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Mingo and assistant arrested on elections

Wednesday Edition August 26, 2020 - Vol. 15 No.34

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

forgery allegations

Price $80

Online readership yesterday, 129,569

Exxon to meet with EPA, GGMC and Energy Dept. today Environmental issues plaguing Payara field plan…

Chart showing COVID-19 cases detected each month, since March

One in every four tested positive for COVID-19 in August - KNews Analysis

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Boat mishap leaves one dead

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Govt. to review US$14.6M hydro deal signed by Jordan on last day of recount

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Motorcyclist caught on ExxonMobil says it trained 24 camera technicians for Guyana operations beating cop, - continues to dodge key questions on local content granted bail 12

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April

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August (So far)

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Avoid borrowing Over US$20M in limbo in alleged for projects from Ponzi scheme future oil sales ...principals remain grave flight risk - Former Minister warns

- Attorney General

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Police shakeup What is happening in the senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force represents more than a shakeup. It is a fullscale upheaval, with more of the same possibly in the works. It could be attacked as politics and, it is sure to be defended as bringing more competent and trusted administration to force operations.

Highly placed officers have been sent packing, with the cover of leave entitlements due not sitting well or fooling too many. Sending people on pre-retirement leave can hardly be challenged and clears the way for both succession and newer blood to rise to greater challenges.

In the next instance, some of those senior men, who may have accumulated a record of being too close to, and too favoured by the previous government are being singled out and sent on their way. Even when they may not have been, the mere suspicion that they may have been too cool, or too hesitant, to respond with the required zeal and energy to the then opposition’s concerns as good has marked them for later targeting, which is now. So, out it is and good riddance.

Now this is only one side of the story, and it focused mainly on who was, or may have been, in the bad books of the new people. The thinking, at this point, is whether all those senior police officers who were beneficiaries of the coalition’s blessings (those still remaining and less visible) will in some shape or form be made to feel the edge of the new government’s disaffections. Things are moving rapidly in the hierarchy of the GPF, and time and events will furnish the best proofs of the decisions made and directions in mind of the new government.

But there is another side to the Guyana police story, which must be told, and we do so now. Some of the men brought back and restored-sometimes recognized and rewarded with promotions-were on the way up and then the ladder on which they were perched had no more rungs left. Stated differently, some of the names and faces of senior replacement police officers have been there before during the time of the old PPP government, and then they fell from grace.

They were doing well, according to all reports, and the bottom fell out. From the perspective of the last government, there were not the right people in the right places, some of which places were and are most sensitive at the tactical, strategic, and operational levels.

Now they are back and with a long and hard road ahead of them. The first thing going for them is that they have the confidence of the new administration. In view of the rapidity and quantity of changes at the higher echelons, it is clear that the new government gave these movements much thought, and was ready to take the bull by the horns and set matters right by putting trusted people back into pivotal positions.

It does not matter that some of the people have records that leave questions unanswered, with much left to be desired.

This includes whispers about malpractices and other forms of illegalities, inclusive of the ever-present monster of chronic corrupt practices. How this will play out in the days ahead, as things settle down to some state of routine in the GPF, remains to be seen. But if it is back to the usual of something for something in the very lucrative field of police investigations, then this country’s cork is as good as ducked.

If there is one thing that could be said for the departed Granger government, it is that corruption did not disappear altogether in the police force. But there was more care in how arrangements were gone about in the day-to-day practices.

That is, police officers, regardless of rank, reengineered themselves to the new realities. The ways in which tempting situations were dealt was more subtle, more out-of-sight, and with more care to cover tracks.

As we examine all this, there is the sense that some of these personnel moves are less of the managing and more of the rearranging, less of the practical and more of the politically empowering. That could come back to haunt.

It is time for us to be decisive and move for a complete shutdown DEAR EDITOR, There is a frightening spike in the COVID-19 cases in Guyana with the current number of reported cases standing at 1029 with 31 deaths at the time of writing.

The number of cases Monday, recorded in one single day was 74 with 47 of those cases within Region 4.

The Government has made no attempt to revise the COVID-19 guidelines gazetted on August 14, which were severely lacking in several ways. One such shortcoming is the 9pm. curfew. In fact, the Government extended the earlier curfew hour to 9p.m.

This needs to be moved to a much earlier time to ensure the safety of the Guyanese citizens.

Another guideline, which needs to be completely revised is that providing for religious services and gatherings with a 25 percent capacity.

There has to be suspension of all religious congregations, which are fertile grounds for the spread of the virus. To allow religious functions and congregations at places of worship to continue will only result in more cases of COVID-19 and greater number of deaths.

In New York City, religious communities which continued in-person services resulted in

a huge spike of coronavirus cases among those worshippers. Even in the Islamic countries (which, unlike Guyana, are not secular states), there has been strict enforcement of measures in that physical attendance in mosques was prohibited even during the holy month of Ramadan.

Many persons who go to places of worship do so in the fervent belief that this will ensure their admission to the Promised Land. From all indications, it seems as though the Government of Guyana is seeking to expedite that journey in its condonation of such religious gatherings.

There have been so many letters to the press indicating that just outside the Police Headquarters at Eve Leary, there have been large gatherings of persons partying without wearing masks and without socially distancing.

Against that background, one wonders whether the police will be willing to enforce the social distancing requirement for ninety minutes of exercise at seawalls, beaches, rivers and creeks, also a flawed guideline in the Gazetted measures. This should not be allowed.

The citizens of Guyana need to adopt a responsible

attitude towards this virus and there need to be substantial changes in the society or we will run out of hospital beds.

In Guyana presently, malls remain open, stores announcing discounts on clothing remain open, companies continue to hold board meetings in person…all of which allow for gathering of persons.

All of these places should be closed. The hair salons and barbershops should be closed in view of the spiraling cases.

In the face of everything, Guyanese seeking to protect themselves are required by some Courts of Justice to huddle in restricted courtrooms for in-person hearings.

There seems to be a mixed response from the Court as to the mode of hearing of matters since some Courts have adopted the virtual and prudent approach whilst others have insisted upon inperson hearings. All Courts of law need to have proceedings conducted remotely, without exception, in the interest of protecting the citizens of Guyana.

The ill-advised Inauguration Ceremony of President Ali has no doubt contributed towards this spike in the number of coronavirus cases.

In fact, firemen based at the Melanie Damishana Fire Station have now all been quarantined since one of the fourteen firemen stationed there has tested positive for the virus.

That fireman was present at the Inauguration Ceremony of the President.

The Address to the Nation by President Ali was disappointing, to say the least, with statistics of concessions afforded by banks to customers and a meaningless message of sympathy at the end to the bereaved relatives of victims of COVID-19.

It is time for the Government of Guyana to discharge its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all Guyanese.

In order to curtail the spread of this virus, before it becomes absolutely uncontained, it is necessary to lockdown the regions. This has proven effective in countries all over the world to combat the spread of this deadly virus.

I fully endorse the practical approach recommended by a regular columnist of Kaieteur News.

It is time for us to be decisive and move for a complete shutdown in the interest of the lives of us all.

Yours truly, Stephanie Isaacs

Feasting at the taxpayers’ trough DEAR EDITOR, It is said that time heals all wounds. I say, also, that in the fullness of time, all is revealed. This is precisely what came to light recently with citizens being enlightened of tens of millions of their taxpayers’ dollars spent on political and elections related court cases.

Right off the bat, I submit that that should never be.

Find the money from the party’s treasury and spend it on what is of purely political priorities, and unrelated to governance or the national.

I do not care which party is doing the spending, but it must not be from the pockets of the taxpayer. It is wrong.

Having presented that, I now move into some of the details behind that lavish spending of the people’s money.

The details were about a couple of millions for this lawyer and some more for that one.

The outsider mercenaries on professional call are expected to bill smartly and collect sweetly; it is intrinsic to these mouthwatering big-ticket paydays; simply customary with the dough rolling in

richly and part of the game.

But the outsiders recruited are the least of my foci. The insiders, the supposedly loyal locals - are the ones I question about their devotion and fidelity. I look at them closely.

A few of them were not about political fervours or beliefs, but more. They were not anything about the principled or self-sacrificing patriotic contributions. They said they were about the party and its interests, the strengths of its positions, and the constitution. The only constitution they answered to, happened to be their own self-enriching one.

Give me the money.

They preened about this article and that one from that same constitution when, deep down, they were primarily about articles that incorporated themselves into authorized signatories over the people’s bank accounts.

These were the leading lights, the so-called legal eagles, who flew low to scavenge and pick the people apart, while pontificating of the merits and the whole tawdry rest. Men are so cunning and cheap that

a few millions would make them do anything.

These were among the ones who railed and ran to front to attack those exhorting the former president to retreat, to concede. Not a bit of it. They could not have that, with conceding being the dirtiest and most harmful word around and for one reason only.

There would be no more of those frivolous and foolish court businesses. Put more nakedly, the gravy train and money train would dry up and ground to a halt. It was why some made spectacles of themselves, while showboating, grandstanding and hotdogging, as they tiptoed on air, and came out ranting and swinging. They swung straight at those few sensible and conscientious citizens, who were not of the party alone, but of country first.

The million-dollar billers swung at objectors and made fools of themselves, while collecting with greedy outstretched paws, with citizens footing the bill by paying through their furiously running noses.

Their positions and actions were not what served the interests of the party, but themselves. Win, lose, or draw, they get to collect. It was about the money and much of it. The millions to be billed and had. They desired for the good times to continue, with no standing down. I may have done so, but not for a few measly million, not with where matters coalesced.

These guys are worse than cheap ambulance chasers, they are grave robbers. For when the party that they claim to love and serve was on the ropes and reeling, their biggest priority was lining their pockets. Pro bono is for dummies.

Editor, there is the record, $50M spent on the courts, and the biggest winners are those who collected on the taxpayers’ dime. If that is not a Ponzi scheme, then nothing is: take from the people and give to the professionals to keep the ball rolling. We should create a special national award for these lovely patriots.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Wednesday August 26, 2020

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Kaieteur News

The Challenges of Management as Experienced in the Sugar Industry of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Ever since the earliest days in organisational management, informed initially by attendance at universities, and other training interactions, one kept searching for literature that focused on the management of agricultural entities, albeit within the limited accessibility to books authored in Europe, the United Kingdom, and more often the USA. The primary reason was to find more relevant advice about how better to manage Guyana’s largest industry – sugar.

Though Caribbean universities taught relevant specialised courses, there remained at the time this lacuna of recorded analyses of how to manage more efficiently the collective sugar producing entities known as the Sugar Association of the

Caribbean (SAC).

One discovered almost a singular concentration on the management of manufacturing and services, with an exasperating indifference to agriculture, probably because in more developed societies so much of it was rural and of personalised ownership.

As it turned out, in those early days in Bookers Sugar Estates, in the absence of a coordinated consensus of how best to manage to achieve targeted results, a generation of highly trained and motivated, Guyanese, more particularly, Personnel Officers, would meet, brainstorm, and eventually produce recommendations regarding a range of operational, social, human resources and community development issues, that earned ready approval by a

then expatriate Board, as policies to be implemented for the benefit of the industry, much of which have stood the test of times – from the 1960s to now.

What we learnt then was that communication, involving strategic decisionmaking, could be acceptable from responsible lower levels upwards to the highest decision-makers in organisation – so contrary to the imperious style adopted later by the various political directorates.

However activists, Personnel Officers, constituted but a small component within the wide range of highly technically equipped managers who were developed through the creative Bookers Cadet Scheme, including every specialist type of engineer and chemist; along with agriculturalists, accountants, economists, sociologists,

Back to this Oil Issue Again DEAR EDITOR, It occurred to me that every Guyanese who intends to deal with certain multinational companies, should read the article.

“ExxonMobil: Prejudiced Corporate Hypocrite (August 18) in KN. It’s a must read roadmap for doing business with large American companies. Could be a blueprint for any UG student who intends to study international relations.

Key take away points are: (1) They dealt with us as inferior third world natives.

(2) A contract that is discriminatory.

(3) Exxon would not have done the same to a group of their perceived “equals”.

(4) ...beneath them.

These multinational companies are masters at negotiations. Before they sign a contract with anyone (Big or Small), they’ve done their “opposition research”. They already know personal details of negotiators, for instance, if they are competent on the topic of discussion, which university they attended, personal weakness that they can exploit, any perverted behaviour conducted on US soil! First though, they’ll

check for any cash/property and other assets specifically in the US and elsewhere if they can, and can easily tell if it’s genuinely yours or pilfered from your country.

They may use this to their advantage, and may just drop a subtle hint (of whatever) to get you to back down from any of your demands.

For some people, they will wine and dine them, (book them in a presidential suite, USD$1000 bottle of champagne, a ride in the corporate jet, etc.) and if one is not accustomed to this sort of thing (which is normal practice in the US), you may unwittingly end up selling off your entire home country at a huge discount.

Negotiating with them is not for the weak/incompetent or unprepared. These businesses don’t do anything unless it’s in their best interest. I am sure that the CEO of the oil company knew of this flawed discriminatory

contract. He or she probably “ok’d” the terms before anyone from the previous regime even saw the documents to sign.

This is a ruthless business. Doubt if the CEO will turn around and save us!

