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Jagdeo claims Saturday Edition NEWS GECOM Chair “often sides with APNU” AIETEUR
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April 25, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 16
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…as several motions by Opposition Commissioners voted against
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Recount to take 25 days, Mingo is out, no live streaming, current declaration stands until replaced - process to begin as soon as CARICOM team available - GECOM Chair p. 3
Police enforce COVID-19 preventive measures p. 13
One of the traffic exercises being conducted (Photo Credit: West Demerara Police - Region 3)
Guyana records Pandemic is Further delays violate eighth COVID-19 final nail in Guyanese people's rights death, as cases the coffin to a timely electoral move to 73 - Small loggers process - State Dept. official P. 7
P. 13
P. 7
NICIL rushes to compile list of “preferred bidders” for internal works, database of investors p. 2
Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 02
NICIL rushes to compile list of “preferred bidders” for internal works, database of investors
E
ven as the nation continues to struggle with the start of a credible recount of the votes cast in the March 2 elections, as well as the effects of the novel Coronavirus, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is still pressing ahead with its business plans. According to an advertisement that was published in the daily n e w s p a p e r s y e s t e r d a y, NICIL, it appears, is now rushing to compile a list of preferred bidders who it hopes to forge “strong relationships” with to address its internal needs. These preferred suppliers will also benefit from referrals to NICIL's list of deeppocketed investors. NICIL said that interested suppliers are required to provide a company profile that includes specifics on the catalogues of work, supplies and services being offered. Some of the catalogues of work NICIL will be looking
for include civil/structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, architecture, land surveying, quantity surveying, tiling, flooring, roofing, plastic welding, carpentry/joinery, air conditioning, civil works including roads, sewage treatment, plant and equipment rental, and drainage systems. Those suppliers seeking to conduct business with NICIL for the period 2020 to 2021 are being asked to register with the company by sending an email to nicilspu.suppliersinfo2021@ gmail.com. The information can also be delivered to its office at House 36, LBI Estate Staff Compound, East Coast Demerara. Since taking over the agency, NICIL's CEO, Colvin Heath-London has been able to mobilize over $1B in investments in a 12-month period. He was also able to attract three major hotel brands which will be built at Ogle, East Coast Demerara. The land at Ogle was sold to a
NICIL CEO, Colvin Heath London d e v e l o p e r, T r i n u y a n a Investments Inc., for more than $26M per acre for the project which will be referred to as Ogle City. The developer was reportedly sold around 2.6 acres. It is located about 300 yards in the cane fields from the turnoff that leads to the Ogle airport terminal, and in the direction of the old headquarters of the Guyana Sugar Corporation. The land
was once under sugar cultivation, but was vested in NICIL back in 2017. Two of the hotels to feature at Ogle City include AC Marriott, a subsidiary brand of Marriot International, and Hilton. With respect to the former, NICIL had announced in February that it had signed an agreement with Trinidadian, John Aboud, for the construction of a 150room AC Marriot Hotel, while noting that the construction is expected to last 30 months and would see in excess of 150 permanent employees when completed. NICIL has said that overall, these investments will create some 3,000 plus jobs. Heath-London is on record as stating that Guyana is short of 2000 rooms, and based on a study that was conducted; the new hotels in the pipeline would help to eliminate that shortfall. The CEO has also said that there are more investments that NICIL will continue to generate.
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DR. IRFAAN ALI
From family and friends
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 25, 2020
PAGE 03
Recount to take 25 days, Mingo is out, no live streaming, current declaration - process to begin as soon as CARICOM stands until replaced team available - GECOM Chair
T
he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (G ECO M ) has finally completed its work plan and finalized the constitution of the order for the national recount. What is left now is for GECOM Chair, Justice (ret'd) Claudette Singh SC to communicate the Commission's decisions to CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, for him to in turn make deliberations on the arrival of the CARICOM high level delegation. Commissioner Vincent Alexander said that the Chair is very anxious to get the recount over with. He was
asked whether the legality of the recount can be challenged in the future, and he saw the need to stress that the recount will be supervised by GECOM, not CARICOM. Alexander explained that the CARICOM terms of reference speak to them providing scrutiny of the process and submitting a report at the end. Asked whether GECOM would go forward with the recount if the team cannot be here, Alexander said GECOM would have to “go ahead”, but that that is not something that GECOM anticipates. He said that, if the team is not able to make
CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque
GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh
it here, “the idea” would be for them to get high level officials who are already in
Guyana to scrutinize the recount. GECOM has maintained
that CARICOM will be there to validate the recount, not to supervise. Alexander also said that anything can be challenged in a Court, but that the Commission is “of the mind” that Article 162 of the Constitution and section 22 of the Elections Amendment Act provide GECOM with the authority to execute the recount. During the finalization of the documents, Commissioner Sase Gunraj presented 10 motions to the Commission, which he said were for the purpose of wrapping up the outstanding issues. But his colleague, Commissioner Vincent
Alexander said that the motions seemed largely to bring up matters which were already settled by the Commission. One of the proposals was for a team of auditors, perhaps the Auditor General's office, to observe the count. Gunraj said that that motion was refused by the Chair, on the condition that the recount already has designated scrutineers. A motion was moved to invite all local and international observers to witness the recount, and that was passed unanimously, Gunraj said. “The Chair, today, (continued on page 16)
Berbice Chamber calls PPP files complaint with US Dept. of Justice against for Bridge toll reduction lobbying firm JJ&B, LLC “at this time of crisis”
T
he Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) is calling for the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) to reduce the toll for vehicles crossing the structure. The request comes in an effort to “ease the burden on Berbicians and persons crossing the bridge at this time of crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic”. Speaking to the media, Vice President of BCCDA, Ryan Alexander explained that the Chamber has taken note of the additional burden caused by the hardship, and that a reduction in the bridge toll will go a long way in easing some of the pressure. He said that if a reduction cannot be given for all vehicles, then at least for two categories - those that bring goods into the Region (lorry or canter) and hire cars and minibuses that cross the
Vice President of BCCDA, Ryan Alexander river. “It would definitely help in more ways than one in our fight against COVID-19.” Alexander said that due to the fact that public transpiration is now required to carry fewer passengers due to social distancing, the route
56 minibuses (New Amsterdam/Rosignol) and New Amsterdam/ Georgetown hire cars have increased their fares. The buses have moved their fare from $260 to $400 for a trip, and with the small boats not working, persons do not have a choice. The hire cars have moved their fares from $1500 to $2000 for a trip from New Amsterdam to Georgetown and vice versa. “If that cost is amended in terms of crossing the Bridge, we can bring back the cost to $1500 and they can still practise social distancing by having three passengers in the car,” Alexander posited. “As it relates to goods entering the Region, if the cost for lorries crossing the Bridge could be amended, then supermarket owners and other merchants will be able to offer goods at a more reasonable price to consumers,” he added in conclusion.
O
pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo says that his party has filed a complaint with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) against lobbying firm JJ&B, LLC for what he termed a “fraudulent filing.” Jagdeo during a virtual press conference yesterday said that “we have filed a complaint with the Justice Department against the firm... that company can be penalized heavily and face huge fines for misleading the Justice Department.” “ We h a v e f i l e d a complaint that they misled the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filings; misled the US Government when they claimed to be representing the Government of Guyana.” Initially, it was said that t h e Wa s h i n g t o n - b a s e d Public Relations Firm was hired by the Coalition Government of A Partnership for National
Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to dispel the “false narratives” being peddled by the Opposition People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) in the international community through its agent, Mercury Public Affairs. The US Federal document submitted by the firm along with a dossier, spelling out the agreement, explicitly outlines the “Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana” as the client contracting the firm. The document also listed the Ministry of the Presidency as the agency being represented by the firm along with Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon as the person with whom the company interfaces. However, days later, President David Granger issued a statement denying that government hired the firm and dismissing
allegations that public funds were used in the hire. Director General Joseph Harmon along with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan revealed that it was the party who hired the firm, not the government. The confirmations, Jagdeo noted, amount to a fraudulent filing with the US Department of Justice. “ H a r m o n h a s backtracked and said it is not the government; that it is APNU, and Ramjattan said the same thing, so it meant therefore that the FARA filing was fraudulent and was fake.” He stated that the company illegally distributed the accompanying dossier to several US Congressmen “because they did it on behalf of the Government of Guyana.” “The Government, through President Granger's statement, made it clear that he did not hire this company and that he doesn't know who they are.”
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Saturday April 25, 2020
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
Rushing for the exits They rush for the exits, as they clamber aboard whatever craft is available. Thousands of returnees are heading for their adopted homes as they bail out from a stricken Guyana, this land identified with so much, used so much, but now abandoned. As usual self-preservation tests the limits of patriotism, of commitment, of what it takes to stay here and make it better, when that is most needed. As usual, the well-set and the well-equipped are those in the forefront of those jumping from the Guyanese ship. Today, it is over a virus, tomorrow it could be in response to how we finalize Elections 2020. When present, they make a lot of impressive noises about giving back to home and country, and about the challenges of democracy, as well as the hard contradictions and conflicts in this rambunctious society. Most of what they say possesses the usual political biases, but they do have a nice ring to them and are found appealing, if not stirring, by many within the resident political sheepfolds that are forced to hang around these parts. Those who came back and cut flashy figures, exhibited gaudy opulence, and manifested generous benevolence towards the less fortunate in one high profile charitable cause after another, are now gone. And who are not gone, are frantically making arrangements to be going. At this time, they want nothing to do with Guyana, and none of what Guyana has to offer. Admittedly, it is not much. But there is revelation of what our fellow citizens from abroad truly represent, and what they are really about at the core. It is of opportunity and money and the powerful territory that comes from both. Take those away and they are off. Nothing has been taken away, truth be told, but at the very first indications of probable troubles they run to the airport. Self-preservation is always the first order of business and is fully understood. But these are some of the same supposedly idealistic and patriotic folks, who made much sounds about things local, and the way they ought to be. These are not the kind of people anyone would want in the trenches and by the side to fight a war. We don’t have a war on our hands, and already there is mass migration of remigrants to what is mainly the hardest hit place globally. From their actions, which say much about these brethren of ours, they are not about what they can do for Guyana, but what Guyana can do for them. First, it is that they represent an opportunistic cream. Second, it is that there is little that is self-sacrificing about them, which speaks volumes about devotion, the long march, and shared burdens. Third, it should relay to marooned and besieged Guyanese here who wait with hopeful postures, how much they are on their own, and must make their own way. What is happening quietly and out of sight tells so much of what is so direly needed, but so lacking in this country. Changes in government bring enthusiastic rushing for the homeland. According to them, they want to contribute in any of a number of places, inclusive of parliament, pointing the way forward and, for the really honest, to be given the reception and space to carve out their share of the pie. Every elections cycle brings (or returns) a large contingent of seekers and positioners. During last year, there was spirited debate and struggle about dual citizenship and the rights and responsibilities attached, and which are worth fighting for so as to take one’s place anywhere. Yet when this looming coronavirus threat rushes closer, there is shoving off for the refuge of distance. Suddenly, Guyana is not a desirable place to be. With sunshine patriots like these, the first forecast of downpour - in this instance, soaking disease - sends them scurrying for the cool of other places that are found more embraceable. This highlights that when people have one foot each in two boats, their hearts are never truly and solely for that one place that is claimed to be so interested in, so cherished, and so determined to make it matter. They leave in droves. With children like these….
