K
Winston Jordan NEWS leaves Guyana in US$1.3B debt for 2019 AIETEUR
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Friday Edition July 03, 2020 -Vol. 22 No. 26
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com P. 8
Price $80
- End of Year Statement
Online readership yesterday 127,034
Despite developer’s refusal, Govt. issued him 30 acres of prime Ogle lands P. 3
- transaction Gazetted even before notice of pay letter was received
Lowenfield to Three of the four top members of face court today for the newly elected Coalition Govt. in misconduct, fraud P. 6
Suriname test positive for COVID-19 Masked bandits invade home, shoot, rob businessman P. 11
Security guard fights gun-toting motorcycle bandit Porter succumbs Bartica businessman is one day after being Guyana’s 14th COVID-19 fatality run over by tractor P. 11
Paul Somohardjo (Positive)
Gregory Rusland (Positive) Ronnie Brunswijk (Positive)
Chan Santokhi (Negative)
P. 12
P. 12
Voter impersonation “just not possible” - Lowenfield in 2015 P. 7
Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2020
PAGE 03
Despite developer’s refusal, Govt. issued gifted him 30 acres of prime Ogle lands Head of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London
- transaction Gazetted even before notice of pay letter was received
By Mikaila Prince Despite refusing an offer on three separate occasions, housing developer, Navigant Builders, was gifted 30 acres of prime land in Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) by the National Industrial Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The highly questionable transactions covering the transfer of the lands, which are located near
a major planned highway that would link the East Coast to the East Bank transportation network, were conducted days before the developer was even sent a notice to pay for the lands by NICIL. It meant that the lands were transferred without NICIL collecting their monies and the developer, renowned for building the iconic Windsor Estates gated community, not even knowing that
it has lands in its name. It would now raise questions about several other transactions in the same area and whether there was a rush to complete them ahead of the upcoming elections declarations, which is widely expected to see a change in the administration. This collective area forms part of almost 1,000 acres of prime lands, which have been opened by
NICIL for commercial development, and is said to be worth billions of dollars. It was formerly under the control of the state-owned Guyana Sugar Corporation before being vested in NICIL for divestment. On June 16, in furtherance of the transaction for the 30 acres initiated earlier this year, NICIL dispatched a letter to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan
Windsor Estates/ Navigant Builders Incorporated, in which they notified him that he owed a balance of some $925M for the 30 acres, being portions of land at Plantations Goedverwagting and Sparendaam. The letter stated that in order for the lands to be transferred in the name of the title of the developer, all outstanding balances must be (Continued on page 18)
Vesting Order for 30 acres of land to Navigant Builders
Windsor Estates press release, dated July 2, 2020
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Friday July 03, 2020
Kaieteur News
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
Countdown Here we go again! Towards yet another counting exercise. Since that is all we are doing, we should be the national champion of counters, the world’s best, but even this at which we are experts, we fail miserably. Now we are counting down to the seven days until the CCJ hands down its ruling. Since the number of days until next Wednesday are fixed, and the hours in them, we should get this count right. That is, unless of course, we allow senior people from GECOM to be a part of the counting, then the miracle workers there could concoct anything out of thin air, and say that this is what it is , and begone with everyone else. It is illuminating to look back from December 2018, and pinpoint a few of the more imaginative-and brain clouding-instances that have bedeviled this land and left all worse for wear. First, we made a cottage industry of lists. We were engaged for an eternity with counting lists of people, so-called ‘fit and proper’ Guyanese citizens, for the most pivotal selection and appointment in this land. Meaning, for the post of chair of the Guyana Elections Commission, and that took us forever, after many stops and starts and rowdy failures. We counted who could be in, we counted out those who were definitely outside the realm of consideration. It was a joy that first ended up with an octogenarian, which confirmed how cobwebbed and feeble were the visions of national political leadership, trustingly charged with determining who should be the one piloting a clean regional and national electoral process forward. Guyanese unwise to the mental manoeuvres employed by local political leaders, had failed to interpret ‘fit and proper’ as having nothing in the world to do with either national interest, or national governance, or national reputation, but rather which one of the candidates submitted was the most fit and most proper to just about guarantee a premeditated and prearranged elections outcome (declaration) for one’s own party. That was what all the hullabaloos and holdups about a chair were about, at the crux of the matter, one more sordid matter in things held dear by political brass in this country, thus we counted then. Second, once it was finally announced, we counted down the days to March 2, and though there were sharp disagreements about house-to-house registration and who should come to watch over us as we voted, the nation somehow managed to get to that point in one piece. Since that fateful day, however, it has been downhill with the equivalent of endlessly counting sheep like insomniacs and driving ourselves into deeper and deeper holes all the time. Our numbers just do not add up, make no sense to any highly educated and rational people still around, and fall to pieces before any kind of honest scrutiny. Like raging and confirmed drunks, as we count sheep to put us to sleep, we end up seeing elephants, pink ones, and many of them. It should give an idea of the hallucinatory state to which the coalition and the CEO of GECOM has reduced the people of this nation. If this is not mass hypnosis, then nothing qualifies to be. So we count and recount and continue to count, now with the latest being the week of days left before we get to the authoritative wisdom of the jurists from the CCJ. Third, it is the revelation of how pathetic Guyana is at the present time and for the longest time now. For after count and recount for over a hundred days (we have lost count of the number of days since the whole sorry affair began), we are compelled to run to bigger and smarter brethren in the region - the CCJ - to help us to begin to climb out of the dark grave that we have dug for ourselves. It is a gutter in which we enjoy ourselves so much that we really do not want to come out and face responsibly the challenges that are in front of us. It is why we argue uninterruptedly about what should be counted as more votes, what should be counted as valid votes, and who should be counted as the winner of the nation’s riddled and wretched elections. Our political leaders (guess which ones?) like Count Dracula, sit back and count victims (votes) that should be sucked (discarded) out of the system, so that there will be continuing to perpetrate the darkness that has shrouded land and people and existence. And so we count, days first to next Wednesday, and last how the people of the CCJ will vote on our votes. Last, we count how the chair here will vote over what is brought before her. The only thing left to count are the tears welling.
Mia Mottley gave CARICOM a prestige and a standing that it never had before Dear Editor, CARICOM has a rotating chairmanship in which the Heads of State of each country has the opportunity to head the Regional Body for a six months period. For the last six months, that honour fell to Barbados whose Prime Minister is Ms. Mia Mottley. In my view, this was one of the most, if not the most significant term, since the formation our Regional Body. Even though it is still early, this last six-month period was historic. Mia Mottley gave CARICOM a prestige and a standing that it never had before. She first of all made herself available to the people of Guyana to help our country to stay on the democratic path. No other CARICOM Chair had ever taken such a bold stand. She engaged Mr. Granger and, on his request, she came to Guyana. She was accompanied by four other Prime Ministers in the Region. At that time, she got agreement from both Mr.
Granger and Mr. Jagdeo to have a recount of the votes cast at the March 2, 2020 elections. She agreed to send a team from CARICOM to observe that recount. In doing so, she played an important role in halting the rigging. She quickly did so and mobilised a high-quality team of professionals to observe the recount. At first, Granger tried to frustrate the team by going to Court and delaying the process. His hope was that Mia would have been frustrated and abandoned the whole project. That, however, was not to be. That team went away but another of the same high calibre returned when GECOM was forced to begin the recount. Mia displayed patience and staying power to the chagrin of APNU+AFC riggers. The report of the team was detailed, brutally frank and completely honest. The APNU+AFC had lost the elections. Based on the report, Mia took a stand, unambiguous
and clear. She took CARICOM to another level and added great respectability to our region. Moreover, she gave the region’s peoples hope that CARICOM was no longer prepared to stand aside and look when the human rights are, or when democracy in anyone of its member states is, threatened. She drew the attention of the region to the danger that this poses. CARICOM standing internationally would be seriously diminished if democracy is ever allowed to be subverted. She took a principled position, she provided powerful leadership. For that the PNC led APNU/AFC opened a vicious attack on this distinguished leader in our region. It was shameful to observe how low they could descend. They heaped abuse on her but she gracefully and calmly shrugged it off. Mia, of course, knows that the PNC/APNU/AFC team
does not speak for the majority of Guyanese. In this regard, I am not speaking just about the opposition to the regime, but also for many democratically minded people that would have voted for the PNC who were also appalled at the vile attacks on this woman who has displayed such courage to take a stand for what is right and just in the interest of the welfare of the people of one of its members and in the interest of the region as a whole. Mia Mottley has lifted the bar. The region is a far better place for the leadership she provided. It has given the region a new reputation of being intolerant to dictatorship. Other leaders of the region who will follow and take up the job of Chair of the Region have a higher platform to stand on. Mia has left a solid foundation to take the region to ever greater heights. Yours truly, Donald Ramotar
The GECOM Chair has an opportunity to rescue Guyana’s image and internal democracy Dear Editor, In my recent studies of international relations, a country’s foreign affairs have become ‘domestically electoralized’ – meaning a country’s foreign or diplomatic or economic relations largely flow from the outcome of its election. If it is not free, the implications are far-reaching, affecting every issue pertaining to the future of the nation, including domestic affairs. The Guyana Elections Commission (the GECOM Chair really) must therefore take note that the future of Guyana is in its (her) hands – if the outcome does not reflect the will of the voters, the Chair will be responsible for what happens to Guyana, and of course the sanctions (against her and many more) that would come from the US as warned by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday. What has been happening to the election in Guyana under GECOM’s watch, and the international attention given to it, and the united global response against electoral fraud, has damaged perceptions about Guyana. It has also damaged the reputation of GECOM and that of the chair in particular. The world is looking into Guyana as never before because of oil and economic potential. As reported in foreign media and witnessed by observers, never in a
country’s history was there such a bold attempt, in public view, to rig an election. In addition, Western nations feel vital interests are at stake in Guyana, and cannot allow a rigged election. It is accepted in a globalized context, what happens in Guyana affects the world. Reversing the negative image of Guyana is now in the hands of the chair of the Commission. Only she can alter the terrible image of the country and Guyanese are appealing to her to do the honourable thing. Unlike during the Cold War when the Western nations did not care about electoral fraud in their backyard as long as their vital interests were not threatened, now elections are internationalized through foreign observers and morality; the Western world can no longer watch in silence when elections are rigged. Democratic nations must condemn such blatant fraud. In addition, fraudulent elections pose a threat to the basic interests of Western nations by triggering domestic crises that lead to mass migration into the developed nations, burdening their economies, as was experienced with several Latin countries. The West does not want to deal with another economic or refugee crisis that would flow from a government emerging from electoral fraud.
