K
AIETEUR NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Not the right
Monday Edition April 27, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 17
time to sign deal to market Guyana's crude
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80
P.2
- Charles Ramson Jr.
Online readership yesterday 162,224
Law does not prevent P.7
GECOM from live - observers, lawyers streaming recount argue Armed banditsP. GECOM Chair to invite other storm DOCOL,11 P.3 observers for recount assaults female Closed business places in the city. Persons guard, escape were still without their protective masks. with gas bottles Two dozen tested for COVID-19 P.3 at Eureka Lab Guyana thanks China for COVID-19 assistance P.13 Making life easier during COVID-19 lockdown…
Police enforces non-essential business shutdowns in city
P.8
E-Networks P. increasing 11 internet speed, reducing price
Pregnant Venezuela Fmr. Chancellor, St Lucia Cabinet agree P. to 75% salary cut in P.12 8 teen dies in Puruni Keith Massiah backdam - report SC, dies P.14 face of economic crisis
Non-performing loans, solvency of banks, businesses under close watch - Central Bank COVID-19 economic impact...
P.3
Monday April 27, 2020
PAGE 3
Kaieteur News
COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT...
Non-performing loans, solvency of banks, businesses under close watch - Central Bank By Kiana Wilburg Measures to limit the spread of the Novel Coronavirus have affected significantly the balance sheets of many businesses. As a result, the ability for some to meet loan payments has been severely constrained. Taking this into consideration, Central Bank Head, Dr. Gobind Ganga said that the levels of nonperforming loans and even the solvency of banks and businesses are under close watch. During an interview with Kaieteur News, Ganga said: “This is indeed a concern, that is to say, Non-Performing Loans (NPLs). It always is. But the banks as you are aware have put in measures to ease the pressure on business such as restructuring loan payments once you are in good stead. Even as they take measures, we are keeping a close eye on bank solvency too.”
The Governor added: “I can tell you at this time that our banks are well capitalized, they are in good shape and provisions are adequate...” Dr. Ganga was also keen to note that the effects of the COVID-19 on the economy and companies are still in the stage of infancy. When the worst of it is over, he is hopeful that there would not be any significant impact from non-performing loans. “As you know, we are very much diversified in terms of the banks’ lending. We have so many sectors that the banks are lending to and if there is some chain reaction, one will affect the other but we are monitoring the situation,” the official said. Looking ahead, he said that discussions will continue with the various stakeholders on finding ways and means to ensure the solvency of the companies and banks. In one of its most recent assessments of the economic effects of COVID-19 and how
financial institutions may wish to respond, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) was keen to note that Central Banks will play a vital role in the survival of businesses. The IDB said that Central banks have many tools at their disposal and should think carefully about combining them in a way to provide maximum relief. In this regard, it said that the interest rate policy of banks may be most appropriate to look at while in other cases it may be best to consider extending liquidity to financial and other entities. The IDB said that these different tools may be used to seek different objectives. Be that as it may, the institution said that great care should be taken to ensure such policies are calibrated correctly and that there is appropriate oversight in place. Further to this, the InterAmerican Development Bank
GECOM Chair to invite other observers for recount The Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, SC, is expected to invite observers, both domestic and international, to witness the national recount that is scheduled to start this week. Before now, the Chair was only reported to have been in contact with CARICOM. But CARICOM’s role will not be that of a regular observer. CARICOM is expected to prepare a report on the process of the recount to give validity to the count. GECOM is expected to consider CARICOM’s report at the level of the Commission, alongside the report of the Chief Elections Officer on the results of the count. Commissioners have described this role as that of a scrutineer. As for the regular observers, a motion was moved on Friday by Commissioner Sase Gunraj for GECOM to invite observers for the recount, and that motion received unanimous approval. Gunraj told Kaieteur News yesterday that it is the Chair’s role to invite the observers, but that he is unaware whether she has begun that process. The local observers include the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Private
Commissioner Sase Gunraj Sector Commission (PSC), Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG), and AmCham Guyana (American Chamber of Commerce). These will have no difficulty fielding missions to observe the recount, given their presence in Guyana. However, there is still the question of whether the international observers will field physical teams. Thus far, the Carter Centre and the Organisation of American States (OAS) observer missions have said that they are committed to observing the remainder of the electoral process. However, none of the observers has publicly stated intent to be physically
present in Guyana. CARICOM had proposed that the Chair stream the recount live for the benefit of CARICOM and the international observers who could not be physically present. This proposal was made in light of the COVID19 pandemic. The GECOM Chair has not acquiesced to the proposal, as GECOM does not anticipate CARICOM refusing to field a team. But GECOM has not yet said whether any provisions would be made for the international observer missions. GECOM has had cause to re-evaluate just how the observers will be facilitated at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), given the COVID-19 pandemic. While it could have allowed each international observer team to have a representative at each of the 10 counting stations, Commissioner Vincent Alexander told reporters following a Commission meeting that this would not be so. He explained that the international observers would have to come up with a collective approach to doing their job, deciding among themselves a single person from the collective to be present at each counting station.
said that an important role for banking oversight, including both supervisory and market discipline, is to ensure that banks that suffer shocks, resulting in lower capital
ratios, take action to improve solvency rather than increase risk and “gamble for resurrection.” The IDB advised that bank solvency ratios may be hit by shocks to loan performance such as higher non-performing loans, changes in the market valuation of securities and unexpected changes in loan demand. The IDB said that if a shock reduces bank solvency, an institution may respond by issuing more capital, paying less in dividends, curtailing credit growth, or switching from higher to lower risk assets (including holding more government bonds) to boost the capital ratio. BOG MEASURES To date, Central Bank has called on commercial banks to offer relief to affected
individual and commercial customers by reducing interest rates on loans and credit cards to customers, deferring loan payments to assist customers in good standing; deferring loan payments by companies to assist with their liquidity requirements; waiving or reducing fees/penalties for transactions with ATMs, Point of Sale, debit cards, loan processing, late payments on loans, etc.; and encouraging customers to reduce inperson transactions by using e-banking, ATMs, Point of Sale, telephone, etc. Central Bank, the supervisory authority of the financial sector, has said that it will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the evolving economic conditions while noting that it may consider other measures, if necessary.
Privately-owned Eureka Medical Laboratory has received its first batch of COVID-19 results. The lab was the first private entity to begin offering testing for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tuesday last at its Thomas Street, Georgetown location. According to Andrew Boyle, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the lab, the first shipment of samples were sent abroad via courier on Wednesday for testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. These results have since returned and will be handed over to the patients via
delivery by email or pickup over the course of the week. A report of all test results will also be submitted to the Ministry of Public Health. Additionally, the CEO explained that the results take approximately four to five days to be given to the patient after the samples are taken. He added that the response from the public has been overwhelming with the first batch of testing seeing 25 samples being collected in a single day. The test which is done by telephone appointments cost $25,000 and can be booked toll free on telephone numbers 6248378 or 640-8378.
Eureka’s Lab CEO, Andrew Boyle
Central Bank head, Dr. Gobind Ganga
Two dozen tested for COVID-19 at Eureka Lab
Eureka Lab
PAGE 4
Monday April 27, 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
FOOD SECURITY Thus far, the focus has been on extending a helping hand to those who do not have the means to access the basics. The emphasis has been on the money that comes from stimulus relief, on timely assistance from government through releasing cash for small businesses and workers, especially those earning less. That is good, but now there are warnings of a bigger problem, which holds additional horrors. That would be food or, more precisely, lack of the personal and familial security made possible through access to whatever supplies are available. The problem, sure to intensify, is on several fronts, but the emphasis here would be on quantity, availability, and prices. There was a jarring and troubling article on April 22 in the New York Times that brought home where things are and how they could deteriorate as early as by this yearend, a matter of mere months from now. The caption said it all: “‘Instead of Coronavirus, the hunger will kill us.’ A global food crisis looms.” The stark and worrying gist of this piece is that this is an unprecedented hunger emergency, which could lead to a doubling to 265 million persons, across the globe that would face “acute hunger…by the end of this year.” Unlike other food crises, the one that is being dealt with at present, which is almost certain to expand greatly, is not confined to any single region, but scattered through the continents. This is the story in Africa (Kenya), Asia (India) and Latin America (Columbia). “We don’t have any money, and now we need to survive” said a scared woman in Nairobi, who shares a home with five others, including her one child. The reality for her and family is “that means not eating much.” This is, indeed, frightening, with more and more not working, while being forced to face a hungry present and a grimmer future with no resources to cushion or to carry forward. Food access and security, an always hovering problem-it may be because of war, poor weather, economic blight, or political instability-is now made worse by the effects of the Coronavirus plague. It is one of Biblical proportions that brings apocalyptic fears. According to the New York Times, “National lockdowns and social distancing measures are drying up work and incomes and are likely to disrupt agricultural production and supply routes — leaving millions to worry how they will get enough to eat.” It is a very physical and personal fear that batters the poor more than those at higher strata in society. Guyana should be an exception, and this is even for those locked at the bottom of the food chain. On the plus side, we have abundant land and rich soil. We have many food crops that should comfort in a country that has a significant agricultural base. But there is the slowdown brought about by social distancing requirements, which is compounded by the instabilities of a never-ending political crisis that could not have occurred at a worst possible time. From that is seeded all the simmering divisions that flourish so easily and reflexively in this untroubled and unmoved society. When we should be at our combined strongest, we are reduced to our weakest by our acute follies and chronic failures toward some form of unified national vision. As the article pointed out, the COVID-19 virus could be reasonably and accurately termed the great equalizer relative to sickness, as it strikes and fells both rich and poor, without pausing to discriminate. On the other hand, regarding food availability and food access, the presence of the virus has “been the great revealer, pulling the curtain back on the class divide and exposing how deeply unequal this country is.” That country is Kenya. According to Arif Hussain, chief economist at the UN’s World Food Program, there were 135 million living with acute food shortages, and another 130 million may be so affected by yearend. Despite our agricultural pluses, this could be the future prospects of Guyanese poor, with the rich better positioned to eat. The warning is: be sensible, be ready to address this comprehensively and collectively. We cannot continue complacently here with the political limitations brought about by electoral conflicts.
CXC Needs To Revise Current Exam Strategy DEAR EDITOR, I am a recently turned 18 year old Upper Sixth student of Guyana’s premier secondary institution: Queen’s College. My ambitions lie in the medical field. However, do note this: the contents of this letter were neither vetted nor altered by any teacher at the aforementioned institution, for I will not be anyone’s propaganda doll. This is my independent opinion. The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has proposed a July timeframe for the upcoming CAPE and CSEC examinations. More notably, the examination structure has been modified. The essay style component (Paper Two) has been completely removed, leaving our final grades to be determined by our SBA score and a multiple choice exam (Paper One). I assume that the Council is familiar with the countless objections to this strategy, our teachers’ union being one notable critic. The Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools (JAPPS) being another. With the utmost respect, I must add my voice to the chorus of disapproval. I too, am asking the Council to reconsider their strategy for the upcoming examinations.
