, M.S. Barrister & Solicitor
STOP THE SHENANIGANS NOW! DEAR EDITOR, Can you imagine a Guyana where the people are not the most hospitable? By the looks of things, we are heading down such an unchartered path. Marred by unending elections tension and compounded by a plague of unprecedented proportions, many may be questioning what could a nation (the world even) have done to warrant such unenviable wrath that has positioned it well for a decline of humanity? There are some things we may never understand, but this I know, and many know this too, the decline, here in Guyana, has started. In fact, some are convinced that it might have been conjured up even before the start of the March 2, 2020 elections. I deliberately gazed upon the faces of several individu-
als over the past few days, some sporting masks (in hope that they could delay possible infection from COVID-19 not knowing that a mask can’t prevent infection but rather can help to reduce the possibility of them spreading it if they already have the disease), and then there were those who were mask-free, perhaps thinking that they are invincible or entirely uncaring. But we are not invincible. And I’m not merely implying death. The traits that we were long urged to embrace to become one people, one nation with one destiny, seem to have been twisted off the axis point that holds us together. Inspired by a fatherly figure and a brother in Christ, Mr. Harold Beharry, who has not failed to speak out against what I would like to describe as unfathomable develop-
ments in our land, I hereby submit today that the only answer to the ongoing shenanigans – in Guyana and the world over – is the Almighty God. There is no winning, at anything really, without the endorsement of the Supreme Being, so, so-called leaders of this Dear Land of ours, I implore you, choose your battle wisely. Wage not war with the Creator of things. By taking matters into your own hands that is precisely what you have done, and we all are reaping the maddening consequences of your actions. STOP IT, STOP IT today! Not tomorrow or the proposed five odd months down the road, STOP IT NOW. Time is of the essence! Yours patriotically, A God-fearing daughter of the soil
Monday April 13, 2020
Will health care workers have 200% increases in salaries? DEAR EDITOR, As of April 11th 2020, we recorded 45 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Guyana. This is indeed sad for our nation. I would like to indicate to your readers that GTU has issued a statement on their social media page, asking for full salaries for teachers. There is nothing wrong asking for full salaries to be paid during this time, since we all need to eat and ensure our households are well equipped with sanitizing products. However, one may or can ask the following questions: If teachers are to receive full salaries, will all health care workers have a 200% increase in salaries? Our health care workers are risking their lives more than anyone else is right now, and have measly 30k of risk allowance (doctors). If teachers receive full
salaries, will the law enforcers also receive an increase in salaries? Since they are also risking their lives, and enforcing the curfew? What about the fire service workers? What about the staff at our airports/weather forecasters? I have the utmost respect for our educators, some of my schoolmates went on to being educators and I know this dire time where all of our lives are at risk, this is unfair, because I am not sure if all teachers are teaching from home via the internet. If they are, how can we be so sure that each student has access to a laptop and or internet access (the one laptop per family initiative would have been so useful now)? We are slipping rapidly down the wormhole because
of the Coronavirus and because of the slow movement of GECOM to make a decision to go forth with a recount. The ones in office are trying and they waited until they were criticized before making decisions that were to be made in the first place only now. If we had a competent Government, I am sure each Guyanese would have benefitted from some sort of stimulus package and our teachers would not have to be asking for full salaries, our health care workers would be compensated handsomely for their hard work, as well as all other essential workers. Kindly remember to stay at home unless absolutely necessary, sanitize and wash your hands as much as possible and most of all stay safe! Katrina Niamatali
Stranded citizens of Guyana in the USA DEAR EDITOR, I write this letter with hopes that you are able to understand our plea and assist us in any way possible. Myself and my family travelled from Guyana to the USA in early March for a family event. We arrived on March 13th and were supposed to travel back to Guyana on March 27th. However, on March 17th, we were given a one-day notice of travel restrictions by the Government of Guyana, in which the borders would be closed to all international travelers, including citizens of Guyana. Multiple attempts were made to rebook a flight on this day to enter our home country before the borders were closed but they all proved futile. The initial border restriction extended from March 18th to March 31st.
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However, upon expiration of this time period, the flight restrictions were extended for a longer time, up to May 1st, 2020. As a result, my family and I have been stucked in Florida until such time that the Government decides to reopen the borders. I understand the reason for closing the borders, which should result in reduction of possible imported cases of COVID-19 and hence reduction in the total number of infected cases. Many countries have also implemented these methods in order to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases. However, most of those countries, if not all, have made arrangements to have their citizens returned to their countries, and have allowed more than a one-day notice for citizens to return. According to WHO guide-
lines, any person travelling from an area of high transmission of COVID-19 is required to self-quarantine for 14 days. The officials in Guyana responsible for preventing the spread of COVID-19 are referring that Guyanese do not routinely follow guidelines and so they are forced to have mandatory 14 days institutional quarantine. Currently the COVID-19 Task Force in Guyana refers that they do not possess the capacity to deal with the return of the citizens of Guyana from foreign countries. I understand that implementation of these mandatory institutional quarantines can exhaust our limited resources and may even further assist with spreading of the COVID-19 infection, as those persons are not tested and can be asymptomatic carriers. (Continued on page 6)
Do the Powers that be still have dirty tricks up their sleeves? DEAR EDITOR, The events logically constructed by Freddie Kissoon in his column on April 7 of Kaieteur News, highlighting the inexplicable behaviour and dubious actions of GECOM officials, the Police, and state actors paints a compelling picture of a calculated collusion to subvert the 2020 Regional and General Elections in Guyana. It is alarming to observe the brazenness and moral turpitude with which the verification process of Region 4 was violated, resulting in an illegal declaration in full view of local and international observers, journalists and many decent-minded citizens. Thumping one’s nose at election observers is one thing, but to ignore the Chief Justice’s instructions with utter disdain exhibits an audacity that stems from a belief that laws can be flouted with impunity. It is a mentality that is more
often characteristic of totalitarian states in which the bureaucracy bends to the will of those at the top. Mingo operating like a programmed robot; GECOM’s Chairperson and CEO participating in a baffling disappearing act at a critical time; unauthorized individuals pulling spreadsheets from thin air; the police forcefully shunting away witnesses from the “crime scene,” and a Government Minister threatening Foreign observers with expulsion, all fit into a hastily rigged plot conceived and directed from elsewhere. Myrmidons, compromised public servants and opportunists always yield easily to a higher powers. The act was so crudely botched that it required a paint over. Spin doctors in the form of journalists, political operatives, and “Statesmen” quickly sprang into action using the mass media to legitimize the rigging
Appeal to President... From page 4 and lifelong comrades! Is holding on to power through fraud worth it? The international community has indicated that it won’t allow the fraud and won’t recognize a government arising out of it. The country has been deeply divided. The President has a unique opportunity to bring healing and unity by instructing his three commissioners to support a quick recount to bring finale to the elections. President Granger must order the recount of Region Four SOPs as was done with the other nine regions.Sir, your reputation and that of your family are on the line. Act decisively to restore your honour and instruct your commissioner to support an expedited, transparent re-
count to be completed before month’s end! And whatever the outcome, let’s accept it! If our party loses a fair count, so be it! Bow out gracefully! Don’t let your name be further demonized. Leave your legacy intact! We will be a vibrant opposition and we will rebuild and win the next election. A strong opposition is needed to confront the PPP if it is the winner, and we will hold it to rule of law as you exemplary did between 2011 and 2015. The longer you hold on to office through dubious means and obstructing to a transparent count, the more difficult it would be to rebuild our party. May God bless you! Yours truly, Bro. Joshua Emmanuel
debacle while creating diversion. Protestors became troublemakers; eminent citizens were labelled as self-righteous hypocrites; and foreign observers were blasted as unwelcome meddlers in the democratic affairs of a sovereign nation. However, when overwhelming condemnation stymied the attempted election “coup,” state actors, through lackeys resorted to legal shenanigans. Such actions had worked for them in the past when “voodoo mathematics” was used to determine that “33 of 65” was not a majority in the December 18 No-Confidence Motion, a decision later reversed by the CCJ. The legal dance these zealous litigants seems to have suffered some hiccups. The recount to which GECOM had reluctantly committed itself due to a court contempt hanging over the head of the Chairperson was finally ordered by the Appeals Court. But a power-driven cabal hardly succumbs easily and may still possess some tricks in its bag of mischief. As the modalities for the recount are being worked out, GECOM’s CEO not unsurprisingly, threw another curve ball, ridiculously proposing a recount in 156 days. A PPP commissioner has countered with a 10-days recount. Even if the recount is fair and transparent, the integrity of the ballot boxes holds the key. Could the riggers still pull off a Houdini? In the interim, some are now proposing the formation of a national unity Government. With the ongoing political gymnastics, is the climate right and do current politicians have the temperament and will to forge a viable national unity government? Ramdular Singh
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A humble attitude is required in all The Lord detests double standards situation with the US China financial strength of those APNU+AFC supporters liter- would mean isolating oneself DEAR EDITOR, trade war and the onset of a that they lead will be allowed leaders ally and visibly manhandling from society, perhaps becomYour April 10 editorial, global pandemic that such a to endure over the long term, DEAR EDITOR, When the news highlights the slow reaction of the Ministry towards the testing of the virus and the lack of hedging in the oil market it becomes clear that there is a problem. Humility in those who are in power and leadership allows for them to be more open to the advice of others. Being receptive to that which makes sense and maintaining an awareness of what is happening in the world around us helps us make better decisions. In April of 2018 close to the peak of recent oil prices I suggested that a hedge be taken for the oil price. If this was done a $75 price could have been secured. Once again, I did so even more recently in February of this year, yet the decision was made to not hedge. In addition, I had contacted Woods Mackenzie and provided them with the bid information for marketing of the oil so as to help Guyana maintain a solid financial footing. There is no reason when knowing the marcro economic
