K
AIETEUR Elections 2020 – Day 51... Thursday Edition GECOM meets NEWS this morning to 12p.
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
April 23, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 16
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Price $80
finalise order for recount
Online readership yesterday 180,435
We cannot blindly assume World Bank has our interests over ExxonMobil’s p. 2
- We must do our own vetting - Dr. Jan Mangal
Armed with 9,000 kits, authorities to conduct mobile COVID-19 testing in coming days p. 13
The testing units, made of metal,glass and wood, which will be deployed in the various regions from this weekend.
Coast Guard Captain in custody following GTUC cancels - Search still on Pomeroon boat collision for missing farmer May Day rally p. 11
p. 8
p. Several arrested Essential businesses p. 15 Food and Drug Dept. 3 after Bartica clamps down on COVID-19 gold trading 13p. urged to adapt COVID-19 testing kits, reagents company robbed workplace guidelines
Import applications increase...
IDB urges transparency mechanism for subsidies to vulnerable groups p. 7
Kaieteur News
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Thursday April 23, 2020
We cannot blindly assume World Bank has our interests over ExxonMobil's - We must do our own vetting - Int'l Petroleum Consultant, Dr. Mangal By Kiana Wilburg
E
ven though the World Bank was gracious enough to provide Guyana with a US$20M loan to develop its capacity for the oil sector, it is by no means, any reason for one to “blindly assume” that this financial institution places the interests of the nation over the companies that would be competing for contracts funded via the loan. Making this statement recently was Petroleum Consultant and former Presidential Advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal. His comments were premised on several articles Kaieteur News published in the past few days on the violation of the World Bank's rules on procurement and conflict of interest. In this regard, it was reported that German Human Rights Organization, Urgewald, wrote to the Directors of the World Bank and appealed for an immediate investigation to be done, since two ExxonMobil affiliates won contracts that would allow them to shape crucial
Petroleum Consultant and former Presidential Advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal
Exxon-affiliated Consultant, Dr. Michael Warner
“
I agree with the concern raised in the articles...We cannot blindly assume the World Bank has our interests over those of ExxonMobil, or vice versa. We have to do the vetting and procurement audits ourselves. We have to be cautious of any firm with ties to oil companies. We cannot rule them out, but we have to be extra vigilant.
policies and laws which would be used to regulate ExxonMobil and other oil
”
companies. Upon taking note of this, Dr. Mangal in an invited
TT Local Content Expert and Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul comment said, “I agree with the concern raised in the articles...We cannot blindly assume the World Bank has our interests over those of ExxonMobil, or vice versa. We have to do the vetting and procurement audits ourselves. We have to be cautious of any firm with ties to oil companies. We cannot rule them out, but we have to be extra vigilant.” Further to this, Dr. Mangal said that the fiasco with UK Consultant, Dr. Michael Warner, who was hired to finish Guyana's 2020 Local Content Policy, is enough proof that Guyana needs to be cautious. Kaieteur News would have reported on numerous occasions that Warner is the
same contractor who was hired and paid by ExxonMobil to run the oil giant's Local Content Centre for Development on South Road, Georgetown for several months. Yet, he was given the goahead over Trinidadian Local Content Expert and Energy Strategist, Anthony Paul. In the first two drafts, Paul had prepared on the policy, he ensured there were several provisions in place to give Guyanese the upper hand in the industry. Those provisions were subsequently removed when Warner took over. Commenting on this situation, Dr. Mangal said, “Mr Paul is a Local Content Expert, but Mr Warner was hired instead, and we know the policy produced by Mr Wa r n e r w a s w i d e l y criticized by Guyanese.” He further stated that this leaves one to question whether Paul was replaced by Mr Warner because he was too pro-
Guyana. But that case of ExxonMobil-linked contractors being used to play a critical role in Guyana's budding oil industry is not the first or the s e c o n d . D r. M a n g a l reminded of instances where the Energy Department allowed a UK-based firm, Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants, to review the Field Development Plans (FDPs) of its client, ExxonMobil. Ta k i n g t h i s i n t o consideration, Dr. Mangal insisted that Guyana needs to hire firms which have proven track records of looking out for the interests of countries, as opposed to the interests of oil companies. Even if these firms are hired, he categorically stated that the authorities of the day have to go above and beyond the usual procurement process to ensure these firms will work towards Guyana's interests.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 23, 2020
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Import applications increase…
Food and Drug Dept. clamps down on COVID-19 testing kits, reagents T
he authorities are getting tough on importation of supplies to fight the COVID19 pandemic. In recent days there has been a marked increase in applications for testing strips, among other things. According to the head of the Government AnalystFood and Drug Department (GA-FDD), Dr. Marlan Cole, there are strict requirements for the import of medical devices, particularly in vitro diagnostic (IVDs) test kits and laboratory reagents. “These requirements are in accordance with the laws of Guyana Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03 Part VI Section 32(2), the Food and Drug Regulations- Part VII Section 115(c) and those articulated in the GA-FDD Application Form for a Permit to Import Medical Devices,” the regulator said yesterday. The department said that the importers and distributors are mandated to do a number of things before devices and kits are released for sale or use in the healthcare delivery system: “Importers/Distributors must be registered with the GA-FDD as an importer and obtain a permit to import medical devices (IVDs- Kits and laboratory reagents).” An import license and Customs entry must be submitted to the department for approval and release. According to the regulator, importers and distributors must
The WHO has to date only approved the use of the Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test method for the identification and laboratory confirmation of the COVID-19 diagnosis.
GA-FDD says that it will only allow approved test kits into the country. demonstrate that medical devices are manufactured according to the International Standard Organization (ISO) 13485:2016 Standard. “Importers/Distributors must demonstrate to the department by way of a free sale certificate (FSC) that the medical device (in vitro diagnostic test kits and laboratory reagent) is freely sold and used in the country of origin.” According to GA-FDD, the importer and distributor must also demonstrate to the department that the company or individual is in possession of a manufacturer's or distributor's authorization from the manufacturer or a distributor. Meanwhile, the department is warning that it has observed an increase in applicants and requests for the importation of medical devices (IVDs test kits and laboratory reagents) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The World Health
Organization (WHO), however, has to date only approved the use of the Reverse TranscriptasePolymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test method for the identification and laboratory confirmation of the COVID-19 diagnosis.” The department said it will facilitate the importation of test kits that utilize the RT-PCR method from the eight countries which have been listed by the WHO to produce IVDs test kits and laboratory reagents for the COVID-19 diagnosis. Those countries are Australia, Brazil, Canada, People's Republic of China, Russian Federation, Singapore, Republic of Korea, and the United States of America. “With regards to Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) that are either serological (blood–antibodies) or antigen-based (viral proteins), none has been approved or validated by the
WHO as a result of several challenges associated with sensitivity and specificity.” The GA-FDD said it will only approve the use and facilitate the import of RDTs for COVID-19 diagnosis which have been approved and validated by the WHO or a serious Reference Authority. “The Department is therefore warning consumers, healthcare professionals, public and private health care providers, of a growing number of falsified medical products that claim to prevent, detect, treat or cure COVID-19.” In fact, the department said, the WHO, on 31st March, 2020, issued Medical Product Alert No
3/2020 on this issue. (See full alert. https://www.who.int/newsroom/detail/31-03-2020medical-product-alert-n-32020). “The GA-FDD wishes to also reiterate the need for importers and distributors to follow the respective guidelines and exercise caution to avoid undue
issues or delays and to aid in the fight against this pandemic.” Guyana is currently on a partial lockdown with 67 cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths confirmed so far. Schools, the airports and borders remain closed with a countrywide night-time curfew in place.
Nine City Constabulary ranks promoted - Assistant Superintendent Allison Mickle heads list
N
ine officers from the City Constabulary Department with the Mayor and Councilors of the City of Georgetown were promoted on Monday last. The nine ranks include Assistant Superintendent Allison Mickle , Inspector Myrna Clarke, Sergeant Leslie Alder, Corporal Penny Watkins, Lance Corporal, Shakeel Limburg and officers Orin Yaw, Vanessa Critchlow, Lashanna Saul and Hebroncie Mc Dowell In a statement to the press, the M&CC expressed congratulatory message to the
Moderators: LEONARD GILDARIE & DR. YOG MAHADEO Assistant Superintendent Allison Mickle led the promotion list office. Town Clerk (ag) Sherry Jerrick is said to have urged the newly promoted ranks to (continued on page 15)
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Thursday April 23, 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
Oil – The harsh taste of rock bottom Oil is suddenly bitter, which adds to the ongoing nightmares lived by Guyanese. Whatever cascades were excitedly anticipated and depended upon have all but dissipated for this year. The news is uniformly bad all over, as the haemorrhage continued in early Wednesday futures trading. Guyana, which has rested so much of its hopes, now flinches from the near pneumonia chills unleashed. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, Brent crude futures for June delivery stood at US$11.43 a contract, as the freefall continued. The encouraging news is that pricing on this leading benchmark is still in positive territory. It is said that a drowning man gulps for any air he can get. Guyanese are doing just that, because whenever those oil futures engage in what Goldman Sachs described as “exceptionally high” price volatility for the short term, there is sucking for air here, any drop of air. It is at this hour, like none other before, that inspiring and unified Guyanese political leadership is most called for, most needed. And yet, most dispiritingly, all we have is the ferocious clashing, and the immovable positions that serve nothing on a national scale. Those are only of narrow, selfserving leadership interests and, by extension, those of identically committed fanatical groups. Goldman Sachs threw a bucket of freezing water on those political self-interests, when its most informative note spoke of “violent rebalancing”, as if Guyanese with their raft of homegrown troubles need any more warnings of more agonies. The chorus of bad news messengers is near unanimous, with a still more cruel twist to remind us in our little lost world over here of how disconnected we are as a people, from the harsh realities that torment the real world. For there was the Global Head of Energy at prestigious KPMG extending the fears of long-term price declines by being bearish (mainly negative price outlook) not only throughout this punishing year, but into 2021. Locals are already in severe pain, with many lacking hope over personal and national prospects on many fronts. Thus, even to mention the far distance of 2021 weighs us down further. The reality is that demand for oil and goods is in the wilderness: planes are not flying, drivers are not driving other than for the mandatory, which depletes demand for gasoline, even when it is below US$1.00 a gallon in some places. Unsurprisingly, coronavirus heat is incinerating everything in its path, with production and demand hurtling off a cliff, and lots of inventory stockpiled. According to Bib McNally, president of consulting firm, Rapidian Energy, “demand is contracting two or three times as fast as supply” (Wall Street Journal, April 21). In a report cum analysis done by Neil Irwin in the New York Times edition of April 21st, the conclusion is that we are experiencing a “deflationary moment.” In an effort to provide more clarity, we expand: “the Covid-19 crisis is an extraordinary deflationary shock to the economy, causing the idling of a vast share of the world’s productive resources.” If there is “idling” of those resources, then not many are operating anywhere near to capacity, not many are working, not many have what is required to buy basics, not many are in a position to pay taxes, in the circular, cascading effects that bring down and hurl still further down. In this environment, producers have not slowed output as rapidly and intensely as the shifting futures markets were signaling and delivering. Now they have no choice, since they have nowhere to send the oil, nowhere to store it, and nobody standing by ready to buy most of it. All of this has darkly coloured the various revenue calculations that Guyana had in mind.The big questions on all minds are: how long will this linger? How long before demand rebounds so that inventories are cleared, and production could return to some state of normalcy? And since government tied so much to tens of millions of US dollars flowing to here, that oil slick suddenly is most treacherous. Our hubris has made us overestimate, overreach, and over-depend. The pain of the bottom is sure to be harsh, very harsh for suffering citizens, whose hopes just went up in smoke.
Oil Market Collapse has serious implications for Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to your editorial on the effects of the pandemic on oil revenues (Apr. 22). Anyone who studies economics would know when there is a glut of a product in the market economy, prices would inevitably fall. There has been a growing surplus of oil and its derivatives in the market since January when the Chinese economy began shuttering. So prices of crude have been falling since January. No one had foreseen a glut in oil in recent months. And no one expected price to plummet to below zero dollars as it did on Monday. This has serious implications for Guyana – will be selling oil at a loss and will be indebted for decades to come.The caretaker Finance Minister is reported to have stated that Guyana would be lucky to receive around US $60 for its next three oil lifts. He is right. But your editorial is more apt – lucky if Guyana would get anything. Guyana may get something around $30M because oil price is not expected to shoot up quickly during this year – less than $10 for next lift in June, around $10 for September and over $10 for December – for an average of $10 – if we are lucky. Guyana’s oil lift is reportedly one million barrels every three months. Its first lift was sold in January for $55M. Its second lift (not confirmed) in March/April was sold for around $10M. I read that oil was trading at negative dollars (as low as minus US$40) when only in early January it was trading at almost $60 per barrel. Will Guyana or Exxon receive
negative dollars for its crude? What does negative dollars mean for sellers? There was a massive fall in oil prices in the futures market – meaning oil to be delivered in the future. There is a slump in usage of the derivatives of oil – gasoline, kerosene or aviation fuel, diesel, grease, etc. Not much fuel is being used because of lockdown in almost every country. So there are surplus oil products everywhere. And oil storage facilities have been filled almost everywhere to near capacity; few storage facilities have been vacant to store oil. Since oil can’t be dumped (like milk as is happening in USA) because of environmental impact, sellers are practically paying buyers to take or hold the oil. This is unprecedented in the history of oil production.Producers are not getting buyers and they need to get rid of their produce. So they offer the oil for free or even pay buyers (negative $) to get it off their tankers as they continue pumping oil from the wells. (It is not reported that Exxon is paying buyers to accept crude). If production is stopped, it is very costly to restart operations. So producers prefer to take a hit now to recover losses later (Exxon and other American companies are being compensated by government to retain workers on payroll – one would need to look at this in terms of billing costs to Guyana). In Guyana’s case, if production cost is $31 a barrel, it would take a long time for Guyana or Exxon to break even – another couple years.
