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AIETEUR NEWS

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Will Pres. Irfaan Ali Tuesday Edition demand more for us?

August 04, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 31

Suriname reaped 36% on its oil revenues. Guyana settled for 14 1/2 % on Liza 1 & 2. Now ExxonMobil is pressuring us to hurry on a 3rd well.

New President Ali has a golden opportunity to ease Exxon's knee from Guyana's neck. Is he up to the task? Will he demand at least 36%? HE MUST.

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday 193,714

Pres. Ali shakes up police force p.

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Coalition seats will be split 70/30- Ramjattan Carter Center urges Constitutional Reform p.

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A more streamlined Man gets DPP dismisses private criminal govt. under new charges five shots administration filed against p.

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- Full Cabinet, Ministries to be established by this week - Pres. Ali

to head

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GECOM Chair

Pres. Maduro wants EPA instructs Exxon to return to pre-2015 submit quality assurance bilateral relations Mechanical issues and flaring...

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report for Liza Destiny - congratulates Pres. Irfaan Ali p.

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

Pres. Maduro wants return to pre-2015 bilateral relations - congratulates Pres. Irfaan Ali

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resident of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro has called for bilateral relations between Guyana and Venezuela to return to what it once was before 2015 in a message of congratulations to President Irfaan Ali. “The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro Moros, in the name of the people and the Venezuelan government, congratulates the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana that after its electoral process, followed by a prolonged period of the “recount of votes”, they were able to know the definitive results of the Regional and General Elections conducted on March 2, which resulted in Doctor Mohamed Irfaan Ali elected as presid e n t , ” Maduro said in a Spanishlanguage release yesterday.

He stated that Venezuela recognizes the democratic will of the Guyanese people,

President Nicolas Maduro Moros extending its congratulations to the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for a conquered victory, and at the same time wished the best successes and performances.

Further, Maduro made a vow to return to the “links of cooperation and good neighbourhood” that characterized the integral bilateral relationship with

GDF Chief of Staff commits to serving new Government Chief of Staff (ag) Brigadier Godfrey Bess

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hief of Staff (ag) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Brigadier Godfrey Bess on Monday reaffirmed the Force's commitment to serving the country under the leadership of the newly elected President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali. In his address to officers and ranks of the GDF, Bess iterated that as the Guyana Defence Force has done in the past, it will continue to do and that is, “to serve the state and the people of Guyana under its Commander in Chief President Dr. Irfaan Ali.” “It is important that I remind you at this time that the Guyana Defence Force is

and will remain an apolitical national institution and therefore will continue to uphold this noble and exemplary position of service to the Guyanese nation and all her people,” Bess added.

Furthermore, the acting Chief of Staff recommitted the services of the GDF in the carrying out of its constitutional mandate in an effort to defend the nation's sovereignty and to ensure the development as a safe and secure place.

In closing, Brigadier Bess commanded ranks and officer of the GDF to continue upholding their allegiance to the Guyana as they provide service of the highest quality to the nation.

Guyana that always sought a shared development between both countries until 2015.

With reference to the historic territorial controversy on the Guyana and Essequibo, Maduro reiterated the need to reactivate soon, the mechanisms of dialogue and negotiation to achieve a practical and satisfactory arrangement - always framed in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, a legal instrument of full validity for both parties.

The Venezuela-Guyana was recently heard before the International Court of Justice with Venezuela refusing to take part in the proceedings.

(Translation by Shervin Belgrave.)

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Antigua and Barbuda's PM calls for continued alliance in congratulatory letter to President Ali

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he Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne has congratulated the new president of Guyana elected Dr. Irfaan Ali on his election victory following his swearing in Sunday last.

Prime Minister Browne, in his congratulatory letter to President Ali, noted that Guyana and Antigua and Barbuda has shared a long history of cooperation, with both countries being founding members of the Caribbean Free Trade Agreement, which then later led to the formation of the C ar ib b ean C o mmu n ity CARICOM. Furthermore, the Prime Minister further stated that it is his fervent expectation that the two countries will

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Hon. Gaston Browne continue to work closely in their mutual interest and that of CARICOM. In a d d i t i o n , P r i m e

Minister Browne expressed his government's satisfaction at the peaceful conclusion of the March 2 General and Regional Elections and further congratulated the political parties as well as the citizens of Guyana for the patience and restraint they have demonstrated throughout the electoral process.

“As Guyana stands on the threshold of economic transformation,” Browne said, “I wish you every success in your Presidency and in the stewardship of Guyana's affairs, and I offer you my own and my Government's support in the great cause of delivering prosperity to all the people of Guyana.”

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Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

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

Leo Despres and Outlining Division In his book, ‘Cultural Pluralism and Nationalist Politics in British Guiana’, Leo Despres, an American anthropologist, came to the following conclusion about what was then the future of this country: “…to summarize, we can be certain of several things.

First, we can be sure that, as long, as Guianese society remains plural, sociocultural changes will generate tensions between cultural sections.”

This of course might be seen as an obvious conclusion.

In countries where people who look alike and have lived with each other for hundreds of years, some form of plurality inevitably develops and often is accompanied by tensions.

One would be hard pressed in Kashmir, for example, to see the difference on the surface between a Hindu and a Muslim.

On the Korean peninsula, there are brothers who share the same parentage but unfortunately ended up on different sides of a crushing political divide.

For decades, Northern Ireland saw rabid division between very similar-looking people, including families, on the basis of who was Protestant and who was Catholic.

Guyana’s ethnic and religious plurality by comparison, with all its diversity, would inevitably be a site of at times tectonic tension. Despres, in this book that was finished in 1964 and published in 1967, made another observation: “Second, we can be sure that, as long as these cultural sections are politically juxtaposed, the tensions existing between them will be extremely difficult to manage.”

If nothing else, the history of Guyana has been one of not simply dysfunctional political division but of a type of division that has its own academic label, ethnopoliticisation. In plain language, our racial divisions and our political divisions are tightly interwoven, and the impact will be on our capacity to manage them.

That we remain under-developed today is a direct result of our mismanagement of not simply our public service over the decades, but in virtually every single sector. We’ve never developed a cultural of efficient management of anything which is of course we have repeated turned control of key sectors of economy to external players.

This brings us to the third observation, which Despres makes: “Third, violent conflict will result from the political justification of cultural sections whenever nationalist leaders see fit to exploit the tensions between them.”

He would of course at the time be writing in the wake of the violence of the 1950’s and 1960’s, including the Wismar Massacre and the Sun Chapman, which would have occurred around the time he was finishing his book. His words of course would be prophetic consider that in all the decades since then, Guyana has had ethno-political tensions which have time and time again erupted. Our history, up until the last three elections, have been one of post-electoral violence, the eruption of seething divisions that we harbour year after year.

Despres, ultimately, outlined the framework under which these tensions thrived and in doing so gave what should be seen, a half century later, as the beginning of a solution for our problems: “And, finally we can be relatively certain that these generalizations will obtain as long as Guianese nationalist elites accommodate themselves to vestiges of the colonial power structure.”

We have a new government in place. We have been sent the usual external encouragement on constitutional reform. We have heard the stock commitments on cohesion by politicians.

If anything else, the past half year has shown us that we need to move beyond platitudes and postures. Guyanese citizens need to take the mantle or responsibility for true change from what the political ‘elites’ have established and begin the task of throwing off those vestiges, those remnants, of the colonial power structure. Only then, can we end our divisions and begin the process of healing as a nation.

A relief that the election is over DEAR EDITOR, It has been a long struggle to have the right winner declared in the elections.

August 2 will be long remembered. What a relief for those of us who were in the forefront of the battle championing democracy and the right to count the ballots.

I participated in several election battles to have the ballots correctly counted going back to the first rigged election of 1968. Never before have I seen such global unity over the last five months to combat electoral fraud. And not since 1973 did I experience such a large majority of Guyanese at home and in the diaspora united to oppose rigging.

From March 3, while in Guyana, I was appealing to the parties to respect the will of voters. Myself, and a few others, worked behind the

scenes to get international forces (politicians, governments, organizations) to cajole the parties to accept the vote count and recount.

Some didn’t wish to have their names known for fear of consequences. As a veteran of the struggle for free and fair elections going back to the 1960s, I didn’t mind my name in public glare for participating in an honourable act.

Not surprisingly, recognition, congratulations and words of gratitude came in from India, Trinidad, Canada, US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore for the work we quietly did as some of us also did between 1973 and 1992 to restore voting rights in Guyana. The right to vote is fundamental in any democratic state and parties must be willing to accept the outcome. The experience in

fighting for free and fair elections between 1966 and 1992 and between 2015 and 2020 will never be forgotten. I can write volumes on my travels in meeting important voices and courting their support for democracy in the homeland. Those who experienced the fraud and fought against it would have the feel to write about it.

Almost every Guyanese in the diaspora and at home intensely followed the elections during the campaign and thru August 2.

In fact, the globe watched what transpired since December 21, 2018 following the successful no confidence motion and the refusal of the fallen government to accept global parliamentary norm.

Every decent person condemned the fraud. Every democratic country and international organization

condemned the fraud.

Everywhere in the diaspora and even in other parts of the globe, there is celebration that the election impasse is finally over. There were euphoric displays in the US, Canada, UK, and Trinidad.

Guyanese and the international community are relieved. The nation and the diaspora want to move on.

Congratulations to Dr. Irfaan Ali and team. It is a victory well deserved. I salute and applaud the work done by colleagues in the diaspora to lobby foreign forces to pressure the defeated coalition to throw in the towel. David Granger did right in conceding. Reforms would be needed to safeguard the right to vote and the count of ballots.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

There are many persons to acknowledge in this fight for freedom DEAR EDITOR, To say that we are pleased to witness the triumph of democracy in the Guyana 2020 elections is an obvious understatement.

It is more than a relief to have the results of the elections declared, which the people of Guyana, as well as the rest of the world, have waited.

It was an agonizing wait, but it has been worth it.

Freedom and democracy are cherished sacred values in this country and others. It has come with a price, and many have given a lot, with one young man, Seedat Hansraj of Cotton Tree, paying with his life.

Where does one start and finish to thank for preserving democracy? Thousands have

worked diligently in and out of Guyana. However, we agree with Freddie Kissoon, who has repeatedly stated in his KN columns that Caribbean notables Bruce Golding and Owen Arthur, American Ambassador SarahAnn Lynch; Canadian High Commission, Lilian Chatterjee; British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and EU Ambassador Fernando Ponz Cantó played a unique role.

I concur with Kissoon, who emphasized: “for the umpteen time, the government of President Ali must make a bust of these people to be displayed in one of the most prominent parts of this country.” He also rightly observed, “If it weren’t for these democratic souls,

then on March 14, David Granger would have been sworn in as president and from thereon, this country would never have seen another free and fair national election.

For generation(s) to come, the people of this country would have known only one party controlling the government.”

We also acknowledge the roles of media persons in and out of the country for constantly bringing the dilemma to the fore and eventually bringing the government to its knees to accept the legitimate recounts of the votes.

There are far too many persons to acknowledge in this fight for freedom.

However, it is vital to

recognize the Guardians of Democracy who kept vigilance of the ballot boxes for months - day and night, in the sun, rain, and darkness – risking their health and shielded those votes with their lives.

Guardians, we salute you wholeheartedly!

Thanks to all who have contributed to in small and big ways to bring a just end to respect the mandate of the peoples of the country. God bless you, and God bless Guyana.

Yours truly, Dr. Devanand Bhagwan (and thousands of other Guyanese who signed petitions to have fair and free elections in Guyana)

A letter to President Irfaan Ali and the PPP DEAR EDITOR, This letter is penned to Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Having taken the oath of office, you will be required to name your Cabinet of Ministers.

Sir, it is the expectation of many and will certainly be a grave injustice and perhaps your first blunder as a president if you and the other leaders of your party do not consider and offer Dr. Vindhya Persaud a Ministerial portfolio in this new PPP/C government.

Birthed into the PPP, Dr. Vindhya, like her father, the late Pt. Reepu, has one common trait – that is, service to the people.

It is for this reason, I believe that Dr. Vindhya Persaud will be a dynamic, passionate and visionary Social Protection Minister once given that mandate as she possesses all the traits of a 21st century leader while at the same time rooted with the party’s vision and goals.

Should there be any doubt, one can peek at the impeccable works of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha which of course is headed by Dr. Persaud.

