K
AIETEUR Granger in chargep. Thursday Edition of conspiracy to 7 NEWS rig elections, and int'l community knows it - PPP/C
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July 16, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 28
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US Govt. tells Granger
'get out' p. 2
- as sanctions hit top officials, financiers
Demonic clique engaged in vile attempts to hijack the country - CARICOM Chair “ p. 3
CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves
These self-same vile and vulgar persons, having failed in their attempts to curse and bully Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur, and me, have now turned their demonic attention to senior staff members of CARICOM and other reputable persons in Guyana and the Caribbean Community. We must continue, fearlessly, to do the right thing. The evil of the anti-democratic brigands must not be allowed any space to triumph. - Ralph Gonsalves
” Completion Every tool will be used
UK also p.7 of US$5M p. to hold accountable p.8 working to sanction Covid-19 11 Hospital those who undermine top Coalition postponed democracy - Canada officials
Brazil throws weight behind CARICOM and recount results p. 3
Kaieteur News
PAGE 02
Thursday July 16, 2020
US Govt. tells Granger
‘get out'
- as sanctions hit top officials, financiers
By Shikema Dey
T
op officials from the de facto G r a n g e r government and their financiers will no longer possess their United States of America (US) visas after State Secretary; Mike Pompeo made good on their threat of sanctions for those complicit in electoral fraud and demanded that de facto President David Granger “step aside” and demit office. During a live press conference streamed on the US Department of State Facebook page, Pompeo s a i d , “ To d a y I a m announcing visa restrictions on individuals responsible and complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana.” The sanctions will not hit just the executives but their “immediate family members” as well, as Pompeo added that relatives of such persons “may also be subject to such restrictions." The sanctions, ranging from terminated visas to frozen assets, are expected to be imposed in phases, starting from the upper echelon of the party. In a detailed statement, the State Secretary pointed to the fact that Guyana's leaders and other forces have refused to accept that the
De facto Foreign Minister Karen Cummings National Recount placed the victory of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections in the hands of the Opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP). This, he pointed out, is notwithstanding the fact that The Organization of American States (OAS) and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) concluded and have continued to maintain that the recount of votes reflected the will of the Guyanese electorate. Pompeo added, “In my public statements since the election, I have been very clear that the United States stands with the Guyanese people and that there would
US State Secretary, Mike Pompeo be consequences for individuals who seek to undermine democracy.” The State Secretary made it pellucid that the actions taken by the US Government is not about “interference”; something they have been accused of by the incumbent A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition. Rather, he said “It is to send a clear message of the consequences of subverting democracy and the rule of law, which poses a danger to us and our hemispheric partners.” “We have long said,” he Pompeo continued, “that we
US House Foreign Senate Foreign Relations Affairs Subcommittee, Committee Chairman, Congressman Albio Sires Senator Jim Risch have no preference for a winning party, as long as it is selected through a free and fair electoral process that is credible.” He noted that he hopes Guyana's leaders understand the dangers posed to the citizens and the hemisphere as a whole if they continue on a path of “non-democratic trajectory.” Support Mere minutes after his pronouncements, the US State Secretary received the full support of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee whose Chairman applauded the action, along with support from the US
House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee. In a tweet, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Jim Risch said “I applaud @StateDept's actions today to hold accountable Guyanese officials who have undermined democracy & delayed results from #Guyana's March elections.” Senator Risch added “It's long past time Guyanese authorities begin a democratic transition of power that reflects the confirmed results.” The US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee also joined with Senate Foreign Relations Committee, calling for a declaration of the elections results using
De facto President David Granger the figures from the national recount. “We stand with our career diplomats and with the international community,” the House Subcommittee said, “which is completely unified in calling for the immediate Declaration of Results based on the recount.” Chaired by Congressman Albio Sires, the Subcommittee, like Pompeo and the rest of the international community acknowledged the results of the recount, also noting that the Granger administration refuses to concede and has embarked on an active campaign to “frustrate a declaration of the recount (continued on page 8)
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 16, 2020
PAGE 03
“Demonic” clique engaged in vile - CARICOM attempts to hijack Guyana Chair By Kemol King
C