Ok, so Guyana is going to review the contract, etc, etc.

Soon after, I hope the government acts boldly and confidently to get Exxon back to the renegotiating table, if they are really serious. No more civil, nicey, nicey speeches. The way to put some traction is to take this problem to the American battlefield. It matters if Exxon’s contempt (via the contracts) towards us is made public on their turf, via their print media. This is a winning strategy when dealing with these companies, otherwise it will just be endless talk in circles.

Guyana does not have that time to wait.

Yours truly Chi Kansi

community development officers – all comprehensively trained at various overseas universities (the list is not exhaustive). A high priority has since been given to Information & Communication Technology.

A most strategic inclusion in this Human Resources Development was the institution of the Apprentice Training Centre at Port Mourant, Berbice in 1957. It developed a track record of graduating talents who logically went on to university level, and in time became managers in factory and mechanical agriculture operations. It was a Bookers’ Sugar Estates initiative, which contributed quite substantial funding to the earliest agriculture programme at the University of Guyana. The company also found it in their interest to invest heavily in the establishment of the Guyana School of Agriculture.

One pauses to remark on the fantastic career of Bigyan Chandra, a clerk of Skeldon Estate, who started out by excelling at the Guyana School of Agriculture, soon after at the Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture; and maintained a level of performance as an agriculturalist, that the high ratings he achieved at the very disciplined performance evaluation system in those days, resulted in rapid promotions, eventually to the level of Agriculture Director in GuySuCo. Of course, there were other equally high-achievers who have since survived to boast of the inspirational management training workshops in which they participated at the Corporation’s Management Training Centre at Ogle –

regrettably abandoned to accommodate the pedestrian operations of a Head Office – first occupied by Booker Tate (no relation to the original Bookers) – then Management Consultants to the Administration of the day.

For all of this century, the industry has been subject to non-professional high-level direction, which had the effect of too many hasty departures of managerial employees during one period at the rate of about thirty annually. It is fair to say that there was a replacement programme in the continuing award of cadetships and scholarships to the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture. But too much institutional memory had already been lost.

It is nevertheless important to emphasise, that in addition to the aging of relevant machinery and equipment in field and factory (in the latter connection, the Skeldon Factory remains an elephantine puzzle), the most critical contribution to the industry must come from well trained human resources – at all the related levels. Positive motivation towards productivity through “teamman-ship” is also key.

So that there will be need, not only to revisit former successful management styles, but more critically to upgrade them in the light of this current pandemic environment.

In this connection, critics in particular should feel it fortunate that the Corporation is still able to attract certain needed experienced specialist skills, including principally in engineering and agriculture.

But it remains absolutely necessary that the Corporation re-establishes

the much needed capacity to deliver a range of education and developmental programmes to address current assessed managerial and technical needs, including at the highest decision-making levels.

So to finish where we started, it would be helpful to refer to appropriate management literature.

It was not pure coincidence therefore that a small library of books on management was shared between GuySuCo’s Head Office at LBI, Demerara and Albion/PM Estate, Berbice, around 2017. It might well need updating.

Arguably however, the following sample may yet be relevant to all concerned, even in the new dispensation: Leading Change – John P. Kotter Lateral Thinking – Edward de Bono R e i n v e n t i n g Organisations – Frédéric Laloux In Search of Excellence – Thomas J. Peters and Robert H. Waterman Case method in Management Development – John Reynolds The Fifth Discipline – Peter M. Senge A Development Programme for Women in Management – Mike Smith Obviously, the climate change being experienced will invite interest in more current management philosophies and practices.

It must always be borne in mind however, that it is not just a matter of revival, but more critically, the objective of survival of our sugar industry.

E.B. John Retired Human Resources Director GuySuCo

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Guiding the success of Exceptions to Search without a Warrant Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali DEAR EDITOR, Last week, the Democratic National Convention ended with Joe Biden accepting the nominee as their Presidential candidate and Kamala Harris as his running mate, challenging Donald Trump as the next USA president.

There were many takeaways from the convention which were previously highlighted and today there is a focus, zoning in on the requirements of what are expected to mould the president as enumerated by the former First Lady, Michelle Obama, and relevant to guiding the success of Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, also. She said, “The job is hard. It requires clearheaded judgment, a mastery of complex and competing issues, a devotion to facts and history, a moral compass and an ability to listen. And an abiding belief that each of the 330 million lives in this country has meaning and worth. A president’s words have the power to move markets. They can start wars or broker peace.

They can summon our better angels or awaken our worst instincts. You must display a total and utter placement of empathy. You simply cannot fake your way through this job.”

Indeed, Dr. Irfaan Ali has an uphill task to preside over a diversified nation that is carrying a scar from racial imbalances and discrimination, fuelled and fertilized by the previous administration and compounded by a bankrupt Treasury. The task is far from being easy, especially embroiled with COVID-19 and, he must remain sober headed to exercise impartial judgment to unite a divided people and resolve the economic woes that are so challenging and humongous.

His performance always have to scrutinize a bitter past, flavoured with criminal activity in the society, bearing in mind that, his predecessors

have been branded with so many corruptions and their ability to lie their way was detrimental to the health of the nation and today, they are an emblem of dishonesty. He will be well advised to remain in touch with the grass roots who are suffering with poverty and to have an open mind while paying attention to feedbacks from the man-in-thestreet. His inauguration speech did endorse the value of each Guyanese; requesting each person to come on board for nation building; to give each person a chance to grow from a small man to a real man and really live the good life that was denied to them from the APNU+AFC Party. The First Lady and the President himself have the characteristics to touch the soul of everyone. Their words can move mountains and remove stumbling blocks. From both sides of the fence, they are opinioned as fair and desiring only what is best for the entire Guyana, treating all equally and their compassion resonate with sincerity. The president’s stature demands that he stands firm and resolute, compact as a rock on the surface and delicate as a flower inwardly. The First Lady’s job is inclusive of maintaining the equilibrium that will balance the scale of demand and supply in a justified way.

Michelle Obama was right when she said that getting the message across is difficult because of the hate mongers.

Many tried to penetrate racial strife within a peaceful nation and wanted to instigate violence as a consequence of being unable to attain power illegitimately.

Those perpetrators must be seen as permanent outcasts to our society and must never be allowed to contaminate the purity of innocent ones who are fragile to adulterated convolution. Such volatility must be curbed and extinguished from inception and a safe-net measure must be cast to prevent its repetition. Guyanese from all walks-of-life must be cognizant of future mischief and remain

alert to recognize any such birth, discouraging and refusing its spread. The ERC has to awaken from its slumber with a more meaningful perspective while being more aggressive, vigilant and assertive in its role so that, discrimination can be eliminated in a faster and effective approach.

Any “lay back” attitude has to be revolutionized, its function has to be more proactive, its critique has to be vociferous and exercised with initiative.

Guyanese are basically, a God fearing people and have to be honest with themselves. They can no longer fake pretense and have to admit to the facts being established daily, confirming in a convincing way the monstrosities that deprived the poor Guyanese of a decent way of life. It is glaringly obvious that the minute APNU+AFC Party took office in 2015; they established a clear track that is punctuated with embezzlements and misappropriations that suited their personal agenda and completely left out the interest of the struggling manin-the-street. This was a routine procedure up until the last minute when they demitted office.

If there is one message that Guyanese can grasp from Michelle Obama’s speech, it is that, Guyanese must now act in a way as if their life depends on each of their personal action. That is so true because, by doing only what is right, they can be saved from the pandemic.

They can unite Guyana from ethnic indifferences; their children can be saved from becoming criminals. The children can be educated; lawlessness and vulgarity can be eliminated; Guyana’s development can be bigger, better and faster. Guyanese will not be fooled again; violence will not be condoned and peace will prevail for a united nation and progress will attribute to a profitable and equitable distribution for all to enjoy.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

DEAR EDITOR, Reference is made to Timothy Jonas’s letter (KN Aug 22) on the arrest of Jones and confiscation of materials.

Jonas worries about the message sent on searching a home for loot without a warrant.

It brings back memories of Burnhamism. The law allows for some searches without a warrant.

The Jones’s arrest stemmed from his refusal to be voluntarily taken into custody for questioning about an alleged crime.

It is standard in Guyana for people to be taken into custody, many voluntarily, for questioning. It was a common practice during the Burnham and Hoyte days and over the last five years for dissidents to voluntarily show up at a police station to be quizzed about political activities or some innocuous matter (like value of Pradoville property) to shame or embarrass political opponents.

What occurred to Jones does not fall under the latter category. As we read, the police were investigating stolen loot in what is known in my sociology studies as racketeering crime.

The public is mindful of invasion of privacy but also want to deter public officials from looting goods that were meant for them. It is alleged that no warrant was produced for the seizure of “missing goods” bought by the State and found their way at Jones’s home. It is reported that Jones is a supporter of PNC and worked for the PNC led government.

There is no evidence of witch-hunting in the search or political victimization relating to the arrest. It is seen strictly as a criminal matter pertaining to theft of government property. The court will decide the issues of the requirement of a warrant and whether a crime of theft occurred.

Regarding Jonas’s concern of a search without a warrant, the law allows invasion of privacy in certain situations. Mr. Jonas, an outstanding lawyer who deserved SC status and who impressed the world with his legal arguments in election cases and press conferences,

knows that a warrant is not always needed to effectuate a search or to question a criminal suspect or make an arrest. While it is the law to have a warrant (court issued permit) before entering private property, unless the person approves of a search without a court’s warrant, police can forcibly enter into a private property under certain conditions and can also take someone into custody.

This aspect of the law is well known by those who study US constitutional law.

There are ample historical precedents in case law. I taught the concept and practice in courses on US constitutional law.

Indian Supreme Court also sanctions use of evidence from forced entry in certain situations and borrows from US Supreme Court cases in her development of constitutional law. And Guyana case laws borrow heavily from Indian jurisprudence.

The US Supreme Court jealously protects privacy rights, even those of data stored on a cell phone. The police can’t invade a cell phone (without a warrant) because it is private property except if it is to physically protect the police from harm of a concealed weapon (like a razor blade or a remote triggered bomb). Similarly, the police can’t enter a home or property without a warrant.

But the court grants exceptions and these exceptions have been upheld in criminal cases.

If the police believe with reasonable evidence that a crime would be committed or a life is endangered, they can force their way into a private property. The court would determine afterwards if the evidence acquired from a forced entry can be used in a criminal prosecution. The

police can take someone into custody on same ground.

From what was reported in the press, the police went to Mr. Jones’s home to interview him about unaccounted goods. He refused to be interviewed and it is reported, he let loose the dogs on the police.

He rightly asked for a warrant. The police have a right to question him about a crime and don’t need a warrant if they have reasonable suspicion that he was involved in or about to commit a crime or if they believe he would destroy evidence relating to a crime or a life was endangered. In the OJ Simpson case almost three decades ago, the police entered Simpson’s home without a warrant because they found blood at his gate and jumped over the wall to gain entrance; they felt a life was in danger.

Evidence obtained inside his home was allowed by the court against Simpson in the prosecution.

To s e a r c h J o n e s ’s home, the police needed a warrant unless the police saw in public view evidence of a crime or fear a cover up of a crime or destruction of evidence.

Jones could have avoided this problem by simply allowing himself to be interviewed at his convenience or accompany the police to a police station – of course to be interviewed in the presence of his lawyer as is the law in the US. This would not have led to a search of his property for stolen goods and evidence gathered against him.

The court would decide the issue of the right of Jones to privacy balanced against the right of the public to protect ‘stolen’ goods that belong to the nation.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Highest commendation DEAR EDITOR, I must offer highest commendation to Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security and Ms. Priya Manickchand, Minister of Education for the maturity and commonsensical

approach taken towards the business of Government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Thank you honourable ladies for showing how it is supposed to be done.

Ovid Schultz

Wednesday August 26, 2020

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Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil says it trained 24 technicians - but continues to dodge key for Guyana operations questions on local content S

tabroek Block o p e r a t o r , ExxonMobil, announced yesterday that it has trained 24 Guyanese who will be working on the Liza Destiny vessel from next month as maintenance technicians.

The multi-national oil giant noted that this is the first group of Guyanese who would have undergone an extensive 18-month training programme that it organized in Canada.

ExxonMobil said that the technicians will work under the supervision of the Liza Destiny’s operator, SBM Offshore, so as to produce Guyana’s oil and gas.

It was also noted that these trained Guyanese will replace experienced international workers over the coming years. Even as it sought to present the foregoing picture regarding its efforts to train locals, the company continues to doge critical questions that would expose just how genuine is its interest in building local content in Guyana.

For more than four years, ExxonMobil has failed to provide disaggregated data on how many Guyanese it has trained for senior positions between 2015 to 2019 as well as the salary scales for each job title.

The company has also failed to show how it has invested in institutions that will build capacity for Guyanese not just in the oil sector but for those sectors which the nation envisions will help to steer it clear of the damaging effects of oil dependency.

Just about two weeks ago,

the oil giant also sought to give the nation the impression that it has expended billions of dollars on the procurement of goods and services as well as on the hiring of nationals.

It said specifically that for the first half of 2020, it spent over $14B. What it neglected to remind, is that Guyanese will have to pay for every cent it expends on local content.