It is no doubt that Dr. Persaud has been a major player in commandeering support and votes in the constituencies of Berbice and Essequibo and to deny her a ministerial portfolio will not only be a smack in the face

but will also expose the double standard of the PPP as it was the party General Secretary who said “All the other candidates would have prominent roles in government” moments after the party elected you as their Presidential candidate.

This is according to a Stabroek News’ article, Ali is PPP/C presidential candidate dated 19 January, 2019.https:/ /www.stabroeknews.com/ 2019/01/20/news/guyana/aliis-ppp-c-presidentialcandidate/ Dr. Persaud is a true patriot of the land and has made her mark in the political and social landscape in Guyana. She served as an opposition MP and also headed the Parliamentary

Sectoral Committee on Social Services and was never afraid to ask questions and chastise those who were in default as she is known for her indomitable struggles for that which will benefit the people.

Socially, Dr. Persaud has contributed to the development of Indian culture and traditions and the philanthropic works through the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

She has certainly helped to craft our Guyanese identity. Here is a woman of class who is worthy to have an opportunity to lead Guyana. President Ali, the citizens expect you to do what is right!

Yours truly, O. Seepersaud

Tuesday August 04, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Remembering the important Thank you former President Granger struggle of Lewis, Komal, Feroze and Congratulations President Ali DEAR EDITOR, Guyana and Guyanese Americans lost well known freedom fighters in recent months: John Lewis, the iconic Black Civil Rights leader who was buried last Friday; Komal Chand who was cremated last Tuesday; and Feroze Mohammed who was buried in early May. We learnt through their lived experience and their struggles that freedom does not come easy. They made indelible mark on history. They commanded respect for their lifelong fight for freedom, equality, and basic human rights. I never met Lewis but read of him. I cherished my encounters with Komal and Feroze. They gave me valued time for my research, and they both were warm and affable.

They were down to earth, unassuming people. And I will miss Komal, in particular because we engaged each other so much over the last fifteen years – an affectionate gentleman in every aspect of the word.

Guyanese went through horrific experiences from colonial times to now. They put up various forms of resistance to overcome challenges. Some were in the thick of the struggle and others were onlookers becoming beneficiaries.

Through the decades of struggle of Lewis, Komal, Feroze, and that of others, Guyanese enjoy freedom in Guyana andAmerica. Only a few heroes of the 1960s freedom movement are still around. We must know their struggle and learn from them. And we must take precautions, never to repeat these horrors of history. Komal was among those who fought for the restoration of the vote.

His close friend Feroze Mohammed who died days after also put up a strong fight against

electoral fraud. They both were involved in the 1961 and 1964 elections as young men becoming leaders in their own right. We must pay tribute to them and recognize that the struggle for absolute freedom and a just society is a work in progress. There is still much to be done in fighting against racism and authoritarianism. Some of those who persecuted Guyanese are still around. In fact, one of them advised Granger to take away the freedom of Guyanese and restore the dictatorship that he once helped to institutionalize (between 1966 and 1992).

The death of freedom fighters brought back memories of the kind of struggle they waged against injustice, inequality, racial persecution, discrimination, and freedom for their people and the response from the oppressors. Guyanese freedom fighters and Black civil rights leaders in America experienced violence; they were beaten by the racist oppressors.

They were victims of various intensities of physical violence and psychological torture. All chose the non-violent method of struggle in the mould of Mahatma Gandhi.

The struggle against racism and equality for one’s race was not an easy one. The scars were deep and unforgettable.

The oppressors used similar methods – only the scale of violence may have been somewhat different; Guyanese were ‘propa’ beaten by thugs during the racist dictatorship. As we watched clippings, Lewis was clubbed by racist police and set upon by Klu Klux Klan (KKK); dogs tore into human flesh of protesters, and cold water sprayed on them. In Guyana, peaceful protesters were set upon by police officers, the military, and racist goons who mauled

Advocating for building trust DEAR EDITOR, National Unity will not occur when at any given time half of Guyana’s population feels left out of the political process.

This is why I am advocating for the PPP/C and APNU+AFC to put

aside their differences and work for the betterment of all Guyanese.

Work together to build trust then look at the possibilities of shared governance.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

50K jobs please DEAR EDITOR, Congratulations Irfaan Ali on becoming President of Guyana. I know that you are in the partying mood but you need to hit the ground running and deliver on that

50,000 jobs creation promise as nothing less will do. You have five years but we want to see the action plan to create 50,000 jobs thank you.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

them. Weapons were trained on them. Limbs and lives were lost. In Both societies, we experienced whipping from police. But in America, the police restrained from whipping protesting students. On the Corentyne in 1976 and 1977 and in other protests, age or student status was not deterrent from victimization and beatings. As young students, we were clubbed by the police on the instruction from the Kabaka.

He wanted to set an example to those who defied him.

Many Guyanese were hauled to jail just like the Black activists in America. In jail, some were beaten with rubber hoses or other utensils. Ask Ravi Dev and Leyland Roopnarine about their experience. In Guyana jail, unlike in America, police shoved heads of political dissidents in toilet bowls filled with urine and faeces. In some cases, waterproof dungeons were filled with filthy water neck high and dissidents placed in. Paul Nehru Tennassee and others were stripped naked by the army and tied to red ants nest. Roy Nanhoo was mercilessly beaten in Mahaica and in jail.

Leyland Roopnarine, Tacuma and David Hinds had their experiences in lockup. The para-military House of Israel immersed heads of protesters in dirty latrine drains. In my readings on the worst of racist experiences in South Africa, Rhodesia, and America, White oppressors did not utilize some methods of violence utilized against protesters in Guyana. And the Whites also did not violate the dietary habits of non-White oppressed victims. Moses Nagamootoo once wrote that food was used as a weapon. The food habit of Indians were violated as their staples of flour, potatoes, split peas, channa, among others, also essential for religious practices, were all banned. It was a crime to be found with them or caught consuming them. Today, the ballot, instead of food, is being used as a weapon to persecute people.

The oppressors reject the right count of votes. The struggle for freedom must continue. The Jagans, Feroze Mohammed, Komal Chand, Reepu Daman Persaud, MLK, John Lewis, and others put up a brave, courageous fight against racist oppression. The battle continues as this long struggle is a work in progress. The heroes of yesteryear are slowly leaving the scene. The youths must take up the mantle. And they have done so courageously as we are witnessing in the battle for the right count of the vote.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

DEAR EDITOR, THANK YOU Mr. Granger! Congratulations Irfaan Ali: Leadership is an amazing privilege and honour even though many times it does not feel so. I have been trusted with leadership opportunities over the years and have learned many hard lessons but will never trade those opportunities!

I am a hybrid in terms of generations. I lived through the 80’s and 90’s and here I am in the 21st century. I lived five years through the presidency of Mr. Burnham; all of Mr. Hoyte’s, Mr. Jagan’s, Mrs. Jagan’s, Mr. Jagdeo’s, Mr. Ramotar’s and Mr. Granger’s; of course with Mr. Sam Hinds acting inbetween.

Now enters Irfaan Ali! Irfaan and I were classmates from Form One (Grade 7) through Form Five (Grade 11) at St. Stanislaus College.

We were friends! The classmate I knew was a cool guy; down to earth and fun loving – yes, he was. I remember in Form Two (Grade 8) when he was happy that my family got a telephone. He liked a good laugh! We went different ways after high school and so I am sure we are both different as adults.

We did meet up from time to time.

Irfaan, today I congratulate you and wish you the very best. I pray that you will lead and serve in a manner that is selfless, impartial, equal and equitable.

I wish you well for yours, your family, supporters and ALL Guyanese sake. I pray you distinguish yourself and leave a great legacy! Do well my alma mater.

To you Mr. David Arthur Granger, I was always a

daddy’s girl and some things about you remind me of my father. My father is a quiet man; introverted in many ways! He is a man of principle, loyalty, dignity and honour.

Nothing much excites him; except books and movies. I can speak for him and me. He loves history, hard work and his family. He served Guyana in the police force and travelled the length and breadth of this nation. He loves GUYANA. Living in Agricola during my teenage and early adult years was hard. Many people I knew either left the village or were killed; boys who I played and grew up with.

I slept on the floor, sometimes as it was a place of refuge from bullets. Law enforcement barged in my home with guns and all. So much more happened but this letter is not just about that. My dad’s presence and leadership brought much security.

Mr. Granger, I supported you when you became President and throughout your presidency. When you became president, I jumped for joy and when my former Chief Elder was part of your swearing in, I jumped for more joy! I was hopeful! I was not pleased with some of the decisions you made but you were in the driver’s seat and as a leader myself, that can be a hard, lonely, difficult, hot and an uneasy seat but I still supported you Sir! Thank you for helping me travel and live as a proud Guyanese in the Caribbean Commonwealth and the world at large. Thank you for the nationalist you are. Thank you for making me know that Guyana has a lot to offer; I had a chance like every other

Guyanese. Thank you for the dignity you brought to the office of the President. Thank you for the 5 B’s, the endearment with which you began your speeches saying “Guyanese”. Thank you for wishing my mother-in-law well when you gave the National Award to my husband on her behalf. What a dream! She is an example to us all! Thank you for keeping your word when you gave it. Thank you for never using public opportunities to divide us as Guyanese.

Thank you for not rendering evil for evil and using personal freedoms to assault, belittle, demean, sideline, neglect, threaten harm and yet ask for trust. You did not engage in intellectual subterfuge, sabotage nor bullying.

When you did not get your way, you did not call down fire! Thank you Mr. Granger! I AM PROUD OF YOUR EFFORTS and know your latter will be greater than your former!

I will miss you as my President but my faith remains in the Lord of hosts; Captain of the guard; the Mighty Warrior and Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah!

God bless Guyana!

Flemlyn A. Ragobeer

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Kaieteur News

This Long National Nightmare is Over DEAR EDITOR, Democracy has prevailed. This long national nightmare has come to an end. Personally, I myself wasn’t sure what would have been the outcome. I knew at some point, the Coalition would have to step aside but I wasn’t sure if we would have been subjected to a few years under a dictatorship first.

However, we can all breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that the blatant, cancerous attempts to chip away at the pillars of democracy were blocked. What must be noted is that apart from the rightful pressure from the international community, the attempts to rig were so laughably barefaced. Not even Forbes Burnham would rig an election by simply playing bingo with the numbers on the SOPs. However, the Kabaka disciples still tried their best and showed that they are still mentally living in 1985.

Burnham himself once said, ”You can take a man out of a colony but you cannot take the colony out of some men”. I have put a spin on that quote for the 2020 election: You can take a man out of a dictatorship but you cannot take the dictatorship out of some men.

Further, it seems very obvious by now that the PNC has destroyed themselves in this election. They are finished.

They have completely eroded any chance of winning a straight election ever again and hence will never set foot in office again for the future of Guyanese politics. Why have I jumped to this conclusion, you may ask?

They simply cannot survive another rigging allegation. From 1964-1992, the PNC governed

Guyana and rigged elections were held in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985. They were given a second chance as part of a coalition in 2015 to re-enter office. I must admit that I was happy when President Granger was sworn in as I saw it as a breath of fresh air. However, they have shown once again that when you vote them in, they don’t want to leave. I think this was made clear to everyone, even their loyalists. If, five months ago, the electoral process wasn’t frustrated and the coalition left office, they still would have had a strong support base for 2025. But this clown show was just too embarrassing.

I won’t waste any precious time touching on the breadcrumb that is the AFC. That doesn’t mean that the Government should become complacent though. If they misbehave, the rising star small parties could receive enough votes to create a parliamentary minority for the PPP in 2025.

Moreover, I am calling on

this administration to reach out to the coalition supporters and let them know that it is a government that cares about every individual regardless of colour, class, religion as well as sexual orientation. I say this because for the past five months, they have been lied to, manipulated and exploited by their leaders into thinking that the coalition won this election. I cannot even picture what is going through their thoughts right now seeing a different result being declared. This is not a standalone occurrence. The PNC has been exploiting the Afro-Guyanese population (the primary ethnic makeup of their support base) as early as 1963 with Forbes Burnham telling his supporters that they would be subjugated under a Dr. Jagan government due to colour. This manipulation has continued into the modern century where every election season horror stories about extrajudicial killings are resurrected. And for what? To

drive fear into the hearts of their primarily Afro-Guyanese support base. This is a clear example of the exploiters and the exploited, exploiters being the PNC. This must end. All this has done is to strengthen the disease known as “Apaan Jaat” and widen the racial divide. As a youth who has now completed high school, this only hurts my heart.

