Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil President says...

EPA wasting K NEWS govt.’s money taking us to court for a small matter AIETEUR

Thursday Edition August 27, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 34 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Price $80

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Online readership yesterday 138,280

Exxon says it can take its money elsewhere...

“If that is a threat, it will not work” p.

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- Govt. will continue to do due diligence; will not be rushed - Vice President Jagdeo Investigations into Election Day fraud…

We have an obligation to our children!

Two more of Mingo’s assistants arrested E Religious leaders implicated in multi-billion $$ Ponzi scheme p.

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- Alleged schemers for court today

Guyana records first successful skull transplant surgery p.

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Company with deadly

xxon is facing increasing demands to give Guyanese a fairer deal, including through higher royalties, profitsharing, taxes and improved environmental safeguards.

In retort, Exxon is now threatening to take its money elsewhere.

Exxon has a well-documented history of putting its money into countries and those countries ending up poorer after the company was done with them and their oil.

Before Exxon came to Guyana, we were eating and mostly happy, but if we allow Exxon to have its way, we might still be eating but we would definitely be unhappy.

Exxon has an obligation to its shareholders to provide the maximum profit possible.

We have an obligation to our children to bring them the best future possible.

environmental record completes buy-in of Guyana Goldfields

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Thursday August 27, 2020

Company with deadly environmental record completes buy-in of Guyana Goldfields Z

ijin Mining on T u e s d a y announced the completion of its acquisition of Guyana Goldfields for C$323 million. In a release, the company boasted of its ownership of Aurora Gold Mines (AGM) Inc. and what that means for Zijin's gold resource reserve.

“The acquisition of Guyana will increase gold resource reserves to over 2,300 tonnes,” it stated.

But with the company's arrival to Guyana's shores, comes its deadly, and environmentally unsound past, which threatens the health of Guyana's natural environment and the safety of its workers.

The company is plagued with several instances of grave and disastrous impact.

Here are two of the worst. In 2010, Zijin was forced to approve a payout of US$7.5M to various individuals, after a dam collapsed at a tin mine, owned by its subsidiary, Xinyi Zijin, killing 28 people.

Reuters reported that 523 homes were destroyed in the Guangdong province due to the collapse.

The parent company said that the money was meant to

assist “victims” downstream from the mine, in line with the company's social responsibility, and that it had “deep sorrow and regret” over what happened.

A report by the provincial government had found that Xinyi Zijin was responsible for the July collapse of the dam because of safety and construction violations, which became exacerbated by a typhoon.

Reuters reported in February 2011 that a local Court said 800 lawsuits had been filed against the company for the collapse, with claims likely to amount to 300M yuan. Other reports in late 2011 by ChinaDaily say the lawsuits amounted to as many as 2,499.

The company had to

settle with many of the victims of the fatal collapse, in addition to its principals being fined millions in yuan over the incident.

Earlier in the same year of the dam collapse, the company was responsible

The toxic spill by the Zijin Mining Group polluted Ting River, killing 2,000 metric tons of fish (Source AsiaNews.it.)

for a toxic spill at a copper mine, contaminating a river, killing thousands of tonnes of fish, and leaving communities of tens of thousands in despair over their access to clean water.

It was fined $1.4M,

according to Reuters, for the toxic waste seeping into the Ting River.

The losses in fish were estimated to amount to 22.2 million yuan. The company was fined 30 million yuan (US$4.5 million) by a court in the Fujian Province for the incident. The company is also reported as saying that several of its managers and other employees were imprisoned for years, in

addition to having to pay fines imposed on them.

The company was also made to rectify the damage, including clean-up of the pollution.

Zijin makes quite the show on its public relations, playing up the money it donates to various groups and communities, but its website does not own up to its polluted past in the same way.

Despite the skeletons in its past, well ventilated by this newspaper, Guyana has welcomed Zijin's acquisition of Guyana Goldfields with

open arms.

President Irfaan Ali and his Cabinet have already spoken highly of their commitments to protecting Guyana's natural environment, the dignity of its workers, and respect for Guyana's fair share of the exploitation of its natural resources.

Guyana has a tainted history with Guyana Goldfields, in this regard, and all eyes are on the new government to see how it will contend with foreign companies like Zijin and their transgressions.

Man granted $150,000 bail after stealing from employer

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man was yesterday granted $ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 b a i l f o r Charged: stealing $1,050,000 Moninder worth of fuel from his Persaud employer, Caricom Rice Mills Limited.

The employee, Moninder Persaud , a front end loader operator, appeared at the Charity Magistrate's court where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of larceny.

It is alleged that Persaud had stolen fuel and sold it for his personal gain. He will appear again in court on September 16, 2020.

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 27, 2020

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Exxon says it will take its money elsewhere…

“If that is a threat, it will not work” Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo

By Kiana Wilburg “...Guyana is one of the better opportunities for us in the ExxonMobil portfolio (but) it is not the only one.

And indeed, if we don't get the agreement as we are looking for on Payara (the company's third Field Development Plan), the investment money will go elsewhere in ExxonMobil's portfolio.” Those were the words of ExxonMobil's Country Manager, Alistair

- Govt. will continue its due diligence; we will not be rushed - Vice President Jagdeo Routledge, during an online interview yesterday which Kaieteur News and other media entities were not invited to.

Since making the comment, many local and international transparency advocates expressed concern

City Hall closes all municipal clinics after worker tests positive for COVID-19

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he Mayor and Councillors of the C i t y o f Georgetown have closed all of its Maternal and Child Welfare Clinics yesterday after a worker tested positive for COVID -19.

According information coming from City Hall, the Albouystown, Festival City and Dorothy Bailey Clinics will be closed from Wednesday, 26 August 2020 until further notice.

The Council further advised that persons attending clinic at these facilities should seek the services of the Ministry of Health Clinic nearest to them.

When contacted officials

at City Hall noted that the decision to immediately shut down the clinics was taken after the staffer at the municipal clinic tested positive for the disease.

Kaieteur News understands that other staffers from the municipality are being tested as a result of their exposure to the case. It was revealed too, that the City is also collaborating with the Ministry of Health to conduct a contract tracing exercise.

Meanwhile, as of yesterday Guyana had a total of 1,093 cases of COVID-19 with 33 new infections recorded yesterday.

Of the active cases, nine

that the American oil giant is issuing a threat to a Sovereign State while it exercises its right to review all aspects of the Payara plan. But if the company intended to send a threat to Guyana, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo,

City Hall

patients were in the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit, 95 in institutional isolation and 424 in home isolation. The number of deaths remains at 31 and the number of recovered cases to date is 534.

According to a regional breakdown of the cases Region Four has recorded 11 new cases and now has a total number of 378, while Region Three recorded five new cases and now has a total of 60; Region One recorded 13 new cases which brings the overall to 158, Region 10 recorded three new cases and now has an overall of 75, while Regions Five, Six and Seven each recorded one new case.

categorically stated that it would not work. During an invited comment with this newspaper last evening, Dr. Jagdeo stressed that the position as noted by the company will have no effect on the quality of due diligence being carried out by the government on ExxonMobil's Payara Field Development Plan (FDP).

The Vice President said, “...The Head of ExxonMobil Guyana has spoken and I guess that he speaks on behalf or represents the interests of his shareholders but we represent the Guyanese people. And I can assure everyone that the quality of the review of the Payara FDP will not be compromised or rushed because of this position by Routledge. It will not be influenced. The government of Guyana will continue its due diligence and we will follow best practice.”

Routledge's comments which have since attracted harsh criticisms, was made in response to queries about calls to review the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) so that Guyana could get more

ExxonMobil's Guyana Country Manager, Alistair Routledge value for the exploitation of its oil and gas resources.

Routledge was keen to note that ExxonMobil and the Government of Guyana have had very little discussion on this front. He did note however that the PPP/C administration wants to have all the oil deals reviewed and not renegotiated. Out of respect

for the sanctity of contracts, Routledge said it is important that only a review is done and not a renegotiation.

The Country Manager said, “...Internationally, contract sanctity is important to all companies. If we enter into contracts with governments and they change down the road, then it is very difficult for us to make commitments on projects that have typically 20 to 30 years investment.

And how can we make those commitments if we are unsure if terms will change?

So it is important for everyone to understand that sanctity is important.”

With this in mind, the official was asked to say what he believes to be the purpose of the review if not to have a renegotiation of certain provisions that would give Guyana more return.

This was asked in light of the heavy criticisms over the last five years that the Stabroek Block deal is in favour of the (continued on page 13)

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Thursday August 27, 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

It’s always about the money Yes, there is that opening line from the song by the O’Jays (“For the love of money”) with the sweet cash refrain.

But we speak not of a line from a hit record in 1973, but of what has happened here recently, and how much taxpayers’ dollars governments waste. There is plenty moolah floating around, with little of it ever reaching the empty hands and stomachs of poor struggling Guyanese citizens.

From what was carried by us in this paper on Sunday last, we extract randomly three instances of heavy money being spent by the former government, with little to show for its efforts, and almost zero benefits to strapped and struggling taxpayers. Hapless and hurting Guyanese citizens, especially those on the lower ends of the economic ladder, are on their own, while mismanagement and misplaced priorities lead the way. Citizens need any helping hand they can get, and desperately so. But, up to this point, their waiting has been in vain, nothing forthcoming.

The first of the three captions “APNU+AFC spends over $92 million on Law Reform Commission…no work done” begins the revelations of time wastage, mismanagement, and generalized sloth in delivering on commitments and projects. A building was rented in 2017, some staff hired, and that was about it. Three years later, it might as well be a shell. It is scant comfort that the former Attorney General, Basil Williams, noted that “the Commission is in its final stages of readiness.” That may have been acceptable in 2018 (one year after the rental began), but not in 2020. What a waste! The former AG has defended spiritedly, but nobody is listening.

As if that was not bad enough, the second article we present today from Sunday was titled, “Coalition used close to $50M tax dollars to pay for elections, other court cases.”

This reinforces what was the highest priority of the departed coalition government. It is a tale - repeated in one case after another - of connected lawyers hitting the big time on the taxpayers’ dime. All the legal luminaries recruited, domestic and foreign, came in for millions from the treasury, when that should have come from the party’s coffers. Like the Law Reform Commission, the ‘fat cats’ drank milk laced with honey, while poor Guyanese, including impoverished sugar workers and countless coalition supporters, stared at their hungry families and looked at empty pots. The lawyers made a financial killing, while vulnerable citizens took a severe and prolonged battering. This is a snapshot of what is so angering about the way that the coalition went about the business of the peoples of this society.

The last example involving big spending by the former government came to light under the KN article headlined, “$15M boat bought by Region Six two years ago never used.”

This story continued the litany of some of the things that went wrong, and which are now taking on new significance, when grouped with the other failures, some of which are still unknown. A boat and engine were obtained for that $15M, only for the regional authorities to discover that “the 150hp engine bought was not compatible with the boat.”

Who were these people at the helm? If the engine was “not compatible” then it was imperative that some remedial action be taken, such as a substitute engine found, instead of “it being left down” and nothing else done. Once again, we must ask: who were these leaders? With stewards like these, how can this society get anywhere, but the same draining old places? It appears that the mentality throughout government was spend the money, take care of own, and to hell with the rest.

Well, in the private realm, a financial hell is what quite a few are staring at currently, as was noted in many sections of the media. It is coming to light that as much as US$20M may have been invested in that Ponzi scheme making the rounds. That is a lot of money, over four billion in Guyana dollars. Whether public or private monies are being spent, what is emphasized are the wastages and wreckages wreaked. Meanwhile, the little forgotten people wonder how they will make it to the next day.

PNC/R Leadership Crisis and Finding a Solution Dear Editor, More and more I am developing a better understanding of the reasons why companies, political parties, groups fail, and even why some governments fail.

One of the main reasons companies, political parties and groups fail, is because of the quality and relevance of the leadership, not merely the leader but the leadership.

Let us examine the leadership challenge in the PNC/R at this point. While I do not always agree with Freddie Kissoon, I must state that his article published in the Kaieteur News on 25 August, 2020 ‘Granger will destroy the PNC before 2021’, while it may seem harsh on the surface, it has some merit and I will explain why.

Now, I like Mr. David Granger. During the recent protracted elections period, I fought with my pen, for former President Granger’s administration, on a point of principle. However, even though I like Mr. Granger and respect him a lot as a person and as a former President, I have to be practical. There is too much at stake for the PNC/ R and its supporters, and the country needs a strong, solid, focused Opposition.

Based on some of what I have been reading, the members of the PNC/R are currently having some tough conversations and reflections. However, after the hard conversations, the party would have to make some tough decisions.

Firstly, the PNC/R needs to understand it’s strengths and weaknesses; secondly,

they need to understand that an organization or government takes on the form of its leadership or leader; and thirdly, they need to evaluate their present leadership, their ways-of-working, and future, in the context of a Guyana moving almost overnight, from being the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere to becoming one of the richest countries in the world. How are they going to make the PNC/R fit-for-purpose as an opposition or as a part of government?

It is widely felt that the APNU+AFC needed to improve on its governance and leadership capacity and capability. Specifically, in areas of management, administration, decisionmaking, importance of institutions and their interconnectedness in the various components of the society, business, and investment, etc.

Mr. Granger, while he was a leader in the military, leadership in the military and civilian leadership require very different approaches.