First and foremost, I do understand that these are trying times and that the Council is under pressure right now to deliver credible and fair examinations. After all, we are in the middle of a global pandemic, unaware of when this crisis will end. However, I do believe I speak on behalf of countless students regionally when I say that the proposed strategy will be a grave disservice to all of us writing the examinations. We have been preparing since the beginning of the academic year to get our SBA’s out of the way to tackle both the multiple choice as well as the essay style examination. Are we supposed to accept that we must dump all our hard work for the past months down the drain? The Paper Two component is an absolute necessity. We, the student population, take in and process our knowledge differently. The Paper Two allows us to organize and project our thoughts in a way that is unique to us. We are the creative youth of today, let us express ourselves! The same Paper Two allows us to link our responses to other concepts resulting in a delivery demonstrating greater proficiency. It separates the sheep from the
goats. A multiple choice exam being the only source of validation of our knowledge puts us at a disadvantage. Moreover, I do not believe that any recognized University will accept students based on the results of a multiple choice examination. It simply is not a true reflection of the students’ potential. The Council can repeat the fallacy that a valid grade can be determined using the SBA and a Paper One, but it would only be like trying to convince an ostrich that it can fly. In addition to this, we have already paid our exam fees. We paid to write both papers. At the time of writing this (26th April, 2020) I have not been made aware of any provisions made by CXC to reimburse the students due to the removal of the Paper Two. If this new exam structure will not change then I believe that we should be refunded for the Paper Two. After all, our parents did work hard for that money to write those exams. It must not be blatantly disregarded. Further, if we really are to sit these exams in July at a centre then we are still breaking quarantine. We are still leaving our houses and placing ourselves at risk of contracting COVID19. And for what? To take a
multiple choice examination that is highly unlikely to be recognized? Is it not best we just write the whole examination (Paper one and two) and get it over with? Why put ourselves in danger for the sake of an examination that will not reflect our true potential? CXC believes that their strategy is a good one as it allows the students to write the exams within a shorter timeframe and have the papers marked and results released quickermuch like a driver’s exam. But anyone can read my previous sentence and realize the only party benefiting from this strategy: CXC. The only logical solution is to have the students write the complete examination (Paper One and Two) at a postponed date, after the pandemic subsides. The curve will flatten and soon it will be safe for us to leave our homes without the risk of contracting COVID-19. Once again, I am calling on the Council to respectfully reconsider their current proposal for the upcoming CSEC and CAPE examinations. It is the only way forward to write credible examinations to ascertain bright futures for us, the students. Yours faithfully, Concerned Student
TRIBUTE TO A GUYANESE AMERICAN DEAR EDITOR, Religious, community and business leaders and worshippers offered messages of sympathy on the passing of Haji Zakir of Canal Number 2. He is remembered for spreading Islam in New York. Haji, as he was popularly called, died at a nursing home in Queens at age 86. Haji made a significant and lasting contribution to institutionalizing Islam in NY. He was a pioneer establishing (Guyanese and Trini) Islam in NY living among both communities, who in the early years of migration lived in mid and lower Manhattan (Clarks Apartments) before settling in Queens, Bronx, and Brooklyn. He also lived in New Jersey where he presided over several Islamic events. Haji was a very influential Imam (Mulvi, Meiji) not only to his flock but also to political leaders. He delivered prayers at several functions hosted by American politicians and community organizations. He was always properly and immaculately dressed in traditional attire. He led the sermons for every Eid celebration and Koran Sharief for almost five decades. Zakir got along with everyone regardless of faith and who rejected radical preach-
ing as well as those who preached or practiced radicalism (and there are a few Guyanese who support extremism). He reminded Indian Muslims that they all originated from Hindus; Zakir’s maternal grandmother was a devout Hindu. On West Bank Demerara, Haji was a school teacher. And he also taught briefly in Siparia, Trinidad before migrating to NY in 1968 to further his education. Like several other Guyanese, Haji foresaw trouble in Guyana right after independence in 1966. British people he knew predicted trouble in Guyana and advised him to leave. So Haji opted for immigration first to Trinidad and then to America. This was a period when Guyanese began to look for greener pastures migrating to UK and the US to pursue higher education. In NY, Zakir paved the way for Islam to be practiced and accepted. He pioneered Islamic celebrations since the 1970s in apartments and hotel rooms. He rented auditoriums of schools in Manhattan and Queens to host Eid celebrations in the 1980s. As they did in the Caribbean, Hindus and Muslims lived in harmony and assisted each other when they first came to America. Zakir delivered per-
sonal invitations to many Hindus to patronize Islamic events. I saw pandits at his celebrations. I attended a few. He welcomed Muslims and non-Muslims like me. And I saw Zakir at several Hindu events and shared the platform with him. He was very courteous. He never passed me without saying hello. He applauded my writings in service to the Indo-Caribbean community in pioneering journalism. He would praise me for coverage of his programmes in the community newspapers going back to the early 1980s when we first met. He also praised my work championing the restoration of democracy in Guyana. Zakir was broad-minded and humble in his treatment of others. Thus, he touched the hearts of not only Muslims but people of all faiths. Some of his closest friends were Hindus like Pandit Oumadatt, Pandit Ramlall, Ramesh Kalicharran, Clyfee Madhu, Bal Naipaul, among others. And some Hindus comforted and cared for him in his final days including Pandit Jass Persaud who took him around to social or religious events, lectures, and book launches pertaining to Guyana. He knew some Hindi, Ara-
bic, and Urdu and used them to spread the faith. He encouraged Muslims to learn Arabic and Urdu. He helped trained several Muslims to become Imams or Mulvis. Although a Muslim cleric, he saw nothing wrong in partaking in entertainment and listening to music. He attended Indian cultural concerts and movies that were scarce during the 1960s and 1970s. He enjoyed old time classic Bollywood songs and qawalis and ghazals and movies. Not everyone was a fan of Haji, and not every mulvi had kind words for him especially in later years. But I know of no one who has promoted Islam more in America than Zakir. He appeared on radio and TV programmes and for a few years was a regular feature on the Clyfee Madhu radio programme during the 1980s and 1990s. He used the programme to publicize raising of funds to build the first Masjid in NY. Several Hindus, including Kali (who contributed thousands of dollars) from the real estate and professional fraternity came forward to contribute to the worthy cause. Unlike some imams, he welcomed Hindus in his Masjid and allowed (Continued on page 6)
Monday April 27, 2020
My patience and that of many are he technically has sub- but you don’t seem to appredwindling man, stantial power and superior to ciate that fact.
DEAR EDITOR, Joseph Harmon appointed CEO of Guyana’s National Task Force against COVID19. I had to read this nonsense several times and I also had to go check which other country has a CEO of their task force. Let me say that I found nil, nada, zilch with such a set up. I also found that all of these task force had less politicians and more doctors, in some cases, a capable representative from directly correlated sectors were sitting as ex-officio members. However, the power hungry, insatiable misfits of this de facto government wants to remain relevant to this nation in such a time where maturity should prevail. A caretaker President has placed a square peg, a lawyer, in a round hole. As for Nagamootoo, nobody listens to him, even thought as Chair-
the CEO. To top it off, the Lawyer, Joeseph Harmon, has been tasked with “developing short-term plan for disease prevention and safety of the people.” I also want to know what is their definition of “accurate” because the lawyer also has that responsibility. At this time, the Diamond Diagnostic Center is in shambles and highly disorganized. I understands the RHO or a senior person at this institute only reports and listens to Volda. This is a quarantine institute that this National Task Force has responsibility over and I urge those responsible to fix the situation there. Doctors are not communicating with the patients on a daily basis, the facilities are unacceptable and basic support is lacking. This all occurs under poor leadership. Guyanese lives matter
Now the questions is why would the feeble caretaker make such a move? Interesting, is it not? We have all foreseen some sort of bull coming up, once this recount starts (only God knows when this will happen). Who will be tested “positive” (alluding to his “accurate” information) to require quarantine? Also, I’ve been thinking. The donation from the USA will be channelled through the regional task force (CARICOM) and then distributed to the National Task Force. That money has not been made available yet I believe. Something to keep an eye on. It’s not surprising anymore. My patience and that of many are dwindling. Stay bless and let’s #keepmovingforward. Godbless. For Guyana with Love, Dr. Josh Kanhai
The Declaration has never been declared Nandlall and his cohorts. judgement, undertake a comillegal Here are a few instances: plete recount of all the balDEAR EDITOR, I am compelled to write this letter in response to a online news report under the screaming headline: GECOM‘s Alexander plotting to scuttle the recount, use existing declarationsNandlall. The article lacks any evidence of the plot and is hinged on the contention that “… we heard Alexander arguing that the infamous declaration made by Mingo is legal, although every international and local accredited observer team, the political parties, the diplomatic community, CARICOM and Governments of the ABC countries have all condemned it as fraudulent.” Well well! I never made any specific reference to Mingo‘s declaration. So, from the very inception Nandlall adopted a deceptive posture. Since when does the declaration of individuals or agencies determine legality? No court has ever pronounced on Mingo‘s declaration. I hold no brief for it and was never provided an opportunity to comment on it in the normal course of proceedings at GECOM. If public pronouncements was the standard for determining legality/guilt, Nandlall would have been placed behind bars, by public opinion, for his alleged thief of State property, the law books. Here is an officer of the Court descending to fake news, of his own creation, and the desecration of the Rule of Law in the practice of cheap politics. That cheap politics has become the order of the day is manifested in other acts of
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
GECOM directs its CEO to prepare a plan based on its guidance. The CEO complies, the content does not find favour with the PPP and the CEO is publicly chastised by Nandlall and others for a specific submission that was derived from the CEO‘s interpretation of a submission made by a PPP nominated commissioner. Unbelievedly, the Commission is requested time by one commissioner to submit an amended version. The permission is granted. A cut and paste copy of the original document is subsequently made and the next thing we hear is Nandlall claiming the submission to be the PPP‘s. Yet Commissioner Gunraj in his latest Press appearance seeks to assert his independence. In a similar manner, he asked for time to review the draft Order, no sooner was Nandlall discussing the Order in Social Media and accusing me of trying to scuttle the recount. What is more amusing is that Gunraj‘s initial submission (“AND WHEREAS the Guyana Elections Commission had decided to set aside all such previous declarations made and in the exercise of its own deliberate
lots cast at those elections...;) (author‘s emphasis) also recognized the existence of 10 declarations, albeit a failed attempt was being made to set them “aside”. Yet I am accused of plotting, as if I am the one seeking to make the Order legal in pursuit of an ulterior motive. The Declaration has never been declared illegal. In a similar manner to which the amendments to the plan was politicized, Gunraj returns the next day with ten motions to reopen discussions on approved elements of the plan, and the Order, which motions Jagdeo subsequently claimed to be PPP/C motions. Not to mention the vile comments that are triggered and encouraged on social media as a consequence of the crass cheap politicking which now surrounds anything that GECOM does which defies the documents originating from the PPP/C. I hope that the telecast which found it prudent to report that I had not responded to Nandlall‘s baseless accusation, finds it fitting to acknowledge this response. Yours truly, Vincent Alexander Commissioner