Once more, I am hopeful that the new Government spreads the message of love and reconciliation. Every PPP supporter should reach out to every APNU supporter and vice versa to show that we are stronger together. I cannot stress that enough. This election has shown how broken and divided we are as a nation.

That being said, I extend my congratulations to the President and his party and look forward to seeing immense progress.

Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar

May the motto of our great nation lead the way DEAR EDITOR, The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana (CRG) would like to congratulate the new government on its success at the polls and successful patience with the courts. We look forward to working with them in a continuous peaceful atmosphere over the years ahead as the opportunities to do so arise.

May the motto of our great Nation “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”

lead them and the New Parliament in their daily actions. Guiding their decision-making for the benefit of all Guyanese independent of race, gender, religion or political party affiliation.

May they also be guided by their integrity and honesty so that they may avoid the pitfalls of corruption, greed and violence. Thus, allowing them to focus first and foremost on the best interest of Guyana and all of its people. This lengthy process has provided an opportunity for all of us to relearn the

importance of humility and law and order. Going forward, we should all as a nation remember to respect the justice system and the rule of law.

Thus, ensuring we avoid taking matters into our own hands outside of the justice system. This is essential to the peaceful longevity of any successful government. Once again, Congratulations!

Salam, Peace, Shaanti, Shalom, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

Tuesday August 04, 2020

Three tall orders, two doable DEAR EDITOR, I extend my best to the new leader and his administration. They have their work cut out for them, and then some. I read in the media those three fateful watchwords uttered by the new president, and I recognize a tall order, if ever there was one. And that is, without any consideration of whether the time and space will be afforded to make good on the stirring promise(s) enshrined in those three meaningful words.

I read President Irfaan Ali immediately speaking of working for and delivering on unity, transparency, and accountability. Again, I wish him and his people the best on what I consider to be three very tall orders. In some respects, those three words mirror the ones that were an inherent component of the French Revolution, viz. liberty, equality, fraternity.

Like the French ones, the Guyanese ones certainly have a nice ring to them. As always, the proof would be in the pudding.

Today, I will not rain on anybody’s parade by mentioning anything about platitudes and sound bites.

Not after what we have been through as a society, with much more hovering and promise in the wings. But I must say this, if only to register where I stand and what I expect. I think that some not impractical and not unacceptable degree of transparency and accountability could occur with tremendous diligence and yeoman dedication to what is clean and constructive.

It goes without saying that clean and constructive only could flow from what is idealistic, altruistic, and patriotic. At bottom, and without any sophisticated language or devices, they come about from what and who is principled and honourable. As to whether we have it today and will have it in all the tomorrows that follow in a sufficiency of quantity and constancy of quality remains to be seen.

More specifically, I give the benefit of the doubt today that it is, indeed, present and powerful in the incoming leadership (and supporting) cadres. This is the least I can do, and I do so publicly and early.

So, with the proper alignment of people and practices, I foresee that some level of transparency and accountability could come to pass. As for the first word in that triumvirate, unity, I think that that one is the worst of

troubles and a world of it. To talk about, even promise to work for, unity in this country of ours is easy. But any movement, any realization, of even a modicum of progress regarding unity in Guyana is not only the toughest nut to crack, but it is the bitterest pill to swallow. In fact, I would go so far as to call unity, or attempts at it, the equivalent of a poisoned chalice.

Everyone thinks of unity, nod their heads that we need unity, but few (if any) will work and sacrifice to achieve anything resembling some speck of unity. Truth be told, we will work against it. I repeat for emphasis: we will work against unity because it suits narrow, partisan, tribal visions. The PNC certainly has its body of work and record on social cohesion that stands as a stark reference. And that went as far as it went before it ran into brick walls, glass walls, cyber walls, and rubber walls.

Personally speaking, unity in this country would be a dream come true for me.

But that is what it has been a dream all along, and one which promises to stay a mirage. I hate to do this today, but I have an obligation to do so; I ask pardon. In view of what was our collective experience in the last nineteen months (only that), the passions are so deep and powerful that speaking about and approaching for unity would only be greeted with the stoniest of hearts and countenances.

I suspect that this is not only from across the divide, but also within the ranks of the rulership fold and its wider surrounding cast. No reception. No traction. No projection. No acceleration.

I regret being so pessimistic on the probability of even partial success with regards to unity, but I have no choice, and there is nothing that persuades me otherwise, given my understanding of things Guyanese. I will go so far (again) as to say that regarding unity, we like how we are and where we are.

The authenticity of inclination and dynamism of purpose are too glaringly lacking to help us get anywhere on this one. Still, it is worth a try. But I hasten to add, whatever is done, just let it be genuine.

Once again, my best to Mr. Ali and his team as they gear up and square off to deal with the myriad of challenges that wait. And I do apologize for striking such a negative note so early.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

PAGE 07

Carter Center reiterates Coalition seats will call for constitutional be split 70/30 - Ramjattan reform in Guyana

By Shikema Dey

F

ollowing the P e o p l e ' s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) being declared as the winner of the March 2 General and Regional Elections, the Carter Center is once again calling for the new administration to make constitutional reform a priority.

The Center previously called for constitutional reform in February, urging that it be done before the next election in 2025. They further noted that, based on their engagement in Guyana, they have observed that even though political parties have made repetitive commitments in their manifestos to enact Constitutional Reform, it is not being done.

They are hoping that Guyana's key leaders can halt the country's racial divide and combine efforts to ensure the electoral and constitutional reforms are completed before the next election and indicated strong support from the international community.

The internationally

recognized organization had also called for constitutional reform in 2017, describing the “winner-take-all” system as a very problematic one. They had also previously stated that the importance of constitutional reform is greater in the wake of Guyana becoming an oilproducing nation, a situation “which has the potential to exacerbate ethnic and political conflicts.”

According to The Carter Center, reform will allow individual candidates to stand for President and remove the limits on candidature for presidential office.

Additionally, it will allow membership in the National Assembly to those who join party lists. The organization highlighted the unreasonable limitation on the “freedom of association and on the right to run for an election.”

They also suggested ranked voting. They believe that due to the history of racial polarization this might be the best way forward for Guyana.

In their report, they noted that, “This places an incentive on candidates to appeal to voters across party and communal lines.”

The Carter Center had observed the March 2 General and Regional Elections but had withdrawn after they felt that the electoral process was being stalled. They had stated that they were harassed and blocked from executing their mandate on several occasions and felt no sense of security.

When the recount was slated to begin, the organization has applied for reentry permission for their staff to observe but then President David Granger had turned down the request, first with explanation and then citing the COVID-19 lockdown.

The organization, in its statement, commended the Guyana Elections Commission and its Chair, Claudette Singh for bringing down the curtains on the General Elections and declaring a winner based on democracy.

New Government moves quickly to tackle COVID-19 - 46,250 rapid testing kits; 200,000 surgical masks expected in the country by Wednesday

A

s part of the first o r d e r o f business, newly elected President Mohamed Irfaan Ali said that his administration will address Guyana 's COVID -19 situation frontally. As such, the President held a meeting with officials of the National COVID-19 taskforce (NCTF) at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) yesterday.

President Ali was joined

by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo; Police Commissioner (ag) Nigel Hoppie; the Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff (ag) Brigadier Godfrey Bess; and Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) Dr. Karen Boyle among other stakeholders.

During a live streamed interview, the President expressed concerns over the deadly impact the management of the infectious disease has had on the country's economy.

Ali said that members of his administration have already had discussions with the requisite personnel to

Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) Dr. Karen Boyle explore the best approach to tackling the disease. He endorsed the call for rapid testing for the coronavirus in the areas most affected by the disease.

“We have to move quickly to have more testing done, comprehensive testing in key areas. Every day you get up, you see a variation in the number of cases—one day there is no report and another day, there are twelve new cases. That in itself tells you that something is wrong in the system and that there is

need for rapid testing,” the President said.

According to Ali, another important aspect of addressing the pandemic is to develop an effective reopening strategy.

“The task ahead,” he told stakeholders, “is how we transition to reopening and I want this to be a national transition. So, we will be calling all the stakeholders, the manufacturing sector, the private sector, the financial sector, the working sector to address the situation as a whole.

We will be asking them to come up with protocols and measures which they see as effective in reopening and returning the country to some amount of normalcy.”

As part of the plan, Guyana is expected to benefit from supplies by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (DMEMA), an interregional supportive network of independent emergency. A total of 46,250 rapid testing kits, along with 200,000 surgical masks and other items are expected in the country by Wednesday.

W

ith the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition shifting from government to opposition, Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan has said that parliamentary seating allocation will be as per the revised Cummingsburg Accord where they would receive 30%.

Ramjattan appeared on Kaieteur Radio's Room 592 last evening and responded to questions on how their party envisions their transition into opposition.

While he noted that the Coalition is yet to meet officially to decide on who would fill the slot of Opposition Leader, he said that they have been engaging in discussions via WhatsApp. On the question of how the parliamentary seats would be shared, Ramjattan touched on the revised Cummingsburg Accord Agreement signed back in 2019, which would see his Party receiving just 30% of the seats.

“We had an arrangement i n t h e C u m m i n g s b u rg Accord, 70/ 30 percent, and that arrangement still holds,” the former Public Security Minister said.

Back in 2019, APNU and AFC were engaged in a battle during the revision of

Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC) Khemraj Ramjattan the Accord before the 2020 Elections. This was after the AFC felt that did they not receive exactly what they bargained for, three years into government.

“There is broad agreement between the two parties that the existing Accord can be amended for better alignment with the Constitution and can accommodate additional guiding principles that may previously have been omitted,” the AFC had said in a statement.

In the first deal, the AFC agreed to divide the parliamentary seats 60% to 40% but in the end, the AFC bowed out, accepting 30% of seats – a 10% decrease from the initial arrangement.

If the Coalition had emerged victorious in the 2020 Elections, the AFC would have held the Prime Ministerial post in addition to the Ministries of Natural Resources, Public Security, Public Infrastructure and Public Telecommunication and 10 seats in the National Assembly.

The Ministry of Agriculture which it had responsibility for would go to APNU, along with Tourism.

The former Security Minister, while he had deemed the percentage a “come down”, had told reporters that he was in no way “bullied” to accept this smaller share.

Ramjattan said, “I was not bullied nor did I bully.”

When asked why he agreed to such a deal, he had said, “Because I want the coalition arrangement there.

I would not argue or get into that…We appreciate an Accord has been met…As to why we agreed to lots of agreements, a lot of things could be said but we believe that together we can win these elections and an agreement had to be reached.”

Explaining further, he stated, “I don't feel dejected at all. I wanted an accord because I feel we can win together with an accord. We were not bullied…I was just negotiating…and at the end of the day, whatever is realised is the best.”

AFC concedes

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) has finally conceded to their loss at the March 2, 2020 Elections and vowed to share “equally” the prosperity that Guyana is experiencing.

The party in a statement yesterday expressed satisfaction that a peaceful transition of government has occurred, noting that it confirms the nation's commitment to the Constitution along with the processes and institutions of democracy.

While it stated that the March 2020 Elections were undoubtedly an extremely hard fought one, the party expressed disappointment in the final result.

“The AFC is extremely disappointed with the outcome, and especially, in the fact that countless discrepancies and

irregularities were not taken into account by GECOM at the time of making its declarations. These discrepancies, we continue to contend, should have led off the utilization of only valid votes,” it said in the statement.

H o w e v e r , notwithstanding that position, the party took the opportunity to put aside “partisanship and rancor” to congratulate President Irfaan Ali on his election to the highest office.

“Though it happened exactly five months after March 2,” it said, “which certainly the AFC nor its partners wanted, nor even anticipated, it has been resolved through the assistance of the honoured institution of the Judiciary.”

The party went on signal their readiness like the A Partnership for National

Unity (APNU) to robustly challenge the “fraud and numerous irregularities and anomalies” they claimed were uncovered during the National Recount exercise.

“The Party and its coalition partners expect that the Election Petition will be expedited with the same alacrity as similar litigation which followed the Elections,” the statement said.

Continuing, the AFC pledged to continue their fight for the vitally needed constitutional and electoral reforms.

It said, “We assure all Guyana that the Alliance For Change will stay true to its founding principles of healing and reconciliation, the ending of race based politics, equality, freedom, non-discrimination and the wellbeing of every Guyanese.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Tuesday August 04, 2020

DPP dismisses private criminal charges against GECOM Chair F

ive days after three private criminal charges were filed against the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh, alleging misconduct in public office, the Office of the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yesterday dismissed the charges.

