Kaieteur News

New Gov’t must be K NEWS installed, will of the people must be respected AIETEUR

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Monday Edition July 13, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 29

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Guyana’s destiny rests on the shoulders of Claudette Singh and others - Commonwealth Secretary General Lowenfield’s report…

AFC’s Trotman says Nation remains in the Lowenfield cannot dark since Saturday on be directed, Claudette Singh’s next move even if he is wrong

‘A’ Division Commander Fire destroys unable to confirm section of Keith Lowenfield Lusignan Prison death threat report - No deaths, No escapees, 15 injured No country with 300 Public Security Ministry spends bulk of $35B or 400 people can budgeted for 2019 on tell us what to do - Raphael Trotman infrastructural works

No action against Lowenfield would be blatantly unlawful

- ANUG Chair

Jordan ties Guyana to US$14.6M contract on last day of Elections Recount

Monday July 13, 2020

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Kaieteur News

No action against Lowenfield Guyana’s destiny rests on the would be blatantly unlawful shoulders of Claudette Singh

- ANUG Chair and others

Attorney-at-Law and Chairman of ANUG, Timothy Jonas When one considers the improper actions of Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, it would be “blatantly unlawful” if the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (retd), Claudette Singh does not take any action against him. Making this strong statement during an interview with Kaieteur News yesterday was Chairman of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Timothy Jonas.

The attorney-at-law said it is expected that Lowenfield be immediately dismissed after his deliberate refusal to follow clear instructions given to him by the GECOM Chair. It was previously reported that Lowenfield was told to submit his report using the results of the national recount which concluded on

June 8, last. Those results show that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is the winner of the 2020 elections.

Instead of using this outcome to inform his report, Lowenfield resorted to inaccurate computations so as to give the APNU+AFC Party the lead in the 2020 polls.

The ANUG Chair further emphasized that owing to Lowenfield’s act of insubordination, the Chair would be left with no other choice but to fire the CEO. Jonas also noted that the GECOM Chair would have the support from the Commission on her decision to immediately dismiss Lowenfield.

The lawyer’s sentiments were also shared by the wider members of his party.

Yesterday afternoon, ANUG issued a statement calling for the immediate dismissal of the GECOM CEO. The party stated that “the CEO’s conduct, including most recently, his refusal to adhere to the instructions of the Chair...warrants summary dismissal.”

Further to this, ANUG noted that the Commission as a matter of “administrative necessity” should identify a nominee as Mr. Lowenfield’s replacement before the next meeting to ensure that there is no delay after the CEO’s dismissal.

The new replacement, the statement noted, would be required to report as the new CEO under Section 96, and to declare the election results based on the lawful report of the recount as mandated by GECOM, and approved by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) at its July 8 ruling.

Also joining the call yesterday for Lowenfield’s removal was the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

FITUG called upon GECOM to act proactively and have Mr. Lowenfield, without further delay, removed from his post. It stressed that the “electoral process has gone on for far too long. FITUG was keen to point out that there is no obstacle that prevents the GECOM from taking decisive action and declare the results in keeping with the outcome of the national recount.

According to Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, Guyana’s destiny as a great nation rests on the shoulders of Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (retd) Claudette Singh and others who are “bound by duty to make the right decisions, respect the rule of law, the will of the people and those who are ready to put their country before personal ambitions.”

The official made these and other strong remarks in a statement yesterday. In her missive to the press, Scotland urged Guyana’s leaders to be “faithful to the common good” so that the future “may be truly forged”.

The Commonwealth Secretary General also welcomed and noted the recent pronouncements by the Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, where he called on all stakeholders to respect the ruling handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal.

“In accordance with the applicable laws and the Constitution of Guyana,” Scotland said “the CCJ exercised its final appellate jurisdiction, and, on 8 July, 2020, handed down a clear and unambiguous ruling.”

The CCJ in their judgment stated, “It is for GECOM to ensure that the election results are swiftly declared in accordance with the Laws of Guyana.”

Chief Justice dismissed Rickford Burke’s multi-million libel suits against media entities Eight years after Rickford Burke, New York-based radio talk show host filed a $20M libel suit against Guyana Times, Multi Technology Vision Inc. and Little Rock Television Station Inc., Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George handed down a ruling last month dismissing the libel suit against the media entities.

Not only was the matter dismissed but the court also ordered that Burke pay the sum of $100,000, to MTV and Guyana Times and the sum of $200,000, to Little Rock Television.

According to a court document seen by this newspaper, Little Rock was awarded more because Burke failed to give any or no admissible evidence against the defendant. Burke’s claim is in defamation for damages for libel published on

Rickford Burke (West Indian Online) January 30, 2013, on MTV channel 14/65, on the programme “Straight Talk” hosted by Kwame Mc Koy; on January 31, 2013, by Guyana Times and on January 30, 2013, by Little

Rock TV. Burke alleged that the media entities published and broadcast an offensive story about him being arrested for identity theft. Burke also sought an injunction restraining the publication of the offending article headed “Rickford Burke charged with Identity Theft” and the broadcast of a news item “APNU official Rickford Burke charged with Identity Theft in New York.”

Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes represented Burke; while attorneys-at-law Charles Ramson and Sanjeev Datadin represented MTV and Little Rock TV; Guyana Times was represented by attorney-at-law, Ronald Burch-Smith.

The Chief Justice (Ag) ruling stated that Hughes submissions merely relied on the evidence as establishing

the claims made by his client, while Burch-Smith made three points that she considered to have merit. Burch-Smith’s submission highlighted that the evidence led can only relate to the publication in the Guyana Times newspaper and that the evidence about subsequent publication online cannot be taken into account since the online publication had to be treated separately, and no amendment of statement was sought by Burke.

Burch-Smith’s submission also highlighted that Brandon Burke, the brother of Rickford Burke, was not detailed in his evidence as to what Guyana Times article he read which referred to Rickford.

Brandon’s evidence outlined that he saw an offending TV programme on January 30, 2013, and the next week he Continued on page 7

– COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY GENERAL

Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland Noting that Guyana is a much loved and valued member of the Commonwealth, Scotland “strongly urged” GECOM to adhere to the directions given by the CCJ and “decisively conclude the March 2, 2020 elections based on the results of the national recount.”

Those results show a clear win for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) with a total of 233,336 valid votes, handing them the 33-seat majority in Parliament while the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition got a total of 217,920 valid votes, which gained them 31 seats. The tri-party

joinder, which includes A New And United Guyana (ANUG), The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM), earned enough votes for one seat in Parliament.

Scotland added that for democracy to prevail in Guyana, “the will of the people as expressed in the March 2 polls must be respected.

“I urge all political actors and stakeholders in Guyana to accept and respect the results of the national recount and ensure that their words and actions promote an environment of peace, harmony and social cohesion among all Guyanese,” the Secretary General said.

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Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Chairwoman Singh must declare In view of what comes out of the bowels of the Guyana Elections Commission, we are now undeniably a country without a compass and, no matter how kindly considered, a society based on straw and sand. The world observes a chicken without a head, and that is the perfect picture of us, as a body of people. We flop about and float around, in what could similarly be the death throes of a society now reduced to sightlessness and mindlessness.

When the theatrics and acrobatics presented by one Mr. Keith Lowenfield are reviewed and analyzed, a few things become inarguable. To begin with, the CEO of GECOM has gone radioactive, since whatever he projects taint all who come near to the results of his calibrated but crude handiworks. They are so crude that they are more than craven; they are vulgar and criminal. For what Mr. Lowenfield has done is, in effect, to render GECOM unfunctional. Not surprisingly, he has powerful resources in the coalition’s commissioners, who prove true to task and calling, and absent themselves. And in the nonfunctional-at least, severely reduced and handicappedoperations of GECOM, there is a larger lesson for those in the nation, who still care about the bigger picture, the long view, and as all gleaned from and preceded by the lessons of our stormy history.

In the handcuffing and ball and chain attached to the forward movement of GECOM and its chairwoman (who, too, is embattled) and reducing it to the almost nonfunctional, it could serve as a precursor of making this entire country ungovernable. The besieged governor of GECOM looks increasingly marooned and isolated in the no man’s land of having to make hard and thankless electoral decisions. Any way she decides and concludes, the dam will burst, the bile will flow from the vile. This is our politics, what elections do to us, and how it poisons us and punishes us ceaselessly.

Can chairwoman Claudette Singh rise up authoritatively, stand up powerfully, gather up the shards determinedly, and speak up conclusively? We at this publication think that she can. Will she? Again, we submit, without qualification, that she must.

She must put an end to this running around and going back and forth, which makes complete idiots of all of us, and transform us into the abjectly humiliated laughingstock of friends, foes, and even fools, who show that they are wiser than us. As a people, we have little by way of pride left, when our dignity is shattered, and the pieces left are trampled upon even then, through one indecency following on the heels of the other.

We do not know of any group of people that can coexist, that can survive together, that can manage like this, given what we have been through, and continue to be subjected to with one electoral evil following the next. As we ask where this thing will end, we recall the recent prophesy of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley: it will not end well.

Yet even as we share this, we also insist that the beginning of the end, rests with the retired judge, who must demonstrate how much she is about what is right, what is just, what is fair, and what is credible. Wherever that beginning leads to, whatever the end may be, let it be. Let it be now, today, this Monday.

We at this paper have no crystal ball, no Ouija board, we boast of no special ability to communicate with the dead or the divine. But what we do have is enough of the commonsense that enriches us when it tells us and all Guyanese that it is past the time to put an end to this damning and unending nonsense. Let the chips fall where they have to, and then let us go from there to wherever and whatever looms, to whatever has to be.

We are embarrassed and we are pained. And through our pain and embarrassment as people and nation, we are angry. We are angry at the barbarity and perversity of it all, this nightmare named elections. It must be done with and declared over. Chairwoman Singh: stand up and deliver: declare!

Resourcefulness taken to astounding heights daily DEAR EDITOR, The CEO of GECOM is possibly the best at fabrications and outright falsifications. He needed clarification and interpretation, which were the first untruths. What he really needed was the time to commit what amounts to felonies. In effect, what he handed over late on Saturday was a report that reeked of criminal recidivism. The man is reconstructing the future from the present.

This is the latest lunacy from the fantasy to which Guyana’s Elections of 2020 has been degraded. I see a man, and the men behind himthe legal, statistical, and intellectual geniuses-making another run at perpetuating a fiction in defiance of what is obvious to everyone, and as recognized and dismissed by everyone. The fiction is that the coalition won, thanks to the crafty machinations of Mr. Lowenfield. What Mr. Lowenfield keeps delivering are not fantasies or fictions, but worse. They are felonies; or should be so made. Since he is creating laws on the run to suit his purposes; the same should be meted out to him.

According to the CEO on

Friday, he was lacking understanding and needed guidance. He certainly did not lack guile nor deviousness; now proving unequalled in both, unseen and inexperienced here before. If there were ever his elections equal in this country, I need the education.

What and who could be more warped? More determined to open a way for good ole time rigging to be resurrected and reinvigorated again?

Everything that the CEO does these days, each new development from his fertile mind, is dedicated to one of several outlooks. First, it is to hold up the proceedings leading to an accurately based declaration. Second, it is to thwart and frustrate in what has boiled down to a war of attrition to make opponents yield.

Third, it is to present some fraudulent report that compiles to the same last line: the coalition won. And fourth, he will ignore the Chair, he dismisses the highest judiciary in the area, and he moves forward uncaringly and relentlessly to do whatever he pleases.

The CEO of GECOM has become a law unto himself. He

listens only to himself and guidance counsellors-behind the scenes. In an electoral and organizational sense, the CEO now exhibits the classic characteristics of a rogue worker. He breaks the law; he violates procedures; he injures all constituents. This most senior officer does not care how he appears in public, nor the criminal nature of what he does, nor the fallouts from his actions.