I cried for my country DEAR EDITOR, I cried for my country when I read the news that people are threatening the life of Justice Claudette Singh who is the Chairperson of GECOM.How can men heart be so cruel to want to threaten the lives of others because you do not agree with them or do not like what they do? I am sad my fellow country men and women continue to believe their verbal abusive behaviour is ok. It is even more saddening that this has moved from hurling racial slurs to thinking they are God to want to take someone’s life or put a price on the life of another. (How shameful and lawless this is).In these moments of sadness with how races are going at each other’s throat, party supporters are fighting, Justice Singh’s words that she is not fearful make me feel all is not lost. It is nice to know they are still people in position who will not allow a threat to stop them from doing what is right.
Those who don’t want a recount and think insulting Justice Singh, threatening her or calling her false names, I say “shame on you.” Only cowards and bullies behave the way you do.Editor, I add my voice in condemnation of the threat on Justice Singh’s life. I add my voice to let the bullies, the cowards and the intolerant know they are many like Justice Singh who are not afraid of them. To those people, I know me speaking out will not still your voice, will not make you put away your pen, will not stop you tapping poisonous words from your keyboards, will not stop you printing ugly things, or as my mother would say “ if you have nothing nice to say be quiet.” You will continue with the crass behaviour until enough voices are raised in condemnation, enough persons unfriend you or withdraw supporting you. Yours Sincerely, B. Beniprashad Rayman
(There is need for an audit of the exact cost per barrel as some specialists I spoke with say, it is around $20). But Guyana simply can’t afford to sell oil at losses. Some economists feel it is better to close operations and restart when oil recovery costs is higher than the market price. Environmentalists are also calling to cap the wells. It is noted that even though sellers may be offering buyers $ to accept their crude, the buyers may at some point refuse as they reach storage capacity and the producers themselves may be running out of storage facility. What next? Shut down operations! I don’t think producers will reach that stage. They may reduce output in order to reduce losses.
But if economies remain closed for another month, producers will have to cap wells or discontinue production. Or worse case, Guyana may have to pay buyers (not likely) to get rid of its oil lift (sweet crude which is in demand) expected in June. If Guyana has to pay buyers to accept the oil, the country will remain in almost permanent bankruptcy or insolvency. Demand may not increase substantially until September, the earliest when economies may begin to return to normal. By then, it is unlikely there will be demand for oil price to climb to $30, the break even price. Guyana will remain at the mercy of buyers or those who are bidding to sell its oil. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
Cost for Mr. Orange DEAR EDITOR, Yesterday I visited Stabroek Market(big market)in Georgetown to purchase food items. Based on my financial situation, like many Guyanese, I cannot shop at large supermarkets and as such have to shop at the municipal markets where food items are marginally cheaper. It was mandatory to wash my hands with water and a cake of soap that was being used by everyone venturing into the market. Now I know you may be disgusted by the use of one cake of soap by hundreds of person at the gate of the market, however, even more alarming is that after entering the very crowded market there was very little social distancing being practiced between vendors and shoppers. The market administration should provide liquid hand soap and also rotate
the number of vendors operating, whilst limiting the number of shoppers allowed to enter at any one time. On my way out of the cramped greens section located a stones throw away from the fish section my eyes landed on a basket of oranges, I asked the Vendor “how the oranges going?”, he smirked and said “that is Mr. Orange?”, not indicating the price. I pressed for the price again and the vendor responded “2 for $500”. Shocked by the response and ashamed that I couldn’t afford oranges at that price, I didn’t even responded but bent my head and headed out of the market. At this time of global crisis I call upon all to be kind to each other and not seek to profit from the situation and exploit the vulnerable. Marcus Perry
US ECONOMY DEAR EDITOR, J.P. Morgan predicts that the United states GDP will shrink by 25% in the second quarter. Goldman Sachs estimate a 34% contraction and Evercore ISI predicts a 50% decline. I expect that the US will have negative growth for 3 years and less than 2% growth for at least a decade. What the US Federal Reserve is doing with quantitative easing, low interest rate and the Federal Reserve buying up bonds is what the Bank of Japan did in the 1990s and has continued indefinitely. After the Asset Bubble burst in 1991and early 1992, in Japan, the ratio of public bond to GDP increase from 42% in 1990 to 191% in 2018. For the period of 1995 to 2007, Japan”s GDP fell from US$5.33 trillion to US$4.36 trillion in nominal terms, real wages fell around 5%, while the country experienced a
stagnant price level. Japan continues to struggle with its consequences. There will be some differences with the United States economy because the US dollar is the world reserve currency. Japan economy is based on production while US economy is based on consumption (70%). Japan is the largest creditor nation (the largest external assets) but US is the largest debtor nation. This is a likely occurrence and Guyana and the Caribbean should have a contingency plan. The future is uncertain but what is certain is you cannot have unlimited quantitative easing, zero interest rate, unlimited buying of bonds without serious negative consequences. This is what the US Federal Reserve is doing. Yours truly, Brian E. Plummer
Thursday April 23, 2020
I share the view that the recount can be done in less than two weeks DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese are becoming increasingly tired and impatient over the prolonged delay by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to have a final declaration of the results of the March 2 General and Regional Elections. The most recent statement by the Chairman of GECOM that the body is now awaiting a response from the Caricom Secretariat before a date for the recount can be announced appeared as yet another ploy to further delay the recounting process. It is unfortunate that Caricom is now being used as the ‘scapegoat’ to delay the recount given the firm and unequivocal stance it has taken on the issue of free, treansparent and credible elections. It is indeed a sad reflection on the state of democracy in Guyana. We are the only country in the region with so many foreign observers to watch over our
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elections inclusive of Caricom which intervened on two separate ocassions in our elections since the return of democracy in 1992. Interestingly, Trinidad and Tobago which has a similar ethnographic make-up have managed to hold elections which were generally accepted as free and fair by the contesting parties. The relevant question is why are we singled out as the ‘black sheep’ in the region when it comes to democratic elections. The simple answer is that there is a reluctance by the PNC to play by the rules of the electoral contest unless the results of the elections are in its favour. This approach by the PNC has tarnished the reputation of Guyana as a democratic state which could have far-reaching consequences for the country and its people. We already have to contend with the debilitating effects of Covid-19 and falling
oil prices. The economic outlook appears dismal. The dreaded ‘resource curse’ seems to descend on us much earlier than anticipated. The only way out of our current gloomy situation is to have a duly-elected government in place within the shortest possible time based on free, fair and credible elections. Such a government will enjoy the support and confidence of the international community which is necessary for investors’ confidence and our fledgling tourism sector. I join with the several others in the call for the recount to be done without any further delay and for a duly elected President and Cabinet to be sworn in within a matter of days. I share the view advanced by the political opposition that the recount can be done in less than two weeks taking everything into consideration including Covid-19. Hydar Ally
Guyana’s 2020 General Elections DEAR EDITOR, Until now my country of birth has been well known throughout the world for several reasons among which are the magnificent Kaieteur Falls, a natural wonder, and the Jonestown Massacre, an imported tragedy. All Guyanese can speak with pride about the mighty Kaieteur Falls and perhaps with some embarrassment about the Jonestown Massacre. Neither of these came about by any ac-
tions of the country or of the Guyanese people. Unfortunately we have now become the laughing stock and a topic of derision for the entire world because of the duplicity and blatant corruption of the electoral processes by the incumbent Coalition Governing Party, the APNU/AFC. How much longer will this Circus continue? Time to get rid of this kakistocracy. Vernon Watts, Toronto, Ontario.
PNC SHOULD THROW IN THE TOWEL; PPP WILL NOT LAST LONG DEAR EDITOR, The PNC-led coalition is reluctant to accept defeat in the March 2 elections fearing it would be shut out of power for a long time. But PNC has nothing to fear from PPP’s longevity. PPP will not last long. The PNC historically has brought PPP to its knees going back to late 1950s. Our people control the security sectors and the bureaucracy. In addition, our people control the capital city, the seat of economic and political power. Our party has the capacity to bring down PPP government anytime as we did so many times. Prolonging this outcome is damaging the interests of our party and would make it difficult to rebuild and regain the government. In addition, it is my belief that a PPP government under Irfaan Ali’s Presidency won’t last long. It is just a matter of time before PPP’s ambitious and more qualified politicians move against him. Our obstinacy in accepting
defeat has led to PPP forces uniting against Mr. Granger and the coalition. Irfaan’s Presidency will collapse quickly once we concede defeat. PPP barely won the elections with 33 seats against 31 for the PNC-led coalition and one for the combined list of small parties. After a few months of Irfaan’s governance, by November, a no-confidence motion is likely to pass bringing an end to that government and new elections. The PNC led coalition is likely to return by January. It is in our party’s interest to accept the electoral outcome, throw in the towel, concede defeat, start the rebuilding effort of PNC. PPP will buckle quickly! I appeal to the supporters of the coalition to urge our President Mr. Granger, and party leadership to accept defeat. Prolonging the inevitable will only hurt our interests. Yours truly Bro Joshua Emmanuel
We need not get excited about oil and gas as it is merely a premium DEAR EDITOR, The Finance Minister recently posited in a press statement that the country’s resource is “slender”. Editor, may I point out that, with the greatest of respect, it is under the subject Minister’s stewardship unfortunately, over the last five years, inter alia, the economic policies administered therefrom that have been woefully responsible for this “slenderness” of the country’s resource. The Minister went on to state that Guyana will be lucky if it gets anything around US$60 million for the next three oil lifts and that “if the Government was able to access half of that for the COVID-19 fight it would certainly go a far way in assisting small businesses in particular and the vulnerable in society.” Now, let’s contextualize the learned Minister’s statement to the nation: US$60 million is equivalent to approximately GY$13 billion, therefore, half of this amount is GY$6.5 billion. Let us examine now, where the state’s resources stand in 2020 and where it stood in 2015 – that is, what the Minister inherited. In 2015 the Government’s total deposit in the Central Bank stood at a surplus of $15.3 billion, total public sector deposits in the commercial banks stood at $68.2 billion giving rise to total Government deposit $84 billion surplus in the banking system. The Bank of Guyana International Reserves stood at US$595 million which represented almost five months’ worth of import cover in reserves; at the end of 2014 total public debt stood at $330 billion which includes external debt; and the overdraft on the Consolidated Fund (CF) at the end of 2014 stood at $77 billion. As at February 2020 the Government’s deposit accounts at the Central Bank
stood at a whopping $82.4 billion as a negative/deficit balance from a surplus of $15 billion in 2015. While bearing in mind that these deposit accounts over the last two decades had always recorded surplus balances as high as $60 plus billion at one point. The public sector total deposits in the commercial banks stood at$55.4 billion which would give rise – when taken together with the balance at the central bank to a deficit of $26.5 billion or US$127 million, compared to a surplus position in 2015 of $84 billion or US$403 million. The international reserves as at the end of February 2020 stood at US$548 million which is equivalent to less than 2.5 months’ worth of import cover – thus an indicator of a weaker position from almost 5 months equivalent in 2015. Total public debt stood at $354 billion by the end of 2018 representing an increase of $24 billion from 2014, while the balance on the CF as of 2017 (the most recent publicly available data) stood at $137 billion deficit from a position of $77 billion in 2014 representing an increase of its deficit/overdrawn position by $60 billion. Editor, it is important to note that these huge deficit balances drawn on the central bank are in effect the creation of debt which ought to be repaid. These Central Bank balances should not be used as perpetual financing for Government’s spending. Editor, to understand the gravity of excessive spending of public finances by the Government within this last five years period – total expenditure amounted to $1.2 trillion which is currently over $1.5 trillion compared to total expenditure of $2 trillion spent by the previous administration over a period of 23 years. In other words, the previous Administration expended
less than $500 billion within a five years period while the current Administration expended more than twice the amount to reach almost close to $2 trillion in five years if these trends of excessive, unapproved spending continue such as the $1 billion Ocean View project. In the final analysis, it is noteworthy to mention that Guyana never produced oil before and does not need oil to transform its economy. As is evidenced in the analysis herein, the economy had a much stronger macroeconomic framework pre-2015 and without oil. The flawed policies over the last five years weakened major productive sectors resulting in a loss of close to US$2 billion in foreign exchange from other major sectors. Ironically, today oil price is well below US$10 and the price for sugar is gaining momentum on the global markets. I have written extensively over the last two years through published articles, that sugar is viable in the long term apart from its many biproducts and options of diversification of its revenue streams. These were well documented in the Commission of Inquiry as well. I have also pointed out on many occasions in my academic articles that the Administration is committing a huge error since 2015 by neglecting the productive sectors with its sole focus and excitement with oil and gas. Oil will not last forever: in my work over the last two years I contended that the industry would not last more than 20 years. Therefore, we need not get excited about oil and gas as it is merely a premium, nothing else. Yours faithfully, JC Bhagwandin, MSc., Exec Ed. MBA Lecturer & Consultant – JB Consultancy & Associates
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NOT LONG NOW, JUST LET IT BE DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the headline “Not longer now -GECOM chair says of recount” in another newspaper on April 21. It had better be, as this cannot continue to stretch out interminably. I simply say: let it be. Let this be the final count, this recount, that leads wherever it does. And I say, too, let the chips fall where they may. The chairwoman of GECOM has been thunderous in her silence, conspicuous by her extended absences. This has fuelled the unending suspicions of many Guyanese, where the worst maligning, the most scandalous of conclusions are rushed towards with the glee of: gotcha again! Gotcha again and again! From my watching of the storms that lashed here since March 3rd, I do not think that anybody, not a single Guyanese of caliber and proven character, has gotten her with anything. Nothing at all, which even the newspaper was compelled to acknowledge and so attest in a note reminding a letter contributor that the besieged chairwoman has followed and not breached in any way what was handed down by the Court of Appeal. On this one, I agree completely with the newspaper. Now the chair has stood before the media, the Guyanese public (alternately fascinated, or mystified, or furious, or supportive), and the listening cohort of foreigners and essentially committed to “not longer now” regarding a recount. And though I have no standing, I