poor decision should be taken to not hedge on price. Especially when the contract has a price floor of approximately $50 a gallon. If the decision makers think they have all the answers and that others with more experience and qualifications are of no use to them, then the future of the country will not be as strong as it could be. It should also be noted that I made a similar suggestion in a private setting to a decision maker concerning the price of sugar. In addition, when we look at the testing for the virus, many have said that we needed more kits. I took the time to provide the information on where affordable and faster testing kits may be provided and how best to procure them quickly, yet sloth and what appears to be an arrogant attitude has prevented a quick response. This information was provided on April 2nd. Those test kits could have already been here. No leader who does not safeguard the lives and the
especially in a democratic society. This Nation cannot afford such flagrant irresponsible and inexperienced leadership. Therefore, going forward I suggest that those who are becoming more of an obstacle than a benefit to this country either lose their arrogant attitude and listen or demit office and let those who care to do what’s best have an opportunity to make better the lives of our people. Going forward it would be best to store the oil and wait for a better price than to sell it. As for the test kits, I suggest that those be purchased ASAP. If buying from India is an issue, then it’s time to get over any personal biases. They are our trading partners. P.S. do not forget to hedge the oil price when a good opportunity to do so presents itself. Best Regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
Stranded citizens of Guyana in the USA From page 5 My suggestion is home quarantine once properly implemented and serious fines attached should anyone breach these quarantine protocols. According to an article published by Newsroom on 4th April 2020, approximately 75 citizens are stranded in USA and regionally, collectively. We are citizens of Guyana and the Government of Guyana is responsible for us regardless of which part of the world we may be. So if they do not have the facility to quarantine everyone, why is it not possible for the authorities to test 75 persons? If tested to be positive, those persons can be institutionally isolated and the persons who are negative can be free to return home and follow the guidelines of social distancing and curfew implemented. Another option is that if the private hospitals gets involved in testing, the government can make it mandatory for us to pay to be tested before we are allowed home. All these options discussed can therefore overcome the challenges highlighted by the authorities that are preventing their citizens from returning to Guyana. Reverting to what is more concerning for me currently is the fact that I am a citizen of Guyana, and the Government of Guyana is not taking responsibility for its citizens. It is frustrating to be in a for-
eign country during this global crisis, where I have limited rights as I am not a citizen of the USA. I must also mention that I spoke to Honourable Ramzan Ali, consulate General to Guyana in Miami, who refers that he can organize a flight from Miami to carry citizens of Guyana to CJIA, and this was related to the Government of Guyana. However, they have refused to allow this thus far, yet they are allowing citizens of foreign countries to leave Guyana to return to their respective homeland. Since Mr Ramzan Ali can organize a flight only for citizens, the authorities do not have to lift the border restrictions, but only permit this one flight to land with Guyanese citizens. Currently my 58-year-old mother and my 3-year-old niece are home alone in Guyana and they have to rely on relatives to assist with groceries and other necessities, which is done only if these relatives are available. My father, who is with me in Florida is a chronic hypertensive patient who requires prescription medication that is currently finished and cannot be obtained here. My brother, who is also with me, has a wife who is six months pregnant and needs him home since there is nobody there to care for her. I am a medical doctor currently employed by GPHC and I strongly believe that my skills will be best utilised in Guyana. I am also a resident
in the General Surgery post graduate programme and these border restrictions are hampering my studies. Have the authorities even consider how the Guyanese citizens stranded abroad are affected? All other countries that have imposed border restrictions have made provisions to have their citizens returned home and even to date, most countries, have left their airspace opened for their citizens and permanent residents only. My question now remains, what will happen with my family in Guyana should an unfortunate event occur? What will we do when our money is finished in USA? We cannot access our bank accounts from here. If any of the citizens stranded in foreign countries fall ill, what will happen to us? We do not have health insurance in these foreign countries, so why is the authorities leaving the responsibility of taking care of their citizens on the foreign administration? If these border restrictions extend beyond May 1st, 2020, what happens to us stucked in USA? We have jobs in Guyana which we risk losing if we do not return soon. Who will pay our bills? For those in charge please listen to our plea and allow your citizens to return to Guyana. Thank you. Yours respectfully, Stranded Guyanese
“Where are our religious leaders?” is a befitting condemnation of religious leaders in Guyana. The article correctly points out that religious leaders have transgressed by their sins of commission and omission – that is, what they have done or failed to do - with regards to their spiritual and moral responsibilities. As an (evangelical) Christian, I address this letter to the church leaders in the country. Why is it that Christians in Guyana only seem to criticize those in government when the PPP is in power? Is it because the PNC leader is always a good church-going person? Is their allegiance to the truths of God’s Word, or loyalty to a party or race? When the PPP was in power, their complaints were heard loud and clear at in their meetings and beyond. However, the eerie silence of the Church over the last few years when the country is at a social, political and health crisis is troubling. This is undoubtedly a double standard, which is condemned in God’s Word, for “The Lord detests double standards; he is not pleased by dishonest scales” - Prov. 20:23. A case in point of negligence is the recent video by the Pentecostal Assemblies of God of Guyana (PAOG) on March 20. The leaders of the denomination mentioned the problem of racism (and the wonderful brotherhood that they have!) They spent substantial time on the pandemic health crisis but avoided any mention of the political dilemma that is threatening the social fabric of the country even though Bishop Dr. M. Raphael Massiah indicated that they would. Bishop John O. Smith issued a weird and incomprehensible statement: “We need to move from ‘facts’ to ‘truth,’ to which Massiah interjected by blurting, “Excellent”. These gentlemen need to know that ‘truth’ is a generally accepted outcome or reasoning; fact, however, is a proven truth. Smith also stated, “the church is almost two-thirds of the nation, and we are the biggest constituency in this nation…” If that is the case, why does he not condemn the violence on opposition political forces? Freddie Kissoon, in his Mar. 22 column, cringes: “Windmills in my souls were spinning out of control when I saw video clips last Friday night in Kingston of
opposition party officials and media workers (both cameramen and journalists) and there were graphic video clips of policemen laughing as the victims ran from intended violence.” If Mr. Kissoon is so stirred by such violence, what about Christians? Are they guilty of such violence? Are their leaders moonlighting like Nero did when he played the fiddle while Rome burned? Those leaders emphasized the need to obey the Bible. But, have they forgotten that God’s people were intricately involved in political goings-on of the day throughout history? Joseph and Daniel, in the Old Testament, were used by God to influence policies. Jesus was engaged in holistic ministry. He cared for the spiritual and physical needs of people while at the same time taught the importance of our responsibilities as people of God to the secular government (Matt. 22:21). The apostle Paul instructed God’s people should be model citizens and do whatever it takes to embody and reflect Godly character and righteousness (Rom. 13). Jesus’ incarnated message was that of reconciliation. The apostle Paul affirms this message (Gal. 6:10, and Eph. 2:10). The “good works” that is mentioned by Jesus and the apostle include that of calling on people to do what is right and just (Micah 6:8) – not to sit on the fence. Consequently, St. Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, rebuked the Roman Emperor Theodosius, and refused to allow the Church to become a political prop, despite concerns that doing so might endanger him. His Christian conviction and desire for holiness took precedence over political expediency. Many in more recent history followed suit: William Wilberforce, Abraham Lincoln, Dietrich Bonheoffer, and Martin Luther King! Philip G. Asante, in his book, “The Tru t h A b o u t Racism Its Origins, Legacy, and How God Wants Us to Deal with It” correctly states: “Many Christians were censorious of Dr. King for getting involved in what they saw as worldly issues outside the church; they believed a Christian’s job was to evangelize and proclaim the gospel only. But in reality, how can anyone separate the gospel from life? Life is social and political as well as spiritual. To do that
ing a monk or nun. It is no use to be “all heavenly minded but no earthly good.” (page 56). The path that these people took was uncomfortable and often very unpopular. Yet, because of the persecution they endured and the risks they took, others greatly benefited. Jesus taught us that the greatest way to love others was not by disengaging, but by laying down our lives for others. The PAOG lost a glorious opportunity to be salt and light by ignoring the palpable political problem that could affect the economic, social, political, and spiritual lives of the Guyanese people for decades to come. The good news is that all is not lost. There is time to acknowledge our transgressions as individuals and as a nation. This is especially true for us who label ourselves as Christians; we need to make the right move to do what is right and just (2 Chron. 7:14). There is still time for all religious, civic, and forwardthinking Guyanese to condemn attempts at corruption and fraud and espouse godly principles for the good of our peoples. Church leaders need to: · Condemn Mr. Granger, a church-going person, for his apparent disdain for the constitution of the land where he repeatedly claimed to respect this “supreme and sacrosanct” document of the land. · Call for the stakeholders to be completely honest and transparent with regards to the election process and finalization of results. · Implore the Guyanese people to desist from violence especially in circumstances when one’s political aspirations have not come to fruition. We, the religious people (especially those who wave Scripture in the air and from their tongues and embellish Bi b l e v e r s e s i n their Facebook but betray our allegiance to Christ by our sins of commission and omission) risk losing our savour (from not being salt), and thenceforth become “good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matt. 5:13). Or we can let our light so shine before ALL the Guyanese people that they may see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16). Yours truly, Dr. Devanand Bhagwan
Monday April 13, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Body in barrel identified as Venezuelan woman…
Lover nabbed near Canje Bridge denies killing her The home the couple shared.
The man who lived with the woman whose decomposed and battered body was found stuffed in a blue barrel on Saturday, was yesterday morning captured by cops in the vicinity of the Canje Bridge, East Berbice. Suraj Veersammy called Radesh, 30, a labourer, is presently in police custody but has since denied killing his partner. There were reports that he had injuries to his body. A senior police source disclosed that Veersammy is claiming that
when he returned home from work a few days ago he could not find her. It was on Saturday morning that a cane harvester, of Belvedere, awoke to an unbearable stench which led him to the discovery of a body tucked in a blue barrel that was in a trench located opposite his home. While no one at that time could identify who the female was, villagers had suspected that it may have been a woman that recently moved in with her male partner, now identified as Veersammy.