Importantly, those costs for 2020, as well as those for previous years, totalling over $50B, are yet to be audited by the Government of Guyana.

In a statement to the press yesterday and even in its missive almost two weeks ago, the company said more than 2,000 Guyanese are supporting its operations, representing 55 percent of the total workforce.

No evidence, however, was provided to support this.

In fact, no data was provided for the public to analyze if there was any progression in the employment of Guyanese to senior positions from 2015 to now.

Since ExxonMobil began operations in 2015, the company has kept away from scrutiny, its local content reports which would expose just how seriously it takes capacity building. The only time ExxonMobil ever released the list of companies it claimed to have used for its local content efforts was back in June 2018.

The company had claimed that it had used over 300 Guyanese registered companies to supply services.In response to calls for evidence of same, a list was provided.

Upon examination, however, it was found that ExxonMobil

padded its list with the names of places like Bourda Market, Haags Bosch Dumpsite, Royal Castle, Bounty Supermarket, Metro Office and Computer Supplies, Star Party Rentals, and Shanta’s Roti Shop. It listed utility companies such as the Guyana Power and Light and the Guyana Revenue Authority as part of its local content efforts too.

Persons were also listed as registered companies. They included Sonia Noel, Chontelle Sewett, Andron Alphonso and Mokesh Daby.

As part of its statement

yesterday, ExxonMobil claimed that the Centre for Local Business Development, which is located on South Road, has remained supportive of local businesses with a transition to virtual courses.No evidence or report of any kind was provided to confirm this.

Additionally, ExxonMobil said that the centre continued mentorship of 10 Guyanese companies in the process to be compliant in the ISO 9001 quality management system.

Those names were not released.

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge

PAGE 8

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Education Ministry explores learning World Bank wants to have options as COVID-19 bites deep discussions with President Ali

Minister Priya Manickchand during a virtual meeting to explore options of schooling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand has begun conducting virtual meetings with parents, teachers, head teachers and school boards across the country.

The purpose of the meetings is to collaborate efforts to find ways in which proper education can be delivered to students in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minister recently stated that schools will remain closed for the month of September as the Ministry continues to review and evaluate the influx of alarmingly high COVID-19 cases and the preparedness of schools. She also announced that the Ministry of Education (MOE) has collaborated efforts with the Ministry of Health to develop

protocols for when schools do reopen. As of now, the Ministry is still assessing options including virtual learning, broadcasts on the Learning Channel and developing learning kits and packages to deliver to specific sets of students. Manickchand previously stated that “We know that no single approach will provide regular learning opportunities to our children across the regions and across the grades. We will therefore have to use blended multifaceted learning approaches in the coming months.”

In addition, the Ministry of Education yesterday dismissed an on-going rumour, which stated that teachers and cleaners in public schools will see deductions

from their salaries.

Persons were making claims that the reasons for the deduction was due to the COVID-19 pandemic and no money being in the country’s treasury. In the Ministry’s Facebook release, they warned that the Ministry has no intention to cut the salaries of teachers and cleaners and it was never even up for discussion. They further added that any discussion regarding the salaries of teachers and cleaners will be about enhancing their remunerations. The Ministry lamented that members of the public should refrain from spreading panic and confusion in the country, especially during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

President Irfaan Ali has received a congratulatory letter from the Director, World Bank - Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Tahseen Sayed, who said she was looking forward “to further strengthening the longstanding partnership between Guyana and the World Bank.”

In her letter, Director Sayed said, “On behalf of the World Bank, I offer our support as you tackle the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and address the country’s development challenges.”

The Director also recalled, with pleasure, her previous meeting with President Ali, adding that she “very much appreciated the opportunity for the exchange of views on the country’s socioeconomic challenges and your development priorities.”

Further, she said she was looking forward to meet again with President Ali at his earliest convenience, “to advance discussions on the World Bank’s engagement in Guyana” and expressed that she would “be pleased to present recent analytical work undertaken by the World Bank Group focusing on Guyana’s opportunities for sustainable and inclusive

Director, World Bank - Latin America and the Caribbean Region, Tahseen Sayed growth at this pivotal moment of the country’s history.”

Director Sayed also wished President Ali success in his new mandate and assured him of the World Bank’s “strong partnership in support of Guyana’s progress and prosperity”.

Brazil President congratulates - expresses desire to President Ali strengthen cooperation President Irfaan Ali has received a congratulatory letter from President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, who expressed his desire to see strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

In his letter, President Bolsonaro said, “At this moment in which the perspective of ample and important transformations is presented to Guyana, I affirm the priority attributed by Brazil to the bilateral relationship. I am ready to work with Your Excellency in continuing strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between our two countries, with the view of the well-being and prosperity of Brazilian and Guyanese peoples,” a statement from the Office of the President said yesterday.

The President of Brazil noted too, the conclusion of the electoral process “ratifies the commitment [to] democracy that must continue to guide our whole region.”

President Bolsonaro also extended best

Brazil President, Jair Bolsonaro wishes to President Ali for success in the exercise of his mandate.

Brazil had been critical of the protracted elections crisis in Guyana, which lasted five months.

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News

CONFLICT OR CONFLATION OF INTEREST?

G

uyana’s national poet, Martin Carter, once wrote: the mouth is muzzled by the hand that feeds it.

Those political leaders who accepted employment as advisors to the government will find it hard to convince the public that they have not betrayed their commitments to the electorate.

Appearances matter. And this move has all the appearances of the PPP/C attempting to secure a safer political majority by inducting two of the leaders of the Third Force in parliament into the government.

The two individuals are not in a conflict of interest.

They have been co-opted into the government. They have become advisors to the very government over which they are supposed to exercise oversight.

The PPP/C promised inclusion. They have instead administered rites of co-option.

They have effectively secured an additional seat in the National Assembly. It will be difficult for both the Justice and Liberty Party (JLP) and the A New and United Guyana (ANUG) to convince their supporters that they will be independent in the National Assembly. It is impossible to be perceived as independent when two of the parties to the joined List have accepted paid employment with the government.

There is no longer any Third Force in the National Assembly. With these two appointments, there is only the government side and the opposition side. This represents a betrayal of the supporters

of the JLP and ANUG. One of the excuses offered is pitiful and disgraceful. The smaller parties had taken a decision that they would not join with any of the two major parties.

In other words, they pledged to be independent.

To say that this promise to not join with any of the two main political blocks only applied to a situation in which there was a minority government sounds disingenuous and opportunistic.

Those who accepted these positions did so in their personal capacities. This acceptance, therefore, has nothing to do with political inclusion. The PPP/C has established no formal relationship with these parties. They have offered jobs to two leaders.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan tried this trick in 1992 when he selected Clive Thomas as his Minister of Planning and Development. The WPA put an immediate halt to this and indicated that the PPP/C government needed to engage the party.

A policy of inclusion would have involved a formal arrangement with the parties.

The PPP/C has taken the easy route out.

They have laid the bait and the leaders have bit it.

Why talk and negotiate when you can co-opt?

Political inclusion should have involved an agreement for constitutional reform. This has not happened. Jobs were offered and gleefully accepted.

The executive of the JLP and ANUG should demand answers from their leaders as to why they have opted to accept personal appointments. They should advise

them that given that they have accepted positions as advisors, then they should resign from the leadership of their party and from any possible representation in parliament.

The other leaders of these parties should condemn the acceptance of these positions.

They should also level with the public and indicate whether the executives of the JLP and ANUG were consulted on this issue and whether they have their blessings.

The PPP/C has been shameless in making these appointments. These positions were concocted to be given to these political leaders. There was never any need for an advisor on civil aviation. And there was also no need for an additional advisor on Borders. Guyana already has one such advisor in Carl Greenidge. Why have another?

The PPP/C is now assured of 34 seats in the National Assembly. No amount of disingenuous answers will change this.

With an assured two seats majority now, there will be less need to enter into any talks with the PNC/R and the AFC. It is ironic that one of the parties which was pressing for a political accommodation between the main political blocks have now become the major impediment to that process.

The supporters of those parties must feel betrayed.

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

Dem boys seh ...

Cat among de Pigeons Oil don’t spoil but yuh can’t drink oil. So said Burnham.

If we coulda drink oil all ah we woulda drink belly full every day.

But we can’t do dat so we just have to hope dat de government able redeem dat dutty, dutty deal wha de former administration bin sign and wha sellout we future.

Talking about sellout, dem boys feel some politicians sellout fuh a few pieces of silvers.

And dem gat de audacity fuh try fuh put a spin pon it and tun dem opportunism into high principle.

Dem boys hoping dat

parliament gon be summoned fast so dat de guv-ment can pass a proper law fuh fine people wha refusing to wear mask. Dem boys see plenty people refusing to wear mask.

Dat is like closing yuh eyes and crossing de road.

Yuh nah know what coming and you can’t see wha gon hit yuh down.

Dem boys watching all of dem carpetbaggers wha coming looking fuh wuk.

Dem boys hear about wan man who bin get promise big wuk in de Ministry of Health.

De man is a specialist at packing boxes.

Dem boys watching fuh see who is his backers. Den them boys gon talk wha dem

know.

Dem boys know dat dem oil companies gat plenty backers in de guv-ment.

Jagdeo seh he forming advisory committee but dem boys wan know if dem advisors are some of dem oil company backers.

Dem boys gat a cat fuh throw among de pigeons of advisors.

If Jagdeo wan good advice, all he gat fuh do is put de boss man of de Waterfall paper to head de advisory group. Yuh gan see how quick some of dem rest gon resign.

Talk half and remember Glenn mouth nah gat padlock!

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Two mysteries involving David Granger and Volda Lawrence Two mysteries that are described below occurred in the final week of July that certain people in the PNC know about. The first mystery includes the three PNC GECOM commissioners – Vincent Alexander, Desmond Trotman and Charles Corbin; President Granger and the PNC and AFC executives.

The second enigma involved Granger alone and within hours, certain PNC leaders came to know about it. We will never have a description of these inscrutabilities unless years from now a memoir is written

and revelations are made.

Here are brief notes on the two strange events. This columnist hereby asserts that the narrations below are based on factual occurrences. I am uncertain if the PPP leadership is in possession of the facts surrounding the first event but I rather suspect in relation to the second strange occurrence, Mr. Jagdeo and other PPP leaders may know about it.

Here we go. The big wigs in both the PNC and AFC had made up their minds that they were not giving up power;

sanctions or no sanctions. In the final week of July, Granger came under intense pressure to concede when the second tranche of visa withdrawals were made with the US signalling financial sanctions were on their way. Many powerful mandarins and their families were putting pressure on Granger.

Granger was facing extreme heat from two directions. Those who felt the battle and war had reached exhaustion point and the hardliners in the PNC led by Volda Lawrence and in the AFC, Raphael Trotman and

Cathy Hughes. After the Chief Justice ruled the recount was to be the basis of the final declaration, there was unanimity in both the PNC and AFC on a strategy to remain in power.

Here it is the strategy. On Saturday, August 1, before Claudette Singh could have summoned a statutory meeting of GECOM, the three PNC commissioners would resign thus leaving Guyana without a legally constituted GECOM. In such circumstances, GECOM could not have summoned the Chief Elections Officer and a final declaration could not be made. Granger was to indicate to Singh that he would have an early replacement of the three resigned members but the obvious intention was to drag out that process.

We now know that the infamous three did not resign and on Sunday August 2, the sand castle of rigged elections was over with Granger conceding defeat. But when did Granger acknowledge the loss? It was the day before the intended resignation, that is, Friday July 31. Granger informed Singh late on Friday afternoon that he would accept a GECOM declaration.

What caused this incredible suddenness?

Secretary of State, Pompeo telephoned Granger and there were no-nonsense words spoken by Mr. Pompeo. It was on Friday after

that conversation that the five-month ordeal of Guyana was over. Late Friday night, Granger informed the PNC leadership about the Pompeo conversation.

It was Lawrence that led the fight against Granger.

Let us rewind the tape to the months of June and the early days of July. Lawrence was constantly in disagreement with Granger.

The faction inside the PNC with two kingmakers of the AFC hit the roof when the recount decision was announced. Granger had trapped himself. It was Mia Mottley who put the suggestion to Granger that the controversy could be dissolved through a simple recount (see my article of Monday, July 6, 2020, “A secret about the CARICOM recount covenant that must be told.”)

Uncertain of how the PNC would react to Mottley’s intervention, Granger took the high ground and announced that it was he that requested the recount. But the PNC and AFC didn’t want any recount whatsoever either as an idea from Mottley or an initiative from Granger. The faction then tried to erase the recount by going to the court. From thereon, Lawrence and Granger were fated to become enemies.

All hell broke loose when Granger called off the strategy of GECOM resignations and accepted the recount result.

Frederick Kissoon From there on, the fight inside the PNC got uglier. One hopes Granger writes his memoir in which he would detail the nasty things the faction said about him after he conceded to the request of Pompeo. One member of the anti-Granger cabal told Granger this was the second time a Black president kowtowed to the Whiteman citing President Hoyte’s dealing with Jimmy Carter.