Thursday April 23, 2020
Kaieteur News
say: it had better be. Because this country cannot absorb or afford much more of this any longer. As to this whole tawdry business of elections, I do not give a damn anymore, and it has been that way for a while now. To repeat my position from before: let the recount take to wherever it does, and then let us take it from there, wherever it leads. Whenever it finalizes, which must be soon. President David Granger is himself on record as saying repeatedly that he has no authority over either the courts or the activities of GECOM. I have given him the benefit of the doubt. This has been to my detriment. I can live with that, despite many believing that I have extended the courtesy-indeed, the defense-of too much benefit over too much that was doubtful. I stand my ground, as there is still not much to regret. That is, save for the fiasco involving the now disappeared returning officer for Region Four, as well as the move to the court by a supporter, with which I disagree, especially when word was given to Caricom about proceeding. I move on. President Granger has also said that he awaits the developments and dispositions from GECOM, as delivered by the hand of and in the words of the chairwoman. Again, I think that the president is due the benefit of the doubt that-when the time comes, which is near-he manifests allegiance to his public pronouncements given, and which are now expected to be
fulfilled and honoured to the letter. I say this: let this sorry and sometimes sordid episode in our history unravel and unfold to wherever it has to lead now. There are not many more strings, be they in length or in knots or in curls that can continue either to delay or disappoint or deny ultimately what is the true state of affairs relative to this memorable, I would say forgettable, Elections 2020. Editor, I confess readily to not being the wisest mind around; I am rather far from any such attribute. But by the same token, I am just as far, if not farther, from being the slowest or dumbest around these dark and dense parts. It is why I assert, therefore, that there can be no continuation (“not much longer”) of what has plagued here since early March. It just cannot be, as we have run out of road either to maneuver, or to reverse course, or to go further downhill, or to go anywhere for that matter. For the last, but one, time, I say these three little words: let it be. Just let it be, and take us out of our agonies, our global shame, and our humiliations. To those, I must add, our wretchedness and nakedness laid bare before so many. I have had enough. I commit here and now that, other than for a quick passing reference, I would make no in-depth mention of Elections 2020. I intend to hold myself to this one. Let the recount begin. Let the roads lead wherever they may. Just let it be. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Days versus people and locations DEAR EDITOR, There has been a lot said about the number of stations to complete the recount. More than one location will allow for ensuring a swifter recount while also keeping in place the precautions necessary for the Coronavirus. A balance must be obtained when weighing the risk of the total number of days of bringing people together from various communities versus quick work in multiple locations. The team involved should consider the risk of transmission from extended potential exposure due to the number of days for the recount. It only takes one infected person to
cause the virus to spread to multiple communities and the more those involved are travelling back and forth to conduct the recount, the more opportunity there is for exposure to the virus. A shorter time frame should be considered to reduce the risk. Multiple locations would help to get the work done in a timely manner. Starting with the end in mind as it pertains to the desired timeframe to complete the work would help tremendously to settle the debate. Is it a week or two weeks? The bar association has given some guidance and the Attorney General has clarified what is acceptable via a
legal precedent. It’s time to set an end date and plan accordingly. Reminds me of the great work done on election night at the polling stations. That was an election process that made everyone proud. GECOM has already shown us that they are capable of getting this done in a timely manner. No need for unnecessary risk taking. Please set a date for the recount to end, plan accordingly and work towards getting the recount completed by that date. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
We cannot allow another dictatorship to take root in this country DEAR EDITOR, It is rather unfortunate that the same group of APNU/ AFC who benefitted from the imposition of the U.S - State Department through the US Embassy in Georgetown is now so critical about foreign involvement in reestablishing democracy in Guyana. It was quite normal and okay when Mr. Brian Hunt Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy, Georgetown openly assisted the transition of power to the current government. Mr. Hunt was busy climbing the steps of Freedom House to get Mr. Donald Ramotar to concede defeat which eventually happened after a few days of the May 11, 2015 elections. In 2016, my brother’s friend met Mr. Brian Hunt
while on an official business trip in Africa. He questioned Mr. Hunt about his policy in relation to issuing visitor’s visa to East Indians just before the 2015 elections when the only criteria for a visa’s approval was to be of “East Indian Heritage”. The Chargé did not answer the question, but his loud laughter spoke a million words. That was not interference by foreign forces!An official’s constant visit to D.C from 2012 to 2014 to give false information on the previous government wasn’t foreign intervention? The “Vote like a Boss” campaign programme initiated by the U.S was not foreign intervention? The constant reports that came out from D.C about the PPP/ C was not foreign interference? I can vividly recall the hero’s welcome Mr. Brian Hunt received by the same APNU/AFC people when he attended the Parliament of Guyana to witness the
swearing in of President Granger, and who are now very abusive towards Ambassador - Carol Ann Lynch. American political journalist Michael Cowan says that political hypocrisy is “the conscious use of a mask to fool the public and gain political benefits” that is exactly what we are seeing from the APNU/AFC government. Ambassador Lynch, who I admire greatly is very skillful in her utterances, her public relations skills are unmatched. On every occasion she chooses the right words to say that can move mountains. Ambassador Lynch field of study is public relations so she is utterly careful with every word she says in this volatile situation. I urge her to continue her excellent work for we cannot allow another dictatorship to take root in this country. Respectfully, Hana Mohamed
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 23, 2020
PAGE 07
Woman who escaped CIOG donates N95 masks to GPHC roadblock, leaving husband behind with ganja stash arrested
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food vendor who drove off with her kids and left her husband behind during a ganja bust at the Berbice River Bridge checkpoint was arrested on Tuesday at her home at Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, Berbice. Kaieteur News was informed that the woman is presently being held at the Central Police Station for questioning. In addition, police sources have indicated that a file which was prepared for her husband to be charged has not been filed as yet. The couple and two of their children were en route to the Berbice Bridge when they were stopped at the checkpoint by police ranks. The man was driving the silver-coloured Toyota Vitz
when they were busted with cannabis at the checkpoint. A search had been conducted - as is routinely done - for ammunition and narcotics, in the presence of the couple, when a "salt bag" was discovered covered with a multi-coloured cloth in the back passenger seat (left side). A rank then opened the bag in their presence and found seven bulky parcels wrapped with transparent plastic containing portions of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. Upon this discovery, the woman then ran and jumped into the car and drove away with her children while the man was placed under arrest. The parcels were then weighed in his presence and it amounted to 9 kg.
Dr. Shazeema Shaw of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday accepted a donation of 250 N95 masks from the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG). In photo also are Shameena Haniff-Najab, General Manager and Sheikh Moeenul Hack, Director of Education, at the CIOG.
IDB urges transparency mechanism for subsidies to vulnerable groups
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s the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to have ripple effects on the economies of many nations, it is expected that governments such as Guyana would consider some form of subsidy to vulnerable groups, since they would lose their income while under lockdown. But while this may be a good initiative, the bank, based on its past experience, believes that it is key for these subsidy programmes to be designed as temporary, with separate accounts from other structural transfer programmes. It also stressed that these programmes must include sunset clauses, while noting that transparency in the administration of this policy is essential. It further noted that if the shoulders of the government are big enough during this trying time, other possible measures could include tax relief policies for regions, people, and firms more fiercely struck by the shock. It also noted that the deferral of labour taxes and social security contributions should also be considered. In all the foregoing cases, the financial institution said it is key that these measures
be implemented as deferrals rather than permanent subsidies, so as not to jeopardize fiscal sustainability. Furthermore, the IDB was keen to note that making policies as sustainable as p o s s i b l e i s k e y, i f governments want to have a strong recovery once the coronavirus crisis is over. The bank said that the more sustainable they emerge, the better their chances are of obtaining financing for growth later on. In addition to this, the banks said that if governments have enough fiscal space, they should help sustain proper functioning of credit markets. In this regard, the bank noted that several firms are finding it difficult to refinance even short-term loans, as such; there is a risk of massive layoffs if liquidity issues turn into solvency issues for otherwise sound firms. The IDB said that governments can step in
either directly through bond purchase programmes or indirectly by backing asset purchase programmes implemented by central banks. It said, too, that governments can als o provide working capital through loans or partial financing of wages to prevent massive layoffs. Thus far, the bank said it has taken note of the fact that several countries in the Latin America and Caribbean region have taken certain measures such as transfers to households, credit lines to firms, salary compensation to workers whose firms have seen declines in revenue, and reductions or deferrals of labour taxes and other social security contributions. Time will tell whether these measures will have worked as liquidity support—with a lower burden on sustainability—or as subsidies—with substantially more pressure on already strained fiscal accounts, the IDB said.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 08
Thursday April 23, 2020
Guyanese students in Cuba request to return home Impact of COVID-19…
- Govt. reaffirms commitment to providing support
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e d i c a l students and doctors on scholarships currently studying in Cuba are making a desperate call to the authorities in Guyana to return home. Kaieteur News was informed yesterday by a few of the affected individuals, who asked to have their names withheld, that the situation in Cuba is rapidly deteriorating, since basic necessities and food items are not available. In light of their difficult plight, many have indicated their desire to return home, while a few are unsure. Classes have since been halted until further notice
amid the Coronavirus outbreak, currently wreaking havoc worldwide. The plea comes even as the Department of Public Service (DPS) reaffirmed its commitment to support Guyanese scholars studying overseas. In a statement, the Department noted that it is in receipt of a communiqué which proves that the request to return home only represents a faction of the students in Cuba. “The Department would like to make it clear to all that the statement does not accurately describe the sentiments of a majority of the students who are currently in Cuba.
In addition, we wish to put the following on record – We have been and remain in constant contact with our Student Affairs Officer in Cuba and in all other countries where our students are currently on scholarship and are aware of the situations as they exist,” the DPS added in the statement. The DPS said it is therefore of the view that some mischief is afoot to give the impression that the Government of Guyana is disinterested in the wellbeing of students studying abroad. “Since this crisis began, we have thus far ensured that our students in China received the necessary items
they requested, we have increased hardship allowances to our Government of Guyana fully funded scholars, so as to ensure that they are able to get the essential items needed to keep them healthy and take all hygienic precautions during this time.” F u r t h e r, t h e D P S explained that when the COVID-19 disease started in China, the government decided on and maintained a certain line of action despite disagreements from many, but to date, the students who remained are pleased that they did not leave as China is opening up and school will recommence shortly. “Those who chose to return home, against the advice of the Department of Public Service, are not sure how or when they will be able to get back to China, because most of the airports around the world are closed and may remain closed for an indefinite period,” the statement added.
As it relates to Cuba, the Department said some students have indicated that they are on their final rotation and do not wish to c o m e h o m e n o w, b u t welcome the assistance of hampers from the government. Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that the request by students in Cuba was denied through the National COVID-19 Task Force. The letter written to government by the students describes Cuba's situation as rapidly deteriorating due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter stated that, “Cuba has recently been plunged into even more difficulties following the exacerbation and intensification of the embargo placed by the USA, resulting in the shortage of basic necessities such as toilet paper and food supplies”. The letter detailed too that while classes have been suspended "sixth year medic
students and doctors are still being encouraged to continue working as an assistance to the work force in many provinces". However, many are not provided with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while executing their duties. Added to that, they are forced to use lavatory services that are in deplorable conditions and have been "fetching water" to have baths. They have since decided not to continue working. According to one of the medical students, "right now hygiene products, soap, Colgate, toilet paper are nowhere to be found, along with food too". In the communiqué, one student disclosed too that "...there is no word on when classes will resume here, and I don't want to be in Guyana when or if that happens, it will mean losing out a whole year, but then again, I don't want to be here if the situation gets worse...”
GTUC cancels May Day rally
The GTUC has cancelled the annual May Day Rally due to COVID-19 considerations
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s w o r r y continues to grow over COVID-19, and with restrictions of movements firmly in place, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has cancelled its Annual May Day March and Rally. The event is customarily held on May 1st. “This year it would have been held next Friday.