He is too far gone to return to his senses, some degree of credibility. He must be removed. As I examine the actions of the CEO, I come to this place: this is not about elections anymore. This is about survival.

This is about succeeding, no matter what; and this is regardless of who has to be taken out, what has to be trampled upon, and whatever procedure or standard or legal norm has to be violated. It just has to be. The surreal and abnormal are what now stand as the new norms. And the CEO perpetrating the dictates of the coalition visions is the embodiment of all that is illegitimate in this land. He has not just lost his mind; he lives for nothing else.

The man now has become the epitome of the statewide illegitimacy, the rank criminality that courses through just about everything here. This is the norm, and he is the iconic figure that incorporates the worst features of what is so pervasive here, and what has metamorphosed into the prime time of the big time of elections time. The prize could not be richer. Hence, no sacrifice, including of self, is asking of too much to be taken for team and tribe.

This is how men are steeled for perverse purposes. This is why no position, no matter how spurious, no embarrassment, no matter the personal diminishment, is too much to take a stand and be the public face for what can only be declared as elections pornography through official prostitution.

In all this, Mr. Lowenfield is poster child and Exhibits A through Z. I remember the disputes over selections and appointments and about qualifications and fit and proper. In the CEO, the proofs come alive and resoundingly.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

It’s time opposition leaders take this struggle to another level DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese cannot fail to acknowledge, much less underestimate, the seriousness of the political quandary created by caretaker President Granger and the coalition he leads.

And while it is pellucid that it is not simply a small “cabal” that is taking us into a dark place, it is equally obvious that the “sanctimonious gangsters” associated with the coalition (mainly PNC), continue to spout untruths and false narratives about unconfirmed electoral irregularities. The fact that a cross-section of African intellectuals has refused to forcefully denounce the Granger-led political coup is an indication that their silence is an endorsement of the most shameless public rigging the world has witnessed since March 4. Dr. David Hinds, a WPA member on the 2020 coalition list of candidates, has been the most vociferous, but unashamedly, the most unapologetic defender of the political coup. Freddie Kissoon, through his daily exposé, has bravely emerged as a champion of democracy, and, unwittingly, has now been accused of being in collaboration with the PPP/C. The recent warning emanating from Professor Hilary Beckles, the chairman

of the CARICOM Reparations Committee, is most welcome. However, I am no pessimist - Beckles pronouncement, like those of other CARICOM leaders previously, will unfortunately fall on the deaf ears of Coalition supporters, and David Granger.

Conspicuously absent from this high stake drama of political brinkmanship, and incremental steps towards the consolidation of a dictatorship, is a display of genuine public expressions of outrage against the riggers.

It’s difficult to imagine a single country, out of 196 existing countries, where such a travesty has existed, and persisted. Here in Guyana, we have an election where the players agreed to the rules of electoral politics, an election won freely and fairly by the opposition, recognized by the world as free and fair, with a recount certified as valid, together with unprecedented vocal support from CARICOM leaders, as well as support from regional and international organizations and countries.

Yet, opposition leaders seem resigned to rely solely on reactive and defensive politics, placing all their efforts into meeting every move by the Coalition with a legal challenge. Political

leaders are made in these defining moments of uncertainty and crisis when they “ground” with their supporters. So, why are we not witnessing Irfaan Ali, Bharrat Jagdeo, Ralph Ramkarran, Dr. Asha Kissoon, Lenox Shuman, Dr. Frank Anthony, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Bishop Juan Edghill, and other inheritors of the spoils of electoral victory collectively holding hands in unity and leading peaceful public protests?

Imagine the publicity garnered: Lenox Shuman, dressed in his traditional Amerindian wear leading his supporters in protest!

I have suggested ”safe, controlled and peaceful protests” lead by leaders of the opposition, so that all necessary precautions are taken to ensure that schoolchildren are not harmed and there is no loss of life like that of 18-year-old Seedat ‘Devon’ Hansraj. I posed the question to Timothy Jonas on a recent Globespan show. Engaging in peaceful protests, however, does not mean foolishly risking one’s lives and playing into the hands of the riggers, who control the coercive arms of the State, and are now desperately seeking to grasp at any lifesaving opportunity to

resurrect themselves and extend their tenure. Protests can come in many different forms, inside and outside of Guyana. Kit Nascimento (KN, June 30, 2020), a former PNC supporter who compiled the speeches of Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, gave us an insight as to why protests are currently avoided in Guyana when he said that ”these are men and women who are conniving, ruthless, ignorant … in their intent” and who ”feel secure that they can do this supported by our military and our police”. Sensing this reluctance, Nascimento expressed a worrying concern for the future of democracy in Guyana when he noted that, ”It is fast becoming essential that the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Godfrey Bess, and the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, decide and state publicly whether or not they will uphold their oath of office, to which they are sworn, to the Constitution.”

What this all means is that caretaker Granger has mastered the art of dictatorial politics from his mentor. He may have been preparing the ground for this occasion, strategically placing his “squaddies” in key positions (Continued on page 5)

Monday July 13, 2020

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Kaieteur News

My appeal to all who are concerned about It’s time opposition... our nation and when this keep my commandments”. happens, please be grateful Therefore, it is simple to power. Granger knew very forces among his supporters Guyana’s future enough to credit God for conclude that, “if you do not well what he meant when he who are determined, at all DEAR EDITOR, I have read and listened to so many of my fellow Guyanese expressing their concerns about our country’s dilemma and with time one can feel the gruesome pain and anguish that we pass on to one another. This pain does not discriminate but affects both Indo and Afro Guyanese, which should remind us that we are “one people”.

I want to assure each one of us that God is following what is happening with great interest and in His mercy He is giving all those who are causing this great pain on our

nation the opportunity to redeem themselves. I want to lovingly remind everyone that, “anyone who knowingly causes pain on God’s creation will definitely face the wrath of God”. The bible says: “it is a fearful or dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” - Hebrews 10:31.

I am convinced beyond any shadow of a doubt that if we continue to pray, we will see miraculous changes in our nation. I am again asking everyone to keep praying for our nation. God will respond to our inner pain and tears and will change the direction of

rescuing us from what seems like a hopeless future.

Many of our politicians are claiming to be “God fearing people” and many of us are asking the question, “How can God fearing people knowingly inflict such gruesome pain and anguish on others?” However, I would like to believe that they would be listening online to their pastor, priest, bishop or apostle declaring the word of God and I am sure that they must have heard their spiritual leader quoting the words of Jesus many times as recorded in John 14:15: “If you love me,

live according to the commandments of God, you do not love God”. There is absolutely no middle ground for anyone of us. If we do not live by what we claim to be, God calls us “hypocrites” and He has a special place for hypocrites and that place is called “hell” which is a real place.

Let me clarify again that “prayer is not a religious act but it is talking to God and anyone who can speak can pray and please let me assure you that when we pray, God listens.

Harold Beharry

Caricom people urge correction of Lowenfield’s report DEAR EDITOR, Caribbean people urge the GECOM to correct the election ‘kak’ report submitted by Lowenfield and bring the election process to closure. This charade has gone on for too long and Caribbean people are with democracy. The people feel hurt that the entire world is looking at Guyana as being out of step with the rest of the region on the democratic chart. Even Haiti is a democracy and respect court ruling as well as orders from their elections commission.

Caribbean people call for sanctions against Lowenfield for his attempt to defraud the nation of its rightful government as chosen through the will of voters.

GECOM must suspend or dismiss Lowenfield for the ‘kak’ report and appoint someone to complete the process with numbers obtained from the Caricom recount.

Regrettably, Caribbean people are poking fun at Guyana and Guyanese over the behaviour of the government and the judicial system. With government officials criticizing the CCJ and Lowenfield defying the CCJ’s ruling and GECOM’s orders, they ask whether Guyana is a lawless society.

(Guyana has been lawless since the 1960s with election rigging, bullying, racism, kickdown-door banditry, choke and rob). Guyanese in the diaspora and at home have been the subject of ridicule for the last eighteen months since the no confidence motion of December 21, 2018 over Math, English, and now law.

Caricom people and American colleagues where Guyanese are employed made vexatious, snide remarks that we (Guyanese) don’t know simple maths. They say some judges don’t know how to calculate a simple majority.

Then they say we (Guyanese) don’t know simple English

that we had to ask a court to define or explain “more votes than”. As the CCJ ruled, it does not mean “more valid votes”. All votes are valid.

Now, Caribbean nationals say Guyanese don’t understand simple law. The CCJ is the final court of Guyana. Its ruling is law; it must be enforced. The CCJ instructed Lowenfield to prepare an elections report in accordance with the valid votes of the recount. He cannot submit to GECOM a report based on the (Mingo) count. It must be based on the recount. Since Lowenfield is defiant, GECOM must discipline him for insubordination. If GECOM does not discipline him, then Guyana becomes a lawless society. The law of the jungle takes over. Even during the worst period of Jim Crow racism in America, when the Supreme Court ruled favourably toward Black Americans, the White authorities enforced the ruling they disliked. Racist White folks enforced the rights of Black Americans. The votes

of Black Americans were counted and used in declaration of winners in elections, several of whom were Blacks.

Lowenfield’s behaviour of defying GECOM is

lawlessness. It is the informed opinion of Guyanese and other Caribbean people in New York that Lowenfield must be terminated from his position. (PS: almost every (Continued on page 6)

An appeal to Mr. Granger and Nagamootoo DEAR EDITOR, My heart used to swell with pride when hearing you speak. Particularly, when I heard Mr. Nagamootoo speak at the Salvation Army’s launch of their annual Christmas fundraiser in 2017.

I was never more proud of the leadership of my country.

However, it breaks my heart to see you tarnish your reputations and all the good things you did for Guyana in a fruitless attempt to remain In power. Not only that, but your plan also involves tarnishing the reputation of every upstanding individual

in society in order to suit your political agenda. I ask you to play the long game for your supporters. Concede, and come back in 2025 stronger than ever before. For every additional day you spend wasting the time of Guyanese, your sensible supporters are lost in the thousands.

Yours respectfully, Mike Singh

prophetically echoed these ominous words in Atlanta in 2017 to diaspora supporters: ”you have to ask yourself how the PNC gained office in 1964. Ask how the PNC remained in office and what it did to do so. Ask yourself how the PNC regained office in 2015 and ask yourself how would the PNC retain office in 2020".

He may be prepared to drag this impasse on for as long as possible, through the fig leaf of legal challenges, and skullduggery by GECOM collaborators. When this political crisis is over, Granger must be held squarely responsible for another crisis he has created and encouraged: the disruptive

cost, to prevent the opposition from governing Guyana.

It’s time opposition leaders take this struggle to a political level.

At a minimum, they should be united in calling for international personal and political sanctions against members of the rigging cabal, while leading their supporters in “safe, controlled peaceful p r o t e s t s ” i n and out of Guyana to demonstrate their gratitude for the support shown by regional states and the international community in preserving our democracy.

Sincerely, Baytoram Ramharack

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Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

Trotman seems not to know that we learn and benefit from CARICOM Dear Editor, While claiming to be “all for CARICOM”, Raphael Trotman, Chairman of the AFC has told member states of CARICOM to mind their own business and allow Guyana to solve what he refers to as a “constitutional crisis”. The constitutional crisis he was referring to is the successive fraudulent reports submitted by the Chief Elections Officer to the GECOM Chair on the results of the March 2, elections. Trotman and Joe Harmon were joint APNU+AFC Campaign Managers for the elections although he has been the less strident of the two in the conspiracy with the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield to rig the results of the elections. In dismissing these small islands, Trotman does not seem to share David Granger ’s description of CARICOM as Guyana’s most legitimate interlocutor and not to know that two of the three members of the Recount Scrutineering Team came from small islands.