The above then explains the mystery that Dominic Gaskin in his interview with the Stabroek News said he doesn’t understand, that is, the suddenness of the decision by Granger to accept the result of the CARICOM brokered recount. But it wasn’t Gaskin alone. The entire Guyanese population was surprised. From that day, Granger was waiting to deal with Lawrence. He has now.

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

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Miner sent to jail Extension sought to keep for marijuana rice farmer in custody trafficking Canadian citizen’s kidnap/murder...

-file on two brothers sent for advice Investigating ranks on the Canadian citizen’s murder have sought advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) on the way forward in the case.

This publication was informed that the files were prepared on the two brothers who are in custody and sent for advice. This was even as an extension was sought and subsequently granted to keep the alleged mastermind- a rice farmer- in custody for further questioning. He still remains mum about his role in the grisly crime.

The rice farmer is accused of hiring the brothers to kill Nicholas Jaipaul, 24, a Canadian citizen who returned to Guyana on vacation with his 86-year-old grandfather, Ramkissoon Jaipaul.

The alleged mastermind is said to have promised the brothers $500,000 to lure the grandfather with a ransom of $50M to a location under the pretense that they would release his grandson but there he, too, would have been killed. This was told to investigators by the brothers.

Nicholas Jaipaul was reportedly forcibly taken from his vacation home at Number 69 Village two Sundays ago.

The following day, the grandfather received a strange call from someone saying that they had his grandson. He said he immediately got the police involved and investigators jumped on the case. It was that very call that was traced that led to one of the brothers at a location in Georgetown.

He was subsequently arrested and during interrogation named the rice farmer as the mastermind and his brother as the person who helped him to burn the body of Nicholas after he was strangled. The body was burnt at a

A miner of Fitzburg Port Kaituma, Region One, was yesterday sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $210,000 by Magistrate Dylon Bess for the possession of 140 grams of marijuana.

The accused, Travis Eudoxie, 24, appeared via Zoom at the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrate Court where he was charged.

Eudoxie pleaded guilty to charge which read that he had in his possession a quantity of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Jailed: Travis Eudoxie

UG’s first semester will be online Killed: Nicholas Jaipaul remote location in Moleson Creek, Region Six. He led investigators to the crime scene and it was there that the bones and skull were found. A relative identified the remains based on a surgical procedure the young Jaipaul had on his head when he was younger.

Based on information provided by a source, the suspect had visited the home of the Jaipauls on that fateful Sunday to pick soursop leaves and had spent a few hours “gyaffing” with the victim. It is believed that the suspect returned that night and lured the victim out his house then killed him.

The brothers in custody are the sons of the maid who has been working with the Jaipauls since January.

They were also accused of murdering their stepfather in 2014 in Berbice. One brother was charged and spent two years in prison; he was freed in 2016 at the Berbice High Court for lack of evidence.

The University of Guyana has advised that due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, theinstitution will continue to work in safe mode online with essential services being performed on the university’s campuses. “As such, UG will offer its courses (online) for Semester 1 of the 2020/2021 Academic Year,” it announced yesterday.The new academic year is scheduled to commence on October 5, 2020.

However, according to the university, registration for new and continuing students will be held from August 31, 2020 to September 30, 2020.”Orientation will be conducted (online) from October 5, 2020 to October 9,

2020 and the first day of classes will be on October 12, 2020. The end of period for late registration is November 6, 2020, while the end of period for the: 1.) Change of Registration, 2.) Requests for Transfers, 3.) Requests for Exemptions of Courses and 4.) Requests for Withdrawal from Courses is November 13, 2020.”UG said that the deadline for payment of fees or submission of loan award is November 27, 2020.”Examination period for Semester 1 will be held from January 25, 2021 to February 13, 2021. The semester is scheduled to end on February 13, 2021.”

UG said that it will review the situation and updated according for Semester 2.

Wednesday August 26, 2020

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

Avoid borrowing for projects from future oil sales - Former Minister warns Former Minister of Government, Geoffrey Da Silva is warning Guyana not to fall prey to the Dutch oil curse by borrowing money from future oil sales.

Da Silva briefly served with the Trade, Tourism and Industry portfolio under former President Bharrat Jagdeo, and later as Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), and until a few years ago as Ambassador to Venezuela. He made his urgent warning in a recent letter to the editor.

He said that Guyana ought not to meet a point at which it is so over-

dependent on oil income for its revenues that its public spending becomes unrestrained and it is betting on the arrival of money from oil it plans to sell.

He acknowledged the need to build resilient public infrastructure, but explained that as Guyana is currently the sixth poorest of South American and Caribbean nations, it must plan its economy carefully, as a failure to do so could yield disastrous consequences.

He noted low foreign debt and a decreasing debt-to-GDP ratio as one of the hallmarks of good governance.

Da Silva’s comments come at a time when Guyana’s non-oil economy is suffering.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had revealed earlier this month that Guyana’s non-oil economy is in recession, registering a shrinkage this year of 4.9 percent. He had said that the Government would look internationally for assistance to revitalise the economy.

Guyana has constantly been bombarded by international banks and other financiers with offers of loans. The situation was noted in January by former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who told Reuters

that international entities would talk at meetings of how much they can lend.

“At the IMF meetings, I was bombarded, at the IDB meetings, I’m bombarded with people telling you how much money they can lend you,” he is quoted as saying, in reference to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

Jordan had said that the offers go as high as US$500B and US$2B. Commenting on the situation, Da Silva noted and concurred with statements by Jagdeo on Kaieteur Radio that the country must not be

Former Minister, Geoffrey Da Silva a victim of the “Dutch Disease”.

Da Silva added that one of Guyana’s greatest challenges will be to build a diversified economy with its oil industry.

PAGE 14

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News

Promises delivered: Lust-en-Rust residents now with portable water Lust-en-Rust residents with Junior Minister of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

Boat mishap leaves one dead

The Marshall Falls, one of the many dangerous waterfalls in the Mazaruni River

During a follow-up visit to Lust-en-Rust, on the West Bank of Demerara, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Wa t e r, S u s a n Rodrigues, assured that her Ministry is committed to providing water for the residents.

Just last week, Minister Rodrigues, according to a government statement, she visited the area to address the concerns and find solutions to the difficulties endured by the residents.

Following that visit, approximately 75 households have since been connected with potable water access.

Minister Rodrigues also indicated that 20 streetlights will be installed in efforts to reduce crime and improve the livelihood of Lust-en-Rust citizens.

GPL technician installing streetlights

A miner is now feared dead after an aluminum boat powered by 40-horse powered outboard engine sunk, yesterday, in Gatie Falls, Semang Creek, Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven.

The miner has since been identified as Clement Morgan, 63, of 436, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. According to police, the mishap occurred at

around 20:30hrs while the boat was heading to Semang Backdam. The boat, captained

by Marvin Andrews, 49, of Cane Grove, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), had left a Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Office (GGMC) at around 15:30hrs with Morgan and another passenger on board.

When they arrived at

Gatie Falls, the outboard engine went dead as the captain was navigating his way through the rapids. As a result, the boat capsized and sank in the river. Marvin and the other passenger managed to swim to safety but Morgan went under and disappeared.

Efforts are currently being made to locate the missing man.

Mining worker robbed $4.4M in home invasion

A Detector Operator, who works at a mining camp, in the Chi Chi Backdam, Mazaruni, Region Seven, was on Monday night robbed of $4,400,000, at gunpoint by two suspects.

Kaieteur News understands that the incident occurred at the man’s Nismes, West Bank Demerara residence around 23:50 hrs.

According to a police report, the victim was asleep in the chair in the living room.

When he awoke, he saw an identifiable male entering his living room with what appeared to be a nickel handgun.

The victim told the police that the suspect pointed to him and demanded he hand over the money before ordering him to lay face down.The man said as he was about to turn his face down when a second suspect, who was masked and armed with a black handgun,

entered the living room and placed a jersey on his head.

The suspect then proceeded to tie the victim’s feet and hands.

According to the report, the suspects threatened to kill the victim if he didn’t tell them where he hid his money.

Eventually, the victim gave in since he became fearful for his life and told the suspects where they can find the cash.

After retrieving the sum, the suspects escaped in a vehicle that was waiting for them.

The victim only returned from the backdam about two months now with a large sum of cash which he usually keeps at home.

The matter was reported and an investigation into the robbery was launched.

No arrest has been made as yet.

Wednesday August 26, 2020

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Four arrested as crossbow, Central Housing’s chief, Lelon Saul, fired guns, found in Corentyne home

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the State’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Lelon Saul, was yesterday sent home with immediate effect.

Kaieteur News understands that Saul received his letter of termination from the Ministry of Housing and Water, after he arrived at work yesterday morning.

The CEO‘s contract was terminated with a month‘s notice. The decision to remove Saul was an executive one- it was taken at the level of Cabinet, a source explained to this newspaper.

Saul is a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and also worked with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He was appointed as CEO of the CH&PA in early 2017 by the previous Coalition government.

After receiving his letter of termination, Saul reportedly made a decision to leave the office since he was also due for leave.

In addition to Saul, Kaieteur News understands that several staffers of CH&PA’s procurement department have been sent home or sent to other departments.

Sent home: CEO, Lelon Saul With a new government in place under President Irfaan Ali, there have been refusals by a number of executives to resign.

Several persons, said to be political appointees, have been fired.

Repositioning of Local Govt. Commission

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, yesterday met with senior management of the Local Government Commission to discuss the direction of the 2020 emergency budget, management of issues plaguing local organs and the re-positioning of the commission in accordance with policy guidelines.

Police in Berbice, led by a senior officer, yesterday executed a search operation at Number 78 Village, Upper Corentyne, Berbice and discovered three guns, ammunition and other items.According to a police source, police received a tip-off and swooped down at a house in Number 78 Village.

There, a search was carried out and a

crossbow with telescopic sight, two pistols and a shotgun were discovered. Also found was a small quantity of ammunition, among other items.Four persons who were present during the search were subsequently arrested and the guns, ammunition and items were lodged. The guns were unlicensed.

Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

One in every four tested positive for COVID - Kaieteur in August News analysis O

By Kemol King f all of the months of COVID-19 testing done since Guyana’s first detected case in March, August has yielded the most worrying results.

For every four tests done this month, one turned out to be positive.

August is also on track to be the deadliest month for Guyana in the wake of the pandemic. Eleven persons have already died this month after contracting the virus.

The new PPP/C Government had seen the need to ramp up testing as soon as it took up office, conducting as many as 300 tests per day.

Guyana had only recorded 413 cases by the end of July.

In the past 25 days alone, it recorded 647 more.

These numbers are sure to change the tide of public reaction, whereas a low rate of testing before yielded statistics which gave a false sense of security.

Guyana is far from flattening the curve.

In March, Guyana had done just 52 tests, with 12 turning up positive. Two of those persons died. Back

then, many people were afraid, as much like today, where one in every four persons tested positive.

Noticing the gravity of the issue, the former APNU+AFC Government announced early in April that it would be implementing emergency measures to tackle the pandemic, including a curfew, closure of a series of businesses, and bans on social activities.

In that month, testing increased ten-fold, 70 new cases were detected and 11 more people died.

Testing further doubled in May, but a false sense of security threatened to set in when 61 cases were detected (less than in April), and only three persons died.

Testing slightly decreased in June to 960, with 92 testing positive, but no one died.

By the end of June, Guyana had recorded 245 cases of COVID-19. Even then, the rate of testing was extremely low, with only 32 tests done per day in that month. Yet, there was talk of re-opening the economy.

COVID-19 testing statistics

In July, 2,127 tests were done, yielding that 168 more persons had tested positive for COVID-19. An analysis of testing and results as of July 31 showed that one in every 11 persons tested positive.

In early August, the PPP/ C took up office, after a contentious and protracted electoral season.

It immediately noted deficiencies in the public health infrastructure to manage the pandemic.

But despite ramping up testing at a rate higher than any other month, giving a truer idea of the impact of the pandemic, the government slightly relaxed the curfew and decided to allow mining, despite a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in certain hinterland parts.

In a recent press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo brought to the public, plans

being discussed for the reopening of the economy, even though some international experts say the pandemic may last well into 2021, or even 2022.

Guyana’s recent statistics brings new urgency to calls for stringent measures to be taken by the government and the people to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Otherwise, upcoming months threaten to be much deadlier.

ExxonMobil to meet with EPA, GGMC, Energy Dept...

From page 3 conducted by Kaieteur News notes that in some cases, the produced water is discharged into oceans and other offshore water channels. Because no two geographic regions are alike, studies are done to assess the environmental risks of the produced water’s toxicity on marine life before granting approval for the disposal of it into the ocean.

In Guyana’s case, not a single study was done for the Liza Phase One or Two

Projects. Yet, Guyana went full steam ahead with approving the permits for those projects, which allow for the disposal of produced water into the ocean.

Recognizing the grave mistake made in this regard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is headed by Dr. Vincent Adams, wants ExxonMobil to put systems in place for the re-injection of the produced water for the Payara project.

Kaieteur News was able to confirm with key officials

Three mobile pumps expected ...

From page 18 aquaculture sectors, cash crops development, pest and disease control mechanisms and agro-processing.

Ambassador Srinivasa also mentioned that India has been in talks with CARICOM, and an aquaculture specialist will soon be in the region to assist CARICOM States in

that regard. He assured Minister Mustapha that Guyana will benefit from that venture.