In a letter, which the Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar AliHack, sent to the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, the Ali-Hack stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred on me by Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, I hereby discontinue the charge in the above matter.”

According to Article 187:1, “The Director of Public Prosecutions (referred to in this article as

'the Director') shall have power in any case in which he or she considers it desirable to do so – (a) to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court, other than a court martial, in respect of any offence against the law of Guyana. (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that may have been instituted by any other person or authority; and (c) to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such c r i m i n a l p ro c e e d i n g s instituted or undertaken by him or her or any other person or authority.”

The complainants that filed the charges against the GECOM Chair were Lorraine Joseph of 16 Melanie Danishana, East Coast Demerara; Onita Walcott of 25 Section B, Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara; and Keith

Ondaan of 2987 Central Amelia's Ward, McKenzie Linden.

The three charges were filed under the Common Law Act, alleging that the GECOM Chair in the State of Guyana acted recklessly and unlawfully when she refused to accept the CEO's report, disregarded the advice of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, and breached the Recount Order in the Official Gazette.

The first charge, filed by Walcott, states that Claudette Singh, being appointed and performing duties of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, at Lot 41 High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, between March 14, 2020, and June 23, 2020, acted recklessly and unlawfully when she refused to accept the CEO's report on the March 2, Regional and General Elections 2020.

Joinder list meets today to finalize parliamentary seat

Director of Department of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali-Hack The second charge, filed by Ondaan, is that Claudette Singh, being appointed and performing duties of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Lot 41 High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown,

Chairperson of GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh acted recklessly and unlawfully when she disregarded the advice of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Mr. Charles FungA-Fat, SC on May 17, 2020 and knowingly caused the Gazetting of Recount Order in the Official

Gazette on May 4, 2020, and an Amended Recount Order on May 29, 2020.

Fung-A-Fat had advised the AG earlier in the year that a recount of the votes of the March 2, 2020 Regional and General Elections would be u n l a w f u l a n d unconstitutional.

The last charge, filed by Joseph, is that Claudette Singh, being appointed and performing duties of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Lot 41 High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown, acted recklessly and unlawfully between May 29, 2020 and June 23, 2020, when she breached the Recount Order gazetted in the Official Gazette on May 4, 2020, and Amended Recount Order on May 29, 2020. The charges were, however, never served on the GECOM Chair.

Mechanical issues and flaring...

EPA instructs Exxon to submit quality assurance

report for Liza Destiny

H

From left: Presidential candidates of the LJP, Lenox Shuman; Ralph Ramkarran, ANUG; and Dr. Asha Kissoon, TNM

T

he Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and The New Movement (TNM) are expected to convene today with the aims of finalizing the allocation of the one parliamentary seat gained by the parties.

Presidential candidates of LJP and TNM confirmed this meeting with Kaieteur News last evening.

Earlier this year, the three parties had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which they joined their lists

to compete in the March 2, General and Regional Elections. Under Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), the combined votes they received were calculated and went towards the allocation of a single seat in the National Assembly. The three parties had collectively gained 5,124 votes.

The signed MoU details the guidelines for the joinder's actions in the National Assembly. It stated that after the elections are held and the official results are declared, the parties will

calculate the number of seats to the National Assembly earned by each party in relation to the votes obtained by each party. Any party or parties which has earned sufficient votes so as to be entitled to seats in the National Assembly based on the votes obtained in the elections will nominate the members of parliament for the number of seats to which it is entitled in a procedure to be determined by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The document further (continued on page 16)

ead of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams has instructed ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to submit a Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Report on the Liza Destiny vessel. Kaieteur News understands that the request comes on the heels of ExxonMobil's admission that mechanical issues with its gas compressor system resulted in the flaring of close to 10 billion cubic feet of gas.

Dr. Adams said, “The mechanical issues with this compressor is a serious concern for us and we are not satisfied that they did a thorough quality assurance check so we brought it to their attention. We have also requested to review their QA/QC programme because what happened with that compressor should not have occurred.”

During its second quarter earnings call that took place

EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams last week, ExxonMobil executives informed shareholders about the issues being experienced with flaring in Guyana while noting that it has prevented the company from reaching peak production of 120,000 barrels of oil per day.

Executives also explained that the challenge to fix the mechanical issues in a timely fashion were due to difficulties experienced in

mobilizing the technical experts as well as materials in-country due to COVID19 restrictions. ExxonMobil was keen to note that these issues are being resolved and noted that there will be 100 percent injection of gas this month.

As the company works towards bringing an end the flaring onboard the Liza Destiny, toxic chemicals will continue to be released into Guyana's airspace. Dr. Adams told Kaieteur News that the company is flaring 12 to 15 million cubic feet of gas per day.

According to a special study conducted by the World Bank, flaring releases gases that are not only harmful to one's health but also disastrous to the climate. The report notes that flaring releases more than 250 toxins including cancer causing agents such as benzopyrene, benzene, carbon disulphide (CS2), carbonyl sulphide (COS), and toluene. It also releases metals such as mercury, arsenic, and chromium and (continued on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

PAGE 09

A good start does not guarantee a strong finish

A

positive start has been made, thus far, by the new President.

He has, within one day of his swearing in, adopted a more in clu s iv e ap p r o ach to governance, something that he promised.

The new PPP/C administration has begun to consult with stakeholders, including medical personnel, on the COVID-19 pandemic. Consultations are supposed to be held tomorrow with political parties. There has also been a reaching out to the main opposition.

This approach is quite novel to the PPP/C. It is unusual for the PPP/C to be inclusive. That has never been a feature of the party's governance. It is not an ideological position as most people believe but rather a reflection of Jagdeo's insecurity.

The present inclusive gesture, early as it is, is either a case of the party learning from its defeat in the 2015 elections or that what we are seeing is mere window-dressing.

Window-dressing will not work. The President recognizes this. He knows that elections are usually polarized but this does not mean that elections should divide us.

People have come around to accepting that the PPP/C won the elections and that there was a diabolic plot to cheat a young man, with a young child, of his due victory. This is horrible and that young man, still only 40 years old, could have adopted a different

approach. But he has shown that he had a big heart and is not into practising the old discredited politics of the PPP/C… at least not so early in his term.

This new approach, by the President and the PPP/C, may have been forced upon the party. It has never found itself in a situation in which it held a one-seat majority. And it should always bear in mind that its majority is as razorslim as the APNU+AFC had in 2015.

The APNU+AFC behaved as if it had a 10-seat majority. It was arrogant and dismissive of opposition concerns. It failed to cement any inclusive forms of governance. Even if the PPP/C was not interested, there was a malignant neglect of civil society, including the private sector.

But who needs civil society support when you have “Bingo” and a “Lolo” on your side?

President Irfaan Ali is going to be judged over the next few months, not just by the policies he pursues but the manner in which he pursues those policies. A good start has been made in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. And it is hoped that the PPP/C listens to the stakeholders and does not reduce consultation to mere talk.

The reason for consultations should not be merely to demonstrate inclusion but rather because no single party has all the answers to every problem.

Therefore, parties have to reach across the political divide. They should not just

consult widely but also involve stakeholders in the actual exercise of governance.

This does not necessarily mean that the stakeholders have to be part of the Executive but they can be part of implementing policies in which they have an input in shaping.

The COVID-19 pandemic requires a broadbased approach. The APNU+AFC was hamstrung by the lack of resources because of its illegitimacy during the pandemic. In addition, they were also clueless as to how to approach the problem.

This is why Guyana has reached the shocking stage of having more than 400 cases with the majority of new active cases being in regions, which are not densely populated.

The President made a good observation during an interview yesterday. He noted the wide deviations in positive COVID-19 cases from one day to the next.

And he is right in indicating that this suggests a problem in the strategic approach to the pandemic.

In the context of such problems, the President will need to listen to views outside of his normal orbit.

The PPP/C will become part of the problem if it operates, as it did prior to 2015 where it has all the answers.

A 40-year old President needs to be given a chance.

He is faced with daunting challenges in terms of COVID-19 and the economy which is not as healthy as most feel. Further, Guyana's

..........................................................

Dem boys seh...

Master Willy rolling in de mud

W

hen dem boys used to go to school, dem use to use a book called Caribbean Readers. It bin talk about Mr. Joe farm. De farm had plenty animals.

There was Miss Tibs de cat. Percy de chick, Dan de dog and Miss Cuddy de Cow. But de favourite of all Mr. Joe's animals was Master Willy. One day Master Willy enjoyed himself. He had a roll in a de mud.

Guyana gat its own Animal Farm. We gat we own Willie – Basil de Willy and Nigel de Willy. Dem

boys seh Nigel de Willy bin do a lot of rolling recently in de mud. He roll till he tun rock and roll.

And when de new government come in, he seh dat he gat fuh go pon leave and he nah gan go back to de Kranicle. Dem boys know dat even if he ain't go back, de government would nah want he.

Dem boys bin hear dat a rolling stone gathers no moss. But de mount of rolling Nigel de Willy do, he gather mud.

He used to be with the Stabber. He even get invite to roll by de Waterfall paper.

Den he tek de bait from Jagdeo best friend and decide fuh guh with de Hard Times paper. When de Coala Shun come into power, them woo he over to de Kranicle.

Is deh whey dem boys see how de man could roll.

He roll to de left. He roll to de right.

He roll to de front and he roll to de back. He roll downwards but din know dat you can't roll upwards. But de best of all was when he roll in de mud. And de Kranicle gat a lot of mud.

Talk half and wait fuh see weh next he gan roll to!

international reserves are extremely low and the deposit account at the Bank of Guyana is running a dangerously high deficit.

But the new President needs to prove himself

worthy of being given an extended honeymoon. He can do this by sustaining his inclusive approach, which he showed on his first day on the job.

(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

Tuesday August 04, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Edgar Thomas, Derek Cummings, Jeff Da Silva, Mike Khan I

have been involved in human rights activities and social and political activism all my life. I have seen ugly minds in the PPP that would have killed me if they had their way. I have seen fetid minds in the PNC that would have gladly murdered me if they had their way.

I have seen nasty minds in the AFC that wished terrible tragedies on me because of my critiques.

But the dialectical movements generate immense contradictions. I have seen PPP leaders who personally apologized to me for wrongs things the PPP government did to me. I

have encountered PNC leaders who admitted to me that despite my daily critical columns of their government, they personally like and admire me. I had people inside the AFC leadership telling me how they regretted that the AFC never consulted me on policy directions.

I have met all kinds of politically bad and politically good people from both sides of party politics and both sides of ethnic politics.

Some of these genuine folks are an asset to professional life and this country needs them because they are people with moral obligations and they employ those obligations in their professional life. I hereby recommend the following names above to the President, the Prime M i n i s t e r, a n d B h a r r a t Jagdeo, Vice President.

I recommend Edgar Thomas for the post of Commissioner of Police. I got to know Thomas from dealing with him on several occasions with complaints of noise nuisance. Thomas is a cut above the rest. A mannerly, respectful man, this guy represents what a police officer should always be. He risked his job for embracing professional ethics.

Thomas refused to evict a man from his own house when he was ordered by

some low-life GECOM s e c r e t a r i a t o ff i c i a l t o r e m o v e G ECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj from Gunraj's own workplace where he was one of the persons actually in charge of GECOM. He was humiliated and assigned road duties. In another article, I will look at the role of the justretired commissioner in the election sage. For now, the new government must duly reward Thomas for his courage.

Derek Cummings is currently the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry o f P u b l i c Telecommunications. Mr. Cummings' first loyalty is to Guyana and service to the Guyanese people.

Whichever party is in power, Cummings relates to Guyanese as a professional civil servant.

These types of public servants do not care who is PNC or PPP, they care about their professional conduct and they see t h e m s e lves as serving Guyana not party politics.

The new government would need these kinds of attitude in the administration of the nation's affairs.

Next is Mike Khan who administered the

Frederick Kissoon Georgetown Hospital for over a decade. I was a virulent critic of the PPP government when Khan served at that institution but Khan never saw me as a politician but a Guyanese who needs to be served. I have received assistance from Khan for countless people, many of whom would have died if Khan did not intervene.

When the government changed, it did a forensic audit of the Georgetown Hospital and not an iota of evidence of wrong-doing

by Khan was discovered. It was an act of victimization when the APNU+AFC removed Khan. He did a positive job with the hospital and his institutional memory should be retained.