Trotman must know that whether big or small, member states of CARICOM all have equal standing and a single vote when it comes to voting.

The same as with voting in the General Assembly of the United Nations.

His statement is insulting not only to all members of

CARICOM but, at this particular moment, to St. Vincent and the Grenadines which has just assumed the chairmanship of CARICOM. Such undeveloped views of leading politicians of one country about other countries serve to undermine not only the cooperation and unity of our region but our own interest as well. Trotman ought to know that in seeking protection for our rice, sugar and other products under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), it is those very countries whose support we will need.

Trotman is probably not aware that those very small islands constitute their own sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), have their own stock exchange, Supreme Court and Central Bank which has overseen the most stable currency in the world over the past forty years. And one of those small islands has produced not one but two of the three Nobel Laureates, the other being Trinidad and Tobago. He is also probably not aware too that the President of the wider regional court is from a small island and that that court has continually saved Guyana from miscarriages of justice.

In other words, Trotman may but should not be blind to the fact that there is much we can

Caricom people urge...

From page 5 Caribbean people have been following the Guyana election matter ever since the coalition lost the no confidence motion eighteen months ago. People from Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and the Caribbean watched the oral arguments and the delivery of the judgment of the CCJ. Every democratic loving person has condemned the government

for not abiding with the principle that follows a defeat of a NCM (hold fresh election) and not respecting the outcome of a free and fair election.)

Madame Chair of GECOM, Caribbean people and the Guyanese diaspora urge you to correct Lowenfield fake report and proceed with a declaration!

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

learn and benefit from those small islands.

At a personal level, Trotman should be the least of the Cabinet and the rigging cabal to disparage the small islands. His father Donald Trotman served in high office in two of those countries – St. Vincent and Grenada – while his sister is currently part of the establishment in Grenada. And lest he forget, it is in one of those very small islands that he chose for a personal celebration, coming a little after his signing of the lopsided petroleum agreement with ExxonMobil.

Addressing the fictional and fraudulent report submitted on Saturday by Lowenfield, Trotman opined that he could not see how any section of the Representation of the People Act or any powers that GECOM has that could overturn or undo that report. As a lawyer, Trotman must know that one does not read a single article of a

constitution, let alone a single word, a single section of an Act or a single paragraph in any subsidiary document to understand and appreciate its meaning.

Any legal instrument has to be read as a harmonious whole. Trotman must be aware of some of the broad rules for the interpretation of constitutions including the famous words of Lord Wilberforce in the Bermuda case Minister of Home Affairs v Fisher to stay “clear of the austerity of tabulated legalism”; that the Constitution has to be read as a whole; that a constitution is not to be “read like a last will and testament”; that as a living organism a constitution “should be made to serve the society in the climate existing when its aid is summoned”; and very importantly, the words of Lord Kinkel that the “language of a constitution falls to be construed not in a narrow and legalistic way, but broadly and purposively, so

as to give effect to its spirit...”

Mr. Trotman seems to believe that the purpose and intent of a single word in the Guyana Constitution can be the excuse for the highjacking of an election by an employee of the constitutional body charged with the supervision of elections. In that case, he and I have some fundamental differences on understanding basic legal principles. I allow for the fact that Trotman’s views are obviously clouded by his political interest and what was seen as his duty to deliver victory to the APNU+AFC. He and Harmon having clearly failed to do so despite the unlimited resources at their disposal, thus he seeks refuge in the next best possibility, described by him as win-win, a not too disguised term for power-sharing. I have read the APNU+AFC manifestos for the past three elections and it should come as no surprise that in not one of

them is there anything like win-win or power-sharing.

Indeed, it is funny that Harmon and Granger, who seem bent on rigging the elections in favour of the APNU+AFC, have no interest in power-sharing.

In any case, after the pain through which the APNU+AFC is putting Guyanese, the likelihood of the imposition of sanctions on Guyana, the potential for the embarrassment, which they are causing CARICOM, and the setback for democracy for the wider community of nations, Granger, Harmon and Volda Lawrence, among others, are undeserving of trust by anyone or the engagement in any conversation. The “constitutional crisis” Trotman refers to has arisen from the unwillingness to play by the rules of democracy. It is that simple.

Yours truly, Christopher Ram

Shared governance – should we, can we?

DEAR EDITOR, I enter again where even heroes hesitate to go. I continue for my conscience, my vision for this country, and the peace of mind that comes from doing what I fervently believe is right. I speak about shared governance. In doing so, I get some understanding of what it means to be Ms. Claudette Singh.

I am for shared governance, be it bipartisan, multiethnic, civil cum political societies, or any other incarnation. I am all for it, because I envision it as the way out of the sewer into which we drag each other down. I admit upfront that shared or inclusive or national government is not of the idealistic, merely the realistic, what our bitter

hateful circumstances should accept as pragmatic. Any other structure, however wellintentioned, is a recipe for national tragedy. For the many disbelievers and naysayers, I say look and listen to the hostilities and rages that flourish. We are at war. But we expect peace, anticipate continuity, pretend at democracy, and the many altruistic things that have eluded or been suppressed. I ask quietly: who is fooling whom?

Editor, I take this in another direction. I scan headlines and read of Black brothers (they may not think of me as such, but I do of them) who called recently for what I did long ago. I question neither their underpinnings nor their agendas. Instead, I welcome their sanity and the

commonsense utility to which they dedicate energies. Yet as I do so, the roused lion’s den rears up and rushes forward to mangle them and me. I disagree, but I understand all about backdoor constructions and entrances, and reflexive allegations about deviousness through motives intended to cheat and deny the opposition.

I understand the depths of the raging passions. I accept the venoms that violate the good faith of contrarians, who call for a different governance apparatus at this time. I regret what is believed to vindicate the positions of those who unleash violent verbal salvos in the direction of those few others who call for, dare to whisper, anything of conceding, responding, sharing. What I recognize are the forces loosened by the splitting of Guyana’s electoral atom, the resulting nuclear electoral winter. We don’t know, and we don’t care, anything about that with which we play. This is true for both coalition and opposition, both of which groups are bent to their way and vision solely to lead forward. That was yesterday, this is today.

For any of these representations, the ugly follows. About root cause and responsibility. About tampering and rigging that brought us to this place. The worst precedes: traitor, liar, fraud, opportunist, maybe even self-hating and racist, all in one. Those are the better ones, and reserved for those who have never identified with or exemplified in any manner with either the superiority or monopoly (or right and birthright, or slavery

system or caste system) of any one ethnic grouping in Guyana, or anywhere. It is the price to be paid for saying that all of us (not only the emperor) have no clothes on, even a fig leaf to modify the nakedness of our wraths and the vileness in which elections bury us.

A close Black friend was alarmed that I have ‘switched’. I am appalled that this is where we helplessly end up: that when an Indian rightfully called out the then PPP government, there is glee; but when the same standard is applied to the coalition administration, then he is iniquitous and treacherous. And, similarly, when a Black Guyanese speaks out against the coalition, then he, too, can only be automatically a PPP stooge. This is what makes us hate each other and launches with daggers for the jugular of those disagreeing.

Of that, I want no part, for such I cannot stand.

I am embarrassed that this is the limit of our thinking. I am disturbed that we refuse to move beyond the prisons of our racial fences and see not what is inimical to one’s party interests, but what is continuously of conscience and country. Clearly, there is no love of country anymore, only sacred, inseparable love for party. That I cannot be.

Now if that condemns me to the brimstone of hell, then so be it. And because of this, I lend my voice and my heart, again, to calls for inclusive governance. I should know better, but I am too lacking.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 7

‘A’ Division Commander Jordan ties Guyana to US$14.6M contract on last unable to confirm Lowenfield’s day of Elections Recount death threat report Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan on June 8 signed off a US$14.6M contract with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for a hydropower project, and in doing so, tied Guyana to that agreement on the very day that the national recount of votes concluded at the Arthur Chung Conference.

This agreement adds to a long line of actions taken by the Government since the passing of the No Confidence Motion, which was executed in defiance of the Government’s Caretaker status, as stipulated by Guyana’s apex Court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). President David Granger had made a commitment not to enter into any major agreements, out of respect for the ruling of the Court.

Likely, the largest financial agreement of its kind since the landmark ruling was handed down by the Caribbean Court, restricting the administration’s power; the Government’s flouting of the Court’s judgment is compounded by the fact that the Finance Minister signed the agreement on the day the final tabulation was concluded at the recount,

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan illustrating that the governing party, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) lost the elections by 15,416 votes.

The total cost of the project is US$16.59M, to which Guyana must contribute US$1.95M, according to the contract.

Though contracts of this nature are expected to face parliamentary scrutiny, the National Assembly has not met in over a year and is currently dissolved.

The contract secures the

funds for the cost of the construction and rehabilitation of three hydropower plants: Moco Moco (700kW) and Kumu (1.5 MW) at Lethem, and Ikuribisi (1MW) at Bartica; as well as for payments for goods, works, consulting and related services procured under the project to bring it to fruition.

According to the agreement, the IsDB agreed to finance the project on December 15, 2019 through installment sale financing, for execution by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). The Bank’s website lists the project as ‘Active’ as of December 14, 2019, the day before it agreed to finance the project, as stated in the contract.

“The specific objective of the project,” the Bank states, “is to ensure universal access to electricity for the population living in Lethem and Bartica areas (currently around 80 % have access) with an affordable tariff around USD 20 cents per kWh, which is currently ranging between USD 33 cents and USD 40 cents per kWh in Lethem area and between USD 19 cents and USD 28 per kWh in Bartica area.”

Table showing costs involved in project – extracted from contract

Chief Justice dismissed Rickford...

From page 3 read the news article.

Burch-Smith stated that the claims of Rickford is that the news article was published by the newspaper on January 31, 2013, so therefore it is unclear what article Brandon read especially since he gave no evidence on the contents of the article.

Rickford claimed that he suffered damages to his character; however, he did not provide the article that he read and even though he and his witnesses testified about the offensive article, they did not give specifics of what they read.

The ruling also stated that Rickford claimed that the publication was done in

Guyana and there is no evidence of damages to Rickford’s character in Guyana; as such, the Chief Justice handed down her ruling and the libel suit was dismissed.

Initially state-owned Guyana Chronicle and NCN Television, along with Multi Technology Vision Inc., Little Rock Television, Guyana Times and Presidential staffer Kwame McCoy were each sued for broadcasting or publishing the story. The Chronicle and NCN Television have retracted the story and apologized.

H o w e v e r, B u r k e h a s s a i d t h a t t h e apologies were “wanting, disingenuous and lacked prominence to the offensive publication.”

There has been no indication whether Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield lodged an official police complaint regarding the threat to his life that he allegedly received on Friday last at the Headquarters of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Noting the serious nature of the allegation, Kaieteur News made contact with the acting Commander of A’ Division, Senior Superintendent, Paul Azore to inquire whether an official complaint was made. Commander Azore was not able to confirm that a report was made. He said, “I don’t know anything about that.”

Additionally, calls were made to the de facto Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan to ascertain whether investigations into the claim would be conducted but these went unanswered.

Lowenfield was scheduled to submit his final election report to the seven-member Commission at 2 PM on Friday. However, he fled the building after reportedly receiving a “death threat”.

Commissioner Bibi Shadick who spoke with reporters had explained that Lowenfield was ordered by the Chair, Justice (retd), Claudette Singh to return to the Commission with his report using the final figures from the recount.

It was while she was preparing her orders in writing that Lowenfield informed the Commission that he received a “death threat”

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield and hurriedly left the building.