Government's guidelines and safety concerns about public gathering surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID19) would negate the sort of march and rally usually held to commemorate this historic event,” the GTUC said. T h e u n i o n b o d y, however, said it will kick off the Labour Week (26th April to 1st May) with the traditional wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of
Hubert National Critchlow, in the Parliament Buildings compound, Brickdam, on Sunday 26th April at 4:30 p.m. “ Tw o p e r s o n s , t h e General Secretary and President, will participate in the event and a message will be delivered. This year's theme is “Economic, Political and Social Transformation Post COVID-19.”
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 23, 2020
PAGE 09
Guyana has no need for the World Bank
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he World Bankfunded Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project has hit a serious roadblock. Allegations have been made about possible conflicts of interest in some of the main sub-components of the project. An international nongovernmental organization and an international lawyer have written to the World Bank. They have expressed concerns about the possible conflicts of interest. The World Bank is expected to launch an investigation, in keeping with their operating procedures. There is no way that the World Bank will sweep this matter under the carpet. There will be an investigation, and action will be taken which can affect the future of this project. The project document of the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project list four components – updating the legal and regulatory framework; helping to establish the institutions to manage the sector (capacitybuilding); improving how Guyana manages its oil revenues and; supporting project management.
The project document identifies the Department of Energy as the key implementation agency. It is the agency that will be expected to ensure that the objectives of the programme are achieved. The programme is off to a bad start. Already problems seem to have arisen with respect to sub-components of the component relating to the updating of the legal and regulatory framework. That sub-component includes developing local content legislation which has already been the subject to controversy. Guyana has had these types of projects over the past thirty years. They are essentially capacitybuilding and institutionalbuilding projects. These projects have an extended implementation period, and by the time they are completed, there is usually a need for a successor programme. This is how the international financial institutions are able to perpetuate themselves – by constantly finding a need to lend to poor countries. More than half of the sums lent will go back into the hands of consultants hired by the lending agency. These consultants will come,
prepare a report, and collect their consultant's fees. The report will contain recommendations to be implemented. One report will usually require another report which will drag out the project. Capacity-building and institutional-building programmes perpetuate a consultant mentality. Once you can write a report, you can label yourself a consultant. A l r e a d y, a P r o j e c t Implementation Unit is said to have been established within the Department of Energy to undertake the implementation of the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project. There are dozens of persons working within the government receiving consultant-level salaries, but not producing consultantquality work. There are quite a few of them working in the environmental sector. Ye t , G u y a n a h a d t o outsource its Green State Development Strategy. To think that the public bureaucracy, top-heavy with persons earning consultantlevel salaries, could have not produced this document is incomprehensible. But it is part of the consultant
Dem boys seh...
World Bank playing 3-card trick pun Guyana
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orld Bank tek we fuh a packoo and decide fuh buss we back and put salt. Dem boys seh fuh years Guyana was trying to get in with de world bank to get one and two loans but we never get past the security gate much less to the teller. But no sooner the Bank hear that we discover oil, dem seh how dem ready to help we develop petroleum laws and policies fuh manage the oil sector. Is like when a poor man win de lotto and collect de cash. All he friends does suddenly know he. Dem does line up at he door steps everyday fuh something. Dem have people who never use to answer he when he talk to them but suddenly
dem become his relative. He does suddenly get so much family members that he never know he had all because of that thing called money. Dem boys seh De World Bank who was a total stranger yesterday suddenly tun our friend. Without asking dem throw US$20M in we pocket as a loan fuh help us with our oil laws and put prapaa oil policies in place fuh Guyana. And guess what guys? We fall fuh de trap. Dem lending we the money but dem deciding wah we must do with it and who we must employ fuh draft we own laws and local content policy. Dem tek a man wah connected to Exxon and employ he fuh draft the local content policy. No wonder
de policy looking more foreign than local. Instead of protecting we from the scamps in the oil companies, the Bank put somebody who connected to the oil companies to look over we interest. Dem boys seh the World Bank “eyes pass we.” Dem boys seh is not dem fault-is our government that allowed dem to break we back like if we is packoo. Is like if you go to de bank fuh borrow money but, instead of helping we, dem helping dem oil companies. Dem boys seh that the Bank trying to serve two masters at the same time. Dem boys does call dah ‘comfuk wid interest’. Not conflict of interest. Talk half and keep wondering who else twoface.
mentality which we have developed since the days of the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP), in which we constantly have to seek loans from international agencies to recruit consultants who come and write their reports, all of which should have been able to have been done within the public bureaucracy. Guyana had the benefit of a consultant from Trinidad and Tobago, Anthony Paul, who had designed two drafts of a local content policy for the oil and gas sector. Yet, a new consultant was brought in under the World Bank Project to do the same work. M a n y o f t h e recommendations of Paul were set aside. The third draft local content policy which was developed has since come in for scathing criticisms. The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry has raised concerns over the lack of penalties for those operators who do not meet
their commitments. This is tantamount to giving the operators a free-pass. The Chamber was also peeved by the draft provisions which would have allowed the subject Minister to grant approvals automatically, if reviews of applications are not completed in the requisite timeframe. Paul had previously recommended that foreign suppliers have local partners and that provision be made for a transfer of skills. It is doubtful whether this would have been incorporated into the final policy which was produced. If the World Bank establishes that there were conflicts of interest involved in some of the consultancies granted under the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and Management Project, then the entire project should be scrapped. This would be a blessing in disguise. It would give
Guyana a fresh opportunity to revisit some of the recommendations of Paul, which were not incorporated into the final Local Content Policy. This can be done without the World Bank help. Guyana has no need for the World Bank. They are primarily there to ensure that we do not have laws and policies which threaten the neo-liberal order…at our expense. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Thursday April 23, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Do you know there is an adjective named Mingo?
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his is not a joke. There is an adjective of Algonquian origin by the name, Mingo. Please go to We b s t e r ' s t h i r d n e w
international dictionary, unabridged – the 1976 edition. It is on page 1438. I think this was the last edition, but I could be wrong. On that page you will
find the adjective, “Mingo.” It means, “treacherous”. Could we speak of Clairmont Mingo's mingo conduct on March 4 at the GECOM command centre,
when he became Mandrake and began to read out the statements of poll for Region 4 that did not exist? Well, one person who thinks so is Khemraj Ramjattan. Ramjattan gave an interview to Kaieteur Radio in which he made an incredible indictment against Mingo. Because of what Ramjattan said, it would not be inaccurate to see Mingo's conduct as mingo. Mr. Mingo has become a joke in Guyana. Countless folks refer to him as mango. The satirical column in this newspaper, Dem Boys Seh, refers to Ramjattan as Rum Jattan. Then there is the COVID-19 autocrat who Dem Boys Seh refers to as “Nagga.” That is Nagamootoo. Dem boys are laughing at Nagga and have nicknamed him COVID-19 tyrant. The COVID maan wanted the high level CARICOM team and the international observers to spend 14 days in quarantine at the Marriott Hotel, and we were told they have to foot their own bill. The COVID maan wanted a team from the Ministry of Health (oops, sorry, make that Public Health) to follow the CARICOM folks and the observers all over the Convention Centre when they are observing the recounting, to see if they are observing the required
physical distance in keeping with COVID-19 restrictions. But here is the thing. Dem boys want to know who is watching the COVID-19 maan to see if he is observing the social distance requirement, because dem boys seh the maan is all over the place. Anyway, let's get back to Rum Jattan's description of the mingo action of Mingo Mango, Rum Jattan and the COVID-19 autocrat are graphic expressions of disintegration inside APNU+AFC. On Tuesday, Ramjattan told his interviewers on Kaieteur Radio that he does not accept any declaration so far by GECOM and wants to see a complete recount. Psychosis is deepening inside the corridors of power. I don't want to come over as light-hearted, but I lived under President Burnham's rule and by the time he died in August 1985, I honestly think the crises in Guyana had overwhelmed Burnham and he lost his marbles. Burnham in 1984 was saying strange things and behaving weirdly, not to mention he found solace in the bottle, rather than doing what all sane people do – get a lovely pet and love it obsessively. Well it seems the little Burnhams in the PNC and AFC are losing their marbles. It was just last Sunday, the AFC column in the Kaieteur News asserted the
Frederick Kissoon victory of APNU+AFC. Tw o d a y s a f t e r t h a t publication, Ramjattan says he does not accept any declaration so far on the elections and would only embrace a total recount. In March, Ramjattan appeared on Kaieteur Radio, just about an hour after I left the studio, and he emphasized the victory of APNU+AFC. Three times in the media, the AFC declared that APNU+AFC won. If Ramjattan does not accept any kind of declaration so far, then he is basically saying Mingo is a mingo man, because Mingo has made two declarations to date. One was made on March 5 at Ashmin's Building and handed to the Chief Election Officer (CEO) who was about to officially declare the results in favour of APNU+AFC. Then on Friday evening of March 13 at GECOM head office, with projector, cardboard and a tattered bed sheet, Mango made a second declaration. So there is a declaration. Vincent Alexander tabled a motion in GECOM to have that declaration accepted. AFC and APNU have recognized that declaration, thus claiming victory. The COVID-19 maan, Nagamootoo, as recent as two Sundays ago in the Chronicle, repeated his Chronicle column accepting Mango's tabulation. The COVID-19 maan has twice used statistics to show that APNU+AFC won by one seat, that is, 33 to 32. So here is the scene – Mingo's mingo has been recognized by the CEO of GECOM, APNU, AFC et al. Up comes Rum Jattan saying that he does not recognize the results so far based on any declaration. So Rum Jattan is rejecting Mingo's mingo and the position of the COVID-19 man. Dominic Gaskin must be smiling all the way to the bank. What more mental corrugation will this nation see tomorrow from the election conspirators? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 23, 2020
PAGE 11
CDC donates 5,000 face masks to GPOC for pensioners
Coast Guard Captain in custody following Pomeroon boat collision
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- Search still on for missing farmer
he Civil Defence Commission (CDC) yesterday donated 5,000 face masks to the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), which will be distributed to seniors who will be uplifting their old-age pensions. Director-General of CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, related that the donated masks are locally produced by individuals and small business owners. He encouraged other Guyanese to join the battle against COVID-19 by showcasing their talent and support by sending in samples of their hand-made face masks
Some of the locally-made face masks
Lt. Col. Kester Craig handing over face masks to GPOC's Deputy Post Master General, Anastasia Jessemy-Lynch
GPOC's Deputy Post Master General, Anastasia Jessemy-Lynch, explained that each of the 64 post office locations countrywide will benefit from CDC's donation to assurance protection amid the pandemic. She advised that while face masks will be provided
for pensioners who do not have, those seniors who possess the necessary safety equipment should wear them when visiting the post offices. Jessemy-Lynch thanked the CDC and other parties for their donation to protect the country's senior citizens “We all have to work
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together to make this possible for our senior citizens who have built the foundations for us. We want to ensure they are safe at this time. The Guyana Post Office C o r p o r a t i o n i s appreciative to see everyone coming together to play their roles for the survival and development of Guyana.� The GPOC's new alphabetised system for the upliftment of old-age pension is scheduled to commence on April 29 at 07:00 hours. The implementation of this new measure aims to guarantee the safety of the nation's senior citizens and contain the spread of COVID-19.
he officer who captained the Coast Guard boat involved Monday night's mishap in the Pomeroon River, Essequibo Coast, has been taken into police c u s t o d y, a c c o r d i n g t o R e g i o n a l C o m m a n d e r, Superintendent of Police, Crystal Robinson. Further, Commander Robinson disclosed to Kaieteur News that three other ranks are in custody of a senior army officer, while the search continues for Ryan Khayum and his boat in the Pomeroon River. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is assisting the family to scour the Pomeroon River in an attempt to locate the missing farmer. Khayum, his wife and his two uncles were returning from Charity when a Guyana Defence Force vessel collided with their boat. Reports are that the GDF vessel was at the time returning to the Coast Guard base at the mouth of the Pomeroon River. Without any warning, the Coast Guard vessel slammed into the farmer's boat, immediately causing it to capsize.
Missing: Ryan Khayum Relatives, who were trapped beneath the capsized boat, said that the last thing they saw was Khayum's hands, before he finally went down. The man's wife and uncles were later rescued by a neighbour. They were taken to Charity where they were treated at the Oscar Joseph District Hospital. The Coast Guard ranks on the other hand were taken to the Charity Police Station, where, according to reports, they were tested and found to be way over the prescribed alcohol limit.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 12
Thursday April 23, 2020
Elections 2020 - Day 51
GECOM meets today to finalise order for recount
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he Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM) will be meeting at 9:30 this morning to discuss and finalise an order to signal the national recount. Commissioner Vincent Alexander had first mentioned the order to reporters on Monday, during a field visit at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Kaieteur News later learnt that it was
Commissioner Sase Gunraj who proposed and submitted a draft of the order for the revision of the other Commissioners. They received the draft on Tuesday, and have had two days to examine it, as no Commission meeting was held yesterday. Gunraj told Kaieteur News yesterday that he hopes there will be no obstruction to the finalization of the order, as
the Guyanese public has been waiting more than seven weeks for the results to the March 2 general and regional elections. Gunraj would not comment on the content of the working document, but said that it incorporated discussions had at the level of the Commission. Kaieteur News was unable to contact Commissioner Alexander for a comment.