They were living a street away from where the barrel was found. Neighbours had recalled seeing a blue barrel in the yard of the property the couple lived in but that barrel nor the couple were seen in days. Kaieteur News was told that the couple had frequent fights that turned physical. Veersammy worked at a local poultry outlet and was last seen by one of the employers Saturday afternoon. He reportedly showed up to
Forty-year-old moped rider sixteenth fatality
Dead: Vickey Sebaran
Suriname- A Guyanese man living in Suriname was killed over the weekend after a horrendous motorcycle crash. Dead is Vickey Sebaran, 40, a father of two. The De Ware Tijd newspaper reported that Sebaran, who died on Saturday morning after a head-on collision with a vehicle, is the 16th death for this year in that neighbouring country. The collision took place on Zwartenhovenbrugstraat near Anton de Komstraat.
Videos from nearby security cameras indicated that the motorcyclist overtook a car that was turning. His handlebars hit the vehicle. He then collided with an oncoming vehicle. He reportedly died on spot. The two cars were seized by police as part of the investigations. Family members in Guyana said they were preparing to have a gettogether. Sebaran, a painter by profession, had lived in Suriname since he was five.
The scene of the accident. (De Ware Tijd photo)
uplift wages. According to one of the employers: “We sent him home Wednesday and Thursday he came back and told us that his wife dead at the hospital and that he want borrow $5,000 and that he will take it out his pay and that his mother taking over the dead.” The employer further disclosed”: “He came back Saturday around 1pm to collect the rest of his pay which was just $1,000. That was before the police came and let us know what happen. He said he come collect his pay and that he gotta go 63 (beach) for the funeral and that the hearse left already.” That information was given to the police, the employer said. Veersammy was not heard from or seen since. Meanwhile, mother of the suspect, Sattie Veersammy, told this publication that the individual is her biological son but there was no love or care for him because of the things he did to her. She disclosed that he uses drugs. He lived with her at her Kilcoy Squatting Area residence up until 2010 but was asked to leave after he embarked on a troubling path of stealing from her. She stated that on many occasions she would find items or cash missing from her home. It did not take long to realize it was her son. One time he threatened to kill her. He was asked to leave. The woman, who also has two daughters, revealed that when he moved out he “was all over the place” and would regularly end up behind bars. He was released from prison late last year and one day showed up at her home with a female. She added that while she was reluctant to engage with Suraj, she obliged and he introduced the female to her and told her that he was sorry for all that he did to her and that he wanted to make a change. He said he intended to make the woman his wife. According to Sattie, she learnt that the woman was from Venezuela and went by the name of ‘Vanessa’. The woman claimed she grew up in an orphanage and was 23. It was the same ‘Vanessa’ who was found stuffed in the blue barrel on Saturday, the mother confirmed. Sattie insisted that she was willing to give her son a chance to change as she thought that just maybe having a woman in his life would serve as a motivation. But she was not prepared to have them live with her. She told him to find a place and that she would assist them to move in. They found a place in Belvedere and the mom chipped in with kitchen
SUSPECTED KILLER: Suraj Veersammy items, household items and two blue barrels to move in with. The suspect and ‘Vanessa’ had been together for five months prior to her death, Sattie said she grew close to the woman. “Me na care or love he (Suraj) like how me love and care for that girl (Vanessa). She was good to me, she was a quiet girl but I really liked her so when me hear what happen Saturday me whole inside start burn, she na deserve it.” The woman recalled that during the time ‘Vanessa’ was with her “troubled son”, she would often visit her and help. The dead woman on occasions would hint of physical abuse. Sattie believes that maybe if ‘Vanessa’ had spoken more about their relationship/ troubles to her, it would have helped. Now, the mother is left grieving for someone she regarded as her daughter- someone she said her son did not deserve. According to the mother, the last time she saw ‘Vanessa’ was a few weeks ago. She said her son had visited her home last Monday to borrow $500 to buy something to cook. She gave him $400 and he left. The woman’s body that was found stuffed in the blue plastic barrel was already in a state of decomposition. Police had indicated that she may have been dead for a few days. She was clad in a green and white striped dress with a bed sheet tied around her neck. There were apparent marks of violence to the left eye, stomach, left shoulder, left hand and left leg. The body is awaiting a post mortem examination.
Habits are not the product of one decision — They’re the result of repeated choices that eventually become automatic responses. How can you know your true spiritual condition? By the company you keep and the choices you make. When you’re free to go, where do you choose to go? Whose company do you prefer?
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Kaieteur News
Monday April 13, 2020
Soldier dies returning home during curfew A Guyana Defense Force (GDF) is now dead, following a fatal accident on the Essequibo Coast last Thursday night. The soldier has been identified as Jermaine Jones, 20, of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast. The incident reportedly occurred sometime around 09:55PM, just mere minutes away from his Queenstown residence. It would have been during the government imposed COVID-19 curfew. According to reports reaching this publication, Jones was at a birthday party, and was returning home when the accident occurred. According to police report, Jones sped over a speed bump and lost control of his motorcycle before crashing.
Dead: Jermaine Jones Family of the dead man said that there is much more to the incident, than what is contained in the police report. According to family members, Jones met his
demise after colliding with a cow, which was reportedly tied on the road shoulder. One of Jones’ cousins told Kaieteur News: “He ain’t run over no speed bump. He knows all them streets this because every day he does ride the same road… If was speed bump he would’ve slow down, plus right over the bump got a street light… we hear from the first responders that is the cow that deh tie on the road he run into. And after the people them see they cut the cow rope, because they had ample time to do so.” Relatives told Kaieteur News last Friday that it was only when they had called to inquire where the young man was that they were made aware of the incident. “It de getting late so we
decide to call he to see where he was, then somebody answer the phone saying that he met in an accident.” Jones reportedly died on the spot, having suffered severe injuries to his neck and head. He was later pronounced dead by a doctor at the Suddie Public Hospital. Jones, who is a member of the GDF’s Coastal Battalion, was on leave, and was due to return to work on the 16th of this month. On the Essequibo Coast, it is the norm for residents to tie their animals along the road side. Animals are allowed to roam freely during the night. Despite efforts made by the Anna Regina Town Council to stamp out the practice, it is one that remains a challenge.
Bandits tie-up security guard, invade Cotton Tree business on Good Friday The motorcycle Jones was riding at the time of accident.
The business place which was attacked on Friday morning.
Suspect who shot at Sophia resident captured with weapon
Even religious holidays are not respected by criminals. A Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice business was on Friday morning invaded by armed bandits and robbed. That day was observed by Christians as Good Friday. According to the owner, Rajesh Persaud, he was informed by his security
guard around 02:30hrs Friday that armed perpetrators pounced on his business. He disclosed that he was at home (different location from business) when the security guard called him and told him what took place. “They tie he up and stick the gun on him and let he lay down flat on the ground.” Based on the information,
his security guard provided, three men barged unto the premises and held him at gunpoint before proceeding to tie him up. One was armed with a handgun and two others with large pieces of wood. They reportedly entered through a back entrance after attempts to enter through the front were unsuccessful.
They reportedly stole a quantity of phone cards, four flat screen televisions, a microwave, the DVR for the surveillance cameras and approximately $180,000 in cash. Kaieteur News understands that three persons were detained the said day. Investigations are in progress, police said.
The seized pistol with the live rounds. Police ranks on a mobile patrol in ‘ E ‘ Field, Sophia Access Road, East Coast Demerara, on Saturday arrested a man who they were seeking for allegedly discharging a loaded firearm at a Sophia resident. The alleged incident had occurred on Thursday. A search of the suspect, who on seeing the police fled and had to be pursued, revealed an unlicensed pistol with six live rounds in his possession. Meanwhile, an accomplice of the suspect who escaped on a motorcycle is being sought.
Monday April 13, 2020
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Kaieteur News
The government is playing for time There is a lack of public confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). As such, it is difficult to see how the Secretariat of the Commission can be tasked with undertaking the recount of the votes cast during the 2020 general and regional elections. GECOM lacks credibility. The handling of the controversies which erupted during the tabulations of District 4 votes have raised concerns that the Secretariat has been infiltrated by APNU+AFC. Now that the Court of Appeal has ruled that GECOM must undertake the recount, there is need for the Chairperson of GECOM to approach the Appeal Court for clarification as to what this means in practice. The Chairperson of GECOM should ask the Court whether this means that GECOM
cannot hire a credible and reputable international firm to undertake such a recount. If the objective is to ensure a fair and transparent recount, it is hardly likely that any court will be vitiating an election recount on the basis that GECOM had no authority to involve an external party in the process. Such involvement does not amount to abdication of any constitutional responsibility. However, given the controversies which have already arisen, both now and in the past, over court rulings of the Court of Appeal, it is advisable that such clarification be sought. If the Court of Appeal says that no third party can be involved in the process of the recount, the recount should be put on pause and the decision of the Court of Appeal should be challenged before the Caribbean Court of Justice. An early hearing is likely,
given the importance of the matter and notwithstanding the suspension of the Court. Guyanese have waited for more than one month to determine the outcome of the elections. The international community knows the outcome; the political parties know who won and who lost. So why should the people, whose votes matter, have to wait for confirmation. Guyana has become the laughing stock of the world. One Caribbean Prime Minister had to lament the election results becoming “a courthouse matter”. The reason why this matter is before the Court has to do with the blatant dishonesty of APNU+AFC and its agents within the Guyana Elections Commission. Everything was going fine until APNU+AFC realized that it had lost the elections. This blatant dishonesty,
Dem boys seh ...