Some of Mr. Granger’s areas of weakness are governance, organization, process, and decision-making. Since people do not develop these qualities overnight, a key concern is, how different will Mr. Granger lead in the critical role of Leader of the Opposition at this point, where leadership is critical for the PNC/R’s survival and revival?

One of the key competencies for persons in executive or top leadership

positions these days, is high emotional intelligence. If the PNC/R would like to win an election in the near future, they have to get Carl Greenidge back into the leadership of the organization.

Greenidge is respected by PPP/C, PNC/R, APNU and AFC supporters. He has international exposure and experience, he is credible in finance and he is seen as someone who is amenable to bringing the country together in an inclusive way.

Many times, organisations, companies, governments fail because people are too afraid to tell their leaders that they need to know when to let go. I am not saying that Mr. Granger must leave the leadership of the PNC/R but he must recognize that the survivability of the PNC/R in the short, medium and long term, that is, if they want to win, would require a fundamentally different approach to leadership and he has to be flexible enough to take on other roles in the party.

About the Parliamentary team, I am of the view that persons who should have been included in the parliamentary team for the party, at this point, are: Volda Lawrence, Aubrey Norton and possibly James Bond, even if a rotation system had to have been put in place.

Also, Vanessa Kissoon and Sharma Solomon should be brought back into the mainstream of the PNC/R, not necessarily as parliamentarians at this stage.

These are people who have

institutional knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the PNC, how it works as an organization and about the environment in which it operates. Some of the new individuals can be integrated in other ways and levels into the party at this stage. A key aspect of the sustainability of an organisation or group is hinged on loyalty.

Organisations do not change overnight.

Mr. Granger needs to be very concerned about why both internal and external critical partners are leaving, resisting or just quietly stepping back, the ‘A Partnership for National Unity’ (APNU) and the party needs to immediately develop a strategy to re-engage some of those partners. It is not always the other person’s fault, but we must be humble enough to realize that sometimes it is about me, or it is our fault.

In 2006, I was doing a postgraduate course in ‘Cross-sector Partnerships’ and the class had about 42 persons who were mostly very qualified and held very senior and executive positions in their organisations and companies, but they were back in the classroom to learn the science art of partnering.

There is a science and art to developing, managing, and sustaining working relationships and relations, collaborations, alliances, partnerships.

Some quick recommendations for the (Continued on page 5)

Government must be cautious in action when replacing diplomats Dear Editor, I would like to express my profound delight at the tempo of the new government which is of, by and for the people of Guyana, as they seek to fix our broken country.

As they move forward with their bold plan to deliver a better deal, with better jobs, better wages and a better future for all Guyanese I would like to wish them well.

Each morning the people of Guyana are met with the good tidings of the various cabinet members working around the clock, protecting workers rights, modernizing and professionalizing the public sector, ramping up COVID-19 testing and treatment, developing a sports policy, seeking to reopen the shuttered sugar estates, ensuring the safety of schools and their opening at their earliest possible time, improving water and housing

services etc., indeed the President, the Prime Minister and the Ministers have begun their term like the proverbial house on fire.

More recently there has been multiple appointments within the Foreign Affairs Ministry, where again good judgement was shown as we seek to create the best diplomatic service in the region.

Undoubtedly these persons shall do well in pushing our national interests and supporting our economic and commercial interests.

However, a word of caution. There should be no rush by the new government to remove and replace highly trained and experienced diplomats. This would be a mistake of monumental proportions. Diplomats the caliber of our current Ambassador to the United States Dr. Riyad Insanally,

who is a Guyana scholar, who is a graduate summa cum laude of Cambridge and Harvard Universities two of the most prestigious universities in the world, a career diplomat with over 25 years’ experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in international organizations are invaluable and incomparable.

Additionally, I would like to suggest that urgent consideration be given to

tapping of the resources of our foreign service experts the likes of former Director General and former Ambassador Elisabeth Harper who is a brilliant diplomat and skilled negotiator with unique skills and tremendous institutional knowledge and whose outstanding skills in diplomacy are not being currently utilized.

Sincerely, Kishore Das

Condolences on the passing of Sase Narain Dear Editor, Our condolences go out to the Family of former Speaker of Parliament Sase Narain SC. His honourable service to Our Nation is well spoken of and has left a positive impression on many

of our leaders. May he rest in peace and his work be well recorded in the history of Our Nation that future generations may learn from his accomplishments.

Yours truly, Mr. Jamil Changlee

Thursday August 27, 2020

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The Ministry of Public Service discriminated against me and violated my constitutional rights Dear Editor, I have a long-standing grievance with the Ministry of Public Service and other concerned parties which has severely affected me by changing the course of my life for the worse and left me feeling like a second-class Guyanese. I had a scholarship taken from me without a valid reason, faced blatant discrimination and my constitutional rights were violated including my right to an education and free movement. The Public Service Ministry even acted like a Mafia boss by sending me a letter alleging that I owe the Government of Guyana millions of dollars at an astonishing 70% interest rate.

Who charges 70% interest?

And although I requested to see evidence of how the millions were arrived at it seems as if my request was to see a live unicorn.

My ordeal stems from a scholarship which I applied for and was granted in 2008 to study Human Medicine in Cuba. And although the genesis of my problem lies over a decade ago in the past I am still affected because every time I leave the country, I am forced to produce a court order without which I would be denied my right to free movement and subject myself to an interrogation by

PNC/R Leadership...

From page 4 PNC/R are: some tough decisions are needed, for example, Mr. Granger should opt for different roles while Carl Greenidge takes up the role as functional leader of the party, in this way a ‘team of leaders’ can be developed and Mr. Granger should be a member of that team; develop a strategy to bring the Justice for All Party, Working People’s Alliance and Alliance for Change back to the table and partnership, and develop strategy for making the partnership more functional, for example, building internal cohesion.

Yours truly, Audreyanna Thomas

immigration officials. As recently as July 2019 I was subjected to this nonsensical process.

In November 2008 I resigned from my job and commenced studies in Pinar del Rio with almost a hundred classmates. While in Cuba I had no issues which warranted the attention of school officials and was doing well academically. Then in early 2010 I was contacted with the news that my mother was hospitalised in the ICU at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

For years she suffered from an illness which was possibly neurological in nature and progressive. She was expected to seek diagnosis and treatment at the hospital in Cuba. However, at the last moment this hospital declined to take her and I was tasked with finding another which I did.

In the latter part of March 2010, I was granted leave from the medical school and returned to Guyana with the expectation of accompanying my mother to the hospital in Cuba. I had absolutely no intention of giving up my scholarship and remaining in Guyana.

On arrival it was revealed to me that my mother was on a ventilator and could not travel immediately. Acting on this fact and information which I received from a friend at the medical school regarding study leave and exams for the semester I requested an extension of my leave until the first week of May 2010 from the Public Service Ministry.

However, in mid-April while the person I’d requested my leave from was supposedly on leave, another lower down in the hierarchy used this ‘opportunity’ to act in a most unethical manner which resulted in me purportedly losing my scholarship.

When I realised the

gravity of the situation I’d been manipulated into, I tried to get an audience with the then Minister of Public Service. However, I was screened out by the secretary who most likely deemed me unworthy of being granted such an exceptional request.

Through a referral from a friend I was able to see another well-known politician in May 2010 who was based at the Office of the President.

He advised me to seek a leave of absence for the semester which had already begun and promised to deliver my letter personally to the Minister of Public Service. Later he assured he did as promised but I never received a response in any form from the Minister.

In August 2010 my mother died in the ICU at GPHC. My desire to continue my studies and eventually become a medical doctor had not waned. I contacted the level head of the school in Cuba and after some consultations with school officials I was informed that they would allow me to continue my studies. When I approached the Ministry of Public Service in August with my request to travel to Cuba I was given a memorandum stating that as a Government of Guyana (GoG) trainee proceeding on vacation overseas, I was required to lodge surety to the sum of $4 million with the Accountant General of the Ministry of Finance.

I was not allowed by the Ministry of Public Service to continue my studies nor was I given a job yet I was deemed a Government of Guyana Trainee. With regard to the requested sum it was out of my reach. In fact, I resigned from my job in order to take up the scholarship and while in Cuba I received a stipend from the GoG of 50 Canadian dollars per month for the first six months which was subsequently increased to $100 per month. Also, these scholarships were touted as an opportunity for the poor

and disadvantaged to elevate themselves. And what about the legality of such a document?

After this experience I approached my contact at the Office of the President who was also a member of parliament at the time. I entrusted him with a second letter for the Minister of Public Service seeking approval to resume my medical studies. Although assured once more that it was delivered, I never received a response from the Minister to my letter but a ‘Cost of Training’ letter from the Ministry of Public Service in September 2010 alleging that I owe the Government of Guyana almost $5.6 million at an incredible 70% interest added to all costs. No receipts or other evidentiary documents accompanied this letter.

I was not deterred from pursuing my goal and in July 2011, I travelled alone to Cuba on a tourist visa. There I met the dean of the medical university in Granma where my year group was studying.

He was very helpful and sympathetic to my plight. I was allowed to stay in the dorm with Guyanese students and advised to contact the education officials in Havana.

In Havana I was allowed an audience with the person who oversaw the department that dealt with foreign students. After reviewing my file and listening to my story he was perplexed that I was not allowed to continue my studies. He even advised me to return to the university but I did not have the appropriate

visa and the Guyanese officials were a concerned party to the scholarship arrangement. I was told to contact the Cuban Embassy in Guyana on my return.

I did as told and soon after the person responsible for my dilemma from the Ministry of Public Service contacted me via telephone. She called to confirm my trip to Cuba and my desire to continue my studies; nothing else was asked. Also, I never received a response from the Cuban embassy.

In September 2011 I attempted to leave the country through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. I was prevented from doing this by immigration officials.

I was told that my name was placed on the ‘Blacklist’. Prior to this incident, I was not informed that I would be prevented from leaving the country and the reason(s) why.

For months I was given the royal run around and empty promises of getting ‘the big ones’ to rectify my situation. After nothing panned out, I resorted to shopping around for cheap lawyers and finally settled on the cheapest one I found. At the said time I was not working because I still had my heart set on my studies.

In June 2012 the late Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang ruled in my favour and granted me a court order which was made absolute. The matter dealt with the violation of my constitutional rights particularly Articles 40, 142 and 148. I was not reimbursed for legal fees, lost airplane

tickets nor accommodation already paid for.

Editor, I was forced to go to court for something that should not have happened in the first place. I even wrote about my blacklisting ordeal in 2017 in a ‘Letter to the Editor’ which the Weekend Mirror responded to by publishing an article which labelled me as a fabricator. I was never sought for a comment or verification of my claims by this media entity.

I believe that officials from the Ministry of Public Service sent false information about me to immigration officials.

Last year during the interrogation at the airport I was asked if I have a contract with the government. I was not allowed to continue my studies and I was not given a job yet I apparently have a contract. Is this legal?

Editor, it is my contention that the Ministry of Public Service discriminated against me; that I was not given the same opportunities and privileges as other Guyanese.

In November 2008 when I commenced studies five students who were in Cuba previously but encountered difficulties and returned to Guyana were allowed by the Ministry of Public Service to resume their studies. Why weren’t I given the same opportunity? I can name these students and one is the daughter of a well-known senior politician in the PPP/C party.

I am also aware of the fact that some ‘fresh’ students who commenced studies in 2008 with me completed their (Continued on page 6)

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Thursday August 27, 2020

It will take more than mass testing to flatten the curve in Guyana Dear Editor, Permit me to express my concerns pertaining to the COVID-19 response in Guyana. It will be remiss of me to not lend my voice and offer potential solutions at this critical time in our history.

The pandemic has disrupted the lives of people across the globe. Some felt its effects more severe than others. In the Guyanese context, we were unfortunate to be struck with both a health crisis and an election crisis at the same time. I am thankful that the latter has since resolved which means that the new administration has the full capacity to address the former more frontally.

From March 5th, 2020 I have watched in dismay at the response of both the government and the citizens to COVID-19 in Guyana.

While many Guyanese still are apathetic to the guidelines the cases continue to rise.

Based on the information available on the Ministry of Public Health’s dashboard at the time of penning this letter the total positive tests of COVID-19 in Guyana were at 1060. Likewise, the total tests conducted were 7373 of which 14.4 percent were positive. Also, of those being tested positive 2.9 percent (31) have died. To date, Guyana is yet to test more than 1 percent of its estimated population of 748,000.

Considering these glaring revelations, it means that we should expect our cases to rise well into the tens of thousands and thousands of Guyanese losing their lives to COVID-19 if we continue along this trajectory. In this regard, I welcomed the plan by the new administration to increase both the capacity (human and technical resources) and testing of the public. I believe the data gathered from mass testing

will help to propel the development of a more robust approach towards the management of the virus in Guyana.

However, while it is commendable, there are still significant deficiencies in the government’s approach to curbing the spread of COVID19. For example, the Gazetted Health Emergency order on the 14th of August 2020 fails to address the deficiencies in the previous administration’s response. Sadly, if said deficiencies are not addressed at the soonest, we can expect the infection and death rates to climb exponentially in the months to come.

As a medical practitioner I believe that any response to a health crisis should focus on not only curative methods but preventative methods.