The Commission is tying up several loose ends on the way to finally starting the recount that could bring a credible and transparent end to the electoral process. Other pertinent
considerations for GECOM are the report from the National COVID-19 Task Force on the recount p r o c e d u r e s , correspondence from CARICOM SecretaryGeneral Irwin LaRocque on CARICOM's decisions where the high level team is concerned, and the final plan from the GECOM Secretariat on the recount procedures. GECOM has not yet communicated the public
whether the Chair has made a decision to stream the recount live for the benefit of the general public. Provided that there are no further obstructions, the CARICOM high level team is expected to arrive soon to assist GECOM in upholding public trust in the credibility of the recount. GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh has assured that she will see the recount executed swiftly and credibly.
GTT warns of scam:
We're not selling COVID-19 packages; offering pick-up options for payment of bills
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he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) is urging the public to be aware of scams as persons may try to capitalize on vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to GTT's Public Relations Manager, Jasmin Harris, the company has received a number of queries and reports from customers over the past week on whether the company is distributing care packages at a cost of $3000. Customers are reminded that approved GTT promotional activity is listed on the company's social media platforms and its w e b s i t e https://www.gtt.co.gy/prom
otions/. “It is disturbing that fraudsters will try to take advantage during this vulnerable season. I am pleading with the public to not fall prey to these scams. GTT will never ask anyone to pay for acts of kindness from the company,” Harris said. Harris also indicated that the company has received information where persons purporting to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company are offering to pick up monies to pay bills on behalf of GTT. “GTT does not have a system where we are picking up monies from persons' homes to pay bills on their behalf. There are established (continued on page 14)
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 23, 2020
PAGE 13
Armed with 9,000 kits, authorities to conduct mobile COVID-19 testing in coming days The testing units, made of metal, glass and wood, which will be deployed in the various regions from this weekend.
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he Ministry of Public Health is set to dispatch a number of mobile COVID19 testing units around the country from this weekend. Made of metal and wood, the units will be seeing
health care workers inside with persons wanting to be tested to be on the outside. The units will be sent to the various regions, explained Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Health, Collette
Adams. After weeks of struggling with a limited number of test kits, the Ministry received 7,000 from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) over the weekend.
Several arrested after Bartica gold trading company robbed
The popular Emperor Mineral Trading in Bartica
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olice in Bartica, Region Seven, are investigating a robbery at the popular Emperor Mineral Trading. According to police sources, an undisclosed quantity of raw gold and cash were taken during the theft about 13:00hrs yesterday. The robbery was carried out by a lone gunman. Emperor
Mineral Trading is located on Second Avenue. Police ranks said that the owner, Milburn Mahadeo, was alerted to the robbery and arrived a couple of minutes later on the scene. He discovered that his employee who was manning the business, was tied up. It was disclosed that a man came into the business
posing as a customer. He whipped out a gun and tied the employee up. The owner on making checks found that cash and raw gold was missing and the security equipment damaged. The police raced to the scene and based on information, arrested several persons, among them vendors.
The test kits would allow for authorities, on the frontlines to fight the pandemic, to increase the number of tests. Authorities just had few hundred of the kits, before PAHO had stepped into to
help. It has long been suspected that there are more COVID-19 cases in Guyana, with the limited number of t e s t s , u n t i l n o w, n o t reflecting the true picture. So far the country has
recorded 67 positive cases of COVID-19 with seven deaths. However, while the number of deaths has been stabilized, the number of those infected has been rising.
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Thursday April 23, 2020
Domestic aircraft operators “struggling to stay in business” under COVID-19 restrictions - blast Aviation Authority W over misleading fare
hile making it pellucid that a b l a n k e t statement by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) about increased fares by all domestic operators is erroneous, the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG) has indicated that its members have been reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown. In a statement issued yesterday, the AOAG blasted the GCAA, completely rejecting assertions made in a press release issued by the Authority, which accused all domestic aviation operators of increasing airfares. The AOAG expressed shock that the Authority “should do so without first checking the facts”. “It is most unfortunate that Director General, Egbert Field, should use terms such as “unconscionable” and “unscrupulous” to describe the entire industry based on a complaint made by the Amerindian People's
increase accusation
Domestic aircraft operators say they are “struggling to stay in business” under COVID-19 restrictions Association (APA) of an increase in passenger and freight prices which, in fact, referred only to one operator, Air Services Ltd., operating exclusively, at the time, in Region 8.
The Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana, comprising Trans Guyana Airways, JAGS Aviation, Wings Aviation and Roraima Airways (who is also a member of NATA), have not
increased their prices in spite of the restrictions imposed on the industry by the COVID-19 Task Force through the GCAA. The fact is that the shutdown of almost all passenger operations in the interior have led to a more than 50% reduction of all flights and making the removal of VAT ineffective and leaving our members struggling to stay in business.” The statement highlighted that since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the AOAG members have introduced stringent protocols to ensure the safety of passengers. This includes 100% temperature testing of all p a s s e n g e r s a n d s t a ff , sanitizing of aircraft before every flight, the compulsory wearing of face masks and hand sanitizing before passengers and crew board aircraft. And all cargo being similarly sanitized. However despite of these strict precautionary
protocols being applied, the AOAG said that COVID-19 Task Force has further enforced a 50% passenger restriction (it was initially set at 75%) on all domestic flights. “In addition, the Task Force has stopped all passenger flights to border destinations, which, inexplicably, have included Matthews Ridge and Port Kaituma, even though these border locations were already closed off and a no fly order was in place for all foreign travelers. The AOAG pointed out that while these restrictions are being placed on aviation traffic to border areas, there is ample evidence that there is little or no enforcement in place on the ground, as passenger vehicles and boats continue to operate freely at these locations. Further, the release added that the Aircraft Owners Association have discussed these matters with the GCAA and was advised that the measures being
enforced by the COVID-19 Task Force are excessive, given the mitigation measures already in place against the risk of spreading the virus, and that these measures have been taken without sufficient regard for the negative economic impact on the hinterland communities. The statement continued that the AOAG nonetheless understands the concerns expressed by the Amerindian Peoples Association and the Government with regard to Region eight food and freight supplies. Thus it has been decided that the AOAG will immediately look at introducing flights to provide relief in this area. The AOAG also noted via the statement that while, in Guyana, domestic airlines are suffering from punitive COVID-19 restrictions, in other countries, Governments are moving to bailout airlines in financial trouble resulting from the pandemic.
We're not selling COVID-19... From page 12 methods through which payment can be made. These can be found on https://bit.ly/HowtoPayBills and include MMG agents, local banks, onecart or HeroCarts,” said Harris. She added, “I urge persons to visit o u r promotions page, to be familiar with our payment methods or simply call 0488 to make queries. We ask that you
stay alert while we work with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to bring these persons to justice. Fraud and attempt to defraud is a serious crime, punishable by law. ” The PRO said while the company has distributed COVID-19 care packages to cancer patients and care providers through the Georgetown Public H o s p i t a l C o r poration (GPHC) Oncology Unit and
the Beacon Foundation, it has not indicated intentions of distributing such to the public at this time – and any caller claiming same would be doing so from a point of intended deception. “GTT will continue to update its social media platforms and use the m e d i a t o m a k e announcements of future, approved events and initiatives,” a statement said.
Kaieteur News
Thursday April 23, 2020
PAGE 15
Essential businesses urged to adopt COVID-19 workplace guidelines
D
espite the partial lockdown and c u r f e w implemented by the Ministry of Public Health, several categories of workers still have to venture out to work. These workers who are considered essential are constantly at risk, since they have to travel to and from work interacting with other individuals at various steps along the way. They not only have to leave the safety of their homes, but they also stand a higher chance of infecting their colleagues once infected. As such the Ministry is asking all essential businesses to ensure that they are compliant with COVID-19 workplace guidelines to ensure the safety of all of their staff. Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, explained to Kaieteur News that all essential businesses should adapt to t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h O rg a n i s a t i o n ( W H O ) ' s workplace guidelines which provide step-by-step instruction on the prevention of the Coronavirus in work environments.
The DCMO added that using those very guidelines, the Ministry crafted its own workplace guidelines for local businesses to follow. This, she said, was presented to the subject Minister to be presented to the COVID-19 taskforce. Below is the full list of Guidelines set up by the Ministry: WORK PLACE PREPARATIONS 1. Place hand sanitizer stations at entrances and exits to work places, offices, and waiting rooms 2. Do not use shared cloth towels, but rather, provide paper towels for the drying of hands 3. Encourage staff to wash or sanitize hands regularly - after each procedure, after using the bathroom, before eating, after dealing with members of the public 4. Avoid having more than 20 members of the public in an average size waiting area at any one time. To achieve this, preparation of an overflow area is recommended. This could be an adjoining area where seating can be made
Nine City Constabulary ranks promoted From page 3 continue to serve the organization with pride. Meanwhile the M&CC, called on residents of Georgetown to pay their taxes via the Mobile Money (MMG) electronic payment system which is being provided by the Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT). In a statement issued the City Council noted that persons who are unable to access the MMG platform can make payments to the Treasury Section which is opened on Monday to Friday, from 08:30hrs to 12:00hrs. Ratepayers
visiting the office to conduct business must wear a face mask, wash their hands upon entering the compound, and practice social distancing. Those utilising the MMG electronic system will have to provide their Account Number which can be found on either a printed invoice, an old receipt, or on a demand notice received from the Mayor and City Council. “The use of MMG is a safe, reliable and convenient service; especially since the nation is working toward putting an end to the Global Coronavirus,” the Council added.
available for clients to wait. 5. Frequent sanitation of floors, workstations and telephones is required: Lysol, diluted bleach, or 70% alcohol based reagents are recommended 6. Staff who interact with members of the public can be protected using barriers such as glass or plastic screens that separate them from the public. Otherwise, social distancing should be observed, with at least a three feet distance maintained between persons 7. Staff required handling money, documents etc.,from members of the public should wash hands or sanitize regularly or use gloves and change them regularly. 8. Members of the public observed to be having respiratory illnesses should be provided with a mask and taken care of swiftly, and if possible, separately from others STAFF ILLNESS If staff appear to have a
suspected case of COVID19 at work they should: · Separate themselves from others – at least 3ft/1m away (or in a separate room). · Cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available) and be given a surgical mask to wear. · Go home immediately. DO NOT go to a medical facility; wait for contact by staff doctors or call the COVID hotline for medical advice and/or attention. · Remain home and separate themselves from the rest of the family, rest, use vitamin C, lots of fluids, and over the counter medication for fever and headache. Stay at home until completely better and all respiratory symptoms have gone. · Advise their supervisor/HR by telephone or email in accordance with standard requirements for absence and sick leave. When away from work,
staff should: · Notify your immediate supervisor or the Head of agency. · Self-isolate: DO NOT go to a medical facility; call the COVID-19 hotline and wait for contact by the response team · Remain home and separate yourself from the rest of the family, rest, use vitamin C, lots of fluids, and over the counter medication for symptoms such as fever and headache. Stay at home until completely better and all respiratory symptoms have gone If staff has a probable case of COVID-19 The staff should inform his/her supervisor/head of agency whilst seeking treatment from authorized health personnel Case Definitions Suspect case A. A patient with acute respiratory illness (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease (e.g. Cough, shortness of breath)
AND a history of travel to or residence in a country/area or territory reporting local transmission of COVID-19 during the 14 days prior to symptom onset; OR B. A patient with any acute respiratory illness AND having been in contact (see Annex 2) with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to onset of symptoms; OR C. A patient with severe acute respiratory infection (fever and at least one sign/symptom of respiratory disease (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) AND requiring hospitalization AND with no other aetiology that fully explains the clinical presentation. Probable case A suspect case of which testing for COVID-19 is inconclusive Confirmed case A person with laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, irrespective of clinical signs and symptoms.
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Thursday April 23, 2020
Kaieteur News
Ithaca mother of two died from perforation of the heart, lungs – Post Mortem reveals
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A post mortem examination conducted on the body of 21-year-old Vanessa Benjamin, has revealed that the mother of two died as a result of perforation of the heart and lungs due to stab wounds inflicted by her attacker, a 24year-old man with whom she once shared a relationship. The autopsy was done on Tuesday at Anthony’s Funeral Home by Government Pathologist Nehaul Singh. Benjamin was brutally murdered on April 16 at her Lot 301 Ithaca Village, West Bank Berbice residence. She was reportedly dealt 15 stabs about her body; this, after she is said to have indicated that she would be ending an abu-
Vanessa Benjamin sive relationship with the father of her two children, a 3year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. He had threatened
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A woman who allegedly pointed a loaded gun at her lover’s head and threatened to kill him, has been charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a licence. Afia Simon, 23, of Chapel Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, appeared on Tuesday before Magistrate Peter Hugh in the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court on the abovementioned charge.
She pleaded not guilty and was placed on $75,000 bail. She will have to return to court on May 12. Simon is a trainee nurse attached to a government medical institution in New Amsterdam.According to the prosecution’s case, about 12:30 hrs on Monday 6th April, Quincy Bacchus, of 29 Ferry Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was at a Chapel Street location,
Forty-one year-old Roomansen Probhadial and 28-year-old Natran Takurdin, both hire car drivers and residents of Corentyne, Berbice, appeared on Monday before Magistrate Alex Moore in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court, where they were charged with being in possession of a firearm and ammunition without being the licence holders. They were granted bail to the tune of $100,000 each and the matter will next be called on June 25. The case for the prosecution is that on Thursday last, a police mobile patrol was in Number 72 village, Corentyne, and the two men who were on a motorcycle and carrying a haversack, upon seeing the
lawmen, tried to evade them. While attempting to exit on an adjacent street, they crashed into another motorcycle that was travelling on the main road at the time. As a result of the collision, the riders and pillion riders of the two motorcycles fell onto the roadway. The police decided to inquire what was in the aforementioned haversack. A check of the bag revealed a single-barrel shotgun and fifteen live cartridges. The pillion rider was promptly arrested while the other suspect fled the scene. He subsequently turned himself in. The other cyclist and pillion rider were taken to hospital where they were treated for their injuries.