One man’s food is another man’s poison Dem boys seh dem gat some men who before dis pandemic cud not stay home. Dem gat to go out. Things change now. Some of dem you believe had red ants in dem house don’t wan lef it now fuh nuthin. Dem boys know one man who like dah. He so happy staying home that he seh the Coronavirus is the best thing happen. He seh how he wife nah wan travel anymore; she no longer shopping because she seh everything mek in China. She nah go to the
Mall…to avoid crowds. In fact, she spends all she time at home in a mask with her mouth closed. According to the husband, that is not a virus; it is a blessing in disguise. But one man’s food is another man’s poison. Dem boys know another man who instead of going to the bar, drinkin’ from home. He eye get black and blue. He fuget weh he deh and ask he wife fuh she phone number. Dem boys thinking about Osama Bin Laden. He been
lockdown in the house fuh five years. Dem boys wonderin’ whether he was the one who call in those Navy Seals himself. The Coronavirus change a lot of thing. Long time, if you walk in bank with mask dem call the police. Now, if you walk in bank with a mask you are one valued customer. Dem boys seh some bank tellers think dem smart. A bank teller get lack up by the police for tekkin the bank money home. He claim that he was going to wuk from home. Talk half and stay home!
aided and abetted by elements within GECOM, is responsible for the mess that we are in today. That mess will get worse unless there is a transparent recount process. Instead of GECOM trying to ensure this, it has been presented with a bizarre timeline of 156 days for a recount. Then the Opposition counters with a wholly unrealistic time frame of 10 days. The process cannot be dragged out nor can it be prolonged. The Caricom Audit team which did a recount of the ballots cast in the 1997 elections took two months. But that was because they opted to go through every single ballot box themselves. They affirmed the results of the elections, meaning that the recount did not support the PNC’s position that the elections were rigged. Hoyte never recovered from that embarrassment. His international reputation died from that moment when he was exposed for what he was - a man trying to manipulate a process for his own ends. Both the PPPC and the government have agreed to a recount of all the Regions. There is a signed agreement to this effect, and the PPPC has not reneged on that agreement. APNU+AFC is however trying to shift the goalpost and the narrative. It is now calling for a total audit; it is also trying to impute that the PPPC does not wish a recount of all the Regions. APNU+AFC is playing for time so that some of its ‘big sticks’ can continue to get their fat paychecks to tidy
them over for the months ahead when they will be out of a job. It does not require 2 hours to recount a ballot box, most of which on average have less than 250 votes per box (dividing the total votes cast by the more than 2,000 ballot boxes). The ballots do not have to be separated as they had to be during the count at the polling stations. They are separated in batches and placed in PE-7 envelopes already, according to the endof poll procedures of GECOM. The rejected ballots are placed in PE-8 envelopes. Why then should it take 2 hours to count a ballot box? There is no need for any
further evidence as to why GECOM cannot be trusted to undertake the recount by itself. It needs to hire help. If it cannot acquire the assistance of international accounting firms, it should secure the services of some High School students. They would do a much better job than the GECOM Secretariat. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
PAGE 10
Monday April 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Rotate the presidency initially between Nandlall and Greenidge David Hinds created a storm among PPP supporters and independent critics when he suggested the dissolution of the controversial 2020 election process and installing of an interim government. I got an immediate email from one of the known names among the East Coast business community yelling out at what nonsense David was doing when he suggested the interim presidency go to David Granger. I really cannot fathom the thinking behind David’s choice. It is a misplaced preference that will not work during the confabulation to shape the short-term regime. First, by what logic will you choose Granger? A stopgap administration means you have broken with the 2020 election, therefore you have to select people who do not
personify the 2020 election miasma. But at the end of the day, whoever becomes the president will have power that flows from the constitution. There is no such thing as a president that is stripped of his constitutional authority. An interim president will be running the affairs of Guyana with powers derived from the constitution. Mr. Granger would be the last choice on the list from the PNC, because since he came to power he has had an implausible understanding of the constitution. More importantly, because of his attitude to constitutional power in the dialogue with the PNC’s partner, the AFC, it will not be wise for Granger to be president in the new dispensation. Granger threw two discomforting spanners in the works during his talks with
the AFC. First, he said as president, the constitution gives him the right to select his ministers, so he will not accept designated persons with designated portfolios from the AFC in the renewed Cummingsburg Accord. Secondly, he was inflexible that he would not name a PM candidate, because the constitution gives him the right to select his own PM. Obviously, Granger as interim president may not behave with such a truculent attitude, but why go that route only to have to regret it? But in any case, Granger’s selection is a non-starter, because it will constantly evoke memories of the March 2020 tragedy. It would be best, for mental stability of the Cabinet, that you don’t have the leader of the PNC as president. I am open to
reading what David’s explanation is, though I doubt I will ever accept his candidacy. Irfaan Ali’s name will not travel with large constituencies where the PNC is ensconced. Having Ali as president will instill a picture of their leader being the loser. It would be best to allay those mental tortures by having Ali take a simple Cabinet position. The Prime Minister of Trinidad, Dr. Rowley, predicts the current impasse will not end well. One has to read between the lines. Rowley was here in the thick of things two weeks ago. He has internalized the subtle worrying signs. So was the Barbadian PM. She knows what she is talking about when she cited “forces” that are against the recount. PM Mottley was so right. Lowenfield’s 156 recount days proved Mottley right. My take is that there are leaders inside the kingdoms
of the PNC and AFC that are prepared to break up Guyana violently, or keep hogging power, even though the consequences will be a complete disaster for Guyana because of the Covid-19 pandemic. There is no question in my mind that the conspirators inside the PNC and AFC will fight to stay in power, even if it means the resulting confusion will help spread the virus. So an interim government is a possibility. It will have to test the generosity of the PPP, because they stand to lose more. They won the election and now they are told to forget about the victory and help architecture a better future for Guyana. In place of Granger as interim president, my formula is a rotational presidency - every six months - starting with someone not from the PNC and PPP. After the first six months, there must be a lottery in which a name is pulled from the submissions from the PPP and PNC. Whoever is pulled,
Frederick Kissoon that person rules for six months, then the other party’s nominee. My initial preference is for the names of Nandlall and Greenidge to be pulled. Whoever wins, starts the second term of the rotational presidency after the neutral person’s tenure is up. Election will not be less than two years away, because there will be a new constitution that has to be arrived at through painstaking consultation. Finally, if there is an interim administration, it has to include personnel from outside the PNC and PPP. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Wisroc man is only COVID-19 positive for Region 10 Several rooms at the Wismar hospital will be used for COVID19 patients.
Regional Health Officer for Region 10, Dr. Pansy Armstrong, has reassured that so far, there has only been one confirmed COVID19 case. The man who hails from Wisroc, was transferred to the GPHC, from the Linden hospital Complex, where he was tested positive. In a statement coming out from the Regional Democratic Council recently, Dr. Armstrong had disclosed that the health authorities within the region are not overloaded. “To ensure that we in the region can adequately provide healthcare, we are moving three services that
are currently being offered at Wismar to Mackenzie Hospital,” the RHO said. This position was taken after the Wismar Hospital was earmarked as a quarantine facility for COVID19 patients. The RHO also pointed out that in light of the nighttime curfew, a special bus has been designated to transport health workers, to and from the hospitals. The bus being used, is a ‘David G’ school bus. Questioned whether there had been any reports of discrimination by taxi operators, in transporting health workers, as has been reported in other regions, the
RHO said no. “School is presently out, so we’re using the bus to transport our health workers, because we want to ensure their safety at this time,” the RHO said. Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent of the Wismar Hospital, Dr. Steve Mark has firmly endorsed the decision to use the Wi s m a r f a c i l i t y a s t h e COVID-19 isolation unit. Admitting that he did initially have reservations, about the issue, Mark acknowledged that given the circumstances, the plans being put in place, would be serving in the best interest of all.
Monday April 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 15
Ministry says no new Worried shoppers stay away as Albouystown Sunday market struggles COVID-19 cases in Guyana By 14:00 hours on Sunday, vendors at Albouystown Market located along the Saffon Street stretch, Charlestown, were packing up their stalls to go home. It is in adherence to the restrictions which was implemented by the authorities to safeguard the public against the spread of the deadly Coronavirus/ COVID -19 virus. Known popularly as the La Penitence market, it has been around for decades, growing as a Sunday tradition. There are a wide variety
of greens and provisions and a galore of fruits to be had at a bargain. The last few weeks have been terrible on business because of COVID-19. While the vendors say that they understand the importance of the curfew, they also acknowledged the adverse effects it has on their pockets. “The City Council gave us from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm to sell, so we come and see how much sale we could get. People ain’t really buying though and most of the vendors ain’t come out
because of the restrictions,” one vendor told Kaieteur News as she packed away her goods. “I think people are staying away because nobody wants to travel to come here and then have to unpack and pack back their goods so quickly. This whole curfew thing is sure to affect our pockets.” Vendors noted, however, that they will not increase the price for their goods. “People hardly shopping so don’t make sense raising the price,” a fruit and vegetable stallholder located close by added.