The work plan that defies logic DEAR EDITOR, Gecom chairwoman had offered no public explanation for her self imposed exile in a room in Ashmin’s building after Mingo’s desecration of the Region 4 results whilst observers and party agents sought her for an explanation. The opposition leader at that moment had alleged that she was being “held hostage” by APNU supporters. I do not recall the chair confirming or dispelling that allegation. Her silence after emerging from what had seemed like a secret tryst with the APNU/ AFC at a critical moment when she needed to be assertive does not auger well for the transparency and credibility of the recount. Not with the chair refusing to live stream the recount and dictating that the recount be done on 4 regions at the same time through a medium of a meagre 10 work stations. It is a recipe for chaos and confusion that could make Mingo’s abomination pale in comparison. Given the way she seemed overwhelmed or perhaps her pretence, when Mingo had twice abrogated from a simple process, had she decided to recount one Region at a time and live stream same, it may have inspired some confidence in her desire to do what is right for Guyana. Four Regions at the same time, minus live streaming, when the lack of transparency and credibility of the process, proliferated by one Mingo, is the reason that got us to a recount. This is enough to make me “smell a rat”. Something has to be wrong with your perceptive power if you don’t smell one too! Gecom chair dictating the recount procedures to be in conformity with those at the close of poll on E day whilst refusing to set aside the declarations on grounds that there is nothing to replace them is mind boggling. Where is the logic in grounding the procedure in” close of poll” mode where there should be no known result, while hanging a result over the recount that identified a winner - a winner that she, by virtue of Gecom SOPS, knows is the loser? I would like to hear her explain this anomaly to the Guyanese
people. The chair’s work plan is more in sync with creating a result rather than discovering one. A fair procedure would have been to publish Gecom SOPs for the 10 regions now and see how the recount, one Region at a time, matched expectations recorded on SOPs. The fact that the chair, vested with sweeping powers, did not direct the recount
in conformity to the acts that speak directly to a resolution by a recount (sections 84(611), 87, 89(1) and 9) is a clear indication of a snare set to fall back to the fraudulent results, when the recount is derailed. The PPP should call for publication of Gecom SOPS or sanctions on Gecom chair rather than a recount with the present work plan. Rudolph Singh
Shame on GECOM DEAR EDITOR, On the 15th April 2020 South Korea - despite having had almost 11,000 confirmed corona virus positive patients and 240 corona virus deaths - was able to hold Parliamentary Elections using paper ballots (just like in Guyana), with some 29 million votes cast, under a totally new voting system, and yet declare the final hand counted results within twenty-four hours! Now there is GECOM talk of a recount in Guyana that will take how many weeks exactly? Shame on GECOM for its abject failings! Mr. Lalu Hanuman, Attorney-at-Law
UITVLUGT WOES DEAR EDITOR, The recent fiasco at Uitvlugt which resulted in a 300:1 product conversion ratio may lead to a solution for the Industry’s profitability issues. This comes at a very unfortunate time, when the economy has been spiraling downward with increased national debt on the horizon. The local price of sugar will most likely increase, at a time when the buying power of consumers has dramatically deteriorated. However profit improvement should be expected over the medium to long term. Covering operating costs and overhead will be challenging in the near term if the conversion ratio continues to be too high. The silver lining is that demand and supply dynamics in the local market will not
hinder the expected price growth seen in the global market due to the supply shortfall. Instead we should expect an improved profitability position for GuySuco which may help self finance a renewed expansion of local operations. Whether sugar readjusts to regain alignment with cane juice market prices of $200, your guess is as good as mine. The equivalency in per pound prices is yet to be seen. Timing will determine the level of price courage to be expected going forward. A healthier consumer base appears to be on the horizon as a little goes a long way in months to come. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
PAGE 6
Our patience is being very sorely tested DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese have been intellectually assaulted and psychologically abused for the last 17 months following the defeat of the Granger-led APNU+AFC government by the successful passage of the No Confidence Motion on December 21, 2018 and its defeat once again at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. It is now 55 days and we still do not have a date for the commencement of the recount of the votes. As if the Friday April 24, 2020 meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission under the chairmanship of Claudette Singh was not enough to bear in this long masquerade of electoral fraud, David Granger’s post on his Facebook page on April 25th is the work of a delusional mind when he accused the PPP of ‘trying to frustrate the recount process after losing the elections’. Mr. Granger could not possibly have forgotten the facts; unless he is suffering from amnesia, or, unless he is in the clutches of his Chief Lieutenant Mr. Joe Harmon, who seems to be his sole contact with the outside world. But whichever one it is, let me remind Mr. Granger of the facts:i) It was no other than Mr. Granger who made an overture to CARICOM for a supervised recount; the PPP agreed to the High Level Team to supervise the recount as a means of finding a way forward; this was over a month ago: ii) It was Mr. Granger’s
Monday April 27, 2020
Kaieteur News
appointed Commissioners who put a number of frivolous obstacles in the way to prevent the recount commencing on March 16th; iii) It was Mr. Granger’s candidate, Ulita Moore represented by another APNU candidate, who approached the court to block the recount; iv) It was the Grangerled rigging machinery in cohoots with the GECOM Secretariat led by the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, who proposed to have the recount done in 156 days supported by Vincent Alexander and the 2 other Granger-appointed Commissioner and opposed the PPP proposal to have it done in 10 days. v) It is Granger, as head of the APNU/AFC Coalition, who has refused to publish his party’s Statements of Poll; vi) It is Lowenfield, supported by the Chairperson and the Granger- appointed Commissioners, who voted to prevent the release of the Statements of Poll. One must wonder why Granger, the First lady and other leaders of his party, who seem so certain that their party won the elections, are so intransigently opposed to releasing copies of the SOPs that are in their possession? One also must wonder how he has conveniently forgotten once again that it is he who called on GECOM to publish the SOPs in the 2011 elections which was granted? He has forgotten that the same request was made by the AFC in the 2006 elections and that too was granted. Mr. Granger may delude himself
but the whole world and all of Guyana already know who won the March 2, 2020 elections- the PPPC won ! The whole world, represented by all the international and regional bodies, is demanding transparent, timely, fair and credible results of these elections, nothing less, or, it will not recognize the government. Yet Mr.Granger deludes himself about who is frustrating the process. May l remind Mr. Granger once again-It is the Granger- appointed Commissioners and Chairperson who opposed eight (8) and a half (1/2) of the 10 proposals made by the PPP- appointed Commissioners to ensure transparency and build confidence in the electoral process. It is this GECOM arm of the rigging cabal who voted against having an independent auditor present to observe the count, who voted against live-streaming the count so that all Guyanese can see that it is done transparently, who voted for a limit on the number of observers at each counting station; who supported the Lowenfield plan, although the process outlined is radically different from the procedure set out in the Representation of the Peoples Act and is therefore not in accordance with the law. If one is to believe that Mr. Granger wants an expeditious and transparent recount, this is his last chance to redeem any modicum of decency left. Let him agree to the PPP’s proposals to have the recount done in ten days, in the presence of international observers and independent auditors, live-streamed so that Guyanese and the entire world can see. After 55 days waiting for results of the elections, our patience is being very sorely tested. Sincerely, Gail Teixeira
LET DEMOCRACY REIGN DEAR EDITOR, I have read the most recent iteration of calls for democracy set out in a letter to the editor by Roy Beepat (Sunday April 26th, 2020). Permit me as a Guyanese of a different persuasion to add another perspective. Prior to the 2015 elections, Shaka Blair was gunned down in front of his wife and children in Buxton (April 2002) before the advent of the crime wave and before the escape of the five from the Georgetown prison, by someone who was never held accountable. Prior to 2015, Head of the
Presidential Secretariat testified under oath that “No African Guyanese was qualified to represent Guyana as an ambassador”. Prior to 2015 a leading member of the criminal fraternity took out public advertisements on the advice of his Attorney announcing his active engagement by and support of the Government of the day in suppressing the crime wave. What followed was the ruthless torture and assassination of hundreds of African Guyanese men and women. All these acts were committed during democratic reign by a democratic govern-
ment. The acts might be seen by some as a matter of excesses but for part of the population it was, day-to-day, a dread-filled time, a matter of life and death. So now that there are calls to let democracy reign, we in some parts of the society understand fully what is meant by the Call. There is an old story of a chicken and pig who said that they would personally contribute to making breakfast. The chicken suggested to the pig that she bring the eggs and he bring the bacon. Respectfully, Olive B. Sampson
Justice Singh is not backing down DEAR EDITOR, The Sunday’s cartoon in Kaieteur News (April 26, 2020) is distasteful. It has nothing to do with the cartoonist trying to make a point about the election being messy and President David Granger and GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh are in a field of flowers, skipping along as they hold each other’s hand, with their free hand each holding a roll of toilet paper, heading towards a pit latrine. There is a suspicious looking cylindrical object hidden under Justice Singh’s blazer that is sticking out which doesn’t leave much to the imagination. Among the more decent interpretation people can have from this cartoon is the
cartoonist is seeking to suggest Justice Singh’s slip or underwear is showing. It is unusual to see the slip showing from the hemline not the waistline. A woman of Justice Singh’s stature this style of dressing is unlikely. This lady is always well dressed. She is known for her soberness in attire and has upheld this all the years, in the fine historical tradition of a lawyer and judge. Dressing with your underwear or underclothes out is never considered decent even though modern trend may suggest otherwise. I find the cartoonist’s depiction offensive to Justice Singh and all professional women whom she has always stood out as an exemplary
representative of. It saddens me the newspaper has moved from calling Justice Singh “Fraudette” in the ‘Dem boys seh’ column to now depicting her in a manner that for her and many other would be seen as crude and vulgar. Editor, this is a woman with class and dignity. It is because of her principles, integrity and for respecting the rules of law in her role as GECOM Chairperson has cause many to put out un-tastefully statements and making lawless accusations. By doing so, they think they would tarnish her reputation and she will back down. (NEWS FLASH SHE AIN’T BACKING DOWN! Yours Faithfully, B. Beniprashad Rayman
Tribute to a Guyanese American From page 4 them to deliver greetings for Islamic celebrations. He attended Phagwah celebrations and visited mandirs to give greetings on Phagwah, Diwali, Navratri, and other Hindu festivals. Perhaps his closeness with Hindus offended some mulvis. Many Hindus also comforted him as he was ailing.