Both parties indicated their governments remain committed to strengthening bilateral relations in the future.

Also present at the meeting was MoA’s Director General, Madanlall Ramraj.

close to the project that ExxonMobil is not pleased about this request and has rejected it.

Dr. Adams was keen to note, however, that he is not a proponent for the dumping of produced water into the ocean. He said that the Liza Destiny vessel is already dumping 4,000 barrels of produced water and in about six years, it will get to about 300,000 barrels.

Dr. Adams said, “I have worked in the oil fields as a Production and Reservoir engineer and we injected every single drop of water. If you are onshore, the water would obviously have to be re-injected. Also, the World Bank has made it clear that you should only dispose of produced water into the ocean when it is not technically feasible.”

In ExxonMobil’s case, Dr.Adams said it is more than feasible.

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Kaieteur News

30 of drugs in Guyana are sub-standard

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FOR RENT Fully Furnished, Grill/Mesh Windows, Doors. North and Oronoque St Bourda, 3 bedrooms A/C. Domestic / Business #226-7012 PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 2 bedroom apartment at Herstelling.Tel:#601-0223 1 bedroom apartment to rent, Diamond New Housing scheme. Tel:#216-0644, 6012175 One Bedroom Apartment for working couple or single person, $36,000.Monthly light and water included.#627-3800 One bedroom apartment for rent. Working couple, no kids in Houston, E.B.D.No parking.#:664-2861

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Wednesday August 26, 2020

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The Government Analyst –Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has warned against the sale of sub-standard/fake drugs after a study found that approximately 30 percent of the drugs sold locally have been classified as sub-standard.

According to information released by the GA-FDD, in considering the risks associated with the distribution of such elevated numbers of substandard drugs; 30% on the local market, which is significantly more than the global average, the department has moved to stringently enforce the drug registration requirements.

The GA-FFD noted that according to the Laws of Guyana, Food and Drug Act, Chapter 34:03 and the Food and Drug Regulations: Regulations 78 and 80, all new drugs/medicines must be registered with the department.

Further, the department outlined that the current food and drug regulations stipulate that medicines manufactured in any country can be registered by the GA-FDD after being certified by the United States-Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) - United Kingdom (UK), Health Canada (HC) or the Australian Government Department of Health - Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Additionally, the GAFDD said that Guyana has signed onto the CARPHA’s Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS) in March of 2017, where prescription medicines manu-

factured in any country are assessed by CARPHA’s-CRS electronically after being certified for use in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, or Argentina.

With CRS’s recommendation, that these drugs are then registered by the GA-FDD for use in Guyana. The GA-FDD has earned the distinction of registering the first CRS recommended Drugs/ Medicines on the 18th September 2017, taking less than 60 days to complete the process.

“To date, approximately 49 CRS recommended medicines have been registered by the GA-FDD for use in Guyana,” the GAFDD said in a statement.

As such, importers and manufacturers are being reminded to ensure compliance with the registration procedures if products are to be released for sale and use in our health care delivery system.

The Department reiterated that no waivers will be granted to any entity for the sale and/or distribution of unregistered drugs/medicines in Guyana.

The GA-FDD noted that in the best interest of consumer protection and safety in accordance to the laws of Guyana Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03, Section 21 (d), hereby warns that any unregistered drugs/medicines in circulation or those found on the premises of local distributors without authorization from the GA-FDD will be seized and removed from premises by Officers/ Inspectors of the department.

The department noted

GA- FDD Director, Marlan Cole that registration is the first line of defense against the proliferation of substandard or falsified medicines in our health care delivery system, both at private and public institutions.

Over the past 18 months, the GA-FDD has participated in a pilot project to determine the safety, efficacy and quality of prescription drugs used on the local market.

“The project was facilitated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency’s (CARPHA) - Medicines Quality Control and Surveillance Department’s (MQCSD) - accredited laboratory located in Kingston, Jamaica.”

During this sampling and testing exercise, it was discovered that of 36 drugs sampled and tested from Guyana’s market, at the MQCSD- laboratory and at local drug testing laboratory, approximately 3 in 10 or 30% of the drugs tested which ranged from anti-diabetic, anti-coagulant, diuretic, anti-bacterial and anti-hypertensive drugs were sub-standard.

Wednesday August 26, 2020

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Mingo and assistant arrested for elections forgery allegations

Police ranks yesterday arrested the Returning Officer (RO) of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, and his assistant, Carolyn Duncan, on elections forgery charges.

Mingo’s arrest comes just five days after the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) announced that a comprehensive investigation will commence into allegations of electoral fraud committed by Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, and others.

According to information reaching this publication, the RO of Region Four was arrested at around 15:45 hrs at his home located in Abary, Region Five.

Sources told Kaieteur News that Mingo was escorted by the ranks to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Eve Leary, Kingston where up to press time, he remained in police custody.

Sometime later, Kaieteur News was reliably informed that Mingo’s assistant, Duncan, was arrested too.

Information obtained by this newspaper suggested that hours after Mingo was grilled by investigators, a decision was made to arrest Duncan as well.

Police sources were unable to verify whether Mingo and his assistant will be detained for the normal 72 hours or whether a decision will be taken to release them on bail.

However, Kaieteur was able to confirm that the pair’s arrest was in relation to serious allegations made of document forgery with the intent to deliver fraudulent results of the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

Attorney-at-law and member of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Charles Ramson, had filed private criminal charges against Mingo and the People National Congress Reform’s (PNCR) Chairman, Volda Lawrence on March 13. Those charges are in relation to a pair of fraudulent elections declarations for Region Four.

Only on Tuesday last,

Arrested: Clairmont Mingo

Lawrence appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in relation to these charges and was granted bail.

According to reports, the Chairperson of the PNCR was released on $100,000 bail for a joint private criminal charge, which alleges the forging of a document that was used for a fraudulent election declaration on March 5, 2020. The

Motorcyclist caught on camera beating cop, granted bail Taitt in the process of hitting the officer

A

motorcyclist, who was recently caught on video beating a traffic rank on King Street, Georgetown was, was yesterday, granted bail in the sum $50,000 by Magistrate Clive Nurse.

The motorcyclist, Levi Taitt of D’Urban Street, Lodge appeared at Georgetown Magistrate Court where he was slapped with eight charges.

It is alleged that on Saturday, August 22, at around 14:30hrs, Taitt was riding an un-insured motorcycle CJ 7532 illegally up the one-way King Street. He was without a helmet and without a driver’s licence.

The defendant was also charged for assault with intent to resist lawful apprehension, having an obscured ID mark (number plate) at the rear

end of his motorcycle and no ID mark on the front of the bike.

For the two counts of assault charges, Taitt pleaded not guilty and was placed on $25,000 bail each. He did, however, plead guilty to not being the owner of a driver’s licence and riding an un-insured motorcycle and was fined $25,000 and $30,000 respectively. The defendant denied the remaining four offences and was placed on selfbail.

Taitt will return to court on October 26, 2020.

According to reports, two ranks were performing their duties at the intersection of Region and King Streets when they noticed Taitt riding up the one-way without a helmet.

As they were approaching the motorcyclist, he

Charged: Levi Taitt stopped, stepped off the bike and began walking towards the nearby King Fish Snackette. The officers instructed him to stop but he kept on walking until he entered the snackette.

One of the ranks then (Continued on page 24)

Duncan Arrested Assistant: Carolyn Duncan

public was notified as well that her co-accused Mingo was yet to be served with his court summons.

Kaieteur News had reported and highlighted extensively that there were attempts to rig the Guyana elections in mid-March by key players, after Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire ruled that the pair of declarations of the Region Four results made by Mingo were unlawful.

It was clearly detailed that upon a resumption of a tabu-

lation process halted by a slew of circumstances, Mingo returned with a spreadsheet, which showed numbers that could not be verified by observers and party representatives.

PPP/C officials and others protested those results but Mingo went ahead and made his declaration in favour of the then ruling coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). These declarations showed Lawrence’s signature. They were challenged

in court and the Chief Justice ruled that the RO did not follow the law. As a result, Mingo was sent once more to the drawing board by the judge to produce and declare credible results.

Mingo did go back to the table but again on March 13, produced strange numbers from a tabulation marred by lack of transparency and accusations of elections fraud.

Despite strong criticisms made against the ‘magic numbers’ by the contending political parties, local and international observers, Mingo’s results were declared a second time, and another fraudulent pair of Regional and General Elections declarations were made.

Claims were made by political parties that his declaration was made on inflated Statement of Polls, which he had produced with clumsily doctored numbers.

These claims were later supported with evidence from the National Recount of Votes, which was reported by this publication, that Mingo’s numbers for Region Four were indeed fraudulent.

PAGE 24

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News

Italy says China a key strategic partner, despite U.S. concerns ROME - (Reuters) - Italy and China need to forge closer ties, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio said yesterday, potentially putting Rome at odds with Washington, which has raised alarm over Beijing’s economic ambitions.

Di Maio was speaking af-

ter talks with the Chinese government’s top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi, who was beginning a visit to Europe that will also include the Netherlands, Norway, France and Germany.

Italy became the first major Western economy to join China’s international infra-

structure project, the Belt and Road Initiative, when it signed a raft of accords in 2019. However, the move has yielded little for Italy so far.

“It was a very fruitful meeting,” Di Maio said, adding that he had discussed with Wang how to “relaunch (our) strategic partnership

from the economic and industrial view point”.

Wang told reporters it was important for China and the European Union to strengthen relations and deepen cooperation to tackle the coronavirus.

U.S. President Donald Trump blames Beijing for the spread of the disease, which emerged in China last year. He also wants to restrict the global development of Chinese telecom giant Huawei Tech-

nologies Co [HWT.UL], accusing it of acting as a Trojan Horse for Chinese cyberspies.Italy has not joined the United States in imposing restrictions on Huawei and Di Maio made no reference to the company in his remarks. In an apparent reference to tensions with Washington, Wang said China did not want to see a Cold War.“A Cold War would be a step backwards,” he said.

“We will not let other coun-

tries do this for their own private interests, while damaging the interests of other countries.”Di Maio said he had raised the issue of Hong Kong with Wang, saying its citizens’ rights and freedoms had to be respected.

China unveiled a national security law last month which Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters and the West say breaches the 1984 Sino-British treaty that guaranteed Hong Kong’s autonomy.

Motorcyclist caught on camera beating ...

From page 23 proceeded to take possession of the man’s bike.

However, while in the process of doing so, the motorcyclist ran out and attacked him.

Taitt cuffed the officer twice to the face and followed up with several right and left hooks to the body. Several persons commented that it was the officer who threw the first punch.

Nevertheless, the brutal attack on the officer

gave Taitt the opportunity to repossess his motorcycle and he attempted to escape from the lawmen.

However, the beaten officer and his colleague gave chase, caught up with him and managed to apprehend him with the help of other ranks.

Taitt was taken to the Brickdam Police Station in handcuffs where police discovered he had broken several traffic laws also.

Wednesday August 26, 2020

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Over US$20M in limbo in alleged Ponzi scheme …Principals remain grave flight risks- Attorney General Two officials of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. who remain in custody over an alleged Pyramid scheme are considered grave flight risks.

In addition, Attorney General Anil Nandlall told a lawyer, Glen Hanoman yesterday, the company has little or no assets in Guyana.

The story has been deeply worrying thousands of Guyanese whose money are in limbo. A number of them sold properties or gave their life savings to Accelerated.

Under regulations, investigators can seek to prolong the 72-hour limit, which they can keep suspects in custody without any charges.

Attorney-at-law Glen Hanoman, it appears, was retained by Cuban national, Yuri Garcia Dominguez, who is now a citizen of Guyana, and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael.

They are both in custody after their arrests over the weekend.

According to a letter from the AG to the lawyer yesterday, as a result of multiple complaints received and reports to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), a team of State agencies has been assembled to inquire into the operations of Accelerated.

“A lot of information has already been made public by the relevant State agencies. I am informed by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that the investigations have, thus far, revealed that your client has received US$20M in alleged “deposits or investments”, and that your client and its principals, comparatively, have little or no assets in the jurisdiction; in consequence thereof, they both remain grave flight risks,” Nandlall said in the letter.

The AG said that he has publicly committed that the State is prepared to do everything that is lawfully possible to facilitate the return of the funds to Guyana, which Garcia-Dominguez client claimed are in a number of foreign jurisdictions.

“Unfortunately, all efforts, thus far, to locate those funds in those jurisdictions have been futile. I have already indicated to you that a reopening of one of your client’s closed bank accounts at any of the commercial bank of his choice can be facilitated.’

Nandlall said he is willing to be informed of other measures, but does not have the power to grant bail as this discretion falls under other State agencies.

Thousands Affected More than 17,000 persons are said to have invested in Accelerated with one businessman on record as handing over $380M. Thousands are still not

believing that the operations is a Pyramid or Ponzi Scheme and are calling for the release of the officials. However, authorities including the Bank of Guyana have been issuing warnings.

Investigators have been asking how the funds have left Guyana.