For Guyana, fraud inevitably would affect foreign relations and trade including foreign direct investment, border tensions and disputes, treaty obligations, foreign aid, trade deals, security commitments, national security and defence, military and technical training, loans and the country’s overall development. The fraud is bound to impact on, for example, Guyana’s position at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the border dispute with Venezuela. In addition, Venezuela or Suriname or Brazil will not want to ratify or recognize any border treaty or ICJ ruling territorial issues when the outcome of an election in its neighbour is under dispute. Also, other countries will not wish to engage or assist a government that comes to power through electoral fraud. International institutions will continue to hold off on loans. For example, India’s financial assistance to Guyana is perhaps the largest in the world – loans, infrastructure, health, scholarship, technical assistance, and other forms of aid. There would be an appeal to India to stall her soft loan for road development. International pressure may force China to follow suit and the US will instruct the Federal Reserve Bank in
Manhattan to freeze the oil money currently being held in the Natural Resource Fund account there. The effects on the economy would be devastating, similar to what happened in Zimbabwe; a prime example of what happens to a resource rich country that engaged in fraud. Venezuela is currently experiencing a tough response to fraud. No amount of oil resources or funds arising out of oil or growth will change Guyana’s image of a country where the Elections Commission attempted to rig an election. And the negative image and its global effects are all attributed to the March 2 post election recount and the failure of the Chair make a declaration of the results. Regrettably, GECOM (really the Chair and government Commissioners) since March 3 have come across as the facilitators of fraud. They are perceived as protecting the political interests of one side over the correct declaration of results of what was a credible election. And this perception has come about because of countless efforts by so many global actors to get GECOM to do the right thing on the election. Even the overwhelming number of Guyanese I’ve engaged at home and the Diaspora are yearning to move away from (Continued on page 6)
Friday July 03, 2020
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Kaieteur News
An open letter to the Commissioner The GECOM CEO must be treated like any other staff and of Police, Leslie James be determinate for bias Dear Editor, It has been four months since Guyanese went to the polls and exercised their constitutional duty, in which the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has failed to declare the true winner of these elections unto this day. Firstly, by not using the true/originally prepared Statement of Polls, which is prepared at the place of Poll and signed by the Presiding Officer and all party agents also known as counting agents which were present at the count and even throughout the entire E-Day process on March 02, 2020. However, the Guyana Elections Commission has executed a national recount of all ten electoral districts,
which they took 31 consecutive days to complete. Mind you, at end of the day, each polling station on E-Day (March 02, 2020) completes their count in a matter of hours. Yet GECOM took 31 days to wrap up a national recount, the very same GECOM that does the count at place of poll on EDay. It is quite disgraceful how some of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) main staff have acted in regards to matters that had arisen since the election were held, namely the CEO of GECOM. When an E-Day staff attends training to conduct elections on EDay investigations are done into their background to see if there is a chance that they
were affiliated with any political party and that person gets fired immediately by the Deputy Returning Officer or Returning Officer. The question now to be asked therefore is what is the current Chief Elections Officer still doing in GECOM building and why is he still holding his post? Isn’t he supposed to be treated the very same way E-Day staff have been treated? The Chair of GECOM should immediately “fire” or demand a resignation from the CEO for he has shown no sign of neutrality and honesty, which are key qualifications in order for him to hold the office he currently holds. Yours truly, Randy Da Silva
Time will tell if Granger intends to use army and police to further subvert democracy Dear Editor, On assuming office in 2015, the Granger Administration made it clear that all public servants must take their annual leave. The administration argued that the payout of accumulated annual leave presented a financial burden on the treasury and such practices would no longer be tolerated. Fast forward to July 2020, it seems that this order was completely ignored or selectively applied. As reported in various sections of the media, Army Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West proceeded on pre-retirement leave on July 1, 2020. However, Commissioner of Police, Leslie James and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Maxine Graham are still on the job even though they should have also proceeded on pre-retirement leave in June 2020. This begs the question of why Brigadier West was directed to proceed on pre-retirement leave and not Commissioner James and Deputy Commissioner
Graham? While it has been customary for senior public servants in Guyana to proceed on a lengthy preretirement leave and/or seek payout for accumulated annual leave, such practice harms the effectiveness and efficiency of the public service and by extension the country. Mandatory annual leave allows employees to recharge their body and mind thus allowing them to return rejuvenated and ready to tackle their duties and responsibilities with efficacy. It also allows employees to self-reflect and gain perspective. A well-rested employee has the energy to be creative, focused, and consistent in the discharge of his or her duties and responsibilities. It also allows for crosstraining and knowledge transfer where subordinates get an opportunity to gain experience and practice handling new and/or higherlevel duties and responsibilities. This is important given any
unforeseen circumstances where employees may be suddenly thrust into a position of leadership. Perhaps the most important reason to ensure annual leave is taken when due is that it offers a time to review performance. Mandatory annual leave serves as a form of checks and balances where issues or problems have a chance to surface while an employee is on vacation. Thus, an organization can evaluate employees and identify any improprieties that may have taken place. Hence, mandatory annual leave is an essential internal control. With Brigadier West, Commissioner James, and Deputy Commissioner Graham accumulating approximately nine, ten, and six months of annual leave, respectively, one has to wonder what was so important to preclude them from consistently taking their annual leave over the years and disregarding such an important control? Was the increased rhetoric from (Continued on page 6)
Dear Mr. James, From the residents of D’Aguiars Park, we wish you good health and strength as we face the challenges of the global pandemic as well as the current political impasse. As the head of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) we are confident your guidance and leadership the Force will grow from strength to strength. We are residents of the very peaceful residential area called D’Aguiar’s Park, an area where property values carry a premium price being a gated community. Many of us have been there from the inception and have never considered any other area as our home. Of recent we have been suffering tremendously from noise and dust, among other polluting elements, emanating from the John Fernandes Container Terminal and now extended chemical storage. The volume of dust particularly during the dry season has become virtually unbearable; we can just complete wiping our countertops and within minutes you can see and feel the dust when an object is place on it. One can only image the health impact this has and more so if one is asthmatic or has other
respiratory illnesses. Many of these containers are stored there at the risk of the community, since some contains hazardous materials and other dangerous goods which many times are handled very poorly. You can hear the banging of one container against the other during the stacking/moving process. There is complete disregard for the contents as well as the surrounding environment and community. The impact on the environment is compounded by the fact that these units move from the port (causing traffic congestions, environmental impact, etc.) to the container yard; from the container yard to the consignee; from the consignee back to the container yard; and then from the container yard to the port for re-export, resulting in a multiplier effect. Not to mention to damage to the infrastructure which taxpayers have to contribute to. It is time that the City Council impose penalties for transshipment of containers for secondary storage due to the impact on the city roadways or suspend such transfers until immediate measures are implemented to address the concerns outlined.
The level of noise these trucks make when transporting these units make is becoming increasing unbearable; the drivers operate these haulers with total disregard to equipment, contents, environment, lives, and communities. At times, one would believe that they are racing or they may have specific number of trips that they would have to make per day. It is worth mentioning that they will work until around midnight or some days 24 hours. Many trucks/ trailers have no working lights; one wonders how they are given vehicle fitness to operate. Many times you will see the drivers ‘jumping’ the red lights, or stopped at the intersection with police officers nearby doing nothing to penalize them. The speed limits of these haulers/trucks are never complied with, despite the police on the roadways carrying out speeding checks. Over the holidays, we have seen the level of congestion our city of Georgetown was exposed to, mostly contributed by these transfer of containers from the port to secondary storage (container terminal). With the influx of vehicles on our already limited roadways, doing nothing will see the (Continued on page 5)
The GECOM Chair has an opportunity... From page 4 electoral fraud and have so appealed to the Chair to respect the recount. They don’t want to return to fraud pre-1992. Guyanese remember too well how electoral riggings led to the 28 years of misrule that resulted into political and economic disorder, hampering national development, and that triggered widespread starvation and mass migration so much so that more Guyanese make their home
abroad than at home. Does GECOM or the Chair want the nation to return to that era? The Chair has a unique opportunity to rehabilitate the image of GECOM and her own. The whole world is telling her to make a declaration that reflects the will of the electorate and in accord with her own national recount order; no voter must be disenfranchised. She must end the defiance to the international community in making a declaration. If the
Chair does not act decisively in making a declaration of the elections based on the CARICOM recount, it would be a squandered opportunity to place Guyana on the right path, which is a bad omen for Guyana’s future. And Pompeo may well include her name in a list sanctions. She must not go in a direction in which she would be subject of ridicule and condemnation. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
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Time will tell if Granger intends to use army and police to further... From page 5 Venezuela the reason? While this might help explain the rationale behind Brigadier West’s accumulated leave, it does not explain that of Commissioner James and Deputy Commissioner Graham. Also, if this is the case, is there a lack of trust in the junior officers to act temporarily in their superior’s absence? Was it the poor security conditions in the country? If this is the reason, one can only imagine what would have happened if these individuals took their leave in a timely manner. Surely, it cannot be the security surrounding the March 2 elections. It would have taken multiple years to accrue the number of days reported. This brings us back to the question of why Brigadier West was directed to proceed on preretirement leave and not Commissioner James and Deputy Commissioner
Graham? Given everything that has taken place in Guyana since the March 2 elections, it seems highly suspicious that approval to proceed on annual leave was given to Brigadier West while the two senior police officers both of whom were also promoted under the Granger Administration remain on the job. It makes one wonder what plans are afoot following the expected ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). From all indications, David Granger and his cohorts seem determined to hold on to power at all costs. Only time will tell if he will use the army and police to subvert the democratic process and will of the people. If this happens, the end is nigh. And in the words of Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, “this is not going to end well”. Yours truly, Omchand Mahdu
An open letter to the... From page 5 situation worsen. Imagine if one of these dangerous goods containers were to overturn, leak, or catch fire; we would see lives at risk and damage to the environment. Mr. Commissioner, of recent there has been extension to the storage area which is being used to store dangerous material, which is of grave concern to the community and residents. The noise level is so intense that many days it is unbearable, and despite the engagement with the owners, nothing has been done to
Friday July 03, 2020
Kaieteur News
mitigate the impact. In our community we have CEOs, senior executives, doctors, judges, ambassadors, whom are all looking forward for your support in addressing our concern of noise nuisance among other challenges. We t h a n k y o u f o r taking time from your busy schedule to look into our c o n c e r n s , w e are very optimistic that your approach will be amicable to the concerns we have raised. Yours truly, Residents of D’Aguiars Park
Convict in Bartica/Lusignan massacres gets 13 more years for manslaughter Michael ‘Capone’ Caesar, one of the men serving time for the Bartica and Lusignan massacres has been sentenced to serve an additional 13 years in prison for killing two other persons at Mon Repos in December of 2007. His case came up yesterday before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall at the High Court. According to the charge on December 16, 2007, Caesar, along with others, while armed with guns and cutlasses, murdered two men of Fazil Hakim called ‘Boyie’, 25, and Rajesh Singh called ‘Rabbit’, 35. Caesar was also charged for robbing the two men of cash, jewellery and other valuables. During a hearing conducted via zoom, the accused opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He also admitted to the robbery charge. Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy and Tyra Baker presented the case on behalf of the State. Prior to sentencing, Hardy furnished the Court with some facts about the accused while his lawyer, Maxwell McKay, petitioned the court for leniency. Hardy told the Court that Caesar gave a confession statement detailing his involvement in the killings. According to Prosecutor Hardy, Caesar served as the ‘look-out man’ of the group of
men, who invaded a liquor bar at Lot 82, Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, and carried out the killings and robberies. He later fled the country to neighbouring Suriname. He was caught and arrested by police two years after the crime was committed. The State Attorney asked the court to consider that two innocent lives were lost as a result of the crime committed by Caesar and his associates. She noted that there was some degree of deliberation in the act committed by the accused. On the other hand, McKay asked the court to consider his client’s early plea and the years he spent in prison awaiting trial. In a breakdown of the sentence, Justice Morris-Ramlall handed Caesar 36 years’ sentence for manslaughter. She deducted 12 years for his early guilty plea and another 11 years for the time he spent in pretrial custody; hence arriving at the the overall 13 years prison sentence in relation to the two counts of manslaughter. In relation to the 30 years’ jail term on each of the two counts of robbery underarms, the judge made similar deductions for early guilty plea and time already served; hence
bringing the total sentence for each of the robbery under-arms charges to nine years. The Judge then ordered that the 13 years and nine years prison sentence to run concurrently. Caesar is currently serving sixty years in prison for his involvement in the Lusignan and Bartica killings. The Judge ordered that the additionally 13 years be served in concurrence with 60 years, he is currently serving. Caesar was previously sentenced to serve 60 years in prison after he admitted to committing 20 counts of manslaughter for innocent lives, which were lost when gunmen attacked Lusignan, East Coast Demerara; and Bartica, Region Seven in January and February 2008, respectively. On the night of January 26, 2008, gunmen stormed the small village of Lusignan and murdered 11 people including five children. The residents were asleep when they were awakened by gunshots and men kicking down the doors to their homes. Those killed were Shazam Mohamed; Shaleem Baksh; Clarence Thomas and his two children -Ron and Vanessa Thomas; Mohandai Gourdat and her two sons, Seegobin, 4 and Seegopaul Harrilall 10;
Michael ‘Capone’ Caesar Dhanwajie Ramsingh; Seecharran Rooplall and Raywattie Ramsingh. Caesar was indicted for unlawfully killing eight of them – Mohamed, Baksh, Clarence Thomas and his two children, and Mohandai Gourdat and her two sons. He was charged for mass killings at Bartica, where some persons were watching a T20 cricket match when gunmen went on a killing spree. Five children and three police ranks were among those killed in the two attacks. A total of 23 people died in the hail of bullets from the guns of the killers—11 at Lusignan and 12 at Bartica. Caesar was later identified as part a group of men led by the notorious Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins, who was later killed by police on August 28, 2008.