Finally, there is Geoff Da Silva who once headed GOINVEST. It was stupid of the APNU+AFC administration not to retain many of the public servants it inherited from the PPP government; Da Silva was one of them.

Of the four names mentioned here, I had the least dealings with Da Silva.

I never had a conversation with him just hi, hello, good morning. But I know Da Silva never saw the clients he had to attend to with political lenses. People are Guyanese for Da Silva and he treated them that way.

As someone who has been victimized because I was critical of the PPP regime and the PNC+AFC government, I know how refreshing it was to meet officials from the PPP and PNC governments and be greeted with the attitude that saw me as someone who only wanted to do good for my country.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Tuesday August 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Tuesday August 04, 2020

A more streamlined government under new administration - President Ali

U

n d e r t h e leadership of newly elected President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) will have a slimmer government. This, according to the President will help to minimize spending and maximize the level of performance each Government agency under his command. Ali made this disclosure even as he announced yesterday that reorganizing the governance structure is top priority since the objective is to have Cabinet and the various Ministries established before the end of the week.

“Yes, you will see a flatter structure and I would want something more connected to the people and I want to make it clear that it will be results oriented and measured.

People will be held accountable to ensure targets

are met in a transparent manner. There is no space for laziness in my government.

So it will be a bit smaller,” he told a reporter following a briefing with the Heads of Department (HoDs) at the Ministry of the Presidency.

During his address to the employees at the Ministry, President Ali disclosed that he would be meeting with the permanent secretaries later in the day.

He told the HoDs that after the details and responsibilities of the ministries are published in the official gazette, there will be a wider discussion in relation to the priorities and focus of the new government.

Ali told the staff that his government is committed to fostering a stronger, unified relation with the workforce and by extension the citizenry.

The President also thanked them for their service and urged them to lead by

- Full Cabinet, Ministries to be established by this week

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, yesterday at a meeting with the Heads of Department at the Ministry of the Presidency. example - to provide the best possible service to the Guyanese populace.

“This office is the highest in our country,” President Ali said, “therefore the employees

and workers here are expected to deliver the highest level of service at the highest standard and to behave in a manner that is befitting the highest office of the country. We have to operate in a manner that will set the standard for the rest of the public service and the rest of the country.”

He emphasised that the ultimate goal is for all the people of Guyana to benefit from the resources of the

country.

He added, “I have always been a strong believer in team work and collective thinking. I want to assure you that Guyana requires the skills of all of us to work in a collective and collaborative manner, if we are to build a strong and sustainable country, a country that all of us can be proud of.”

While maintaining that his administration is committed to fostering unity, the President

said that under the PPP/C there will be a change of approach, with new and reemerging areas of responsibilities.

“There may be shift in priorities but at the end of it must result in the benefit of the Guyanese people. We cannot operate in a way that fuel insecurities distrust and thinking in society that can cause actions which can lead to disunity,” the President said.

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

PAGE 15

President Ali shakes up Police Force O

n his first day in office, newly e l e c t e d President, Irfaan Ali commenced a major shakeup in the Guyana Police Force (GPF). Most notably, Ali's new appointments will see the Former Commander of A' Division, Assistant Commissioner Edgar Thomas tasked with heading the President and Prime Minister's security. Thomas will be assisted by Deputy Superintendent Amit Dass.

Thomas was removed from his post as Commander in March verbally by officials from the Force's Administrative Department.

He was reportedly told he was being transferred because he had refused an order to remove Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, and others from the Guyana Elections Commission High

Street media centre on March 5. Thomas had said his decision to not remove Gunraj and others was “a judgment call.”

Commander Thomas and Sase Gunraj were discussing how to secure the room in which crucial documents related to the General and Regional Elections were stored. Shortly after, four Tactical Services Unit (TSU) ranks approached.

One rank said that they had received orders for everyone to “clear the building.” Commander Thomas reportedly told the rank, identified as a Deputy Superintendent, that he was speaking with Gunraj regarding securing the building.

He alleged that the ranks left, but returned some ten minutes later. The same Deputy Superintendent

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Edgar Thomas again told Commander Thomas that he had received orders to “clear the building.”

Thomas reportedly informed the Deputy

41 local businesses compete for SBB's annual fund

T

h e S m a l l Business Bureau has stated that a total of 41 persons have submitted business proposals to be awardees of the bureau's annual Green Business Technology Fund.

The fund aims to provide support and development to start-up and existing small businesses with environmentally sustainable ideas and solutions.

Marketing Officer of the Bureau, Shamane Headley, told Kaieteur News that out of the 41 applicants, only 12 will be selected as awardees.

Submissions have been closed since July 30 and these applicants would have submitted proposals with solutions to improve a product or deliver a service.

The solution must include the use of a software application, a developed prototype, or green energy.

With the selection of awardees to be announced this month, Headley said that it is important to note that the proposals will be reviewed then sent to a panel of judges who will determine the 12 winners based on a given criteria.

The applicants' proposals will be assessed based on the innovativeness, use of green technology or software solutions to deliver the product or service, and the likelihood of the business' impact and sustainability. Headley also related that the panel of judges usually change

Marketing Officer of the SBB, Shamane Headley annually and comprises of CEOs, business owners, and other qualified persons in the field of business.

In addition, existing businesses are required to submit financial records such as income and expenditure statements, business registration, and any other relevant business documents. The SBB also stated that persons submitting proposals are required to give a verbal presentation to the judges via PowerPoint. They also explained that persons who give only written submissions are not considered. The SBB not only aims to see the success of these businesses locally, but they also assess the impact it can have regionally a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y.

Applicants whose proposals

project possible national, regional, and international impact find themselves closer to being awarded the fund.

According to Headley, the fund has been around for about three years now and the successful entrepreneurs would usually receive a maximum of one million Guyana dollars. So far, the fund has assisted dozens of entrepreneurs in kick starting and further developing their businesses.

The SBB also stated that the objective not only provides monetary funding but support required for the effective development and implementation of these innovative ideas/solutions as well. This support includes mentoring/coaching, business training, and network connections to allow Green Business Technology Fund awardees “to connect with other businesses for technical support, such as access to the market.”

Previous awardees like Shemar Spencer, creator of the Swopp app, related that the money he received has significantly contributed to his experience in “building a business from scratch”.

Also, he expressed that the “Swopp” was created to barter goods and promote a “zero waste society”.

Spencer is still developing his “app” where persons can buy and sell goods and services and is hoping for a good feedback.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maxine Graham

Superintendent that the rank was being disrespectful. The junior rank was reportedly told that he had failed to report to Thomas, who was in charge of the area. He was then yanked from his post as Commander and placed in the Traffic Division.

Additionally, the Force will now see Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken assuming the position of Deputy Commissioner after Maxine Graham was finally sent off on her pre-retirement leave and subsequent retirement.

According to information received, the Deputy Top Cop was handed her letter sometime yesterday following the Top Cop's

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken

marching orders on Thursday last.

Both officials were expected to cease functions in the Force months ago but were still on the job, managing a “special elections operation” despite accumulating significant leave. They should have proceeded on their accumulated leave since early June.

From documents seen by Kaieteur News, the two racked up more than 16 months in accumulated leave. According to the documents, Commissioner James had accumulated 306 days, and should have proceeded on leave on June 28 last. His retirement date,

according to the documents, is May 5, 2021.

With regards to Deputy Commissioner Graham, she had accumulated 172 days of leave and should have left her post since June 11 – her retirement date is December 1, 2020.

With her gone, Deputy Commission Clifton Hicken will head Force Operations.

Hicken, along with his D e p u t y, S e n i o r Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh, were seconded back in January. Hicken was moved to the Ministry of Citizenship while Karimbaksh who worked under him was shifted to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

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Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland that it welcomes the conclusion of Guyana's protracted General and Regional Elections of 2020 with the declaration of the final results.

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador, Irwin LaRocque, who was present at Sunday's swearing in ceremony, conveyed his congratulations to the new President.

The Ambassador indicated that the Chairman of CARICOM, The Honourable Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines had called the President to extend his best wishes.

Meanwhile, Secretary

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque conveyed his congratulations to the President at Sunday's Swearing-in Ceremony General of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland, reaffirmed the Commonwealth's unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Guyana in their quest to strengthen democratic and inclusive governance and ensure sustainable socio-economic development in the country.

In this regard, she welcomed the swearing-in re-

marks by President Ali that his government will work in the interest of every Guyanese.

She also urged all political actors to embrace dialogue and tolerance towards fostering national reconciliation and cohesion for all Guyanese.

The Secretary General sought to commend former President David Granger for his stewardship of Guyana (continued on page 17)

Joinder list meets today to finalize ...

From page 8 states that where the leftover votes of each party cumulatively entitle the combination of parties to one or more additional seats, the seat or seats will be shared by the parties in proportion to the leftover votes contributed by that party toward the additional seat or seats as follows: The party with the largest number of leftover votes would be entitled to nominate the first member of the National Assembly who shall serve the length of time that is derived from the proportion of votes.

The parties with the second and the third largest number of votes will be entitled to nominate the second and third members of the National Assembly in accordance with the principle set out.

Based on the breakdown of votes, the LJP which acquired 2,657 votes in the elections, would sit in parliament for a period of 30 and a half months.

The ANUG, which gained 2,313 votes would sit in parliament for 26 and a half months. Meanwhile, TNM, which acquired 244 votes would sit in parliament for

three months.

It should be considered, however, that Parliament goes into an annual two or three month recess.

According to the MOU, each member of the National Assembly who is appointed by one of the parties, pursuant to the leftover votes obtained by the three parties, will resign as a member of the National Assembly at the time determined by the combination of parties immediately before the convening of the National Assembly.

However, there is no clear mechanism in either the MoU or legislation on enforcement of this aspect should the party which holds the seat refuse to relinquish it when the time for the next party to assume.

The MoU went on to explain that the parties undertake that in respect of the seat or seats shared among them by leftover votes, the occupant of that seat shall vote in Parliament only with the approval of all three parties and otherwise shall abstain from voting.

EPA instructs Exxon to...

From page 8 nitrogen oxides.

Another study that was conducted by the Suez University in Egypt agrees with the findings of the World Bank Group, while adding that flaring is a significant contributor of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane.

When released into the atmosphere, these gases trap heat to a significant degree.

The University's Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering was keen to note that flaring is also considered

to be extremely harmful to the environment since it releases methane which has about 25 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide.

Other pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx) and volatile organic components (VOC) are also released from flaring. These are considered major causes of acid rain and fog, which harm the natural environment and human life.

Taking these and other harmful environmental effects into consideration, nations such as Guyana are urged to limit and/or prohibit flaring.

Tuesday August 04, 2020

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

Congratulatory Messages continue to pour in for President Irfaan Ali AL-MUSTAFA ISLAMIC TRUST - IN THE NAME OF THE MOST HIGH The members of AlMustafa Islamic Trust (AMIT) are thrilled to be informed of the recent declaration of the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

With the submission of the long-awaited recount report by the CEO of GECOM and the subsequent declaration of the results by Madam Chairperson, the PPP/C has been announced as the winner, and His Excellency - Dr. Muhammad Irfan Ali rendered the 9th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, by the Grace of God. We take this opportunity to call on all Guyanese to rejoice our democracy in such an auspicious time of our

beautiful and diverse land, and set aside the differences in our unanimous quest to build a healthy country in this world.

Due to the recent political and legal exhaustion, Guyana has been labelled pessimistic in the global arena; it is now time for all the political parties to show their support to one another and hold each other's hands in reversing this unfortunate label and present Guyana as a nation of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

We sincerely hope and pray that the Opposition Parties wholeheartedly accept the results and selflessly support the new Government in leading a way forward cohesively

INDIAN ACTION COMMITTEE The Indian Action Committee (IAC) is extremely pleased to congratulate His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali PhD on his accession to the Executive Presidency of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, being the ninth person to hold the highest office of this country.

The IAC, a registered nongovernmental organization which deals with the issues and concerns of persons of Indo-Guyanese and mixed Indo-Guyanese origin, and which promotes and preserves Indian culture in Guyana, recognizes President Ali as the first adherent of Islam to hold this office.

The IAC hopes that President Ali can move quickly to mitigate the massive amount of damage done to the socioeconomic situation of Guyana that has occurred over the past five years, and the enormous tearing apart of the ethnic fab-

ric of the country that ensued after 2nd March, 2020.