Regional: 100 percent recovery of COVID-19 cases in St Lucia Daily Observer - As of April 21, 2020 the WHO reported a total of 2, 397, 217 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally with 162, 956 deaths. There are now 893, 119 confirmed cases in the region of the Americas.The affected region includes Dominican Republic (4,964), Haiti (47), Barbados (75), Jamaica (196),
The man showed up at that residence and tried to engage with Benjamin but after she refused to entertain him, he became furious and whipped out a knife and carried out the horrific act. The entire ordeal unfolded in the presence of their two children. Three weeks prior to the incident, Hannibal had obtained a restraining order against the suspect after he made threats to kill her and her daughter. That restraining order ultimately did have the intended effect. Vanessa Benjamin had recently been employed as a cleaner at the Ithaca Day Care Centre.
Woman who allegedly pointed loaded gun at lover’s head granted $75,000 bail
Duo charged for illegal shotgun, ammo VACANCY
to kill her before. Benjamin’s 52-year-old mother Debra Hannibal was also stabbed by the enraged man after she tried to intervene to save her daughter. The assailant then stabbed himself, he remains hospitalised. Initial reports stated that Benjamin had struck up a relationship with the suspect some four years ago and they both lived at Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice. However, the mother of two decided to sever the relationship with the man, and she had only recently returned to her mother’s home in Ithaca Village, West Coast Berbice, with their two children.
Cuba (1087), Dominica (16), Grenada (13), Trinidad and Tobago (114), Guyana (65), Antigua and Barbuda (23), Bahamas (60), Saint Vincent and Grenadines (12), Guadeloupe (148), Martinique (163), Puerto Rico (1,252), US Virgin Islands (53), and Cayman Islands (61).As ofApril 22, 2020, Saint Lucia has a total of 15 confirmed cases
of COVID-19.To date, all of the positive cases of COVID19 in Saint Lucia have recovered, with the remaining two cases who were in isolation receiving negative COVID19 test results and since discharged from hospital. This now places Saint Lucia at a 100 percent recovery of all COVID-19 cases.
when Simon pointed a gun at his head and threatened to shoot him. Bacchus was able to disarm Simon and took the gun to the Central Police Station where the matter was reported. Simon, in her persistence to get at the intended victim, inexplicably followed Bacchus to the station, where she was pointed out to the police. She was arrested and placed into custody. The fire-
arm with serial number TB 10148 was retrieved and examined, and was found to contain two live rounds of .32 calibre ammunition. The woman had told investigators that she sourced the firearm from a barber in New Amsterdam. The barber was later contacted, arrested and taken into custody. A search was conducted at his home, but nothing was found.
PAHO director wants COVID-19 testing…
Caribbean speeded up and expanded WASHINGTON - CMC – The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, on Tuesday called for accelerated and expanded testing for the coronavirus (COVID19) in countries of the Americas, including the Caribbean. “We need a clearer view of where the virus is circulating and how many people have been infected in order to guide our actions,” said Etienne during a virtual press briefing. “The pandemic continues to impact our region, and it’s vital for all countries to actively embrace preventive measures, while preparing for more cases, hospitalizations and deaths,” she added. As of April 20, there have been 839,119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 42,686 people have died in the Region of the Americas. The PAHO director said that countries have been prepared to test and detect cases of COVID-19 since before the pandemic was declared. Since February, PAHO said it had trained and equipped laboratories for PCR testing in more than 30 countries. But, as cases have in-
creased, Etienne said countries have found it increasingly difficult to keep up. She highlighted PAHO’s recommendations for countries to expand their capacity and use all available national laboratories; to prioritize patients with symptoms, tracing contacts and following up with those that may be infected; and to ensure access for all so testing would be free of charge for patients. PAHO said it has provided more than 500,000 PCR tests to 34 countries and territories, “and we have worked with other countries to track and support their capacity,” said Etienne. An additional 1.5 million PCR tests are being dispatched throughout the region this week, “followed by another 3 million next week to strengthen laboratory surveillance networks in our member states,” she highlighted. “To address the market shortage, we are working with leading manufacturers to make these tests available through the PAHO Strategic Fund,” Etienne said. “Twelve countries are now using this mechanism to purchase quality commercial PCR-based tests.
Thursday April 23, 2020
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Federer raises prospect of merging men’s and women’s tours Associated Press - Roger Federer made a plea for women’s tennis equality yesterday, calling for the merger of the two gender-specific governing bodies that oversee the sport’s professional tours. The 20-time Grand Slam champion, who is recovering from knee surgery while sports around the world have been shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic, expressed his opinion in a string of posts on Twitter. “Am I the only one thinking that now is the time for men’s and women’s tennis to be united and come together as one?” Federer wrote, sparking a flurry of responses from fans and fellow players. The professional era in tennis started in 1968, and the ATP was founded in 1972 and has run the men’s game since.
The WTA was founded in 1973, uniting the women’s professional game into one tour. The idea proposed by Federer, and others before him, would be to combine the two into a single body that deals with both men and women. “It probably should have happened a long time ago,” Federer wrote. “But maybe now is really the time.” The social media posts were met with plenty of enthusiastic replies, including from Rafael Nadal and some of the world’s top female players. “As you know per our discussions,” Nadal, a winner of 19 Grand Slams, wrote to Federer, “I completely agree that it would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men’s and
women’s tennis in one only organisation.” Simona Halep and Garbine Muguruza, both recent Wimbledon champions, also gave the thumbs-up to Federer’s idea. So did Billie Jean King, the American great who founded the WTA and tried unsuccessfully to unite the men’s and women’s tours that decade. “I agree, and have been saying so since the early 1970s. One voice, women and men together, has long been my vision for tennis,” King tweeted in reply to Federer. “The WTA on its own was always Plan B. I’m glad we are on the same page. Let’s make it happen.” There has never been a united tennis tour, but male and female players do play at the same tournaments several
Thursday April 23, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) This is a day to stay close to home and organize the house. You might be thinking how you can best utilize your living space. It's clear that some improvements are in order, Aries. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You need rest, Taurus. Even though you have a long list of tasks, see if you can leave some for later. All signs indicate that you shouldn't stray too far from home today if you can help it. You're easily distracted, which makes you prone to accidents. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're on your own when it comes to financial matters, Gemini. This may not be what you want to hear, but it's how things are. Trust that your business acumen will pull you through. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today would be best spent alone behind closed doors, if possible. There's a lot of tension in your household for some reason, Cancer.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You feel invincible, Libra, as though you can do anything. Enjoy this abundance of energy, for it's certainly unusual. Take care not to overdo it. If you haven't jogged in a while, running five miles today will leave you pretty sore tomorrow. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This would be a good day to putter about the house, Scorpio. It isn't a good day to travel or begin any major projects. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This isn't the best day for get-togethers, Sagittarius. What starts as a friendly lunch could wind up a gossip-fest. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Overindulgence last night could have left you feeling a little woozy today, Capricorn. You're may want to spend the day in bed, but the prospect of leaving tasks undone could cause you to push on anyway.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) There is a lot of tension in the air today, Leo. It isn't just affecting your home environment - everyone you meet seems out of sorts.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) This would be a good day to stay home and spend much of the day in bed, Aquarius! You've been working especially hard lately, juggling both home and work with your usual aplomb
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You feel that life would run more smoothly if money didn't exist! The amount of time and energy you spend sorting out your financial affairs is frustrating.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Love is very much in the air today, Pisces, so take advantage of this auspicious environment! Invite your loved one over to play hide and seek under the bedcovers!yet you know .
Switzerland’s Roger Federer speaks during a press conference following his semifinal loss to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara, File) times each year, including at the four Grand Slam tournaments. Much of the season, however, it completely separate. “It’s too confusing for the
fans when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories,” Federer said in a response to a reader’s com-
ment. He emphasized he was “not talking about merging competition on the court” but rather the two governing bodies.“These are tough times in every sport,” Federer said, “and we can come out of this with 2 weakened bodies or 1 stronger body.” Former WTA chief executive Anne Worcester called for a merger of the men’s and women’s tours in an interview with Forbes this month. All professional tennis has been suspended until at least mid-July because of the coronavirus pandemic, plunging the sport into financial problems because of a loss of income from things like ticket sales and media rights. The 38-year-old Federer had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in February. The Swiss great had planned to be sidelined for at least four months before the outbreak suspended sports around the world. He has tweeted videos of himself practicing during the pandemic.
Nationals - where... From page 21 level one coach and hails from Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara. Meanwhile, another Guyanese coach stated that the standard of the athletics here has dropped. “We lost our athletes early in their senior career because there is nothing in place here to help them to continue. There is hardly meets, even small meets are not being kept regularly.” The coach said that schools athletes can be linked to clubs if there is a proper system in place and there is a need for scouts. “We need to develop a system that can help the athletes with their academics, we also need a welfare section for athletes.” The coach said that an athletic academy is needed in Guyana. “If the AAG can team up with the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union, we can very well see the birth of an academy which will be of benefit to athletes at all levels.” While he acknowledges that the athletes themselves must be disciplined, he said that the movements of athletes from clubs to clubs must be stabilised. “There must be a transfer window and athletes must not be forced into changing clubs whereas the coaches must give the athletes freedom of choice.” Adequate funding is a pre-requisite for any sport to develop and the Government must place much emphasis in this area because sports help a country to gain recognition
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Thursday April 23, 2020
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No more big-money signings as Chris Gayle released by Jamaica broadcasters forced to scale back, Tallawahs, joins St Lucia Zouks says Mediapro boss Roures AFP - The days of European clubs spending hundreds of millions on transfers are over with television companies set to scale back on their investments in football, according to Jaume Roures, chief executive of Spanish media company Mediapro. Mediapro could prove a key player in clubs surviving the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic after it snapped up most of the domestic rights for France’s Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 for four years starting next season in a total deal worth a record 1.153 billion euros ($1.25 billion) annually. The Chinese-owned company also has rights to show La Liga matches in pubs and bars in Spain, despite its deal as the league’s principal broadcaster ending two years ago.The likes of Sky Sports and BT Sport, the English Premier League’s domestic broadcasters in the UK, and Sky in Germany, will be watching with interest to see how Mediapro handles its contract due to begin in France in August. It has not yet even set up a channel. In an exclusive interview with AFP, Roures insisted the agreement already in place with French clubs “will not change” but was more sceptical about the sums broadcasters will be able to spend on new deals in future. “The amounts spent on rights, in general, had reached the maximum already,” Roures said. “It’s obvious that TV rights will be affected by this.” Any reductions will hit clubs hard, with Barcelona, the richest football club in the world, making around 35 percent of their total revenue last season through television income.For European champions Liverpool, the figure was even higher at almost 50 percent.“The days of football clubs paying hundreds of millions of euros for players is
- Jaume Roures, chief executive of Spanish production company Mediapro, says the days of clubs signing players for hundreds of millions are over. (AFP/File / Franck Fife) over,” says Roures. “Because clubs will run out of money and because banks will not lend money to clubs with the same ease as before. “All that will change and I think it’s very positive. I never agreed with clubs paying 140, 160 million euros for a football player. It will be very positive for society in general and for the clubs’ finances in particular.” Roures believes the prospect of Barcelona buying Neymar back from Paris SaintGermain, for example, is “now impossible”. “Barcelona simply does not have the economic strength,” he said. - ‘Audiences will be better’ Some broadcasters are already stalling, with beIN and Canal Plus pausing payments due to the current season stopping in France while in the UK, Sky Sports are allowing customers to freeze subscriptions in the hope of halting an exodus.There are fears audiences may not keep or renew their expensive packages but Roures is confident fans will be even keener to come back to football once lockdowns are lifted.“The crisis is not going to keep people
away from watching football,” Roures said. “Maybe we will have to play behind closed doors, maybe bars and restaurants will be closed until I don’t know when, but people will need, or at least want, to see football as soon as possible. For the moment, we don’t see the need to change anything.”While the German Bundesliga is hoping to lead the return to action by resuming games next month, the assumption is that fixtures in all Europe’s top leagues would have to be played in empty stadiums, perhaps for several months.“I think that would be compulsory,” said Roures. “But if you finish the leagues behind closed doors, you also don’t have to play on Saturdays and Sundays. “We usually play on weekends because it’s when people don’t work and can go to the stadiums but now, this is not the case. So we can adapt the schedules.“And then television audiences will be better because a very large part of the population will be at home. Even at the end of this, football will continue to be people’s favourite sport.”