Lowenfield to face Court today for misconduct, fraud Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Keith Lowenfield is expected to face the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts today over fraud charges brought against him by members of two political parties. Daniel Josh Kanhai of The New Movement (TNM) and Desmond Morian of People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) filed the charges of Conspiracy to Commit a Felony and Misconduct in Public Office respectively on June 30. The charges both revolve around particulars that Lowenfield knowingly
presented false elections results to the Elections Commission in order to commit fraud. Kaieteur News was informed that the hearing of the first charge will be heard at 9:00 am, while the second will follow immediately after. Lowenfield has been accused of bias in his conduct as Chief Elections Officer by several parties. The recount shows the PPP/C to have amassed a national lead of 15,416 valid General Election votes over APNU+AFC, each of Lowenfield’s attempts would hand victory to the APNU+AFC Coalition. In his capacity as head of the Secretariat, he has made four documented attempts to
Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield present results to the Elections Commission which did not reflect the will of the voting populace as expressed on March 2 and certified at the National recount. The fourth attempt is currently in play. It involves a report, which seeks to dump
115,844 valid General Election votes and hand a victory to APNU+AFC. He presented this report, against the direction of the Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, who had instructed him to present a report on the results of the recount.
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Voter impersonation “just not possible” - Lowenfield in 2015 Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield
G
uyana’s Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, shared the view in 2015 that electoral fraud by voter impersonation is “just not possible”. His comments were made as he sat beside then Chairman of GECOM, Dr. Steve Surubally, as seen in a video published yesterday by the online news outfit, News Room. In the footage, Lowenfield gave a play-byplay breakdown of the multiple safeguards established at the place of poll on Election Day to prevent electoral fraud. 2015 In a pre-amble to his explanation, Lowenfield said, “The issue with this concept, it has to be a rumour that you can vote at more than one location. Well, I don’t know. The reality is, for you to vote at a polling station, you have to be listed to vote there. In that polling station, our presiding officer and the party agents will have a list that is specific to that polling station.” As he begins to explain, he is interrupted by Dr. Surujbally, who says “The folio…” “I ain’t even meet the folio yet,” Lowenfield responds, then begins his explanation. “So when you come into
the polling station,” he can be heard saying, “my list says that there’s Keith Lowenfield to vote, Keith Lowenfield is announced.” The two major parties were able to place field agents at just about every single polling station in the country for the March 2 polls. Kaieteur News had asked PNCR executive, Aubrey Norton, during the national recount, whether the coalition’s agents were able to have field agents at all 2,339 stations, and he affirmed that they did. Some of the other political parties had agents scattered across a handful of polling stations, depending on their capacity and reach. Party agents are there to protect their party’s interests and to ensure no untoward occurrence gets pass GECOM’s polling day staff. “The agents for their respective parties say, yeah, Keith Lowenfield,” the CEO explains, “and they draw a line across Lowenfield’s name, and then you go through the process and you collect your ballot.” Lowenfield explains that at this juncture, the polling day officials show the ballots to the agents, so they can see that it is stamped on the regional section and on the general section. After that, he explains, “you go into your booth and
you vote.” Now, if you go to another polling station, then Keith Lowenfield name would not be there,” he said. “So you’re not even having access to polling station two or three, or you say how many times. There is no accessibility because your name is not there.” Some persons have managed to diminish or prevent the stain of the electoral ink on their finger after they vote, with the use of Vaseline. But even this, Lowenfield explained, will not be enough for one to successfully cast a fraudulent vote. “ E v e n i f y o u impersonate, you are Lowenfield,” he explained, “your Vaseline has worked and you removed the ink, when you go there, say you go there in another name, but you don’t have an ID card.” In cases where the voter doesn’t have an ID card, they will still be allowed to vote as long as they swear or affirm an oath of identity. “Then the folio that the Chairman has referenced c o m e s i n t o p l a y, ” Lowenfield says. This document allows the polling day officials to question the prospective voter to ensure they are who they say they are. “Our staff…” Lowenfield continues,
“GECOM PO (Presiding Officer) and APO (Assistant Presiding Officer), they have all the folio for all the persons listed at that specific polling station. So you come, somebody give you a name. You know Troy lives ‘round the corner. So you come, you seh “I’m Troy Johnson” and you don’t have an ID card. Yuh have to pass through the process of probably having the features of Troy. And our presiding officer will be asking you, since you don’t have an ID card, as the Chairman mentioned earlier, ‘what’s your name? And your date of birth is? And your mother middle name is?’” “So there are questions we have for you, you who are coming to impersonate some Tr o y, ” L o w e n f i e l d emphasizes. “So I think we need to put to rest the concept that a man could leave polling station A in Cummingsburg and go across to Alberttown or Queenstown, and hop around to vote. It’s just not possible.” 2020 The Chief Elections Officer’s comments, made five years ago, stand in stark contrast to his views expressed in 2020, after incorporating a campaign by APNU+AFC to discredit the elections, into his reports to the Guyana Elections
Commission (GECOM). The recount results show that the PPP/C has won 233,336 valid General Election votes over APNU+AFC’s 217,920. However, Lowenfield has since produced two reports, which do not reflect those results. Both of Lowenfield’s reports seek to remove thousands of valid votes on the condition that they are tainted by voter impersonation and procedural irregularities. The first, his preliminary report, suggested that GECOM discard 269,619 valid General Election votes, a majority of those, which were cast on March 2. The remainder of that would have given the coalition a lead of more than 68,000 votes over PPP/C. However, the Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, instructed him to produce a report on the results of the recount and nothing else. In response, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal on a contentious case on
what constitutes a valid vote; Lowenfield produced a second report, which now seeks to discard 115,844 valid General Election votes, with no explanation. His revision of the results, like the preliminary report, would also give the coalition a lead. The PPP/C has moved to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) appealing the Court of Appeal’s ruling, in a move the party hopes would convince the Caribbean Court to provide definitive instructions on the way forward. The Chief Elections Officer, due to his actions, now faces charges of criminal conspiracy to commit fraud, and misconduct in public office. The US Government has also instructed its State Department to hold accountable those who are undermining Guyana’s democracy. As the US is in support of a declaration on the basis of the recount results, Lowenfield is seen as a likely target.
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Friday July 03, 2020
Winston Jordan leaves GRA rolls out Duty-Free alcohol stamps Guyana in US$1.3B debt for 2019 According to the Ministry of Finance, Guyana ended 2019 with US$1.3B in external debt. While this is a considerable amount, the Ministry was keen to note in its End of Year Outcome Statement that the debt is actually 4.7 percent below the projected amount of approximately US$1.4.B. The Ministry said this difference was mainly due to a US$50.7 million debt reduction granted by Kuwait, after the finalization and signing of a bilateral debt settlement agreement in March 2019. Kaieteur News understands that this agreement culminated extensive bilateral debt negotiations between the two parties. In addition to this, the debt relief received from Kuwait reduced Guyana’s outstanding debt to Non-Paris Club Creditors in arrears, significantly, by
Finance FinanceMinister, Minister, Winston Winston Jordan Jordan
approximately 34 percent. The Ministry was keen to note that efforts are currently in progress to negotiate and finalize mutually acceptable debt settlement agreements with the remaining NonParis Club bilateral creditors in arrears. Overall, external public debt accounted for 77.3 percent of the total public debt stock as at December 31, 2019. Turning its attention to the domestic public debt stock, the Ministry noted
that this stood at US$383.6 million, which is 7.1 percent below the US$412.8 million projected at Budget 2019. This variance was primarily attributable to principal repayments on some fiscal Tr e a s u r y b i l l s , w h i c h matured but were not reissued. The share of domestic public debt was 22.7 percent of the total public debt stock, as at the end of 2019, 0.4 percentage points below the Budget 2019 projection.