The IAC urges President Ali to take full control of the health crisis in Guyana given the dangerous effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to destabilize the entire country.

The IAC is fully confident that President Ali possesses all of the necessary qualities to repair the destruction that has been visited upon Guyana due to the past five years of gross mismanagement. The IAC also welcomes the new First Lady and her son and extends to them the best wishes of the organization.

The IAC wishes President Ali and his new government, the greatest success in their future endeavours to bring economic development to this country while ensuring peace and harmony amongst the citizens in the quest for national reunification.

for Guyana.

We also take this opportunity to plead to our newly elected President, to serve his Nation and its people in a fair and transparent manner, as is widely expected from him.

Moreover, it is important that all the politicians, government and the opposition alike take note of the spiritual and economic welfare of our people.

Due to the recent political crisis, Guyanese have seen a negative influence in the business and general welfare sector.

With the global pandemic in play, the pressure on the people has increased and extra-ordinary protocols had to be followed for our general

health and safety. To avoid further deterioration of this situation and to reimburse the damage caused, we call on all the relevant stakeholders, in public and private sectors, to answer the calls and needs of the general public indiscriminately.

Finally, we call on the general public, especially the Muslim community, to generously share what we have as a people amongst each other, and be heedful of our neighbours. God, Almighty, loves the pious, generous and the patient ones.

'Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us, and bestow on us from Your mercy, for You are, indeed, the Ever-Bestower'.

INTER RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION OF GUYANA Several months prior to the 2020 General & Regional Elections, the Inter Religious Organization of Guyana (IROG) began supplicating God, asking His intercession to keep the election period peaceful. We are thankful that our prayers were heard and answered.

We would like to congratulate the new President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his incoming Cabinet.

We would also like to

thank former President David Granger and his team, for their service to the country.

We will continue to offer prayers on behalf of the country and its leadership. May God bless Guyana as we reaffirm our faith and trust in Him. We would also like to remember our nation in prayer concerning the horrific COVID-19 pandemic. May the citizens of Guyana find favour in His sight.

GUYANA MANUFACTURING AND SERVICES ASSOCIATION The Board and Members of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Ltd. (GMSA) wish to extend warm congratulations on your electoral success and best wishes as you take up the responsibilities and challenges of leading our country. The GMSA

looks forward to working with you and your Government to advance economic growth and development. In particular, we stand ready to work in partnership with Government for the expansion of the manufacturing and services sectors in Guyana.

COVID-19 cases remain at 474 The Ministry of Public Health yesterday announced that the number of COVID-19 cases as at August 3 remains at 474.

According to the Ministry's update, the number

of active cases in institutional isolation is 268 with 38 persons in institutional quarantine and 3 persons are in the COVID-ICU. To date, 185 persons have recovered from the vi-

rus.

In the Ministry's daily briefing to the nation, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud revealed that over the weekend, the Ministry has seen a signifi-

CARICOM, Commonwealth urge politicians to embrace dialogue, as they congratulate...

From page 16 since 2015, and for conceding in recognition of the declaration made by GECOM and in accordance with his commitment to honour the declaration made by the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), consistent with the Constitution of Guyana.

Through challenging times, Scotland said, the GECOM Chairperson Justice (ret'd) Claudette Singh “exemplified the courage, fortitude

and grace required to uphold the constitution and the rule of law.

I wish to thank her for the bravery and strength of purpose that she demonstrated throughout.”

In her final remarks, Scotland thanked the Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group to the March elections, The Honourable Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados, who passed away recently.

She said, “As one of his

very last gifts of notable leadership to the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, which he loved, was the work which he did for Guyana - the role he played in maintaining its trajectory on a democratic path.

He would have rejoiced witnessing this momentous and peaceful democratic landmark for Guyana.”

Notably, and as always, Scotland encouraged any electoral grievances to be pursued through the prescribed legal channels.

cant increase in the number of positive cases in the hinterland regions with Region 9 accounting for 19% of the total number of cases with Region Seven accounting for 20%.

To date, the total number of person tested is 4,893 with 4,419 returning with a negative status.

NATIONAL INSURANCE SCHEME Congratulations to the 9th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana H.E DR. MOHAMED IRFAAN ALI and Prime Minister HON. BRIGADIER (RET'D) MARK PHILLIPS from the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the National Insurance Scheme.

REGION THREE SANATAN VAIDIC DHARMA PANDITS' SABHA The Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits' Sabha, Region 3 congratulates Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on his swearing in as the ninth Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and extends best wishes to him and his party on the now official declared victory at the March 2 polls.

The Sabha looks forward for disciplined and matured leadership in the new government which has before it some of the most challenging tasks including a comprehensive approach to the fight against

the Covid-19 pandemic and the urgent arrest of a declining economy.

The Sabha once again wishes Dr. Ali's government all success and looks forward to the fulfillment of the many life-uplifting promises upon which the party was elected.

We take the opportunity to thank the people of Guyana for their patience and resilience over the last five months as the nation had awaited the most inevitable declaration amidst a very tensed political climate.

FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT TRADE UNIONS OF GUYANA The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) joins in extending our sincere congratulations to His Excellency, President Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali as our country's Tenth President. President Ali's ascension to office came after an arduous five (5) month delay in the declaration of March 02, 2020 Elections.

The period, though seeming relatively short, was a deeply challenging time for our nation as new waves of struggles were ignited for the preservation of our country's democratic culture and several legal hurdles have to be overcome. Though difficult, it revealed the true character of certain leaders.

As President Ali and his PPP/C Administration take the reins of the State, they do so at a critical juncture. They must confront the global health pandemic in COVID-19 and its heavy economic tailwinds. On this score, the FITUG stands ready to work together with Dr, Ali and his team, as we must collectively steer the ship of Guyana out of the rough waters, which it currently finds itself. We are

confident that our new President is up to the heavy tasks that have fallen on his shoulders as he grapples with his new office and faces up to the alleviating the burdens that affect the ordinary man, woman and child.

We, at this time, recognize former President David Granger for his service to the nation and extend best wishes to him as he moves into the next chapter of his life. As we hail our country's new youthful, President, we must pay tribute to the thousands of Guyanese and non-Guyanese, both locally and internationally, who stood up to defend and consolidate our democracy. Our nation will forever be indebted to the many who spoke out and championed the cries of our people.

At this time, there is much work to be done and the clock is already ticking. But we are certain that our collective efforts will redound to the benefit of all Guyana. Our country is a rich, vibrant and wonderful place. Let us all collectively work to heal the wounds inflicted and together build a better and stronger Guyana.

GUYANA GOLD AND DIAMOND MINERS ASSOCIATION The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) extends congratulations to His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Honourable Brigadier Ret'd Mark Phillips Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the PPP/Civic on winning the 2020 polls.

The GGDMA is also pleased that the constitution of Guyana was upheld. We urge the Government to move swiftly to develop a prosperous and inclusive Guyana, one in which peace, development, and unity become the hallmark.

The Miners' Association looks forward to a fruitful relationship with the Government and one, which will help to improve and expand the mining sector to benefit all Guyanese. We remain committed to supporting the democratically elected Government of Guyana and renew our call for a dedicated Ministry of Mining to recognise the value of the extractive sector.

The government must now urgently address the COVID-19 pandemic which is affecting all Guyanese including the mining sector and to let us all work together to build a prosperous and inclusive nation.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Tuesday August 04, 2020

Man gets five shots to head Probe launched into altercation

A

father of one received five bullets to his head last night in an execution style killing at D'Urban and Chapel Streets, Lodge.

The dead man, identified as Rondel Haynes also known as Trini, 25, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown was slain some time after 19:00hrs.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene, the man was still lying on his back and bleeding from his head in front of a three-storey green concrete building,

with three spent shells close to his body.

As police are investigating the homicide, details remain sketchy as how the man was actually gunned down. Some said that he was a victim of a drive by shooting.

Others suggest that he, along with another individual, was sitting under the building and having a conversation when his killers approached and riddled him with bullets. They also claimed that the other individual ran away when the shooting started.

Neighbours detailed that they heard about five to six gunshots and came out shortly after to investigate, to find the man lying still in front of the building. Police were immediately contacted and arrived some time after along with an ambulance.

Paramedics examined the man and pronounced him dead at the scene. Family members arrived later to identify the body before it was removed. One family member told Kaieteur News that Haynes had only recently returned from Barbados.

Sustainable management of fresh water fisheries a priority for the NRDDB

F

or many persons in t h e N o r t h Rupununi, fishing is a vital part of their cultural heritage, their way of life.

Known for its vast wetlands and abundance of freshwater fisheries, the North Rupununi has seen a significant decrease in its fishing stock over the last decade, attributable to small and medium scale commercial fishing, as well as the significant rise in Rupununi's population.

Climate change has also played a major role in the decrease in the areas freshwater fish stock, which in turn, poses a threat to the livelihood of all those who live there.

It is with this in mind that, the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and several e n v i r o n m e n t a l organizations, has teamed up to launch a five-year S u s t a i n a b l e Wi l d l i f e Management Programme (SWM) that will ensure the Rupununi continues to offer sustainable options for food security as well as safeguarding the livelihood

Lukanani for lunch!

Photo credit, S. James.

Katoka's CREW, preparing to go on patrol. Photo credit, S. George of its residents while maintaining the regions traditional lifestyles.

In a press release Tuesday last, the NRDDB announced the continuation of the piloting of the General Fisheries Management project, an initiative funded by the European Union, under the SWM Programme in the Rupununi region.

According to the NRDDB, the project will see the management and preservation of the Rupununi's inland fisheries resource in a manner that caters to the region's dependence on fresh water fish for sustenance and income.

Speaking with Kaieteur News, Project Focal point at NRDDB, Ms. Samantha James iterated that since the commencement of the S u s t a i n a b l e Wi l d l i f e Management programme, the NRDDB has collected a large sum of data through community-based surveys and stringent monitoring of the use of freshwater fish in the region.

E x p l a i n i n g f u r t h e r, James pointed out that since there are no regulations governing the use of freshwater fish in Guyana, the SWM along with the NRDDB has been working tirelessly in an effort to gather the necessary information needed to present to the Ministry of Agriculture where these guidelines can then be

gazetted.

Furthermore, James said that the objectives of the project include setting out adequate fishing guidelines, monitoring fish stocks and fish consumption and environmental education to the local residents.

In addition to this, James noted that the project also provides employment opportunities for persons who are residing in the area. James noted that the General Management fisheries project also provides local persons with the opportunity to understand how they can manage the consumption of their fishing stocks and prevent overfishing.

To date, the NRDDB in collaboration with SWM has conducted numerous public consultations and training sessions with the local residents with the hopes of spreading the message of sustainable management of fresh water fisheries.

James told this paper that teams comprised of both local and international environmentalists have also conducted a series of workshops and training sessions with persons involved in commercial fishing exercises on sustainable use of the fish stock. In addition to this, the team has also conducted monitoring exercises with the aim of determining the quantity and type of fish that is being taking out of the (continued on page 19)

between former Coalition Minister and PPP City Councillor

P

olice have launched an investigation into the altercation which occurred between former Youth Affairs minister within the Ministry of P r e s i d e n c y, S i m o n a Broomes and a PPP Georgetown City Councillor, Deon Young.

This was confirmed by Commander of 'A' Division, Phillip Azore in a telephone conversation with this media house late yesterday.

In a live video posted by Broomes on her Facebook fan page at around 08:00hrs, she along with other individuals, was seen a s s a u l t i n g Yo u n g a n d another man at a location in Sophia.

Broomes detailed in her live that she had just finished her morning exercises when she spotted a man with a flap-hat dismantling some signs with a hammer that were planted on government reserves in front of her house.

She alleged that she confronted the man for taking down the signs that she had spent money to erect.

Broomes claimed that the man responded by saying, 'We want to show you who in power now and who running the country now'. The exminister also made claims that the man threatened to shoot her before entering a waiting car and driving off.

Broomes then entered her car and instructed her driver to follow the car, which they trailed to AField, South Sophia where it stopped at a bridge. Two men exited and walked over into Plum Park. Broomes too stepped out of her SUV along with her driver and ran behind the men. As they got closer, her driver took out his firearm and began firing shots in air. The men, who they were in pursuit of, immediately halted and turned around.

Broomes then proceeded to accuse the men of wanting to kill her and directly asked, “Who send y'all”? This was quickly followed up by an assault unleashed on the men. Broomes instructed her driver to grab one of the men who was seen carrying some metal signs and a hammer.