Suriname Coach Gorré on qualifying for... From page 23 special. He’s 20 and still a young boy and you can see that he’s growing. He’s been to different countries to play and now he knows what is asked of him,” said Gorré.Yet like everyone in football at the moment, Gorré has had to press the pause button during the COVID-19 crisis, and he is eager to get back out on the training field with his team to get ramped up for next summer’s Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying.“This pandemic kind of spoils things because these are the times when we can train, we can play to get them ready for the Gold Cup and get them ready for World Cup qualification. Now it’s impossible because how many moments are you going to
get? I need games, I need time with the team. What’s going to happen? That’s the big question,” said Gorré.Once football resumes, Gorré will return to his task of taking Suriname to new heights, and the belief is there that Suriname can put their stamp on the Concacaf region for years to come.“If you look at the history of Suriname football, in the 1970s we were in the top. Suriname had the best players. Robinhood and Transvaal had the top teams in Concacaf, the ones to beat. For whatever reason things went wrong in the last 40 years. But now the turning point has started and I’m the first person from Europe who made it to the top of football to lead the national team and make a new impact on Suriname football,” concluded Gorré.
ESPNcricinfo - Chris Gayle will represent St Lucia Zouks in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season, after Jamaica Tallawahs chose not to retain him. In February, the St Lucia franchise was purchased by KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, Kings XI Punjab’s parent company, and appointed Andy Flower as head coach. Gayle currently plays for Kings XI in the IPL. Gayle played for the Tallawahs in the first four CPL seasons, before spending the next two years with St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. He rejoined the Tallawahs last season and made 116 in his second game, but ended the season with 243 runs in ten innings as the franchise finished bottom of the table. St Lucia were the other team to be knocked out at the group stage last season. Daren Sammy has also been
retained, and was confirmed as the franchise’s captain yesterday. Gayle, 40, is the leading run-scorer in T20 history. He has denied retiring from ODIs, but has not been selected for West Indies since last year’s World Cup. Earlier this year, he suggested he could play on until the age of 45. “This is great news for St Lucia Zouks and for me as a captain to have the ‘Universe Boss’ on my side,” Sammy said. “Chris is one of the most successful T20 batsmen in the world and with his experience with our young openers, a lot can be learnt from Chris. “I welcome him to the Zouks franchise. Chris will be in St Lucia and the fans will be happy that Jamaica has released him. I will have a motivated Chris Gayle looking to prove a point that he is one of the leading T20 batsmen in the world. I can’t wait
for CPL 2020 and hopefully the coronavirus will be under control and we can have an exciting T20 tournament.” “It’s brilliant news that we have been able to get Chris Gayle with us at this year’s CPL 2020,” Flower said. “I have got a long association with Chris running all the way back to his debut Test match in Trinidad back in 2000. I’ve seen his exploits in all three forms of the game and I am really looking forward to working with him and Daren Sammy toward a special year for St Lucia cricket.” The CPL is currently scheduled to take place between August 19 and September 26, but organisers are currently making contingency plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is possible that the tournament will be played behind closed doors or without overseas players, or delayed until December.
Advertisers flock to NFL draft with live sport wiped out
London, United Kingdom; General overall view of the NFL shield logo at midfield during an NFL International Series game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Demand for advertising space during the NFL draft broadcast has reached unprecedented levels due to the growing popularity of the event and a lack of other live sports opportunities, Disney Advertising Sales said this week.The COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out most of the U.S. sports calendar, but the three-day draft will go forward in a “virtual” format, with players participating from home, and be broadcast on Disney-owned networks ABC and ESPN starting today.The high demand has led to a double-digit yearover-year increase in revenue from the event, said James Minnich, vice president, revenue yield management at Disney Advertising Sales. It has also drawn in the most diverse array of advertisers in the event’s history. More than 100 brands and 60
new advertisers — from tech giants to gardening companies — are airing ads, he said. “It’s unprecedented times unfortunately for the market but fortunately for this particular event, demand is stronger than ever,” Minnich told Reuters in an interview. “There’s a certain clientele that’s attracted to live events like this and this is the first large one of its kind,” he said, adding that he expects the event to draw in a record number of viewers due to the strong, quarterback-rich draft class.The demand extends beyond the traditional broadcast with ad buyers on social media platforms also targeting the draft.Amy Rumpler, Vice President of paid social at ad buyer Centro, said Google has been offering sponsorship opportunities for the NFL and NFL Network channels on YouTube, highlighting a spike in search in-
terest around the draft. “A lot of advertisers who were heavily invested in sports sponsorships before now are trying to figure out where to put those dollars. The NFL draft is basically the only sporting event happening right now,” she said. YouTube was pricing the placements at around $250,000, about double the usual cost of “premium takeover” ads.That is still far less than pricing around a major event like the Super Bowl, but healthy for a draft that normally would have to compete with baseball for attention from sports fans. As of last week, all of Reddit’s ad inventory aligned with NFL interest was already sold out, Rumpler said, while Minnich said the first two days of the television broadcasts have sold out but there is still scattered availability for day three.
Thursday April 23, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Nationals - where stars are born, but what’s next? Coach Andy Medas King says proper development programme needed for athletes locally M By Zaheer Mohamed
odern day, sport materialises as a vital ingredient of Socio-economic development of a country. Active participation in sports improves community health and productivity, reduces visits to the doctor, instills discipline, produces capable leaders, and enhances social cohesion. Sport has a huge role to play when it comes to nation-building; it can bring the people together and it is important that a nation have healthy people. That’s why it is vital to educate, inform and implement strategies and developmental programmes in sports that focus on long-term athlete development and not short-term success. There is no doubt that Guyana has an abundance of talent when it comes to sport, but while in some disciplines athletes have gone on to greater heights, in others they just bow out after the age group level, despite showing lots of promise. The Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union national schools’ cycling, swimming and track and field championship is of paramount importance to this nation as it provides the young athletes with an opportunity to showcase their talent and set the stage for their career. The athletes performing at this championship represent the cream of Guyana’s
Andy Medas King (stooping left) at an event in the US with his wife and daughters.
junior athletics community, but after performing so well at this meet, many athletes go unheard of for various reasons. Certainly the discipline of athletes and the will to train hard and succeed at higher levels is one question that will come to mind. It is a known fact that elite athletes have invested many years in training and competition to reach the elite level. Despite there being numerous alleyways toward achieving elite athletic performance in adulthood, the commitment of these athletes might be best established through the amount of time spent on training. They can also create a sense of oneness. It is of paramount importance that sporting organisations implement developmental programmes to take care of senior athletes. While a number of athletes take up scholarships overseas to further their studies and enhance their career, others find themselves into local clubs to ply their trade. But what is there to help local athletes achieve maximum performances at higher levels (after school level); of course adequate funds are a prerequisite. Kaieteur Sport spoke with overseas based Guyanese athletic coach Andy Medas King and sought his views on the development of athletic
sport in here. King informed that he has a number of local athletes under his radar in New York who journeyed there for the New Balance Nationals; one of the largest high school track and field meets around the globe. “Having been one of the most successful coaches in New York, I choose to help the athletes in Guyana because I want to give them a chance to showcase their talent. Back home the Athletic Association of Guyana (AAG) and some coaches would give the athletes a ‘hard-time’ if they seek to develop their talent elsewhere, which I find strange. “One athlete who has qualified for the Carifta games was told by local authorities that if that athlete goes to the USA, the athlete will not be going to the Carifta games (now postponed).” “Every year I would host a meet in Guyana dubbed the “King Medas Pansy Adonis track meet” at Lusignan. This meet is not sanctioned by the AAG because they want to dictate my show and I do not allow that; running a meet is not part of sanctioning it. So the AAG would advise the athletes not to take part in my meet in which I usually hand out prizes to the top 10. Every year I would take along a prominent Jamaican coach to overlook my meet which caters for athletes from nursery to masters. The AAG don’t scout talent and this is one area where they need to pick up.” “Guyana is the only country that I know where athletes 8 years and under run 1k and less. My meet is compatible with the US where athletes receive grants which helps them with their education etc.” “Popular Jamaican coach Glenn Mills who coached Jamaican superstar Usain Bolt, told me to go the schools while another Jamaican Cynthia Cooke is the individual who would plan my meet,” said the coach. He went on, “The AAG has no developmental programme in place and meets are not being held in Guyana on a regular basis, so athletes usually find it very difficult to progress after the age group level. When you look at countries like Jamaica, they would send a large number of athletes to schools in the USA and Canada; they would also host regular meets. Among those athletes that dominated at the junior levels are South American
Cassie George youth championship and Carifta games gold medalist Jason Yaw, Kevin Abbensetts, Cassie George, Samuel Jordon, Tevin Garraway, Nkossie Dazzel and South American U20 100m gold medalist Compton Caesar to name few. Some of these athletes have gone unheard of after showing lots of promise at the junior level and Medas King feels that the lack of an athletics academy and regular developmental meets are among the reasons these athletes do not go on to higher levels. “The athletes must show the commitment and I have seen this, but there is hardly any programme in place to help the young athletes. Look at Compton Caesar for example, after he won the South American U20 100m gold, the Jamaicans wanted him to train there, but he was denied this opportunity by his coach and he has gone off the radar since.” “Every year I would reach out to local coaches so as to render assistance to athletes wherein I would try to get them to the USA so they can continue with their athletics life and strive for higher heights, but some of them are being deprived of this opportunity by their coaches. There is no consistent programme in Guyana to take them to the next level. No local coach can say they have produced an athlete who won a senior title so this is one of the reasons I would reach out to these athletes.” The grassroots level is vital for the development of the sport, but Medas King feels that there is no proper system in place at the schools. “These young athletes are talented, what I found out is that these athletes would commence training from August for nationals in November, and they would perform so well, so if there is a programme in the schools
which would assist these athletes to train throughout the year, then they can do a lot better.” King Medas stated, “In countries such as the USA, Jamaica, Canada, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Europe, once you are a certified coach you can host a meet, whereas in Guyana the AAG differs on this, so the athletes are forced to boycott certain meets.” Medas King stated that the AAG do not invite athletes from all 10 regions for the Carifta trials and noted that there is favouritism among clubs locally. Adequate funding remains a major issue in the sport here, and Medas King feels that the Government and the business sector must assist. “With these oil and other overseas companies conducting businesses in Guyana, the Government should make in compulsory on them to give back to the country especially in the area of sports. In other countries, foreign companies must give back in order for them to be granted a license to transact businesses locally.” He feels that the AAG should treat all athletes equally. “When the AAG start to treat all athletes in Guyana equally and stop dictating their athletic life then the landscape of the sport here will change. What you find at the moment is that certain clubs would be given priority over others which is wrong.” One of the reasons athletes reaped long term success is parental guidance. They provide sound advice, resources and motivation. Medas King stated that parents here need to get more involved in their children sports life and that local scholarship programme is needed. “The parents need to know what is going on in their children sports life and provide supervision. We do not have a scholarship programme at the University, college, the Guyana Technical Institute or the Carnage School of Home Schools Economics, and Guyana is one of the few countries without such systems in place, and so I think the Government can assist in this area as well.” Medas King said that another issue affecting athletics in Guyana in the absence of a sports policy. “Head teachers need to understand that sport and education complement each other and they must put systems in place to help athletes when they have to compete, and this is where the
sports policy comes in the play.” “Studies have shown that Education accompanies sports to fulfill itself in teaching students to the maximum level, so that they can gain not only greater success in life but also make life satisfactory,” said Medas King, adding that it is highly unacceptable that Guyana does not have a sports policy. A coach can either make or break an athlete and Medas King believes that Guyana needs knowledgeable coaches in the system so the talent of athletes can be better harnessed. “There are some local coaches who do not take advice, and one of them even told a Jamaican coach who wanted to assist, that they do not need anyone to tell them what to do. That kind of attitude by coaches here is not good for the sport and this is one of the reasons why they cannot compete with the rest of the Caribbean.” He added that the coaches’ favourite athletes would be given priority to excel. “In Guyana there is hardly any opportunity after high school, an athlete there cannot depend on athletics for a living. They have to go in search of work which makes it harder on them; however there are lots of opportunities overseas where athletes are being sponsored and given more recognition, and when they seek to hone their skills overseas they are being denied somewhat by the AAG and coaches.” “Another issue is that coaches should not work as officials at meets because athletes can be at a disadvantage, especially if the coaches (who act as race official) is not from their club. When this happens, the athletes’ time differ from that of the official so the athletes are being robbed of their hard labour.” Medas King feels that the AAG should hosts small meets from time to time so the athletes can be given more opportunities locally, and said there is a need for more clubs especially in the outlying areas since the system here is not designed to take care of athletes after school. “If a school athlete is not part of a club, they would bypass that athlete. The AAG should seek the assistance of the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union because the talent is in the schools, and it is at the school level where stars are born.” Medas King is a USATF (Continued on page 19)
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Thursday April 23, 2020
Kaieteur News
King was destined for Greatness but never got there Despite being Guyana’s 2nd most successful Test pacer By Sean Devers Reon Dane King was born on October 6, 1975, in Goed Fortune, West Coast Demerara in Guyana but grew up in the City in DaSilva Street, New Town Kitty. The former GCC, Guyana and West Indies U-19s, Guyana, West Indies ‘A’ and West Indies cricketer was born in a Country which has produced 52 Test players, but most of them have been World Class batsmen and of course the greatest West Indies off spinner Lance Gibbs. But King, who also represented Marylebone Cricket Club (1999, England), Northerns (2003-2004, South Africa) and Durham (2004, England), South Northumberland in the North East Premier League, is only among a handful Guyanese pacers to wear the prestigious Maroon Cap. Despite his relatively short Test career in which he has taken 53 wickets from 19 Tests with a career best of 551 and an Average of 32.69, Colin Croft, a part of West Indies fearsome quartet in the 1980s, is the only Guyanese fast bowler with more Test wickets than King with 125 wickets from 27 Tests. The 44-year-old King has 77 wickets from 50 ODIs, including four ODIs in the 1999 World Cup. His best is 4-27 at an Average of 23.37. The Guyanese, who has never played a T20 match, captured 293 wickets from 95 First-Class games with 11 fivewicket hauls and one 10-haul, with best of 7-82 at an Average of 27.48. In List ‘A’ Cricket he took 170 wickets from 125 matches but King, a genuine tail ender, who once managed 30 for Guyana in a Four-day game, revealed that Test Cricket was easily his favoured format. King is now the Manager of the Genesis Fitness Gym which is owed by his wife and says spending time with his family is always a luxury and something which he certainly
looks forward to. King, whose gliding runup which often compared with the great Mickey Holding, explained how he became interested in cricket. “I played backyard cricket like most young boys did as I was growing up in DaSilva Street, Newtown Kitty. During my high school days at St Joseph’s High School I was encouraged to join the world famous GCC by my classmates, Stan Fraser, Abosie Thomas and Lionel Singh and it was then (in 1989) I can say that I was interested in cricket,” said King, who was a Guyana selector. King made his Under-19 debut for Guyana in the 1993 Northern Telecom Regional Youth Championship, played in St Kitts. He was selected to the West Indies Under-19 team and in his third Youth Test, against England Under-19 at Bourda in January 1995 he took 7 for 97 in England’s first innings. He played six Youth Tests and Five Youth ODIs. “It was certainly the level of cricket that I hadn’t played before, the only cricket that came close to that level was playing against the English U19’s in the 1994 youth international series,” said King who qualified as a level 3 Coach in 2018. In October and November 1995 he toured Pakistan with the West Indies Under-19 team and took 5-37 in the first innings of the first youth Test to set West Indies on the road to victory. He also toured Bangladesh with the West Indies Under-19 team in November 1995. Right after this tour he made his List A debut for Guyana in the 1995 Shell/ Sandal regional 50-overs competition.“My most memorable moment playing for Guyana was in 1997 when Guyana played India at my home club Bourda. I captured 7-82,” remembered King, who had made his First-Class debut the year before. He followed up the India performance with 4-47 and 5-
Match Referee Reon King at the start of Australia v WI female World Cup in the C’bean.