He was very close with Pandit Jass Persaud and spent considerable time with him. Jass often provided meals for him and would transport him to social events and lectures on Guyana or to book releases. In an exchange, Haji expressed his sadness of the conflict between Hindus and Muslims in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. He wished
for peace between India and Pakistan; he could not understand why brothers were fighting each other and suggested that they look to IndoCaribbeans who live in harmony regardless of religious background. At one time, he felt compelled to attend events in support of then President Desmond Hoyte that led to criticisms from the IndoGuyanese community. But later, Haji became a strong supporter of Dr. Jagan. He supported free and fair elections. He was saddened by the attempt to rig the March 2 elections. He said the riggers were up to no good and should never be trusted.Islam in NY prospered under the leadership of Zakir and others. He distinguished his stewardship of Islam. The legacy of his good works has been cemented. Haji lived a full life. He will forever be remembered for his Islamic qualities, camaraderie and ability to get along with people regardless of faith. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
Monday April 27, 2020
PAGE 7
Kaieteur News
Law does not prevent GECOM from live streaming recount - observers, lawyers argue
GECOM’s Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh
PSC’s Chair, Captain Gerry Gouveia
The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is legally empowered to stream the national recount live for the benefit of the general public. That is the argument being put forward, in response to GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh saying that the law does not allow her to have the recount streamed live. In her explanation for her rejection of the proposal, the former Justice of Appeal cited Section 90 of the Representation of the People Act, which speaks to the maintenance of the secrecy of the count. 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.” “Because of the secrecy, they cannot show the ballot but what they can do, they can show the results after the results would have been
tabulated, I have no problem with that,” Justice Singh recently told the State newspaper, Guyana Chronicle. But Attorney-at-Law and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) candidate, Sanjeev Datadin is of the view that section 90 is not applicable to the live streaming of the recount in the way that Singh is implying. Datadin told Kaieteur News in a telephone interview that the ballot paper does not contain an identifier of the voter. Hence, showing the ballot paper would not expose the identity of any of the candidates who have voted for one party or another. This was the view also of attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram. Datadin noted that Section 90 is applicable where it prohibits persons attending the count from declaring any of the results, as that is the sole remit of GECOM. He explained that GECOM would be in its right to stream its own recount, and that
Section 90 does nothing to advance the argument that the recount should not be streamed live. In a telephone interview, Ram told Kaieteur News that GECOM has the authority to stream the recount and that, in any case, GECOM is empowered by the Constitution of Guyana and the Election Laws (Amendment) Act to take action necessary to ensure a fair, transparent and impartial process. Chair of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia, also argued that GECOM has the authority to take action necessary to see the process through. The PSC is a domestic observer of the 2020 general and regional elections. Gouveia said, too, that it is vitally important that transparency be a hallmark on which the recount is executed. He added that such a task would not be difficult, as Guyana has the technology and the capability to ensure it is easily done. He put it to the Chair that even if she would not stream the recount to the public, that it should be streamed live for the benefit of the international observers only. This would go a long way, he said, to ensure the electoral process benefits from international accreditation. Article 162 of the Constitution states that the electoral commission “shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to
ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament” where the Commission’s general direction and supervision over the electoral process are concerned. Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act speaks to ‘Removal of Difficulties’, and states “If any difficulty arises in connection with the application of this Act, the Representation of the People Act or the National Registration Act or any relevant subsidiary legislation, the Commission shall, by Order, make any provision, including the amendment of the said legislation, that appears to the Commission to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty; and any such order may modify any of the said legislation in respect of any particular matter or occasion so far as may appear to the
Attorney-at-law, Sanjeev Datadin
Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram
Commission to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty.” These legal provisions are already at the center of GECOM’s deliberations on the recount, as Commissioner Vincent Alexander noted them as the basis on which GECOM will conduct the recount. Singh also noted the Constitutional provision in her affidavit to the Court, committing to conduct the
recount. Ram told Kaieteur News that GECOM is hereby empowered to override section 90 of the Representation of the People Act. He said that the purpose of the recount is to satisfy the issues of fairness and transparency, and that it is on that basis that GECOM should stream the recount live.
PAGE 8
Monday April 27, 2020
Kaieteur News
Sophia teen in need of kidney Police enforces non-essential transplant slowly recovering business shutdowns in city “So far no one else has come forward to offer to donate a kidney to her but she is doing alright. All thanks to the Sherriff Security Firm that has offered to pay for all her dialysis sessions.” This is according to Keisha Curry, sister of Jamaicy Broomes who was pleading with the public to assisting her financially. Jamaicy Broomes, 17, who resides at ‘B’ Field Sophia, was diagnosed with endstage renal failure in February 2019. The diagnosis drastically changed the teen’s life, especially at a time when she was preparing to sit the Caribbean Secondary Examinations Certificate (CSEC) examinations. Due to her illness, both of the teen’s kidneys are unable to function. Dialysis is the process of removing excess water, solutes, and toxins from the blood in people whose kidneys can no longer perform these functions naturally. Before her diagnosis, Broomes was a student of the St. John’s College and full of life like any teenager.
Closed business places in the city. Persons were still without their protective masks.
TEEN: Jamaicy Broomes As a result of her diagnosis, she has to undergo sessions of dialysis at the Doobays Medical and Research Center located at Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD). Since making her story public, Sherriff Security has taken it upon itself to pay for the dialysis sessions until her
kidney transplant surgery is completed. The dialysis has been working. “Since she start receiving her treatments, she has not been admitted back in the hospital and I can safely say that the she is doing ok but the kidney transplant talk is still on the table.”
The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guyana have been increasing by the day. This comes even as persons continue to show scant disregard to the curfew and other measures that were put in place in order to safeguard against the virus. Based on advice from the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), police closed a number of non-essential stores on Friday morning. They are to remain closed until further instructions. This comes even as the 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. City Mayor, Ubraj Narine,
had 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. The Mayor added that given the severity of this issue, the Council has begun working towards introducing possible penalties. While the Mayor is contemplating possible penalties for the non-abiding vendors, police officers will now be patrolling around town to ensure that nonessential businesses and stalls are closed and that the right measures are being followed. An operation by the police on Friday morning
closed all stores that were not selling anything that could help combat against the virus. According to an official, the instructions were to close all non-essential stores and stalls around Georgetown, until further notice. On Friday morning around 09:00hrs, about 20 ranks split into groups and diverted into the different areas around Georgetown. Kaieteur News was informed that while a number of the non-essential store owners closed their shutters, others refused since they claim it would affect their business and it’s the only source of income for their employees. According to a police officer after the non-essential stores were closed, ranks revisited to ensure compliance.
A vendor operating in the city.
Pregnant Venezuela teen dies in Puruni backdam - report A pregnant Venezuelan teen died under mysterious circumstances in the CuyuniMazaruni backdam, Region Seven. According to police officials, the body of the woman has since been brought out to Bartica, a town in Region Seven. It is believed that the woman took a lethal dose of Guinness and tablets on Saturday. It
was not clear why and if it was deliberate. What is clear she came out from a place called Kumu-Kumu and later collapsed. There were unconfirmed reports that the death could be blamed on an attempted abortion all gone wrong. Her body was brought out from the backdam in a pickup. The police are said to be investigating.
Monday April 27, 2020
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Lessons from around the world
E
urope, which was the epicentre of the pandemic before it was surpassed by the United States, has begun to show signs of recovery. The curves have begun to bend in Italy. After a 7-week lockdown and more than 23,000 deaths, Spain has finally begun to ease some of the social restrictions that it put in place to stem its coronavirus epidemic. Children under 13 years of age are now being allowed outside of the home. In Italy, the daily death toll is also falling. The country’s curves - total deaths, active cases, total cases and daily new deaths – have also been bending to the right. France,
Italy, Spain and Germany all seem to have passed their peak infections. The curve has not yet bent in the United Kingdom, but is likely to do in another 2 weeks. The United States of America has averaged more than 2,000 deaths per day over the last 2 weeks, with the largest number of deaths originating in New York State. Once the epidemic there stabilizes, the worst may be over, but the virus will not completely disappear and deaths will continue until a vaccine is found. If developed and found to be safe, a vaccine is not likely to be ready for mass inoculations anytime soon. At least it is not expected to be ready
Dem boys seh ...
One reee-jan at a time At one time, dem boys use to know when is 7am. On de stroke of 7am, GBC use to kick off de radio with a very beautiful and touching song. The world has come to love it. It begin like this: One day at a time, Sweet Jesus That’s all am asking of you, Just give me the strength to do everyday What I have to do. Remember it? Well, dem boys have a GECOM version of that song… here it goes: One reee-jan at a time, sweet Claw-dett That’s all we’re asking of you… Just give we de strength to seeee everyday What we have to seeee Fifty days have gone, sweet Claw-dett, And we don’t need another fifty more So help us today, live stream de recount One day at a time. You’ re only human, You’re just a woman Help us believe In what we could be And all that we are Show us de right way We have to folloooooow, For Guyana’s sake Tell GECOM to take One reee-jan at a time, One reee-jan at a time, sweet Claw-dett That’s all we are asking from you, Just give dem de wisdom To do today What has to be done. Mingo is gone, sweet Claw-dett And Lolofield may be next Help Guyana today, Tell GECOM to count One reee-jan at a time, Do you remember, When you walked among judges, Well Claw-dett, you know, If you’re looking outside, It’s worse now than then Cheating and stealing, Rigging and thieving So for our sake, Tell GECOM to count One reee-jan at a time One reee-jan at a time, sweet Claw-dett That’s all we are asking from you Just demand of GECOM today To do what they have to do The observers are gone, sweet Claw-dett And COVID is here, Help Guyana today, Tell GECOM to stay And count one reee-jan at a time Talk half and demand from sweet Claw-dett to have the recount stream online and count one reee-jan at a time.
within nine months at the earliest. Researchers in the United Kingdom are hoping to have a vaccine by September, but even if they are successful in developing a vaccine, it would still not be able to be used until it is approved. A short-term medical solution is therefore not on the cards. The virus’s spread, therefore, will have to be suppressed. The only way this is going to be done is through social restrictions – lockdowns and social distancing. These measures are designed primarily, however, to prevent health systems from being overwhelmed - but once implemented for an extended period can limit the virus’s spread. Once enough persons within a society have recovered from the virus and therefore are no longer carriers or transmitters of the virus, the spread will be contained. This is what is known as herd immunity. However, it has been estimated that it will require more than 60% of the population to be infected for herd immunity to develop.