Journalists who were camped outside of GECOM’s headquarters saw an ambulance inside the compound while Lowenfield was exiting. This raised suspicions that he might have fallen ill.

However, when the ambulance exited the Commission’s compound, it was found to be empty. Lowenfield and his entourage left seconds later.

PAGE 8

Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

AFC’s Trotman says Lowenfield cannot be directed, even if he is wrong

By Mikaila Prince Co-chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman, has wrongfully posited that the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, cannot be directed by the Chairman and the Commissions of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), nor can he be instructed by any quote of the law—even if the CEO commits a wrongful act.

During an interview on Saturday evening with two of his supporters, Trotman sought to defend the report that was submitted by Lowenfield to the GECOM Chair on Saturday, even though this document was riddled with falsified figures.

The CEO, after seeking clarity from the Chair, ret’d Justice Claudette Singh on precisely what the final figures would be derived from, was ordered to present himself before the sevenmember Commission on Saturday, at 11AM with the final report which was

expected to contain accurate figures.

The CEO, however, failed to show up to the meeting along with the three government-nominated Commissioners, Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman. As a result of their absence, no quorum could be had. Be that as it may, the CEO did submit his report but with erroneous figures.

These figures, notably, matched the declaration made by the infamous Region Four Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, who fraudulently inflated the votes in favour of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), as exposed in a series of extensive and verifiable articles done by Kaieteur News.

In spite of Lowenfield’s report being riddled with inaccurate computations, Trotman said to his supporters, “It appears from my standpoint that his report stands, and I say this based

on my own legal training… It would be unheard of for the Commission or Chairman, whether it is four or all of them, or the Chairman herself, for any direction or instruction to be given to the CEO as to what that advice (report) should entail. I don’t see how any section of the Representation of the People Act or any powers that the Commission may have or could overturn or undo that report once it is issued.”

The Attorney-at-Law went on to say that, “Once the CEO’s report is issued based on precedence, then I don’t see how that report can be undone even by the Commission itself.

I know that many people are throwing around Section 18 of the Elections Law Amendment Act. But at the end of the day, the CEO has both a statutory and constitutional duty, and no Commission, or person or quote, for that matter, can direct the CEO to do his job.”

To give credibility to his utterances, Trotman, who is also the de facto Minister of Natural Resources, related that even though ministers have a “general supervisory authority” over the boards and its employees, “none of us have the authority to specifically instruct or direct an officer as to how to conduct their duties or

Co-chairman of the AFC, Raphael Trotman (left) and GECOM CEO, Keith Lowenfield functions.”

It is against this that Trotman maintained that “the Commission, even in the face of a blatant wrong, cannot instruct the CEO as to how to conduct his functions.”

Notably, powers vested to the GECOM Chair by the Constitution state that Justice (ret’d) Singh can order Lowenfield to create another report in which all the votes are tabulated. In fact, reports from the 2011 General and Regional Elections chronicle how former CEO Gocool Boodhoo’s erroneous calculation of votes would have taken one seat from the Alliance For Change (AFC) and given it to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C). This would have given the PPP/C a 33 seat parliamentary majority had Commissioner Vincent Alexander not discover the miscalculation and brought it to the attention

of the Commission.

To correct this wrong, the then GECOM Chair, Dr. Steve Surujballi, had ordered Boodhoo to redo this calculations, which resulted in the seat being correctly awarded to the AFC and the PPP/C being given a minority government with 32 seats.

To compound issues, in February of 2019 Lowenfield had said that the Commission is the only body, which is mandated to instruct him as well as his decisions.

At a press conference in February 2019 at the GECOM Headquarters, Lowenfield had stated that it was the GECOM Commission that is constitutionally mandated to direct the Secretariat, which he controls.

In his explanation that was captured in a video by News Room, Lowenfield stated, “I think I need to remind sometimes, that this

agency, this constitutional agency, established constitutionally, (under) Article 161, speaks very clearly to the establishment of the Commission, the Chairman and to the members of that Commission and their responsibility.”

He added that it is the Commission, which is responsible for the efficient conduct of general and regional elections, local government elections and for the conduct of registration in Guyana.

Lowenfield argued that, “The Commission by order instructs the Chief Elections Officer for the conduct of all these subsets; they are contained in the Constitution where the Commission shall direct the Secretariat to so do, so it is not a creation of an attitude on the part of the CEO that he have to be provided with guidance.”

“So,” he added “they direct – move, don’t move, act, don’t act – as is contained in the Constitution.”

The CEO pointed out that, he, being a “student of management” understands fundamentally what is required by the Secretariat in the execution of their duties.

“So sometimes when,” he stated at the press conference, “one hears that the CEO cannot meet with a team at location X or Y, I have not yet, as constitutionally mandated, been provided with the guidance from the Commission, Chairman and Commissioners, so I think we need to understand that from jump street.”

CPA notes decline in child abuse reports - Cites COVID-19 as contributing factor Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene in a brief telephone interview with Kaieteur News yesterday, related that the Agency has recorded a decrease in the number of reports regarding child abuse.

Greene noted that from January to May, CPA received a total of 1250 reports of child abuse as opposed to 2051 for the same period in 2019, a difference of 801 reports. The Director stressed however that a decrease in the number of reports does not mean that there is a decline in the occurrence of child abuse.

Greene explained that many of the reports received by the agency come from the school system. She said that

the current COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the closure of schools hence the noticeable decline in reported cases.

“At this point, our entire system is not in operation because most of our abused cases come through the schools and with schools being closed, we are not getting reports through that avenue. Also, we must remember that a number of children are abused in their homes so they may (now) be with their abusers at home.”

Greene said.

The head of the agency also pointed out that neglect is the most common form of abuse reported against children. This is followed by sexual abuse.

Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene

Monday July 13, 2020

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

The AFC’s leaders will face sanctions Martin Niemoller, a Lutheran pastor, who was born in 1892 and lived to the ripe old age of 92 wrote the following words: “They came first for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me, and by that time, no one was left to speak up.”

The international community is daily condemning the shenanigans being employed to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections. World leaders, heads of international organizations, retired Heads of Government, academic and politicians across the world are raising the voice in support of democracy in Guyana.

In Guyana, a large number of organizations have come out in support of electoral democracy and against the attempts at rigging the elections. But, apart from the Justice for All Party (JFAP), there has been a deafening silence from within the Coalition.

Except for the JFAP, none of the other Coalition parties

have come out and disavowed the shameless rigging which is believed to be orchestrated by the PNC/ R. By their silence, these parties and their leaders have been complicit in the scheme to deny the will of the people.

Instead, leaders within the AFC have joined the PNC/R bandwagon in supporting the perversion of electoral democracy. It cannot be that they are afraid.

Sharma was not afraid. The only leader of the AFC who has come out and condemned the Coalition’s lying to its supporters is Dominic Gaskin. No other AFC leader has done so. In fact, just yesterday one of them took a swipe at the countries of the Caribbean, urging them to stay out of Guyana’s business.

The leaders of the AFC have refused to disassociate themselves from electoral rigging.

And by their own silence and actions in support of electoral malfeasance, these leaders must be held accountable for aiding in the undermining of democracy.

One of the greatest scientists – some say he is the greatest – who ever lived, Albert Einstein, once said, “If I were to remain silent, I would be guilty of complicity.”

Martin Luther King Jnr. He said, ”Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” The great civil rights leader warned, “The hottest place in

Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.”

Mahatma Gandhi put it as follows: “Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.”

One of the AFC’s leaders said goodbye to the senior members of his Ministry. He admitted to them that the PPP/ C had beaten the Coalition by more than 15,000 votes.

But as soon as new shenanigans to rig the elections emerged, he changed his tune and said he was only saying goodbye because he was moving on to a new posting. He was moving to a new posting even before the election results were known.

The Secretary of State of the United States has indicated that he has instructed his staff to hold those in Guyana who undermine democracy accountable. The United States has so far been restrained, most likely since it does not wish to act preemptively.

However, what is clear is that the United States does not bluff. Those who feel therefore that they can engage in electoral fraud and escape sanctions will have a rude awakening when they realize the reach, which the United States has.

The USA, Canada and the powerful European Union dominate the western

Dem Boys Seh...

De Rigadier put Guyana in de Guinness Book of World Records Karen de Suzie tek she eyes pass de boss man of de Waterfall paper. If she nah understand wha he seh is because she nah want understand.

De boss man seh bedroom story is personal and private matter. But he also seh at de same time, dat if de bedroom story involve police story, de law should tek its course.

Dem boys hope dat dem nah gat fuh clarify dat second part fuh Karen de Suzie like how Claw-dette gat fuh clarify instruction fuh de Lolo man.

Easy lesson good fuh dunce. De boss man seh again dat wha happen in the between de sheets is fuh man and wife. But if wha happen involve abuse, den it become police story.

Dem boys want know if Karen de Suzie gon stop shying pebble and instead encourage all dem who feel dem get abuse fuh go to de police so dat de police story can run its course.

De bossman of de Waterfall paper also

want to tell Karen de Suzie dat she should also use some of she advocacy fuh help protect de wealth of de country because if de wealth squander then is man, woman and child who gon suffer.

Dem boys also notice dat some people get jumpy yesterday when dem read about an attempt to bun down de Suddie Court, then dem attempt to bun down Umana Yana and den de riot and fire at the Lusignan Prison.

Dem boys nah pointing finger like Karen de Susie. But dem know dat dem gat elements in de Coalition wha looking fuh excuse fuh declare a state of emergency fuh swear in de Rigadier.

But dem boys know if dat happen Guyana gon gat de fuss President who no country gon recognize.

De Rigadier dun put Guyana in de Guinness Book of World Records fuh de longest time fuh decide an election.

Talk half and wait fuh see if de Lolo man going to Lusignan today.

economy. And when they impose personal sanctions certain persons will realize the folly of their ways.

The leaders of the AFC will not escape the sanctions.

Except for Dominic Gaskin, all the others will be eligible to be sanctioned, especially those who believe that they will get away with electoral

fraud.

It is chilling to think that these are the very persons who were administering the country over the past five years.

They are unfit to ever rule again. By their actions and silence, they cannot escape culpability for what is taking place presently.

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

PAGE 10

Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Election rigging: Faces of dangerous journalism One of the most explosive issues in journalism in the 21st century occurred last month in the New York Times (NYT), one of the leading global newspapers. In an opinion piece in the NYT, Republican Senator, Tom Cotton supported President Trump’s contemplation of using the army to quell nation-wide protests that broke over the police killing of George Floyd.

NYT subsequently withdrew the column and explained it was in violation of what the paper stands for.

In the United States one of the documents that guide American journalism is the Hutchins Commission report.

The publisher of Time Magazine, Henry Luce, in 1942 asked Robert Hutchins, a philosopher and president of the University of Chicago to put together a team of American scholars to assess the direction of American journalism.

The Hutchins Commission in its report, “A

Free and Responsible Press” published in 1946 stressed the context that journalism must operate in, given what had just occurred – fascism in Europe ended by a world war.

In its report, it stressed context. Here is what the report asserted; “The preservation of democracy and perhaps of civilization may now depend upon a free and responsible press.”

It is important to note the word, “responsible.” More than 70 years after the Hutchins Commission, the United States is facing a social upheaval never seen before because American democratic values are threatened by a president whose character embodies autocratic instincts. It is in this context, the NYT rejected Cotton’s column.

Here is what the News Guide of New York consisting of America’s top journalists had to say in its condemnation of NYT publishing Cotton’s piece; “Its lack of context,

inadequate vetting by editorial management, spread of misinformation, and the timing of its call to arms gravely undermine the work we do every day.”

Readers need to note the use of the word, “context.” Based on what is taking place in the US, Cotton’s column was a dangerous departure in journalism.