World’s oil storage capacity will be... From page 13 could be much higher.” It said that at the end of the day, countries will have to cut production and shut off well heads whether on or offshore. It said that this is likely to happen when storage maxes out, including on floating storage vessels. Expounding on its outlook for the oil sector, Wood Mackenzie said it has done a product-by-product, weekby-week forecast and assuming the containment shut-ins are in place most severely during April, then ease slowly in the following several months- it expects world oil demand to fall over eight million barrels of oil year-on-year for 2020. It said, too, that April will see the sharpest drop, with a year-on-year decline of over 15 million barrels of oil per day as the coronavirus containment measures are at their steepest. As for the second half of 2020, Wood MacKenzie said the market will see a gradual easing of the extreme oversupply seen in the first half of this year as the fundamentals begin shifting towards demand
stabilization. Further to this, the consultancy said that demand will still be down, year-on-year, but the decline will not be as steep as in the second quarter as supply will start to weaken. To show the extent of the trend, for 2021, Wood Mackenzie is forecasting total global supply, including OPEC, non-OPEC, and natural gas liquids, to show no growth for the year. It said, too, that demand, while weak, is projected to rise in 2021 – a sharp reversal from 2020 when demand falls and supply rises. “The crisis is extreme for the oil market but low oil prices have already had an effect on supply and the steep falls in demand will have a limited duration,” Wood MacKenzie said. With respect to the outlook for price, the company said that this is expected to be poor in the very short term. “We expect Brent crude price to average US$20 a barrel in April and possibly, at times, to dip lower. Thereafter, much depends on how long
demand is suppressed by the effects of Covid-19. We forecast demand bounces back in the second half of 2020, and the savage cuts in upstream investment in the last few weeks will lead to a progressively lower outlook for supply into 2021.” Further to this, Wood MacKenzie said that a degree of market rebalancing beginning in the third quarter of 2020 could push Brent up towards US$40 a barrel by the end of 2020. Wood Mackenzie said that this may seem a remote possibility given today’s difficult realities. “But it’s dependent on many things coming back into place,” Wood Mac said. In addition to this, the consultancy group said that many producers today – and their financiers – would give their right arm for US$40 per barrel. Wood Mackenzie was keen to note, however, that this is still a very modest price, while adding that few producers, international oil companies or national oil companies make any money at that rate.
The stallholder noted that a lot of the regular sellers for Sunday markets were absent this week. “A lot of people come out here at least once a week to catch their hand on Sunday, they are a few women (single -parents) that make things to sell but they come out this week.” “We can’t really complain because we understand the reason but we hope things will return to normal soon.” Earlier this month, the City Council issued an order to safeguard the public health of the citizens of Georgetown and the public at large. Among other things, the Council issued a notice informing the public of the curfew imposed on all Municipal Markets. According to the City Council, farmers, wholesalers/ retailers will be permitted to ply their trade at the Stabroek and Bourda Markets on Fridays only, from 07:00 hours to 13:00 hours (1pm): a) Stabroek Market: West of the Guyana Fire Service Building and ;b) Bourda Market: On Merriman Mall between Orange Walk and Light Street. The Friday farmers, wholesalers/retailers operation will be conducted under strict guidelines for the practice of social distancing.
As of April 12th, the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) reported that there were no new cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guyana. According to the data that was shared by the Public Health Ministry last evening, the confirmed cases remain at 45, with the number of deaths at six. To date, 193 persons have been tested for the disease, 148 of which came back negative. The number of persons under the MOPH’s institutional isolation and quarantine facilities are at 31 and 13, respectively. On Saturday, during a virtual press conference, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, has assured that there are sufficient supplies to meet the dietary needs of patients in quarantine and in isolation by the Ministry of Public Health. The Prime Minister who heads the National COVID-19 Taskforce, was responding to a question posed during that virtual press briefing. “A complaint of persons not being provided with the kind of food that they would normally wish to have has been brought to my attention. I am not a doctor, but I can say this, it depends on whatever symptoms the persons hospitalized or those in institutional care are displaying. It’s according to these symptoms, that treatment is administered and therefore meals would have to be supplied according to what has been prescribed by the medical personnel,” he explained. The Prime Minister also added that some persons were allowed to have home-cooked meals delivered to them. “I have been advised that home-cooked meals have been allowed and the person has been provided with adequate food not only in keeping with their preference as a vegetarian but on religious grounds as well.” Health and quarantine facilities have been in preparedness since the first case of coronavirus was reported on March 11, he reminded. Moreover, the health facilities are usually stocked with dietary supplies in preparation for patients. Furthermore, data also disclosed that three persons are now patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for developing worsened conditions. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there are 1, 610, 109 confirmed cases worldwide, with deaths at 99, 690. In the region of the Americas there are 536, 664 confirmed cases with 19, 294 deaths.
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Minister Shaw announces $100 million programme to ramp up food production
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KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries is set to spend some $100 million on a programme aimed at mitigating the impact of drought on farmers and to gain at least a five-per cent growth in food production. Portfolio minister, Audley Shaw made the announcement recently at the virtual launch of Farmer’s Month. He said the programme which will be carried out over a 12-month period, will target the planting of vegetables, fruits, condiments, roots and tubers as well as the rearing of small ruminants. “The programme will be implemented in critical parishes island-wide, targeting in excess of 13,000 farmers as the ministry looks to stimulate growth. We have every intention of ramping up production in all areas of agriculture,” Shaw said. The minister also outlined agricultural initiatives being place into place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Shaw, the Rural Agricultural Develop-
Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Audley Shaw (centre), along with President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS), Lenworth Fulton (left); and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dermon Spence (right), look at farm produce on display at the Ministry’s Hope Gardens offices. (Photo:JIS) ment Authority (RADA) has begun the islandwide distribution of agricultural inputs under the $240-million stimulus programme, aimed at purchasing excess produce from
farmers.He said that focus is now being placed on ramping up production and productivity, providing irrigation and other critical infrastructure, incorporating climate-smart ap-
proaches, and instituting comprehensive marketing and distribution programmes as well as “an invigorated agro-processing programme”.
Ministry starts random tests for hidden COVID cases Trinidad Guardian - The Ministry of Health is set to “ramp up” testing for COVID19 from this week, paving the way for random tests to be done on citizens and not only those who fall into the criteria for COVID-19. The tests would detect any hidden cases of the virus in the community. Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh said in a virtual press conference Saturday, the country would begin the surveillance testing from tomorrow; randomly testing select citizens in every county. “From Tuesday, we’ll be selecting one health centre in every county where we’ll be randomly sampling people
who have viral illness symptoms—not necessarily COVID. But once you have a viral illness symptom—a stuffy nose, a cough, a fever—we will start that enhanced protocol of sampling,” the minister explained. “The Chief Medical Officer is driving this initiative and what that would do, as he has told me, is give us some idea of what is circulating in the country besides COVID and if COVID is there in these communities that we don’t know about.” Asked whether this new stage of testing would be facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Deyalsing said: “The expanded testing is be-
ing done in conjunction with CARPHA so these surveillance test would not be rejected. This is to find out what is in circulation. It’s part of surveillance.” CARPHA’s Medical Microbiology Laboratory in T&T is currently the only source of testing for the virus. Saturday the agency issued a call for technical experts to help with its work for COVID-19, asking for skilled persons in health assessments, contact tracing, environmental risk analysis and other areas to apply to work in the region. It said those who were successful would be deployed in 24 to 48 hours.
Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh
Italy’s daily coronavirus death Govt. seeks UK’s help to retrieve COVID-19 tally lowest since March 19 said in a local broadcast. ROME - (Reuters) Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy rose by 431 yesterday, down from 619 the day before, and the number of new cases slowed to 4,092 from a previous 4,694.The tally of deaths was the lowest daily rise since March 19.The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on Feb. 21 rose to 19,899, the Civil Protection Agency said, the second highest in the world after that of the United States.The number of officially confirmed cases climbed to 156,363, the third highest global tally behind those of the United States and Spain.There were 3,343 people in intensive care yesterday against 3,381 on Sat-
urday — a ninth consecutive daily decline.Of those originally infected, 34,211 were declared recovered against 32,424 a day earlier.
South Africa coronavirus cases rise to 2,173 JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa yesterday reported a further 145 cases of the coronavirus, taking the total number in the country to 2,173, a statement from the Health ministry said.The statement did not provide any update on the number of deaths, which rose to 25 on Saturday.
supplies seized by US TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands - CMC – Health Minister Carvin Malone, says the BVI sought the assistance of the United Kingdom to retrieve a shipment of medical supplies that was bound for the territory but has been seized by United States authorities. According to Malone, the shipment was seized due to the recent order by the Trump administration in the United States to prevent the export of N-95 respirators, surgical masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE). He said the BVI’s shipment contained US$12,000 worth of
Health Minister Carvin Malone PPEs to help protect local health workers from contracting the coronavirus. “I have since reported the incident to the governor who would — through diplomatic channels — be able to find ways in which we can get the goods released,” Malone
“We want to make sure that we have a clear path [for our] purchases of medical replacement supplies through the United States and we would be grateful it would be handled and handled effectively by the UK government and the US government. So I see no issue in terms of it being resolved.” According to US President Donald Trump, the country has banned the export of coronavirus protective gear because the USA “needs these items immediately for domestic use”. To date, the US has surpassed China has the country with the single highest number of coronavirus cases.
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Out of hospital Dalglish thanks fans after positive coronavirus test AFP - Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish thanked fans for their support yesterday after leaving hospital following a positive test for the coronavirus. Dalglish, 69, found he had the virus after being admitted to hospital on Wednesday for treatment for a separate infection which required intravenous antibiotics. He was discharged on Saturday night. “Thank you for all of your well wishes over the last few days,” said Dalglish in a Liverpool statement issued yesterday. “I’m delighted to be back home with the family after receiving brilliant care from the NHS (Britain’s National Health Service), which we appreciate now more than ever.