56 at Sabina Park in May 1997 as Guyana just failed to defeat Jamaica outright, and then with 5-43 against the Windwards two weeks later. These good performances caught the eyes of the West Indies selectors and in November and December 1997 he toured South Africa with the West Indies A team. But when he was selected for his West Indies ODI debut against India at Dhaka on October 31, 1998, he admitted being surprised. “I knew that if I kept producing the numbers that sometime that opportunity would arrive, when it did yes I was surprised, we (Guyana) were playing in the 50 overs playoffs in Jamaica and one evening as Neil McGarrell and I was returning from dinner, Brian Lara came up to me and said congratulations to me as I was selected to replace Curtly Ambrose for the ICC Mini world cup in 1998,” the Guyanese quickie recounted. King disclosed his most memorable game in West Indies colours was the 2001 Coca Cola Cup final when West Indies beat India in Harare in Zimbabwe. “I got one wicket that of Raul Dravid, bowled, in that match that changed the course of that game and also my debut game against India
Karate Combat looks to fill sports void From page 23 success.Karate Combat also borrows from reality television to highlight the varied backgrounds of its fighters, which include Louisiana preacher and former MMA fighter Josh Quayhagen and German Buddhist monk Maximilian Mathes, who lives a nomadic life. “Because of the diversity of karate athletes, we have
fighters who battled their way out of poverty, some who have PhDs and some who have fought in their country’s Special Forces,” Bryan said. “We’re doing our best to discover interesting parts of their backgrounds and bring those to life in our videos.” The missing piece of the puzzle is a deal to broadcast the second season, although discussions are ongoing,
Bryan said. Karate Combat also recently enlisted sports and entertainment agency Octagon to help find a broadcaster.“We look forward to securing distribution for Karate Combat in this market where networks are aggressively trying to fill content holes and new premium content is scarce,” Daniel Cohen, senior vice president at Octagon, told Reuters.
in the 1998 mini world cup. I opened the bowling and delivered the first ball of the game against a line-up that included Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid, Azharuddin and Jadeja. Two days before that, India obliterated the Aussies. I ended up bowling 10 on the trot for 26 runs,” said King, who reached fourth in the ODI World Rankings in 2000. He enjoyed a successful home season in 1999–2000, taking his first Test five-for against Zimbabwe in Jamaica. Two months later, after setting up a tight win over Pakistan, he seemed almost ready to become a permanent fixture in the West Indies team for the 2000 tour of England. King was now one the quickest bowlers in the Caribbean, and along with Jamaica Franklyn Rose the pair was earmarked to step into big boots of Ambrose and Courtney Walsh but King was troubled by a heel injury. King was ignored for four years, until he was recalled for the home series against South Africa in 2004–05, when some of leading players were sidelined by a contract dispute.King played his last Test against Pakistan at Sabina Park from Jun 3-7, 2005 after playing his last ODI against Pakistan at Perth, February 1, 2005, while his First Class career ended January 20, 2007 in Jamaica. The Providence Stadium was built for the 2007 World Cup and King played two 50over games at that venue before his Regional 50-over stint ended when Guyana opposed T&T at Providence on October 20, 2007. After his career in the middle ended, King became a Match Referee. “I was at the time the CDO of the GCB and WICB, though its Cricket Manager Mr An-
thony Howard wanted to overhaul the match officials (match referees) and I was encouraged as a past player to get involved and so I did along with Colin Stuart.” When asked what he thought was the difference between Club cricket and what happened when he started playing for GCC, King said what transpired back in those days was non-existent now. “Simply, it pretty much non-existent. From persons becoming less interested, lack of resources, funding, administrative issues and cricket politics. A lot of persons have lost interest in cricket for a number of reasons, WI team not doing well, the administration of the game, lack of support systems, structures and facilities,” King la-
Reon King had a graceful run up.
mented. King gave his thoughts on what could be done to improve Guyana and West Indies cricket. “We just need to get the various parts…Government, National Board, County Boards, Associations, Clubs, Schools…to sort their differences, get to the drawing board come to an understanding of what is needed to develop Guyana’s cricket over a sustained period of time, yes you may have to tweak here and there. For West Indies cricket let’s get it right in the territories in terms of our structures and related supported systems, West Indies cricket can be only good as what the territories produce,” King added.With Guyana now on a 6 to 6 Curfew to help arrest the spreading of the COVID19, all Sports have been suspended and people told to stay in unless they have something very urgent to do, but King prefers to look at the good in a bad situation. “Well we can look at the positives we can get from the lockdown, the priceless time of spending time with our family, having to play the role of teachers, cooking and exercising together,” King added.“Educate yourself on this Pandemic gather the necessary information from the reliable sources and persons. Stay at home, this will pass and let’s get ready to deal with the post pandemic period,” concluded King.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday April 23, 2020
Global crisis daunts Suriname Coach Gorré on GVF development plans qualifying for Gold Cup: “It was an amazing experience” I
n an exclusive interview with Kaieteur Sport, longserving head of the Guyana Vo l l e y b a l l F e d e r a t i o n (GVF), Levi Nedd, has explained that the coronavirus pandemic has not only placed a rain-check on a number of local and regional volleyball tournaments but it has also affected major development plans of the sports association. Nedd, who also serves as national coach, shared that ironically, most of the initiatives planned were to be rolled out this month. First, there was a development programme for referees and all officials that would have brought the participants up to speed with all the new rules and protocols in volleyball. In addition, a coaches’ education and recruitment programme was also scheduled to be hosted in collaboration with the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA). Nedd posited that getting more coaches was extremely important since the GVF had also planned on reintroducing the stagnant
under-16 and under-23 programmes that would have complimented the exciting under-21 and senior (male and female) divisions. Big plans were in motion for the four-way series to be played amongst proposed hosts Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana and Guyana later this year with the discussion scheduled to be finalised this month. In terms of getting a larger pool of players coming into the system, Nedd revealed that talks were already ongoing with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to have GVF representatives enter into schools to conduct outreach programmes. Senior tournaments included a regional championship in Trinidad and Tobago next month while club competitions were planned for Suriname and French Guiana; all of which have since been postponed according Nedd. The South America volleyball confederation summit that was slated to convene this June in Brazil has been postponed indefinitely. However, the international volleyball
Levi Nedd federation (FIVB) summit scheduled for Japan in October has been rescheduled for Thailand in January, 2021. The administration urged athletes to stay focused during these trying times and not take unnecessary risks by going outdoors unless there is a need to. He lamented that, “It’s important that our athletes stay mentally and physically fit during this period and pay attention to diet. Calisthenics and works on technique including ball handling are excellent drills you can work on by yourself while using the internet to view and analyse videos can also be done to pass the time.” (Calvin Chapman)
Karate Combat looks to fill sports void
Miami, Florida – For the first time in their history, Suriname will play in the Concacaf Gold Cup after qualifying for the 2021 tournament thanks to a firstplace finish in Group D of League B of the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League. The man behind this historical accomplishment is Suriname-born Dean Gorré, who is in his second spell as Head Coach of Suriname. Managing a national team that largely consists of amateur players has, at times, been difficult for Gorré, but the former Ajax and Feyenoord Midfielder (MF) is now reaping the rewards for his hard work. “It has been a rollercoaster to be honest, especially when you work with amateurs. I am trying to work and implement the same thing that I’m used to from my time as a player and coach in Europe and put it in an environment where they are not used to being professional,” said Gorré in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com. “I am trying to put professional thinking into the minds of players and also the staff and the Suriname FA. It was tough, but it was so enjoyable because the SVB (Surinaamse Voetbal Bond) gave me all the opportunity to work and that’s incredible. They had trust in me to do it, and gave me everything I asked for so, that’s a big thank you to them,” added Gorré. In the CNL, Suriname found themselves in a group with two very familiar foes: Dominica and Nicaragua,
Dean Gorré Suriname FA Head Coach
along with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Dominica played spoiler to Suriname in CNL Qualifying as their 0-0 draw on match day 1 was the pivotal result that kept Suriname from a Gold Cup berth. Almost five years ago, Suriname had clashed with Nicaragua in Concacaf World Cup Qualifying, narrowly losing twice. For Gorré, the CNL was a chance to settle some unpaid debts. “If you look at our group, there were two teams that I had already played and had something to deal with. We beat Dominica twice and we beat Nicaragua twice, so the two teams we had something to deal with, I put it right,” said Gorré. The clinching win came on the final match day of Group D in a 2-1 triumph in Nicaragua. What happened afterward will be something that Gorré will always cherish. “When you see the emotion of the country, they were so happy. There were c e l e b r a t i o n s , congratulations, free food at
restaurants! People saying ‘thank you for getting us to the Gold Cup!’ It was an amazing experience to see how people in Suriname reacted and there’s more to come,” said Gorré. One of the revelations of the CNL was Suriname FW Gleofilo Vlijter, who scored 10 goals to finish not only as the top scorer of League B, but all three Leagues. At 20 years of age, Gorré believes the sky is the limit for Vlijter. “Not to put pressure on him, but he can go all the way if he wants to, if he puts his mind to it. The only thing that he has against him is that his path started in Suriname in amateur football, so there is a lot for him to get to level where he can be, he could have been further if he had his education in a professional environment. Having said that, he’s still a top player. In my first spell as national team manager, I made him make his debut at age 15 against Guyana when he came on as a sub. I saw him play and I took him in so I knew already that he was (Continued on page 20)
Former National Volleyball player Shawn Southerland succumbs Competitors land kicks in Karate Combat, an upstart league that merges real fighting with video game effects, in a still image from video provided April 19, 2020. (Karate Combat/Handout via REUTERS) (Reuters) - Karate Combat, a league devoted to showcasing the ancient martial art, said it is hoping to take advantage of the stalled sports calendar to premiere its prerecorded second season, which blends real fighting with video game settings.The fullcontact league believes it is sitting on a valuable commodity that can attract viewers, especially the highly-prized younger demographic, at a time when COVID-19 has put the brakes on live sporting events around the world.“There’s been a big push to fill this void and combat sports are fun to watch,” Karate Combat co-founder Rob Bryan told
Reuters in an interview.“And we’re presenting combat sports in a way that the younger demographic loves.” While season one relied on large live audiences and glamorous locales, season two incorporates outlandish CGI effects to transport viewers to locations ranging from ancient temples to space stations. With more than 150 professional fighters, some of whom have Olympic experience, computer-generated settings and celebrity hosts like charismatic NFL great Marshawn Lynch, the league believes it has a formula for (Continued on page 22)
The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) and the entire volleyball fraternity are in mourning following the death of Shawn Sutherland, a former national volleyball player of Guyana who passed away in the USA on Sunday last. According to a correspondence from the GVF, Sutherland wore the Guyana cap starting in the late 90s. He commenced his career with club Falcons of Canje, Berbice then moved to Vikings of Blairmont in
Berbice. Subsequently, he went on to represent the Vipers volleyball club of Georgetown. During his playing career, the GVF noted that he was a very enthusiastic player and in numerous occasions would deploy of his best to ensure victory for his team. The volleyball fraternity takes the time out to express its heartfelt condolences to his relatives, friends, associates and co-players. May his soul rest in peace.
Shawn Sutherland