Given the high level of contagion and death rate of the coronavirus, herd immunity is certainly not the ideal strategy. Very few countries can handle the deaths which will accompanying herd immunity strategies. For countries like Guyana, it would be devastating for such a strategy to be implemented. Guyanese have to pray the Ocean View Hotel and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, which are being readied to accommodate possible cases, are not required. The employment of these facilities would mean that Guyana would have reached a stage where the existing health system could not cope. Right now Guyana is buckling at the knees under the weight of this virus. Guyana’s lockdown was at least one week too late. This was a costly error. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has since risen to 74. ‘One, one dutty does build dam.’ The COVID-19 cases have been rising one by one and will continue to do so
over the next few days until it builds a ‘dam’. When that ‘dam’ breaks, it will be dire The three-week partial lockdown has been ineffectual. Simple tweaking of the restrictions would have made a huge difference. The markets have been the biggest culprits. Large numbers of persons have been entering unprotected and unconcerned. Social distancing is not being practiced, particularly by roadside vendors operating outside or near to markets. It must be recalled that the virus originated in a wet market in China. More information is needed on the regional and sub-regional distribution of new cases, the number of active cases, the number of nonmedical persons who are in quarantine and isolation, and the average age of those dying and showing serious symptoms. The number of tests are being increased. But at the same time, the number of negative tests are also increasing, which would suggest that there is need for a more de-
fined protocol for testing. Little is being said about contact-tracing, which has been used in many countries to help stop the spread of the virus. We know there were four imported cases, but has contact-tracing been able to link all the new cases to these four cases. Where exactly are we headed in containing this deadly virus? Guyana’s response has left much to be desired. Too much politics have been involved in the decision-making. Do we have the right people in the right places? The world will recover. Will Guyana? Will you survive the pandemic? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
PAGE 10
Monday April 27, 2020
Kaieteur News
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Claudette Singh’s sinapism threatens the future of Guyana Sinapism is the act of using mustard plastering. This is exactly what Claudette Singh has done. She has plastered the face of Guyana’s moral compass with mustard. It is my unshakeable opinion that Singh is one of the most unacceptable humans the 21st century has produced. What happens to Singh when this nightmare is over is easily predictable. She will become, more than any other human in this country, a person that people will find utterly unacceptable. I am no great analyst, but so many times I am right when I analyze certain actors in this country long after people couldn’t see the mask they were wearing. I was laughing when day after day, countless citizens, prominent and not so prominent, kept calling on her to act decisively. These
people were either naïve or plain stupid. There is not one ounce of evidence in the conduct of Roxanne Myers, Keith Lowenfield, Vincent Alexander and Claudette Singh since March 4, that indicates that they were prepared to engage in election work that offers hope that we will have a conclusive result for the 2020 poll. Ironically, we have reached the climax. There will be no conclusive finish after the recount. Claudette Singh’s recount plan continues the game that Clairmont Mingo started on March 4. It is a surreal country we are living in. We are living a life in Guyana that is only seen in sci-fi movies. To think that Keith Lowenfield will be the chief architect of the recounting process because of his status as Chief Election
Officer is an insult to the civilized world Let me refresh your memory of what I wrote about how the election process will end in my column of Tuesday, April 14, 2020 captioned, “Rowley says it will not end well; it will not.” “After the recount, PNC commissioners with the invisible hand of the PNC+AFC behind them will claim that the recount has shown too many flaws for there to be a declaration. It will be submitted that the recount cannot be accepted as the basis of a declaration.” I went on to argue that APNU+AFC will then filed court writs based on the declaration and take their claims right up the Caribbean Court of Justice and all the time, they will remain in power. Here is another extract from that column; “There will
be the resort to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Once that hearing is pending, the conspirators will ask; why should they resign. They will argue why not wait for the matter to be exhausted in the judicial system, because the CCJ could very well rule in their favour.” I ended the commentary this way; “The results of the recount will then be tested in court. The West will then impose sanctions. Claudette Singh has now laid the groundwork for so much opaqueness and confusion that it gives APNU+AFC latitude to remain in power. What Singh has done is to prove to the world that she is not prepared for any form of transparency, because the objective is to keep APNU+AFC in power, even though Singh knows it will be temporary. This is my inflexible opinion about the motives of this woman. Singh is no fool. She has
to know that even if APNU+AFC files court writs against the recount, it will not stop sanctions. Sanctions are going to be applied immediately if the recount is laced with trickery, buffoonery, and barefaced depravities. And this is what is going to characterize the recount. Make no mistake – the recount will be a dirty affair and the CARICOM team will not validate it. What are Singh, Alexander and APNU+AFC hoping for? Surely, they must know in those boxes lie the seeds of the defeat of APNU+AFC. It lost a legitimate election by 17,000 votes. Post mortem cannot bring back the dead. No transparent re-count can give back the presidency to David Granger and power to the APNU+AFC power-drunk mandarins. Alright, you may want to classify the PPP leadership as power-drunk too. But they won. Let them rule and the
Frederick Kissoon country can reject the way they are governing. But no one in the world has the right to deny people their right to vote. If you don’t like the PPP in power, that is your right, but you cannot destroy a country because the people you voted for lost the election. No one has the right to impose APNU+AFC on Guyana. Only the voters can do that and they chose not to. I repeat – ironically it is over. After the way Claudette Singh voted, you are a fool to believe APNU+AFC will concede defeat. Guyana is in trouble. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Cattle farmer’s murder may be link to illegal activities on his land Investigators on the West Coast of Demerara may be close to cracking the case involving the d e a t h o f a B e l l e We s t , Canal No. 2 cattle farmer whose bound body was discovered with stab wounds buried in a shallow grave on his farm on April 6th. Kaieteur News had reported back then that the body of 68-year-old Sohan Ramdial also called “Nancy”; a pensioner of Lot 69 Canal No. 2, Clay Brick Road, West Bank Demerara was discovered buried in a shallow grave on his farm. The pensioner had left his home that afternoon with the intention of milking his cows but never returned home as is custom. Family members went in search of the man and made the gruesome discovery hours later.
KILLED: Cattle farmer, Sohan Ramdial An autopsy done on the body of the pensioner proved that he died as a result of perforation of the lung and heart owing to multiple wounds. Sources close to the
investigations relayed to Kaieteur News that the man’s death may be link to shady activities on his land. It was reported that when Ramdial’s body was found, police also discovered a large plot of marijuana being grown on the land. The plants were discovered on an unoccupied piece of the land owned by the cattle farmer. Investigators believe that the man may have stumbled across the plot and may have confronted the person/s; this being the reason for his death. Sources also relayed to Kaieteur News that several persons who frequented the farm were taken in for questioning. While no arrests have been made, the police believe that tracking the suspects will be a breeze.
Monday April 27, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
Monday April 27, 2020
Kaieteur News
High-end TVs, stereos stolen by burglars from Lombard Street store
SERVICES Visa Forms Preparer. Tel#626-7040, Publish your Death Annoucements & In Memoriams online. Email: dthmemo@gmail.com ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 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.
Christine’s Variety Store, located at Lot 23 Lombard Street, Georgetown, has suffered millions of dollars in losses after a break-in last week Sunday. The burglars escaped with $12M worth of cash and items. The break-in reportedly occurred at around 10:00 pm FOR RENT on April 19th. The owners of the store PLANNING AN EVENT? only discovered the property BIRTHDAY PARTY, had been breached 24 hours G R A D U A T I O N , later. Christine Barclay, one of W E D D I N G S , the owners, told Kaieteur ANNIVERSARY, ETC. - News that the store was CALL DIAMOND TENTS: closed for a couple days due 216-1043; 677-6620 to the COVID-19 lockdown. “When we decided to Fully furnished Apt & open on Monday, we met the unfurnished Apt,one & two bedrooms.Call 672-1906 or place ransacked and items 623-1562.Diamond & gone.”She said that the missing items included highProvidence. end television and stereo Business- Hadfield, Saffon & sets, toy cars and High Streets residence- motorcycles. Diamond & Pearl East Bank. The police were Contact Ray’s Realty #627- immediately called in and an 9685 investigation ensued. “The police ran a check of VEHICLE FOR SALE the building and the 1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent surroundings. We even condition, Low Mileage provided footage from (50,000Km).$3.4M Neg.Call security cameras. We average #649-0956. that the bandits took about 2018 Toyota Prado, Black,fully four hours to remove what l o a d e d , L e a t h e r they wanted.” However, one week has seats,gas,excellent passed but there has been no condition.Contact 662-3725.
A section of the ransacked store
Christine’s Variety store on Lombard Street
Cuba sends doctors to South Africa to battle COVID-19
FOR SALE White German Shepherd pups.Ruimzeight Gardens W.C.D.269-0671.Whatsapp 688-1656. 6 weeks old pure bred Rottweiler. $100,000 offer valid from April 24th-April 26th. Tel# 639-8924/663-1295
definitive word from the police as it relates to who committed the crime. The businesswoman noted, nonetheless, that the police have been helpful in solving their case.“We learnt recently of one person who had toy motorcycles from the store has been caught by the police. We are hoping that they will be able to find something solid soon because at this time, it’s difficult to suffer such loss because we are not able to conduct business as usual due to the restrictions over the virus.” The owner said that this is the second break-in the store suffered in five years.
Cuban Doctors
VACANCY Experienced Male Sales Attendant, Stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, Excellent service attitude, Able-bodied. Keyfood McDoom Village Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles.Age 2545.Car/Van Licence 642-9823.
WANTED Wanted Labourer to work in farm. Tel# 666-3303/629-2202 PROPERTY FOR SALE Republic Gardens, Albert, Durban, Broad Street G/town, Enmore, Zeelot, Craig & Paradise & Liliendaal. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685 Durban Street, 5 bedrooms $27M neg, Alberttown 5 bedrooms $55M, Green Acres, 3 bedrooms $27M. Zinctop #686-9952 LAND FOR SALE Eccles Front, Middle Rd La Penitence, Providence, Soesdyke, Moblissa, Dalgin 33 acres. Contact Ray’s Realty #627-9685
Female Cleaner office and home.Call 642-9823.
British, French and Dutch join forces in the Caribbean on COVID-19 LONDON - CMC – The British Government has collaborated with France and the Netherlands in addressing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affecting their overseas territories. “In order to help relieve local populations, they decided to bring a coordinated military answer in support of civilian crisis management tools,” said the British Government in a recent statement. The statement said that French, British and Dutch armed forces are deploying
military assets in the Caribbean to support their local authorities. As a result, it said French PHA Dixmude, British RFA Argus and Dutch HNLMS Karel Doorman have been sent to the Caribbean. “This cooperation will be operated by a regional military joint coordination cell, which will be located in Fort de France,” the statement said. “Its mission will be to optimize national military contributions to support States’ action.
“This mechanism should provide more agility and flexibility in the response to the spread of the virus throughout the Caribbean,” it added. Inspired by lessons drawn from their military cooperation during Hurricane Irma in 2017, as well as discussions in EI2 format, the statement said “the three nations intend to benefit from this experience by better coordinating their actions in a spirit of mutual support and European solidarity.”
HAVANA, Cuba - CMC – The government of Cuba on Saturday sent 216 healthcare workers to South Africa to help the country in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The Communist Spanish speaking Caribbean island has, to date, sent around 1,200 healthcare workers around the world that have been particularly hard hit by the virus. Cuba, which has confirmed, 1337 positive cases of the virus and 51 deaths, has one of the world’s highest number of doctors per capita and is renowned for its focus on prevention, community-oriented primary
health care and preparedness to fight epidemics. ”The advantage of Cuba is that they are a community health model, one that we would like to use,” South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told a news briefing earlier this month. South Africa has recorded 4,361 cases, including 86 deaths, with 161,004 people tested for the virus as of Saturday. The country has a special relationship with Cuba, which supported the fight against apartheid – a conflict that included Cuban troops who f o u g h t a n d died in southern Angola. According to the Cuban embassy, South A f rica has sent medical supplies to the island to assist in the fight a g a i n s t c o r o navirus in the plane that is now returning with the Cuban medical brigade. “These are times of solidarity and cooperation. If we act together, we can halt the spread of c o r o n a v i r u s i n a f a s t er and more cost effective manner,” Cuba’s ambassador to South Africa, Rodolfo Benítez Verson, said in a statement.