Pulitzer Prize journalist of the Washington Post, Wesley Lowery, wrote the following in his agreement with NYT pulling the Cotton piece; “For years, I’ve been among a chorus of mainstream journalists who have called… for reporters to focus on being fair and telling the truth, as best as one can, based on the given context and available facts.” Again, I advise readers to bear in mind the word context as used

by Lowery.

Let us apply context to what is taking place in Guyana. This country is going through a constitutional, political and

social crisis never seen in the British West Indies. If society in Guyana accepts the rigged election of 2020, then fascism takes over and Guyana virtually dies. In this context, one should quote the words of the Hutchins Commission; “It is no longer enough to report the fact truthfully. It is now necessary to report the truth about the fact.”

The Kaieteur News has a quota of columnists that are defending the freedoms and liberties this country’s people are entitled to and rejecting the direction of fascism. I would appeal to media entities to be vigilant. Some

columnists are operating in the “Cotton way”. One introduced race hate by a poor attempt to achieve relevance of the Black Lives Matter movement to Guyana by arguing that anti-Black racism in Guyana is similar to what obtains in the US. Another columnist dishonestly hid support for rigged election by APNU+AFC by accusing friendly countries of treating Guyanese as colonial subjects when all they are doing is trying to save us from fascism.

It is not for me to lay down the operating principles

Frederick Kissoon for media houses, but I would strongly suggest they analyze the Cotton/NYT situation.

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

Murder PI for moneychanger and daughter coming to an end One year after moneychanger Aaron Latchman and his 18-year-old daughter Arianna Latchman, were killed during a robbery at their Better Hope, East Coast Demerara home, the preliminary inquiry (PI) into their deaths is coming to an end as the remaining witnesses are being called on to testify.

On Friday, one witness testified in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Courts before Magistrate Alisha George, the matter was adjourned to July 17, 2020, where the remaining witnesses are expected to testify.

The five accused are Mark Rufino, called ‘Mark’, 25, a labourer of Parika Facade, East Bank Essequibo; Paul Chan, called ‘Long Hair’ or ‘Anthony’, 37, a conductor of 10 Dennis Street Sophia, East Coast Demerara; Troy Abrams, called ‘Troy ‘ or ‘Rasta Man’, 44, a vendor of 34 Middle Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Lloyd Sadloo, 37, self employed of 220 Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara; and Sean Thomas, called ‘Yankee’, 41 years, an electrician of 59 William Street, Kitty.

Some of the defendants have secured representation from the Guyana Legal Aid Continued on page 15

Lloyd Sadloo

DEAD: Aaron Latchman

DEAD: Arianna Latchman

Paul Chan

Mark Rufino

Troy Abrams

Sean Thomas

Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Monday July 13, 2020

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

Amitabh, son, daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and granddaughter test positive with Coronavirus Three generations of a high-profile Bollywood family have tested positive for Covid-19, officials in the Indian state of Maharashtra say.

Results on Sunday showed the actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a former Miss World, and her daughter Aaradhya, eight, were infected with coronavirus.

Her husband Abhishek and father-in-law Amitabh, both also actors, were taken to hospital on Saturday with the virus. Both men were said to have mild symptoms.

Abhishek Bachchan tweeted that they would remain in hospital “till the doctors decide otherwise”.

Aishwarya Bachchan, 46, is one of Bollywood’s most famous faces both in India and abroad, featuring in several Bollywood and Hollywood films.

She won the Miss World pageant in 1994 and is Goodwill Ambassador for

UNAIDS. In 2003 she was the first Indian actress to be a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival.

Aishwarya and her daughter are said to be asymptomatic. Her husband tweeted to say they would be self-isolating at home.

OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT On Saturday Amitabh Bachchan told his millions of Twitter followers he had tested positive for Covid-19.

“I have tested Covid positive, shifted to hospital, hospital informing authorities, family and staff undergone tests, results awaited,” he wrote.

Bachchan, 77, has been involved in 200 films over five decades. He and Abhishek, 44, were taken to Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday.

Abhishek described them both as having mild symptoms.

Amitabh is currently in the isolation unit of the hospital, news agency ANI

reported, quoting a public relations officer for the hospital. He urged anyone who had been close to him in the past 10 days to get tested.

His wife Jaya had tested negative, officials said. It was not clear whether results for other family members were yet in.

Mumbai municipal officials have since put up banners outside the actor’s house in the city, classifying it as a “containment zone”.

The news has led to an outpouring of support for the family on social media.

Among those paying their respects were actress Sonam K Ahuja and former India cricket player Irfan Pathan.

“Dear Amitabh ji, I join the whole Nation in wishing you a quick recovery! After all, you are the idol of millions in this country, an iconic superstar! We will all take good care of you. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!” said India’s Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.

Six new COVID-19 cases recorded; national total now stands at 297

Bachchan Snr has enjoyed starring roles in hit movies such as Zanjeer and Sholay. Since rising to fame in the 1970s, he has won numerous accolades including four National Film Awards and 15 Filmfare Awards. France has also bestowed its highest civilian award, the L e g i o n o f Honour, for his contribution to cinema.

Outside acting, Bachchan Snr had a brief stint in politics and was elected as a member of India’s parliament in 1984 at the behest of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. But he resigned three years later, disillusioned by a corruption scandal under Mr Gandhi’s government.

In recent months, he has been prominent in helping the government get its message across in the fight against coronavirus.

India saw a record rise in the number of coronavirus cases by 27,100 on Sunday, with the total climbing to nearly 850,000 - the third highest caseload in the world. There have been complaints about a lack of both testing and frontline medical staff.

AFAMILY CONSIDERED ACTING ROYALTY Indian megastars don’t come bigger than the Bachchans, a family considered acting royalty. At the helm of the dynasty is Amitabh Bachchan, one of the most famous people on the planet, with billions of fans spanning continents.

Over five decades, the 77

year old actor has starred in hundreds of Bollywood films, fronted prime time television shows and is revered, even worshipped - by his die-hard followers.

Little wonder then, that news he has coronavirus is massive news in India and beyond. In 1982, the nation stood still as Amitabh Bachchan spent months in hospital after a film stunt went horribly wrong.

This time he is said to be stable, with only mild symptoms. The star who has 43 million Twitter followers,

has been tweeting thanks to his well wishers from hospital.

His son Abhishek Bachchan, and daughter-inlaw Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who both tested positive, are big stars in their own right too.

As attention is focused on this one family, thousands of other Indians are contracting Covid-19 every day. The country is seeing a sharp rise in cases, now the third highest number in the world after the US and Brazil. (www.bbc.com)

New Gov’t must be installed, will of...

From page 14 also made a pronouncement for the GECOM to ensure that the election results are swiftly declared in accordance with the Laws of Guyana. The Court’s President Justice Adrian Saunders had noted in that decision, “it is now for GECOM to ensure that the CEO submits a report in accordance with its directive of 16th of June in order to proceed along a path directed by the laws of Guyana.”

In his writing, Sir Shridath emphasized that, “Our country, our region, our hemisphere, our world – will not allow less. Guyana’s Elections Commission, fortified by the Court’s judgment and the people’s demonstrated will, must make democracy prevail. That is its

constitutional duty.”

Sir Shridath noted that with the exercise of that duty, the process of healing must begin.

In this regard, the diplomat also reflected on the speech he made at the inauguration of the Granger administration in 2015: “At moments of transition like this, it is the duty of all to work hard at destroying the myth of otherness and at cultivating by conscious effort the reality of oneness that is our historical birth right.”

He stated that those words are as urgent now, at the current moment of transition, as they were urgent then.

“Let us follow them and save ourselves,” Sir Shridath said.

Murder PI for moneychanger and...

The Ministry of Public Health informed the nation yesterday that there have been six new cases, bringing the country’s total number of positive cases to 297.

Further, there are currently 126 persons in institutional isolation, 20 persons in institutional quarantine, and five persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

There have also been 154 recoveries, with 17 deaths to date.

On Saturday July 11, last, the country recorded its latest COVID-19 related death.

The individual was identified as a woman in her 60s.

According to reports, the woman had tested positive for the virus and was reportedly admitted to the ICU at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

However, her condition worsened which caused multiple complications leading to her death.

From page 10 Clinic, while the others are still unrepresented.

They were not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that on July 4, 2019, at Robert Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, they murdered Aaron Latchman and Arianna Latchman during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

According to reports, on the day in question, Aaron Latchman arrived home around 15:15hrs and was attempting to park his car in his yard when two gunmen struck.

One of the gunmen reportedly entered the

house and shot Latchman’s daughter. The other, meanwhile, then attacked Latchman, and the two men got into a scuffle, which resulted in a bag ending up in a neighbour’s yard.

The gunman who had shot Latchman’s daughter then exited the house and came to his accomplice’s aid, shooting Latchman as well. After Latchman fell to the ground, the attackers snatched up a bag of cash and fled.

The killers escaped in a car. The moneychanger and his daughter were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were both pronounced dead on arrival.

PAGE 16

Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

Public Security Ministry spends bulk of $35B budgeted for 2019 on infrastructural works

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For 2019, the Public Security Sector expended the bulk of its $35.6 billion budget on several infrastructural reform projects for the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Fire Service and the Prison Service.

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Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan included the formation and operationalization of several new units within the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) such as the Cyber Crime Unit (CCU), the Firearm Investigation Unit (FIU), the Missing Persons Unit (MPU) and the Cold Case Unit (CCU) as well as the creation of an Environmental Unit (EU) at the Police Headquarters.

Additionally, it stated that each regional division benefitted from the establishment of the Divisional Base Management Information System, which complemented the Electronic Data Management System (EDMS) and the Police Records Management Information System (PRMIS).

As it relates to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), $1.4 billion of the $1.8 billion budgeted was expended as part of the transition from a penal to a correctional institution, and for training some 430 ranks.

The document pointed to expenditure on training over 1,050 inmates in the areas of numeracy and literacy, Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate mathematics, carpentry, joinery, electrical installation and culinary arts.

The report however did not specify exactly how much was spent on the inmates.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan Among the major projects highlighted for the GPS the report underlined, was the commencement of the reconstruction of the New Amsterdam Prison. Kaieteur News understands that it is being built as part of efforts to alleviate the overcrowding and ensure that Guyana is compliant with the human rights standards for the treatment of its 2,090 inmates.

The End of Year Outcome 2019 also highlighted expenditure by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit spent $347 million. That was expended from the budgeted sum of $349.7 million.

The document noted that under the expenditure, the Unit was able to furnish and open a new building at its headquarters, acquire a vehicle to be used in longrange operations, and recruit additional staff members. The Unit also acquired additional equipment to boost its intelligence and operational capabilities.

The 2019 report stated that the Guyana Defence Force completed the construction of a dormitory at

Timehri as part of the expenditure for the Public Security Sector.

According to the report, works were also advanced on the construction of a second dormitory, at Timehri, and drill halls, at Bartica and Mahdia; renovation of arms store at Seweyo; expansion of a building at the headquarters of the Civil Defence Commission; and the construction of a regional warehouse at Lethem.

The air, land and water fleets were also enhanced with the purchase of seven vehicles, four drones and four boats.

Additionally, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) expanded its fleet by two vehicles. As for the Guyana Fire Service, the report notes that a firefighting and rescue boat was commissioned in the third quarter of 2019.

Expansion of its firefighting and emergency fleet was also boosted with the acquisition of five new ambulances, two new and seven reconditioned water tenders, and a rescue and firefighting vehicle under the expenditure.

Security guard loses home to fire A 27-year-old security guard is now without a place to live after a fire gutted his home at Riverstown, Essequibo Coast, Region Two yesterday.