Further, Steps must be taken to address the psychosocial and socio-economic impact of this virus on the Guyanese people. It is against this backdrop that I believe that the following steps can be taken to significantly improve Guyana’s response to COVID-19 and ultimately flatten the curve: 1. Build capacity for mental health services – Capacity around counselling, therapy, and facilities for mental health assessments should be built and strengthened. Additionally, training of staff, potentially beginning with persons already familiar with mental health services (doctors, nurses, etc). Over the next years we can anticipate a further deterioration in the mental health in Guyanese due to the socio-economic and psychosocial impact of the pandemic. Without the adequate avenues to address this will create another health crisis – a mental health crisis.

2. Community directed

approach to prevention of Spread- The creation of community watch groups coupled with targeted information about COVID-19 and Public Service Announcements that cater to the specific communities are needed urgently.

Additionally, the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils can develop their own management protocols in keeping with standards adopted from a national and or International guidelines.

Such protocols should include steps to monitor and mitigate the movement into, out of and throughout the communities. This can be monitored with oversight from Regional Democratic Councils and Government.

3. Complete lock down of hotspots – It is imperative to restrict the movement of people in hotspot areas. This with effective contact tracing can alleviate the spread of the virus in these areas. This cannot be achieved without enforcement of such restrictive protocols. To offset the economic impact this will have on these communities it will require support from central government to finance such.

4. Increase testing and Capacity - Of course testing in hotspot areas with data gathering to identify the degree of community spread

is imperative to managing COVID-19 as well as general testing. The data gathered can then be used to establish protocols to make point 3 effective as well as to gauge the effectiveness of the overall response.

5. Institutional Isolation I do not believe home isolation is ideal in the Guyanese context as Guyanese do not grasp the concept of self-isolation. It is evident with the number of persons still flouting the stay at home orders. This could be due to poor education on COVID-19 or just ignorance of consequences. Therefore, institutional isolation for at least for 14 days in the first instance, in more humane facilities would be ideal and more practical. Maybe the use of hotels, the new hospital, and government-approved facilities that meet the criteria can be used.

6. Border Protection -The protection and patrol of the borders with Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname should be a priority. Most of the cases in the hinterland region are as result of these borders being poorly patrolled and protected. Therefore, by limiting the use of these borders and more robust patrol we can significantly reduce our imported cases.

7. A role for the creative industry – To offset the

psychosocial impact and to educate the general public the government should seek to further engage the creative industry. I do note the program by the Ministry of Public Health Quintin Quarantine Quartet. Getting the creative industry involved in creating PSAs and other programs that will educate as well as bring much needed entertainment relief for Guyanese will be helpful.

Such programs should be reproducible in creole, and the various indigenous dialects to deepen the impact and reach a wider audience.

Recreational activities whether virtual or in physical spaces (with strict physical distancing) is needed. The monthly Spice and Clove show is a good example.

8. The health response – At the forefront of managing this pandemic is the healthcare sector. It is abhorrent that Healthcare workers are working and putting their lives at risk daily without any risk allowances.

Healthcare workers do not have access to adequate PPE and put themselves at risk and family at risk as a result.

Further, the healthcare facilities need a more robust protocol on treatment of patients in general and for COVID-19 patients. All patients admitted to hospitals across the country should be

swabbed. Additionally, the use of virtual consultations should be explored to limit the need for patients to attend physical clinics. I have noticed that GPHC were using the plasma from recovered patients to treat positive patients. Maybe more research into developing this and to assessing the impact it has and productivity of such a treatment plan. Also, Guyana should look to other regions with successes and see which can be adapted in the Guyanese context.

While I am cognisant that I am not privy to steps being taken to address the pandemic, I believe the suggestions above can help to shape such protocols and guidelines. I still implore all Guyanese to practice social and physical distancing.

Practice proper hand hygiene and wear a mask in public correctly. As much as it is the responsibility of the Government to keep its citizens safe. The social contract dictates that the citizens act responsibly to ensure their own safety, survival and prosperity.

In the end it will take ‘one one dutty to build this dam’.

As a result, it will require all Guyanese to flatten the curve.

Yours truly, Dr. Terrence Isaacs, MBBS

The Ministry of Public Service discriminated...

From page 5 programme a year or two after the majority because of ‘issues’ encountered. I am aware that the terms of the socalled contract that I signed were applied in a d i s c r i m i n a t o r y m a n n e r.

While some were sent home for ‘breaking the contract’ others were allowed to continue their studies.

When contract mixes with discrimination is there validity?

It is my belief that I was denied my right to an education as enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana. I applied for and was granted a scholarship, nobody ‘helped me’ to get it. By not allowing me to continue my studies, my right to an education was

violated. At the time, due to a number of constraints it was not possible for me to pursue my desired course of study without a scholarship.

I am still affected by this scholarship issue. Even after my allegations of being blacklisted were published in 2017 I still cannot travel freely and I received a second ‘Cost of Training’ letter in 2018 alleging millions owed to the Government of Guyana.

Also, I cannot let go of the fact that I was treated like a second-class Guyanese. I have seen persons whom I studied with in Cuba and are now doctors complain about not getting scholarships to do post graduate studies and I am reminded that I was not

even allowed to attain what they presently have in terms of academic qualifications.

Actually, I was doing quite well during my time in Pinar del Rio. When I left for Guyana in March 2010 the Assistant Dean of the medical school gave me a copy of a letter which she had sent to the Embassy of Guyana in Havana. It attested that I had obtained excellent academic results.

Why should I as a Guyanese accept what was done to me by the Public Service Ministry? Why should I accept discrimination and the fact that my acquaintances were given educational opportunities and I weren’t, am I a less than person?

I believe officials from the

Ministry of Public Service engaged in unethical and possibly illegal acts.

Although it was proven in the High Court of Guyana that my constitutional rights were violated, I still do not feel that I have received justice. I was denied the opportunity to become a medical doctor and years of my life were basically wasted in a limbo state.

In 2008 I was an older student in comparison to the majority who were around 18.

In 2012 I had to start over having gained nothing in the preceding years except mental trauma and being poorer both financially and career wise than in 2008 before embarking on my studies.

Yours truly, Narissa Deokarran

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 27, 2020

PAGE 07

Religious leaders implicated in multi-billion $$ Ponzi scheme T

wo top officials of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc. are to appear in an East Coast Demerara court today for their roles in an alleged Ponzi scheme.

Officials said that Yuri Garcia-Dominguez and his wife, Ateeka Ishmael, will both appear in the Vigilance Magistrate's Court.

There were no immediate details of the charges. However, officials close to the company said there will likely be a peaceful picket to ask for bail.

This comes even as details emerged of how thousands of persons felt convinced enough to sink their money into what authorities believe to be a Ponzi scheme.

The two persons, said to be executives of Accelerated Capital Firm Inc., had remained in police custody since their arrests over the weekend, even as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) informed that a police file studied earlier this year had no evidence of unlawful activities.

According to persons familiar with the operation of Accelerated, there were several agents recruited who handled business for Cuban n a t i o n a l , Yu r i G a r c i a Dominguez, who is now a citizen of Guyana, and his wife.

“These people are respected members of society who are trusted.

There are pastors and religious leaders. There are some politicians involved too. When people see Accelerated dealing with people like this, they feel comfortable. Mr Yuri who moved with heavily armed bodyguards do not deal upfront with clients. The pastors helped handled,” persons have related.

In fact, investigators reportedly have their eyes on at least one leader of an East Coast Demerara church who was acting as a recruiter.

He may very well be questioned.

A number of pandits were also actively spreading the news of Forex trading, including on their social media pages.

“People got money initially in this thing. I invested over $1.5M and got back returns of $800,000.

After that nothing. They

- Alleged schemers for court today

STILL IN CUSTODY: Yuri Garcia Dominguez and wife Ateeka Ishmael blame the problems of payments on COVID and then on the bank accounts being closed. People buy three or four vehicles,” another person shared.

The matter of Accelerated has gotten the attention of the new government after it got complaints about the scheme.

A multi-sectoral task force has been established to

look into the matter. It involves Attorney General (AG), Anil Nandlall, the police and the Guyana Securities Council.

Earlier this week, Nandlall told a lawyer, Glen Hanoman that 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.

Hanoman was retained

by Garcia-Dominguez and his wife.

According to a letter from the AG to the lawyer, 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 GarciaDominguez claimed are in a

number of foreign jurisdictions. “ U n f o r t u n a t e l y, a l l 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.”

More than 17,000 persons are said to have invested in Accelerated with one businessman stating on record that he handed over $380M. Thousands are still not convinced that the operation is a Pyramid or Ponzi Scheme and are calling for the release of the officials.

H o w e v e r, a u t h o r i t i e s including the Bank of Guyana have been issuing warnings.

Investigators have been asking how the funds left Guyana. In a purported s t a t e m e n t Tu e s d a y, Accelerated said it has the funds ready to be disbursed.

However, the principals want to be released from custody. It said the money is secured in something it called “physical bitcoin

wallets”.

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”.

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 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 (continued on page 15)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday August 27, 2020

Investigations into Election Day fraud…

Two more of Mingo's assistants arrested T

wo additional employees of the Guyana Elections Commissions (GECOM) were taken into police custody yesterday as investigators are swiftly progressing their probe into the alleged fraud surrounding the protracted March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

It was only yesterday that controversial District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, was nabbed by law enforcement officers at his AbaryMahaicony home following his disappearance from the public's eye after his March 15th declaration. One of his assistants, Carolyn Duncan, was picked up shortly after and remains in police custody.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed yesterday that the two other assistants who worked closely with Mingo on March 2 were arrested Tuesday evening. While he refrained from disclosing the names of the new suspects,

236,990 229,489

A P N U + A F C

P P P / C

233,336

217,920

A P N U + A F C

P P P / C

Chart showing the Mingo-impacted outcome of the Guyana General Election against the actual outcome he did note that the two assistants were women.

H o w e v e r, s o u r c e s disclosed to Kaieteur News that the assistants who were arrested were Sheffern February and Michelle Miller.

Sources close to the investigations also revealed

that the assistants were informed by their superiors to not cooperate with the detectives in efforts to hamper the investigations.

It was Attorney-at-law and member of the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Charles Ramson, who had filed the private

criminal charges against Mingo and the Peoples National Congress Reform's (PNC/R) Chairman, Volda Lawrence, on March 13 in relation to a pair of fraudulent elections declarations for Region Four.

While Lawrence appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in relation to these charges and was granted bail, police were unable to serve Mingo, her co-accused due to his unknown whereabouts.

Abuse of Mingo's rights Mingo's legal representatives, Attorneysat-Law, Darren Wade and Roysdale Forde S.C., vehemently protested the actions of the police relating to the treatment of their client.

Expressing concerns to reporters outside of the Criminal Investigations Department at Eve Leary where Mingo was being held, Wade said, “This is very disturbing, the attitude of the police,” adding that his client was questioned in his absence.

Further, he said that the police also confiscated Mingo's phone.

Forde added that his client, when being questioned, repeatedly insisted that his lawyers be present, however, this was not granted.

“After a couple of minutes,” he said, “the police quite belated recognized that Mr. Mingo has in fact legal rights; at that point they allowed Mr. Wade to have a conference with

Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo

Mingo's Assistant, Carolyn Duncan him.”

What transpired, according to Forde, was the abuse of Mingo's rights as a citizen of Guyana.

Review of Mingo's fraud Kaieteur News has been at the forefront recording a surfeit of occasions when Clairmont Mingo, had inflated the votes in his district in favour of the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), while also aiming to subtract votes from the PPP/C to grant the former party a false election win.

With a string of verifiable articles, this publication had exposed how Mingo's General Election declaration of Friday, March 13, 2020 gave the Coalition 136,057 votes, while the recount showed the accurate figure to be 116,941 votes, indicating that the Returning Officer fraudulently inflated the Coalition's Region Four total by 19,116 votes.

His declaration also gave the PPP/C 77,231 votes, when the party's rightful

PNCR Chair, Volda Lawrence total – according to recount figures – is 80,920 votes, indicating that Mingo exacted a deflation of 3,689 votes on the party.

The votes taken from the PPP/C were not enough to counterbalance the votes given to the Coalition, hence, about 15,427 ghost votes were conjured and added by Mingo to the total number of valid votes cast.

While the recount showed that 202,077 valid votes were cast in the Region Four General Election, Mingo's declaration had taken the total up to 217, 425.

Kaieteur News has produced verifiable reports of how Mingo manipulated votes in 32 ballot boxes from the East Bank of Demerara, said to be a PPP/C stronghold.

Kaieteur News' analysis of those boxes shows that Mingo's tabulation subtracted 391 votes from PPP/C and added 1,514 votes to APNU+AFC. This amounted to a total variance of 1,905 votes from the corresponding Statements of Poll (SOPs) – the other 13,000 plus ghost votes were scattered over, at least, dozens of ballot boxes.

Back ground Allegations into the attempt at rigging the March 2 Elections started shortly after Mingo's contentious pair of declarations for Region Four were scrapped

by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire.

Ta b u l a t i o n s a t t h e GECOM Media Center in the Ashmin's Building on High Street on March 5, was halted for a short period due to several circumstances, the (continued on page 16)

Thursday August 27, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 09

The govt. is clueless about how to stem the incidence of COVID-19

Y

esterday, We d n e s d a y August 26th 2020, there were an additional 33 persons who were tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Interestingly, the total number of tests done was not provided, a fact that raises suspicions.

The Ministry of Heath attributes the massive increases in confirmed positive cases to increased testing. The increased testing is merely indicating the incidence and spread of the virus.