Monday April 27, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 17
PAGE 18
Kaieteur News
Monday April 27, 2020
Monday April 27, 2020
PAGE 19
Kaieteur News
Belarusian football wins fans abroad as locals boycott matches AFP - As Belarus resists imposing a lockdown to combat the coronavirus, its football league has stumbled into the international limelight as Europe’s only remaining topflight competition. But players are worried about the health risks and only diehard fans are braving matches. FC Slutsk fan Yahor Khavanski, 26, is “a bit afraid” but could not imagine quitting his weekend football fix. Yesterday he intended to don a surgical mask and an FC Slutsk scarf and “try not to touch anything” at a clash against rivals Belshina Bobruisk. “The stadium holds 2,000 people, but only 300 came to the last match. You can sit anywhere you want and keep your distance,” he told AFP
by phone. Khavanski says he will keep attending matches, regardless of the risk. In his view, he faces “the same odds of being infected on public transport or in shops”. Life has continued as normal in Belarus, whose authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko has dismissed World Health Organisation recommendations to impose a virus lockdown. With a population of nearly 10 million, Belarus has registered 9,590 coronavirus cases. Neighbouring Ukraine, with four times the population, has registered fewer cases. The Belarusian Football Federation (BFF) has followed the government’s lead, saying it will not stop matches under the current
guidelines. The BFF even announced this week its women’s league will kick off on April 30 following a twoweek delay over fears players had come into contact with people infected with the virus. - International exhibition -On paper, the decision to allow matches is a huge boon to a struggling league. Russia’s largest sports network bought the rights to air matches in March, a move followed by 11 other countries including India and Israel. Clubs have started Twitter accounts in English to cater to the new influx of international spectators. Fans and management at FC Slutsk wonder whether the new interest could save
Monday April 27, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Some blatantly untrue gossip could reach you today, Aries. When you think about it, you'll see that what you heard defies all logic and is actually rather ludicrous. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Taurus, today you could feel the need to work on your finances - pay bills, make deposits, and plan a budget for next month - but your heart won't be in it. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Usually, Gemini, you have pretty good powers of focus and concentration. However, today you might find that these powers are flagging. CANCER (June 21–July 22) A strange person promoting him- or herself as a mindreader of sorts could come onto the scene today, Cancer. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your financial goals could seem vague and uncertain at this time, Leo. Perhaps you face a crossroads in your life as far as income goes, and you might not be sure which way to go. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A colleague's motives could seem rather sinister today, Virgo. This person has a definite agenda of his or her own that may not take into account the needs or feelings of anyone who could conceivably stand in the way
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today doubts may crop up for you concerning certain spiritual concepts that you've embraced for a long time, Libra. Don't let this cause a crisis. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some disturbing dreams could bring up doubts you may have about the motives of someone you consider a friend, Scorpio. This person might have been acting strangely, and you could be wondering about the future of your friendship SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Some underhanded and not altogether honest machinations could be happening at the workplace, Sagittarius. You could be offended by it, and you could also worry if it threatens your job. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you might feel a little out of sorts, Capricorn, and your concentration could be diminished. You might even have a little trouble focusing on your work. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today doubts, uncertainties, and insecurities could plague a love relationship, Aquarius. Does your beloved share your passion? PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A member of your household could be going through some rough times, Pisces, and as a result might become overly dependent on your moral and emotional support.
the club. FC Slutsk’s main sponsor is a local, state-run sugar company.“But the sugar industry is in decline,” club president Vitaly Bunas told AFP. With the factory director in prison over a corruption conviction, Bunas says “the club’s finances are catastrophic”. Yet fans in Australia have crowd-funded nearly $4000 and launched a Facebook group for FC Slutsk’s new followers abroad, an initiative Bunas said was “surprising but welcome”. - Fan revolt The boost of attracting new fans abroad has come against the backdrop of dwindling spectators, with a total of just 2,383 fans across the eight league matches last weekend. Dinamo Minsk’s match against Neman Grodno, held in the country’s largest stadium last weekend, was
played in front of only 317 people. At the end of March, fans in Grodno criticised the official response to the pandemic and virus “lies”, calling on the BFF to “finally have the courage to stop the championship”. Fans groups at all of the league’s top clubs have announced they will not attend matches. Several players, mainly foreign based, have weighed in, saying the league should be suspended. “It’s a little scary,” said Dinamo Brest striker Artem Milevsky on Instagram last week after a match in Vitebsk, the town which has the second highest number of infections in Belarus. Dinamo Minsk midfielder, Danilo, told Brazilian media: “If the major championships have stopped, why haven’t we? We should do the same.” But with the league gaining more attention than ever,
other players see this as their moment. French-Armenian footballer Hayk Mosakhanian said it was a “plus” the league was continuing, welcoming publicity “if we play well”. The Energetik-BGU midfielder added that young players “want to show off”. For up and coming stars, he said, the pandemic has offered a chance to stand out. “It’s an opportunity,” he told AFP.
Hundreds benefit from ... From page 23 Smartt, Adrian Singh, Gregory Crandon, Junior Blair, Royston Crandon and Mahendra Gopilall. Corporate sponsors included the National Milling Company (Namilco), the official sponsor of the RHTYSC first division team, Poonai Pharmacy, Caribbean International Distributor Inc, Bakewell and RL Construction. Other donors included the Edinburgh Cricket Club, Rana Persaud, Dr. Puran Singh, Victor Takurdeen, Terry Pike, Ryan Tillak, Linden Jones (Ojay) of Juggernauth Entertainment, Royston Crandon, Timothy Sandia, Regional Vice Chairman Dennis Deroop, Dennis D’Andrade, Sunil Marimoothoo, Joy Papannah (Tate), former BCB President Anil Beharry. The Management of Bounty Farm Ltd donated a large quantity of chicken parts and has committed to do so for the next two months. Foster expressed total satisfaction at the success of the ongoing project and noted that it would continue as long as donations comes in. Among the clubs that received food hampers for their members are Kildonan, Whim, Port Mourant, Albion, Chesney, West Berbice, Blairmont, Mt. Sinai, Rose Hall Canje, Young Warriors and Guymine. The RHTYSC, MS also donated hundreds of face mask to residents as part of the Covid-19 response. The RHTYSC, MS Cricket teams involved in the joint programme are RHT Namilco Flour First Division and Under 21, Bakewell Second Division and Under 17, Metro Female, Farfan and Mendes Under 12 and Under 13, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate. BCB Secretary Angela Haniff expressed gratitude to the donors for coming on board with Guyana’s leading cricket board and the RHTYSC cricket teams. She urged other donors to join the hampers project.
PAGE 20
Monday April 27, 2020
Kaieteur News
Smooth sailing in virtual draft as LSU talent steals the show NEW YORK (Reuters) The final rounds of the NFL Draft capped a smooth and generally glitch-free affair on Saturday, as the league pivoted to a virtual format for the first time ever due to the coronavirus, with coaches and prospects staying out of the spotlight and behind closed doors. Widely heralded quarterback and first pick Joe Burrow led a charge of 14 selections out of Louisiana State University, tying Ohio State’s 2004 record for the most players in a single draft class, as teams scrambled for a piece of the college championshipwinning squad.As franchises were filling out their rosters in the final rounds of the quarterback-rich draft, questions lingered over when the professional football calendar would return to normal, with NFL Commissioner Roger
Goodell maintaining that the upcoming season will move forward as scheduled.“What a unique and special three days,” Goodell said at the conclusion of the seventh round, having swapped a crisp opening night suit for a lockdown-friendly pair of khakis and a T-shirt.“With this draft we set out to celebrate football and provide an escape. We are proud to have shared this experience with a record number of our fans.”Three quarterbacks Heisman Trophy-winning Burrow who went to the Cincinnati Bengals, University of Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon’s Justin Herbert - were among the first six selections for the first time since 1999.The three-day draft was not an easy ride for all of the year’s quarterback talent, however, with Georgia’s Jake Fromm slipping to the fifth
round before eventually being selected by the Buffalo Bills, where he is expected to serve as backup to starter Josh Allen.“Thankful to be a part of #BillsMafia,” the 21year-old wrote on Twitter. “You can count on me staying humble and hungry.” The final day of the draft featured an early, high-profile trade that saw the Washington Redskins seven-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Trent Williams go to the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round pick this year and a third round selection in 2021. But the LSU prospects were the biggest winners, with players ranging from the superstar Burrow to virtual unknown long snapper Blake Ferguson picked up after their undefeated season. “THE BEST THERE EVER WAS,” tweeted newly minted Super Bowl champion safety
Tyrann Mathieu, who played at LSU.Originally intended as a kickoff party of sorts for the Las Vegas Raiders’ inaugural season, the event had been set to feature a flashy firstround presentation near the iconic Bellagio fountains in Sin City.Instead, Goodell opened the proceedings from his basement, opting for virtual hugs and high fives with newly signed players via brief livestreamed interactions. The diminished glamour of the event, however, did nothing to stunt the interest of sports-hungry fans, with a record-breaking average of more than 15.6 million viewers tuning in on Thursday for one of the rare few live sports events left on the calendar in the coronavirus era. Goodell said on Saturday that more than $100 million was raised through the event for COVID-19 relief.
Tough for Murray to win another Slam, says Rusedski LONDON (Reuters) - The extended lockdown of tennis will help Andy Murray’s return from injury but it will be “a big ask” for him to add to his three Grand Slam titles, according to former British number one Greg Rusedski. Murray underwent hip resurfacing surgery at the start of 2019 and resumed playing doubles in June before returning to singles action in August. He did not compete at the U.S. Open but won the title in Antwerp in October — his first on the ATP Tour for two years.Murray, 32, has not played a competitive match this year because of bone bruising near the site of his surgery. With tennis unlikely to return until at least late July because of the coronavirus
pandemic, the Scot has plenty of time to get himself 100 percent fit for when play resumes. Yet Rusedski says it will be tough for twice Wimbledon champion Murray to regain his former place in the so-called big four of men’s tennis alongside Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic. “The good news for him is that he’s had more of a rest at this point,” Rusedski told Sky Sports yesterday. “Hopefully his body comes back, but to challenge week in week out with Nadal, Federer, Djokovic, (Stefanos) Tsitsipas is going to be hard. “Can he win matches. Can he possibly win a Tour event, yes he can do so. But to win Slams, that’s three out of five sets, seven matches, that’s a little bit difficult. It’s possible
Great Britain’s Andy Murray celebrates winning the Wimbledon men’s singles final against Canada’s Milos Raonic with the trophy - 10/7/ 16. (REUTERS/ Andrew Couldridge/File Photo) he can get to a quarter-final, fourth round, but to go all the way with the surgeries he’s had, that’s a big ask. “But I hope he proves me wrong, like he’s done on several occasions.” Former world number one
Murray is now ranked at 129. Next week he will swap his racked for a controller as he plays in the ‘virtual’ Madrid Open, featuring 32 of the world’s best players including Nadal and Dominic Thiem.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul appointed 28th WI captain From page 20 Whitewashed the home team 3-nil as the West Indies endured 12 matches (4 tests & 8 ODIs) without a victory to start 2005.The first test against Pakistan in Barbados was the 43rd at that venue since the first test in the West Indies was played there and marked the final game at Kensington Oval before the entire ground was dug up to prepare for World Cup 2007. It was indeed fitting that the West Indies broke their winless period in test since beating Bangladesh almost a year before with a comprehensive 276 runs victory with a day and a half to spare giving Chanderpaul his first win as West Indies Captain. Between 1935 and 1994 the West Indies had been unbeaten in tests at Kensington Oval but before the 2005 win had lost five consecutive tests at that venue. The win against Pakistan was the 21st at Kensington while seven tests were lost and 15 drawn there. Home boy Fidel Edwards grabbed a five-wicket haul in the first innings with raw pace, while Lara’s brilliant 130 in the first innings and knocks of 93 and 153 not out from Chanderpaul along with a five-wicket haul in the second innings from Gayle sealed the win for the home team, although Shahid Afridi blasted an explosive century for the visitors. Although Pakistan were missing some of their key players including captain Inzaman, the win rejuvenated the West Indies as they headed to Jamaica for the second and final test.
Lara’s century, his first against Pakistan and 29th in tests, made him the only West Indian to score a test century against every test playing nation (Australia, South Africa, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh). His previous highest score against Pakistan (the team he made his debut against) was 93 in his home land of Trinidad and Tobago. In the final test in Jamaica the West Indies were hoping to at least earn a draw to win their first test series since beating Bangladesh a year before. However, an all too familiar batting collapse in the second innings when set 280 to win, West Indies fell for 143 with Lara and Chanderpaul both being removed by leg-spinner Danish Kaneria who also had Sarwan hit wicket for eight to finish with 5-46.Although Lara scored 153 in the first innings (West Indies 404) and Corey Collymore had 7-78 in the Pakistan first innings (374), his second fivewicket haul in tests, the result was yet another indication of the lack of consistency and mental strength in the Caribbean team. Pakistan’s second innings 309 was built around an unbeaten 117 by skipper Inzaman-ul-Haq who was dropped first ball off Collymore by wicket keeper Courtney Browne as his penchant for dropping top opposition batsmen early in their innings only to see them go on to make big scores continued. After another loss in their own back yard, the West Indies had little time to lick their wounds before taking off for the two tests series in Sri Lanka in July 2005.
Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) after throwing what turned out to be the game winning touchdown in the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
Windies focussed on fitness as pandemic rages ROSEAU, Dominica, CMC – West Indies Women have been placing heavy emphasis on personal fitness, even though the novel coronavirus pandemic has ruled out any possibility of on-field action for the foreseeable future. Lead selector Ann Browne-John said each member of the squad had been issued with fitness plans, allowing them to remain in shape in preparation for the resumption of international cricket. “In the interim from a senior team perspective, I’m aware that all the coaches and all the training staff have given the girls work to do that they can be doing at their home even if they’re on lockdown,” Browne-John told DBS Radio here. “We’ve seen videos where so many people are doing work in their home gyms, on their balconies, in their yards so our girls are doing the same, and they have their programmes and we hope when they’re able to come back to camp or when we’re able to start back any series, that they’ll be fit, raring and ready to go. “So I know the coaches are in contact with them constantly and we hope that we all will get through this safely.” West Indies Women were preparing for a hectic schedule before the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis which disrupted the Caribbean and global cricket itinerary. The regional side were scheduled to be involved for their respective territories in the Regional Super50 Cup in Guyana starting last month, before taking on South Africa Women in a five-match OneDay International series from May 30 to June 10 in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. They were also expected
to feature in World Cup qualifiers in Sri Lanka in June and July, in preparation for next year’s 50-overs World Cup in New Zealand. While neither international assignment has been officially cancelled, they are highly unlikely to take place, leaving the Caribbean side devoid of match practice. However, Browne-John said the safety of all players amidst the pandemic remained the priority for administrators.“The coronavirus is affecting all aspects of life in the entire world. This is something that is unprecedented and it is also affecting sports, sportsmen and sportswomen worldwide,” she explained. “As the Caribbean public would be aware, cricket has not been spared so it has badly affected not only men’s cricket but girls cricket, boys, juniors and everybody. “It has come at time when West Indies women had a lot of cricket ahead of us because South Africa was supposed to come … and then we were supposed to have the World Cup qualifiers and before that we had the regional tournament … and the Under-19 girls tournament that was to be held in Trinidad and Tobago.” She continued: “But it has affected everyone and we just have to ensure that the players remain safe, that when this is all finished we have all the players available to return to cricket.” West Indies Women are coming off a poor showing in the T20 World Cup in Australia earlier this year when they failed to reach the semifinals for the first time in six appearances, after winning just one in four matches to finish third in their group.
Monday April 27, 2020
PAGE 21
Kaieteur News
What cricket means to West Indies (Part X1)
Shivnarine Chanderpaul appointed Seven players put on black list 28th WI captain for signing sponsorship contract Chris Gayle scored a triple century.
Daren Bravo scored a classy century.
Shiv Chanderpaul doing his first interview with CMC as new West Indies Captain at Bourda.
At the age of 30 and on his home ground Bourda, Shivnarine Chanderpaul became the 6th Guyanese and fourth player of East Indian decent to be appointed captain of the West Indies cricket team when a depleted regional side without star batsman Brian Lara, Ramnaresh
Sarwan and Chris Gayle took the field to battle South Africa in the 2005 home series. Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharan and Derrick Murray, were the other players of East Indian descent to captain the West Indies in test cricket. The bitter row between
the WICB, the WIPA, the new sponsors Digicel and past sponsors Cable &Wireless left the region’s game in tatters as seven C&W contracted players were deemed ineligible by the WICB due to a contract dispute. Lara was later cleared to play since his signing of his
Powell will command respect as captain, says Heaven KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica Cricket Association chief, Wilford Heaven, believes any decision to appoint West Indies white-ball specialist, Rovman Powell, captain of Jamaica Tallawahs will augur well for the franchise. Heaven, who does not have a leadership role in the franchise, said Powell had matured as a player and a leader and backed him to get the best out of those around him. Speculation is rife that Powell will be named to lead Tallawahs in the upcoming Caribbean Premier League, especially since the recent departure of superstar Chris Gayle to St Lucia Zouks. “I would support Rovman’s appointment because he captained the West Indies for three matches. It is our view that he has the potential and will be a capable player once he settles down,” Heaven told the Gleaner newspaper here. “He will get the respect of all the other players because they are generally in the same age group, and if you notice with the Jamaica team, all of the players are really peers, and in any activity that re-
quires teamwork that is very important.” The 26-year-old Powell led West Indies in three OneDay Internationals on the tour of Bangladesh 17 months ago when regular captain Jason Holder was ruled out of the series through injury. West Indies lost the series 2-1 and Powell has not played an ODI since, due to injury and loss of form. Powell’s appointment is expected to be part of an overall shakeup at the franchise that is expected to see head coach Donovan Miller replaced by former West Indies captain Floyd Reifer, and manager Andrew Richardson also departing. Heaven said the changes were not surprising especially after Tallawahs’ nightmare season last year when they won just two of 10 matches to finish last. “I was not totally surprised by this move by the Tallawahs, and to be honest, I expected changes to be made,” explained Heaven. “I figured that the Tallawahs would have to send a message in order to continue to get support, and so I think this is their way to send a strong message.
Rovman Powell “I believe the management and the owners of the Tallawahs are making a business decision, and they are looking at the fact that last year the Tallawahs placed last.” Gayle’s departure to Zouks came as somewhat of a surprise, however, but Heaven described the move as one designed to “send the right message”. “I think the decision about Chris is a business one, that they could not continue with business as usual in the midst of coming last in the tournament last year,” he argued. “I believe that you have to make changes. Chris is a high-profile player and they (Tallawahs owners) figure that this will send the right message.”
C&W contract was done before the others and with the ‘blessing’ of the WICB. Lara however indicated by letter to the WICB that if the other players were not made eligible he would feel uncomfortable playing. He was not selected for the first test in Guyana. On a ground on which he made his debut 11 years before and where countryman Hooper made his captaincy debut against South Africa in 2001, Chanderpaul joined fellow Guyanese Kanhai and Kallicharran as the players of East Indian descent to lead the side. In 1973, Kanhai had become the first player of East Indian descent to captain the West Indies. After an encouraging start in Guyana when the South Africans, on the back of a dogged last day century from Jacques Kallis, held on for a draw after being asked to follow on, the home team (strengthened by the return of Lara, Gayle, Sarwan and Bravo) were soundly beaten in Trinidad and Barbados in the next two tests despite brilliant centuries (196 & 176) from Lara who became the leading West Indian centurion after his magnificent 196 in front of his home crowd in the second test. On a ‘feather bed’ track in Antigua, the final test ended in a predictable draw as a record eight centuries, including a monumental 317 from Gayle were registered in the first two innings of the match. Gayle, Sarwan, Chanderpaul and Bravo all scored tons for the home team as they pilled-up their third highest test total (747) as batting records tumbled at the
Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) and nick named the Antigua Records Ground by the fans. The Sir Vivian Richards Trophy was handed over to Graeme Smith as the visitors took the 4-test series 2-nil. Gayle’s triple ton in the final test was a meaningless effort in relation to the outcome of the series after he had just managed 12 in his four previous innings. Lara’s centuries were in losing causes, while Chanderpaul’s captaincy came under fire. The final test was a predictable end to a disappointing series for the West Indies and despite the runs scored by the home team batsmen it did little to inspire hopes of a revival in the fortunes of West
Indies Cricket. Pakistan arrived in May 2005 for a two-test series hoping to register their first series win in the Caribbean. In their previous tour to the West Indies in 2000, some decidedly dodgy umpiring on the final day of the last test in Antigua denied the visitors certain victory. With nine wickets down Walsh gloved a ball to short-leg but was given not out by umpire Billy Doctrove. Following the first ever ‘Whitewash’ in the Caribbean (5-nil) in the ODI series against South Africa, Chanderpaul became the first West Indies Skipper to lose eight consecutive ODI matches when Pakistan also (Continued on page 21)
Ramnaresh Sarwan was one of four batsmen to score hundreds as Windies reached 747.
PAGE 22
Expelled from college, 152nd draft choice out for redemption (Reuters) - A player from the defunct XFL who was expelled from university for cheating in an online exam will now have an opportunity to forge out a career in the National Football League (NFL). Kenny Robinson was taken by the Carolina Panthers with the 152nd pick in the draft that wrapped up on Saturday, and while he has no guarantee of ever playing an NFL game, being drafted is a huge step forward. “It just meant the world to prove to everybody who doubted me, left me behind, that I was still working towards my goal to reach my dream,” Robinson said in an interview on the Panthers website. Robinson has acknowledged the cheating incident, in which he got a friend to take an online test for him. The transgression was eventually discovered and got him expelled from West Virginia University. Faced with limited options, Robinson entered the draft for the new XFL, but his career did not last long as the fledgling league, created to provide gridiron junkies with something to watch in spring, shut down after just five weeks, a victim of the coronavirus. Never mind, Robinson’s next step was to explain the details of his university expulsion, in the hope that an NFL team would appreciate his being so candid. “I made a stupid decision, and I don’t have any excuses.
St. Louis Battlehawks safety Kenny Robinson (23) is introduced to the crowd prior to the start of an XFL game against the New York Guardians at The Dome at America’s Center. (Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports) I had the opportunity to do the right thing, and I chose to do the wrong thing. That’s it. I own that,” he wrote, prior to being drafted, in an article for the Players’ Tribune. Robinson said the expulsion had weighed heavily because it had brought about shame in the eyes of his mother, who was in the throes of battling multiple strokes and colon cancer. But it sounds as though the wayward son has finally redeemed himself in his mother’s eyes. “She just couldn’t do nothing but cry,” Robinson said of the draft pick. “It just meant the world to see her so happy. “She’s been going great.
About two weeks into the (coronavirus) quarantined she was finally released from the hospital for the last time. She got to ring the cancer bell. “They said she’s free of cancer and now she’s just recovering from her two strokes and we’re trying to get her back healthy.” At the same time Robinson will be on a mission to earn a place on the Panthers’ roster. He is a safety, a position that typically plays well behind the scrimmage, and as the last line of defense requires strong tackling skills. “I was a professional,” he said. “Coming from XFL, that was my job, to play football all day, every day. All I did was eat, sleep football.”
England cricket captain Knight concerned for women’s sport post-virus AFP - England women’s cricket captain Heather Knight revealed yesterday her “worry” that all women’s sport could get left behind once the coronavirus pandemic ends. Sport around the world has been left in limbo by COVID-19 and now there are concerns that cash-strapped governing bodies, desperate to regain lost income, will prioritise money-spinning men’s events over generally less lucrative women’s fixtures when live action resumes. Asked if she feared women’s cricket might now be less of a concern in the current climate, Knight told Britain’s Press Association: “That’s the worry in women’s sport across the board, not just in cricket. “We’ve obviously got to accept that the most commer-
Monday April 27, 2020
Kaieteur News
cially viable parts of the game will be given priority. “But we’re making sure that the women’s game gets a bigger voice and we’re given the same sort of chance to get back playing as the men are.” Women’s cricket has made huge strides in recent years, with more than 86,000 spectators attending the Melbourne Cricket Ground to see Australia beat India in the Twenty20 World Cup final in March — a match that took place shortly before sport was brought to a standstill by the virus.“I’ve only ever seen it like that for a Test match, that was pretty cool knowing it was for a women’s game,” said Knight. “I just hope it was not just a one-off event and that support continues and the people that came to watch and enjoyed will continue to do so,
not just in Australia but all over the place.” But with the start of the English cricket season put back until July 1, doubts remain over England women’s limited overs matches at home to India, originally scheduled for June. England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Tom Harrison refused to say Friday that if men’s international cricket was given the goahead on health and safety grounds later in the season that women’s matches would be played as well. However, he did say the ECB were working “very closely” with their Indian counterparts to reschedule the series.“We are going to, of course, do everything we can to get women’s cricket on,” Harrison insisted. “It’s no less important than the men’s game.”