hair of the Caribbean Community and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves penned a scathing editorial yesterday on the Guyana situation, in which he condemned what he believes are vile, frivolous and vexatious attempts to hijack the country by a demonic, rogue clique constituted by the losers of the 2020 elections, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition. His strongly worded statement comes in the wake of yet another legal showdown, initiated by the coalition, frustrating the declaration of the recount results, even though the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down a judgment which laid out the way forward, since July 8. “ I n a n o r m a l democracy,” the CARICOM Chair said, “what should be a straightforward matter of counting votes has become the equivalent of a long-
running soap opera, pregnant with real danger for the people of Guyana and the Caribbean Community. This charade ought to be brought to an end immediately and a just declaration made by GECOM in keeping with the clear mandate delivered by the voters of Guyana and in accord with the Laws of Guyana and the CCJ's judgment.” “The CCJ's judgment was lucid in every material particular,” Gonsalves posited, “And as Guyana's highest, and final, appellate court, it is authoritative. Thus, any attempt, however ingeniously clothed, to litigate all over again this or that matter upon which there has been a final determination or upon which the CCJ has pronounced a u t h o r i t a t i v e l y, i s tantamount to an abuse of the process of the court or is frivolous and vexatious.” The coalition, through a supporter, has moved to court, resulting in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) holding off on a declaration to accommodate it. In its
case, it is arguing that any declaration based on the recount figures would be unconstitutional, offering instead, that a declaration of the results on the basis of the ten district declarations by the Returning Officers would be the lawful way to go. This is despite it being widely accepted that the March 13 Region Four declaration by Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo is fraudulent, and was overtaken by the results of the transparent national recount. The March 13 figures, previously held in ab ey an ce p en d in g th e outcome of the recount, were also officially cast aside last week by the Commission. Gonsalves noted the efforts of GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh to bring finality to the process using the results of the recount, and how they have been frustrated by “recalcitrant” Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield. The CEO has disregarded the directive of the Chair to prepare a report on the results of the recount, at least four times. These efforts form part of a total of
CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves six attempts he has made or is actively supporting since March 2 to alter the results of the elections to show a false win for the APNU+AFC coalition. “The entire world realizes,” Gonsalves said, “that a small group of persons, in and out of Guyana, are seeking to hijack, in plain sight, the elections, and thus the country. Competitive elections deliver,
necessarily, winners and losers. When you lose, you take your loss like a grown man or woman, and you move on peaceably to the role which the voters, in their collective wisdom, have assigned you.” S o f a r , t h e Commonwealth, the European Union, the Organisation of American States, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Dominica, and most recently
Brazil have openly supported the CARICOM report and the national recount figures “Yet, the dangerous games continue to be played by a minority of persons associated with the political entity which has plainly lost the election,” Gonsalves stated. “They are literally playing with fire, commotion, disorder, and civil war.” H e s a i d t h a t CARICOM's leaders must not appear indifferent to or detached from this situation, and stand in solidarity with the people of Guyana, as the region has done in defence of Guyana's territorial i n t e g r i t y : “ To d a y, CARICOM defends democracy in Guyana; we defend the voters of Guyana; we are on the side of the angels in the stand-off between those who reject the people's verdict and those who insist, properly, on its observance, recognition, formal declaration, and implementation.” In response to calls for a democratic resolution to Guyana's protracted 2020 (continued on page 7)
Brazil throws weight behind CARICOM and recount results
T
he Brazilian Government y e s t e r d a y announced that it has been closely following the developments in Guyana's General and Regional Elections and is ready to see a declaration made on the basis of the results of the national recount. In so doing, Brazil endorsed the findings of CARICOM, in line with calls from the United States of America, Britain, Canada, Norway, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, the Organization of American States, the Commonwealth, the Carter Centre, and the European Union. This is the first country in the continent of South America to have spoken out on Guyana's protracted, contentious 2020 electoral process. Brazil stated yesterday that delays to the conclusion of the electoral process pose a serious threat to stability in Guyana and “a departure
President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro from the democratic commitments that the country must observe in the regional and hemispheric context.” Guyana has signed on to regional charters which require it to maintain the highest democratic principles. However, delays to the conclusion of the