It allows the health authorities to gain a better understanding as to the prevalence of the disease.

Testing does not help to slow the incidence of the disease.

The public is alarmed about what is taking place.

Guyana is still the undisputed epicenter of the virus in the Caribbean. The Ministry of Health needs to inform the population the steps it intends to take to slow the spread of the virus.

The PPP/C is boasting about its 50% increase in testing in three weeks as compared with the previous five months. It is however not bragging about the 50% increase in deaths in a mere three weeks as compared with the previous five months.

Testing will not slow the spread; it is merely an indicator of the spread.

Social restrictions are the principal means to slow the spread and the government is not tightening the social

restrictions.

The government appears clueless as to what it should be doing. Testing seems to be the plaster for every sore, when it comes to this outbreak. That and urging people to follow the COVID-19 guidelines.

A previous government had been intoning the people to do the same for more than four months. The people did not take them seriously and enforcement was lax. Now we hear about the police being used to enforce the regulations. Well, the history of police and enforcement is well-known.

One night one man was taking his girlfriend, an essential worker, to work.

They were stopped by the police who accused the boyfriend of breaching the curfew regulations. He said he had to pay a bribe.

Thousands of persons can be seen not wearing masks. The police will have a field day in enforcing the regulations which require the wearing of masks. Some businesses are openly flouting the regulations concerning the wearing of masks. For the sake of making an extra dollar, they are allowing persons to enter their stores without masks.

Over in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, there is a campaign called, “Mask Up�, in which people are being encouraged to wear masks. Images are being shown of people wearing masks. At the least, the Ministry of Health should have had a similar campaign

running locally.

There is now sufficient data available for the Ministry to get a handle on the main circumstances in which the disease is spread.

Large groupings are major contributory factor to the increase in cases.

The government may have contributed to the recent spike by its silly decision to host an inauguration ceremony and to host in indoors. Hundreds of persons were huddled together in the lobby after the ceremony was over.

There have been other incidents in which Ministers were seen meeting groups of persons. These sorts of events should be cancelled.

The markets are a problem area. There are far too many persons entering the markets without masks; there are far too many vendors selling inside and outside the markets without masks. This should not be happening.

Persons are being exposed to increased risks of contracting the virus. The vendors are once again crowding the pavements and most of them are not wearing masks. Try walking along the pavement on Regent Street and see how social distancing is being practiced by the illegal vendors.

The Minister of Health has to get his act together. He has to understand that testing is not the answer to slowing the spread. The country has to implement firmer social restrictions. This can include rolling back the curfew

Dem boys seh...

ExxonMobil behaving like a thwarted rapist

I

magine a man try fuh come in yuh house fuh rape yuh girl picknee. He get prevented from coming in de House.

Instead he go he way in peace, he decide fuh buse and cuss you out because he can't get to rape yuh daughter.

This is how Exxon behaving when dem talking how if dem can't get de deal wah dem want them could take dem investment dollars elsewhere. Is like dem saying that because dem can't rape we resources fuh next-to-nothing, dem vex

with we.

Dem boys wan tell them dat dem could get de sk@%* out of Guyana. Dem come hay and do wat dem want fuh do because de previous government bin give them a give-away deal. But now dat de government standing up and asking fuh something better, dem wan get vex.

Dem done hand we a bill of US$10B fuh field development costs. Dem boys wan ask them when Guyana gon ever see US$10B in revenues from dem oil companies.

Dem boys wan them fuh

show we another country wah get a wuss deal than we get from them. Dem boys wan hear about a fair contract not a one-sided one.

Dem boys know that Exxon gat wan reputation of putting its money into countries and these countries end up poorer after Exxon done with dem.

Before oil, we were all eating and living happy. But with oil and the one-sided contract, we will eat but certainly not be happy.

Talk half and let dem oil companies know that we can call dem bluff!

hours; closing all nonessential businesses for two weeks, having more persons w o r k r e m o t e l y, implementing mandatory rotation of staff for essential services where possible.

But the best of measures will fail, unless there is enforcement. Enforcements need to be decentralized. The Regions should be asked to take command of enforcement measures.

Enforcement task forces should be established and should be given powers to

enforce the social restrictions.

The most terrible news yesterday was the announcement that Guyana may not have access to a coronavirus vaccine until March next year. By that time, half the population will be dead, unless the infection rate is slowed.

Unless something is d o n e , a n d d o n e n o w, Christmas is doomed. It is not too late to try to save Christmas. But the Minister's cool attitude

within the Ministry of Health has to cease.

If within the next day or two, the government does not implement tighter social restrictions, a motion of noconfidence should be drafted and tabled for the first sitting of the National Assembly.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Thursday August 27, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Applying Heidegger and Freud in understanding the defeat of the PNC in 2020

M

a r t i n H e i d e g g e r, o n e o f philosophy's most absorbing thinkers, remains for me the existentialist philosopher in the history of western philosophy who best explained the nature of human existence. A caveat is in order; Heidegger is perhaps the most difficult philosopher to read.

Many of the great philosophers pose a formidable challenge in trying to understand them.

Hegel was extremely difficult. I had problems with Wittgenstein. But Heidegger is something else. If you have absolutely nothing to do with your time then you can try to comprehend Heidegger and it may take about four readings of his

magnum opus, “BEING AND TIME.” The fundamental point about “Being and Time” is that we humans endure an existence of self-delusion therefore none of us live an authentic life. For Heidegger, human existence sits in a world where there is no certainty about anything at all. The only certainty is that we are finite and mortality is inevitable and life is about the escape of this reality.

We a r e c o n s t a n t l y struggling against mortality and this escape brings alienation and alienation takes forms that we are not conscious of, the most pronounced of which is fear of our nothingness. We embrace religion, modern industry, technology in trying to bring authenticity

to our life but it is selfdelusion. It is a mask that we wear to hide our mortality.

He calls this mask “das Man.” Heidegger argued that authenticity is still possible if we accept our mortality.

In so doing we can have a life of meaning and be masters of our own fate. Being then exists in time and time allows us to have authenticity. There is no mask to wear.

Now here is the part in Heidegger that can be applied to understand why the PNC lost the 2020 election. Heidegger stated that the embrace of modern i n d u s t r y, r e l i g i o n , technology is a social glue that can be linked to a pandemic. The virus is everywhere and nowhere but

you can easily become its victim. In the pandemic that is currently sweeping the world, Heidegger may be relevant reading. “Das Man” then is compelling you towards a vortex which you can get out of by searching for authenticity through acceptance of mortality.

For Heidegger, civilization is driven by “das Man”. We live a life of anxiety, escapism and effacement because we allow “das Man” to do this to us. Civilization (here Heidegger comes close to Sigmund Freud though nowhere in his writings, Heidegger acknowledged this closeness in his analysis of “das Man” which in Freud would be the expression of the “pleasure principle” which drives the “ID”) then is about repressed reality.

What the PNC did after it came to power is to allow “das Man” and the “pleasure principle” to dictate its tenure. The vision should have been to effect constitutional changes, reach out to all constituencies to defeat ethnic consciousness, rearrange governance to achieve maximum democracy and exit the reliance of election

inevitability.

The PNC however, repressed reality and saw itself in narcissistic terms (Freud's account of how narcissism emerges and lodges itself in the “ID” would be useful in studying the pitfalls of the PNC in power, 2015-2020), meaning that it saw itself as a higher being than the PPP and wrapped itself in the delusion that it will be accepted by the people as superior being and therefore will be perpetually elected.

Here is where Freud and Heidegger can be applied in the study of the PNC in power, 2015-2020.

Of course there were serious flaws in the five year old rule of the PNC that the philosophies of Freud and Heidegger cannot explain but in a generalized way many of the concepts of Freud and Heidegger (especially how the “pleasure principle” and “das Man” function) will explain many of the selfdestructive things the PNC did that caused it to lose power.

It is important to understand that both Heidegger and Freud offered a way out of the compelling power of the “ID” and “das

Frederick Kissoon Man.” Throughout the entire body of his work, Freud went into meticulous details in offering civilization pathways to avoid the relentless expressions of the “ID.” In his masterpiece, “Being and Time,” described a compelling vision of existence that can defeat “das Man” and achieve a u t h e n t i c i t y, w h a t Heidegger's student and lover, the great philosopher Hannah Arendt referred to as resoluteness symptomatic of a sensibility to uncertainty turned on its head.”

The PNC refused to avoid “das Man” and ruled with false superiority.

Ironically, it was people like David Hinds who tried to show the PNC it was falsely superior by pointing to its t i n y v i c t o r y, a s e l f destructive impulse which Charrandass pushed it tragically to.

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

Thursday August 27, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Thursday August 27, 2020

Guyana records first successful skull transplant surgery

By Rehanna Ramsay

A

nnalisa Latchman, 24, a single mother from Lima, Essequibo, Region Two, was given a new lease on life after she became the subject of a successful skull transplant operation performed last Saturday.

The surgery – a first of its kind to be conducted in Guyana – was performed by prominent Guyanese neurosurgeon, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

While speaking to the press via zoom yesterday, Dr. Dukhi noted that “the historic procedure,” was conducted following a careful examination and analysis of the patient's condition. The doctor first saw Latchman last July. At the time she had been suffering from excruciating headaches and had a growing indentation on her left side forehead due to her condition.

The condition diagnosed as craniofacial fibrous dysplasia, Dr. Dukhi said, is a bone disease of the face and skull that replaces normal bone with fibrous tissue.

That tissue, the doctor said was not as hard as normal bone; it was more fragile and was pulling about 40 percent of the patient's skull into her brain.

“That's why she had the asymmetrical facial look where the left side was more indented into the brain and the right side was where it should be,” he added, noting that the condition can affect an afflicted person's daily activities.

He added that the disorder could have severely disrupted the functions of Analisa's brain if it had been allowed to progress.

“In Analisa's case, her left eye had begun to recede noticeably,” Dr. Dukhi explained, adding that “her symptoms fit into the classical

Analisa Latchman before and after the skull transplant progression of the disease, which causes distortion of the face.”

According to Dr. Dukhi, the condition only occurs in 10-15 in every 100,000 babies born. The symptoms for persons suffering from craniofacial fibrous dysplasia begin to appear as early as two years old.

“Clinical signs of indentation commence between 10-12 years of age and as the patient begins to grow the signs of indentations become more pronounced,” he said.

Owing to the rarity of the patient's condition and the fact that the treatment which was only available overseas could cost a minimum of US$200,000 – a sum the single mother could not afford – Dr. Dukhi decided to render his services free of cost and perform the surgery locally.

Wi t h t h e a s s i s t a n c e o f businessman and St. Joseph Mercy H o s p i t a l b o a r d m e m b e r, Christopher Fernandes, Dr. Dukhi

and his team were able to carry out the procedure for a fraction of the cost. Latchman and her relatives were only required to come up with US$11,000—just about GYD$2M – and the remainder of the operational expenses was taken on

by Mr. Fernandes and the hospital's team.

To ensure that the team was equipped with everything necessary to carry out a smooth operation, Dr. Dukhi's clinic, NeuroSpine Services Inc., partnered with KLS Martin – a USbased company that creates implants for the entire human body.

The two companies, partnered to recreate an artificial partial skull needed for Latchman's transplant.

Dr. Dukhi explained that to do this, KLS Martin was sent a 3D reconstruction of the CT-SCANS which they used as a guide to recreate the 40 percent of Latchman's brain which was damaged by the craniofacial fibrous dysplasia.

“We were able to send that to KLS Martin and they actually reconstructed the 40 per cent of deficit that we would have been provoked during surgery in Analisa's head. That was amazing because that is very difficult to do without actually seeing the patient's head but thanks to technology and CTScans and MRIs, this is possible and because we have these resources in Guyana it is important that we use them and we use our human resource capacity as we continue to develop health care both in the public and the private sector,” he said. He explained that although the surgery was a success, it was very risky.

“It was a very technical surgery because we had to go all the way on the eye at the orbit…Imagine part of her eyes is now into her brain and we were able to reset her orbit where it was. So, if you look at Analisa now she actually has a nice looking forehead not that indented forehead anymore. Her orbit is back in place and she has good vision.

It was tedious for me because it has two very important nerves that come out which is the facial nerve and the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve. We were able to dissect that very carefully and protect it so there were no injuries to her nerve so there were no repercussions in terms of who she was and her normal functions,” he added.

Given the outcome and the patient's recovery rate, Dr. Dukhi praised his almost all-female surgical team which included Dr. Anna Singh – his protégé neurosurgeon for the past five

Prominent Guyanese neurosurgeon, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi years.

The doctor also noted there were a lot of good Samaritans who helped make the surgery a success, particularly the St Joseph Mercy Hospital and Fernandes.

Dr. Sarah Lall Khan, a relative of the patient expressed her sincere gratitude to Dr. Dukhi and his team as well as the hospital and it staffers. She noted that Latchman had undergone severe suffering for months before Dr. Dukhi stepped in.

Dr. Lall Khan explained that her cousin had seen several doctors, ophthalmologists and neurologists – but no one could have diagnosed her condition.

“She had undergone several MRI and CT scans but all the doctors were treating her for was the pain which was the symptom because they could not find the source of the problem… but from the time Dr. Dukhi saw her, he diagnosed on the spot. He diagnosed her and came up with a treatment plan on our very first visit,” she said.