The President must act to save whatever reputation is left DEAR EDITOR, President David Granger has seen his name and his reputation dragged back and forth through the mud. If he hasn’t, I have and on a near daily basis in the two newspapers that I scan. If this is what the mainstream has felt compelled to present, from a wide array of positions and voices, then I shudder to think what is happening in the anonymous gutters of social media. The president himself has to be enduring some quiet cringing himself, since he does not exist in a vacuum; he does not have much left on which to hold. I say this, because at the end of the day, all that a man has left going for him is who he is and how he conducted himself when the harsher challenges bring to the brink, where there is no footing left to give traction, where there is no wall left against which to brace the back for some kind of support, any kind of support. As things stand, Mr. Granger’s name and reputation have not only been besmirched by the mud, both have been shredded six ways to Sunday and in the most
malignant ways possible. But all is not lost; he can and must commit to do one more thing with what is left to him and to him alone. He must act decisively and finally. The president and party leader must act early. For every time that I begin to believe and conclude that the standards and procedures for a recount are formalized and finalized, there is another not so sophisticated move in the gymnastics engaged in at GECOM. It is why I said before and I say it again today: let the sparring and splitting over the mechanics of the recount be over and done with and let that process begin now. In my view, there is nothing that rises to the level of technicality and sophistication making the rounds and leading to one delay after another. Why muddy waters that return inevitably to the original state of clarity, and which lays out the road ahead to be travelled. Quibbling and hedging and stonewalling are exercises in futility. It may be held out or believed to be intricate and complex,
when there is nothing that assumes any such ingredients. It is past the time to cut the crap and move on. For all these reasons that make headway with me, I urge the president to issue the orders to his subordinates to not hem and haw and stand in the way of the rational and closure. I may be risking understatement, but I cannot think of any circumstance or set of circumstances that transforms into the life and death scenarios played out at GECOM. No ascension t o p o w e r, n o o ff i c e i s prestigious enough, is worth the damage done to personal standing, p e r s o n a l l e g a c y, a n d p e r s o n a l d i g n i t y, g i v e n what is lived and relived with each new day. The president is in that p l a c e n o w. H e c a n n o t continue like this. I respectfully submit that he must not. The nation cannot and should not be made to endure more of what has happened. He must pull the plug on this whole sickening business and put all of us out of the miseries inflicted.
To be most candid, the sicknesses and miseries are mostly flowing in the direction of His Excellency; he may appear not to be feeling any of such traumas, but that would be the ultimate in self-deception. I say again: this national impasse, this national embarrassment, has been allowed to go on too long. The president is in charge, he has to decide, make his move, and act decisively to bring an end to the societal rages, the continuing controversies and crises that have plagued at the most inopportune, the most vulnerable, time. The recount is the first vital step, a mandatory one. The numbers resulting will tell their incontestable stories, which would be the second truth, no longer arguable, not defensible anymore. The last piece in these incredible travails of Guyana would be when the numbers are completed and publicly revealed, there must be then early and gracious conceding by whichever group falls (Continued on page 6)
This is a shameless situation DEAR EDITOR, The Prime Minister most recent statement that the political situation in Guyana could stall international aid to the country unless the votes are recounted and a legitimate government is sworn in, is clearly an acknowledgement that he is either confused or that he is no longer a rational and logical thinker. Based on his statement, it is clear that the Prime Minister is fully aware that Guyana will not receive the international aid it needs to tackle the COVID19 outbreak in the country unless there is a legitimate government. Yet he and some of his colleagues in the government continue to place obstacles in the path of a transparent and speedy recount of the votes. Why? The Prime Minister seems to be speaking from both sides of his mouth, but he should understand that he cannot have it both ways. Either he supports the recounting of the votes and gets the aid the country needs or act silly and continue to stall the recount of the votes and do without the aid. Furthermore, this is not the mindset of a rational or a right thinking person, much more of a Prime Minister who is supposed to uphold the constitution, promote democracy, encourage fair and free elections,
transparent tabulation of the votes and above all else, respect the will of the people. But not only did the powers that be disrespected the will of the people, but the Prime Minister has also insulted the high level team from CARICOM when he proclaimed that they will have to be quarantined for 14 days on arrival in Guyana. But with better hindsight, President Granger moved quickly to overrule his absurd decision. Mr. Nagamootoo has also opined that a recount of the votes is not essential and that the APNU/AFC had won the election. If he is so certain and pompous that the coalition has won the elections, than he should be happy and willingly advocate for a speedy recount rather
than trying to stall it. It is horrible, deceitful and hypocritical for him to claim that for two decades he has fought against Burnham rigging of the elections, yet he has accepted Mr. Mingo’s spurious tabulation of Region 4 votes. This is not the thinking of a rational, attentive and thoughtful person. Rather, it is someone who is in a state of confusion and denial and who has put their personal interest and political ambitions above everything else. It is very sad that the powers that be believe that they can ignore the will of the people violate the constitution, bully the people and remain in office as an illegitimate government for more than 51 days after the March 2, elections. These are
clear indications that the interests of the people and those of the country are placed on the backburner, which in essence is the hallmark of utter selfishness. Mr. Prime Minister, it seems that your credibility and that of your colleagues and the top brass of GECOM is becoming questionable as each day passes. It is mindboggling if not senseless for the powers that be and some GECOM commissioners to do everything in their powers to try to stall the recount. It is regrettable and downright shameful that after more than 50 years of independence, Guyanese are incapable of conducting fair, free and transparent elections. Dr. Asquith Rose
Condolences for Cde. Komal Chand DEAR EDITOR, It is with profound sadness, I express my deepest regret at the passing of Cde. Komal Chand, long standing president of the GAWU Trade Union. Cde. Komal was a man of wisdom, substance and strength, a tireless fighter, steadfast and resolute in his beliefs, known to me personally close to a decade. A compassionate leader who was never too busy to attend
to the numerous issues relating to sugar workers, be it industrial or personal. He always displayed a caring spirit. An effective negotiator who sees both sides of the coin and would go the extra mile to ensure positive results are realized. Apart from these qualities, there was that jovial side of his personality which many admired. We have lost a true
stalwart and son of the soil. He will be forever remembered for his militant struggles and dedication in representing the rights and welfare of sugar workers and the working class at large. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the GAWU. May his soul rest in peace. Yours faithfully, Herlene Lewis Former GAWU Secretary Skeldon Estate branch
Saturday April 25, 2020
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Kaieteur News
The Recount Has Transcended Democracy DEAR EDITOR, I wish not to reiterate the activities that have ensued thus far, that have led Guyana to its current political impasse. Moreover, I commend the Guardians of Democracy, who, on a 24/7 basis ensure that our ballots are not tampered with. Notwithstanding, Guyana faces an arguably bigger threat – the COVID-19
pandemic, and an expedited recount process is needed to safeguard the nation from this disease. The incumbent Government has followed the other nations of the world and has instituted a lockdown with the aim of flattening the curve. I agree with this decision, as it comes at the behest of the world’s best and brightest scientists. Tragically, Guyana has
not been able to follow the nations of the world in providing a stimulus/relief plan for the country’s citizenry and businesses. With no budget in place for 2020, section 36 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) stipulates that the Finance Minister shall spend moneys from the Consolidated Fund “sufficient to fund the
A cavalier attitude Dear Editor, I was most disheartened, disappointed, and, frankly, frightened to see photographs on social media of crowds of people huddled together, in extremely close proximity to each other, outside of banks, apparently waiting to access the Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). Editor, considering the reality of the ongoing existence of a deadly pandemic of the COVID-19 virus, and the fact that all of the scientific experts have recommended social
distancing as the primary key to containing, mitigating, and ending the crisis, I was shocked that my fellow Guyanese would adopt such a cavalier attitude, b a s e d o n t h e i r a c t i o ns, towards such a serious matter. I iterate, Editor, it was a frightening scene. I value my life, as such, I have placed myself in total lockdown. I would have thought that others would have shared those sentiments and taken similar precautions. Perhaps, I was wrong. Further, it would seem that mathematically, the
more infected persons that are present in my environment, the greater would be the probability that I, or my loved ones, may be exposed to the deadly pathogen. And, certainly, crowding-up at any location will not help the situation. I implore my fellow citizens to follow all the directives and recommendations of the experts. And, I wonder if the authorities can do anything to enforce those directives and recommendations. Regards, Mark DaCosta
Thankful to Mother Earth DEAR EDITOR, In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day which was celebrated on the 22nd of April each year, I humbly submit the following poem, thanking mother earth for providing for the world at large and to bring attention to the issue of climate action. Guyana is a major global contributor to a safe, sustainable and healthy unpolluted environment, through the perpetual preservation of its vast rain forest for the greenhouse effect to help protect the ozone layer. Each Guyanese is an international player on the universal scene. Simply plant a tree as a basic helper to bring attention to earth’s dilemma. “DESERT OR HURT NOT THIS DIRT” So fatigued, I really need to rest, Tis not for you to worry, I know best. Me, never try to wittingly test, Directly and indirectly, I do infest. Every now and then give me a break, In different ways, I do quietly speak. Did you ever stop to think, I never freak, I continue to provide you to the peak? When you trample on me, I do hurt, Me, you continuously do
subvert. Incessant actions, you did spurt, Yet, how many times have I blurt? With cracks and crevices, I reveal many a wound, When you penetrate and make me your hound. Did you ever listen if I make any wailing sound, When deliberately, you unhesitatingly do pound? Accepting your sharp, iron teeth that do pierce, I willingly break into many a crumbled piece. Accepting blows that are all the times fierce, Then again, it’s not your fault, for, you, I coerce. With me, you love to play many a rough game, But, obliging you, I have no one else to blame. You stamp on me, you swear and call me name, What do I do, nothing, for you, I remain the same. I see you are always, day after day, in dire need, You use me to plant many of a different kind seed. Relying on you, you have many heads to heed, Yes, also, animals of more than one type, you breed. From inception, you discovered me as the true source, Through me, you become filled with tremendous resource.
Myself, I can effortlessly, replenish and reinforce, Without external force, my duty, try not to enforce. Do not worry or bleed, I can feed the many mouths you carry, When you marry, loathe not, I shall clothe, you will be merry. Hurry and rouse, in comfort, I will house, fear not and parry, Let me scurry and show, you will grow, a smile you will carry. Part of my value, you, I’ve shown, I can be as hard as stone, Yet, try not to disown me, I cover your flesh and bone. Many have been and flown, all four parts of my pointed zone, Whatever you’ve thrown, in a calm tone, I accept alone. The more you desire to take, the more I want to give, Let me make your life fulfilled, so that happily, you can live. In me, you place a stake, I shall forever remain active, Awake and shake me, my objective is to forgive. With your heart, do not part, I give you a berth, Alert from start, you played with me from birth. I’m not hurt when you hold me as dirt, tis my worth, After all, I purport, you, not to desert, I am mother earth. Yours respectfully, Jai Lall NY
ongoing delivery of normal services of Government”…this spending is subject to “one-twelfth of the amount that was expended by that budget agency in the immediately preceding fiscal year”. This statue essentially guarantees payment of salaries for all employees in the public sector. This news may be good for some, but public servants account for just 23% of the labour force according to 2017 Guyana Labour Force Survey. As such, 77% of the working population is susceptible to loss in wages, caused by the lockdown. Many of these persons have already began to voice their concerns – another newspaper’s article titled “Non-essential Regent St Businesses say cannot afford to remain closed” dated April
23rd, 2020 details many of these cries. In the aforementioned article, one gentleman succinctly describes his situation; Andrew Ferguson says that he is currently struggling for the basic necessity of groceries because he is without work due to the lockdown. Ferguson further noted that “prior to the lockdown, measures should have already been in place including subsiding of bills and/or stipends or food hampers for families.” I agree wholeheartedly with Ferguson but measures could only have been implemented after a new Government was sworn in. For reference lets once again examine Section 36 of the FMAA, which goes on to state that spending from the Consolidated fund without an approved budget, could not
be done for a “subject matter or for a purpose for which there was no appropriation in the immediately preceding fiscal year”. While we cannot go back in time, and change the past, we can certainly act in the present to affect the future. We are to receive aid to the tune of 100M GYD from the United States and the citizenry is grateful. However, let me just remind the readers that upon completion of the electoral process, from the National Resources Fund (oil revenue) alone, there will be access to over 11 billion GYD to help Guyanese in this critical juncture. I therefore call on GECOM to open their ears to the cries of the people, not just the cries for preservation of Democracy, but the calls for help. Yours Truly, John Edghill
Observations relevant to current situations DEAR EDITOR, The former prime minister has made two observations relevant to the current situations. In one observation he is astute in ‘political situation could stall Int’l aid to Guyana’ (KN April 24). A political situation brought about by the
administration of which he is a part of and which he is doing nothing tangible to bring about a speedy end to. The second observation ‘Emergency COVID -19 measures likely to be extended’ in another newspaper on April 24). I support and am in agreement of an extension of the emergency measures maybe until mid-May, once there is no drastic rise in cases
and or deaths. The curfew measures are not observed as it should and sometimes I wonder if I am the only person who is unaware the curfew has been lifted. But on a serious note greater enforcement of the curfew and a responsible attitude of all measures are essential for any degree of curtailment and ultimately eradication of the virus. Shamshun Mohamed
Let’s all try our best to follow public health directives DEAR EDITOR, It’s a shame that there are those who are attempting to politicize the public health threat of COVID-19, a virus that, in just a few months, has killed nearly 50,000 Americans and is continuing to kill every day. The truth is all viruses are dangerous for the elderly and others with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of death if infected.