democratic process for four and a half months are owed to multiple, sustained attempts to rig the elections in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition. “The Brazilian government calls on Guyanese political forces to respect the popular will emanating from the elections, in line with the recent sentence of the Caribbean Court of Justice, in order to guarantee the prompt official announcement of the c o u n t r y ' s n e w representatives.” The coalition has claimed that the ruling of the Caribbean Court has tanked the legality of the recount, and has advocated for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to fall back on fraudulent results which would give it a false victory, but have been overtaken by the national recount. Brazil said that it endorses the findings of the
CARICOM mission r eg ar d in g th e r eco u n t process, which found that the elections were credible and that the recount results are completely acceptable. Those results show that the PPP/C got 233,336 votes,
ahead of the coalition's 217,920 votes. The country's Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that there is currently no impediment to the declaration of the results, and called for it to be swiftly made.
Finally, Brazil noted that as an associated state of MERCORSUR, the South American trade bloc, Guyana should remain among the American nations committed to the highest democratic principles.
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Thursday July 16, 2020
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
One man, one roadblock, one woman, one difference-maker There are these many stirring sayings that ring with a sweet soothing glow. Everybody knows one that appeals to their sense of fair play and character. We share one saying of our own, which is partly made up, partly on the shoulders of the thinking of others, while we probe for some sense, any wisdom from what has been a long dark nightmare, individual, communal, and national. One can stand for something: make a difference, change a world, influence the present, reconstruct the future, and bring to a place that sets the stage for movement in one direction or the other. It is a little long but packed with the ingredients that make for a rich texture of life, the richest kind imaginable, the richest humanly possible. That is only one side of the story in the sometimes grand, many times sorrowful record of human toils, for in the next instance-the blink of an eye, or the press of a button, reality is recreated to what should not be. What it ought not to be before the bars of accuracy and truth, and before any standards of principle and what is right and ethical, as moderated and adjudged by not a self-serving few, but in the eyes and minds of a larger distressed, but honourable, world. This was and is where we are in Guyana today. In some shape or form, it has been the smaller and larger story of this nation’s sorry history too often. The register of deeds speaks with piercing and dispassionate authority. It may have been one hailed criminal terrorizing in wide segments first, then forcing an entire country to retreat behind defensive barricades. It could have been one crime fighter leader and one group of men that took matters in their hands (after higher direction) to deal with the situation. It could have been one eulogized freedom fighter hero and his band of comrades (also intellectually orchestrated) recruited to rearrange the Guyana of then, leading to the scorching future memories now set in stone, and which render insensible. It could have been of one political leader or the other (whether from 60 years ago, or another for over a decade of years, or the last one from the last five) and their respective cabals of connivers, who have brought dreadfulness and the piteous to this land and its many peoples. It is of the many times, and of the one place, where the pains and tears flood more than its many rivers. And as we outline this architecture of how much of a difference - for the good made possible or the bad that is inflicted - that one man could come to embody and project, we arrive as a paper, and a nation, to this hour and this situation of a construction called GECOM, and one man who was bent on doing wrong, and did just that all along. The works of his hands are there in the proofs of his perversities, his penchants for pushing repeatedly a nation’s peoples and their promises to the edge of the precipice. He, too, this CEO, has his angels perched on his shoulders and whispering in his ears. And so, he goes rogue: one man making a difference for the worst likely outcomes. For a nation and its potentials, for what goes to the heart of its destiny. One stands against this man and his moves and manipulations. As circumstances would have it, the one arrayed against on this occasion of trial, in this moment and in this crucible of unprecedented test, is a woman (now two women, with the Chief Justice counted). We have called Chairwoman Singh many things, some hurtful, but the ones that are a little different and a little better speak of an ‘Iron Lady’ and a chairwoman, who is a woman of understated and underappreciated, but significant, substance. We return to the top to remind of how we started out: one can make a difference, whether Chief Justice or chairwoman. Simply, for what is better, for what is right. From such small beginnings, from the agency of one, whole worlds are changed. Whole worlds are reborn, and for the better. May it be so for Guyana going forward.