According to her, he explained that “cranio facial fibrous dysplasia, is a condition that babies are born with and showed us how the entire frontal lobe is being squeezed because of the bone pressing it back, causing the pain and abnormalities.”

“We are very grateful that she is no longer in pain and can go on to lead a normal life again,” Lall Khan added.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (continued on page 16)

Dr. Dukhi and his mostly female surgical team

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 27, 2020

Police to seek DPP's advice on doctor's drowning

P

olice are in the process of seeking advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the alleged drowning of a prominent Guyanese doctor at Parika Back, East Bank Essequibo.

The prominent doctor, Michael George, 31, of La J a l o u s i e , We s t C o a s t Demerara, died on Sunday last during a 'hangout' with friends at a waterside located in the area.

According to reports, at around 16:00hrs, George changed off his clothes walked into the water and disappeared. Police said that those present went in search of George immediately.

Some 10 minutes later the doctor was pulled from the water. His friends conducted Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to revive him but their attempts were futile.

Police ranks who visited the scene observed that the doctor's body bore no marks of violence. Nevertheless, George's family speculated that there might have been foul play involved.

One of George's best friends told this publication that he did not know how to swim. This was confirmed by family members who related to another section of the media that George himself had told them that whenever he is at the

did not plunge into the water but walked in.

As a result the police will prepare a full report and seek advice from the DPP to launch an investigation into the matter.

George is said to be the father of two and a valedictorian of University of Guyana's class of 2010 where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in chemistry. He was also successful in obtaining a PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Alberta. Up to the time of his death, George was working as a lecturer at t h e Te x i l a A m e r i c a n University, Guyana.

DEAD: Dr. Michael George waterside, he never goes into the water because he can't swim.

Police, however, decided that it is best to wait on an autopsy report which will determine what exactly caused the man's death.

The post mortem was conducted yesterday and it was revealed that George had died from drowning compounded by blunt trauma to the head.

This revelation has sparked some controversy since those present had told the investigators that George

“If that is a threat...

From page 3 company and not Guyana.

Routledge was quick to note that he does not believe that the deal is lopsided, but rather, a representation of “aligned interests”. He said, too, that if the contract was “more challenging” for ExxonMobil “then to be honest, I don't think in this environment, investment dollars would be coming to Guyana currently.”

The official continued, “It is a global business and especially in these days where commodity prices have fallen, the investment dollars will flow to where it is competitive.

As I said in opening remarks, Guyana is one of the better portfolio opportunities for us but it is not the only one and, indeed, if we don't get the agreement

we are looking for on Payara, the investment dollars will go elsewhere in ExxonMobil's portfolio.”

Further to this, Routledge said that there are benefits to reviewing oil deals without moving to renegotiation. In this regard, he said that both parties get an opportunity to understand what is required of each other and if those requirements are being met.

He said, too, that it provides an opportunity to examine what other areas in the contract both parties can work on together to maximize value. In this regard, Routledge noted that local content is one of those areas. “While we have made a lot of progress...there is still much more that can be done,” the official concluded.

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Thursday August 27, 2020

New vehicles handed over to AEA, GDF rank shot suspected Regional SEN Diagnostic Centre in execution attempt

A

Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, handing over keys to Coordinator of the Regional Special Education Needs/Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Mr. Keon Cheong. Also in photo is AEA Executive Director, Patricia David.

T

h e A d u l t Education Association of Guyana (AEA) and the Regional Special Education Needs/Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre are the beneficiaries of two new vehicles from the Ministry of Education to aid in their operations.

The keys to the vehicles were handed over yesterday

by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alfred King.

He said that the provision of the two vehicles is part of the Ministry completing its 2019 Capital programme.

He said that equipping the institutions with the vehicles will improve the services they offer and will allow students the opportunity to get the foundation necessary to reach higher levels of learning. The Permanent Secretary noted that the AEA has been doing a

“marvelous� job at providing students who missed out on a formal secondary education a chance to recover by teaching them the various life skills.

Regarding the Regional Special Education Needs/Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, King said that the centre is relatively new and has been a meaningful addition to the Ministry.

He said that the centre is able to diagnose individual students who have learning challenges and administer treatment and therapy to ensure learning takes place.

Following the handingover exercise, AEA Executive Director, Patricia David, said that the vehicle will assist the office in carrying out its duties and also facilitate the movement of the management team to centres in outlying communities.

The Coordinator of the Regional Special Education Needs/Disability Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Keon Cheong, noted that the vehicle will help to transport children to the centre so that they can access support and undergo the required therapy sessions while assisting staff to perform their duties.

member of the G u y a n a Defence Force (GDF) was on Tuesday night shot in a suspected execution attempt at First Street, Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

The GDF rank has been identified as Lance Corporal, Taidell Mathand, 30, of 468 Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

According to reports, around 20:00hrs, Mathand was at the street corner chatting with some friends when he received a phone call. Kaieteur News was informed that Mathand went over to the other side of the road and was talking on his phone when two men clad in hoodies approached him.

One of the men, who was armed with a handgun, reportedly fired a single shot hitting Mathand to the right side chest. It was revealed that while the men escaped, Mathand ran from the scene but collapsed some distance away.

He was rushed to the Lance Corporal, Medical Unit at GDF's Taidell Mathand Timehri Base but was later transferred to the has since been discharged Georgetown Public Hospital from hospital.

Corporation (GPHC).

The matter was reported According to a source, the and an investigation was bullet missed Mathand vital launched. No arrest has been arteries and organs and he made as yet.

PPP/C Govt. and UK eye strategic partnerships

D

uring a courtesy call yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat, met with the outgoing High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Greg Quinn and Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Ray Davidson who will be acting in the post.

The meeting was convened to discuss areas of collaboration and partnerships between the two countries, particularly in the natural resources sector.

The dialogue centered on capacity building within the oil and gas sector, forestry, and Guyana's access to UK markets for greenheart lumber and forest products, among other issues relating

to Brexit and possible collaboration for future trade.

Meanwhile, Minister Bharrat used the opportunity

to extend appreciation to High Commissioner Quinn for his sterling service to Guyana and wished him well in all future endeavours.

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 27, 2020

PAGE 15

Rise in COVID-19 cases Suspects in Canadian linked to asymptomatic citizen's murder to be persons, increased testing charged

A

symptomatic cases, increased testing are the two main contributing factors to the rise in Guyana's COVID-19 numbers, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said.

According to the Minister, the new positive COVID-19 cases reported daily, suggest that for months, hundreds of cases had gone undetected. Since assuming office, the PPP/C government ordered mass testing to be conducted in all regions of Guyana.

An update from the Ministry of Health indicates that confirmed cases are now over 1000 with over 600 new cases being recorded in early August.

During a recent live streamed interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Dr. Anthony explained that he expects more new cases to be confirmed in the coming days.

“It is going to go up more because as we are increasing the number of tests and because we are doing so we are going to see more positives… In the past, testing was very restricted, there were very strict criteria to do the test and therefore you would have had to be displaying symptoms of COVID before you got a

- Dr Frank Anthony

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony test,” he noted.

The Minister noted too that a large percentage of persons are asymptomatic.

“When we looked at what is happening in other parts of the world, lots of people are asymptomatic… they are unaware because they have no signs or symptoms,” the Minister noted.

Added to this, he noted that, previously, less testing was done because there were limited test kits.

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

A n t h o n y, t h e P P P / C administration, upon

assuming office this very month, managed to garner test kits from various donor agencies countries and organisations to further Guyana's push to identify and contain the spread of COVID-19.

He said that with this huge demand for more tests, the Ministry is working assiduously to build testing capacity and have more test samples processed daily.

Test samples are being collected countrywide, something Minister Anthony said was not happening before.

For instance, Regions Five and Six which were previously deemed COVID- free is now seeing scores of persons coming forward to have tests done.

Meanwhile, the facilities established in Region Four, namely Herstelling, Paradise, Georgetown, along with the mobile units have seen as much as 400 plus samples taken daily to be processed.

Dr. Anthony said too, more private facilities along with another government facility will be supporting the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in processing the high number of tests.

Religious leaders implicated...

From page 7

that this is a prudent commercial impossibility.”

“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 investment services since 2017.”

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

“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.”

Meanwhile, the DPP yesterday made it clear that the matter of a police complaint on Accelerated had come to its attention earlier this year, but there were no evidence of wrongdoings as contained in the statements. “…the Office of the DPP wishes to confirm that the police file in the matter of “Complaint by Concerned Citizen – Issuance of Citizenship,” was forwarded to these Chambers for legal advice in November 2019 and in April 2020. The police file was first received at these Chambers in November 2019, and based on the

statements contained therein, the file was returned to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for further investigations on the immigration status of Yuri Dominguez and Laicy Pedroso.”

The DPP said that after further investigations were completed, the file was to be returned to the DPP's Office for further legal advice.

“This was done and the file returned to these Chambers in February 2020; legal advice was given based on the information contained in the statements.”

DPP said too that it wished to state categorically that the statements in the police file did not disclose that Garcia-Dominguez was involved in any unlawful activities.

Dead: Nicholas Jaipaul

T

he mastermind and the two other suspects in custody for the murder of Canadian citizen, Nicholas Jaipaul, are expected to be charged before this week expires. Crime Chief, We n d e l l B l a n h u m , confirmed that a 72-hour extension is in place and the file on the matter was sent for legal advice.

Additionally, Kaieteur News was informed that police have since lodged a rental car that was reportedly used by two of the suspects to transport and kill the victim.

It was disclosed by a senior police source that the key suspect in the case acquainted himself with the victim and gained his trust.

On the night Jaipaul went missing, the suspect visited the house where he (Jaipaul) was staying and lured him out.

The other suspect was the driver, while the prime suspect reportedly strangled Jaipaul in the car and later

burnt his body at a Moleson Creek, Upper Corentyne, Berbice location.

Jaipaul had returned to Guyana with his grandfather, Ramkissoon Jaipaul, in January and they were scheduled to return to Canada in May. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions they were forced to stay in Guyana.

Jaipaul went missing two Sunday nights ago prompting his grandfather to

file a report with police.

The following day the grandfather received a call from someone saying that they had his grandson.

The call was traced by police and it led them to a location in Georgetown where the prime suspect was arrested.

He confessed while in police custody and implicated a Corentyne rice farmer and another person who he said is a relative.

They were all arrested.

PAGE 16

Thursday August 27, 2020

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil President says...

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ExxonMobil's Country Manager,Alistair Routledge yesterday said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be wasting the government's money to take the oil major to Court for fluid spills at its Stabroek Block operations, because it considers the matter to be too small.

The Head of EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams, had announced due to the company's resistance to pay the fines that EPA would go to Court.

Routledgesaid,“Webelieveitis not the best use of the government's money or our money to take such a relatively small issue to court. That is why I asked Dr. Adams that the lawyers speak, and we try to work through those details and try to come to a solution which is more constructive.”

ExxonMobil had argued that the spills of hydraulic fluid are negligible and constitute no significant impact to the natural environment.

Routledge is of the view that the fines imposed by the EPA for the spills do not apply to the company. Despite the fact that Guyana's laws empower the EPA to impose such fines,

ExxonMobil's Guyana Country Manager, Alistair Routledge

ExxonMobil has taken the position that it should not pay.

Routledge was yesterday asked why the company is so reluctant to pay the fines for the spills which occurred at its Liza Phase One project at the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

“The fines, we believe, are not applicable to us,” he told reporters. The company was fined for six spills, each amounting to $100,000 (US$500). Dr. Adams

had told Kaieteur News that Exxon's refusal to pay such meagre fines has left him disappointed and worried about what it could mean for Guyana's future with the oil major as its leading oil producing company.

He said that ExxonMobil's lackadaisical attitude could spell disaster for Guyana, as if the company is so resistant to such small fines, there's no telling how much that attitude could hurt Guyana if Exxon is responsible for a much larger environmental disaster.

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From page 8 main being Mingo's brief period of illness.

When tabulations resumed, Mingo, instead of using the SOPs as required by law, returned with a spreadsheet holding fictitious numbers. Much protest erupted by party representatives especially by the PPP and electoral observers who questioned its origin.

Notwithstanding this, Mingo went ahead and made his first declaration using those figures. It was this declaration that had the signature of PNC/R Chair Volda Lawrence. That declaration was later challenged by the

PPP in the High Court which successfully managed to get them thrown out. The Chief Justice (ag) had sent Mingo back to the drawing board after ruling that he did not employ the lawful procedures necessary for the count. What Mingo did wrong, was not allowing the persons who were rightfully entitled to observe when he placed the figures from the SOPs on to the spreadsheet, if he did at all.

The tabulations then moved to GECOM's Head Office in Kingston, where Mingo made another fraudulent declaration on March 13.

This declaration was also a matter of contention, marred

by a lack of transparency and heavy allegations of electoral fraud. A number of the contesting political parties came to Kaieteur News with reports that Mingo produced inflated SOPs with doctored numbers.

According to the parties, the SOPs were projected in such a way that the numbers were not visible and they were unable to ascertain their accuracy along with the authenticity of the SOPs projected.

When asked to properly view the security features on the documents, the parties were reportedly rejected by Mingo who went ahead and made his second pair of declarations for District Four.

Guyana records first successful...

From page 12 at the Mercy hospital, Deborrah Ramsay, said that the hospital is pleased to partner with Dr. Dukhi.