GRA officers demonstrating the use of the Duty-Free stamps on bottles of vodka. In its ongoing effort to bolster its anti-smuggling capabilities at the level of Customs and Enforcement, the Excise Stamp and Environmental Levy Unit of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has embarked on a countrywide Duty-Free alcohol stamping exercise. The stamps, which were manufactured with detailed security features will enable Customs and Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) to easily identify and differentiate the Duty-Free alcohol from those that are duty-paid. The endeavour started on June 1, 2020 when officers from the unit visited dutyfree shops (including warehouse facilities) to register retailers/importers, verify their inventories and supervise the placement of stamps on all duty-free
alcohol. GRA, on Wednesday, explained that as part of the process, importers/retailers and duty-free/warehouse operators are required to produce relevant documents and/or evidence to verify legal acquisition of the alcohol for sale. Officers then staged a few demonstrations after which the importers/retailers were tasked with completing the process under the watchful eye of Customs Officers. “The cost of each stamp is G$30. Persons are reminded that payments should only be made to the cashiers at the GRA’s Headquarters or any of its locations countrywide.” GRA said that at present, the Excise Stamp and Environmental Levy Unit is about 80 percent complete in its countrywide task, having recently completed stamping at outgoing Duty-Free Shops
at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and moving apace at various warehouse facilities. “At the culmination of t h e e x e r c i s e , importers/retailers who sell un-stamped alcohol may be subject to seizures, penalties and/or prosecution in accordance with the laws of Guyana.” The tax authority explained that the implementation of the DutyFree stamps is an extension of the successful Excise Stamp Control programme launched in 2017 to curb the smuggling of imported alcohol and tobacco products and safeguard Government’s revenues. GRA has been complaining that millions of dollars in taxes are lost annually because of smuggling and other tax evasion activities by importers.
Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2020
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Two deaths in three days
A
fter one month in which there w e r e n o COVID-19 deaths, Guyana has registered two deaths in three days. This is a wake-up call that the worst is far from over. The deaths of a resident of Bartica and another from Albouystown have come as a reminder that COVID-19 cannot be taken for granted. This is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases to afflict mankind over the past 100 years. Even more worrying is the age-range of the two latest victims. The two persons who succumbed over the past three days were ages 42 and 34 respectively. They were young persons. This age-range is not considered a high-risk. The age range 18-44 records far fewer deaths worldwide than persons in older-age ranges. Most of the deaths worldwide have been persons above the age of 55, with persons over the age of 75 being the worst affected. The recent deaths therefore are a worrying development especially considering that some local elderly patients had recovered from the virus. It raises a number of questions which cannot be answered because of the scarcity of information which is being provided. The daily COVID-19
bulletins issued by the Ministry of Public Health are an insult to the people’s intelligence. It is a statistical scorecard. It does not state where the new cases are located. And that cannot be helpful. The infection rates in Regions One and Seven represent an indictment against the public health authorities. They have failed to have regional strategy and therefore have failed to best use the regional resources. Three months has passed since the epidemic in Guyana and it is only now that a handful of persons are being given vouchers. These persons had to apply. This is totally unacceptable. If a regional approach had been taken, the regions could have done more in ensuring that the needy within their jurisdictions would have been assisted. The country is breaking at the seams. People are suffering while the government is fiddling with trying to stay in power rather than attending to the needs of the people. Many non-essential businesses have had no choice but to reopen. They have no choice; it is either that or immediate bankruptcy. Many laid off workers are finding it impossible to make ends meet. They need to get back
to work. But from the recent spike in cases, it appears as if they will have to wait much longer. A total lockdown should have been implemented since March. If that had happened, the country would have been in better shape than it is in today. When the pandemic first broke, people were worried that China, the world’s most populous country, would have registered tens of millions of deaths. Nineteen countries have since surpassed China in terms of total deaths. The United States has so far registered more than 131,000 deaths, two times more than Brazil which has 61,000 deaths and the United Kingdom with almost 44,000 deaths. The reason why China has been able to avert a greater catastrophe is because it took decisive action. It ordered an immediate shut down. As such, the country has been able to suppress the virus. The same cannot be said for the United States. There is now a second spike in the country and the original estimate of 140,000 deaths is now likely to be surpassed. That country is now projected to register more than 200,000 deaths as compared to the under 5,000 in China. Guyana should have learnt from the experiences
Dem boys seh...
De Coal-ition got a big stinking scheme to hide Dem boys hear with dem own ears wha de RumJuttan man tell he staff. He seh how a declaration gon be made soon and dat de Pee-PeePee-Cee beat de Coal-ition by more than 15,000 votes. De recording playing all over social media and de Waterfall paper even report it. Dat is why dem boys nearly drop down with heart failure when dem hear de same man tell de Trinidad cricket commentator how he only seh-ing goodbye to his staff since he expect fuh move on to become Prime Minist-ah. Dem boys gat news fuh he. He would a never get de
Prime Minist-ah wuk. Dem HAP-New de stringing he along all de time. Dem boys had to listen again to de tape. And when dem boys done, dem boys remember wha Teacher Percy say. It gat dem boys wondering wha is it dat dem HAP-New +HAY-Eff-See do dat mek dem so desperate fuh cheat and steal an entire election. Dem even willing to dare de mighty US-A to give dem sanction. Dem boys hearing stories about dem needing time fuh complete some deals fuh dem friends and cronies. Dem boys also believe dat dem playing fuh time
fuh cleanup and cover up some of de corrupt tings dem do. But now dem boys also suspect dat it gat fuh be something bigger dan anything ever done before. It gat fuh be dat there is some stinking, dutty, corrupt scheme wha dem nah wan come to light fuh nothing at all. Dem boys want believe dat this secret is so scandalous dat dem doing everything possible fuh stop de other side coming in and skinning-up whaever de HAP-New+HAY-Eff- See want cover up. Talk half and pray dem boys na find out is wha dem hiding.
of other countries. Instead, it implemented half-measures which were poorly enforced. As such, it has now reached a stage where the management of the epidemic is now being questioned. Instead of the opening of the economy, there is likely to be further
delays; instead of a reduction in new infections, there has been a dramatic spike in recent weeks, instead of reduced deaths in the 18-44 age ranges, there have been two new deaths over the past three days. (The views expressed in
this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
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Friday July 03, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Dystopia, irrational or insanity: The disintegrating APNU+AFC
T
hree episodes have hit the society in which one is literally confused to laugh or be sad. This is human tragedy unfolding in Guyana that may have no parallel in the post-colonial Third World and in the world since World War 2. The disintegrating mental faculties of the APNU+AFC leaders are just tragic to witness. As a parent, I am fascinated at how family members are reacting. Are they intervening? We start with Khemraj Ramjattan. I listened to his 40-minute goodbye speech to his staff. All over this speech was the concession that the election was lost. Mr. Ramjattan gave an interview to a Trinidadian and when you heard what he had to say, you must wonder if the judges he will appear in front of when he returns to private practice are going to
believe the things he tell them. He said his speech was to thank them since he will be going to be Prime Minister and will no longer be in the seat of the Ministry of Public Security. That is a repellent act of barefacedness. There are two points to note in his delivery that gives you liberty to call Ramjattan a liar. Here is the most important one. He intoned that when the new PPP government comes, he may not be welcomed in the Ministry of Public Security. Then laughingly, he said he doubt the PPP will act this way to him since it was from the PPP he emerged and many PPP leaders still see him as a big brother. How can any decent human in this world show any courtesy to Ramjattan in the future? If you are going to become the Prime Minister what is the relevance of you telling your
staff that the new PPP government may not want to see you inside the ministry again? Secondly, he told his audience that it appears that the PPP beat his party by 15,000. The question is why Ramjattan did his obnoxious volte-face? The answer lies in his opening remarks. He told his staff by tomorrow, he suspects, that with a declaration to be made, his party would have lost. This was because Ramjattan felt that after the request from Claudette Singh to Lowenfield for a statement of the recount, he felt that Lowenfield would have submitted the tally of the recount and GECOM would have pronounced the PPP as the winner. What kind of human quality, if any, are the APNU+AFC leaders made of? Then there is the PNC leader, David Granger. Surely by now, the world has
lost respect for Granger. This gentleman lacks even a modicum of leadership qualities. Could we accuse Granger of lacking common s e n s e ? L e t ’s t a k e a hypothetical example from the law. Why would you call a witness in your fraud trial to say that you were very clean when both of you worked in the bank in Guyana when that very witness testified against you in a bank fraud in another country? That witness, under questioning, is simply going to tell the jury, he testified that you stole money when he worked with you in a bank in Antigua. Granger embraces the Lowenfield report and used as his argument, the report of the CARICOM recount team. This is amazing stupidity. The recount team gave a huge endorsement to the freeness and fairness of the 2020 elections.
Throughout the report, there were insinuations that the APNU+AFC was just trying to “pull things”. They even used the term, “fishing expedition”. The CARICOM recount report is the antithesis of the Draculean imagination of Lowenfield. The commonsense thing to do is simply say you accept the Lowenfield tabulation then shut up. Mr. Granger was at it again. He told the press that he has not conceded defeat and he has not accepted victory. But he did accept victory and has once again ridiculed himself. He told the world, he embraced the tabulation of Lowenfield. That document asserts an elector victory for the APNU+AFC with parliamentary seat allocations. If you believe that report to be factual then you believe by logical extension that APNU+AFC
Frederick Kissoon won the election. It is four months since the election, in those four months, I have done 160 columns in which I wondered out loudly what more absurdity we will see from APNU+AFC as each day unfolds because each day brings one more asininity for us to see. So we have in a matter of two days, one from Ramjattan, and two from Granger. If Granger keeps talking before he demits the presidency, which should happen next weekend, he will make Bharrat Jagdeo look like a genius in the eyes of the world. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Friday July 03, 2020
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Friday July 03, 2020
Bartica businessman Porter succumbs one day is Guyana’s 14th after being run over by tractor COVID-19 fatality Abdool Khan, a 34 year old father of two, yesterday succumbed to COVID-19 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This has brought the country’s total number of deaths to 14. The young man, who was in the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since June 22, was the first confirmed case for the town of Bartica. Since testing positive, four of his relatives, including his three-year-old daughter, have also tested positive. According to information reaching Kaieteur News, the deceased owned and operated a business in Oku Backdam, a mining district in Region Seven. He was also affiliated with a popular bar in Bartica. However, during the Ministry of Public Health’s daily update yesterday, Dr. Karen Gordon- Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), said as of July 2, 2020, “Of the 34 tests done, our total number of positive cases has climbed to 250…117 persons have recovered, but we recorded another COVID-19 death bringing the total number to 13.” She continued by pointing out that “In institutional isolation, we currently have 120 active cases, 16 persons in institutional quarantine, and two persons in the COVID ICU. To date, we have tested 2,668 persons with 2418 being negative.” When Kaieteur News tried to clarify why the 14th death was not listed in the update, a Ministry official, when contacted, related that the Ministry was informed of the death
Abdool Khan
after the update was recorded and it has not yet been verified by the Ministry hence it is likely to be added to today’s update. Only a few days ago Kevin Ridley, a 42year-old Bent Street, Albouystown resident became the country’s 13th fatality. According to sources, Ridley also succumbed at the GPHC. However, reports suggest that he was never admitted to the facility but rather was rushed there after developing trouble breathing. A COVID-19 test was reportedly conducted on him mere hours before he succumbed. Kaieteur News understands that Ridley’s family members and close contacts are yet to be tested. Regions One, Four and Seven are the Regions with the highest number of cases in Guyana.