Instead of trying to diminish the danger of COVID-19 (for which currently there is no vaccine or proven therapeutics like there are for viral pneumonia, influenza and some other viruses), let’s all try our best to follow public health directives, so that we protect at-risk populations who are, after all, our family, friends, neighbours and fellow citizens. Yours, Rooplall Dudhnath
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Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
The 2020 Election DEAR EDITOR, My grandfather used to tell us about election rigging that took place in the 80s under the Burnham Administration and the injustices meted out to people. It was always viewed as sad stories and he would tell us in the evenings. Some of the things you hear cause a shiver then. He died over 29 years now. He was a good grandfather. Growing up I will normally say those days are gone. But it seems not so. I would never believe in this day and age with technology and in the eyes of the world, the ambassadors and observers that an election can be rigged in favour of the incumbent APNU. If any one denies that the results of Region 4 were not tampered with then that person is lying to himself. The APNU is still claiming they won but this, I believe, is not so. Here is why: 1. All the nine regions were declared after going through the SOPs, not region 4. 2. A spreadsheet appeared miraculously and verification of SOPs was halted.
3. By nine o clock on Tuesday 3rd March, 2020 a letter floated with APNU letterhead that they won but they still refused to produce their SOPs to date. 4. Clairmont Mingo refusing to adhere to the CJ ruling that SOPs must be verified for region 4. 5. The switch from Ashmin’s building to GECOM to verify SOPs with a projector and flimsy materials, cardboard and sheet. 6. The disgusted behaviour of the Foreign Affairs Minister to the diplomats and observers. 7. The baseless articles in another newspaper alone trying to brighten the APNU image. 8. The attacks on the overseas missions and observers. It is not possible all of these people hate the APNU so bad that they will tell lies that the APNU didn’t win? 9. The court cases on a number of occasions to go through with the declaration and stop the recount. 10. The shameful dossier put forward to try save the dangerous games. 11. The count of 400,000+ votes for 156 days.
12. The attempts to move cameras at Giftland that focuses in the direction of the containers. 13. The utter nonsense given by a Commissioner that a recount doesn’t necessarily means that the results will be accepted; his attempts to push through with the region 4 declaration at the commission’s meetings; the call for an audit of the ballot boxes when the SOPs alone could be retrieved from the boxes and tallied. Editor, I have given 13 reasons why I believe the biggest electoral fraud occurred in Guyana in 2020 not in the 80s. I am hoping Mr. Granger will not just sit there and see all this happening and not do the right. All respect for him in Guyana could be eroded if he continues to do nothing. I used to say Guyanese can be proud that it is the only country in South America that has never had a coup, military government, compared to places like Suriname, Venezuela, Chile, etc. I end with grief for my country and happiness that my grandfather is not around to witness what’s happening. Concerned Citizen
The people of Guyana have demonstrated great maturity DEAR EDITOR, Vincent Alexander in his capacity as Vice-Chairman of the PNC, in an interview with another newspaper, August 14th, 2002, made it clear that it was necessary to attack Indians; “Whilst I do not look forward to paying a high price the fact is in the long term these things add up to the general good of the society... What I find is that even though these instances may be painful and costly, the accumulation of all these interactions and conflicts may result in a state of affairs, which is far better than that which existed before.” It would seem Alexander is using his role as a Commissioner of GECOM to hurl Guyanese into racial conflict in furtherance of his philosophy. The constant feigned ignorance and delay tactics being engaged in by Alexander and his fellow APNU commissioners is slowly driving Guyana to the brink of economic and human disaster. Alexander is acting on instructions of others it would seem; it is unclear if David Granger is involved or
this is ‘Dossier-gate 2.0’. Advantage is seems is being taken of the GECOM Chair, who is yet to grasp the magnitude of her power and responsibility. Justice Claudette Singh, some believe, is being undermined by her friendship with Amna Ally. All of this while we are entering a dangerous phase in the health sector. The COVID 19 pandemic is upon us fully now, with more testing comes more proof positive that many are infected and that asymptomatic virus-carriers walk amongst us. The government is deep in debt due to the profligate spending and reliance on utopian fantasies of ‘oil money’ by David Granger in the stead on sound economic policy. The realization that the world’s financial institutions will not assist with the massive aid required to get Guyanese through this period is now sinking in at the top level. Moses Nagamootoo finally spoke to the issue and said as much. The people of Guyana have (so far) demonstrated great maturity in not running riot in the face of the brazen subversion of their franchise. Anil Nandlall cautioned recently “that the patience of a majority of Guyanese is wearing very thin. PPP supporters, in particular, are very fed-up and frustrated. They know that they have won the elections. They are seeing every day, to their infuriation, one clumsy attempt after another, to steal
their votes. We may not be able to contain them much longer.” Vincent Alexander and others such as Bro Joshua Emanuel are of the opinion that “Our people control the security sectors and the bureaucracy. In addition, our people control the capital city, the seat of economic and political power. Our party has the capacity to bring down PPP government anytime as we did so many times” (Kaieteur News 23.4.20). It would seem the lessons of 2002 were not learned by Vincent and company. During the period when gangs destabilized the nation, the police and army acted professionally, they did not follow the urgings of madmen who wanted them to join the criminals. Fast forward to 2020 and the eyes of the world are on these forces, the Commissioner of Police and the Army Chief of Staff are both aware of personal consequences should they participate or accept as legal orders to repress, oppress, imprison, torture or murder peaceful Guyanese. Our citizens are also aware of their rights as guaranteed under the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and this is not 1973. Guyanese will not be divided by race or politics to the point of armed conflict. We will not be fodder for Alexander’s cannon and fall foul of his baiting. Respectfully, Robin Singh
Boost the Immune System DEAR EDITOR, People can take Vitamin D, C and a good quality multivitamin with minerals. Avoid sugar and less carbohydrate. If the Immune System is strong the virus will not affect you too badly. Wash your hands and wear a mask. The virus can get through your nose or mouth and sometimes your eyes. Washing the hands is very important. The
Sanitizers can be inflammable. In the hospital it is suggested that Vitamin C 1500 mg be used every 4 hours. Ask Dr Richard Cheng MD PHD in the USA. @DrRichardCheng1 or listen to Dr Shiva Ayyadurai on You Tube. Forget the Politics and listen to his videos. He has an immunology degree. Blessings, GrannyD
The President must... From page 4 short. Clean and clear and conclusive (instructive to the faithful, too) it must be before the world and all those citizens with a vested interest in which way the political winds blow. To the president I offer this heartfelt and wellmeaning thought: Win, lose or the unlikeliness of a draw, the man in charge has already been made to suffer much,
way too much. It is why I see a rescue operation of personal reputation is called for; rescue embeds the thinking that there is some life remaining. To allow matters to deteriorate to that of salvaging would indicate that all is lost and nothing left but the detritus to collect and discard. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 25, 2020
PAGE 07
Small loggers say pandemic is “final nail in the coffin”
Small loggers plead for help as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cut deep
A
s the stories continue to emerge as Guyana battens down the shutters against COVID-19, the fallout is continuing to affect the various sectors. Small loggers have joined the cries for help, making it clear that the current situation is “the final nail in the coffin”. According to loggers, with mounting pressures from the international community on illegal logging, they have been sidelined and allocated
“worked out lands” by the Guyana Forestry Commission, which is poor in high value woods, which cannot meet the requirements for export. It was pointed out that lands that were once under the control of Baishanlin at Kwebanna and Waico, did not filter down to small loggers. Pointing to the high application fees and the large number of interested parties to the concessions, the loggers insisted the Opposition should send a
strong message to the GFC. “On the other hand, when small producers supply logs to sawmills and lumberyards we are often robbed of our measurements." The loggers pointed out that as it relates to forestry and the low carbon development strategies by the European Union, it is difficult for Guyana's timber to be shipped illegally, as there are strict requirements of paperwork from varying departments. It was pointed out that the necessary fees are paid to the
Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Revenue Authority. In fact, the uses of wood are well known in Guyana in the construction industry; in homes for furniture; decorative uses and bio fuels for cooking and heating, among many other things. In other words, the demand for wood in the commercial and international marketplace has never decreased, since there is always a major demand, the loggers said. “Loggers are working with specific guidelines
Guyana records eighth COVID-19 death, as cases move to 73
M
inister of Public Health V o l d a Lawrence, yesterday afternoon confirmed an eighth death in Guyana as a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The deceased has been identified as 45-year-old Lennox Williams, who passed away at 14:45hrs yesterday. Williams was seeking further treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and had suffered from other complications. “The Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Health and the GPHC extend condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Mr. Williams,” the Health Ministry said in a statement to the press. The Ministry further reported that three more persons have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the number of cases to 73. Twelve persons have been medically cleared and have
since recovered from the virus. Meanwhile Minister Lawrence, during her update to the nation yesterday, revealed that as of April 24, a total of 410 persons have been tested with 337 of those tested returning negative. In institutional quarantine, there are 17 persons, while 54 others are housed in institutional isolation. Five patients are currently in the COVID-19 ICU at the GPHC. Since March 16th, 793 persons have been on formal Home Quarantine. To date, 596 of those persons have completed their 14 days quarantine and were cleared by the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) while 197 persons continue to be monitored. Globally, the WHO had reported 2, 544,792 confirmed cases with 175,694 deaths. In the Region of the Americas the number of confirmed cases is 957,402 with 47,812 deaths. Also during that update,
President of the Diabetic Association, Glynis Beaton, appealed to diabetics to be extremely cautious, since their chronic condition places them at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. She highlighted that
infection in a diabetic patient can either cause the blood sugar to increase or it would remain that way, even with the timely and consistent use of medication. “As a diabetic for 30-plus years I am (continued on page 15)
from the Forestry Commission - a concessionaire is only required to harvest a specific number of logs in cubic metres from his or her logging concession or as the term applies - a quota system. The quota system is very efficient and has been used for many years before the introduction of the Low Carbon Development Strategy Initiative.” The loggers pointed out that Guyana's deforestation rate is low from logging, which simply means that the forest is still intact and there is hardly any threat that any
one concessionaire can reach the full production target. “ T h e h i g h e s t deforestation rates in Guyana are from open pit mining for gold or bauxite, which leaves vast expanses to exposed or deforested areas. Please don't blame us poor loggers for these barbaric acts to our beloved earth.” The loggers called on the GFC and other authorities step in. There are dozens of logging groups around the country with a significant number of them located in the Upper Berbice, Region 10 area.
Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 08
Jagdeo claims GECOM Chair “often sides with APNU” General Secretary of the Opposition People's Progressive Party Civic
(PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo e x p r e s s e d h i s disappointment in Guyana
Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Ret'd Justice Claudette Singh, for
…as several motions by Opposition Commissioners voted against
voting against several motions to ensure the national recount be carried out in the utmost transparent and credible manner. The Opposition Leader during a virtual press c o n f e r e n c e y e s t e r d a y, relayed his frustrations at the continuous delays hampering the recount from commencing, and opined that the GECOM Chair's voting paints a clear picture to the nation of her position, which according to him, is siding with the incumbent APNU/AFC. He disclosed that the Opposition-nominated Commissioners presented several motions at the GECOM meeting held yesterday to solely determine Justice Singh's position on critical issues relating to the transparency of the recount. H o w e v e r, t h e disappointment came in waves when the motions were put to a vote and the Chair, according to Jagdeo, took a position contrary to having a transparent and credible recount process. “We had to trigger a decision by the Chair to see where she stands, because she writes on things, and people believe that she wants the matter to be addressed expeditiously, but in her deliberations at GECOM, she either doesn't take a position or often sides with APNU in slowing down the process,” Jagdeo stated. THE MOTIONS The motions put forward by the Oppositionnominated Commissioners are as follows: 1. That originals of all Statements of Poll for District 4 received by the Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield be provided to Commissioners for examination along with copies. 2. That the entire recount exercise be observed by the Audit Office of Guyana or a duly accredited Audit Firm contracted by the Guyana Elections Commission, specifically for this process. 3. That the entire recount exercise be live streamed on traditional and/or social media. 4. That the time for the
GECOM Chair Ret'd Justice Claudette Singh
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo
conduct of the entire recount exercise be limited to fourteen (14) days. 5. That all members of staff of the Guyana Elections Commission who were involved in the activates which resulted in controversy, allegations of fraud and legal proceedings in the High Court after Elections Day 2020, be removed from active participation in the recount process. 6. That the recount be conducted in strict accordance with Sections 84(6) to (11), 87, 89(1) and 90 of the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:03 of the Laws of Guyana. 7. The tabulation of the Statements of Recount generated after the recount of each ballot box will be done at a central tabulation centre in the presence of the High Level CARICOM Team, other International and Local Observer teams accredited by Guyana Elections Commission, representatives of political parties that contested the said elections, advisors to the Guyana Elections Commission, and such other persons authorized by the Guyana Elections Commission as follows: a. The Statement of Recount shall be projected on a screen to be viewed by all persons present; b. The information from Statement of Recount shall be input into a spreadsheet which process shall be viewed s imu ltan eo u s ly b y all persons present; c. In the event of a pause in the inputting process, a report on
Statements of Recount input at that time will be made provided to representatives of contesting political parties by the staff responsible for the tabulation; d. Upon completion of an entire district, the representatives of contesting political parties shall be given an opportunity to verify the accuracy of the entire tabulation and thereafter, sign off on same if he/she wishes to do so. 8. That the recount commences with Districts 1 & 4 simultaneously and continues with the remaining districts only after the completion of the said Districts 1 & 4. 9. That the Guyana Elections Commission immediately invites to observe the recount process each of the International and Local Observer team accredited to observe the 2nd March 2020 elections. 10. That the declaration of the election results of Electoral District number four (4) by Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, made on the 13th day of March 2020, and the consequential Report prepared and submitted to the Commission by the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, pursuant to the provisions of Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act, Cap 1:03, be set aside, revoked, annulled and rescinded by the Guyana Elections Commission. THE CHAIR'S VOTES The GECOM Chair, Jagdeo said, voted against the release of the originals (continued on page 16)
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 25, 2020
PAGE 09
A confusing situation is developing
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t is being reported that Region 6 has begun to screen persons entering its precincts. While this effort is to be commended, questions have to be asked about the effective of the screening process. The COVID-19 coronavirus can be transmitted by persons who are asymptomatic – that is, displaying no symptoms. It has been found that as much as 40% of transmission of the virus may be from persons who show no immediate symptoms, but who are already infected with the virus. So the screening process which tests just body temperature may not be that effective. But it is a line of defence which can help, however minimal. With scare resources, however, it would be much better if the energies of regional health officials were devoted instead to
supporting self-monitoring of the enforcement of the social restrictions. There remains concern over non-essential businesses continuing to flout the restrictions. Social distancing is not being practiced in markets throughout the country. Tightening up on these areas will have a greater impact than the temperature-testing which is taking place. There is a need to limit the number of persons entering the markets. A good system to do this is to use an alphabetical system which would permit persons whose surnames start with certain letters on certain days and others on other days. This would limit the numbers entering the markets, and allow for better social distancing. No person should be allowed into any business or market without a mask – this is already part of the restrictions which are
supposed to be in place, but which are being complied with mainly in the breach. Ironically, just as the regions are now assuming a greater role in the fight against COVID-19, the government is moving in the opposite direction. It is now centralizing the national response. This confusion could not have come at a worse time. The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing steadily, a n d d a n g e r o u s l y, t h e government is creating its own bureaucracy. The President has reportedly established a COVID-19 National Secretariat, something that should have been the responsibility of the Chairman of the Task Force. The Secretariat is an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. It centralizes too much authority into the hands of one man, the Chief Executive Officer. And to have that position filled by a
Dem boys seh...
What quarantine feel like
D
em boys seh dem hear they got plenty lessons fuh learn from this Coronavirus pandemic. Here's a few: China win World War 3 without firing one bullet. Europeans not bright like dem appear. Rich people fall sick more than de poor man. No priest, pandit, imam or astrologer can save de patient or even dem self.
Dem nurses and doctors worth more than de football legends. Oil na worth nuthin in a country if de people can't consume it. De same way people feel in quarantine and isolation is most likely how de animals does feel in de zoo. De earth regenerates quickly without human interference People find out now that more people can easily wuk
from home Citizens who na eat junk food, can live longer. Living a hygienic life not hard at all. Men can cook too. The media full of nonsense. Actors are just entertainer, not heroes. Life is fragile, handle with care. Talk half and understand is na dem boys seh so, is people tell dem suh!
GTT reconnects over 1,200 internet customers after error
G
uyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has apologized to a batch of its customers whose internet service was disconnected on Thursday, although they claimed to have made their payments on time “Having started the process of vetting claims of payment against proof provided, some 1200 customers would have had their internet service restored today,” GTT's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd confirmed. For these customers, no reconnection fees nor penalties were applied.
“ We a r e a c t i v e l y examining our payment system to see where something went wrong. But in the interim, we could not in good conscience leave our customers without internet service for any extended period of time – especially now, knowing that so many of us are at home needing to maintain connections with o t h e r s , ” N e d d acknowledged. GTT said it would have closed its stores weeks ago and would have re-directed customers to several other points of payment to support physical distancing and ecommerce, as the country
tries to manage the spread of COVID-19. Nedd hinted that GTT may need to re-open its stores in the interest of handling transactions directly.
former Minister and a Director-General in the Ministry of the Presidency, is going to be viewed as a demotion. The Chairman of the National Task Force has been reduced to a figurehead under the proposed arrangements. He has been totally emasculated under the present arrangement. To put the de facto Prime Minister in such a position is extremely humiliating. The organizational changes suggest that the government is attempting to dominate the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether this is the right approach is debatable. The government is in a holding position until the announcement of the elections. The terms of reference of
the Chief Executive Officer suggest that it is a short-term arrangement. It specifically states that the CEO is supposed to develop shortterm plans for disease prevention and safety. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, is not expected to be a short-term threat. Guyana already has 73 infections and 8 deaths. This points to the need for a long-term response. Why then establish a Secretariat with a short-term focus. Could it be that with this appointment, Mr. Joseph Harmon is being put out to pasture after the debacle of the dossier? Three weeks into the partial lockdown and this is the confusion in the official response. To limit the national response to a government response, and to only now be establishing a National Secretariat is a
most disheartening exercise. But it may indicate an absence of know-how in the present circumstances. That, however, would not be something unusual when it comes to the government. Unfortunately lives are at stake, and these confusing signals that are being sent in the national COVID-19 response are not helping the situation. What is needed is a plan, with greater emphasis on decentralized response. Not a centralized Secretariat packed with ex-army personnel. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Saturday April 25, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Contact Ron Cheong for data on how the 2020 election was rigged
T
h e r e i s a G u y a n e s e c o m p u t e r specialist in Toronto. He gave me permission to publicize his name and email a d d r e s s . I t i s roncheong11@gmail.com. Mr. Cheong has brilliant data on how the tampering of the election started in 2018 with the gerrymandering of the local government districts. The material is just too much to cover in this column. But his work is just great. The gerrymandering of the electoral districts is accompanied by superb charts and data on the actual redistricting of villages. He then shows statistically how, u s i n g t h e 2 0 1 8
gerrymandering schemes, APNU+AFC intended to tamper with the figures in Region 4 in particular. Mr. Cheong's work is good stuff which I understand has been forwarded to certain embassies and foreign observers. I suggest the ten opposition parties contact him for the results of his research. He has indicated to me that he is open to cooperating with those who need the data. One of his main points in some of his diagrams is how the AFC lost the election. Of course, he had to have access to the final ten declarations. The PPP has put its Region 4 statements
of poll (SOPs) online. You will see from the ten declarations that the AFC votes literally and scientifically vanished in 2020. The point of this column is not to reproduce Ron Cheong's statistics. Column space would not allow for that. My aim here is to analyze what will happen to the AFC when the nightmare is over. When it is, the AFC will no longer exist, because the SOPs for the ten regions show the disappearance of the AFC. Let us look three scenarios. In all three, the AFC cannot survive. F i r s t , a P P P government. In opposition, APNU+AFC will not have a
Cummingsburg Accord to guide it. That covenant is about the shape of power after victory. There will be no victory, so the PNC is not bound by the accord. It means that there is no reason to award the AFC ten seats when the AFC did not bring in 50,000 votes – equivalent to 10 seats. Should the PPP be pressured into inclusive governance, the central negotiations will be with the PNC and civil society. The PNC is not going to put the AFC under its umbrella, because there will be no logic in terms of ethnic bargaining. Inclusive governance is about recognizing that different ethnic constituencies must have some jurisdiction in how Guyana is to be governed. Since the PPP will speak for Indians, the PNC for Africans, why would the PNC bargain for recognition of the AFC in the negotiations? Which constituencies will the AFC represent if included in the confabulation? A return to the poll. If
for some strange reason, there is no formation of a new government and a new election is called, the PNC will not go with the AFC. If it goes with the AFC, there will be no binding document; the PNC will not make any promises. The AFC will not contest the election on its own. The third scenario is power-sharing. How do you configure the role of the AFC in power-sharing? There will not be any. The PPP will insist on talking directly to the PNC and civil society, the PNC will not take the AFC with it to the table. The same approach the PNC and PPP take with the dialogue on inclusive governance, they will embrace in power-sharing talks. Given any of the scenarios listed above, the AFC is dead. Could this explain Ramjattan's recent offering that he prefers to see the result of a recounting because he does not accept any declaration so far? Could it be that Ramjattan is looking for a way out
Frederick Kissoon because he knows what happens when the nightmare is over - that there will be no place in Guyana for the AFC? What we have to wait and see is if there are other persons in the AFC who will follow Ramjattan in his new direction. So far there are two AFC bigwigs that have rejected the results of the election (Vincent Alexander told the media on Friday that there is a declaration that GECOM should accept, because that declaration is legal) – Dominic Gaskin, treasurer and Khemraj Ramjattan, leader. Should we exclude Nagamootoo from this category? He told the media that international agencies may be holding back funds because they are waiting to see the swearing in of a new government. The COVID-19 boss is actually admitting that the world has not accepted the declaration that Vi n c e n t A l e x a n d e r i s championing. In the meantime, yesterday's GECOM session continued to provide even more credence and clarity to the viewpoints on a conspiracy. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 25, 2020
PAGE 11
Soldiers must not wear their camouflage masks when in civilian attire - GDF
O
fficers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) have been instructed not to wear their camouflage masks when dressed in civilian attire. Members of the general public have also been advised not to do the same, since it is an offence to be in possession of or to wear any item of military issue. Chief-of-Staff, Patrick West, in a release, stated that camouflage masks are military kit and must be treated as such. Anyone found doing such could be liable to a fine of $4875, $9750 or one month imprisonment. Section 2 (1) of the Guyana Defence Force Uniforms Act clearly outlines, “No one who is not serving in the Guyana Defence Force may wear, without the Minister's permission, the uniform of that force, or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of that uniform.”
- General public similarly advised
As such, the Army Chief is warning civilians against the wearing of the camouflage masks. The act also highlights that provided that this enactment shall not prevent, “(a) any person from wearing the cast off uniform of any of that force if all regimental buttons and other regimental or distinctive marks are removed there from; or” “(b) any person from wearing any uniform or dress in the course of a stage play performed in a place
duly licensed or authorised for the public performance of stage plays, or in the course of private theatricals, or at any fancy dress ball, or in the course of a music hall or circus performance, or in the course of any military representation in good faith.” “(2) No one may
lawfully sell, or dispose of to any other person, not serving in the Guyana Defence Force, the uniform of any of that force, except for the purposes mentioned in paragraph (b) of the proviso to subsection (1), unless all regimental buttons and other regimental or distinctive marks are first removed there from.” “(3) Anyone who contravenes this section shall be liable to a fine of
four thousand eight hundred and seventy-five dollars [$4,875].” Section 3 of the Guyana Defence Force Uniforms Act outlines the penalties for anyone who brings contempt upon the uniform. The act states that “anyone not serving in the Guyana Defence Force who wears, without the Minister's permission, the uniform of that force, or any dress having the appearance or
bearing any of the regimental or other distinctive marks of that uniform, in such a manner or in such circumstances as to be likely to bring contempt upon that uniform or employs any other person so to wear that uniform or dress shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of nine thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars [$9,750] or to imprisonment for one month.”
Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 12
WORLD MALARIA DAY 2020
‘Zero Malaria Starts with Me' By Dr Horace Cox Director, Vector Control Service (VCS)
T
oday, the 25th April, 2020, Guyana joins the rest of the world to c o m m e m o r a t e Wo r l d Malaria Day, under the theme 'Zero Malaria Starts with Me' The Ministry of Public Health, in recognition of this year's theme, challenges the country's buoyant private sector and all communities nationwide to embrace this focus collectively, in the ongoing quest to help eliminate malaria. This vector-driven illness spread by the female Anopheles mosquito hurts businesses and communities deeply. Reversing the effects of malaria requires consistent and dedicated
community engagement, which becomes more critical to ensuring access for all marginalised groups. Amidst developing t h r e a t s l i k e unresponsiveness by some patients to drug treatment; the resistance of arthropods to insecticide treatment and catastrophic climate change, the fight to end malaria needs new partners to help mobilise resources sustainably to reach national goals. Businesses interested in fighting malaria will also need dedicated partners to advise on the best ways to invest in health programmes including training materials for workplaces and other measures to fight malaria at work sites. The myriad challenges societies confront today underscore the importance
Dr. Horace Cox of designing robust, evidence-based anti-malaria strategies equal to the scale and scope of the presence of the infective disease. Guyana has adopted many such global strategies. In fact, Guyana's malaria vision has the following features: achieving universal access to vector control
interventions as well as testing and treatment services; accelerating towards malaria elimination; and transforming surveillance into a core intervention. These, however, must be supported by an enabling environment and the effective use of science, technology and innovation. Guyana's free malaria services will continue in a more structured approach to helping effect behaviour change, especially among the country's vulnerable groups. Regional departments continue to be strengthened to help decentralise strategic planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. These efforts can only be successful through greater ownership, broader
stakeholder involvement and resource mobilization, especially in the midst of threats of the emergence of artemisinin resistance. Public health challenges are evolving. Consequently, the application of science, innovation and technology has become even more vital. As we pool our energies to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important that we reflect on the importance of maintaining malaria service
delivery and remain resolute in the fight against its elimination. The Ministry of Public Health's malaria-elimination agenda will continue. Remember 'Zero Malaria Starts with Me'. Through a concerted effort at all levels, we will continue marching unwaveringly along the elimination continuum. As we commemorate World Malaria Day, do continue to practice physical and social distancing.
COVID-19 measures...
City Council mulls penalties for errant vendors
T
he Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is contemplating possible penalties for vendors who continue to disregard precautionary measures set out by the Council and the Ministry of Public Health in light of COVID-19. This is according to City Mayor Ubraj Narine. During an interview with this publication, Narine explained that there are several vendors, primarily in the Stabroek and Bourda Market areas, who have been ignoring precautionary measures and continue to vend without the use of face masks and other necessary safety equipment, as well as ignore sanitary requirements. He added that the given the severity of this issue, the council has began working towards introducing possible penalties. Responding to a question about overcrowding as reported by some customers, Narine said that there are measures in place at the Markets to monitor and control crowds. However, he is not aware if there have been any breaches to the existing measures. “We only have the two main gates operating to control the crowd, and only 15 persons are supposed to be allowed in at a time. As one comes out another is allowed in, but I am not there every day, so I don't know if anyone has been bending the rules,” he said. When asked about reports of “one cake of soap” being utilized by all patrons at the market to wash their hands, the Mayor pointed out that this is true, but it only became an
City Mayor Ubraj Narine option after the bottles of liquid soap placed at the sanitizing facilities began disappearing. Further, speaking on the vast increase in prices for commodities, Narine said “I can only ask the vendors to be lenient with their prices, but neither the council nor I can control those prices.” Additionally, the Mayor used the opportunity to clarify claims of $100 charges to enter the markets. He said that the M&CC has not implemented any such measures and that individuals should not pay anyone to enter the markets. He added that the council will be engaging the services of the market constables to clampdown on anyone doing this. The Mayor also urged citizens to adhere to the protocols, and to call on each other to do the same, along with the assistance of civil society groups to help to overlook and report any breaches in the measures put in place.
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 25, 2020
PAGE 13
Police enforce COVID-19 preventive measures
One of the traffic exercises being conducted (Photo Credit: West Demerara Police - Region 3)
O
fficers from the West Bank/West Coast Demerara have been enforcing strict measures to ensure that citizens, primarily road users are complaint with road safety regulations as well as the Ministry of Public Health's COVID-19 precautionary measures. Commencing last Thursday evening, the ranks have been conducting
roadblocks at the Demerara Harbour Bridge and extending to various parts of the West Bank & West Coast Demerara. Several checks have been conducted, and commuters are asked to provide the necessary information as to why they are on the roadways and their possible destination. This is primarily done during the curfew period of 6:00pm – 6:00am.
These checks also place emphasis on public transportation providers, ensuring that they too are complaint with the regulations and precautions. This publication understands that similar exercises have been ongoing across the country. According to the “West Demerara Police - Region 3” social media page “on 202004-23 between 09:30hrs and
Woman Corporal Browne and another rank conducting the social distance exercise
Further delays violate Guyanese people's rights to a timely electoral process - State Dept. official “Further delays violate the Guyanese people's rights to a transparent, credible, and timely electoral process." These were the latest comments made by Acting Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere under the United States Department of State, Ambassador Michael Kozak. During a press briefing yesterday, the Ambassador highlighted that it has been more than seven weeks since Guyana's elections were held and there has
been no credible outcome. He specifically stated that, “The Guyana Elections Commission has a preliminary work plan for a recount but has not issued a timeline,” while emphasizing that the US remains gravely concerned that so much time has passed without a credible result. Last week, United States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch also urged the Guyana El ections Commission (GECOM) to commence the recount in an “expeditious manner”.
Michael Kozak
11:00hrs Inspector Craig, Corporal McGarrell, Lance Corporal Singh and Constable James held a Traffic Exercise on Over Load, where six drivers were arrested for Breach of the Health Ordinance Act.” Since the Ministry announced the COVID-19 measures on April 3rd, all public transportation is only permitted to carry 50% of the number of usual passengers. It also gives the Police the full authority to stop any vehicle and inquire their destination.
“Any person who provides transport within Guyana whether by land, water or air shall not carry in that transport more than half the number of passengers which the motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft is licensed to carry and the operators and passengers of any motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft shall have personal protective equipment. The Police Force shall have powers to stop any motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft and inquire as to the purposes for which that
motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft is being utilised, and may arrest anyone found in violation of this paragraph,” the document said. Further, on Wednesday April 22 2020 Corporals Forde and Pachai conducted an Operation Safe Road exercise in the No. 2 Sub Region and 10 Speeding cases were recorded. Meanwhile, Woman Corporal Browne and two other ranks recently conducted a social distance exercise in the Vreed-enHoop station district.
Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 14
Let us Love, Trust and get protected by our vaccines! Vaccination week in the Americas 2020 Theme: LOVE. TRUST. PROTECT. #GETVAX Speech by Hon. Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health
F
ellow Guyanese, Even as fighting the spread of COVID -19 intensifies, many countries are also
battling other outbreaks and epidemics. The Democratic Republic of Congo, for example, is currently battling the Ebola epidemic. In our hemisphere, neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela are fighting measles and yellow fever (YF). Thankfully, Guyana remains free of these scourges including Polio, Diphtheria, Rubella and
Neonatal tetanus. As we commemorate another 'Vaccination Week', we remind ourselves of our good fortune and take this as a national cue to stay on this path. I would like to start there! No Guyanese child or adult should die from any preventable cause. Through vaccines we are guaranteed elimination of some of these causes robbing many of a
sound health. According to UNICEF, through sustained immunisation, the world is closer to eradicating polio globally. Only Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan remain as polio-endemic countries. Vaccination saved some 21.1 million lives from death due to measles between 2000 and 2017. Death due to measles dipped by 80 percent, due directly to the
Extra COVID-19 precautions!
A poster at a Bounty Supermart shows that customers' body temperature will be checked once they intend to enter the establishment. Those persons who display temperatures of 38 degrees Celsius (38°C) or over will be denied entry.
URGENT NOTICE
global vaccination p r o g r a m m e . We m u s t celebrate these successes, especially during Vaccination Week when we raise awareness about this medical intervention for people of all ages. Our noises must reverberate about its costeffectiveness while simultaneously saving of millions of lives. We must not be careless however by forgetting to focus on current needs and gaps while building on decades of tangible progress which is a legacy of the visionaries of the immunisation plan. This year we observe 'Vaccination Week' under the theme, 'Love. Trust. Protect. #GetVax' from today April 25thto May 2nd The current COVID-19 global pandemic forces us to probe deeper into this year's Vaccination Week theme. Let's expand on its significance. Love - this is demonstrated when we ensure that our children, teens, young adults and elderly are immunised. Since there are diseases that affect all stages in life, there are also vaccines to prevent some of the diseases at different stages. A local example of that love in Guyana is shown when our mothers walk miles from their homes to health facilities many times during their child's first year of life to guarantee that their children are vaccinated. It's the love also that
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence takes our health care workers each year on perilous outreaches in remote areas to administer vaccines to vulnerable populations. On the aspect of love, this discourse can become inexhaustive, but in the context of COVID-19, it is that love for humanity that has prompted so many health-care workers in the public and private sectors across Guyana to keep providing the immunisation service, in spite of the known risks. What about the trust? – How is this important as part of this year's theme? Trust in science over the decades has demonstrated the life-saving benefits of vaccines. The trust here highlighted, is the trust that scientists, governments, parents all around the world (continued on page 16)
Persons in need of T-Shore (wood) can uplift same free of cost at the construction site of a six-storey building on Regent Street (opposite the Guyoil Gas Station) between 9am and 5pm Monday - Friday.
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 25, 2020
PAGE 15
Harmon named CEO of COVID-19 Task Force - several officials reassigned
D
irector-General of the Ministry o f t h e Presidency, Joseph Harmon, has been named as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the all-important National Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Task Force (NCTF), the body mandated to tackle the pandemic. According to the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday, there are a number of other moves that are all geared to strengthening the response to the pandemic which has so far claimed eight lives and seen 73 confirmed cases of the virus in Guyana. The borders have remained closed, with a night-time curfew in place
and the two international airports barred from commercial flights. There are restrictions across the nation for businesses and public gatherings. According to the ministry, President David Granger yesterday morning, convened a meeting of the National Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Task Force (NCTF) and directed that Harmon should carry out the functions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NCTF. It was also announced that the President said the CEO, under the general or specific directions of the Chairman of the NCTF, is to establish a permanent
N a t i o n a l Ta s k F o r c e Secretariat; assign permanent staff to manage the national campaign; create preventive measures against the disease to safeguard citizens' health and collaborate with regional task forces and stakeholders to safeguard citizens' health. “ T h e C E O i s responsible, under the direction of the Chair, for directing the NCTF operations and restarting interrupted activities; all important logistics measures necessary to prevent the disease from spreading further, directing rapid responses to unexpected and emergency incidents;
Guyana records eighth COVID-19... From page 7 deeply concerned after learning that COVID-19 puts diabetics at a higher risk of contracting this disease, and the possibility of dying from it,” Beaton underscored, while making special mention of other complications caused by diabetes such as kidney, nerve damage and cardiac disease. “Stay at home, take your medication and
follow your meal plans,” she stressed. The Ministry of Public Health once again called on all citizens to heed the health advisories and observe the correct hygiene measures and precautions. Citizens have been asked to always practice social distancing in the workplace, public spaces, and while using public transportation so as reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
New Executive Director of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, Dr. Mark Kirton
New Director, Public Information and Press Service (PIPS) Unit, Ariana Gordon
Joseph Harmon has been appointed CEO of the COVID-19 Task Force
developing short-term plans for disease prevention and safety of the people and communicating directly with agencies, ministries, regional task forces, agencies and stakeholders,” the ministry said. The CEO is responsible also for disseminating accurate information with regard to COVID-19 to the public. It was also announced that Colonel (ret'd) Lawrence Paul, Senior Executive Director of
the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service, has been seconded to the NCTF. Dr. Mark Kirton will assume Colonel Paul's post. Even the information service of the Ministry of the Presidency was affected. “Similarly, Mr. Mark Archer, Director, Public Information and Press Service (PIPS) Unit of the MOTP has relinquished his appointment and will work with the NCTF on a full-time basis. Ms. Ariana Gordon
will assume the post of Director of the PIPS Unit effective April 25, 2020.” The Ministry said that President Granger has iterated that efforts are being made continuously to strengthen the NCTF to the fight against the dreaded COVID-19. “He assured that the Task Force and the Ministry of Public Health are working assiduously to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19”
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Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
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From page 3 decided that the recount will start the count of the first four regions simultaneously,” Gunraj said. He added that she decided that region one will have two workstations, region two will have two workstations, region three will have three workstations, and that region four will have three workstations. Gunraj does not agree with this decision. He said he thinks it would be an untidy situation which will lend itself to confusion.