Yesterday, in a purported statement, Accelerated said it has the funds ready to be disbursed. However, the principals want to be released from custody.“We are kindly asking the authorities to allow the clients to receive their funds at a corporate level as indicated by the company policies, taking into consideration the confidentiality agreement as indicated in every client’s contract. Protecting our clients is the company’s main priority.”

The statement said that as a result of the current situation with the company’s directors, Ateeka Ishmael, and its “Financial Advisor and Trading Operator, Yuri Garcia Dominguez, the company has ceased operations and no clients have been paid in the last five days.

It said the money is secured in something it called “physical bitcoin wallets”.

Critics have said this is nonsense talk.

“Fortunately, the funds for the clients and pending profits were successfully secured in three physical bitcoins wallets inaccessible to outside interference and protected.”

In this regard, the company said it wants the authorities to release the directors so that payments to “clients” can be resumed.

The company said it wants an opportunity to explain how the company is structured and for the allegations to be dropped and for the operations not to be described as a Ponzi Scheme.

It also wants to be allowed for the company to be “restructured as required by the Guyana Securities Council” and for a bank account to be facilitated to transfer the money from its “bitcoin wallets”.

Regulators Warnings The statement would have followed a joint statement from the Bank of Guyana, the Guyana Securities Council and the Financial Intelligence Unit on Monday on what was described as Pyramid Schemes also referred to as Ponzi Schemes.

“We wish to advise that such schemes and their activities are fraudulent, illegal, unlawful and unregulated. It is our understanding that these schemes are being offered to the public via direct solicitation and by various

Still in custody: Yuri Garcia Dominguez and wife, Ateeka Ishmael social media platforms, including but not limited to WhatsApp and Facebook.

Potential investors are lured to these schemes by offers of returns or interest rates as high as fifty percent (50%) per month. All fiscal empirical data will establish that this is a prudent commercial impossibility.”

The statement from the regulators said that from its information, several of these schemes are being operated

simultaneously.

“We advise that these operations are all fraudulent, illegal, unlawful and unregulated, and will eventually result in significant financial losses to investors. The known case of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. formerly operated under the name and style of Accelerated Wealth Inc., and their principals both in their personal and corporate capacity, have been offering these alleged invest-

ment services since 2017.”

It was pointed out that Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. (ACFI) only submitted their application for registration with the Guyana Securities Council on August 6, 2020.

“The Guyana Securities Council formally advised Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. that the application submitted was incomplete and remains pending. Additional supporting documentation was requested from the company based on the requirements of the Securities Industry Act 1998 and Regulations thereto.

To date, the additional information requested, and requirements outlined have not been provided, including the minimum required paid up capital to register as a Securities Company of two hundred million Guyana dollars (G$200M).”

According to the regulators, they are committed to working with the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to bring the perpetrators of these scams/ fraud to justice, and to ensure

persons who have invested funds are reimbursed.

“Further, we remain committed to ensuring the financial sector in Guyana remains transparent, accountable, regulated and protected from and against criminal elements. We will continue to collaborate with our international partners in several regional and international jurisdictions in a concerted effort to recover funds that the scammers claimed to have remitted to those jurisdictions, including the USA, Belize, Germany, Greece and Switzerland.”

Unfortunately, the regulators said, its efforts thus far have not unearthed any monies in any of these jurisdictions, as is alleged.

“It has also been established that no substantial monies were deposited in or transmitted from any commercial bank in Guyana by Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. (ACFI) or its principals to any of the jurisdictions mentioned above or any other jurisdiction.”

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Wednesday August 26, 2020

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Williams fires Miami to maiden win, Flemmings hits 10th in chaotic draw - Guyana’s Keanu Marsh-Brown also scores

Jamaican Romario Williams

NEW YORK, CMC – Jamaican Romario Williams scored his fifth goal of the season to hand Miami FC their first win while his fellow countryman Junior Flemmings extended his red-hot streak with a league-leading 10th strike as Phoenix Rising FC were held to a dramatic draw in the United Soccer League last weekend.

Playing at the Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami on Sunday, the hosts broke out of their awful slump when they came from a goal down to beat Charlotte Independence 2-1, with Williams netting in the 16th minute.

Entering the contest on the heels of three defeats and

Wednesday August 26, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The key for you today is to not take things too seriously, Aries. You'll find that the more you deliberate over a decision, the harder it will be for you to make.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Find comfort in the people around you today, Libra. Try not to take things too seriously. Don't feel like you need to internalize everyone else's problems.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) This is a terrific day for you, Taurus, and you'll find that long-term trends are moving in your favor. Your sense of discipline combined with a little bit of luck is setting the stage for you to perform.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Someone has just turned the fan up high, Scorpio. There's no lack of air to fuel your fire.

Information is flying left and right and there's a lot of opportunity associated with it.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It may be necessary to hire a translator in order to get through to people today. You may find that the more adamant you become, the more people shut you out.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A great deal of wind fills your sails today, Cancer, so set your course for a long-distance trip to an exotic place.

Things are coming to a dramatic climax right now.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) There's a lighthearted, whimsical quality about the day that you might not appreciate at first, Leo. You'll find that the more open and accepting you are of this energy, the more you can make it work positively for you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You can probably sweet-talk your way in or out of any situation today, Virgo. You have a great deal of power within, and you can accomplish anything as long as you aren't afraid to use it.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The time has come for you to be more flexible in your approach. Things are changing quickly, and if you aren't prepared to change with them, you'll be left behind.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) This is a wonderful day for you. You'll find that you're holding all the cards you need to be successful. Today luck and prosperity meet with discipline to create a perfect situation for wealth.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Things will be extremely light and airy today, Aquarius. You may find that people are a bit less sensitive than you. Moving out of your comfort zone is the key to growth.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The wind is b l o w i n g b r i s k l y t o d a y, P i s c e s , helping you keep your internal fire burning bright.

You'll be a social butterfly today. Your energy may be scattered, but this can actually work to your advantage.

two draws in their previous five matches, Miami’s run of poor form appeared set to continue when Jake Areman capped off a driving run down the centre of the half with an outstanding 18-yard volley which beat goalkeeper Bryant Gammiero to his left.

Miami were level eight minutes later, however, after Hugh Roberts brought down Prince Saydee in the area, and Williams nodded home a rebound from close range after his penalty had been saved by Brandon Miller.

A draw appeared on the cards until Tomas Granitto struck four minutes from the end through a deflected free kick from 25 yards out.

Miami remain bottom of Group H on five points while Independence are second in Group G on nine points, behind runaway leaders Birmingham Legion FC on 18.

In a chaotic affair at Cashman Field in Las Vegas on Saturday, Flemmings scored an all-important

Barca in...

From page 27 the contract is fully binding until 30 June 2021,” added the second source.

The Argentine’s request to leave Barca comes a day after Spanish media reported that new coach Ronald Koeman told Messi’s close friend and strike partner, Luis Suarez, that he does not wish the Uruguayan to stay at the club.

Barca are in the midst of overhauling their squad following the 8-2 defeat by Bayern in the Champions League quarter-finals earlier this month, which condemned the club to a trophyless season for the first time in 12 years.

Messi, who has been named world player of the year a record six times, has grown increasingly unhappy in the last 12 months with how the club is being run.

In February, he lashed out at then sporting director Eric Abidal on social media and a couple of months later turned his anger on the club hierarchy for the way in which players were forced to take a pay cut to cope with the financial hit of the coronanvirus pandemic.

After Barca surrendered the La Liga title to Real Madrid in July, Messi slammed the team as being “weak” and “vulnerable” during an uncharacteristically fiery post-match interview.

Former Barca captain Carles Puyol backed Messi’s wish to leave the club by writing on Twitter: “Respect and admiration, Leo. You have all my support, friend.”

second goal in the 68th minute but four goals in 19 minutes at the end left Phoenix with a 3-3 draw with Las Vegas Lights.

Rufat Dadashov’s fifth minute stroke gave the visitors a 1-0 lead at half-time and when Flemmings out-ran the Lights defence down the left, cut inside and gently chipped on-rushing gloveman Edward Delgado from 10 yards, Phoenix appeared well on the way to a comfortable win.

But Yamikani Chester halved the lead in the 80th minute and though Solomon Asante’s 90th minute penalty restored the two-goal cushion, Lights scored twice – one an AJ Cochran own goal – in stoppage time to

grab a share of the points.

The result stopped Phoenix from a fifth straight win but saw them move to 20 points and continue top of Group B, while Lights remained rooted to the bottom of the group on five points.

At BBVA Field in Birmingham, Alabama also on Saturday, Guyana international Keanu MarshBrown netted a 29th minute penalty as his visiting Memphis 901 FC drew 2-2 with Birmingham Legion FC. And Turks and Caicos Islands winger Billy Forbes got on the scoresheet in the 16th minute at HEB Park in Texas as Austin Bold got the better of Rio Grande Valley FC 3-2.

PAGE 30

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Kaieteur News

West Indies women confirm England tour for five-match T20I series in September ESPNcricinfo - West Indies women will tour England for five T20Is in late September, in the first international women’s cricket between major nations since the T20 World Cup final in March.

The ECB have maintained throughout the summer that staging some women’s international cricket was a priority, but were left searching for new opposition after first India and later South Africa withdrew from scheduled tours.

Cricket Ireland had extended an offer for an international series in September in the event that the West Indies tour fell through, but dates have now been confirmed, with the series starting on September 21 and all five matches to be played in the biosecure bubble at Derby.

The third T20I, on Saturday, September 26, will be shown live on the BBC and become the first i n t e r n a t i o n a l w o m e n ’s fixture shown on free-to-air TV in the UK since the 1993 World Cup final, according to an ECB release.

Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, said he was “delighted” that the tour had been confirmed despite the “enormous difficulties” Covid-19 had created.

“It has been critical to us

that our efforts to deliver biosecure standards and support visiting opponents have been equal to those that have so successfully delivered in the England men’s series,” he said.

“There were 86,000 fans in attendance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in March and the direction of travel in the women’s game in England and Wales has been relentlessly positive over the last few years. That momentum must continue despite the challenges of Covid-19, and we do not underestimate our role in driving that agenda.”

Clare Connor, the ECB’s managing director of women’s cricket said: “It’s so pleasing after many months of work and communication with colleagues across the international game that we are now able to confirm international cricket for England Women this summer.

“We’re grateful to the West Indies for the pace and determination with which they have worked with us over the last couple of weeks.

We’re all still adapting and will need to continue to adapt to the sporting landscape left

by COVID-19.

That does not mean that we will give any less focus to the women’s and girls’ game and we’re totally committed to continuing our ambitions

in that area.”

“We are delighted to be able to confirm this tour and re-start our women’s programme,” said Johnny Grave, Cricket West Indies (CWI)’s CEO. “It has been a real challenge to put everything in place at short notice but knowing that our women’s team will be hosted in the same biosecure environment as our men’s team, following all the established protocols, has enabled us to confirm the tour in under two weeks since we first spoke to the ECB about the potential opportunity.

“We are very proud to have restarte d m e n ’s international cricket with the ECB and it’s great that we can now bring back women’s international cricket too.”

A CWI statement said that the board had sought the relevant approvals within the Caribbean, including seeking permission from the various governments to allow for the movement of players and support staff using private charter flights, as well as conducting medical screenings and individual Covid-19 testing for all members of the touring party.

With the fixtures being staged later in September than initially planned, the players in England’s enlarged 24strong training group will now be made available for the first two rounds of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy on

West Indies women toured England in 2019. (Getty Images) August 29 and August 31.

The squad will be whittled down ahead of the series itself, with the players who are not selected returning to domestic cricket to play for their regional teams in the latter stages of that competition. The clash with the third T20I means that the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy’s final has been pushed back a day to September 27.

Meanwhile, New Zealand

Cricket CEO David White told Stuff that his board was “getting close” to confirming a women’s tri-series with Australia and England in February 2021. ESPNcricinfo understands that the ECB are considering the possibility of that tour but are yet to commit to any winter engagements.

The full schedule is as follows: · Monday September 21: 1st Vitality IT20, England v West Indies (Sky Sports)

· We d n e s d a y September 23: 2nd Vitality IT20, England v West Indies (Sky Sports) · Saturday September 26: 3rd Vitality IT20, England v West Indies (Sky Sports, BBC) · Monday September 28: 4th Vitality IT20, England v West Indies (Sky Sports) · We d n e s d a y September 30: 5th Vitality IT20, England v West Indies (Sky Sports)

Reid outshines Aiken but Firebirds break winless streak

Jamaican international Shimona Nelson.

BRISBANE, Australia, CMC – Jhaniele FowlerReid outscored her Jamaican national teammate Romelda Aiken but the effort still was not enough to prevent her West Coast Fever from suffering a 57-68 defeat to Queensland Firebirds in the Super Netball League here last weekend.

Playing at the Nissan Arena here Saturday, Fever started strongly but then collapsed, allowing Aiken’s Firebirds to come from behind and post their maiden victory after six outings in the new season.

Fowler-Reid, the v e t e r a n g o a l - s h o o t e r, scored 46 goals from 48 attempts, including 15 in the first quarter which helped Fever surge to a 1614 lead at the end of the period.

The 31-year-old Aiken led the Firebirds charge, scoring 40 from 48 attempts, including 13 in the second quarter when they outscored Fever 19-9 to

snatch a 33-25 half-time lead.