She said the administration looks forward to more surgeries of its kind, including the possibility of Awake Brain Surgery.

“We are moving into an

area of service coming from Dr. Dukhi in this hospital in a very 21st century way… I am so happy people don't have to travel anymore to do this type of surgery that would cost them five times the amount that it would cost in Guyana. We are very pleased with the partnership,” Ramsay underscored.

Meanwhile, the mother of

one who is on the road to full recovery and is expected to be discharged on August 27 also spoke to the media via zoom.

She expressed her happiness and gratitude to the team of doctors at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and all the donors particularly, Fernandes.

“Special thank you to Dr. Dukhi because I have visited so many doctors and got no help but the first visit to him, he told me about it and I must say that I am very grateful to him and special thank you to the Administration of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Mr. Fernandes,” she said.

Thursday August 27, 2020

Kaieteur News

President Irfaan Ali during the virtual meeting on advancing the National COVID-19 response, yesterday, at State House

National COVID-19 response needed to safeguard nation

Y

e s t e r d a y President Irfaan Ali convened a virtual, emergency multistakeholder meeting to discuss urgent issues related to strengthening and advancing the National COVID-19 response. The meeting was held at State House. “These discussions are vital as we seek to send a singular message on national efforts. Together, we can develop a National COVID19 response to protect and

- President tells emergency multi-stakeholder meeting safeguard all Guyanese,�

President Ali told the stakeholders, a statement from his office noted.

The meeting discussed the need to ensure that there is a balance between the health of the economy and the health and wellbeing of the citizens. It also examined how to enhance the capacity of the retrofitted Infectious

Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal to function as an isolation facility, as well as the reopening of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport for commercial travel.

President Ali noted that while such a step is integral to the stabilising and reenergising of the economy, a decision will not be taken without considering the

Barticians who breached COVID-19 regulation fined, given community service

A

number of persons were yesterday fined or given community service

by Magistrate Crystal Lambert, for breaching the COVID-19 regulation.

The defendants made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Lambert in the Bartica Magistrate's Court.

Rickey Benny, David Williams, Anthony Henry,

PAGE 17

Travis James and Harry Tularam, all pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that they breached COVID19 emergency measures. The men were fined $10,000, each for the offence.

Meanwhile, Montana Nurse and Leonard Surrey pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that they too breached COVID-19 emergency measures. They were however given 90 hours

of community service.

A police report revealed too that Simone Lindore and Tesha Kenswil, who are also charged for breaching the COVID-19 measures, failed to make court appearances so their matters have been adjourned to September 14, 2020.

Magistrate Lambert also dismissed charges against Loraine Macgregor and Alecia Macgregor.

safest and most practical model moving forward.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who also attended the meeting, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive analysis of the situation to the creation of sound policies to guide the national COVID19 response.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, outlined Guyana's current status regarding testing and positive cases. The Minister also reiterated the importance of finding the right balance moving forward.

Additionally, PA H O / W H O C o u n t r y Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, noted the key

role of effective monitoring systems in dealing with the p an d e m i c e v e n a s h e emphasized the importance of testing, enforcement and education.

Private Sector representatives and members of the media also attended the meeting. These stakeholders were also given the opportunity to offer their suggestions and input on key aspects to be included in a coordinated plan moving forward. These suggestions centered around strengthening the enforcement of safety measures and protocols, enhancing the training of health personnel; access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); the

importance of strengthened i n t e r - a g e n c y communications amongst all stakeholders and the adoption of the best strategy moving forward.

Following the discussions, the President pledged to continue engaging all stakeholders as his government moves towards formalizing a concerted strategy to take the country forward.

He also assured that all the concerns raised in the discussions will be examined.

The President also informed the meeting that sub-committees will be established to tackle pressing COVID-19 related issues head on.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 27, 2020

Thursday August 27, 2020

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 20

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 27, 2020

Thursday August 27, 2020

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

James Anderson Warriors looking for improved batting returns to top ten after performance against TKR today

By Zaheer Mohamed The Guyana Amazon Warriors will take on Trinbago Knight Riders, while St. Lucia Zouks will face St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots when the Caribbean Premier League continues today at Queen’s Park Oval.

With the aim of securing their place in the final four, the Warriors technical staff will be looking for an improved batting performance so that their bowlers can have a decent total to defend.

Warriors’ skipper, Australian Chris Green had said that they want to be peaking at the back end of the tournament, but the focus should now be to reach the

final four, and unless their batting clicks this seems a difficult task.

Green said that they were unable to consolidate in their low scoring defeat to the Jamaica Tallawahs.

“We weren’t able to consolidate; the batting really needs to start standing up.

This wicket suited spin and the guys were caught in two minds.

We saw a lot of dot balls than we usually do. We need to discuss what’s the best way to play, we have got the quality, the guys need to put their hands up and do some hard work. We need one of our top four batters to bat through and set a plat

form.”

The batting in this tournament has been below par and captains have noted that the lack of practice has contributed; this may be so since prior and proper preparation is necessary for success.

The pitches have been bowlers friendly and this may not change as the tournament continues.

However, while some have sighted the lack of preparation as a reason not to reach their peak so far in the tournament, the batsmen, both regional and overseas should have adopted better by now; form is temporary, but class

Thursday August 27, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) All things domestic are highlighted, Aries. It could be that you've finally called the plumber or set out to do those household repairs yourself. New people are likely to come into your life.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Keep your mind open to any and all possibilities today, Taurus. It's likely that you'll encounter someone who imparts valuable information.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your ship could come in today. It will happen unexpectedly, and it may take you some time to adjust to this sudden financial windfall.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You're likely aware of your writing abilities, Cancer, but you may not realize the extent of your talent. It would be worthwhile to devote more time to your craft.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're likely aware of your writing abilities, but you may not realize the extent of your talent.

It would be worthwhile to devote more time to your craft.This "new and improved" you tunes in to the thoughts and feelings of others and responds in thoughtful, caring ways.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Even though you probably aren't getting on a plane today, Virgo, you would love to at some point in the future. Your wanderlust is back and you're bound for the wild blue yonder yet again.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Positive change rarely happens without effort. Keep this in mind as transformation occurs quickly. You may feel as though you're in the middle of a whirlpool.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You have natural leadership abilities, and today would be an ideal day to make use of this talent. In the past you may have hesitated to step forward and implement your ideas.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you feel in control and on top of the world. You can do anything, Sagittarius. This would be an auspicious time to begin a new project or creative endeavor.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Friendship could turn into romance if you aren't careful, Capricorn. A platonic relationship could turn passionate, and no one would be more surprised than you.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you wake up feeling reinvigorated and renewed, Aquarius. You feel as though you can accomplish anything. And very likely, today you can. Anything you set your mind and attention to works out beautifully.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) People often see you as shy and reserved, but of course you know that you're really very friendly once you relax.

Today you find it unusually easy to interact with others.

is permanent.

The batting is a major concern for the Warriors management and they may have to create a competitive culture in the team which may see an improvement from the batsmen.

Poor shot selection has been the downfall of most of the top order batters who have been around at this level for some time, and are not short of talent and experience.

Cricket like other sports requires over 70 percent application from above the shoulders to be successful; while batting in partnerships and rotating the strike are of utmost important in setting or chasing totals, the batsmen have not shown that the type of application needed.

Shimron Hetmyer got two half centuries at the start of the tournament, but he didn’t capitalize in the other matches, while Sherfane Rutherford has not done his talent justice so far. Nicholas Pooran has done well and a lot will depend on him for sizeable totals since Ross Taylor is not in the best of form. Romario Shepherd is too talented a player to be sitting on the bench for so long while Kevin Sinclair, a talented batsman and useful o ff - s p i n n e r, s h o u l d b e given a chance to prove his worth since he was one of the standouts in the last Regional Super50.

Chandrapaul Hemraj should be brought back in the playing eleven since Anthony Bramble looked out of form.

The Warriors bowling has been good with new boy Ashmead Nedd being one of the finds so far, and against a powerful Knight Riders batting, the bowling must continue with their consistency.

Green noted that his bowlers have been doing simple things well and the fielding has been good, but the batsmen need to step up.

T h e Wa r r i o r s h a v e played unbeaten until their defeated to Barbados Tridents in the final of last y e a r ’s c o m p e t i t i o n a n d certainly their fans are expecting them, especially the batsmen, to do much better than they have done so far in this year’s edition.

Zouks and Patriots fixture will commence at 10:00hrs w h i l e t h e Wa r r i o r s a n d TKR will battle from 17:30hrs.

Southampton seven-for

ESPNcricinfo - Three England players made big strides in the rankings in the rain-hit third and final Test against Pakistan: James Anderson’s seven wickets in the match - which took him to 600 Test wickets, the first seam bowler to get to the mark - put him at No. 8 among bowlers, while Zak Crawley and Jos Buttler rose in the batsmen’s chart after hitting 267 and 152 respectively in England’s only innings.

Anderson reaching the 600-wicket milestone was the story of the Test match, but Crawley was named Player of the Match for his mammoth double-century, his first three-figure score in his eighth Test. It was the second-highest maiden Test century by an English batsman and the seventhhighest overall, and gave him a lift of 53 positions in the list for batsmen to No. 28 with 605 rating points, both career highs.

Only Ben Stokes (No. 8), Joe Root (No. 9) and Buttler, who got to the 21st position after hitting his career-best score, are ahead of Crawley for England in the rankings.

Anderson had dropped out of the top ten, but the former world No. 1 got right back in to slot in at No. 8. In

Southampton, not only did Anderson reach the 600wicket mark in Tests, he also recorded his 29th five-wicket haul in Tests, in Pakistan’s first innings, before striking twice more in the second innings.

There wasn’t much joy for Pakistan, apart from Azhar Ali and Mohammad Rizwan moving up the batsmen’s rankings. Ali’s 141 in their first innings took him up 11 spots to No. 23, while Rizwan, who hit 53 in the first innings to build on the 72 in the previous Test, got to the 72nd spot, a jump of three positions.

At the end of the series, which England won 1-0 after winning the first Test by three wickets, the home side’s prospects of reaching the final of the World Test Championship had taken a hit.

The WTC schedule is not halfway through yet, with 14 out of 27 series remaining, but England, after four series, are in third place behind India and Australia with just two series left - in Sri Lanka and in India - while Pakistan are further behind, at No. 5, with the second Test of their home series against Bangladesh, a tour of New Zealand and another home series against South Africa still to be played.

PAGE 22

Thursday August 27, 2020

Kaieteur News

CWI announces West Indies Women’s Squad for Sandals Tour of England ST. JOHN’S, AntiguaCricket West Indies (CWI) selection panel has named an eighteen (18) member T20I squad for the Sandals West Indies Women’s Tour of England 2020. The West Indies Women will play five (5) T20 Internationals (T20I) against England Women from September 21-30, at the Incora County Ground, Derby.

The touring party, who will all be tested for COVID19 this week, are scheduled to fly to England on a private charter on August 30.

The West Indies Women’s squad will live, train and play in a “bio-secure” environment during the four weeks of the tour, as part of the comprehensive medical and operations plans to ensure player and staff safety which will restrict movement in and out of the venues.

All players were given the option to decline selection for any Covid-19 related concern. Anisa Mohammed was the only potential selectee who declined the invitation to travel to England. CWI fully respects her decision to choose to do so.

Kaysia Schultz is the only uncapped played in the squad. Fourteen players of the touring party were part of the West Indies Women’s squad that participated at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, earlier this year.

Lead Selector for Women’s and Girls cricket, Ann Browne-John said, “It is with pleasure that we are able once again to have our West Indies Women’s team involved at the International level. This tour to England gives our players a great opportunity. The larger eighteen (18) member squad also gives an opportunity to have young developing players involved; like the two players from Guyana, left-arm

- Five Guyanese included

Shabika Gajnabi (left) and Cherry Ann Fraser bowler Kaysia Shultz and allrounder Shabika Gajnabi. It also gives the opportunity to the young Trinidadian off spinner Karishma Ramharack to get some international experience.”

CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams told CWI Media, “CWI is pleased to be restarting its international women’s program with a tour to England, where the standard of women’s cricket has grown tremendously. We thank the ECB for their initiation and the added opportunity to travel with a larger squad affords us the chance to introduce a few younger players to this level of the game, and fast track their development. With so much uncertainty surrounding cricket scheduling currently, this is a timely opportunity for our women to resume competitive cricket at the highest level.”

West Indies Women are scheduled to arrive in Derby on August 31 and will be based in at the Derbyshire Cricket Ground for the duration of the tour.

The tour will be broadcast here in the Caribbean across ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Play platforms and in the UK on

Kaysia Shultz

Sky Sports with a live simulcast on both the BBC and Sky Sports for the third T20I. The West Indies Women’s squad; Stafanie Taylor, Afy Fletcher, Hayley Matthews, Aaliyah Alleyne, Cherry Ann Fraser, NatahsaMcLean, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Chedean Nation, Britney Cooper, Sheneta Grimmond, Karismha Ramharack, Sharmila Connell, Chinelle Henry, Kaysia Schultz, Deandra Dottin, Lee Ann Kirby and Shakera Selman.

West Indies Women’s Team Management Unit 1.

Andre Coley Interim Head Coach 2.

Esuan Crandon Assistant Coach 3.

Corey Collymore Assistant Coach 4. Dr. Praimanand Singh Team Doctor/Physician 5.