The fire occurred sometime between 06:30 hrs and 08:00 hrs.

The security guard, identified as Kumar Mohamed, had left for work early that morning. He later received a phone call from his uncle informing him that his house was on fire.

Mohamed said that he rushed to the scene and saw his flat, wooden house engulfed in flames.

“I couldn’t save anything because de fire de done spread... I mean is hard but everything just went down and right now the estimated damage is about one million cause I had meh fridge, laptop, gas stove and so,” said Kumar.

A neighbour who spoke to this publication said that residents attempted to save the man’s home, but were futile in their attempts.

“I went upstairs and mommy tell me that it look like Kumar house burning down. When I come downstairs, I see the black smoke shooting through the house. Some neighbours tried to throw some water on the fire in order to control it but it was pointless because the fire spread too quickly.”

The fire department later arrived on the scene and extinguished the blaze. Fire officials said that they cannot rule out the possibility that the fire was electrical in origin, but investigations are ongoing.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Monday July 13, 2020

Monday July 13, 2020

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Lowenfield’s report…

Nation remains in the dark since Saturday on Claudette Singh’s next move

By Shikema Dey Up to press time, the country was left at a standstill as no official word had emerged from Chair of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) Ret’d Justice, Claudette Singh on her next move after Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield presented yet again, another final report containing falsified figures.

The CEO was expected to present himself at the GECOM meeting on Saturday at 11am. However, he along with three governmentnominated Commissioners, Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman, were a no show.

What Lowenfield did was send his report to the Commission with someone containing the false figures including the fraudulent declarations made by controversial District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

That report stole the rightful win from the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and passed it to the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition.

His actions according to one Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, represented “an eye pass” to the

Commission and the nation at large. Gunraj had told the media that a decision from the Chair on the way forward would be made within 24 hours; however, up to press time, Justice Singh has not released any statement spelling out her next move. The Commission is expected to meet today at 10am.

A slew of statements then emerged from both regional and international stakeholders demanding that the CEO, whose actions were deemed insubordinate, be removed from his post and a replacement be installed so that the country could see an end to the four month long electoral process.

That right rests with the GECOM Chair who can remove Lowenfield from his statutory position, pursuant to Article 161(a)(1) of the Constitution. It stipulates that the “Elections Commission shall be responsible for the efficient functioning of the Secretariat of the Commission, which shall comprise the officers and employees of the Commission, and for the appointment of all the staff to the offices thereof inclusive of all temporary staff, recruited for the purposes of boundary demarcation, registration of persons and elections and shall have the power to remove and to exercise

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield disciplinary control over such staff.”

An “election officer” the Constitution spelt out, can be the Chief Elections Officer, the Deputy Chief Elections Officer, a returning officer, a deputy returning officer, an election clerk, a presiding officer, an assistant presiding officer along with a poll clerk and others.

With the Constitution making it clear that the CEO can be lawfully removed by the Chair, all eyes are now on Justice Singh to see whether due action would be taken.

Attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin joined calls for the CEO to be removed and explained to

Kaieteur News that Lowenfield can be fired with immediate effect and with due cause as per his contractual agreement with GECOM. He stated that the CEO’s action of producing three consecutive reports using fraudulent figures is enough justification for him to be removed and another CEO appointed to carry out the statutory duties he continues to disregard.

Lowenfield in his new report, claimed that a total of 475,118 valid votes were cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections; however, the recount shows that a total of 460,352 valid

GECOM Chair, Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh votes were cast. On his newest calculation of the votes, the incumbent Coalition got 236,777 valid votes while the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) attained 229,330 valid votes with 5,090 going to the tri-party joinder: A New and United Guyana (ANUG), The Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM). Those figures would give the Coalition the 33 majority seating in Parliament with 31 going the PPP and the remainder to the tri-party joinder.

The accurate recount

figures place the win with the Opposition with a total of 233,336 valid votes while the coalition trailed behind with 217,920 valid votes and the remaining 5,214 went to the joiner parties. With the recount numbers, the PPP would be positioned for 33 seats in Parliament, while 31 went to the Coalition and remainder to the joined parties.

Neither the Constitution nor the election laws make any provision for Lowenfield to subtract and/or add votes at his will which is what was done in each of the reports he submitted.

No country with 300 or 400 people can tell us what to do - Trotman

By Mikaila Prince De facto Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman is of the opinion that no country which has a constituency of “300 or 400 people” can rightfully advise Guyana, especially with matters pertaining to politics.

Trotman uttered these concerning statements on Saturday during an interview where he sought to discuss matters pertaining to Guyana’s elections.

“At the end of the day, this is a Guyana problem; we will have to solve it,” Trotman said as he hinted at Caribbean Heads of States which have made pronouncements on Guyana’s electoral impasse.

He was, however, reluctant to repeat those pronouncements.

Instead, he related, “At the end of the day, it comes down to us and what is in the best interest of Guyana and I don’t believe that in this point of time, people who have constituencies of 300/400 people maximum who do not understand the nuisances, the history and the politics of Guyana can rightfully tell us what to do or even give us proper guidance.”

Former Barbadian Prime (PM) Minister, Owen Arthur; current Barbadian PM Mia Mottley; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines PM Dr. Ralph

AFC Co-Chairman, Raphael Trotman Gonsalves; former Jamaican PM Bruce Golding; and Trinidad and Tobago PM Dr. Keith Rowley, are just some of the regional Heads of States who have issued stern statements with regard to the impasse which has grappled the country since the March 2, General and Regional Elections.

These officials have called for the will of the people to be respected, for democracy to prevail, while also openly denouncing those elements that have been biased in their decisionmaking.

PM Mottley, in her most recent statement, had conveyed her concern over the actions of Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield who sought to scrap over 115,000 votes cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

She had deemed the drawn out political process as “gamesmanship” that does not portray the Caribbean region in the “best light”.

Against this background she said, “We must ask – on what grounds and by what form of executive fiat does the Chief Elections Officer determine that he should invalidate one vote, far less over 115,000 votes when the votes were already certified as valid by officers of the Guyana Elections Commission in the presence of the political parties.”

Furthermore, PM Gonsalves, who recently assumed the Chairmanship of CARICOM, had said that the regional body will not stand idly by and watch the results of the recount be set aside.

“So the loser of the elections must take his licks like a man,” the PM said.

After he made these and other comments on a radio show, NBC Radio – “Your Morning Cup” in his country, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition and its leading faction, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), both responded in condemnation, calling his comments prejudicial.

Golding, a former Jamaica Prime Minister, had made his

remarks about Guyana’s troubled electoral process during a YouTube live on May 13, last. There, he spoke of Region Four Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo’s tabulation, which has been marred by accusations of electoral fraud and is the principle reason for the National Recount of votes.

Golding who had served as head of the Observer mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) said, “I have never seen a more transparent attempt to alter the results of an election…”

Golding also spoke of the OAS mission’s experience of the tabulation for the Hadfield Street declaration of March 5, 2020, as well as the Kingston declaration of March 13, 2020.

He noted the use of a spreadsheet at Hadfield Street, which contained numbers that no one could account for, as the law requires that the entitled officials are to observe the transcription of the numbers from the statements of poll.

Following Golding’s statement, APNU+AFC executive Joseph Harmon said that Golding’s pronouncements were “wholly partisan and unbiased”. Therefore, the party concluded that Golding’s words lack

credibility. Harmon had also stated that Golding is a close friend of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Harmon did not respond to the contents of Golding’s statement, nor did he respond to the verifiable evidence which had surfaced after Mingo’s tabulation was proven to be inflated in favour of the Coalition.

Meanwhile, the report of the CARICOM high-level team which scrutinized the recount caused had stated that overall, while they acknowledge that there were some defects in the recount of the March 02, 2020 votes cast for the General and Regional Elections in Guyana, the team did not witness anything which would render the recount, and by extension, the casting of the ballot on March 02, so grievously deficient procedurally or technically, (despite some irregularities), or sufficiently deficient to have thwarted the will of the people and consequently preventing the election results and its declaration by GECOM from reflecting the will of the voters. The actual count of the vote was indeed transparent.

Earlier in this week, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in a unanimous decision rendered the

decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal in the elections recount case invalid. In addition, the court ruled that Lowenfield cannot disenfranchise thousands of voters, as he did in his report to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Notably, members of CARICOM have signed onto the Charter for Civil Society, signed in 1997, which is an instrument of governance on which CARICOM on sovereign countries are based.

This charter sets out objectives to enhance public confidence in governance, to ensure continuing respect for internationally recognized civil, political economic, social and cultural rights, to create a truly participatory political environment within CARICOM, which will be propitious to genuine consultation on the process of governance, as well as other key goals.

Under this Charter, former PM Arthur had said that Caribbean governments commit to have free and fair election, in which they are not only conscious that they are building a regional economy, but also building a regional society and that had to be bound and governed by democracy and good governance.

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Kaieteur News

Monday July 13, 2020

Monday July 13, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Leclerc apologises to Ferrari for collision Howard, Green miss Lakers practice over with Vettel SPIELBERG, Austria (Reuters) - Charles Leclerc apologised to Ferrari and his team mate Sebastian Vettel yesterday after causing a first-lap collision that put both drivers out of the Styrian Formula One Grand Prix.

Both cars suffered damage and returned to the pits, with four-times world champion Vettel wheeled into the garage while Leclerc rejoined in last place after having a new front wing fitted.

The Monegasque, whose car was tipped onto Vettel’s after he tried a lunge down the inside of the German and hit a

kerb in the turn three incident, retired on lap five.

The 22-year-old recognised he had been overoptimistic in his move.

“I apologised. Obviously, excuses are not enough in times like this,” the youngster told Sky television.

“I am just disappointed in myself. I have done a very bad job today, I let the team down. I can only be sorry even though I know it’s not enough. I hope I will learn from this and will come back stronger for the next races.

“But it’s a tough time for the team. We don’t need that.

The team doesn’t need that and I put all the efforts of the team in the bin. So I’m very sorry.”

Ferrari, Formula One’s oldest, most successful and glamorous team, are going through tough times with a car that lacks aerodynamic and engine performance compared to last year.

They had rushed through updates but team boss Mattia Binotto said on Saturday they had not shown the expected improvement.

Binotto said there was not much for him to say to his drivers.

“It’s a pain to conclude a race in such a way,” he said.

“I think it’s the worst conclusion of a very bad weekend for us...I think it’s not the time to look for responsibility or accuse, it’s time to work united.”

Monday July 13, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The possibility of some future houseguests might have you checking your home to see what needs to be done to make it presentable. It may need a few minor repairs.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your intuition is operating at a very high level today, Libra. You tend to follow your heart by nature, so you don't always go out of your way to be logical or objective.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Today you might decide to participate in activities involving children. Field trips either for pleasure or educational purposes may take place, if possible, and you could enjoy it as much as the kids.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today should be a gratifying day, Scorpio, full of great news, pleasant surprises, and opening doors of opportunity on just about every level. Career breaks and chances to earn more money could come your way.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your financial situation looks particularly good right now.

An increase in income could be coming your way, Gemini.

CANCER(June21–July22) Recent developments have brought new interests into your life, Cancer. As a result, you might be seriously considering enrolling in a formal course of study in the future involving these subjects.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your mind is especially sharp.

You're logical and objective by nature. However, today you're likely to find that your thinking is more influenced by feeling than usual. This is a positive development.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A group you're involved with may want to discuss a future trip of some kind, Virgo, perhaps to a convention. The drive to expand your horizons is very strong today.