TABULATION PROCESS Alexander told reporters PLANNING AN EVENT? that the process will start with BIRTHDAY PARTY, a checklist, to mark off all of G R A D U A T I O N , the contents of each ballot W E D D I N G S , box. He said that the count ANNIVERSARY, ETC. - would then be done like it is CALL DIAMOND TENTS: done at a polling station, at the close of poll. 216-1043; 677-6620 Alexander explained that We repair Fridge, Freezer, AC, there will be three documents Washer, Dryer-Call#231- to be submitted at the level of 0655/683-8734 Omar. the particular district/region, REPAIRS AT LOW COST: for each ballot box. These are FRIDGES, AIR the statement of recount, the CONDITIONERS, WASHING MACHINE, FREEZER, SALE OF AC’S. TEL#629-4946,225-4822 VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent condition, Low Mileage (50,000Km).$3.4M Neg.Call #649-0956. FOR SALE White German Shepherd pups.Ruimzeight Gardens W.C.D.269-0671.Whatsapp 688-1656. P550861 Fuel filter Deutz mining engine @ 800 each. Contact #677-5172 6 weeks old pure bred Rottweiler. $100,000 offer valid from April 24th-April 26th. Tel# 639-8924/663-1295 PEN PAL Indian Overseas male seeks female 30/35, must have good personality. Call: 6029975 Overseas Male seek Female, write with pic/phone number to M.P 7475 Goreway Drive 47 Mississauga on 4T 3T3 Canada.
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checklist, and a form to note any anomalies identified during the routine checks of each ballot box. Alexander said that if there are any issues arising during the process, there is an established hierarchy to handle those, starting with supervisor, to CEO, to the Commission. He said that if it gets to the Commission, in some matters, the Commission will have to treat those matters with urgency, instead of waiting for the end of the process. Gunraj was not in agreement with the Chair's decision to ground the procedure in aspects of the Representation of the People Act which speak to the procedures to be undertaken at the close of poll. Gunraj is of the view that the procedure should be grounded in sections of the Act which speak directly to a resolution for a recount. He listed sections 84(6-11), 87, 89(1) and 90. In his view, the Chair's decision injects unnecessary steps into the process. He also expressed the position that a court would be likely to consider these distinctions in an elections petition. RECOUNT TO TAKE 25 DAYS, SUBJECT TO REVIEW Commissioners said that the Chair said the recount would take 25 days, but that she said it would be subject to review, pending the outcome of the first day. Gunraj said he posed that the recount should take 14 days, arguing that 25 days would be an unreasonable
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CHAIR SAYS NO LIVE-STREAMING His proposal to stream the recount live on television and social media was rejected by the Chair. Commissioner Alexander cited section 90 of the Representation of the People Act, which speaks to the secrecy of the count, as grounds to refuse the live stream.
That section states that “Every person attending at the count of votes shall maintain and not communicate any information obtained at the count as to the list of candidates for which any vote has been given.” Gunraj reported that the Chair had objections to having the officials involved in the recount being videostreamed to the public, but Gunraj said that GECOM should have nothing to hide. Though the Chair rejected the live stream, she decided that there will be periodic broadcasts of the progress of the recount. MINGO IS OUT Gunraj moved a motion to have all of the staff involved in the activities leading to the controversial region four counts, which drew legal proceedings and allegations of fraud, be removed from active participation in the process, including controversial re-
gion four returning officer, Clairmont Mingo. The Chair reportedly did not accede to this, and said that the Chief Elections Officer has the entitlement to appoint staff. She said, according to Gunraj, that the recount will be transparent as it will be done under observation. Gunraj said that her position was tantamount to voting against the motion. However, the Chair said it would be best for Mingo to be excluded from the count. CURRENT DECLARATIONS STAND UNTIL THEYARE REPLACED There has been a push to set aside the current declarations held by GECOM. However, the Chair refused to do so, on the grounds that there is nothing to replace them. She reportedly posited that the declarations will be nullified when the recount provides new declarations.
Jagdeo claims GECOM Chair “often... From page 8 Statements of Poll (SOPS) for District 4 received by the Chief Election Officer to the Commissioners for examination. He asked: “Why would any person who wants transparency not allow a copy of GECOM SOPs to be presented to GECOM Commissioners?” The Opposition Leader pointed out that a similar request was made by President David Granger back in 2011 and that request was granted. Further, Singh voted
against the recount being live streamed, which Jagdeo deemed the biggest setback to the recount process. Additionally, the Commissioners proposed a 14-day recount, but the Chair opted for 25 days, with a promise of the timeline being reviewed. This, according to Jagdeo, will serve only to frustrate the CARICOM high-level team along with other international observers, preventing them from overseeing the recount. Justice Singh also voted
Let us Love, Trust and get protected...
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duration to make the public wait. Asked how he arrived at that figure, Gunraj explained that the recount could take way less than 25 days to be completed if GECOM adjusts some of the parameters, such as the number of hours working per day. This specific matter was already decided on by GECOM, that the recount would go on for 10 hours a day. But Gunraj attempted to reinvigorate the matter, arguing that he is impatient and wants to see the recount done with swiftly.
in the field of immunizations. In 2019 we reported over 90% vaccination coverage for children a year old. For BCG, there was a 96% coverage; Measles had 91%, DTP and Yellow fever 99%, Polio 97% and PCV13, 98%. Moving forward, the Ministry of Public Health and its partners are committed to improving access to vaccine and leaving no one behind. Although this year's vaccination week cannot be celebrated by elaborate marches and mass vaccination campaigns because of physical distancing, we will still ensure that every-
one who needs vaccines is protected. Let me thank everyone, including our very hard-working MCH staff, who have a critical role in the delivery of the country's immunization services to help keep Guyana safe from vaccine preventable diseases. The work of the Public Private Partnerships and all our international partners must be highly commended, as their perennial priceless support has been a fillip and a boon to the program. Let us Love, Trust and get protected by our vaccines!
against removing certain staff at GECOM from the recount process, despite claims of them being embroiled in the controversial declaration of Region 4 results. She however did note that the recount process has no role for Returning Officers. Further, the Chair voted against the recount exercise being observed by the Audit Office of Guyana or a duly accredited Audit Firm hired by the Commission. Singh also voted against the recount commencing with Districts 1 & 4 simultaneously, which according to Jagdeo, means that the Region which is the singular cause for the recount, will not be completed, perhaps, until the end of the exercise. And lastly, the Chair also voted against a report on the Statements of the Recount being presented to representatives of contesting political parties by tabulation staff in the event that the inputting process is paused. Jagdeo went on to state that the there may be a plan in the works to further derail the recount process. He added that the way in which the Chair voted will now embolden those characters in their quest to further delay the recount.
Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Saturday April 25, 2020
Saturday April 25, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Van Rensburg fined, suspended for Lara becomes first to... two weeks after signing with two clubs (Reuters) Rohan Janse van Rensburg has been handed a two-week suspension and fined 32,500 pounds ($40,134) after signing playing contracts with two Premiership clubs, Gloucester Rugby and Sale Sharks, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) said yesterday. The Sharks have also been handed a suspended five-point deduction for illegally approaching the centre and fined 20,000 pounds. Van Rensburg signed a three-year contract with Sharks before the 2018-19 season after a loan spell with the club. However, he was also contracted to Gloucester at the time, having signed a
Sale Sharks’ Rohan Janse Van Rensburg scores his side’s first try. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo) three-year deal with the club in October 2017.
The 25-year-old South African has been charged
Saturday April 25, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're interested in better understanding yourself and your reactions to the world around you. Well, Aries, today you should take the time to look over your successes and failures, especially where your family life is concerned. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) This is a perfect day for falling in love! You can expect anything to happen today. You could even meet someone who is ready to love, support, and listen to you when you need him or her most. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today, Gemini, you'll really be in the limelight. This could help you change what is sometimes a very negative image you have of yourself. CANCER(June21–July22) If you've been feeling a little under the weather, today's planetary configuration will make you feel a whole lot better. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today is another passionate day in a series of passionate days! Usually, Leo, you're a fairly reserved person where feelings are concerned. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If you come across someone a little strange or eccentric today, try and get to know him or her, because that person could be a reflection of part of you. The person will help you to see how modern and innovative you are.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) If you often help people in need, or if helping people is part of your profession, this day will bring certain ideas to light. You need to take the time on a regular basis to take care of yourself. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) One couldn't really say that you have a hard time making decisions regarding your love life, Scorpio. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You enjoy reaping rewards for all your efforts. But in your love life, you have to admit that you can never be sure of the quantity or the quality of the fruits of your labors. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You probably know that you don't attain freedom in one fell swoop, but rather bit by bit as you go through life, Capricorn. Perhaps you've been feeling as if you don't have enough freedom. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Throughout the day you may get the feeling that something has changed in the way people relate to each other. It will be as if people are surer of themselves, more open, more expressive. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You can relax a little at last! That's what you could be thinking with today's celestial energy. The time is perfect to get ready for the challenges that up to now were just anxieties inside you.
with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game, while Sale were charged with breaches of an RFU rule regarding approaches to players. “ Va n R e n s b u rg admitted two breaches of RFU Rule 5.12. The sanction we have imposed is a suspension from playing of two weeks; and a fine of 32,500 pounds,” the RFU said in a statement. “25,000 pounds shall be paid on by the RFU to Gloucester to reflect the advance of monies paid by Gloucester to Van Rensburg which has not been repaid.” Van Rensburg’s agent Matthew Ginvert was also fined 3,750 pounds and asked to undertake an “agent’s education programme”.
FIFA will release... From page 22 are the clubs that stand to benefit most from FIFA’s payment. Is FIFA’s $500,000 payment enough? FIFA’s payment will undoubtedly help some clubs, though it’s fair to wonder whether FIFA is doing enough. While $150 million is a big number, it’s only a small percent of the $2.7 billion FIFA has in reserves. Given that FIFA’s reserves shouldn’t be impacted unless the 2022 World Cup is in danger of being canceled, the organization can afford to dip into those funds multiple times before it becomes an issue. Infantino did say the $500,000 payment was the “first step,” so perhaps FIFA will allocate more of its reserves before the coronavirus pandemic is over.