She then began shoving and slapping the other who was identified as Deon Young, a Georgetown City Councillor affiliated with the People's Progressive Party (PPP).

Nearby residents and

other persons passing by came to the ex-minister's assistance, one of them armed with a baseball bat.

Broomes was then heard making allegations that the men threatened to kill her with a firearm. This angered the people who began beating the men. Near the end of the video, the former minister was heard telling persons not to film the men as they were being assaulted.

This media house made

PPP-affiliated City Councillor Deon Young contact with Young to get his version of what transpired.

Young said that he was approached by a man who he identified only as “James” to take down the signs and replace them with environmentally friendly ones.

When asked who James was, Young could not give a d e f i n i t i v e a n s w e r. H e detailed, however that he had picked up a worker early that morning in a car and headed to the area to remove the signs.

“We arrived there just after 07:00hrs, I remained in the car and the worker went out to take down the signs,” said Young. He denied claims that the man or he had threatened the former minister. “There was not even,” he told Kaieteur News, “a confrontation between us and Broomes. We did not see her, as a matter of fact, we did not even know that she was following us.”

Yo u n g t o l d t h i s newspaper that while walking along a road in Plum Park, Sophia, to uplift the “environmentally friendly signs”, he and the worker heard gunshots.

“We stopped and turned around,” he said, “it was then I saw Broomes running

coming towards us and shouting, 'Dem treaten fuh kill me, all yuh hold dem'...”

The PPP-affiliated councillor said that he took off his mask for Broomes to recognise that he was her former schoolmate, but she nevertheless, along with others, assaulted him and the worker.

Kaieteur News contacted the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, to verify claims that instructions to

Former Minister Simona Broomes remove the signs came from the City Council. In his response, Narine made it clear that councillor Young did not receive any such instructions from himself or the Council.

He said that in 2019, Broomes had sought his permission to erect the signs and develop the reserved area. “I visited the area and told her yes go right ahead because indeed the place was unkempt and filled with garbage”, said Narine.

When asked if he had given her a legal and written approval to do so, he responded, “I think I had given her a document yes... I can't really remember but I did tell her that she could put up the signs”.

When this paper contacted Broomes for further details on the incident, she stated that she would soon give another Facebook live. Up to press time, this paper had not seen any such video.

During the assault, Young received a cut to his hand and lacerations to his arms and feet while the worker sustained injuries to the head and feet as well. A report was later lodged at the Turkeyen Police Station by both parties.

Tuesday August 04, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Criminal proceedings against Infantino Dwayne Johnson, Garcia and RedBird buy grotesque and absurd, says FIFA XFL for $15 million

BERN (Reuters) - Global soccer body FIFA has described the decision by Swiss authorities to open criminal proceedings against its president Gianni Infantino last week as grotesque and absurd.

Swiss authorities said on Thursday that proceedings had been launched against the current FIFA boss by a special prosecutor looking into meetings he had with Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber. Lauber and Infantino have already denied wrongdoing.

“There is no factual basis whatsoever for this criminal investigation,” FIFA deputy general secretary Alasdair Bell told a news conference held by video yesterday.

“There is no description of criminal conduct of any kind that has been

communicated to FIFA. There is something a little grotesque and unfair in all this because we are 100% confident there will never be a criminal charge against the FIFA president,” he added.

“But we have a situation where, objectively, there is damage to both FIFA and the FIFA president simply because of the existence of this criminal investigation.”

The AB-BA watchdog, which oversees the Attorney General’s office (OAG), said Thursday that special prosecutor Stefan Keller had found indications of criminal conduct related to their meetings. Keller was appointed in June to review complaints against the two men and others.

The proceedings concerned abuse of public office, breach of official secrecy, assisting

The logo of FIFA is seen in front of its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland September 26, 2017. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann) offenders and “incitement to these acts,” it said.

“If someone opens a criminal investigation there needs to be a good reason and we don’t have any reasons,” said Bell. “We have some anonymous complaints but we don’t know who made them.”

FIFA said that, at the time of the meetings held in 2016 and 2017, the OAG was conducting

investigations in more than 20 cases related to a scandal in which FIFA became embroiled before Infantino was elected president in 2016.

“You go to the most senior law officer in the country to offer information for a criminal investigation and then you end up being a subject of a criminal investigation yourself,” said Bell.

“This is why we are saying there is something kind of absurd about this.”

(Reuters) - Former wrestler and Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson teamed up with ex-wife Dany Garcia and investment company RedBird Capital Partners to buy the XFL for $15 million, hours before the bankrupt American football league was set to be auctioned.

They were selected as the winning bidder for “substantially all of the assets of Alpha Entertainment LLC” - parent company of the XFL. The XFL, a reboot of the 2001 league of the same name, had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April, a month after it had to cancel the remainder of its inaugural season because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are grateful for today’s outcome. This is a Hollywood ending to our sale process and it is an exciting new chapter for the league,” XFL president and COO Jeffrey Pollack said in a statement yesterday. “(They) are a dream team ownership group and the XFL is in the best possible hands going forward.”

The transaction is subject to bankruptcy court approval at a hearing on Friday. The brainchild of Vince McMahon, the XFL 2.0 was the second attempt by the World Wrestling Entertainment CEO to provide an NFL alternative to American football fans. Popularly known as ‘The Rock’, Johnson is famous for his roles in popular movie franchises such as the ‘Fast & Furious’ and ‘Jumanji’.

“With gratitude and passion I’ve built a career with my own two hands and will apply these callouses to our @xfl2020 brand,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “Excited to create something special for the fans!” The 48-year-old was a college football player at the University of Miami who went undrafted in the 1995 NFL Draft before he eventually switched to wrestling.

Sustainable management of fresh...

Tuesday August 04, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Travel arrangements may have to be put off because of unexpected developments that keep you where you are, Aries. You may be worried about the consequences, but don't waste your energy.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may feel especially lonely, overworked, and passionate today, Taurus, and therefore longing for the company of your romantic partner.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Upsets in the home could occur today, Gemini. You and other members of your household are on edge and liable to snap at the least provocation.

CANCER(June21–July22) Expected calls or deliveries may prove more trouble than they're worth, Cancer. You could get involved in endless games of phone tag, and deliveries might come when you're out. This can be avoided if you're prepared.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A temporary delay in receiving some expected funds might force you to postpone a much-needed purchase. Don't make yourself crazy over this. It isn't worth the stress.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Some older people, perhaps your parents, might be too vocal in their assessment of how you're handling a situation, Virgo. You're particularly sensitive today, and far less tolerant of criticism than usual. Don't lash out.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Beware that creative efforts involving modern technology, such as computer graphics, recording, or film, might suffer from "too many cooks." Everyone has a different idea of how things should be handled.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) In spite of the leaps and bounds you've taken over the last several months, Scorpio, a slump could set in as you start to doubt your ability to attain your goals.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you waiting to hear some important news? Significant career matters may be involved. This isn't a good day to sit around waiting.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) This isn't a good day to travel, especially by air. Long lines at the ticket counter, endless delays, and lost luggage could be the result.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) A friend or colleague involved in an enterprise with you could be inhibited in some way by lack of money, Aquarius. This might involve some unexpected adjustment on your part PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Career responsibilities may require a temporary separation from a love partner today, Pisces. This is apt to be upsetting and rather disheartening, but there's likely nothing you can do about it except work as quickly as you.

From page 18 rivers in the area.

As with everything else, the implementation of the five-year project has been met with its own challenges. According to James, some member communities, commercial fishers and individuals have continued to flout the rules in the management plan.

However, the most significant issue faced has been the Covid19 pandemic.

“Because of social distancing, we have been unable to hold meetings with fishers and community leaders to address and advice on implementation of the plan and research,” James said.

In addition, James was keen to note that the threat of COVID19 has posed many difficulties since the community census and

Shepherd ...

From page 22 believes the task will be made complex by the fact that the majority of players have not been able to play competitive cricket due to the onset of the pandemic “Being in a pandemic for the first time, I am a bit nervous and tentative going into the tournament. (For) a big tournament like this, you need match practice, and this season will be one of the toughest seasons, not just for me, but for everyone playing in the tournament,” Shepherd said.

“Just the guys coming back from England would have been active, but for the players in the Caribbean, it would be really tough. (There has been) no match practice, and you have to click from the beginning.”

Last season Shepherd claimed 13 wickets in an outstanding season for the Warriors who did not lose until the final. Despite making it to the final five times the Guyana franchise remains without a title.

feedback is necessary for the successful implementation of the management plan nonetheless; the board indicated that the Fisheries Team is committed to ensuring the continuation of its work through strict adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines.

According to the NRDDB, a diverse and rich fish stock is important not only for the rivers, but for helping to maintain a thriving ecosystem and supporting the many people who depend on the resource for food. The SWM general fisheries project will ensure that

community members have equal access to fish resources for home use and commercial use and to support the communities' ability to create and enforce resource management bylaws for fish use.

All things considered, the NRDDB is of the opinion that, through the implementation of the SWM programme, the Rupununi will see a significant improvement in both the quantity and quality of the region's fish stock and the safeguarding of the region's resources for generations to come.

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Tuesday August 04, 2020

Kaieteur News

Shepherd confident Guyana can end winless curse in ‘different’ CPL

Romario Shepherd SportsMax - Guyana Amazon Warriors pace bowler Romario Shepherd is quietly confident that this can be the year the team snaps its Caribbean Premier League (CPL) drought, despite the unusual circumstances surrounding the competition.

Due to issues of safety stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, the entire tournament will be staged in Trinidad and Tobago, with enhanced bio security across two venues.

The teams will begin departing for the twin island republic yesterday, ahead of the tournament’s commencement on the August 8th.

“I am really looking forward to performing and helping us win the tournament this time. It’s long overdue, so this year is our year. Everything is different, so the results will be different this year,” Shepherd told the Guyana Times. The player (Continued on page 19)

‘He needed to rough batsmen up’ - Windies legend Ambrose disappointed with Joseph SportsMax - West Indies legend Sir Curtly Ambrose has admitted to some level of disappointment with the performance of young fast bowler Alzarri Joseph in the recently concluded series loss to England.

The 23-year-old was tipped for a breakthrough performance ahead of the England series, but that promised failed to materialise.

Joseph had several bright spells of bowling when the teams met in the Caribbean last year, but in the rematch on English soil, these were few and far between.

Joseph claimed figures of 2 for 98 in the first Test, before getting 1 for 84 in the second Test. He was replaced in the final Test by off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall.

Ambrose, himself once one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, believes the young West Indian may have been guilty of being too passive.

“I was a little bit disappointed with the

performance of Alzarri Joseph. The pitches they played on, obviously, they were not the quickest, but as a fast bowler, you can’t be telling yourself that boy, it’s a slow pitch so I am just going to amble in and put it on a spot, no. Whether a pitch is fast or slow, you as a fast bowler have to put out your best, and Alzarri, to me, he was bowling within himself and not looking to bowl fast,” Ambrose told the Antigua Observer.

“Alzarri Joseph is not a put-on-a-spot, hold-up-oneend type of bowler. Jason Holder, the captain, can do that. He can’t really bowl fast, but he can come at one end and put it on a spot and swing it around, seam it around and get a couple of wickets, but Alzarri is a guy who has to run in and bowl fast, look to rough up batsmen. He will look to get wickets obviously, but rough batsmen up and let them know that ‘I am here’.”

AAG returns to track on August 30th

By Calvin Chapman Aubrey Hutson; head of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), has revealed that the sports body is now looking at August 29th 30th as possible dates for the hosting of the 2020 National Senior Championships at the National Track & Field Center (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara.

Huston revealed that the sports body has been paying close attention to the developments of the Covid19 virus in Guyana which forced the country into lockdown since March of this year and he explained that the

AAG will be using the Covid19 task force’s proposed August 14th date of reopening as a guideline in planning their events.

However, before the highly anticipated showdown on the 30th, the Association has planned a 5x1000m relay that will speed off at Mahaica on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Sunday August 16th.

For the following week, fans will get a chance to witness an inter-ward showdown featuring communities consisting of Albouystown, Alberttown and others going head to

head in keen rivalry.

Exactly a month ago, Hutson had iterated that August 8-9 were the proposed dates for the Senior Championships set out by World Athletics but the administrator had explained that the Ministry of Health would make the final call on whether the AAG can go ahead with any competition during this period.