A 44-year-old porter of Moruca North West District (NWD) succumbed one day after he was reportedly run over by a tractor along the Botocari Trail, Mazaruni, Region Seven. The incident occurred on Tuesday last at around 09:30hrs. Police said that the porter identified as Leonard Henry was sitting on the left side of the rear end of the tractor when he reportedly fell off. The man, according to reports, landed between the left wheels and from all indications was run over. Surprisingly, the porter got up and rejoined the others on tractor and continued his journey to a mining camp in the Botocari Mining district. According to his colleagues, when they arrived at their destination, the porter retired to his hammock and went to sleep. However, at around 6:00hrs, the following day, he was found lying motionless in the hammock. Contact was immediately made with the Sherima Police Station who responded promptly. The porter ’s body was removed and transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital where it was examined and sent to the morgue. The driver of the tractor has since been taken into police custody.
The porter’s lifeless body still in the hammock.
Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2020
PAGE 13
Mother of three hospitalized after being shot by ex-boyfriend A mother of three children, ages 8, 6 and 3, of Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice is currently hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The woman was reportedly shot on Wednesday. An arrest warrant has since been issued for the suspect. According to reports, D e v l i n G a r r a w a y, 2 8 , suffered a gunshot wound that caused damage to the region of her jaw. The woman was admitted at the New Amsterdam Hospital but, according to relatives, was later transferred to the GPHC. The suspect has been identified as Julian Arthur, who is said to be the woman’s former lover. Reports are that Arthur shot Garraway to her jaw after the two were engaged in a heated argument. Region Five Police C o m m a n d e r , Yo n e t t e Stephens, revealed that the suspect, up to press time, was not apprehended but
noted that detectives were still investigating. On the day of the incident, Leon Robertson, the father of the injured woman, told reporters that he learnt from a friend that his daughter was shot by her former partner. According to the man, “they said Devlin dead…she get shoot so I go and call her big sister and we just go to Fort Wellington Hospital because the people where she living, carry she to the hospital and then they transfer her to New Amsterdam (Hospital).” Roberston stated that he was informed that the two had an argument and the suspect whipped out a gun and shot her. “She is responding but cannot talk because her jaw broken,” as a result, the man said. The father disclosed that the victim had confided in him that she broke up with the suspect because he had become very abusive towards her. However, there are reports that the man visited the woman’s home
Leon Robertson, the injured woman’s father
Wanted: Julian Arthur
Shot: Devlin Garraway from time to time. In a wanted bulletin, police said that Arthur of Union Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice, “is wanted for the attempted murder of his exgirlfriend Devlin Garraway committed yesterday (Wednesday) at her home in
Numbe r 30 Village.” A n y o n e w i t h information that may lead to Arthur’s arrest is asked to
contact the police on telephone numbers: 3332151, 333-5564, 333-3876, 226-6978, 225-8196, 2262870, 226-7065, 227-1149,
226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station. Police have assured that all information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Kaieteur News
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Friday July 03, 2020
Sitting of 2020 NGSA...
Pupils of Virginia Primary School in examination writing mode yesterday.
Ministry heartened by 95 percent overall turnout on day one Pupils of Lusignan Primary School during an examination yesterday.
A medical professional was stationed at the Sir James Douglas Primary School to test the temperature of pupils and authorised personnel entering the compound.
At the end of day one (Wednesday, July 1, 2020) of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the overall attendance recorded was above 95 per cent and the same was expected yesterday - day two of the examination. This is according to the Ministry of Education which in a statement yesterday revealed that 14,730 candidates were registered to write the examination this year. In total, there were 395 centres across Guyana where the examinations were written. According to the Ministry, visits to some schools along the East Coast of Demerara such as St. Andrew’s Primary, Sir James Douglas Primary, Virginia Primary and Cane Grove Primary, reported 100 percent attendance of pupils to write their examination. On Wednesday, the candidates wrote the English Language and Science
examinations while Mathematics and Social Studies Papers One and Two were scheduled for yesterday (July 2, 2020). At all centres, the candidates and all A pupil of St. Andrew’s authorised personnel observed the public Primary School health measures outlined in the concentrating on Examination Order 73/2020. an examination Despite COVID-19 concerns, the paper yesterday. Ministry of Education said that it was “satisfied with the attendance of pupils and recognizes the support given by the teachers, parents and guardians to make the process work to have this examination administered under the safest and strictest conditions to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.” The same level of support, the Ministry said, is expected for the administering of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), which will begin on July 13, 2020.
Friday July 03, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Friday July 03, 2020
Kaieteur News
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PANAMA CITY, Panama - (AFP) — Panama’s last two presidents, Ricardo Martinelli and Juan Carlos Varela, faced questions from prosecutors Thursday, each on charges of corruption and money laundering. Prosecutors have charged Martinelli with corruption over the so-called “New Business” case in which a publishing group was allegedly purchased with public money during his 2009-14 term. Martinelli, 68, was in a combative mood when he arrived at the public prosecutor’s office in Panama City. “They are violating the law, they are violating the Constitution and international treaties. I hope they will do me justice,” the former president told journalists. “They are fabricating these cases against me. It really is a political
persecution.” Martinelli was held in pretrial detention for two years after he was extradited from the United States to face trial for spying on his political foes. He was acquitted on those charges in 2019. Varela, 56, meanwhile arrived at the special anticorruption prosecutor’s office to be questioned about alleged illegal donations to his political campaigns from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht. “I have come to comply with the subpoena from the public prosecutor’s office and to answer any questions they may have,” said Varela, who left office last year. Varela was previously questioned on Monday. The appearance of the two former presidents “could mean, if there is any optimism, that... no one is above the law,” Carlos Barsallo, head of the Panamanian office of Transparency International,
Juan Carlos Varela told AFP. But “being realistic and prudent and based on previous experiences, we have to wait and see real and definitive results because in Panama, the perception of impunity has prevailed,” he said. Martinelli won the 2009 election with Varela as his running mate, but their alliance broke down in 2011 when Varela was sacked as foreign minister. Since then, the two former political allies have become enemies.
Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2020
Security guard fights off gun-toting bandit
A screenshot of the CCTV footage showing the security guard scaling the fence to safety. A man on Wednesday valiantly fought off a gun-toting bandit before fleeing to safety. This publication understands that the man, a security guard, was on his way to work when the incident occurred. Based on CCTV footage seen by this publication, the bandit launched his attack in the vicinity of Lance Gibbs and New Garden Streets, Georgetown. The footage showed the man walking along when a motorcycle with two persons rode up. The pillion rider, with gun in hand, attempted to relieve the man of a haversack on his back. However, the man was not an easy target.
During the scuffle, the bandit’s gun fell and it was at this point that the security guard made a dash to escape his attacker. After retrieving his gun, the bandit was seen firing a shot in the security guard’s direction. It is not clear whether the security guard was shot but based on the footage, he was able to scale a fence to safety. Realising that his intended target was out of reach, the bandit joined his waiting accomplice on the motorcycle and they rode away. The matter was reported to police. Of recent, there has been an alarming spate of robberies perpetrated by motorcycle and bicycle bandits, several of which were captured on CCTV camera.
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Masked bandits invade home, shoot then rob businessman The businessman’s home.
Four masked men entered the home of a businessman on Wednesday last and shot him once before escaping with an undisclosed sum of cash. The incident occurred at around 16:30hrs while the victim, 74-year-old Ovid Cameron, was in his yard attending to his car. Kaieteur News understands that four men on separate motorcycles rode up at Cameron’s 81 Howes Street, Charlestown, Georgetown residence. According to reports, two of the men with handguns entered the man’s premises while one remained stationary on one
of the motorcycles. A fourth man was the look-out at a nearby corner. This publication was informed that the two with handguns cornered Cameron and demanded the key to his wholesale cheese shop located in the bottom flat of his two-storey home. A scuffle ensued between the man and the bandits over the keys. The pensioner was shot to the left side of his abdomen, Kaieteur News was told. The two gunmen then relieved the injured Cameron of his keys and entered the building. They reportedly spent close to 10 minutes ransacking it before
they made good their escape with their booty. Eyewitnesses said the men sped off on their motorcycles along the nearby one-way Adelaide Street. Cameron’s daughter, who was upstairs when the robbery took place, rushed to his assistance after his attackers left. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he received treatment. He is said to be in a stable condition. Investigators are reviewing video footage of the incident in hopes of identifying the perpetrators.
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...Despite developer’s refusal, Govt. gifted him 30 acres of prime Ogle lands Fom page 3 settled, after which the Order to transfer the title would be sent for publication in the Official Gazette, and title to the property would be in effect. Kaieteur News subsequently published a detailed article on June 21, which revealed that Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had moved to sign away massive portions of former sugar lands on the
ECD, and that several prospective buyers, including Navigant Builders, were contacted by government officials with offers to finalise the transfer of the valuable state lands. Wi n d s o r Estates/ Navigant Builders, however, was quick to address the issue following reports in the media, announcing that it was suspending the transaction. On June 23, the hous-
ing developer explicated stated that: “Due to an uncertain business environment, Windsor Estates/ Navigant Builders, a USbased real estate developer will hereby be postponing its plans for the proposed Ogle project. We would like to state that this decision is nonpartisan in nature, and that we are prepared to move forward with this project once a democratic and cred-
ible resolution to the election has been reached.” Notably, this was verbatim to a statement initially published on March 6 from the developer expressing concerns surrounding the yet unconcluded March 2, General and Regional Elections. Yesterday, the company issued another statement disclosing that there had been a Gazetted order indicating a transfer of lands
to Navigant Builders in the Ogle/ Sparendam vicinity dated June 11 and published in the official gazette on June 30. The developer’s statement was in response to vesting orders, which were published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday, following weeks of hiatus, which stated that 123 acres of lands were given to 10 developers. These developers in-
clude Supergraphics (5.058 acres); GUYOIL (1.500 acres); the Residences at Earl’s Court Incorporated (10.281 acres); Navigant Builders Incorporated (30.000 acres); Premier Sales and Services Incorporated (5.015 acres); Trinuyana Investments Incorporated (19.678 acres), Caribbean Marketing Enterprise Incorporated (21.096 acres), American Marine Services Incorporated (20.000 acres) and Cardiology Incorporated (8.000 acres). A number of the developers above had indicated plans to build hotels, with sod-turning days before the March 2 elections. In its latest statement, Navigant emphasized that they had no knowledge that the transfer had gone ahead; particularly since it had indicated that it had no interest in continuing with it. “Of utmost significance,” the statement said, “subsequent to the March 2 elections, we have made no attempts to initiate any transfer of lands or advance this project… In regard to the besting order showing the pending transfer of 30 acres of lands to Navigant Builders, we wish to state that we had no prior knowledge of this order.” Navigant emphasized that while they had received the communication from NICIL on June 19 seeking balance of payment prior to the publication in the Official Gazette, no payments have been made to date.