From page 24 the player of the series award with 562 runs. But the ‘away’ problems again surfaced as West Indies lost to India 2-1 in 2002. Led by Ridley Jacobs and without Hooper and Lara (both injured), West Indies won both test matches against the weak Bangladesh team later that year as Ramnaresh Sarwan finally got his first test hundred in his forty-ninth innings. The manner in which Marlon Samuels was picked, dropped and then picked again for the 2003 World Cup (after a knee complaint surfaced during the training camp in Antigua just prior to the team’s departure for South Africa) was just another indication that all was not well with the manner West Indies cricket was being administered. A foreign coach was hired for the first time in late
2004 (Bennett King from Australia) while four other Australians were appointed as a part of his support staff which included Sir Gary Sobers and Manager Tony Howard. Physical fitness was identified as a main cause for concern at a camp held in Barbados to prepare the team for the VB one-day series in Australia at the start of 2005. More problems between the WICB and the West Indies Players Association over contracts marred the preparations as another year ended without much indication of the talented but illprepared and under exposed players being ready to regain the glory days of their predecessors. Although West Indies won the VB one-day series in England, it was back to ‘square one’ when the team returned to the Caribbean to face South Africa. (Sean Devers)
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Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
Cricket to consider legalised ball-tampering in wake of coronavirus ESPNcricinfo Coronavirus may force the busting of one of cricket’s greatest taboos, as authorities consider the possibility of allowing the use of artificial substances to help polish the red ball under the supervision of umpires in long-form matches, in order to end the need for player to do so with saliva. The problem posed by the use of saliva to polish the ball is understood to be among the items raised by the ICC’s medical committee to be addressed before cricket can resume, meaning that lateral thinking is required to allow bowlers and teams to continue to find effective ways to shine the ball to help encourage conventional or reverse swing. Decision-makers well understand the need for the ball to be polished to enable a fair balance in the contest between bat and ball beyond the early overs of an innings. As a consequence they are open to the option of allowing for the use of an agreed artificial substance to polish the ball under the supervision of the umpires in the fashion they currently allow the ball to be cleaned by players under supervision. This would effectively allow for what is currently considered ball-tampering, in the interests of health and safety. Such a move would likely require flexibility in terms of the substance depending on the ball being used. Kookaburra, Dukes and SG
It could be that players will be allowed to manage the ball under the watchful eye of the umpires. (AFP) balls, to name three, are all likely to respond better to slightly different substances such as leather moisturiser, wax or shoe polish. It would also require a degree of flexibility in terms of being allowed at all levels of the game, to prevent players at every level from sharing a ball that has been lathered in saliva. The two major groups likely to discuss the issue before cricket returns are the ICC cricket committee, set to meet via video conference in late May or early June, and
also the MCC’s world cricket committee, which cancelled its most recent meeting, scheduled for Colombo in Sri Lanka in late March. When asked about the issue of using saliva to shine the ball in recent weeks, the Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were adamant that it would make life intolerable for bowlers if they did not have a means by which to polish the ball to encourage sideways movement in Test matches. “I think the white ball
would be fine, [but] Test cricket would be very hard,” Hazlewood said. “Bowlers rely on any sort of sideways movement in the air,” he said. “If you didn’t maintain the ball at all for 80 overs it would be quite easy to bat after that initial shine has gone. Whether you use saliva or sweat, maybe one person can do it. I’m not sure. It’s something that will have to be talked about when we get back out there and hopefully come up with a solution.” The former Test paceman and current coach Jason Gillespie also tapped into a wider issue for the game - the fact that while traditional, the use of saliva was not one of cricket’s more hygienic elements. “I don’t think anything is off the table,” he told ABC Grandstand. “It could be a point where at the end of each over, the umpires allow the players to shine the ball in front of them but you can only do it then. I don’t have an answer to that but it certainly will be a conversation that will be had. If you think about it, it is pretty gross.” Despite the evident stigma of ball-tampering, there is a hidden history of using artificial substances to help polish or grip the ball, in addition to the welldocumented recent use of sugar from mints or lollies in combination with saliva. In the early part of the 20th century, resin was commonly used by bowlers to help them to grip and polish the ball. As the wrist spin bowler
Arthur Mailey related in his autobiography: “Although it was against the law, I must break down and confess that I always carried powdered resin in my pocket.” Its use was not explicitly banned from cricket in Australia until 1931, with the allrounder Monty Noble once commenting of English objections that “if they don’t use it, they are very foolish”. More recently, Dennis Lillee has quite openly recounted how he used lanolin, a type of wool wax, to help him shine the ball after it had been applied to his woollen playing shirts or sweaters. “Most fast bowlers used something to help shine the ball; there’s no doubt about that,” Lillee wrote in his autobiography, Menace. “I used spit and perspiration from my oily skin and I discovered that if I wore a pure wool jumper which contained lanolin and rubbed the ball on the jumper, it really glossed up.” The checklist for a return to play following the coronavirus restrictions will also feature broader issues such as those of travel. “The situation is rapidly evolving and full of significant risk as there is still a lot to learn about COVID-19 which can make decision making difficult. The ICC Medical Committee is working with Member medical representatives to build a comprehensive picture of the issues cricket is facing,” head of the ICC’s medical committee Dr Peter Harcourt
said. “Our next step is to create a roadmap for the resumption of international cricket which will include a criteria for decision making and a checklist for what needs to happen. This will consider everything from player preparation to government restrictions and advisories and bio-bubbles.” What the Laws say 41.3 The match ball changing its condition 41.3.1 The umpires shall make frequent and irregular inspections of the ball. In addition, they shall immediately inspect the ball if they suspect anyone of attempting to change the condition of the ball, except as permitted in 41.3.2 41.3.2 It is an offence for any player to take any action which changes the condition of the ball. Except in carrying out his/her normal duties, a batsman is not allowed to wilfully damage the ball. See also Law 5.5 (Damage to the ball). A fielder may, however 41.3.2.1 polish the ball on his/her clothing provided that no artificial substance is used and that such polishing wastes no time. 41.3.2.2 remove mud from the ball under the supervision of an umpire. 41.3.2.3 dry a wet ball on a piece of cloth that has been approved by the umpires. 41.3.3 The umpires shall consider the condition of the ball to have been unfairly changed if any action by any player does not comply with the conditions in 41.3.2.
‘Everything clouds over and goes dark’ - Iniesta on depression at Barcelona Madrid (AFP) - Andres Iniesta has described his struggle with depression while playing for Barcelona, which his mother says was a “bottomless pit” that caused her 25-year-old son to ask to sleep with his parents. Iniesta recalls his experience with the illness in a Rakuten TV documentary, ‘Andres Iniesta - The Unexpected Hero’, which was released on Thursday and covers his move to Japanese side Vissel Kobe in 2018. After winning the Champions League under Pep Guardiola in 2009, Iniesta was battling injury and then hit by the death of his friend Dani Jarque, the 26-year-old Espanyol defender who suffered a heart attack. “The days pass and you realise you’re not improving, you don’t feel good, you’re not yourself. Everything clouds over and goes dark,” Iniesta said.
On Jarque’s death, Iniesta added: “That was like a body blow, something powerful that knocked me down again and I was pretty low, clearly because I wasn’t very well.” Iniesta’s depression is described by those closest to him, including his mother Maria Lujan and father Jose Antonio. “I noticed he wasn’t well one night when we were sleeping downstairs and he came down and said, ‘mum can I sleep here with you?’” Maria said. “Then the world came down on my head.” Jose Antonio said: “Our 25 year-old son coming down at midnight and wanting to sleep with his parents means he can’t be well. He said, ‘I’m not well dad’. I said, ‘what’s wrong?’ ‘I don’t know, I don’t feel well.’” Iniesta’s father admitted he thought his son might have to take a break from football. “At one stage I thought he would have to stop because the most important thing was
him,” said Jose Antonio. Iniesta began having sessions with psychologist Inma Puig, who said the Spaniard’s recovery owed much to those around him, including Guardiola. “Guardiola said this is the first time I’ve been in this situation as a coach,” said Puig. “I remember he said, ‘the most important thing now is Andres, the person not the player’.” “They’re people and this is a very human thing which affects millions of people around the world,” said Guardiola. “They have to know we are there for them.” “Guardiola tried to get him out of that bottomless pit he was in,” said Iniesta’s mother Maria. Iniesta came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy and went on to win nine La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues with the club. He also lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010, after
Iniesta left Barcelona in 2018 after winning nine La Liga and four Champions League titles with the club. (AFP Photo/Josep Lago) scoring the winning goal against the Netherlands in the final. Despite receiving a hero’s farewell from Barca, Iniesta hinted his relationship
with the board influenced his decision to go to Japan. “People at the club never imagined I could leave,” Iniesta said. “It’s like
everything, in relationships if you don’t discuss things at the right time there comes a time when there’s no way back.”
Saturday April 25, 2020
French mull restarting season with two cup finals PARIS (Reuters) - French football could resume its season in June with two cup finals, French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet proposed yesterday. La Graet said that the French Cup final between Paris St Germain and St Etienne could be played on either June 13 or 20, followed by the League Cup final between PSG and Olympique Lyonnais three days later. He suggested it would be the appropriately symbolic way to restart professional soccer after its suspension last month because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It would offer a good image for both professional and amateur football,” La Graet told reporters after Friday’s meeting of the
surprise package, were last in the elite competition in 200910 when they reached the group stage. Third-placed Feyenoord Rotterdam will compete in Europa League group phase, while PSV Eindhoven, who are fourth, and Willem II Tilburg in fifth will be in the preliminary rounds. It was also decided there would be no relegation and promotion after a vote of the 38 first and second division clubs. ADO Den Haag and RKC Waalwijk were expected to be relegated after filling the bottom two places to be replaced by the top two in the second-tier — Cambuur Leeuwarden and De Graafschap. But it was decided that the same 18 clubs from this season will contest the top flight again in the next campaign. “Unfortunately, with the cabinet’s most recent corona measures, it has become impossible to play out the rest of the 2019/2020 season,” the FA statement added. “It will be crystal clear to everyone involved, from supporters and players to directors and referees, that public health always comes first. “Today’s decisions made about the settlement of the competition were for a mere football problem in the perspective of what the corona virus has caused to society. “Nevertheless, the KNVB is aware that today’s decisions will cause great disappointment in football for some,” the FA said.
The pointless and selfish risk of riding with earphones during lockdown
French professional league. “The restart of the championship is still to be decided but we might change the calendar a bit to play the cup finals first. “My proposition has not been contradicted so I consider that until someone says no to me, it is a yes.” A restart for Ligue 1 had been provisionally set for June 17 but Le Graet conceded it would depend on government approval. “The ministers hold the key to the restart but the will of the league and the clubs is to restart,” he added. “We have to get everything in order to try and resume the season, which is a priority that was emphasised by the UEFA executive committee on Thursday.”
Cycling News - Going for your allowed daily lockdown escape ride is becoming the anchor of sanity for most cyclists during the coronavirus pandemic. But are you unnecessarily increasing risk, by attempting to isolate too much from a world seemingly gone mad? As digital media has enabled the conveniently portable stowage and playback of huge music libraries and captivating podcasts, riders are more given plugging-in those wireless earphones than ever before. For those cyclists who harvest a greater state of mindfulness when riding with audio entertainment in their ears, lockdown appears to be ideal. Regular vehicle traffic is at a trickle, making it safer than ever to go on a road ride, but has the restrictions on other road users created a false sense of security for cyclists during lockdown? Riding with earphones is a personal choice. For many, it creates a needless barrier between the rider and true experience of two-wheeled escapism. You don’t quite hear the sound of wind whistling past at an angle, revealing that audible sense of speed. Or the hum of a
LONDON (Reuters) Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele should have spent this week finalising their preparations for the London Marathon but the two best distance runners in history are instead out alone on the trails of East Africa not knowing when they will race again. Sunday’s planned showdown between the only two men to have gone under two hours, two minutes for the classic distance was an early victim of the coronavirus pandemic. Although the race has been rescheduled for Oct. 4, it is far from certain if it will take place, in what form and whether the two superstars will be on the start line if it does. “It would have been our 40th race and we think it would have been an incredible day,” London Marathon race director Hugh Brasher told a teleconference yesterday. “We hope we can welcome them back in October but at this stage we
just don’t know what is going to happen. “We have to look at it in totality, with three quarters of a million spectators, the medical side, the charities — we are looking at probably 10 scenarios, and they are changing all the time,” said Brasher. He added that staging an “elite-only” race, as run in Tokyo last month, was one of those options. September ’s Berlin Marathon has been cancelled and Brasher said, without revealing details, that he was in regular discussions with other major race directors where some “radical ideas” were being evaluated. Brasher said last year’s London Marathon raised over 66 million pounds ($81.34 million) for charity. In an attempt to help plug an estimated four billion pounds hole in charity fundraising across all events this year, it has helped set up the 2.6 Challenge where athletes, celebrities and the public are doing their own fundraising activities. BEST RACE
President of the French Football Federation Noel Le Graet before the match. (Reuters/ Stephane Mahe/File Photo)
No Dutch league title awarded this season says FA AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - No Dutch top-flight league soccer title will be awarded this season after the COVID19 pandemic brought the campaign to a premature close, the Dutch FA (KNVB) said after a meeting with clubs and unions representing coaches and players yesterday. However, Ajax Amsterdam and AZ Alkmaar, who were level on points at the top of the standings with nine rounds of matches still to play, will go into next season’s Champions League. The campaign was declared over on Tuesday when the Dutch government extended a ban on public events to Sept. 1 in an effort to curtail the spread of the new coronavirus, which has caused more than 4,000 deaths in the Netherlands. Ajax were top of the Eredivisie table with 56 points from 25 games, only ahead of AZ on goal difference, and both teams will now fill the Netherlands’ qualifying places in UEFA’s 2020-21 Champions League, Europe’s elite club competition. “In these times, under these circumstances it is not appropriate to speak of a championship, therefore we only confirm the placing of the clubs as per the last standings,” the KNVB said in a statement. On the basis of top place, Ajax will take the Netherlands’ automatic place in the Champions League group phase while AZ will enter the competition at the preliminary round stage. AZ, this season’s
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Kaieteur News
Lockdown mindfulness could be undone by earphones. specific tyre tread pattern on asphalt, when all else is quiet, as watts are transferred from your cranks to rolling momentum at the wheels. Earphones block out many of the background sounds that allow us to approach that pinnacle of zen when riding along, in perfect harmony with our bike at a steady and efficiently engaging cadence. Lower awareness Avoiding unnecessary riding risks when out on the road during lockdown is
valuable. We are all deeply aware that national health service resources are straining, and ICU beds should not be caring for the consequences of avoidable riding incidents. There is an argument which says you can just get on the smart turbo trainer at home instead, and not bother even going outside, thereby nullifying the issue of riding with earphones. But in the United Kingdom and other select global territories, cyclists are authorised to practice one form of outdoor exercise daily, and it is something which serves incalculable anxiety mitigation during lockdown. Riding with earphones creates pointless risk and is not advisable for your lockdown road ride. Any lockdown road ride should be an experience where you embrace the purity of riding. Music and podcasts can be listened to at home, which is where most of us are being forced to spend an inordinate amount of time during lockdown. The allocated daily road ride should ease cyclists into healing escapism and that cannot happen when you are stimulating your brain with streaming media.