“Marina (Dalglish’s wife) and I would like to express our immense gratitude to the medical staff who cared for me and who continue to treat countless others throughout the country during an incredibly challenging period.” Dalglish confirmed the couple would be in “full lockdown for the recommended amount of time in order to protect the lives of others”. There are fears that the warm weather across Britain over the Easter weekend will see the public flout government guidelines on social distancing instead of only going out to maintain health and purchase essential supplies. But a concerned Dalglish said: “I know the sun is shining for many of you, but I urge you to stay home and follow
the government guidelines to the letter.” Earlier the Scotland great, in an interview with the Sunday Post, praised the “absolutely brilliant” hospital staff, adding: “People may think my name got me the best of care but every patient in the NHS gets the best of care.” On Friday, Dalglish’s family said he had tested positive for COVID-19 despite having previously displayed no symptoms of the illness. - ‘Humbling messages’ Saturday saw two of Dalglish’s children take to Twitter to thank the public for their support. Paul Dalglish, also a former player, said: “Truly humbling messages from supporters of all teams,” with Dalglish’s daughter, Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates,
Monday April 13, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A warm, loving phone call or letter could come your way today from a lover or close friend who's presently out of town. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you could discover a talent for investment, real estate, or other form of money management that you never thought you had, Taurus. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You might wake up today feeling a little grumpy and out of sorts, Gemini. You could aspire to nothing more strenuous than spending the day without any distractions other than a good book. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Some pretty heavy soul searching could reveal that the time has come to make use of a talent you may have always had but never developed. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're looking good and your social skills are at their peak, Leo. Therefore, social events and group activities that you might attend today could well be the most satisfying and beneficial you've known in a long time. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today you could find yourself brainstorming a way to put your inventiveness and ingenuity to work so that you can advance your career by leaps and bounds .
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) An intense study of philosophy, religion, or some other exalted school of thought could find you involved with a group that shares your interest in the subject. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Sex and romance should be at the top of your priority list today, Scorpio. You should be feeling especially warm, loving, and passionate. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) A lack of communication on the part of your mate or perhaps a business partner can cause you to feel uncertainty about the relationship. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The right moment to ask for a raise or apply for a promotion or new job could come your way today, but you'd better make use of it or the opportunity could pass you by. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Love and romance are definitely on the agenda for today, Aquarius, and you should be feeling warm, passionate, and particularly sexy. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A friend or family member could be feeling rather grim, taciturn, and not open to communication. He or she could have you wondering if you've done something wrong, or they're angry with you.
saying: “Thank you so much for your lovely messages and I’m really sorry I can’t reply to them all.” Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker said on Twitter: “Love from Becker family to Sir Kenny Dalglish!!” Ian Rush formed a prolific partnership with Dalglish during their playing days at Liverpool and the Welshman took to Twitter to give his old team-mate his best wishes. “Wishing a speedy recovery to the best...Sir Kenny Dalglish. Get well soon,” he wrote. Dalglish won the Scottish league title with Celtic as a player on four occasions before signing for Liverpool in 1977. At Anfield, he captured eight English league titles, two FA Cups, five League
Home again: Kenny Dalglish. (AFP/File / Paul Ellis)
Cups and three European Cups as a player and in two
managerial spells. In his Liverpool playing career, Dalglish scored 172 goals in 515 games. As well as his role in Liverpool’s golden era in the 1970s and 1980s, Dalglish received plaudits for supporting victims’ families after 96 fans died in the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster.He also coached Blackburn to the 1995 Premier League title. Almost 10,000 people in Britain have so far died as a result of the coronavirus.
More doubt ... From page 17 speaking, when life has come to a standstill everywhere in the world, where does sport have a future in this.” The IPL is the world’s largest Twenty20 tournament and features the finest shortformat players from nearly every nation. Several West Indies players have become fixtures in the league’s franchises with the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer all contracted to turn out in the tournament originally scheduled to run until May 24. Last season, Pollard played an instrumental role in the final as Mumbai Indians beat Bravo’s Chennai Super Kings by a single run off the last ball.India has recorded close to 8 500 infections and 288 deaths since the global outbreak began.
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Don’t write off Dhoni, he still Brian Lara’s Test record 400 not out Brian Lara drives has plenty to offer: Hussain in numbers during his Test record
AFP - Former England captain Nasser Hussain has backed veteran Mahendra Singh Dhoni to make an international comeback despite growing uncertainty over the start of the Indian Premier League. The 38-year-old Dhoni has not appeared for club or country since playing for India in last year’s 50-over World Cup and the nationwide coronavirus lockdown is limiting his chances of getting back in the side with the IPL likely to be truncated or cancelled. There has been speculation that Dhoni might retire from international cricket. “What I have seen of Dhoni, I still think he has a huge amount to offer to Indian cricket,” Hussain told Indian broadcaster Star Sports on Saturday. “Yes, there have been one or two occasions where he has got it wrong in run chases, like that World Cup game against England. But in general, Dhoni is still a really good talent.” Hussain warned that Dhoni was a once-in-a-generation cricketer that India would struggle to replace. “Don’t push Dhoni into retirement too early. In the end only Dhoni knows his mental state, in the end selectors select and players turn up when asked to,” he added. “I do believe that certain individuals should not just retire into the sunset without some kind of farewell.” Dhoni, who gave up Test cricket in 2014, has been busy
Comeback bid: Mahendra Singh Dhoni. (AFP / Indranil Mukherjee) gardening at home during the lockdown, according to an Instagram post by his wife. The opening match of the Twenty20 tournament between the Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and holders Mumbai Indians was pushed back to April 15 as sporting events around the world were delayed or postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth said Dhoni’s comeback prospects looked “very, very bleak” if the IPL was cancelled. “Because straightaway, in my opinion, KL Rahul will be the wicket keeper-batsman,” Srikkanth, former chairman of
the national selection committee, said. “Rishabh Pant, I still think he might be a bit of a doubt, but I believe that Rishabh Pant is highly talented. “He is absolutely fit, he is a legend, he is brilliant. I am a great fan of Dhoni myself. But the question is for the (T20) World Cup team. So you’ll have to put the Indian team first and then the individuals.”Dhoni led India to win the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2007. He hit a six to seal the 2011 World Cup final victory and his status as a national hero. He has amassed 10,773 runs from 350 ODIs, but his form dipped noticeably at last year’s 50-over showpiece.
iBet to host eSports FIFA 20 Tournament, over $100,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs
W
ith the sports world at a stand still, iBet Supreme is looking to provide entertainment while reinforcing the necessary measures needed to fight the global pandemic, COVID-19 as part of its corporate responsibility. iBet Supreme in collaboration with Banks DIH through their Monster Energy Drink brand will host a FIFA 20 eSports tournament. This will be played online so that participants won’t have to leave their homes thus adhering to the laws governing the current COVID-19 situation. The tournament, League of Champions, will feature 32 participants in 31 games across 8 playing days spanning two weeks.
It will be open to persons above the age of 18, and the final selection will be done based on information provided during registration. It will be a straight knockout tournament with the winners of the first round advancing to the round of 16, then to the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final. The winner will pocket $50,000 and a case of Monster Energy drinks, while the runner-up will receive $25,000, and the same prizes as the winner. Third place will walk also away with $15,000 and the corresponding prizes.While it can be argued that this is the first venture of its kind in Guyana, eSports is a growing industry since it became mainstream around 2010, eSports
is now a significant factor in the video game industry, with many game developers actively designing and providing funding for tournaments and other events. iBet Supreme is looking to open a pathway into this industry in Guyana with our inaugural tournament. For registration and tournament information call us on telephone number 608-7036. Registration will begin today Monday 13th 2020 and the first match day will be on Saturday 18th. Supreme Ventures, a wellrespected and well-regulated company, operates its Guyanese brand, iBet Supreme through Supreme Ventures Guyana Holdings Inc. (SVGH) and Supreme Ventures Enterprise Inc. (SVE).
Omnisport - It is exactly 16 years since Brian Lara swept Gareth Batty behind square and trotted through for his 400th run of a remarkable innings. On April 12, 1994, Lara not only reclaimed the record Test innings, he set a mark that remains standing today. The West Indies great frustrated England’s attack across two and a half days in Antigua, the Test eventually finishing as a draw to ensure the hosts avoided a 4-0 whitewash. The 1,696th Test of all time belonged to Lara. Here, we take a look back at his 400 not out in numbers. 16.66 average - Lara’s fourth Test score was all the more incredible given he had made just a combined 100 runs at an average of 16.66 across the previous three matches in the series. 12 hours, 58 minutes Lara batted for 12 hours and 58 minutes to get his record. That is only the seventh longest Test innings of all time, though, with Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad having occupied the crease for over 16 hours against West Indies in 1958. 582 deliveries - England used seven bowlers in that West Indies innings and Lara faced 582 balls without getting out. However, that does not even make the top 10 longest vigils in terms of balls faced, with Len Hutton leading the way when he faced
400 not out.
847 balls in 1938. 43 fours, four sixes - Of Lara’s unbeaten 400, 196 runs were made via boundaries (43 fours and four sixes). He scored more fours (45) when making 375 against England a decade earlier, though he failed to clear the ropes in that match. 68.72 strike rate - Across 232 Test innings, Lara had a strike rate of 60.51 so he was actually marginally more aggressive than normal during his knock against England. Unbroken 282-run stand for the sixth wicket - Lara shared two partnerships worth over 200 runs during his innings. He made 232 along-
side Ramnaresh Sarwan (90) for the third wicket then made 159 of the 282 he and Ridley Jacobs (107 not out) accumulated before the Windies declared on 751-5. 185 days - Just six months after Australia opener Matthew Hayden broke Lara’s previous Test record with 380 against Zimbabwe, the previous holder took back the honour. 5,844 days - Lara’s record has now stood for 5,844 days. Since his innings, Mahela Jayawardene (374 in 2006) and David Warner (335 not out in 2019) are the two men who have come closest to eclipsing it.
Kyrgios delivers on food pledge for people going hungry AFP - Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has apparently followed through on a promise to help people going hungry in the coronavirus shutdown, with social media images showing boxes of essential items prepped for delivery. The controversial Kyrgios, infamously outspoken and known for his fiery on-court antics, said on Monday he would personally drop food on doorsteps after COVID-19 restrictions closed down entire industries, forcing huge numbers of people out of work across Australia. People queueing for welfare payments across the country have been likened to scenes from the Great Depression. “Please don’t go to sleep with an empty stomach,” Kyrgios, the world number 40, posted on Instagram Monday. “Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to send me a private message. I will be more than happy to share whatever I have. “Even just for a box of noodles, a loaf of bread or milk. I will drop it off at your doorstep, no questions asked!” he said in a post that attracted almost 100,000 likes. His mother, Norlaila Kyrgios, posted on Instagram over the weekend a photo of a table laden with food — including bread, fruit and canned goods — with the caption “dining room or food distribution centre”.