Therefore, trips like this or other opportunities to learn and grow can be especially appealing.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today should be a gratifying day, Scorpio, full of great news, pleasant surprises, and opening doors of opportunity on just about every level. Career breaks and chances to earn more money could come your way.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) A friend could put you in touch with a lot of interesting people, some in fields such as law, education, or the ministry. Expect at some point to be treated to a monologue on social and ecological responsibilities.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may spend much of your day trying to sort out financial matters for yourself, your job, or perhaps for a friend or relative, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you might spend a lot of time with the special person in your life if that’s possible. Romance and affection are definitely a powerful factor in the course of your day.

Leclerc, a lucky second in last weekend’s seasonopener at the same Red Bull Ring circuit, started only 14th after a three-place grid drop for impeding AlphaTauri’s Daniil Kvyat in qualifying.

Vettel had lined up 10th on the grid.

“I was fighting two other cars into turn three and then I was very surprised because I had the inside and wasn’t expecting Charles to try something,” said Vettel, who is leaving at the end of the season.

“I don’t think there was any space,” added the German.

“Obviously, a big pity, something that we should avoid but not much that I could have done differently. I was just taking it easy and conservative because it was already very busy at the hairpin, it’s very tight.”

Ferrari had hoped to use Formula One’s first back-toback races at the same circuit to compare data but that opportunity never came.

“For the updates we would really like to get the race on the line and some laps to see where the car is but unfortunately we will not get that,” Vettel said.

COVID-19 testing Los Angeles Lakers’ Dwight Howard and Danny Green missed practice Saturday over COVID-19 tests, according to reports.

According to the Los Angeles Times and The Athletic, Green missed because of a glitch with the coronavirus testing process and Howard because he has to test negative a second time before clearing quarantine protocols.

The practice was the first for the Lakers at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. The Lakers were expected to have both players available for yesterday’s practice.

The Lakers (49-14) will restart the season July 30 against the Los Angeles Clippers sporting the best record in the Western Conference.

(Field Level Media)

PAGE 22

Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

Hamilton storms to first win of the season as Ferrari duo crash Omnisport - Lewis Hamilton claimed his first win of the 2020 Formula One season, while Charles Leclerc took himself and Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel out of the Styrian Grand Prix.

Six-time world champion Hamilton came fourth in the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix last weekend but converted his stunning qualifying performance – he took pole by over a second in wet conditions – into a first victory at the Red Bull Ring since 2016.

Valtteri Bottas, the winner of this year’s first race, got past Red Bull’s Max Verstappen with five laps remaining to take second and stay ahead of his Mercedes team-mate in the drivers’ standings.

Ferrari fast-tracked updates for this weekend after a sub-par showing last week and had to retire both cars inside five laps after Leclerc crashed into team-mate Vettel.

Leclerc bounced up off the kerb as he attempted to sneak down the inside of Vettel at turn three on the opening lap, with his left rear wheel damaging his teammate’s rear wing beyond repair.

The safety car was called out as a result and although the Monegasque received a new front wing he was soon forced to retire as well.

Mercedes encountered issues when driving over the kerbs last time out but were told they could push, and

The Ferraris collide during the first-lap melee. (Getty Images) Verstappen had little in the way of a response.

The Red Bull driver was first to pit in a bid to fend off an undercut and Hamilton soon followed, while Bottas stayed out on the soft compound the longest of the leading trio.

That strategy enabled Bottas to use his fresher medium tyres to close down Verstappen in the second half of the race, and he reduced the eight-second gap to get in DRS range on lap 65.

Wi t h Ve r s t a p p e n struggling with front wing damage Bottas was able to move up to second on lap 67, while Hamilton was denied the fastest lap by Carlos Sainz after the Spaniard pitted for fresh tyres on his McLaren.

LECLERC TAKES THE BLAME Ferrari fast-tracked updates for the Styrian Grand Prix after a disappointing start

to the season, even though Leclerc somehow managed to finish second last weekend.

He apologised to Vettel following their collision and acknowledged he had “put all of the effort of the team in the bin”.

Leclerc told Sky Sports: “Excuses are not enough in times like this. I am just disappointed in myself. I’ve done a very bad job today. I let the team down. I can only be sorry even though it’s not enough.

“I hope I’ll learn from this and come back stronger for the next races. I put all the effort of the team in the bin, so I’m very sorry. I was [too optimistic with the overtake attempt].”

OBSTINATE OCON Esteban Ocon had a strained relationship with Sergio Perez while racing for Force India and it has not taken long for him to show he remains no walkover.

The Frenchman was unwilling to give up his position despite Daniel Ricciardo telling the team he had the better pace.

The pair’s squabbling cost them both valuable time but Ricciardo eventually got past and Ocon had to retire on lap 27 with a suspected cooling issue.

ANTI-RACISM DISCUSSION Although every driver wore t-shirts bearing the message “end racism” for a second successive week, they did not present a united front when it came to taking a knee.

Alongside Hamilton, whose top also said “Black Lives Matter”, 11 of the 15 others that gathered at the front of the grid prior to the Austrian national anthem decided to kneel.

A number of drivers have explained the reasons for remaining standing and the

discussion will likely continue beyond the Styrian Grand Prix.

NORRIS LEAVES IT LATE By producing the fastest lap of the race on the final lap last weekend, McLaren driver Lando Norris earned a maiden podium.

He got past Ricciardo on the penultimate lap before passing Racing Point duo Lance Stroll and Perez to take fifth behind Alex Albon this time out.

IN THE POINTS 1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) +13.719s 3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +33.698s 4. Alex Albon (Red Bull) +44.400s 5.

Lando Norris (McLaren) +61.470s 6. Sergio Perez (Racing Point) +62.387s 7. Lance Stroll (Racing Point) +62.453s 8. Daniel Ricciardo

(Renault) +62.591s 9. Carlos Sainz (McLaren) +1 lap 10.

Daniil Kvyat (AlphaTauri) +1 lap STANDINGS Drivers 1. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) 43 2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 37 3.

Lando Norris (McLaren) 26 4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 18 5. Sergio Perez (Racing Point) 16 Constructors 1. Mercedes 80 2. McLaren 39 3. Red Bull 27 4. Racing Point 22 5. Ferrari 19 WHAT’S NEXT? The teams will depart Spielberg and prepare for the Hungarian Grand Prix, which will keep the action going for a third successive race weekend.

Harrigan positioning for Jaguar’s midfield role

By Calvin Chapman Eighteen-year-old defensive midfielder Jamar Harrigan has his sights set on achieving all that he can with football locally, inclusive of winning the Elite League with his new club Police FC. The teenager is talented and ambitious and is keen on breaking into Guyana’s senior men’s team; the Golden Jaguars.

The former Annandale Secondary school student and captain; at just 18, has a wealth of football experience, having featured for Buxton United FC in three seasons of Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Elite League, while representing the Golden Arrowhead in the beautiful game at both the under-17 and under-20 levels.

Harrigan was part of the GFF’s youth side that contested in the FIFA under20 World Cup qualifiers in Nicaragua earlier this year, which Guyana missed out on

advancing from their group after losing the decisive match to the hosts 1-0.

In that match, the midfielder was sent off in the 18 minute, a decision that himself and teammates felt was a bit harsh. Harrigan noted that during that final group game, he felt as though the officials were bias in their decisions.

He continued that, “Unfortunately some of our players were sent back (to Guyana) because of a vaccine issue that resulted in the remaining players playing more minutes and we had to be extra careful, trying not to pick up cards or injury but it didn’t affect our gameplay.”

He described the under20 qualifiers in Nicaragua as a very good experience, while giving high praise to his skipper Nicholas McCarthur and the support staff that was headed by Coach Wayne Dover who did an extremely good job of mentoring and guiding the squad.

The current refrigeration student at the Government Technical Institute (G.T.I) spoke well of his time at the Buxton United FC where he spent a total of three years, two of which he was a starter.

He explained that his move to Police FC under the tutelage of Coach Calvin ‘Flu’ Allen, was majorly because he wanted to play more football since Buxton United only plays Elite League football.

Unfortunately, the free kick specialist who has banged in many set-piece goals over the years hasn’t been able to feature in any game for Police since his transfer in January due to the coronavirus pandemic. Also, his training with the National team has been curtailed as well.

Harrigan, who captained Annandale secondary to championship honours in the first Petra/Guyoil football League in 2018; which came to the final game to decide the victor, concluded that he will

Jamar Harrigan in action for Annandale Secondary. stay focused and strong in this pandemic and wait for his

chance to continue proving that he is a special talent and

definite future fixture in the Golden Jaguars set up.

Monday July 13, 2020

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Windies make perfect start to series as Blackwood inspires SOUTHAMPTON, England, CMC – Mercurial Jermaine Blackwood perished agonisingly short of a deserved hundred but West Indies took a giant leap towards their first series win on English soil in 32 years when they held their nerve to stun the hosts by four wickets in the opening Test here yesterday.

Asked to chase a tricky 200 in two-and-a-half sessions, West Indies reached their target approaching the final hour when opener John Campbell, who returned to bat after retiring hurt on one in the fourth over, turned seamer Ben Stokes to square leg for a single.

The right-handed Blackwood was at the forefront of the run chase, top-scoring with a superb 95 to hold together an innings

which lay in ruins at 27 for three in the first session after Barbados-born speedster Jofra Archer (3-45) produced a lethal two-wicket burst to help demolish the top order.

Curbing his ultraattacking instinct which cost him his wicket cheaply in the first innings, Blackwood consumed 154 balls in a shade over 3-¾ hours and struck 12 fours – mostly authoritative off-side strokes.

Enjoying his first start in a Test in nearly three years, he put on 73 for the fourth wicket with Roston Chase who made 37 before adding a further 68 for the fifth wicket with wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich who made a dogged 20.

When Chase fell in the second session and Dowrich in the last, Blackwood partnered with skipper Jason Holder (14 not out) in another

precious stand to put West Indies on the brink of victory.

But with only 11 runs needed for victory, Blackwood drilled Stokes to Jimmy Anderson at mid off to miss out on a second Test hundred.

For West Indies, the Test win was only their second on English soil in two decades but their fifth win over England in their last 10 Tests inside the last five years.

Man-of-the-Match fast bowler Shannon Gabriel had earlier snatched the last two wickets to fall to finish with a five-wicket haul as England, resuming from 284 for eight overnight, were dismissed for 313 in their second innings within the first 40 minutes of the morning.

Archer, unbeaten on five at the start, top-scored with 23 to lead England’s brief resistance but Gabriel proved irrepressible with five for 75 to finish with match figures of nine for 137.

The barrel-chested Trinidadian struck in the morning’s sixth over when Mark Wood threw his bat at a good length ball and nicked a catch behind to Dowrich, and followed up in his next over when he had Archer also caught behind, gloving a pull at a short one.

Left with just over an hour to negotiate before lunch, West Indies quickly found themselves tottering as a fired-up Archer unleashed a devastating opening salvo with the new ball.

After Campbell hobbled off, opening partner Kraigg Brathwaite followed in Archer’s next over, bowled off the inside edge for four

defending loosely, with seven runs on the board.

And Archer struck again in his next over, hitting Shamarh Brooks plumb in front with a full length delivery before he had scored, to leave West Indies reeling on seven for two.

Shai Hope arrived to twice caress veteran seamer Jimmy Anderson to the cover boundary in the same over but once he was beaten for pace and bowled by Mark Wood in the eighth over, England were in command of the game.

Since his heavy scoring on the last tour of England three years ago, the 26-yearold Hope has managed just three half-centuries in his last 35 innings while averaging 23.

In need of a rebuild after stumbling to lunch on 35 for three, West Indies were revived after the break through Blackwood and Chase, denying England any success inside the first hour.

Unbeaten at the interval on 12, Chase exuded caution with a single four in 88 balls and just over two hours at the crease.