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Friday July 03, 2020
Statement on Russian Federation World Athletics can confirm that it has not received the payments due from the Russian Athletics Federation (RusAF) on 1 July, nor any information on when the monies may be paid, despite reminders and correspondence with the Federation. As a result, World Athletics will stand down both the Doping Review Board (DRB) and the Russian Taskforce until World Athletics’ Council has reviewed and discussed the situation at their meeting on 29-30 July, as set out in the decision made by the Council on 12 March. Both the Russian Taskforce and the DRB have,
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in good faith, moved forward in a number of areas such as the process to recruit two independent experts to work alongside RusAF and its Reinstatement Commission on a detailed reinstatement plan. The DRB has also opened up the Authorised Neutral Athlete (ANA) process to facilitate the granting of ANA status for athletes returning to competition, in preparation for the fine being paid by July 1. Both of these processes will be put on hold until the Council meets at the end of July to ensure World Athletics is not incurring additional costs that may not be reimbursed. World Athletics President, Sebastian Coe,
said: “We recognise these are difficult times, but we are very disappointed by the lack of progress made by RusAF in terms of the requirements set in March. The serious allegations of breaching the anti-doping rules resulted in a new RusAF administration and we had assurances and hoped that change was on its way. However, the experience of the Russian Taskforce, chaired by Rune Andersen, is that this has fallen well short of expectations. RusAF is letting its athletes down badly. We have done as much as we can to expedite our ANA process and support RusAF with its reinstatement
Friday July 03, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A great deal of attention will center on your emotions today, although being centered in and of itself will be quite the challenge. You may feel like a yo-yo at the mercy of someone else's hand.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your emotions may be a bit erratic. It could be hard for you to focus on anything today, Libra. Things continue to shift from one topic to the next with little resolution of any.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Maintaining equilibrium might not be the easiest task today, but if anyone can do it, you can. You may find that others' strong opinions are cropping up and challenging your ego.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) There is an extra blast of wind to fill your sails today, so make sure you've got both hands on the steering wheel. Whichever way your rudder is pointed is the direction you'll go.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Desire is the name of the game for you today, Gemini. If you want it, you can get it, but it won't come easily. The prize will go to the person who desires it the most.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The day's energy is erratic and you're apt to jump all over the place. Don't worry about trying to firm up any plans at this time.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today will be like playing a game on your home field. You have fans out there supporting you and you know the territory. Take advantage of the little things that you have going for you. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Enlist the help of others today, Leo. You'll find that information exchange is the key to putting the last few puzzle pieces into place. Doing things on your own is important and necessary. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is an excellent day for you, so live it up! Your ego is strong, and beautiful things are flowing your way in general. You should enjoy a good mood that will attract favorable people and situations.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Get up and get going today. You have no time to lose. Your quick mind will be busy working on many tasks, but this suits you just fine. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your heart may experience some wild fluctuations today, Aquarius. It may seem as if your emotions are on a runaway train with no track. If so, the best thing to do is sit by yourself and write.Compose a letter, song, or journal entry. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Suddenly things are coming to a head for you, Pisces. The drama is escalating, and you aren't sure if you can remember all your lines. Take things one step at a time. Deal with the issues as they come.
plan, but seemingly to no avail. The terms of payment of the fine and costs were clear and unchallenged by RusAF at the time so this issue will now need to return to Council at the end of July, as we stated in March.” The payments due from RusAF by 1 July are USD $5 million (fine) and $1.31 million (Reinstatement Conditions & Verification Criteria costs incurred from 30 June 2019 to 31 March 2020, including Legal & CAS Costs; Task Force Costs; Doping Review Board Costs, and Lysenko Investigation costs).
Fast bowler Shannon... From page 22 ago at the at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia when he took 8-62 against Sri Lanka to end with match figures of 13-121. He enters the upcoming series in the Top 20 of the International Cricket Council’s Test bowling rankings. West Indies will travel from Manchester to Southampton today as they continue preparations in a bid to retain the Wisden Trophy in the #RaiseTheBat Test Series. The first Test will be played at the Ageas Bowl, starting Wednesday, July 8. First ball daily is 11am (6am Eastern Caribbean Time/5am Jamaica Time). Test Squad: Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach. Reserves: Sunil Ambris, Joshua DaSilva, Keon Harding, Kyle Mayers, Preston McSween, Marquino Mindley, Shayne Moseley, Anderson Phillip, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican. Match Schedule #RaiseTheBat Test Series July 8-12: 1st Test at Ageas Bowl, Southampton July 16-20: 2nd Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester July 24-28: 3rd Test at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Jofra Archer and... From page 22 that cost just seven runs and yielded the wicket of opener Dom Sibley for 12. Archer banked the scalp, caught behind flicking the ball down leg-side, but the pair hunted together to unsettle Sibley with pacey short-pitched bowling. Wood might just as easily have been the one celebrating moments earlier, forcing Sibley to fend awkwardly to Ollie Pope, who squandered the chance at short leg. Wood returned in the afternoon session to take Jonny Bairstow’s outside edge with the first ball of his second spell and finished with spotless figures of 1 for 14 from 11 overs, while Archer returned 2 for 37 after adding Ben Foakes for 38. He received treatment for sore feet late on, understood to be a result of wearing new bowling boots, and was replaced by Surrey’s Amar Virdi - the 29th player involved in the match. Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson also offered a reminder of his skills, bowling with precision as he accounted for Moeen Ali and Lewis Gregory in a double-wicket maiden.
Stuart Broad could find himself vulnerable to the growing competition, with the fetching white bandana he wore over his lockdown hair more eye-catching than his figures of 0 for 42. Moeen’s dismissal, lbw for 5, followed a peripheral role with the ball on Wednesday and his hopes of a first Test appearance in a year appear to be receding. Instead, Dom Bess is well placed to hold his place in the side. He bowled more tightly than either Moeen or Jack Leach managed on Wednesday and took a key wicket when he had Keaton Jennings caught at slip before lunch. Zak Crawley top-scored with 43, a positive innings strewn with neat drives, before he nicked Chris Woakes - yet another able seamer vying for attention. Stokes made his way to 41, and doled out Bess’ only real punishment when he launched him for six and four in the same over, before he was stumped charging Matt Parkinson. Team Stokes 233 (Crawley 43, Robinson 2-7) lead Team Buttler 287 for 5 dec by 54 runs.
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A Founding Father of West Chappell remembers Everton Weekes: Indies Cricket Excellence a grin, a drink, a joke, and all those runs - CWI tribute to Sir Everton Weekes Cricket West Indies (CWI) yesterday‘ paid tribute to Sir Everton Weekes, the legendary West Indies batsman and pioneer. Sir Everton was one of the most significant figures in the history of the sport – as a batsman of the highest quality; he played alongside other forefathers of West Indies cricket for a decade at the international level. He was part of the famous Three Ws – alongside Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Clyde Walcott. He was also a highly respected coach, a knowledgeable analyst on the game for the regional and international media, as well as a former Team Manager, Match Referee for the International Cricket Council, and a member of the ICC Hall of Fame. He passed away on Wednesday at the age of 95. Ricky Skerritt, President of CWI said: “On behalf of CWI I want to publicly express our deepest sympathy to the family of this remarkable Iconic sportsman and gentleman, who passed away earlier today. I also send condolences to former CWI President Sir Wes Hall, and his family, who were all extremely close to Sir Everton. I never had the opportunity to see Sir Everton bat, but I had the opportunity to get to know him a little in
his later years. I learned about his incredible career by reading about him and looking at old videos when I could. His performance stats were excellent as he set tremendously high standards for his time. Sir Everton was therefore a most amazing pioneer in West Indies cricket; a gentleman and quite simply a wonderful human being. I got to spend a couple hours with him last year just sitting at his home and talking with him, at a time when he was recovering from a serious illness. I have never known a more humble and gentle human being. I grew to appreciate his sense of humour and his love of people, and witnessed the love and respect that so many held for him in Barbados and across the entire region. I am so privileged to have known this amazing West Indian Legend and gentleman. Sir Everton Weekes was truly one of the founding fathers of West Indies cricket excellence. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” Born, Everton DeCourcey Weekes, he was a member of the famous Empire Club in Barbados, which was also home to several other legends of the game including Sir
Frank Worrell, Sir Charlie Griffith and Sir Conrad Hunte. He made his Test debut at age 22 against England at Kensington Oval in 1948 under the captaincy of George Headley. His final match was against Pakistan in Trinidad a decade later. In his career, Sir Everton played 48 Test matches and made 4455 runs at an average of 58.61 per innings. This included a world record five consecutive centuries in 1948 – scores of 141 against England in Jamaica, followed by scores of 128, 194, 162 and 101 in India. In his next innings, he made 90. His average of 58.61 runs means Sir Everton is one of two West Indies greats, along with George Headley, in the top 10 Test averages of all time. This average has been bettered by only four players in history to have scored more than 4000 runs. In all firstclass cricket he played 152 matches and scored 12010 runs at an average of 55.34 with a top score of 304 not out. To see Sir Everton’s career history for Barbados and the West Indies, please see his profile page (https:// www.windiescricket.com/ players/everton-weekes4729/)
West Indies & England players honour batting legend BBCsport - West Indies and England players have both paid tribute to legendary batsman Sir Everton Weekes, who died on Wednesday aged 95. Windies players held a minute’s silence and are wearing black armbands on the third day of their intrasquad warm-up match at Old Trafford. Flags are also being flown at half mast at the ground in Manchester. England players are also wearing black armbands on the second day of their internal match in Southampton. Weekes is the only man to have scored five consecutive
centuries in Test cricket. He was one of the famous ‘Three Ws’, alongside Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Frank Worrell. Weekes’ batting average of 58.61 is the 10th highest of all batsmen to have played at least 20 Test innings. Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board has announced cricket will go #RedforRuth on Saturday, July 25 - the second day of the third Test against West Indies - to support the work of the Ruth Strauss Foundation.