Delivery man: Nick Kyrgios. (AFP / William West) Images of Canberra-based tennis star’s Instagram stories shared on News Corp websites showed boxes of essentials captioned “deliveries in progress”. It comes just months after the 24-year-old led a bushfire relief campaign that raised millions of dollars. Kyrgios gave Aus$200 (US$125) for every ace he hit across his home tennis summer, which ran until the end of the Australian Open. Other players and Australian Open organisers jumped on board the fundraising drive, also contributing large sums to people affected by the deadly fires.
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Motorsport ‘icon and legend’ Stirling Moss dies aged 90 AFP - Motor racing great Stirling Moss has died aged 90 following a long illness, the British sporting icon’s wife announced yesterday. “It was one lap too many,” Susie Moss told Britain’s Press Association. “He just closed his eyes.” Tributes flooded in from the world of motorsport and beyond to the gifted and revered driver who never won the Formula One title, finishing runner-up four times and third three times. “Sad sad news that legend Sir Stirling Moss has passed. World Champion in all our eyes,” tweeted retired British F1 driver Johnny Herbert. One of his former teams Mercedes hailed “not only a true icon and a legend, but a gentleman”. Former England striker Gary Lineker posted on Instagram: “Sir Stirling Moss has reached life’s checkered flag, and what a race he drove. Wonderful driver and a lovely man. RIP.” British media reported Moss had succumbed to a chest infection he caught in Singapore in December 2016 that saw him retire from pub-
lic life two years later. There is no suggestion his death was linked to the coronavirus. In an era when it was common for drivers to race in different disciplines, Moss won 212 of the 529 races he entered over a 14-year career that started in 1948. His victories included the 1955 Mille Miglia, where he set a course record in the 1,000 mile event, which took place on public roads in Italy. - Renowned sportsmanship In Formula One, Moss won 16 Grand Prix, with his first victory coming in the 1955 British Grand Prix at Liverpool that saw him become the first British winner. One of the greatest drivers to never win the F1 title, Moss had the misfortune to compete in the same era as the great Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio, who won the F1 championship five times. His renowned sportsmanship cost Moss the 1958 title when he defended the conduct of British rival Mike Hawthorn following a spin at
Moss at the wheel of his 1954 Mercedes at Goodwood in 2009. (AFP/File / Max Nash)
the Portuguese Grand Prix. Moss’s action helped spare Hawthorn a six-point penalty, with Hawthorn winning the title by a single point. “I had no hesitation in doing it,” Moss recalled. “I can’t see how this is open to debate. The fact that he was my only rival in the championship didn’t come into my thinking. Absolutely not.”
Brendan Taylor rues Covid-19’s impact on Zimbabwe cricket Brendan Taylor sends the ball fine. (AFP)
ESPNcricinfo - They don’t play anywhere near as frequently as most of their Full Member counterparts do, but 2020 was supposed to be different for Zimbabwe. They began the year with a home Test series against Sri Lanka, followed that with a full tour of Bangladesh, and were set for a lot more cricket - they were due to be playing Ireland this month, and fixtures against Afghanistan, Australia, India and Netherlands were to come later this year only for the Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic to put all of it on hold. While the pandemic has affected the sport all over the world, it will hit Zimbabwe particularly hard, according to their premier batsman
Brendan Taylor. “Personally, this break is not doing us any favours,” Taylor told the Zimbabwean weekly The Standard. “I feel we are a team that needs to be playing more often; we’ve always been starved of cricket. This year we had a full schedule of international cricket, but that’s now been jeopardised by this pandemic. So it’s extremely frustrating and hurtful times. “But there are people out there losing their lives and their loved ones to this terrible virus, so at the end of the cricket is not so important anymore, is it?” The sporadic nature of their international assignments, Taylor felt, had hurt Zimbabwe in the past, and he
suggested that the busy schedule planned for this year could have helped the team build momentum. “We’d have obviously wanted to be playing, I’m sure everyone would have wanted that because in the past we gained momentum when we were playing regularly and unfortunately we’ve always been hampered by the fact that we play a series and then we don’t play for three or four months. “[But] there’s a bigger picture here and cricket will come back eventually and when that time comes everyone will be chomping [sic] at the bit to get going.” As hard as their situation is right now, Taylor felt Zimbabwe’s players were in a position where they could help less privileged sections of society get through the pandemic.“I think it’s a time where as players we can be a little more proactive, setting up GoFundMe pages trying to help the old, the homeless, and that’s a big issue in our country,” he said. “When this virus comes to an end it will be nice to support local business, restaurants and other areas that are in desperate need and that’s where as players we are very lucky to be in a position to give back.”
His top-level career in motorsport came to an end in 1962 following a crash at the Goodwood track in Sussex, southern England, that left Moss in a coma for a month and partially paralysed for six
months. But such was the enduring fame of the debonair driver that, for decades afterwards, the rhetorical phrase “Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?” was suppos-
edly the standard question all British policemen asked speeding motorists. “Yes a policeman did once ask me,” Moss told the Daily Telegraph in a 2012 interview. “But I couldn’t work out if he was taking the mick (joking).” He was knighted in the New Year Honours list in 2000 for services to motor racing. For F1 pundit and former driver Martin Brundle, Moss was “a mighty racer and gentleman”.“He had a press on style on the track and in life,” Brundle posted on Twitter.“Remarkable man. Survived the most dangerous era of motorsport and died today aged 90. He had such great stories to tell, and it was a privilege to know him.”Former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno revealed that Moss had “privately supported me over many years”. “My thoughts are with his family and all that had the pleasure of knowing him”.
More doubt surrounds IPL as India extends lockdown MUMBAI, India, CMC – India’s government on Saturday extended its nation-wide lockdown of the country to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, dealing a further blow to the already endangered Indian Premier League. The initial lockdown began March 25 and was to end on Wednesday but Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now set to keep in place the lockdown measures for up to another two weeks, following a meeting with chief ministers, media reports here have said. This means the lucrative IPL, originally carded to start March 29 and delayed until April 15, remains in limbo especially with no end to the pandemic in sight. Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) president, Sourav Ganguly, painted a bleak picture in the outlook for the tournament being staged any time soon. “We keep monitoring developments. At the present moment, we can’t say anything. And what is there to say anyway?” the former Test captain said. “Airports are shut, people are stuck at home, offices are locked down, nobody can go anywhere. And it seems this is how it’s going to be till the middle of May. Where will you get players from, where do players travel. “It’s just simple common sense that at the moment, nothing is in favour of any
West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard … turns out for Mumbai Indians.
kind of sport anywhere in the world, forget IPL.” Ganguly said BCCI would discuss the future of the tournament on Monday before making any public comments.
“I will be able to give an update on that on Monday after speaking to the other office-bearers (of BCCI),” he said.“But practically (Continued on page 19)
Women’s Rogers Cup in Montreal postponed until 2021 (Reuters) - The women’s Rogers Cup tournament in Montreal in August has been postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced on Saturday. The WTA said it had postponed the tournament as a result of the measures imposed by the Quebec government prohibiting holding events until Aug. 31, 2020. “The WTA reiterates that health and safety will always be the top priority. We understand this was a difficult decision and we look forward to being back in Montreal in 2021,” the WTA said in a statement. “As it currently stands, the WTA Tour is suspended through July 12. We will continue to work with our tournament partners in evaluating when we will be able to get back on the court. We do not foresee any further decisions until next month.”The men’s side of the Rogers Cup is scheduled for Toronto on the same dates. It is, for now, still on the schedule of the ATP, which has suspended all competition until the end of June.The Rogers Cup, on both the men’s and women’s side, is part of the elite global series below only the four Grand Slam tournaments.
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Kaieteur News
Caf using break to settle referee payments backlog BBC Sport - The Confederation of African Football (Caf) says it is using the suspension of football due to the coronavirus pandemic to complete outstanding payments for match officials. In January 2018, Caf took over the task of paying match officials, which had previously been done by host associations, for its continental matches. African football’s ruling body has struggled to keep up with payments since. “It’s true that we have an important backlog,” Acting Caf General Secretary Abdel Bah told BBC Sport Africa. “We are taking advantage of this ‘calm’ period to clear the outstanding payments.” The decision to take on the payments was two-fold in that it was, Caf said at the time, ‘to reduce the financial bur-
den on national associations and eliminate the ethical challenge’. It also came about after Caf President Ahmad, following his election in 2017, chose to increase the amount paid to officials from $750 to $1,200 per match. Nonetheless, the payment process became fraught with delays, according to some referees. “It could take up to six months to get paid,” one such referee, who requested anonymity, told BBC Sport Africa. “We rely on football and refereeing has become so dynamic that you must work at it, including training daily, so when you get home and there’s no food on the table it is a concern for your family.” In February, a PriceWaterhouse Cooper (PwC) audit revealed that Caf
Commercial Director Abdel Bah is Caf’s Acting Secretary General. (CAFonline.com)
Caf admits it has recently struggled to pay its match officials on time. (Getty Images) is in disarray with its work force ‘understaffed’, ‘overworked’ and ‘generally demotivated’. Bah admits that the internal challenges added to the delays in remunerating match officials but says this is now being rectified. “Our financial department was overwhelmed,” said the Moroccan, who assumed his role in March. “We have now recruited two new people and we still have three other open positions. “Secondly, the internal processes were too (complicated) and we are reviewing
them.” Cash flow The PwC forensic audit also revealed that Caf has been widely accustomed to making most of its payments in cash, meaning that the process to pay employees through their banks is taking time. “This is one of the reasons there has been delays,” added Bah. This process of paying through banks is particularly acute for the handful of countries under United States sanctions, which makes the transfer of dollars - Caf’s primary method of payment - to
accounts in such nations near impossible. Caf says that around 80% of the outstanding payments have now been settled and that they will have processes to ensure that officials are paid within 45 days by the time football resumes on the continent. The referee who spoke to BBC Sport Africa has confirmed that payments are indeed coming through. He credits the change to the role played by Fifa Secretary General Fatma Samoura, who worked with Caf as a ‘General Delegate for Africa’ for six months until the end
of January 2020. Her role was to help with the body’s reform process, focussing largely on improved governance within Caf. “When Fatma came in, the process became smoother,” the official explained. “She streamlined by saying that the first corruption problems start when you don’t pay match officials. It now takes two weeks (to get paid).” Last month, Caf suspended all its football competitions as the coronavirus outbreak, which has now reached over 50 countries on the continent, took hold.