Tajay Grant Physiotherapist 6.

Shayne Cooper S&C Coach 7.

Nkoyo Meade Massage Therapist 8.

Gary Belle Team Analyst 9.

Sheena Gooding Interim Team Logistics Manager 10. Naasira Mohammed Media and Content Officer 11.

Steve Liburd Development Coach 12. Ann Browne-John Lead Selector Match Schedule Monday September 21: 1st Vitality IT20, England v West Indies Wednesday September 23: 2nd Vitality IT20, England v West Indies Saturday September 26: 3rd Vitality IT20, England v West Indies Monday September 28: 4th Vitality IT20, England v West Indies Wednesday September 30: 5th Vitality IT20, England v West Indies

Mayers rises above in spin dominated match CPL - The spinners ran riot on both sides, but Kyle Mayers was brutal off the seamers to give the Barbados Tridents a total that proved well out of reach of a misfiring Jamaica Tallawahs batting lineup that badly missed the injured Andre Russell. All had looked lost after Mujeeb ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane had worked their magic, but Mayers smashed 29 off a Carlos Brathwaite over that proved absolutely pivotal.

Mujeeb did for both Tridents openers - an offbreak turned big to trap Shai Hope LBW and a carrom ball to Johnson Charles took the edge for Tallawahs skipper Rovman Powell to take a good catch at slip.

Veerasammy Permaul played his first game of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season replacing Russell, and he started well until Kyle Mayers lofted him for six over extra cover. Mayers repeated the trick off Edwards and the Tridents reached the Powerplay at 37/2.

Holder lifted Permaul onto the rope at long-on, and Mayers took a liking to Powell in an over that went for 17.

Brathwaite didn’t escape punishment as Mayers timed him over point, bringing up a 50 partnership off just 29 balls. Powell went to Lamichhane, whose googlies restricted Mayers and Holder to three off the 10th over. At halfway, the Tridents were 79/ 2.

20 balls later, that was 90/ 6. Brathwaite bounced out Holder, Rashid Khan’s promotion lasted two balls as he sliced a Lamichhane legbreak to backward point, Mujeeb skidded a carrom ball onto Corey Anderson’s stumps and Lamichhane beat Ashley Nurse’s slog-sweep with a googly.

Mujeeb could have had Mayers had a close LBW shout been given or had Glenn Phillips held a catch, but with the Afghan and Nepalese combining for 5/30, little did we know how crucial that would prove. Brathwaite disappeared to all parts as Mayers launched four Hero Maximums, and even good death bowling saw the Tridents end on a competitive looking total.

Santner started superbly, bowling Phillips as part of a wicket-maiden. Chadwick Walton flayed Holder for four and pulled him for a Hero Maximum, but the Tridents captain nicked him off with a Test match-style seaming

Kyle Mayers made his first T20 half-century, Jamaica Tallawahs v Barbados Tridents, Port-of-Spain, CPL, August 26, 2020 © Randy Brooks - CPL T20 / Getty beauty. Santner followed up with another fine over, and the Tallawahs were 13/2 after three.

Walsh Jr went for just three runs, all due to misfields including a dropped catch.

Blackwood’s first boundary was a thick inside edge off Holder, and the captain’s extra bounce did for his opposite number Rovman Powell who gloved down the leg-side to the keeper.

At 22/3 off 5 overs, the Tallawahs were precariously placed, and that was before Rashid Khan came on for the last over of the Powerplay.

The required run rate was now approaching nine an over.

Walsh Jr spilled a tough caught-and-bowled off Blackwood, but finally got his first wicket of Hero CPL 2020 as Asif holed out to long-off to plunge the Tallawahs into even deeper strife. The legspinner celebrated with a huge roar of delight.

Ashley Nurse went for just five off two overs, and Walsh Jr beat Blackwood on both edges to leave the Tallawahs 36/4 needing 11 an over off the last 10 with three overs of Rashid still to face.

In a familiar tale, the Tallawahs had failed to score off 44 of the first 60 balls.

Things seemed to be picking up after the break.

Bonner pulled Walsh Jr for the first boundary in 37 balls, Blackwood joined with a Hero Maximum to put a slight dent in Walsh Jr’s figures, and the two scored off every ball of Rashid’s second over including a boundary.

But Santner’s return did the trick. Blackwood hit one big Hero Maximum over the sightscreen, but a slower ball deceived him into holing out to long-on. Rashid capped a

horrible night for Brathwaite, pinning him LBW with a fast googly, and after a minirecovery the Tallawahs were 68/6 off 14 and needed 13.5 an over.

Santner finished a brilliant spell - 20 off his 24 balls were dot balls and a Hero Maximum was his only boundary conceded. Bonner hammered Raymon Reifer for a Hero Maximum, but Permaul took nine balls to get off the mark, and with the Tallawahs needing 17.25 an over, Bonner took it upon himself to farm the strike.

Rashid ended the Tallawahs’ last faint hope, as Bonner tried to pull an unpullable ball and Anderson held the top-edge. Mujeeb deposited his countryman for a pair of Hero Maximums, but even so the required run rate at the end of the over was higher than when it started.

Mujeeb continued his fun with a reverse hook off Nyeem Young, but the youngster made a contribution taking an excellent catch diving forward at deep point to give Reifer the wicket of the scratchy Permaul.

Reifer made it two when Mujeeb tried to reverse sweep a middle-stump yorker, and in the end the only thing missing for the Tridents was a wicket for Young. Russell or no Russell, the Tallawahs batters need to find some answers fast.

Scores: Barbados Tridents 148/7 (Mayers 85, Santner 20*, J Holder 15; Mujeeb 3/14, Lamichhane 2/16, Edwards 1/25) beat Jamaica Tallawahs 112/9 (Bonner 31, Blackwood 28, Mujeeb 18; Santner 2/10, Reifer 2/13, J Holder 2/18, Rashid 2/33, Walsh Jr 1/17) by 36 runs.

Thursday August 27, 2020

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Dwayne Bravo becomes first bowler to 500 wickets in T20s ESPNcricinfo - West Indies allrounder Dwayne Bravo became the first bowler to take 500 wickets in T20 cricket in his 459th match.

Fourteen years after his debut in the format. Bravo, turning out for Trinbago Knight Riders, picked up the wicket of St Lucia Zouks opener Rahkeem Cornwall to achieve the feat. The wicket also happened to be his 100th in the Caribbean Premier League, making him the first man to that mark. Bravo had also been the first to 300 and 400 T20 wickets as well. Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga is second on the list of T20 wicket-takers, with 390 wickets from 295 matches.

“First of all thanks to the almighty god for allowing me to be the first,” Bravo said during a touchline interview with broadcaster Star Sports.

It’s a great journey, I want to say thanks to all my teammates. Thanks to all the teams that I play for around the world. To be able to achieve that right here at home…this is where I started playing cricket you know? At age 8.

It’s where it all started for me and I can’t be a more happier [sic] person to get that 500 here at the Queen’s Park Oval. “

The match may have been behind closed doors, but Dwayne Bravo had family and friends around him to celebrate his 500th wicket, Trinbago Knight Riders v St Lucia Zouks, CPL, August 26, 2020 © CPL T20 via Getty Images Bravo’s is one of the most storied careers in the T20 format, and the 36-year-old medium-pacer has played for as many as 23 teams including the West Indies, having been a batting allrounder in his younger days.

After injury setbacks, Bravo had to reinvent his game to prolong his white-ball career and with his utility, became a mainstay for every franchise team he has since played for.

In the IPL alone, he has

taken 147 wickets, finishing as the top wicket-taker in the 2013 and 2015 seasons turning up for Chennai Super Kings. That is his highest return in a league, with the CPL being second.

“I saw you guys put up

No Narine, no problem for Bravo inspired TKR CPL - Darren Bravo eased the Trinbago Knight Riders past the St Lucia Zouks in a DLS adjusted chase to keep their 100% Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 record intact, on a day where his elder brother made history.

DJ Bravo became the first bowler to reach 500 T20 wickets, and 100 Hero CPL wickets to boot as the Knight Riders showed that, even without Sunil Narine, they are a formidable team.

The Zouks started aggressively - Andre Fletcher lofted Ali Khan for a Hero Maximum but fell next ball, Pierre taking a fine catch at third man. The fit-again Rakheem Cornwall was unfazed and hit the ball after Fletcher’s dismissal for six, and the Zouks flew to 32/1 after three overs.

But then Cornwall drove aerially, Munro took a good catch, and on his home ground Bravo became the founding member of T20 cricket’s 500 Club.

He soon made it 501 - a portentous number on a ground with a pavilion named for Brian Lara - by yorking Roston Chase, and after a strong start the Zouks had stuttered to 43/3 off the Powerplay.

Pollard went with Fawad Ahmed and himself after the Powerplay to keep the pressure on. They did so with aplomb, conceding only 15 runs in four overs and not giving up a single boundary.

At halfway, the Zouks were 58/3 and hadn’t found the fence for 32 balls.

48 year old Pravin Tambe, the first Indian to play the Hero CPL, only got one over, but it was an eventful one.

Najibullah Zadran hit a Hero Maximum and a four, but Tambe had the last laugh.

Najibullah misread the googly and gave Pollard a simple catch at cover, and Tambe had his own little moment of history.

Mohammad Nabi was busy, cutting Pollard for four, but with Mark Deyal scratchy, Fawad’s over went for just four and Pollard finished his spell tightly, leaving the Zouks searching for rhythm at 93/4 off 14 overs.

Nabi tried to provide it, sweeping Fawad for four and launching him for a Hero Maximum, but Fawad finished strong by ending Deyal’s struggles.

Zouks captain Daren Sammy decided the situation called for himself, but Pierre returned with another good over and the Zouks entered

the last four overs at 109/5.

Sammy had a few lusty swings but missed them all, and was eventually trapped LBW by Pierre. That was the last action before the rain came, and one wonders how many runs Nabi being starved of strike took off the Knight Riders’ adjusted target.

Nabi sparked hope with the ball, trapping Lendl Simmons LBW for a second ball duck.

Munro though was positive, sweeping for four then a Hero Maximum to get the Knight Riders up and running. Scott Kuggeleijn didn’t help matters for the Zouks, firing down five wides in an over that went for 11.

Kesrick Williams was on the money, as both Munro and emergency opener Tion Webster found long-on to leave the Knight Riders three down and with Pollard and Darren Bravo yet to face a ball.

Pollard though didn’t last long - he got off the mark with a classy flick for four off Chemar Holder, but the young Bajan responded with one that jagged back off the seam to take an inside edge that was very well caught by Fletcher.

After four overs, the Knight Riders needed 35 off 30 balls but were four down.

Nabi returned, but Bravo and Tim Seifert managed five singles off him to keep the Knight Riders ahead of the DLS par. Seifert had only faced three balls in the whole tournament before today, but was busy and inventive. A flick over his shoulder off Kuggeleijn raced for four, and the Knight Riders needed 22 off the last three overs.

Darren Bravo brought up a milestone of his own off Williams, his 100th Hero CPL six, to reduce the equation to a run a ball. Holder was excellent at the death in the Zouks’ own DLS victory against the Guyana Amazon Warriors and was trusted with the penultimate over here, but Bravo hammered Hero Maximum no.101 to make victory a formality.

Seifert drove for four to finish it with an over to spare and send the Knight Riders clear at the top of the table.

Scores: Trinbago Knight Riders 75/4 (DM Bravo 23*, Seifert 18*, Munro 17; Williams 2/17, Nabi 1/15, C Holder 1/24) beat St Lucia Zouks 111/6 (Nabi 30*, Najibullah 21, Cornwall 18; DJ Bravo 2/ 7, Tambe 1/15, Pierre 1/19, Fawad 1/21) by 6 wickets (DLS target 72 off 9 overs).

on the board that the one I dismissed the most was Pollard,” Bravo said when he was asked about hitting the milestones for 300, 400 and 500 wickets.

“I had no idea actually that Pollard was the most dismissed. You know he’s my very good friend. To have a high quality player like that at the top of the list…I enjoy the battle. This is a batsman’s game. We bowlers have it very hard. My position is I bowl at the back end of the innings to some quality players. So yes, I accept the fact that I go for runs, but as you can see I also get wickets as well. And that is a part of the game. For me to dominate a batsman friendly game like this - I’m happy.”

Most of Bravo’s wickets 283 - have come in the last five overs of a T20 match, where he is generally most used by all his franchises. The 500th, however, came with the new ball as Bravo had Cornwall miscue an attempted drive in the second over of the innings.

“They get off to a pretty decent start. Once again Polly said to me, try and see if I can get an over in, in the Powerplay. I don’t normally bowl in the Powerplay. But like I said, I want to do what the team requires,” Bravo said.

“Cornwall is a very dangerous player. I gave him a Yorker, I gave him a slower ball, I gave him a Yorker again

and then I said now I have to go hard length again. And it worked. Straight to Munners [Colin Munro]. As Munners said, he’s part of history now!

I think everyone is happy for me and I’m happy for myself and again my team-mates are the ones, they could take some credit as well.”

Bravo, 36, has his eyes firmly set on the next T20 World Cup as well, having come out of retirement to rejoin the West Indies team.

That decision was taken preCovid-19, which has wreaked havoc with the cricket calendar. The T20 World Cup is now scheduled for October 2021, but a good CPL, followed by a good IPL could put Bravo one step closer to his wish of becoming champion once more.