Race of Champions round 2 postponed By Calvin Chapman The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) National Race of Champions (NROC) that was scheduled for July this year has been officially called off according to a correspondence from the club to this publication. Head of the club, Rameez Mohamed, speaking to Kaieteur Sport yesterday, noted that, “When Guyana had its first case of the coronavirus, right away I dreaded the virus spreading locally and causing us to go into a lockdown that would have not only affected the motor racing fraternity but almost everyone, which is the current situation.” Up to press time, the total amount of coronavirus cases recorded in the 592 were 73 and Mohamed explained that it would be remiss of the GMR&SC and its executive body to still forge ahead with plans for the July race meet which is three months away with the current situation.
However, he noted that he is anticipating that Guyana and the region will be able to put a stranglehold on Covid19 and eradicate it by November for the International Race meet at South Dakota, Timehri, which would turn out to be one of the biggest November meets in recent years due to the current drought in competition caused by the pandemic. “November is seven months away, I’m hoping not only for the sake of motor racing but for everyone we overcome this virus by then. Lives are being lost and if we don’t get covid-19 under control more will follow and also the economy will take a major hit, so I am urging everyone to follow the guidelines of health authorities”, Mohamed shared.During round one of the NROC in February, Mohamed, who also competes, stole the show after finishing on the podium eight times, inclusive of six
wins and two second place finishes.Mohamed, who debuted in Group four that day, drove away with two wins in the battle of the ‘big engines’ en route to sweeping all three races in the torque packed Starlet Cup. Motilall Deodass, 2019 Starlet Cup champion, led the first race of the class for almost five laps but the Motor Trend Service Center driver’s race was derailed after his championship winning car caught fire during his blistering run. Fortunately, Deodass, escaped without any injuries. Chet Singh was dominant as he swept group two while in the street bikes class, Shem Chattersingh upstaged reigning champion Dowayne Caesar, wheeling away with two wins while Caesar picked up one. In the Superstock, Kevin Persaud was on top with two wins, while Raveiro Tucker, who made a return to South Dakota after a short racing hiatus, won the other race.
“The game is fun in both countries,” says Leonard Harprashad Leonard Harprashad, a veteran softball player and administrator, is always buzzing with excitement whenever he is playing the game. His comparison for both continents, South and North America, brings the same joy in Harprashad. The 54-year-old Harprashad is making a big impression in Florida since his migration several years ago but also declared that when he used to play softball cricket in Guyana, he savoured every moment not only because of the love but also the great level of competitiveness. Apart from his on-field performances, particularly in Guyana, Harprashad was very committed to administering the game too and attributed his commitment and dedication to see the steady growth of softball cricket on the West Coast of Demerara and to a great extent Guyana. “I really enjoyed my softball career in Guyana and now also in North America; I definitely played the game with passion, purpose and heart and that what makes the difference; when I was there the game was about fun and that is why I decided to help with the organization of things so all interested persons can be involved as well,” Harprashad, a dashing right-handed all-rounder, related. He outlined one of the major and biggest softball events in Guyana was the nationwide Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company ten-ten competition which was introduced in 2009 under the auspices of the Guyana Softball League (GSL). “This was the hugest softball tournament I can really recall in Guyana and I was honoured to play a part to make it a reality; it showed the massive love our Guyanese had for softball because over 1,200 teams participated,” Harprashad revealed. In his capacity as Secretary of GSL, Harprashad stated that the League was very
Leonard Harprashad
vibrant and running off a tournament of that magnitude in conjunction with the telephone giant is still unforgettable. He further continued his services beyond the boundary having organized a number of various softball tournaments throughout Guyana. Harprashad disclosed that it was a massive responsibility to get the games cracking especially when teams playing simultaneously. In addition to the ten-ten, Harprashad stated that Mike’s Pharmacy country-wide competition was also memorable in 2005, while he organized other generous companies’ tournaments with the same degree of commitment. Some of those sponsors were: Banks DIH, Trophy Stall, DCMCO and Regal Stationery and Computer Services among others. Residing in a new environment hasn’t stopped Leonard from playing the sunshine game as he scored consistently for Venom Cricket Club in Florida.
PAGE 23
Kaieteur News
Monday April 27, 2020
Hundreds benefit from BCB/RHTYSC, MS Cricket teams Covid-19 Food Hampers
T
he Berbice Cricket Board under the leadership of President Hilbert Foster joined hands with the ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS to assist hundreds of families with food hampers as part of its Covid-19 community outreach project. The BCB President during his swearing in speech in 2018 had pledged that under his leadership, the board would not only become the best on the cricket field but would reach out to touch the less fortunate, elderly and youths. Foster recalled, on Tuesday last, he visited the club office after an absence of three weeks and observed that the clubs telephone service had over one hundred missed phone calls he soon realized that all of them were about
seeking assistance in form of food hampers as most families were unable to provide meals for themselves. After consulting with some senior members of, both the BCB and the RHTYSC, MS the COVID-19 programme was launched with the objective of sharing out at least 500 food hampers at the value of about $3,000 each. West Indies Middle order batsman Shimron Hetmyer was the first contributor to the project while other donors include Mr. Bish Panday of P and P Insurance, Shabeer Baksh of Big ‘B’ Restaurant, former BCB Secretary Mortimer George, USA based CEO of Cricket Zone Ravi Etwaroo along with cricketers Shemaine Campbelle, Sheneta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Clinton Pestano, Tremayne (Contninued on page 19)
Some of the hampers provided by the club.
Some of the hampers on truck about to leave for distribution.
iBET Supreme FIFA 20 League of Champions under way -exciting matches expected The iBet Supreme FIFA 20 ‘League of Champions’ eSports Tournament got underway on Saturday night with two thrilling encounters, one of which included Caribbean Table Tennis Men’s Singles bronze and U-21 Men’s silver- medallist, Shemar Britton. The tournament, which will see over $100,000 up for grabs, will run over two weeks with competitors battling out on the Playstation 4 platform.The opening game saw Marvin Johnson (Liverpool FC) facing Akil Harper (FC Barcelona) and coming out victorious with the score at 3-2. Meanwhile, Britton (FC Barcelona) took on Jonathan Hutson (Manchester City FC) and that match finished at 2-2.The tournament is presently at the Round of 16 stage and will see the participants playing home and away fixtures with the aggregate (away goals rule) deciding the winner. Persons who are interested in looking at the matches can check our F a c e b o o k p a g e : https://www.facebook.com/iBetSupre me/ where we will be streaming all the games.Meanwhile, iBet’s Marketing and Business Development Manager Dustanni Barrow noted; “We had two competitive games, especially the second one and we are looking forward to the games tonight (Sunday night), we had a bit of a difficulty streaming the live videos but we have fixed that and we are at the green light for tonight’s fixtures. Everybody is excited so far and iBet is happy to bring this new form of entertainment during this time, and we continue to encourage people to stay at home and take all the necessary precautions needed to fight the Covid-19.”
Shemar Britton
Winner of the event will pocket $50,000, two pennyweights of gold, a trophy, a case of Monster Energy Drink and a special Church’s Chicken Meal. Meanwhile, the second place finisher will collect $25,000, a case of Monster Energy Drink and a Church’s Chicken meal.On the other hand, the third place finisher will receive $15,000, a case of Monster Energy Drinks as well as Church’s Chicken meal. Sponsors of the event are Banks DIH under their Monster Energy Drink, Church’s Chicken, A&A Gamespot, Smoke Shack and NCN, who are programmed to stream the semifinals, third place and final. iBet League of Champions FIFA 20 eSports Tournament Day 1 Results:
Marvin Johnson
Marvin Johnson: Liverpool 3-2 Akil Harper: FC Barcelona (First Leg) Shemar Britton: FC Barcelona 2 - 2 Jonathan Hutson: Manchester City (First Leg) Day 2 Fixtures (April 26) Match 3: 7:00PM- Tariq Dakhil (Juventus) vs Lorenzo Forde (PSG) Match 4: 7:30PM- Dane Haynes (FC Barcelona) vs Emuwnah Pross (Real Madrid Match 5: 8:00Pm- Vance Validum (Liverpool) vs Travis Hart (FC Barcelona) Match 6: 8:30PM- Carlton Cummings (FC Barcelona) vs Tevin Bremner (Liverpool) Match 7: 9:00PM- Akeem Allicock (FC Barcelona) vs Osase Barclay (Juventus)
Former Guyana youth cricketer Ramnauth delighted with COVID-19 hampers
A
f t e r t h e distribution of seventy Food hampers completed at three villages on the Essequibo Coast during this unprecedented time with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, former Guyana youth cricketer Devon Ramnauth has expressed great delight. Ramnauth, who is currently residing in Canada, stated that he came up with the initiative recently and without hesitation decided to make an impact with the hampers via his Community Outreach.He related that the support for the initiative was overwhelming and is very indebted to all those who would have contributed to make this venture a reality. On the Essequibo Coast, Region Two, no cases were reported but people understandably vigilant and adhering to the restrictions of help curbing the spread of this deadly virus. Ramnauth, a solid righthanded batsman, mentioned that he is expecting other corporate entities and even individuals to take up such initiatives to assist with the basic necessities of life. “I [am] extremely happy to make a contribution towards the society at this time of uncertainty; I am also delighted to have welcomed all those people who have
Devon Ramnauth shown their generosity and I ask others to come forward to help at this time,” Ramnauth who hails from Huist’ Dieren, Essequibo Coast, declared. Ramnauth, a teacher by profession, started his cricketing career on the Coast and made excellent progress with his talent as he went on to represent Guyana at both the Under-15 and 19 levels. Apart from his village that benefited, the two other villages were Middlesex and Pomona along with its Housing Scheme. In addition, Ramnauth also set up a Suicide Prevention Campaign in the Region as well and now with this Community Outreach, he is very zealous and enthusiastic of keeping up both of them. Among some of the donors were, former Guyana youth cricketers as well: Rovendra Mandolall and Fazil Ghani.
Race of Champions t r o round 2 postponed Sp P.22
GMR&SC hoping to pandemic under control by November.
Windies focussed on fitness as pandemic rages P. 20
July’s race of champions meet called off.
England cricket captain Knight concerned for women’s sport post-virus P. 22
West Indies women’ chief selector, Ann Browne-John.
Expelled from 22P. college, 152nd draft choice out for redemption
England captain Heather Knight (right) has worries about the future of women’s sport following the coronavirus outbreak. (AFP / Peter Parks)
Hundreds benefit from BCB/RHTYSC, MS Cricket teams Covid-19 Food Hampers P. 23
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8452, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.