‘Cannonball’ coast-to-coast drive record set amid virus shutdown NBC News - The tradition of dangerous, coast-to-coast driving record attempts has its most visible roots in the 1970s’ Cannonball Baker Seato-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, presented as a drunken, fraternizing party on loud, colorful wheels in the 1981 comedy “Cannonball Run.” A team of three anonymous people is believed to have taken the sport to the other extreme by using a relatively low-profile, unmarked, family-size sedan and taking advantage of freeways emptied by the coronavirus. They set what is believed to be a new transcontinental record of 26 hours, 38 minutes. Not everyone is impressed. Alex Roy, host of the No Parking Podcast and 2006 transcontinental record holder, says the latest run, reported to have taken place April 4 but which was revealed only in recent days, was irresponsible given the intent of stay-at-home orders across the country to stop the spread of coronavirus. “These things are always irresponsible,” Roy said.
“The consequences now are very different. Any other time if one arrives safely, no harm, no foul — in theory. Morally questionable? For sure. “A run now brings with it the unknown,” he continued. “Did I touch a fuel pump, did I transmit the virus, did I contribute to the problem in an immeasurable way? Once you enter into the zone of doing such a thing today, one can never know if you can say no harm, no foul.” Atlanta car enthusiast Ed Bolian, who says he has seen documentation of the run and has therefore become the main source of news for the new record claim, says another asterisk for the coastto-coast drive is that it was done amid an unprecedented lack of traffic. Is that fair? “It certainly counts,” he says. “It’s not as though they didn’t do it. Does that remain the mark to beat for the future pursuit of cannonballing?” Bolian, who set a record in 2013 by reaching speeds of up to 158 mph in a 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG, said in a March 24 video on his Vinwiki YouTube channel that the national shutdown
would be “the perfect time to go out and try to set the Cannonball record.” He said Saturday that multiple teams have attempted to set a new record amid stay-at-home orders. Nearly a month before the Chinese government acknowledged the virus in late December, a trio in a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG sedan set the last record, this one going from the Red Ball Garage in Manhattan to the Portofino Hotel in Redondo Beach, California, which is the traditional Cannonball start and finish, in 27 hours, 25 minutes. Arne Toman, Doug Tabbutt and Berkeley Chadwick appeared to borrow a page from Bolian by using a relatively plain-Jane vehicle. They also used GPS devices, radios, scanners, binoculars, custom gas tanks and an array of volunteer “spotters” to avoid unnecessary police or refueling stops. The latest record was made in another “sleeper,” a 2019 Audi A8 L, Bolian said. No stripes and no stickers for this car, he said. “The days of flashy
Atlanta car enthusiast Ed Bolian in a supped up Mercedes is said to have made the record run. (NBC News video grab)
sports cars are probably gone with ’80s,” Bolian said. He said he knows the members of the crew, but they
want to remain anonymous for fear of being ostracized. “Everybody understands if you became known for an
attempt in this climate you would become the poster child for violating stay-inplace in orders,” he said.
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Monday April 13, 2020
Hinterland Boxing Coach wants boxers to keep training despite the closure of Gyms By Sean Devers The COVID-19 Pandemic has ravaged over 180 Countries and slowly bringing economies worldwide to halt and Guyana is no exception. The two International Airports and Borders with Brazil and Surname have been closed, while there is nationwide 6 to 6 curfew and people are being urged to stay at Home unless there is an urgent need to go on the streets. The Sporting industry has been rocked to its knees with all sporting events suspended including Boxing with all Gyms across the Country being ordered to close to help minimise the spreading of a virus that has
Hinterland Boxers by phone asking them to keep training but not in large groups. “They can train by doing physical work, shadow Boxing and skipping but no sparring due to the social distancing rule,” said Coach Rogers. Rogers, who hails from Berbice, stressed that no more than three or four persons can be in one group and reminded that Boxing Gyms are still closed. “Well they are all at home so most of them are doing training as individuals without any supervision from a coach. I am receiving regular calls from the boxers and their parents from Regions six, seven, eight, nine and one asking when I
and avoid too many cold drinks, eat fruits and nutritious food, do a lot of physical exercise, eat lots vegetables and health food, wash hands very often and please sanitize every time and always and if you don’t have anything urgent to do please stay at home,” said Rogers. According to Rogers, the Parents of the Girls can’t wait for the continuation of the boxing programme in the hinterland especially in regions 8, 9, 6 and 7 because there are a lot of females there and sometimes the males take advantage of them, especially when they drink alcohol. “For the parents, because the sport makes the
Hinterland Boxing Coach Orland Pocket Rocket Rogers with his charges. no known cure and has so far infected at least 45 Guyanese, while killing six up to yesterday. Boxing Coach Orland ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers told Kaiteur Sports from his home in the Mining Town of Linden in Region 10 that due to the COVID19 all he does now is contact the
will return to continue to work with them. I am pleading with them to stay focus and at home and as soon as the COVID 19 is over and we are back to normal, I will return,” said former lightweight pugilist. “To all Guyana, I am pleading and begging please maintain social distancing
young boxers highly disciplined, they are willing to work with the hinterland coaches to produce champions out of their regions. They thank the Ministry of Social Cohesion for making such a great move to employ hinterland coaches, especiallyfor the sport of boxing.
They also see it’s a great move since the sports Amerindians are dominant in are boxing and football. Presently some of the boxers are calling and enquiring how can I arrange for them to get personal gear,” said Rogers.Asked about the standard of boxing in the Hinterland, Rogers, who fought as a Pro 23 times between 2001 and 2017, said he felt the standard is moving forward. “In Region number one we have boxers who competed in Georgetown and won gold and silver. We also gained the best boxer
award twice in region 8, while they also gained gold and silver after competing in the City. Region 9 did an excellent job winning gold, silver, bronze and three-time best boxer award. They also had a competition Brazil vs Lethem, then Brazil vs Guyana. Region six competed in Georgetown and also gain gold and silver,” added Rogers. Rogers said he feels that when the COVID-19 is over we will see lots more hinterland boxing champions because it is hoped that the Ministry will open up on a larger scale. We
are thinking of hosting a hinterland competition around Guyana so it’s gonna be a great venture countrywide.“My biggest challenge was heading into the hinterland and thinking it would have been difficult, but meeting different people and teaching a sport which I am certified in, a sport which I have been doing all my life. My heart and soul is in that sport, it gives me the great pleasure to give back in so many places, to teach young boys and girls and even teach adults some training techniques to become coaches,” Rogers concluded.
Police Coach Wilson urging athletes to stay fit By Calvin Chapman Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) head coach; Sergeant Lyndon Wilson, has called on not only his, but all athletes who are serious about making a career out of the sport to do whatever they can to stay fit and safe during this coronavirus lockdown. Wilson, who been a coach for 23 years, explained that, “I think the postponement of sporting activities was essential because of the pandemic and I know that the covid-19 disease has daunted everyone spirits but people have to realize that this is necessary if we are going to overcome this horrible disease as soon as possible.” “Until then, athletes can use their yard space if any, and do drills. Resistance training is essential. Pushups, pull-ups, back curls and abdominals to name a few.” During the interview with Kaieteur Sport, the former all-round athlete who was certified in conditioning during an Olympic Solidarity course in Hungary, 2006, explained keeping condition may be a bit difficult, “(In terms of condition) It may be a bit difficult to work around. I don’t think anyone is being restricted from running so I would advise you get out early and get some long runs in but don’t gang up.” “These little things will help you stay up to a level so
From left, Shanella Martin, Coach Wilson, Tattiana Blair and Shuntel Browne pose for a photo after a session. whenever we overcome this crisis your coach will just need around three to six weeks to get you to the level where you left off before more specific work can be done to get you closer to your goals.” Sergeant Wilson shared with Kaieteur Sport that he has always loved athletics and sports in general and he can recount as early as nursery school being a participant and, “I first made nationals in 1979 when I attended Bygeval Secondary for Team East Coast where I contested the sprints and long jump.” In 1996, Wilson did his IAAF level 1 course and immediately after began his career as an instructor which has led to much success. The
coach has performed national duties a total of 23 times and with the first chance coming in the 1997 Inter Guiana games which were held in Guyana before becoming the head coach at the PPYC in 1998. Although Wilson coached Olympian Marian Burnett briefly, he recalls being most proud of being integral in preparing Winston George to qualify and participate in the 2012 Olympic Games in the men’s 400m event.Although the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints have been his specialties, he explained that after he, “Took a likeness to middle distances after doing a middle distance Olympic Solidarity course in Brazil, 2005.”
Motorsport ‘icon and legend’ Stirling Moss dies aged 90
Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) coach Sergeant Lyndon Wilson.
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Police Coach Wilson urging athletes to stay fit
Stirling Moss - one of the greatest driversnever to win the F1 title. (AFP/File / Fred) Dufour
Hinterland Boxing Coach Orland Pocket Rocket Rogers (3rd left) with some of his charges during a stint in Mahdia.
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