Kipchoge, Bekele fight to stay fit as London Marathon remains in limbo For athletics fans, however, it is the absence of what Kipchoge said “could have been the best race ever” that will be leaving them feeling particularly hollow this Sunday morning. Kenya’s Kipchoge, the first man to run a sub-two hour marathon, in an unofficial race, is the defending champion and would have been chasing a record fifth London title. Bekele, from Ethiopia, still holds the world records over 5,000 and 10,000 metres and last year got within two seconds of Kipchoge’s 2:01:39 official marathon best. Now, instead of being the focus of the world’s sporting attention when “something special might have happened” according to Bekele, they, like millions of others, are doing their best to stay fit and keep their spirits up during lockdown. “Training alone affects my physical and mental state,” Kipchoge told the teleconference from his home in Eldoret. “Physically I’m training to make sure I’m fit but with a team you train to
be in your best-ever shape. “Mentally, running alone, thinking alone, for an hour you can start feeling tired. I have been with a team for the last 15 years and this is really crazy for me and not comfortable at all.” Bekele agreed. “It’s not nice to run alone and it’s not possible to run together here in Ethiopia so it’s really difficult to prepare well,” he said. “I’m praying this will be all over soon.” In the wake of another Kenyan doping case last week, when 2017 London Marathon winner Daniel Wanjiru was provisionally suspended, there has been concern that the coronavirus lockdown, would present a “window of opportunity” for potential dopers in a country with a wretched recent record. Kipchoge, however, said he had confidence in the agencies involved. “Two weeks ago I was tested at home - following social distancing rules,” he said. “The testers have passes to allow them to move around so I don’t think it will be a problem.”
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Saturday April 25, 2020
Kaieteur News
China is building a $1.7 billion soccer stadium that is shaped like a lotus - It will seat 100,000 people amid a pandemic Business Insider - China is building what it claims will be the world’s largest soccer-only stadium in its Guangzhou province. The huge, lotus-shaped stadium is being built for China’s champion soccer team, Guangzhou Evergrande. The team has won eight Chinese Super League titles as well as two AFC Champions League titles. According to Chinese state media, the stadium will have a seating capacity of 100,000 and will have a floor area of 150,000 square meters (1.6 million square feet). China claimed the stadium’s capacity would surpass Camp Nou, the stadium of FC Barcelona, which is considered to be the largest stadium in Europe. A breaking ground ceremony was held in Guangzhou City last week. The stadium is being developed by the Evergrande Group, which owns the Guangzhou Evergrande team. According to Chinese state media, the group will invest 12 billion yuan ($1.7 billion) into the project. Xia Haijun, president of the Evergrande Group, said he expected the stadium to be ready by December 2022, according to state media. He also said that the group would be building “another three or five
top-level professional football stadiums with capacities of 80,000 to 100,000 in China.” China is set to host the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup, as well as the 2023 Asian championships. According to state media, the country hopes to be a “global footballing powerhouse” by 2050. The development of the stadium comes at a time when stadiums around the world have been empty due to the coronavirus spread. The novel coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has infected over 2.7 million people and has killed over 190,000. China has recorded over 83,000 cases and 4,600 deaths. Guangzhou is the most populous city in the Guangdong province, which reported over 1,500 coronavirus cases as of April 23. Major sporting events around the world have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic as countries put social distancing measures in place. Most notably, The International Olympic Committee postponed the 2020 Olympics until July through August of 2021. Several major soccer events have also been postponed, including the Copa America and the Asian World Cup qualifying matches.
A design image is pictured on a board during the ground-breaking ceremony of Guangzhou Evergrande’s new stadium in Guangzhou in China’s southern Guangdong province on April 16, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)
Albion Community Center distributes face masks to members The Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) has joined the fight against the Novel Coronavirus- Covid 19 and has distributed face masks to its members. The distribution exercise began on Wednesday and was held from 09:00 to 13:00 hours. Members were asked to report to the Club’s Office located in the Albion Community Centre’s Main Hall where the masks were made available. The Club in a release disclosed that the Face Mask distribution is the first of several possible activities that it will be embarking upon as a result of the Coronavirus/COVID19. The Club said that it will continue to monitor the Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation very closely and provide assistance to its members and by extension the community at large as the need arise. With the Government’s COVID-19 measures in place, the Club temporarily
suspended all of its cricketing activities a few weeks ago, until further notice. However, cricketers are urged to continue to keep themselves fit while being at home. The release also stated that with the negative impact that the Coronavirus/COVID-19 will likely have on businesses and more so sponsorship with regards to Berbice’ cricket, it will explore all possibilities to further assist the Berbice Cricket Board with sponsorship. According to the Club, the sponsorship of the BCB/ New York Business Group U n d e r - 1 9 5 0 Overs Tournament is already secured. It stated that options for sponsorship pertaining to other tournaments in Berbice will also be explored. The Club also urged everyone to take the necessary precautions in light of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and pray that the almighty will soon bring an end to this unwanted situation in our country and other affected countries. (Samuel Whyte)
This aerial photo taken on April 16, 2020 shows trucks gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony of Guangzhou Evergrande’s new stadium in Guangzhou in China’s southern Guangdong province on April 16, 2020. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)
FIFA will release $150 million to help member associations get through coronavirus postponements Yahoo Sports - FIFA will release $150 million in operational funds to help its member associations get through the coronavirus pandemic. Each team will receive $500,000 to offset a portion of the economic loss caused by the pandemic, FIFA announced yesterday. FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the payment as the first step in a “far-reaching financial relief plan.” “The pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for the entire football community
and, as the world governing body, it is FIFA’s duty to be there and support the ones that are facing acute needs,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “This starts by providing immediate financial assistance to our member associations, many of which are experiencing severe financial distress. “This is the first step of a far-reaching financial relief plan we are developing to respond to the emergency across the whole football community. Together with our stakeholders, we are we
assessing the losses and we are working on the most appropriate and effective tools to implement the other stages of this relief plan. Member associations will receive $500,000 and “any remaining entitlement for 2019 and 2020.” FIFA intends for that money to be used to meet financial obligations or to pay staff. Who will be helped most by FIFA’s $500,000 payment? Teams like Real Madrid aren’t going to go under as a result of lost revenue. The biggest clubs in the sport
have massive TV deals, and other ways to bring in money. Other clubs aren’t as lucky, as our own Henry Bushnell explained. A lot of clubs — from the Swedish Allsvenskan to the Liga MX Femenil, from the Iraqi Premier League to the Honduran Liga Nacional — make most of their money on matchdays, thanks to tickets and concession sales and the like. For the foreseeable future, they won’t have matchdays. Instead, they have grave problems. Those (Continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
Saturday April 25, 2020
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What Cricket means to West Indians (Part 10)
Lara becomes first to break 400-run mark Lara became the first batsman to reach 400 runs in a test innings when he made exactly 400 not out before West Indies declared at 7515. However, this could not compensate for defeats in the first three tests and the resignation of manager Ricky Skirrett who quit after the second-test loss by seven wickets in Trinidad. Devon Smith scored a century in the first test in Jamaica before Steve Harmison grabbed 7-12 in the second innings to send the West Indies crashing to their lowest total ever, 47 all out. Matthew Hoggard took a hat-trick in the third test in Barbados to send the home team reeling to an eight wicket defeat as West Indies once again fell below the 100 mark. They made 94 in their second innings. Lara’s 400 ensured the West Indies did not face the embarrassment
of a White Wash at home. A l t h o u g h L a r a ’s unbeaten 400 was a high class innings his other six innings in the series produced just 100 runs. Bangladesh, the weakest of the test playing teams came to the West Indies and earned a draw in the first test in St. Lucia before losing the second test in Jamaica by an innings and 99 runs to give the West Indies a 1-nil win in the two test series. Sarwan recorded the highest score by a Guyanese in a test innings when he made 261 against Bangladesh, surpassing the 256 made by Kanhai against India. Lara (120) and Chanderpaul (101) also registered tons as West Indies made 559-4 declared in the final test. In June 2004 West Indies journeyed to England for another four-test series which they lost 4-nil despite 437 runs at an average of
‘Maco’ Malcolm Marshall in action.
72.83 from Chanderpaul and 400 runs from Gayle who averaged 50. Young Dwayne Bravo, picked as a batting all-rounder, took 16 wickets and looked at home with both bat and ball at the test level. But it was yet another depressing series for the once invincible West Indies. When West Indies lost 3nil to Pakistan in 1997 in Pakistan it was the first time they had been white washed in a series since 1928 in their inaugural Test series in England. The regional team was then white washed 5-nil in South Africa in the 1998 series. Windies cricket continue to go down hill Off the field, there was more embarrassment when seven players selected for the 1998 youth World Cup in South Africa had to be withdrawn because they were over the age limit. Another forgettable West Indies record was achieved at the start of the 1998 home series against England when Sabina Park became the venue for the first abandoned test match due to a dangerous pitch since test cricket began in 1877. If 1998 was bad, 1999 was worse. Former West Indies fast bowler Malcolm Marshall died in November after losing a battle with Colon Cancer at age 41. One month later, Sir Conrad Hunt (67) died of a heart attack, while ex-Windies pacer Sylvester Clarke (44) died a week later. On the field the West Indies, led by Lara, who was criticised for his lack of leadership skills and put on a two-match probation by the WICB, drew the 1999 home series against Australia 2-all after West Indies fell for 51 in the first test in Trinidad. Lara though, scored 546 runs (Ave. 91) in the series including a brilliant unbeaten 153 in Barbados and a magnificent 213 in Jamaica. Crowd invasion in Guyana and an ugly bottlethrowing episode in Barbados marred the Australia One-Day series and further stained the image of West Indies cricket in 1999. Hooper retired during the penultimate game of the one-
Lara became the first to reach 400 in a Test innings. day series leaving a big hole in the one-day side which had already been picked for the 1999 world Cup. “I don’t think I am giving one hundred percent and I think it is time to go. I hope to do something else with my life. I have made a decision and that’s final,” Hooper said at that time. Hooper however returned to regional first class cricket in 2001 and was given the captaincy for the 2001 home series against South Africa after scoring 954 runs and leading Guyana to the Busta final. Television commentator and former
West Indies pacer Mickey Holding withdrew from the series in protest of the decision to replace Adams with Hooper as captain. The West Indies lost the series 2-1 to South Africa after an emotional victory in the final test in Jamaica ensured Walsh ended his test career on home soil with a victory. The great Jamaican fast bowler became the first bowler to take 500 tests wickets when he had Jacques LBW in the Trinidad test and ended his final series with 25 wickets. West Indies was white washed again, this time in Sri
Lanka, losing all three tests under Hooper’s captaincy in the 2001 series despite three tons and 688 runs from Lara. West Indies had suffered another white wash losing both tests in New Zealand in 1999, despite a record first wicket stand of 276 between Adrian Griffith and Sherwin Campbell who both scored centuries in the first test as they crashed to a record 10 consecutive tests defeats. Once again the Windies played well at home beating India 2-1 with Hooper leading the way with 579 runs and Chanderpaul taking (Continued on page 19)
Carl Hooper hooks for four.
Albion Community Centre Cricket Club has joined the fight against the Novel Coronavirus Covid-19 and has distributed face masks to its members.
rt o p S
FIFA will release $150 million to help member associations get through coronavirus postponements Gianni Infantino (Getty Images)
Albion Community Center distributes face masks to members
Kipchoge, Bekele fight to stay fit as London Marathon remains in limbo
Ethopia’s Kenenisa Bekele wins the men’s elite race of the Berlin Marathon. (Reuters /Hannibal Hanschke)
London Marathon elite men’s winner Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya poses with the trophy. (Action Images via Reuters/ Matthew Childs/File Photo)
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