“Of course [I’m still hungry],” he said. “This is what I was born to do. At age 8 is when I found the love for cricket. Said to the guys before, even though there’s no fans, people ask how does it feel to play without any fans.

I say for me it don’t really affect me. It’s good to have fans in the stand, whether it’s 500, five people, or a thousand. [But] we have to play the game in one way full intensity, play with passion, play with heart and play fair. And that’s how I’ve played throughout my life. So whether there’s fans or not, I’ll be able to play one way.”

Serena stunned by Sakkari...

From page 23 surged to a 5-0 lead in the decider and completed the upset win on her eighth match point with a powerful forehand.

Sakkari said she did not play well but was delighted with the victory over the third seed.

“I knew it was going to be an ugly match from my side but I’m extremely happy with the result,” Sakkari said.

“She’s a role model for me and many others. What she has achieved in our sport is unique and I don’t know if anyone else is going to do it again.”

Sakkari next faces Briton Johanna Konta, who got past Vera Zvonareva 6-4 6-2.

Earlier, Naomi Osaka put on a solid serving performance to beat Dayana Yastremska 6-3 6-1 and advance to the quarter-finals where she will face Anett Kontaveit, who beat Marie Bouzkova 6-3 6-3.

Osaka fired eight aces to zero for Yastremska and needed just over an hour to dispatch the 20-year-old Ukrainian.

“The serve is a really important part of my game and I just need to tune it up,” said fourth seed Osaka, who was playing in just her second WTA singles match since the Tour resumed.

“The percentage still wasn’t that high today so hopefully as I play more matches it’ll get better.”

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka improved her record against Alize Cornet to 7-0 with a 6-4 7-5 win to advance to the quarter-finals, where the Belarusian will meet Ons Jabeur, who beat Christina McHale 6-3 6-0.

The tournament, the final tune-up before the U.S. Open Grand Slam, is being played at Flushing Meadows in New York instead of Cincinnati due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 27, 2020

Bucks boycott yesterday’s Game 5 against Magic Yahoo Sports - LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Milwaukee Bucks have decided to boycott yesterday’s Game 5 of their first-round series against the Orlando Magic.

Milwaukee never took the court for pregame warmups for the 4 p.m. ET on start.

Orlando was warming up for about 15 minutes before Magic players left the floor after coming to terms with the fact that their opponents would not join them.

This protest is in reaction to Kenosha, Wisconsin, police shooting African American Jacob Blake multiple times Sunday as he tried to get into his vehicle.

His family’s attorney said three of his children — sons ages 3, 5 and 8 — were in the vehicle during the incident.

Blake is hospitalized and underwent surgery Tuesday afternoon.

Players began reaching out to the executive committee in recent days, conveying that they’re not in

the right frame of mind to play basketball, sources said.

The Bucks released a statement on Monday, condemning the local police department.

“The Bucks organization is praying for the recovery of Jacob Blake, who was shot multiple times in the back by a police officer at point-blank range in Kenosha, Wisconsin [Sunday]. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. We stand firmly against reoccurring issues of excessive use of force and immediate escalation when engaging the black community.

Our organization will continue to stand for all black lives as we demand accountability and systemic change on behalf of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sylville Smith, Ernest Lacy, Dontre Hamilton, Tony Robinson, Joel Acevedo and countless other victims. We will work to enact policy change so these incidents no longer exist.”

Clippers shatter franchise records in rout of Mavs Paul George and Kawhi Leonard made sure the Los Angeles Clippers had short memories in Game 5 of their Western Conference firstround series against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night near Orlando.

After blowing a 21-point lead and losing on an overtime buzzer-beater in Game 4, the Clippers responded early and often behind George and Leonard, setting franchise playoff records for most points, 3-pointers and shooting percentage in a 154111 win.

George bounced back from three straight sub-par performances against Dallas to score 35 points, and Leonard finished with 32 points and seven rebounds for the Clippers, who took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Montrezl Harrell added 19 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for Los Angeles, which shot 63.1 from the floor and 22-for35 (62.9 percent) from 3point distance.

Game 6 is tonight.

Mavericks star Luka Doncic finished with 22 points and eight rebounds.

He had 43 points, 17 rebounds and 13 assists and hit the game-winner in overtime for the Mavericks in

Game 4.

Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 19 points, Trey Burke had 15 and Maxi Kleber finished with 12 for the Mavericks, who were without 7-foot-3 forward Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis, who averaged 20.4 points and 9.5 rebounds during the regular season, missed his second straight game due to a sore right knee.

The Clippers shot 16-for24 from the floor and forced seven turnovers in the first quarter while building a 19point lead.

Leonard scored 11 points during a 19-0 run during the middle part of the period that turned a 16-9 deficit into a 2816 lead with 4:46 left.

Dallas never got back within single digits.

Landry Shamet, Reggie Jackson and Maurice Morris Sr. sank 3-pointers during the closing minutes of the opening quarter to stretch the lead to 41-22 entering the second.

Another 11-0 run made it 69-42 with 4:22 left in the first half, and Los Angeles eventually took a 76-52 lead into intermission.

Dallas coach Rick Carlisle was ejected for arguing with officials midway through the third quarter.

(Field Level Media)

The Bucks refused to take the court yesterday. (Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo via AP)

GTTA visits Sports Ministry

Members of the GTTA executive flanking Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles Ramson Jr (from Left) Mrs. Deirdre Edghill Treasurer, Mr Andrew Daly Senior Vice President, Minister Ramson, Mr Godfrey Munroe President and General Secretary Mr. Linden Johnson.

Last Friday, the members of the executive committee of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) met with Minister of Sports Mr. Charles Ramson Jr. of the newly elected PPP Government as the Minister engages national sports associations.

The Minister outlined that his approach would be a collaborative and engaging one, indicating that he wanted to provide the framework for sports to grow in Guyana and reach its highest potential.

He outlined that he saw

sports as an industry with the capacity to generate wealth career paths, addressing our social ills, health and as a vehicle for improving the social fabric of our nation.

However, he wanted to use a structured and scientific approach in advancing the developmental agenda, he pledged his and his Ministry’s support in assisting the association’s effort in moving the sport to the next level.

The GTTA President, Godfrey Munroe, while outlining some of the key

projects being undertaken by the association that forms a good platform for the progression of the sport on a sustainable pathway, also took the time to outline some of the keys challenges which included: • Sponsorship for National teams Representing Guyana • Home for the Sport • Elite support for national Team and national team members • Financial

Support for Coaches Grants • Administrative support grants to assist national associations with affiliation fees, creating better administrative structures • Elite support for national Team and national team members Minister Ramson promised that he will work with the association in exploring innovative and collaborative ways to partner with the GTTA in a bid to help develop table tennis in Guyana.

Kaieteur News

Thursday August 27, 2020

Intrigue surrounds Messi’s next move after Barca bombshell

PAGE 25

Samira Duncan

(Reuters) -

W

h e n Barcelona confirmed they had received a request from Lionel Messi’s lawyers informing them he wanted to terminate one of soccer’s longest-standing relationships, the owners of Europe’s biggest clubs would have raised a collective eyebrow.

It was akin to the Mona Lisa suddenly becoming available on the art market, such is Messi’s status in the game despite the fact that he is 33 and the magic might soon begin to fade.

Already the usual suspects are being lined up as Messi’s next club with, not surprisingly, a reunion with his former manager Pep Guardiola at Manchester City the most likely scenario according to the bookmakers.

There is talk of Messi joining forces with Cristiano Ronaldo, his long-term rival as the world’s greatest player, at Juventus or linking-up again with Neymar at Paris St Germain as they bid to end their Champions League jinx.

Inter Milan’s Chinese owners would also see Messi as the player to turn them back into a European force.

Rolling TV sports channels and social media were buzzing with Messi’s Barca bombshell yesterday.

Yet despite the inevitable excitement, it is by no means certain Messi will have multiple options if the split with the Catalan giants he joined as a teenager in 2001 is irreparable.

Messi insists a clause in his contract allows him to leave for free — a scenario that would attract a frenzy of

A statue of Johan Cruyff is seen infront of an image of Lionel Messi outside the Camp Nou after captain Lionel Messi told Barcelona he wishes to leave the club immediately, a source confirmed on Tuesday. (REUTERS/Nacho Doce) suitors.

Barcelona, however, say that clause has expired and a rival club must pay his release clause of 700 million euros ($826 million) if he is to leave without the club’s consent.

Should Barcelona stick to their guns it would knock most potential buyers out of the ball park, especially with Messi’s one million euros per week salary demand.

The marketing men will point to the avalanche of shirt sales and Messi merchandising that the sixtime Ballon d’Or winner would guarantee, not to mention his disciples around the globe swelling the club’s fanbase.

Finances aside, though, there is an even bigger question mark hanging over Messi. Is he a fading force?

It sounds churlish to suggest that of a player who

remains the heartbeat of one of Europe’s biggest clubs for whom he has helped win over 30 trophies, but none last season.

Yet his 31 goals in all competitions last season, impressive by ordinary standards, was not exceptional.

After all, this is a player who holds the La Liga scoring record of 444. He once scored 79 club goals in a calendar year, and is the only player to score more than 40 goals for his club in 10 consecutive seasons.

Messi’s disenchantment with the club’s hierarchy, notably club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, could have been a factor in the transfer request but even a footballing genius cannot defy the passing years.

On the other hand a fresh challenge might spark a golden final chapter to his g l i t t e r i n g c a r e e r. T h e

question is where?

Messi has made no secret of his admiration for the Premier League and Manchester City would seem the most logical fit.

Guardiola would surely relish a reunion with Messi as he rebuilds a side eclipsed

by Liverpool last season.

After their brush with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, even Abu Dhabiowned City might shy away from a 700 million price tag, especially with other areas of the pitch in serious need of strengthening.

Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, might see signing Messi as a way of winning over sceptical fans, while Chelsea’s benefactor Roman Abramovich has re-opened his chequebook with a vengeance and will, like the rest of the soccer world, be closely monitoring events. ($1 = 0.8470 euros)

Serena stunned by Sakkari at Western and Southern Open (Reuters) - Serena Williams was sent spinning out of the Western and Southern Open by Maria Sakkari on Tuesday after the Greek rallied from a set down to beat the 23-times Grand Slam champion 5-7 7-6(5) 6-1 and reach the quarter-finals.

Williams, 38, raced to a 5-2 in the opening set before Sakkari drew level but the American raised her game

again to take the early advantage in the raindelayed contest.

Williams trailed 3-1 in the second set before reeling off four games in a row and was serving for the match when things began to fall apart.

Wo r l d n u m b e r 2 1 Sakkari dragged the set to a tie-breaker before levelling the contest at 1-1, then (Continued on page 21)

Maria Sakkari (GRE) hits the ball against Serena Williams (USA) during the Western & Southern Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

Archery Guyana’s Qualification for World Archery Americas’ event continues A r c h e r y G u y a n a ’s Qualification round of the World Archery Americas’ Online Archery Cup of the Americas continued in sweltering heat on August 23rd and 25th, with an additional 3 males, ( U m a s a n k a r M a d r a y, Nicholas Hing and Robert Singh) and 2 females (Talitha Kissoon and Samira Duncan) recurve archers competing in the 18m distance.

Whilst the competition was strong among the Archers, Umasankar finished the match with 298 points experiencing some difficulties with his new equipment, resulting in an unusually low scoring sequence. Nick Hing started off strong but faltered under the sweltering heat ending the match with a total of 338 points. Senior Indoors and Outdoors Champion Robert Singh was able to sustain a reasonable average under the adverse conditions ending the match with a total of 404 points.

T h e 2 f e m a l e competitors: Junior Female Champion, Talitha Kissoon, showcased her natural talent hitting the 10 spot 5 times but was obviously affected by a lack of match practice ending with a score of 245.

Samira Duncan, also affected by lack of practice had a slow start but her scoring gathered momentum

throughout the match whereby she closed the Match with a total of 347.

The Online Archery Cup of the Americas is a World Archery Americas sanctioned competition seeking to advance the spirit of competing on a virtual arena whilst abiding with the COVID-19 safety measures across the Americas (North, South & Central America and the Caribbean).

Archery Guyana, the local governing body, was tasked with conducting the qualification round. Scores were recorded electronically, pictures of equipment, scorecards and the target were sent to the Competitions and Judging Committee via Whatsaap for tabulations and scrutiny.

The scores for Guyana’s Qualification Round will be submitted to World Archery where they will be tabulated with the scores from all the other competing countries after which the top two Archers in each category will be shortlisted to take part in an Elimination shoot set for late September.

Cognizant of the National Covid-19 Protocols in place and abiding with the laws and the social distancing safety rules as to the limit on the number of persons permitted to be in any gatherings, shooting was done in pairs at different time and dates.

No Narine, no problem for Bravo inspired TKR

t r o Sp Dwayne Bravo (probably) has a sixth sense about knowing exactly what to do in a T20 © CPL T20 via Getty Images

Trinbago Knight Riders celebrate as they got past the St Lucia Zouks in a DLS adjusted chase. (CPL) Talitha Kissoon (left) and Umasankar Madray.

Dwayne Bravo becomes first bowler to 500 wickets in T20s Robert Singh (left) and Nicholas Hing.

Archery Guyana’s Qualification for World Archery Americas’ event continues Warriors looking Mayers rises for improved above in spin batting performance against TKR today dominated match Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.