The AAG confirmed that the South America Under-23 championships that were scheduled to be hosted in the 592 this year will be pushed back to a date to be determined in 2021 and he

erased any doubts of Guyana losing the hosting rights.

He reiterated that the only way Guyana would be unable to host the South American under-23 championships next year would be if the ‘land of many waters’ voluntarily gave up their hosting rights.

That will also be the case with the 50th Carifta Championships which Guyana will now host in 2022 instead of next year, following the cancellation of the 49th edition this year that was scheduled for Bermuda.

Jefford Track and Field Classic XI postponed to next year The popular Jefford Track and Field Classic Meet have been postponed to next year the organiser has disclosed in a release to the media.

Edison Jefford, Founder of the event in his missive stated, “Thank you for your support in what would have been the eleventh edition of the Jefford Track and Field Classic on Sunday August 9, 2020 at the M a c kenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden.

However, because of the Covid-19 Pandemic that has forced social distancing rules

and the restrictive curfew that is in place, we have decided to postpone the event until Sunday August 8, 2021 in Linden.

We anticipate that you will continue to support this event that is now a national tradition in the mining community.

This event has hosted several of the Caribbean’s most popular athletes in Guyana since 2010. The media has played a prominent role in the development of this event in the Linden community and has added immense value to the activities. Without your support, our success would

Edison Jefford not have been possible.”

Jefford went onto thank all stakeholders for their involvement in the success of

the event. “We therefore take this opportunity to extend our profound gratitude to you and all our stakeholders for your contribution to the success of Guyana’s biggest athletics championships. In addition, we would like to thank the following partners for their support: ExxonMobil, Ansa McAl Trading Limited, National Sports Commission, Lets Bet Sports, DeSinco Trading, Andrew’s Supermarket, MVP Sports, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, R&D Engineering Inc., Fire Side Grill and Chill, Jai Signs and Designs, Grill Kings and Gordon Gilhuys.”

Brandon King bats for Black Lives Matter, to lend support Caribbean communities affected by pandemic SportsMax - Jamaica, West Indies and Guyana Amazon Warrior batsman Brandon King is doing his part in supporting the Black Lives Matter and assisting communities by the COVID19 pandemic.

The 25-year-old opening batsman scored a 72-ball 132 against the Barbados Tridents to propel the Guyana Amazon Warriors to the 2019 CPL final. It was the highest individual score in CPL history.

For 2020, King wants to do more than shine with the bat. He wants to shine off the field as well as he announced on social media yesterday.

“Over the past few months, I’ve had some time to really think about how I could make a positive impact on communities affected by

the COVID-19 pandemic and also the Black Lives Matter movement,” King wrote.

“So this year I will be sporting my black SG stickers and along with my management team, GGSM, we will be donating USD$100 for every six I hit d u r i n g t h i s y e a r ’s C P L tournament. Donations will be split between the G r e a t e r Tr e n c h To w n Foundation in Jamaica and a charity in Guyana to be decided at a later date.”

King believes that more than ever before athletes need to do more to champion causes that make their communities better.

“As athletes, we have the platform to speak up and make effective change,” he said.

“I am encouraging my sponsors, other athletes, and friends to join in on

Brandon King donations by either supporting a #BLM initiative of your choice or by matching my donations towards these local

charities.

“I am hopeful and looking forward to getting back out on the field very soon.”

Tuesday August 04, 2020

CAS rules that forward Ali is eligible to play for Qatar (Reuters) - Qatar forward Almoez Ali, topscorer Qatar’s in last year’s Asian Cup with a record nine goals, is Almoez Ali eligible to play for them, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled yesterday as it dismissed an (REUTERS/ appeal by the United Arab Emirates.

Diego Vara) After a 4-0 semi-final defeat to Qatar at the tournament, the UAE football federation protested that Sudan-born Ali was ineligible and that the match should be awarded to them. However, CAS said in a statement that it was satisfied that Ali’s mother was born in Qatar, making him eligible to play for them under FIFA rules.

“The CAS panel was comfortably satisfied that the player is a Qatari national who never represented another national association and that he has other ties to his new country Qatar, notably that his biological mother was born in Qatar,” it said.

Ali, who graduated from Qatar’s Aspire Academy, is expected to lead Qatar’s attack again when the Asian champions host the World Cup in 2022 which will also be their debut at the finals.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday August 04, 2020

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FICA finds players with pay issues from six T20 leagues, including BPL ESPNcricinfo - Over a third of all players have experienced either late or nonpayment problems in a host of domestic T20 leagues across the world, according to the latest annual players’ report. The Men’s Global Employment Report 2020, put together by the global players’ body, Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA), found that 34% of all players had experienced payment troubles.

The body identified six leagues where players have recently experienced pay issues: Global T20 Canada Bangladesh Premier League Abu Dhabi T10 Qatar T10 Euro T20 Slam Masters Champions League The BPL is the only wholly Full Member-run league in that list, but the others - including the GLT20 Canada, the Abu Dhabi T10 and the Euro T20 Slam, which is partly organised by Full Member Cricket Ireland - have attracted big-name players from across the globe.

Protests at the GLT20 last year led to players refusing

to take the field in one game.

And the Euro T20 Slam, run by the same organising group behind the Canada League, was ultimately called off two weeks before it was due to start because of financial problems.

FICA urged the ICC towards greater involvement in the matter, given that it ultimately sanctions these leagues - a recognition that helps these leagues to attract cricketers.

“Systematic contract breaches and non-payment of players are issues that urgently need addressing,” Tom Moffat, FICA’s CEO, said. “The ICC has an obligation to protect people working within its regulatory frameworks and it’s time something was done about this issue.

“We continue to urge decision-makers to work with FICA at global level, and players’ associations at domestic level, to develop joint solutions to issues highlighted in these reports.”

Because a number of members, including India and Pakistan, don’t have player associations FICA said it believed the true figure of players who have faced problems with payment is

The BPL is the only established Full Member-run league in FICA’s list. (BCB) “much higher”.

“This is completely unacceptable and there are clear solutions to this issue,” the report stated.

Much of the gaze of the annual report - FICA’s second - is centred around the squeeze in the game’s calendar.

The ongoing fallout from

the co-existence of domestic T20 leagues alongside international cricket has been a continuing focus for FICA. FICA said the global structure of international cricket is a “mess”, calling the World Test Championship (WTC) “a sticking plaster solution,” which will not solve basic inequities in the

game.

“There is significant inconsistency across countries, formats and schedules,” the report said.

“Whilst the challenges associated with developing a clear and coherent global structure are understood, the mess of international cricket is confusing for fans and

chaotic for players and player pathways.”

Despite the issues with payments, a survey of 277 current men’s internationals found that 53% would still consider becoming freelance cricketers and reject a national central contract if better domestic league contracts were on offer.

Cricketers begin to collect gears from Basil Butcher programme Twenty five junior cricketers drawn from six clubs on Saturday last became the first recipients of cricket gears from the 2020 edition of the Basil Butcher Cricket Development Programme organised by the ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS with support from the Berbice Cricket Board.

The players were drawn from the RHTYSC, Albion, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Canje, Blairmont and West Berbice cricket teams. The simple presentation ceremony was done at the Area H Ground in the presence of BCB, RHTYSC officials and parents of the players.

Club Secretary/CEO and BCB President Hilbert Foster

hailed the project as another red letter day in the ongoing development of Berbice Cricket and signals the commitment of both the club and Board to work beyond the call of duty to make sure that the rich tradition of the county’s game is kept alive.

Foster disclosed that a total of 87 players would receive a pair of cricket equipment under the project in observance of the legendary player 87th birthday, which would be celebrated on the 3rd of September.

Butcher who was born in 1933, played 44 test matches for the West Indies, scoring 3104 runs at an average of 43.11 with seven centuries and sixteen half centuries.

Foster who was

accompanied by BCB Asst Secretary Ameer Rahaman, BCB Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu and executives of the RHTYSC, MS urged the attentive players to emulate the hard work, dedication and positive attitude of Butcher.

The BCB President spoke widely of the importance of education, faith in God and discipline. A clearly emotional Foster also urged the players to reject racism and to be the agents of change in Guyana.

The young players were told that the two organisations were committed to investing in their future but they would have to take advantage of the opportunities given to them.

He stated that the corona virus has curtailed a lot of the BCB plans for 2020, including at least 20 tournaments, a professional first division league, numerous coaching programmes including a cricket academy and personal developmental sessions.

Despite the pandemic, however, the two organisations have successfully completed several programmes including sharing out 2500 food hampers, donating face masks and cleaning items across the county.

The BCB has also been quite busy hosting its annual

Mother of the Year, Father of the year award programmes, while clubs have benefited from donations of cricket balls, cricket gears, score books, youth information booklets among other items.

Additionally, the BCB has used the break period to obtain a second sponsorship for a two days first division tournament which would start as soon as the ongoing Banks DIH tournament is completed.

The board has also acquired its own pitch covers and would shortly receive a second coaching set for its coaches from an overseas based Berbician.

Foster expressed disappointment that over the last three decades, former players and officials, who now resided overseas, have forgotten their roots and the game that had made them household names.

He stated that giving back to society is one of the best things that a human can have and urged the former players to get on board the development train in the Ancient County.

BCB Public Relationship Officer and RHTYSC Asst.

Secretary/CEO, Simon Naidu, who is overseeing the project, stated that over the next month, another 62 youths would receive cricket gears

Basil Butcher while food hampers, 100 gallons of cleaning detergents, bicycles, score books and school bags would be distributed to clubs, schools, Town Councils and Government institutions like police stations, post offices and fire stations.

The two organisations would like to express thanks to all the donors to the Basil Butcher Go Fund me account and others like Bissondyal

Singh, Former national player Sheik Mohamed, Papie Jafarally, Kevin Sinclair, Poonai Bhigroog, C and K Pharmacy, Dennis Deroop, Hand in Hand Insurance, Ronald Williams, Deonarine Shane and national player Guadakesh Motie. A special visit would also be made to Linden, where Mr Butcher lived most of his adult life to hand over gears and bicycles to youths there.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday August 04, 2020

Murray wants assurance on quarantine issues before U.S. Open (Reuters) - Players need assurance that they would not face mandatory quarantine upon returning to Europe from the U.S. Open before travelling to New York amid the COVID-19 pandemic, former world number one Andy Murray has said.

Organisers United States Tennis Association (USTA) will set up a strict biosecurity ‘bubble’ to minimise the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus during the Grand Slam, which will be played from Aug. 31-Sept.

13.

The Western & Southern Open, which was relocated from Cincinnati this year because of COVID-19, will also be held in New York from Aug. 20-28 and will serve as a tune-up for the hardcourt Grand Slam.

Mandatory quarantine would rule out players’ participation in other ATP and WTA claycourt events scheduled in Europe before the French Open from the end of September.

The two major claycourt events in the leadup to Roland Garros are in Madrid (Sept. 13-20) and Rome (Sept. 20-27). While Spain does not require mandatory quarantine, Italy would need travellers to quarantine for 14 days if coming from the U.S. The USTA has said the organisers are working with relevant authorities to resolve issues.

“My understanding is that it would be sorted before we go to America. But things can change in the next 10 to 12 days,” Murray told British media.

“Hopefully before we leave, the players will have

Britain’s Andy Murray reacts during his match against Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor in the Davis Cup tourney. (REUTERS/Susana Vera) the assurances that, when they come back from America, they won’t have to quarantine for two weeks.

“If that is the case, and if you do well in the U.S. Open, you can’t just arrive on the Sunday before the French Open starts on the Monday.

That’s not going to work.”

Unites States has over 4.68 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 with more than 155,000 deaths.

Murray, a three-times Grand Slam winner, has not played competitively since November due to hip problems but took part in

some exhibition events recently with the professional circuit shut.

The 33-year-old said he is willing to take the travel “risk” as he missed playing in big events.

“The situation I’ve been in the last few years, I’ve not had opportunity to play in many Slams. I don’t know how many I’ll have left,” Murray said.

“So, while I’m feeling relatively decent ... obviously there is a risk there, but I want to try and play in them and enjoy the biggest events again.”

PAGE 25

‘He needed to rough batsmen up’

rt Spo

- Windies legend Ambrose disappointed with Joseph

Romario Shepherd in action.

Alzarri Joseph

Shepherd confident Guyana can end winless curse in ‘different’ CPL

AAG returns to track on August 30th

AAG has now set August 30 for the National Senior Championships.

Jefford Track and Field Classic XI postponed to next year Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.