According to Richie Benaud and Keith Miller, Everton Weekes was the “best of the three Ws” PA Photos/Getty Images ESPNcricinfo - I wrote the first of a number of “Dear Everton” columns in December 1979. The columns afforded an opportunity for levity and were addressed to a mythical Caribbean character named Everton Valentine who had migrated to Notting Hill in London. I chose the name in honour of two great characters of West Indies cricket: champion batsman Everton Weekes and left-arm spinner Alf Valentine. I only met Alf once, when, along with Rod Marsh, I was invited to his home in Jamaica in 1973. It was an enjoyable evening listening to Alf regale us with stories of the 1960-61 tied-Test series. Earlier in the week we had chatted with the legendary George Headley, whom the locals honoured by referring to Sir Donald Bradman the “white Headley”. A couple of weeks after those memorable evenings, I had the great pleasure of meeting Everton. This is where my admiration for the man commenced, and it only grew through the next 47 years. When Australia toured the Caribbean in 1972-73, Everton was involved with
Alexandra’s, a successful nightclub in Bridgetown. He was also a radio commentator, working on cricket matches with the silky-voiced Tony Cozier. It was through “Coze” that I met Everton and also discovered he was a champion bridge player who used to visit Canada to play in tournaments. I caught up with Everton again in 1991 when I was working as a television commentator for Australia’s tour of the West Indies. Richie Benaud was also working on that series and he told me on a number of occasions that he thought Everton was the best of the three Ws. Benaud’s opinion was later backed up by the great Australian allrounder Keith Miller, who played two series against Weekes - in 1951-52 in Australia and 1955 in the Caribbean. What a series that must have been in 1955. Australia had a magnificent fourpronged pace attack with Miller, Ray Lindwall, Bill Johnston and Ron Archer. West Indies countered with four champion batsmen in Weekes, Frank Worrell, Clyde Walcott and a young Garry Sobers. All four batsmen went
Everton Weekes (middle) with team-mate Roy Gilchrist (left) and Jim Laker at Lord’s in 1957 PA Photos/Getty Images
on to be knighted. In that fiveTest series they amassed 1733 runs between them, including six centuries. In 2000 I had the great pleasure of travelling to the Caribbean with my wife, Barbara-Ann, to honour Sir Garry as a “Barbados Living Legend”. Everton, along with a number of other Barbados champions, was at the blacktie function and he looked really well at 74. “You look good, Everton,” I greeted him, “what are you doing to keep in shape?” “In the morning, Ian, I swim with Wes [Hall],” replied Everton with his trademark grin and a drink in hand. “In the morning the fluid is on the outside, in the evening it’s on the inside.” This typified Weekes - a grin, a drink and a joke and he was in his element. Later that evening, around 4am, Barbara-Ann tapped me on the shoulder and suggested it was time to get some sleep. “How are you getting home?” asked Everton, a Banks beer in hand. “We’ll just get a cab,” I replied. “You won’t get a cab at this hour,” he said. “I’ll drive you home.” “What about the breathalyser?” I gasped. Everton took another sip of his beer and quipped: “Ian, we’re too civilised to have a breathalyser in Barbados.” He is one of only two men for whom I have broken my golden rule to never drink alcohol while I’m working. I have done so on two occasions. The first was for Lindsay Hassett in 1988 and the second was with Everton in the mid-nineties. They were a great pair of characters who could easily weaken the strongest resolve. It was sad to hear of Everton’s passing at age 95, but he wouldn’t abide any long faces. Everton Weekes was a great Barbados champion who epitomised living life to the full.
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Yhap eyeing senior Conquerors Montserrat Rejoins Caribbean RADO GK number one spot By Calvin Chapman Twenty-year-old shotstopper Joel Yhap, who had a phenomenal 2019 season, is on a journey to become a regular fixture not only in Fruta Conquerors senior team but to represent the Golden Jaguars. The 6ft tall lad won three tournaments last year as a starter, namely the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ KFC Nationwide under-20 Independence Cup, Petra Limacol and Turbo Knockout tourney (both with Conquerors U20 side). Yhap, who has been a member of Conquerors since 2016, started off as a forward but has now found his true calling as a goalkeeper thanks to Coach, Wayne St. Jules. The youngster explained that he believed that he was initially converted to a goalkeeper because of the vast amount of talented attacking players already at the club at his level; some of whom that have gone on to represent Guyana’s senior men’s team. He had left the club in 2017 to seek out his football fortunes elsewhere but that didn’t prove successful at Beacons after a trophy-less one year spell. It wasn’t until early 2019 that a move to Santos FC reaped rewards after the popular city club upset powerhouses Conquerors in the semi-finals
to then breeze past Dynamic FC 3-1 in the final to win the GFF/KFC youth tourney. Returning to Fruta Conquerors youth setup was a hard choice for Yhap despite living within walking distance of the Tucville based club because of the successful stint with Santos but he was ready to fight for a place in the youth and eventually senior setup with the GFF Elite league Champions. He reiterated that, “It was hard going back because I had to fight for my position, up against the talented Simeon Hackett, (brother of Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett), and after winning that position, I had to train even harder to keep the number one spot in the youth team because I know Simeon’s ability to be exceptional.” “At Fruta, the youth coach and team really found confidence in me after we won the Limacol tourney, where I was awarded the best goalkeeper of that competition.” More spotlight landed on the goalkeeper following his and Fruta Conquerors’ youths continued success after winning the 2019 Turbo Knockout competition and it was shortly after, the club’s Head Coach, Sampson Gilbert, invited him to train with the senior team, which he was doing up until the coronavirus pandemic
Joel Yhap curtailed on field play. Yhap explained that, “I really was pushing hard, giving it my all for a chance to be recognised and to break into Conquerors senior side because I was relishing the opportunity to feature in the CFU Club Championship which we qualified for after winning the 2019 Elite League but that has been cancelled this year due to the coronavirus. “Such an opportunity to play at that level and excel would not only potentially open doors for me to be spotted by scouts but create opportunities for my club and Guyanese footballers, in general.”
Bridgetown, Barbados The Caribbean Regional AntiDoping Organization (RADO) is pleased to announce Montserrat as its newest member. Montserrat’s application to rejoin Caribbean RADO was approved unanimously at the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday (June 28 2020). The island was one of the founding members of the regional organization; however, its membership ceased as the country battled with volcanic crises over the years. With Montserrat’s readmission, the number of Caribbean RADO member countries now stands at eighteen (18). Caribbean RADO Chairman Patrick Werleman has welcomed Montserrat’s return. “As one of the founding members of the Caribbean RADO, Montserrat was a front runner in recognizing the importance of anti-doping in the Caribbean.The Caribbean RADO is here now because of them; and therefore, we are extremely happy to welcome
Montserrat back into our organization. We all are looking forward to working together with the Montserrat anti-doping team as well as their sporting community.” Montserrat’s application was formally presented byWilstonScotland and Major Alvin Ryan. Scotland said that while they had been working towards ensuring clean sport in the country, they felt it was time to reengage with Caribbean RADO. “It was difficult throughout the years with our volcanic crisis and other things. We didn’t know that we would have survived, much less be part of a system which looks out for clean sport.” Major Ryan also noted the move was important to them as the country continues to
rebuild, now that they have moved out of the emergency phase. “Montserrat is trying to get back to as normal a position as possible. We thank you for letting us back in; and we are looking forward to continuing the work. It’s all about the athletes, and ensuring that their careers are protected. We are committed to doing our part.” The 2020 Annual General Meetingwas originally slated to be held in Curacao; however, a virtual format was adopted in light of the effect of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Caribbean RADO. Activities to commemorate the occasion will be scheduled later this year.
SLC optimistic over Lanka Premier League launch in August
GCB Assistant Secretary and Selector Community Centre Cricket in a release stated that Anil Persaud passes on Club, they have lost a true servant The local cricket fraternity was left in a state of shock on Wednesday afternoon following the sudden demise of the Assistant Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Anil Persaud. Persaud, who also served as a Selector on the Junior Selection panel of the GCB passed away suddenly after he complained of feeling unwell. Apart from serving on the GCB executive, Persaud was an executive member of the East Coast Cricket Committee and the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club. He had a passion for cricket development and rendered assistance to several clubs. He aided in the careers of several youngsters and had recently completed the Cricket West Indies Levels 1 and 11 coaching certification programme, while he was undertaking the level 111 course prior to his demise. He was a co-sponsor of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee U19 tournament
which is currently on hold. Persaud also played softball cricket; he died at the age of 48. Meanwhile, tributes continued to pour in yesterday from several organisations. A release from the GCB stated, “It is with great sadness that the executives of the GCB extend condolences to the Family and friends of Mr. Anil Persaud, GCB’s Assistant Secretary, on his sudden passing. Anil was known to the Cricket Fraternity for his active participation in the growth of cricket in the fields of Coaching, Selection and Administration at the Association, County and National levels. Anil’s positively impactful knowledge and unwavering commitment will be truly be missed. The executives and cricket fraternity mourn the loss of a valuable board member and long-standing Friend.” The executive and members of the Enmore
of the game and extended sincere condolences to his immediate family and friends. The Essequibo Cricket Board and the Wakenaam Cricket Committee: “Anil was a true servant of the game and his services will surely be missed. He was always willing to share his expertise and we pray that Almighty God gives his family the strength to cope with his passing.” Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc.: “The executive members of the GSCL Inc are saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Anil Persaud especially during these challenging times. On behalf of the entire softball fraternity, we would like to extend condolences to his family.” Also paying tribute were the Berbice Cricket Board, Demerara Cricket Board, East Coast Cricket Committee, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, the Guyana Cricket Umpires’ Council and the Queen’s College Old Students’ Association.
Lanka Premier League has been scheduled from August 8 to 22 Getty Images ESPNcricinfo - Sri Lanka Cricket is hopeful the Lanka Premier League will go ahead as scheduled in August, despite the Sri Lankan government pushing back the August 1 reopening of the country’s main airport in Katunayake. Sri Lanka’s sports ministry last week gave a go-ahead for the tournament, which has been scheduled from August 8 to 22. The date had been scheduled taking into account that Sri Lanka would be opening its borders for foreign arrivals on August 1. “We’re hoping to speak to His Excellency [president Gotabaya Rajapaksa] and see if we can come to a decision,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva told ESPNcricinfo. “Sri Lanka has done very well in containing the coronavirus as opposed to other countries in the region, and as such we have had a lot of interest from foreign players in taking part in the tournament.” The LPL will see five teams taking part, with SLC still accepting tenders regarding franchise ownerships. Players will be selected through an auction process similar to the one popularised by the Indian Premier League, with each team allowed a maximum of six foreign players in a squad and four in
the playing XI. The tournament will be played in either double or single round-robin format, followed by semi-finals and final. The length of the tournament meanwhile hinges not only on Sri Lanka opening its borders but also on whether SLC is able to come to an agreement with the BCCI over a tour of Sri Lanka, also in August. If the BCCI agrees, the tour would likely take place following the LPL, which in turn would shorten the tournament, explained de Silva. “At the moment we’re looking at 23 games, but if India agrees to play then it will most probably come down to 13.” An inbound India tour would be a significant boon to SLCs finances, which has been hit by the postponement of tours by England earlier this year, and most recently by Bangladesh, who were set to tour Sri Lanka in July but pulled out citing a lack of match preparedness owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. In terms of health and safety measures, any tour or tournament will see a significant reduction in crowds, with SLC planning to allow only up to 20% of stadium capacity, though the finer details are still to be ironed out.
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Contrasting fates for Blackwood, England to wear Black Lives Matter Holder as DaSilva extends form logo on shirts for West Indies Tests
Troy Deeney points to his trademark Black Lives Matter logo.