Archer, recalled for another spell approaching the first hour, eventually removed Chase with a snorter in the fourth over after the drinks break, the right-hander managing only to fend a catch to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

But England’s hopes of running through the Windies middle order were then dashed as Blackwood found an ally in Dowrich and together they steered the tourists to tea at 143 for four.

Jermaine Blackwood and Jason Holder chat in the middle, England v West Indies, 1st Test, 5th day, Southampton, July 12, 2020 © AFP via Getty Images Dowrich rode his luck, however. He survived a close lbw shout on two off offspinner Dom Bess and was adjudged caught at first slip in the next over trying to evade a lifter from Archer, only to be reprieved by DRS with replays showing the ball had struck the batsman’s elbow.

Caught at first slip off a no-ball from Stokes in the

England captain’s first over of a new spell after tea, Dowrich was undone by a ripper off the very next delivery, and snaffled by Buttler moving to his right.

Unbeaten on 88 at the final drinks break, Blackwood looked a sure bet for three figures before one his few moments of indiscretion cost him dearly.

Jofra Archer celebrates a breakthrough © Getty Images

PAGE 24

Faraoni masterpiece not enough for Verona (Reuters) - Verona full back Davide Faraoni scored one of the best Serie A goals of the season before his side conceded an equaliser in the sixth minute of stoppage time in a 1-1 draw at Fiorentina yesterday. Ninth-placed Verona quickly took control from kickoff and went ahead with a majestic goal.

Sofyan Amrabat chipped the ball over the Fiorentina defence and Faraoni, initially with his back to goal, swivelled and waited for it to drop before volleying past Bartlomiej Dragowski.

Fiorentina, 13th in the table, claimed they should have had a penalty in the 55th

minute when the ball hit Matteo Pessina’s arm but the referee waved play on.

But Patrick Cutrone saved the hosts in the sixth minute of stoppage time, running onto Federico Chiesa’s through pass to dink the ball over Marco Silvestri.

There was an incredible end to a mid-table clash at Parma where the hosts scored twice in stoppage time to force a 2-2 draw with Bologna.

The game had been in doubt on Saturday after Parma said a member of their first team staff had tested positive for COVID-19 but the entire squad was tested again on Sunday and all were negative.

Bologna raced to a 2-0 lead in 16 minutes with goals

from Danilo and Roberto Soriano but Jasmin Kurtic headed one back in the 93rd minute for Parma before Roberto Inglese took advantage of hesitant defending to snatch a dramatic equaliser.

Lecce dropped back into the relegation zone after twice hitting the woodwork in a 0-0 draw away to eleventh-placed Cagliari.

Khouma Babacar hit the post from the close range in the first half when he should have scored. Marco Mancosu did the same after Alessio Cragno saved a Babacar shot and the ball landed at his feet.

Lecce are 18th with 29 points, one place below Genoa who earlier beat SPAL 2-0.

LeBron reveals he won’t wear social justice message Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said Saturday that he won’t wear a social justice message on the back of his jersey when the NBA season resumes.

James explained why he passed when he spoke with reporters on a video conference call Saturday.

“I don’t need to have something on the back of my jersey for people to understand my mission or know what I’m about and what I’m here to do,” James said.

The Lakers are slated to open the restarted season on July 30 against the Los Angeles Clippers at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. The NBA is allowing players to sport a message on the back of their jerseys instead of their last name.

James scanned the list of approved phrases but didn’t see one that appealed to him.

“It was no disrespect to

Monday July 13, 2020

Kaieteur News

the list that was handed out to all the players,” James said.

“I commend anyone that decides to put something on the back of their jersey. It’s just something that didn’t really seriously resonate with my mission, with my goal.

“I would have loved to have a say-so on what would have went on the back of my jersey.

I had a couple things in mind, but I wasn’t part of that process, which is OK. I’m absolutely OK with that.”

Among the phrases reportedly agreed upon by the NBA and the NBA Players association include: Black Lives Matter; Say Their Names; I Can’t Breathe; and Respect Us. In fact, Lakers center JaVale McGee chose “Respect Us” for the back of his jersey.

“I definitely feel like respect is a key factor in social injustices,” McGee told reporters on Saturday. “I feel

like we definitely need to get equality. We definitely need to get the same respect everybody else does.”

Saturday also marked the Lakers’ first group practice for the preparation of the upcoming restart. It came four months to the day since the NBA season was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It gave me an opportunity to be home and make up a lot of time that I’ve lost over the years because I’ve been playing in this league and striving to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, to ever play this game,” said James, a 16-time All-Star averaging 25.7 points, 10.6 assists and 7.9 rebounds this season. “So sacrificing my family at times was the most challenging and hardest part of it all.”

The Lakers (49-14) hold a 5 1/2-game lead over the Clippers for the top seed in the Western Conference.

(Field Level Media)

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in action during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

Bournemouth boost survival hopes as they stun Leicester

Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke scores their second goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge / Pool) LONDON (Reuters) - Bournemouth breathed life into their Premier League survival bid yesterday, coming from a goal down to beat fourth-placed Leicester City 4-1 for their first win in 10 games.

Leicester were in command after Jamie Vardy’s scrappy first-half goal. But with the relegation trapdoor creaking underneath their feet, Bournemouth turned the match around in stunning fashion with Dominic Solanke scoring twice.

For Leicester, defeat was a huge blow to their hopes of a top-four finish.

Junior Stanislas equalised from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after a mistake by Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who was at fault again one minute later when he allowed Solanke’s shot to trickle over the line.

To make matters worse for the foxes, defender Caglar Soyuncu was shown a

straight red card after tangling with Callum Wilson immediately after Bournemouth’s goal.

Leicester then collapsed in alarming fashion.

Stanislas’s shot in the 83rd minute went in off Leicester defender Jonny Evans before Solanke seized on more dreadful Leicester defending to add his second.

With Aston Villa winning earlier in the d a y, B o u r n e m o u t h b e g a n t h e m a t c h second from bottom, six points behind fourth-from-bottom Watford. The victory - their first since Feb. 1 - means that with three games remaining they still have hope of securing a sixth successive season of topflight football.

They moved back above Villa to 18th place on 31 points, three behind both Watford and West Ham United, who face each other in the next round of fixtures.

Being first Zimbabwe player in the CPL excites Raza SportsMax - Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza is excited by the prospect of being the first from his country to play in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Raza was picked up by the Trinbago Knight Riders in the competition’s draft on Monday last.

“CPL was missing from the CV and I’m glad it’s now there. But most importantly, I’m glad that there will be Zimbabwean representation,” said Raza.

According to Raza, the decision by the TKR could now help open the door for other Zimbabwean cricketers trying to break into the major T20 competitions around the world.

Sikandar Raza “What I believe in is that if one goes, then he’ll bring another one and then if the two impress, the number will double. I’m hopeful that more Zimbabweans can be snapped up next season,” said Raza.

The TKR failed to

defend their title in 2019, with the Barbados Tridents claiming the top spot ahead of the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The CPL, this year, will run from August 18-September 10 and be held entirely in Trinidad and Tobago.

Kaieteur News

Monday July 13, 2020

PAGE 25

Simmons ‘extremely pleased’ as West Indies quicks seize moment

E

SPNcricinfo West Indies head coach Phil Simmons hailed h i s b o w l i n g a t t a c k ’s persistence and patience after five late wickets put his team into the driving seat against England.

When Zak Crawley and Ben Stokes combined for a fluent partnership of 98, the bulk of which were made after the tea interval, it had looked as though the game was drifting away from West Indies, who had managed only three wickets in the day.

But after Jason Holder removed Stokes for the second time in the match, Alzarri Joseph and Shannon Gabriel took two wickets apiece in quick spells which seemed to vindicate Holder ’s emphasis on discipline and patience throughout the match.

“It showed the persistence of the bowlers,” Simmons said. “We’d been fighting all day and Stokes and Zak started to take the bowling apart. But the persistence of Jason [was rewarded] and then Alzarri’s spell was a huge spell too.

“I’m extremely pleased with the way the bowlers bowled today - both when two batters [Rory Burns and Dom Sibley] batted before lunch and more so when Stokes and Crawley were trying to take it away from us.

“The patience we exhibited has been something that we’ve been asking for for a while, and today it showed up. We bore the fruit of that in the evening

session. You can’t really say much more - they stuck to their tasks.”

In particular, the flurry of wickets before the close seemed to reward Holder’s sparing use of his two strike bowlers earlier in the day.

While it would have been tempting to throw Gabriel and Joseph the ball and ask them to target England’s top three with bouncers, Holder instead split the bulk of the workload between the relentless Kemar Roach, himself, and offspinner Roston Chase, choking England’s scoring on a slow pitch.

That meant that Joseph had bowled only 11 of the day’s 80 overs when he returned to bowl with the second new ball still offering movement, and the rewards were immediate: his was the fastest spell of the innings, and accounted for both Crawley - caught and bowled in his followthrough - and Buttler, who was bowled through the gate.

Gabriel, too, was fresh upon his return after only 12 overs in the day, and twice beat Dom Bess in the offstump channel in the first over of his spell before knocking out his off pole in his second. Four balls later, he got one to lift from a length which Ollie Pope only managed to chop on, leaving England eight wickets down with a slender lead of 165.

Simmons said that there had not been a specific plan to leave some energy in the tank moving into the final hour, but hailed Holder’s management of his bowlers

Shannon Gabriel successfully appeals for the wicket of Dom Sibley. (Getty Images)

Phil Simmons, West Indies’ head coach, training, June 27, 2020 © PA Images via Getty Images throughout the match so far.

“It’s just how the captain sees it when he’s out there,” Simmons said. “That’s just the way he rotated his bowlers today, and it worked well for us in the end.

“When [Alzarri] is bowling like he bowled this evening here, he’s always going to be a threat to any batting line-up we play against. That’s the thought we are trying to get in his head: that this is the type of spell we want from him and need from him.

“Part of Test cricket is about patience, especially when you have wickets like this to play on, and it’s something that we’ve been working on hard - not getting bored at doing the simple things and the basic things for a while to put people under pressure.

I’m glad to see it’s working, and guys are thinking about what we’ve been working on.”

Simmons gave further praise to Gabriel, who has now taken seven wickets in his first first-class appearance since last September following a long ankle lay-off.

“It shows his desire to play for West Indies, coming back from ankle surgery and doing all the hard work he’s

done. Even during lockdown in Trinidad, he was finding ways to train to get himself fit for this series. You can only compliment him.

“I’m sure that Jason is happy to have him, Roach is happy to have him as an opening partner, and Alzarri is coming up with them. It’s great to see the combination and how they’re working t o g e t h e r. T h a t ’s t h e important thing, how they bowl together and it’s showing and it’s improving.”

As for the fourth innings, Simmons suggested that the

benefit of late wickets was that it meant there would be little in the way of scoring pressure on his batsmen.

“We’ve got to get the two wickets, and whatever is put in front of us, we have a day to bat.

The confidence from the way we batted and the attitude towards batting in the first innings is going to be a huge plus for us when we bat in the second innings.

“Whether we’re chasing 170 or 190, it’s going to be the same attitude that we need to chase it. I have confidence in that.”

Jermaine Blackwood in action © Getty Images

rt Spo

Shannon Gabriel walks off with the ball raised aloft for his five-for, England v West Indies, 1st Test, 5th day, Southampton, July 12, 2020 © Getty Images

Windies make perfect start to series as Blackwood inspires Harrigan positioning for Jaguar’s midfield role

Jamar Harrigan

Lewis Hamilton claimed his first win of the 2020 Formula One season.

Hamilton storms to first win of the season as Ferrari duo crash

Hamilton controlled the lead throughout, while Bottas edged a thrilling battle with Max Verstappen for P2. (Motorsport.com)

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