Australian Tippah Dwan, playing at goal attack, supported Aiken with 17 from 19 attempts overall.

Needing a big third quarter to haul themselves back into the contest, Fever managed to outscore Thunderbirds but only by one, 18-17, with Fowler-Reid scoring every single goal for her side.

Not to be left out, Aiken netted 12 for Firebirds who started the final quarter with a 50-43 advantage and dominated down the stretch to deal their opponents their fourth loss in their last five matches.

Fever lie fifth on eight points in the eight-team league while Firebirds sit seventh on six points.

In the second match at the same venue, Trinidadian star shooter Samantha Wallace was a perfect 29 from 29 and needed to be, as reigning champions New South

Wa l e s S w i f t s d e f e a t e d Jamaican Shimona N e l s o n ’s C o l l i n g w o o d Magpies 60-58.

Nothing separated the two teams at half-time with the scores locked 29-all and after a dead heat in the third quarter that saw both teams score 15 goals, Swifts just managed to outscore the Magpies 16-14 in the final stanza to claim the narrow win.

Wallace did not feature in the final quarter but England’s Helen Housby did and she scored a perfect 12 from 12 to hand Swifts the edge.

The 21-year-old Nelson led the Magpies with 26 goals from 30 attempts overall while Emma Ryde shot 13 from 14.

Swifts are one of three teams tied on 20 points with a similar 5-1 record but lie third on goal difference, while Melbourne Vixens top the standings and Sunshine Coast Lightning lie second.

Wednesday August 26, 2020

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Kaieteur News

England take series 1-0 after James Anderson reaches 600 ESPNcricinfo - James Anderson became the first seamer to take 600 Test wickets as England’s third and final Test against Pakistan petered out into a rainaffected draw at the Ageas Bowl.

Anderson had Pakistan’s captain and first-innings centurion Azhar Ali caught

by Joe Root at slip in his third over of the final day after overnight rain and standing water had pushed back the start until 4.15pm. He was the second-fastest man to the landmark, six balls behind Muttiah Muralitharan, and the first Englishman.

Despite Anderson’s early breakthrough, England never looked likely to bowl Pakistan out as they followed on on a flat pitch that offered little for bowlers throughout the Test match, particularly with the old ball. Root had Asad Shafiq caught at bat-pad three balls before the second new ball was due, but four overs later he had bumped fists with Azhar.

After heavy overnight rain across the UK, it had initially looked unlikely that there would be any play at all on the final day. The Ageas Bowl ground staff faced a long clean-up operation, with a vast amount of standing water on the covers and several problem areas in the outfield. Following several inspections, the umpires decided that the ground would fit for play from 4.15pm, with up to 42 overs

possible.

All eyes were immediately on Anderson, who shared the bowling with Jofra Archer from the outset, as Azhar and Babar Azam successfully negotiated his first two overs with several fielders catching in front of the wicket and Joe Root positioning himself as the solitary slip.

The moment arrived at 4.37pm, from the second ball of Anderson’s third over. The ball pitched slightly short of a length in the off-stump channel, nipping away with a hint of extra bounce as it took the shoulder of Azhar’s bat.

England’s slip catching has caused them problems throughout the summer, but this chance could hardly have been simpler for Root, who clung on to take Anderson to the 600 mark.

He immediately burst into a broad grin, high-fiving substitute fielder James Bracey, embracing Root, shaking hands with Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad and then being congratulated in turn by each of his teammates.

He acknowledged the handful of backroom and venue staff in the ground by holding the ball aloft to them, beaming from ear to ear.

That left England with seven wickets to get, and despite Anderson nipping one past Asad Shafiq’s outside edge, he was soon taken out of the attack. Babar and Shafiq ticked over towards the new ball, with

James Anderson holds the ball up after taking Test wicket No. 600 © Getty Images Dom Bess and Root operating in tandem, while Dom Sibley’s part-time legspin was given a first outing in Test cricket.

Babar raced towards fifty with a flurry of boundaries off Bess, reaching his second half-century of an underwhelming series by nudging Root through the leg

side with the new ball almost due, but Shafiq fell the very next ball, prodding him to Bracey under the lid at short leg.

Anderson took the new ball and found sharp movement in his first over, but not long after Root decided that he had seen enough and

the captains bumped fists for the draw at 6.05pm.

That meant a 1-0 England win - their first series victory against Pakistan since 2010 with Anderson taking the headlines. Both of the Ageas Bowl Tests in this series were marred by inclement weather, but this one will undoubtedly

be remembered - for Zak Crawley’s epic 267 as well as Anderson’s milestone.

Scores: Pakistan 273 (Azhar 141, Rizwan 53, Anderson 5-56) and 187 for 4 (Babar 63*) drew with England 583 for 8 declared (Crawley 267, Buttler 152).

Hero CPL to support COVID-19 Barca in new turmoil after Messi tells club he wants to leave good causes The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will be supporting COVID-19 related good causes throughout t h e 2 0 2 0 tournament. For each six that is hit at the tournament $50 will be donated to COVID-19 causes. Last season there were 541 Hero Maximums hit at the tournament, and this season we have seen 115 sixes in the first 10 games so far meaning that $5,750 has been raised with 23 matches still to go.

Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s COO, said: “Hero CPL takes our responsibility to give back to communities across the Caribbean very seriously and we are delighted to support these very worthy causes. There are amazing people from across the Caribbean and from around the world who have been working incredibly hard to help

those who are most in need, and we have been touched by so many of t h e s e s t o r i e s . We a r e hoping that we see more sixes than we did last year so the total raised is as high as possible.”

Hero CPL is fast becoming known as the destination for the biggest six hitting in world cricket and this year features

renowned power hitters such as Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard and Chris Ly n n .

T h i s y e a r ’s tournament is taking place in two stadiums in Trinidad with the six teams playing 33 matches at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy and the Queen’s Park Oval. The final will take place on 10 September 2020.

BARCELONA (Reuters) Captain Lionel Messi has told Barcelona he wishes to leave the club immediately, a source confirmed yesterday, deepening the turmoil within the Catalan side less than two weeks after their humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich.

The club source said Messi, who has spent his entire career at Barca, informed the club about his desire to leave by sending a burofax, a service used in Spain to urgently dispatch a document that requires proof to third parties.

A second source added that the burofax referred to a clause in the last contract the 33-year-old Argentine signed with the club which allowed him to leave for free, a clause that expired on June 10 this year.

Under the terms of the contract which expires in 2021, the only way Messi can leave without the club’s consent is if a rival side pays his release clause of 700

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

(Manu Fernandez/Pool via REUTERS) million euros (629.7 million pounds).

The second source said the player’s lawyers had informed the club that Messi

wished to unilaterally rescind his contract in line with a clause in his contract.

“The club considers that (Continued on page 25)

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Dunk ensures Lewis does not stand alone CPL - Ben Dunk hit consecutive Hero Maximums in the last over to ensure Evin Lewis’ brilliance was not in vain, taking the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to their first win of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020.

The Barbados Tridents however will take encouragement from their middle order firing at last as well as good performances from some inexperienced bowlers.

Patriots captain Rayad Emrit bowled first, perhaps unsure of the par score at Queen’s Park Oval. While Sohail Tanvir was wayward, the recalled Alzarri Joseph found some accuracy he’d lacked in previous games.

Shai Hope again started slowly and was still under a run a ball at the end of the Powerplay.

Jaggesar could have dismissed him three times, but the off-spinner got a reward with the wicket of Johnson Charles, who missed a sweep and was out LBW. Hope continued to eat up deliveries before Jaggesar finally got him, Emrit taking the catch at deep midwicket to leave the Tridents 59/2 at halfway. Kyle Mayers seemed unfazed, and first over after the drinks break he took ten off Imran Khan, including a big Hero Maximum.

Evin Lewis slammed nine sixes in a match winning 89 for the Patriots. (CPL T20 Ltd 2020) Mayers and Jason Holder saw off Jaggesar’s excellent spell, and Mayers attacked immediately when Tanvir returned. He got a fierce pull shot away, but fell next ball slashing hard at one wide outside off, Ramdin taking a smart catch.

Holder fell in a flukey manner - Tanvir got a hand

on a straight drive and the batsman had no chance of getting back. The Tridents sent Ashley Nurse up the order to join Corey Anderson, who was more comfortable now he’d been moved into the middle-order and slogswept Imran for six to end the over.

The 15th from Emrit was

tight, but Joseph returned with five wides and the over went for 12. Nurse and Anderson both walloped Tanvir for Hero Maximums and Nurse hit a four to cap a 21-run last over off Tanvir.

Nurse punished Joseph with a superb straight six, and while a good diving catch from Lewis put an end to the Bajan’s exploits, that rapid-fire stand of 56 off just 29 balls had the Tridents well set to dip for the line at 136/5 off 18.

Anderson greeted Emrit’s return with a Hero Maximum over long-on but then chipped a full toss to cover.

Imran deserves credit, as his the 20th over went for just six, but even so the Tridents will have been the happier at the innings break.

After a tight first over from Holder, Chris Lynn swung a Mitchell Santner full toss for six. In the third over Holder was not so accurate - he strayed leg-side and Lewis clipped for four, he bowled length and Lewis lofted for six. Santner found some turn, but two boundaries meant the Patriots were off to a flyer.

Rashid Khan changed that first ball - Lynn had no answer to the googly and fell LBW. Joshua da Silva edged a Test style Holder leg-cutter to the keeper, and a wicket-

maiden meant the Patriots reached the Powerplay at 41/ 2.

Lewis took a liking to Hayden Walsh Jr, hitting four of his first eight balls for six to bring up 50 off just 28 balls.

With the Patriots ahead of the rate and just two down Holder had to bring on Rashid, and while the Afghan went for just three the Patriots were well set at halfway at 74/2.

Raymon Reifer’s tight over gave cover for West Indies’ U19 star Nyeem Young to bowl his first senior professional over, and the youngster went for just three.

Lewis was lucky Reifer couldn’t hold a tough caughtand-bowled chance, but there was nothing lucky about the Hero Maximum next ball.

The subdued Denesh Ramdin finally hit his first four, and the Patriots seemed to have got going again with a 13 run over.

But back came Rashid again with a tight over, and good bowling from Young and brilliant boundary fielding from Santner meant the Patriots needed 46 off the last five overs.

With Ramdin sluggish, Lewis had to break free off Rashid. He did, just - a toeend went incredibly high and just landed safely, but the Afghan’s last ball ended up on the roof of the Learie

Constantine stand as the Patriots stayed in touch.

Mayers for the 17th was a gamble, but he denied Lewis the strike and a simple catch for Walsh Jr finally ended Ramdin’s stuttering innings of 20 off 32. Dunk at least ensured Lewis was on strike come the start of the 18th with 31 still needed.

Lewis heaped the pressure on Young with a six, but the debutant recovered to leave the Patriots needing 10 RPO with two overs to go.

The pressure finally told on Lewis as he picked out Rashid with nine balls to go and 20 still to win, but he had done as much as he could.

Support finally came from Dunk, who found the fence with a deft reverse flick, meaning the inexperienced Young had 13 to defend.

While the debutant bowled to his field, he missed his length twice and Dunk showed his class in franchise cricket to get the Patriots on the board at the fourth time of asking.

Scores: St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 152/4 (Lewis 89, Dunk 22*, Ramdin 20; Mayers 2/14, Holder 1/18, Rashid 1/24 beat Barbados Tridents 151/7 (Anderson 31, Hope 29, Nurse 25; Jaggesar 2/17, Emrit 1/23, Joseph 1/32, Imran 1/36) beat) by 6 wickets.

NBA roundup: Heat finish first-round sweep of Pacers Bam Adebayo collected a game-high 19 rebounds to go with 14 points Monday night, leading the fifth-seeded Miami Heat to a 99-87 victory over the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers and a fourgame sweep of their firstround Eastern Conference playoff series near Orlando.

The Heat advanced to the Eastern semifinals, where they await the winner of the first-round matchup between top-seeded Milwaukee and eighth-seeded Orlando.

Kelly Olynyk’s layup gave the Heat the lead for good in the fifth minute of the second quarter, and Miami went on to lead by as many as 13 points in completing its first-ever playoff sweep of Indiana. Goran Dragic paced Miami with 23 points, while Tyler Herro added 16 and Olynyk had 11. Victor Oladipo led the Pacers with 25 points, and Myles Turner notched 22 points and 14 rebounds. T.J. Warren added 21 for Indiana.

Los Angeles Lakers 135 Portland Trail Blazers 115 LeBron James scored 30 points on 10-of-12 shooting and also had 10 assists and six rebounds to help Los Angeles steamroll Portland in

Game 4 of a Western Conference first-round playoff series.

Anthony Davis had 18 points, five rebounds and five assists in 18 minutes before exiting in the third quarter due to back spasms as Los Angeles took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Portland star Damian Lillard departed in the third quarter with a right knee injury and had just 11 points in 27 minutes.

Kyle Kuzma scored 18 points and Danny Green added 14 as the Lakers cruised to the dominating, wire-to-wire victory. Dwight Howard had 13 points and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 12 for Los Angeles.

Jusuf Nurkic recorded 20 points and 13 rebounds and CJ McCollum scored 18 for the Trail Blazers.