Jermaine Blackwood ©Getty Images Manchester, England, CMC – Jermaine Blackwood finally tasted form in a breezy knock but captain Jason Holder will enter next week’s first Test short of a significant score after failing again in yesterday’s final day of the four-day ‘inter-squad’ warmup match. With scores of three, 15 and one in his previous innings on tour, Blackwood put that dismal form behind him to stroke 43 off 48 balls with seven fours as Holder’s XI ended their second innings on 171 for four at Old Trafford. There was no joy with the bat for Holder, however, managing only two after opening the batting. The knock follows scores of five in the first innings and a firstball ‘duck’ in last week’s threeday game. Yet again, the day belonged to reserve batsman Joshua DaSilva, the righthander top-scoring with an unbeaten 56 to lead his side’s batting. The 22-year-old on Wednesday carved out a
Joshua Da Silva ©Getty Images superb unbeaten 133 to impress in the Holder’s XI first innings. Reserve fast bowler Anderson Phillip knocked over both openers Shayne Moseley (6) and Holder cheaply to leave the innings tottering on 13 for two. But Blackwood combined with fellow Jamaican Nkrumah Bonner who made 47, to repair the damage in a third wicket stand of 55. Bonner batted patiently, hitting three fours and a six off 114 balls in 2-½ hours at the crease. When Blackwood was bowled by part-time offspinner Roston Chase, DaSilva joined Bonner to post a further 80 for the fourth wicket. DaSilva faced 83 deliveries in just over an hourand-a-half, and counted three fours and a six. Earlier, reserve batsman Kyle Mayers struck
an unbeaten 74 as Kraigg Brathwaite’s XI were dismissed for 178 in their first innings after resuming the morning on 112 for seven. The left-handed Mayers, on 40 overnight, continued his counter-attack to hit seven fours and three sixes overall off a mere 56 deliveries. He inspired a 54-run eighth wicket stand with tailender Keon Harding who made a busy 22 from 26 balls. Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel added another wicket to his tally to finish with four for 42 while his new-ball partner Kemar Roach (2-25) and Alzarri Joseph (2-64) ended with two wickets apiece. West Indies head to Southampton today to finalise preparations for the first Test set to bowl off at the Ageas Bowl next Wednesday.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood bring pace as Team Stokes stutter ESPncricinfo - England allrounder Sam Curran is awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test after being placed in self-isolation at the Ageas Bowl, casting a shadow over the second day of the intra-squad clash. On the pitch, the battle for bowling places intensified as Jos Buttler ’s team, who declared on their day one score of 287 for 5, dismissed Ben Stokes’ side for 233 at stumps. Buttler’s hand was strengthened by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood’s first-ever appearance together in redball cricket and the pair offered a promising glimpse of what they might be capable of in tandem. Injury has kept the country’s quickest bowlers apart since both played key
Mark Wood celebrates with team-mates after taking the wicket of Jonny Bairstow Stu Forster/Getty Images roles in England’s World Cup victory last year, but midway through the morning session
they teamed up for a promising eight-over spell (Continued on page 19)
ESPNcricinfo - England have announced that their shirts for the upcoming threeTest series against West Indies will feature the Black Lives Matter logo. The move mirrors that already taken by West Indies in asking to use the design by Alisha Hosannah, partner of Premier League footballer Troy Deeney. The decision was taken by the ECB, fully supported by the England players led by Joe Root, the Test captain, and Ben Stokes, who will stand in for him during the first Test at the Ageas Bowl, starting July 8. “It is important to show solidarity to the black community and to raise much needed awareness around the topics of equality and justice,” said Root. “The England players and management are unified in this approach and will use the platform of international cricket to fully support the objective of eradicating racial prejudice wherever it exists. “The majority of us do not understand what individuals from BAME background have to go through when people make judgments because of the colour of their skin. As a group, we are learning about this and educating ourselves. “There has to be equal opportunity and equal rights for all. We hope by making this stance we can play our part in standing shoulder-toshoulder as a team and we hope that by continuing to raise awareness we can move towards a society in which the colour of your skin and your background has no bearing on your opportunities. “It is very simple, we believe there is no room for racism or any form of discrimination, anywhere.” Tom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, added: “The England and Wales Cricket Board fully support the message that Black Lives Matter, It has become a message of solidarity and a drive for progress and societal change. There can be
no place for racism in society or our sport, and we must do more to tackle it. “Our support of that message is not an endorsement, tacit or otherwise, of any political organisation, nor the backing of any group that calls for violence or condones illegal activity. We are aware of certain aspects of the movement that promote their own political views, and their actions are not supported in any way by the ECB and our players. “This moment is about unity. We are proud that our players will stand alongside those from the West Indies and wear a logo that embodies that philosophy. It is fitting that they do so in solidarity with athletes from the football world who wore it first. Our thanks go to Troy Deeney and his partner Alisha Hosannah, creator of the logo, who generously agreed to share it with us. “We have a responsibility to ensure that cricket is truly a game for everyone. We will shortly set out further steps that build on the
work we have already done to make cricket more inclusive and diverse in order to address some of the barriers which still exist for some communities.” Deeney added: “Alisha and I are immensely proud to be asked and take part in a monumental moment in world sport, this amazing decision by the England and West Indies cricket teams to show their support for Black Lives Matter. “When I got the call, I didn’t hesitate to respond, because I know as sportspersons in the spotlight, how important our efforts are to bring about change and the role we play in moving towards change in our society. Watching cricket with my granddad shaped my childhood, so it’s great to be able to help England and West Indies Cricket to show their support in such a meaningful way.”
Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel added to Test Squad vs England Manchester, England – Shannon Gabriel has been added to the West Indies Test squad for the ongoing Sandals Tour of England 2020. The experienced fast bowler was among the reserves and has now been drafted into the 15-member Test squad after proving his fitness following ankle surgery and impressive performances in the two inter-squad warm-up matches at the Emirates Old Trafford. Roger Harper, Cricket West Indies Lead Selector said: “I am delighted that we are able to add Shannon to the Test squad. He has shown that he is fit and ready,
he will add experience, firepower and potency to the bowling unit.” Gabriel, the powerfullybuilt, six-footer has made a full recovery from the ankle surgery. On tour he has bowled in three innings and grabbed eight wickets for 122 runs. The 32-year-old is one of the most experienced members of the squad. He made his Test debut at Lord’s on May 17, 2012 and has so far played 45 matches. He has 133 wickets, placing him at Number 15 in the West Indies all-time list of Test match wicket-takers. His career-best performance came two years (Continued on page 19)
Kaieteur News
Friday July 03, 2020
PAGE 25
The growth of the FIFA Women’s World Cup from Canada 2015 to France 2019
M
iami, Florida – There is no question that with each year, women’s football continues to grow worldwide, and especially within the Concacaf region. 2015 was a hallmark year for Concacaf, with Canada hosting the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In addition to being one of the most competitive and thrilling Women’s World Cup tournaments, it was wildly successful off the field as well, with $493.6 million in economic activity for Canada, which surpassed the expected total of $337 million. Attendance-wise, Canada 2015 set the standard with a WWC record 1,353,506 fans attending matches, with an average match attendance of 26,029 and seven matches with at
least 50,000 spectators, thus setting an attendance record for a FIFA competition apart from the FIFA World Cup. The economic activity spurred by Canada 2015 resulted in a very healthy financial outlook for Canada Soccer in 2016, with a reported $2.9 million surplus under the guidance of thenCanada Soccer President Victor Montagliani, who now serves as President of Concacaf. The television ratings for Canada 2015 were also impressive. The tournament was watched by 750 million worldwide viewers, including 20.8 million and Canada, while the Final between the United States and Japan was watched by 26.6 million viewers in the United States. These marks set by Canada 2015 would be
Team USA, FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 Champs bested by France 2019, with 1.12 billion global viewers enjoying coverage of last summer’s Women’s World Cup, up 30% from Canada 2015, including over 260 million live viewers of the Final between the USA and Netherlands, more than doubling the amount from the 2015 Final. The USA 2-0 win over Netherlands in the FIFA
Women’s World Cup France 2019 final delivered 14,271,000 viewers, peaking at nearly 20 million, across FOX and streaming services, making it the most-watched football match on English-language television in the U.S. since the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final. Of note at France 2019 was the increase in coverage
on digital platforms, with 481.5 million people tuning into France 2019 on digital platforms, a substantial increase from the 86 million digital viewers from Canada 2015. Thanks to the smashing success of Canada 2015, France 2019 enjoyed a broader broadcasting reach to 205 worldwide territories and the result was an
average live match audience of 17.27 million viewers, more than doubling the 8.39 million average of Canada 2015. With the next WWC just three short years away, the foundation laid by Canada 2015 and carried on by France 2019 is sure to make the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup the most watched yet.
Coco Gauff can change the world for the better BBCsport - American teenage tennis star Coco Gauff can help “change the world for the better”,” says 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova. The 16-yearold has repeatedly spoken to demand social change following the death of George Floyd. At a peaceful protest in Florida last month, Gauff urged people to vote and speak out against racism. “I smile so much when I see the reach she already has now, and she will have in the future,” said Navratilova. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “She is just so poised on and off the court, she was brought up with great qualities and it shows how she plays and it shows how she’s active now politically. “She’s one of those people that can change the world for the better, and she seems to want to do that.” Navratilova, 63, says it is “essential” sport stars use their platforms as they can see “how much politics can affect their lives and their freedoms”. “Sport has always been at the forefront of social
change,” she added. “And now it can be that again with Black Lives Matter and just equality for all. “Tennis has had its share of obstacles, but I think overall, we’ve been at the forefront of social change and it seems like now with Coco Gauff, leading the charge, we’re still there.” It is also time for tennis to unite, Navratilova added, as she explained why it was time for the men’s ATP and women’s WTA tours to merge. It is something she and Billie-Jean King have been talking about since the 1980s but which has been discussed again in recent months after Roger Federer said in April that “now is the time”. Speaking to Thursday’s edition of BBC Two’s Wimbledon: The Best of the Championships, she said a united front would make it easier to tackle issues such as the four Grand Slam events each having different rules for deciding the final sets of matches. “The only way to put the pressure on the ITF and on the majors is if men and women are together,” she said. “We should have the
Coco Gauff
same rules for men and women - how much time between points, how you play the matches, coaching etc. “It just doesn’t make sense that women do it that way and men do it that way, it’s the same sport, the same size tennis court and the same balls.” In a wideranging interview, she also said the interruption to the tennis year because of the coronavirus pandemic had come at the wrong time for A m e r i c a n 3 8 - y e a r- o l d
Serena Williams, who is still chasing a 24th Grand Slam singles title to draw level with Margaret Court’s alltime record. “Time is not her friend. Yes, she gets to rest but the body is still aging even though she’s resting. I think emotionally it would be really hard to stay motivated and keep your routine,” she said. “But I know she’s still fired up, she wants that record, she’s been going after it for a while now.”
Martina Navratilova
- says Martina Navratilova
Joel Yhap
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GCB Assistant Secretary and Selector Anil Persaud passes on The Late Anil Persaud
Yhap eyeing senior Fruta Conquerors GK number one spot
A Founding Father of West Indies Cricket Excellence
Sir Everton Weekes
Shannon Gabriel
Fast bowler Shannon Gabriel added to Test Squad vs England
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