Milwaukee Bucks 121 Orlando Magic 106 Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo totaled 31 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, and fellow All-Star Khris Middleton caught fire late to push top-seeded Milwaukee past eighthseeded Orlando to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference first-

round playoff series.

It was the most competitive the Magic have been since their Game 1 upset.

Orlando hung around until the fourth quarter, when Milwaukee opened on a 20-5 blitz to open up a 102-83 advantage. Middleton scored 13 of his 21 points during the stretch, including three 3pointers.

Magic center Nikola Vucevic finished with 31 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Markelle Fultz added 15 points (including three go-ahead buckets in the third quarter), seven assists and five rebounds. Orlando also made 18 3-pointers, a necessary counter to a stingy Bucks defense that focuses on protecting the rim.

Oklahoma City Thunder 117 - Houston Rockets 114 Dennis Schroder converted a key turnover into a layup and Oklahoma City evened its Western Conference first-round series with Houston with a victory in Game 4.

Oklahoma City erased a 15-point, third-quarter deficit to post a second consecutive victory and square the series at two games apiece with

Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo (13) grabs the ball over the Indiana Pacers during the second half in game four of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House. (Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports) Game 5 set for today.

Schroder scored 30 points off the bench to lead the Thunder, while Chris Paul added 26 points, six rebounds

and three steals. James Harden led Houston with 32 points, 15 assists and four steals, and Eric Gordon added 23 points. Houston

attempted an NBA postseason-record 58 shots from 3-point range, converting 23.

(Field Level Media)

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Gayle heads to IPL after negative COVID tests batsman reportedly attended Bolt party

Chris Gayle SportsMax - West Indies T20 star Chris Gayle is free to join the Kings XI Punjab training camp, ahead of the new IPL season, after twice testing negative for the coronavirus.

The 41-year-old may have had cause for concern after reports suggested that he attended the celebrity-filled birthday party of sprint star Usain Bolt last week. Bolt tested positive for the coronavirus on Monday.

“Couple days ago. 1st COVID-19 test...Before travel I need 2 negative test,” Gayle’s Instagram feed read.

In another post, he wrote, “The last one went a bit too far in my nose. Phew. Result was negative.”

“I’m going to stay home for 2020... not gonna travel

again...nah sah! Tan a mi yard!! Keep the change!

Excuse me!” he added. The player will, however, be subject to more testing once he arrives in the UAE, where the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be staged this year.

On arrival, Gayle will receive a test at the airport, followed by six days of isolation. During that period, he will be tested on days one, three and five. Players and all personnel that will be part of this year’s competition must be cleared before they can enter the biosecure bubble.

Gayle had been expected to take part in this season’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he would have represented the St Lucia Zouks, but opted out of the competition.

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Kaieteur News

This time Tallawahs finish the job CPL - Lightning did not strike twice in Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020, as the Jamaica Tallawahs got over the line with time to spare having again restricted the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a paltry total.

Fidel Edwards was superb at the top and the death, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane combined beautifully for 4/23, and while the chase was not straightforward a series of cameos was enough.

Having elected to bowl first, Tallawahs captain Rovman Powell could not have hoped for better than the Edwards yorker which bowled Brandon King first ball of the match. Anthony Bramble, playing his first Hero CPL game since 2016, survived LBW shouts from both Edwards and Mujeeb, but Shimron Hetmyer was not so lucky off the Afghan spinner.

Bramble was unable to settle, playing out eight straight dot balls including a Mujeeb maiden before pulling Edwards straight to the captain on the fence.

Only Ross Taylor clubbing Andre Russell for a Hero Maximum then pulling him for four got the Amazon Warriors as far as 30/3 off the Powerplay.

Ta y l o r hammered Powell for four, but Carlos Brathwaite conceded just 10 off his two overs, and Lamichhane started beautifully. At halfway the Warriors had crawled to 53/3, and it was only to get worse against the Tallawahs’ highclass spinners.

Mujeeb turned a carrom

ball to bowl Nicholas Pooran, whose only boundary in his 17 ball innings was an edge past the keeper, and Lamichhane’s googly deceived Sherfane Rutherford into giving up an easy catch to Asif Ali at cover.

Russell chipped in with an inswinger to trap Taylor LBW, and Mujeeb got captain Chris Green with a beauty that Green edged to his opposite number at slip. Mujeeb was unplayable, as evidenced not just by his 3/11 but by 18 of his 24 deliveries being dot balls.

The Amazon Warriors became frantic, and only a fulllength dive saved Keemo Paul from being run out.

Lamichhane’s last over was just as good as his first three, and even his outstanding figures of 1/12 might have been a little harsh on him.

Five wides from Edwards were the Amazon Warriors’ first ‘boundary’ in 58 balls, and the first off the bat took another 12 after that.

It was a fine straight hit from Naveen for a Hero Maximum, but it did come after Edwards picked up Paul LBW with another big inswinger. A farcical run out involving four separate fielders off the last ball was a fitting reflection of the Amazon Warriors’ innings.

Where King had been bowled first ball of the Amazon Warriors’ innings, Phillips smacked the first of the Tallawahs’ for four.

Wa l t o n h o w e v e r w a s bowled by a Tahir googly, which the South African again celebrated by taking the knee.

Jermaine

Blackwood, playing his first Hero CPL in five years, hammered his first ball for four but his second almost bowled him, ending a dramatic over.

Tahir caused havoc in his second over too, but Blackwood drove Ashmead Nedd for four and Phillips swept Green over square leg for a Hero Maximum to keep things moving against the spinners.

But while Phillips took Naveen for a straight six and a four through point, the Afghan fast bowler got his own back when the New Zealander sliced to Paul at point. The Tallawahs reached 40/2 off the Powerplay, and the required run rate was now under 5 RPO. Asif, trying to fulfil his role as a power-hitter, was brilliantly caught off Paul by a diving Green coming in from long-off.

Green then took a fine catch off Nedd too, this time above his head inches from the rope, to send back Powell just as Powell had caught him earlier.

Nkrumah Bonner came in above Brathwaite and Russell, and the Tallawahs plodded to 58/4 after 10 overs.

Blackwood sweetly drove Naveen for four first ball after the drinks break, but underedged the second to keeper Pooran who took a smart low catch.

That brought Russell to the crease, which in turn prompted Green to bring back Tahir. Russell and Bonner decided to play out the veteran, and thus the over went for just three.

Bonner ensured Paul’s

over would beat that total with a classy glide past point off the first ball, but with 7 overs to go the game was still far more tense than 37 needed off 42 balls would suggest. Nedd continued to impress, his final over going for just two. The Tallawahs struggled again to rotate the strike, and Bonner was lucky not to edge a wild hack off Naveen. Remarkably given the target, the Tallwahs went into the last five overs needing over a run a ball.

That, however, was as close as it got. Russell sent Tahir clean over the roof and then Paul hard and flat into the stands, Bonner almost took out the umpire with a straight drive off Paul, and when Naveen returned Russell somehow poked a wide ball through point for four and Bonner finished in style with ten off two balls.

Unlike on Saturday, this time Russell didn’t have to do it by himself, and the win was in the end a formality.

The action continues today with two more matches, number 13 and 14. St Lucia Zouks play Trinbago Knight Riders at the Queen’s Park Oval from 10:00am, while following in the later contest Barbados Tridents challenge Jamaica Tallawahs again at Queen’s Park Oval from 05:30pm.

Scores: Jamaica Tallawahs 113/5 (Bonner 30*, Phillips 26, Russell 23*, Blackwood 23; Naveen 2/35, Paul 1/16, Nedd 1/17, Tahir 1/23) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors 108/9 (Taylor 25, Naveen 20*, Pooran 15; Mujeeb 3/11, Edwards 3/30, Lamichhane 1/12, Russell 1/ 17) by 5 wickets.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

RHTYSC and Republic Bank donates educational materials to school children Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS and its ten cricket teams has began their annual Back to School programme. On We d n e s d a y l a s t w i t h support from the Rose Hall Town Branch of Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd, the club provided a school bag and educational materials to dozens of students preparing for their first term at the Secondary School level.

Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu noted that e v e r y y e a r, t h e t e a m s normally distributes over $1M worth of school bags and educational materials but due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the target would be $400,000.

Naidu noted that under the Basil Butcher Trust Fund, students would also benefit from other forms of assistance as the cricket teams seek to encourage youths to stay in school and complete their educational background.

The Asst Secretary/ CEO disclosed that Republic Bank and the RHTYSC for over a decade had hosted an annual Summer Camp for sixty Grade Six Students preparing for Secondary S c h o o l b u t t h i s y e a r ’s edition was cancelled due to the worsening COVID-

19 situation in Berbice. He noted that while all arrangements were in place, the club consulted with the sponsor as the positive COVID-19 test increase rapidly in Guyana and decided to call of the camp.

The funds were then used to donate the school bags and items such as, pens, exercise books, pencils, rulers, sharpeners and folders.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the presentation ceremony hailed Republic Bank as a friend of the club and one of the main reasons why the RHTYSC was successful in fulfilling its mandate to youths.

Foster urged the students to make education the number one priority in life and told them that the five years in secondary school would determine their future.

Foster, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, also spoke of the importance of getting involved in sports. He advised the youths to choose their friends carefully as Secondary School requires a more mature attitude than primary school.

Foster spoke broadly of the need to Say No to drugs, suicide, alcohol, tobacco, crime and yes to education, religion, life and culture.

Some of the students pose with their educational packages.

The RHTYSC Secretary/CEO committed the club to assisting the students in the future so that they can fulfill their potential in the classroom and even in sports.

The ten cricket teams of the RHTYSC are Poonai Pharmacy Under 12 and Under 13, Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, Namilco Thunderbolt Flour First Division and Under 21.

RAN 7s will not scrum off in 2020 The stronghold of the Covid-19 in the region tightens its grip and sport has not been immune with event after event being cancelled or postponed indefinitely as time progresses. The latest event to fall victim as the fight against this deadly disease continues is the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens tournament that was scheduled to scrum off later this year.

According to a correspondence from the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), the tournament has been cancelled, owing to the restrictions that countries currently face.

The release indicated that, “With the continued uncertainty and a landscape which is highly likely to change in the coming months leading up to the Sevens in mid-November, RAN EXCO have taken the decision to cancel the Sevens.

“The decision was not taken lightly, however it was made to provide Members with some degree of certainty and to avoid unnecessary training for a tournament that is highly likely not to take place, given the current situation in regards to travel restrictions, high levels of Covid-19 and the imposition of quarantine laws on returning residents, in some of our Member countries.”

The document continued, “RAN EXCO will look, where possible and feasible, to reschedule the Sevens tournaments in 2021, though

Ryan Dey - President of GRFU this will also depend on the scheduling of other regional tournaments, for example the Senior Men’s 15’s tournament.”

Meanwhile, head of the GRFU, Ryan Dey, in an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, posited that, “It’s no surprise for us that RAN would cancel the tournament due to the pandemic. Hopefully, in 2021 we can have both the 7s and 15s tournaments run off. In the meantime our guys will stay as fit as possible given the circumstances.”

In April, RAN cancelled their 2020 Men’s 15-a-side competition, along with the Women’s 10s and Men’s Under-19 tournament, which was set to take place July 8-

12 in Nassau, Bahamas.

The Senior Men’s 15-aside tournament was to get underway in April and doubled as the first regional qualification round for Rugby World Cup 2023.

These matches have now been tentatively postponed to 2021, with further details to be confirmed.

Back then, RAN had said their Sevens competition would’ve been assessed as further developments take place.

Rugby Americas also cancelled the 2020 Under-20 Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) in Montevideo, Uruguay, which included Canada and the USA.

Kaieteur News

Wednesday August 26, 2020

Lusignan Golf Club appoints new management committee ay AGM

President Mr Patanjilee Persaud

Vice President Mr Paton George

Club Captain Mr Patrick Prashad

Secretary – Mr Chet Bowling

Public Relations Officer - Ms Anasha Ally

Treasurer – Mr Maxim Mangra

Grounds Superintendent - Mr Mike Guyadin

Asst Secretary/Treasurer Mr Rabindranauth Persaud

T

he Lusignan Golf Club recently held its Annual General Meeting at which a new management committee was elected.

It is also expected that a number of subcommittees will be formed to oversee such areas as Fundraising, Clubhouse, Tournaments and Membership. Mr Patanjilee Persaud is the new President that will head the LGC. The new committee hopes to undertake the huge

challenge of restoring the club to one of prestige and good standing whilst facing challenges, which include the collection of fees, new membership, Covid 19, and grounds maintenance.

Nevertheless the optimistic tone set by the new President’s speech reflected one of determination and goodwill.

His team reflected confidence in their colleagues in ensuring that the club is set on a very promising path for the future.

PAGE 35

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Spo James Anderson celebrates taking his 600th Test wicket Getty Images

England take series 1-0 after James Anderson reaches 600

This time Tallawahs finish the job

Jamaica Tallawahs celebrate a Warriors wicket.

(Photo CPL via Getty Images)

West Indies women confirm England tour for five-match T20I series in September

The West Indies Women will play England in five Vitality International T20 matches at the Incora County Ground, Derby in September.

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