Ungovernable and unmanageable DEAR EDITOR, The situation, which was barely controlled to begin with, now threatens to get really out of hand in a blink. Many dismiss the warnings that I share, from time to time, but I caution that this is not the usual elections of our fathers and grandfathers. It is not of paling staves and cutlasses. The reactions on the ground, as I see them ahead, hasten us into uncharted waters. I urge that there be no disagreement on the use of that word, since it represents where we are going without paddle, without rudder, and without any horizon in sight. I do not see any whatsoever, other than which I recommend, but which is loudly and roundly denounced. I draw upon a handful of recent instances and share some contemplations. First, the head-of-state was blocked from free and unfettered movement; it was by his supporters, of all people, who invoked the Gandhian and the MLK-like, to register their self-
sacrificing bodily resistance. I warn that that could become the order of the day, every day. Ungovernable, it is called. Nobody is listening. There was glee from the dark side that it is fitting since the president himself is responsible for creating that monster. That is so, but I refuse to be bogged down just with that which is found selfsatisfying by others. I take it to another level. What I saw and read (and appreciate) is that his supporters are warning: do not concede. Do not go there. I sense hardliners in the fold are sending their own messages and registering their positions publicly: do not think of it. To take this still further, the mind and energy of the mob usually overpower whatever stands in the way. Since we are so cleanly and bitterly polarized here, there is no strong middle, no central group, that causes turning back. The mob(s) take over. Then, I received some complimentary pieces about the GECOM office fire in
Linden. There it was, a GECOM office of all places selected by readied and charged-up underground operators. One voice from the crowd (since smartly and edited out) raged at the burning building and included something like this: we want the chair fuh bun with de building. We can argue forever about whether what the chair is doing and where she is heading is legal, or right, or all the rest. But in that voice from the crowd, I hear the depths of what is involved in these elections, through the uncontrolled passions that roam free. This is where things are stoked, and we still talk insanely about governance and democracy and all that bull that has no meaning here. Of course, other than when such favours. Next, on Wednesday morning, there is continuation via images an effigy (not abnormal), but the out of the ordinary of a coffin and an occupied one. I was outside, but I recall the late Janet Jagan dangled in effigy and
dolls stuck with pins and the whole range of exploits that is part of political democracy and civility in this society. Now we have made things a little more discrete with a coffin. It has a red-clothed figure with the hair texture distinct and unmistakable. We all know what red means in its several significances (political, plasma, and so forth) and the inference of the hair chosen. I should not forget the green leaves or flowers and what that is intended to represent. Editor, I know what I am seeing and where I am. Those who hear and envision some platitude along the lines of: we must forget our differences and come together…are entitled to fool themselves and hope for the best. I am long past that stage. But, of course, nobody has any use for what ruffles the smoothness of their well-laid plans. I remind them about Steinbeck’s mice and men and the follies of those. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Thursday July 16, 2020
US tightening noose around riggers DEAR EDITOR, The US is tightening the noose around the neck of those involved in electoral rigging. A list of names was sanctioned. It is welcomed by Guyanese. And for the first time in Guyana’s history, the US government (first for any foreign administration) has asked a government of Guyana to step aside after an election signaling that the US accepted that the coalition lost the election. It is the strongest indictment against the regime, a statement praised by Guyanese. But the Granger administration remains defiant as of Wednesday refusing to accept an electoral verdict that every foreign observer mission, diplomat, and democratic institution in Guyana says the incumbent was defeated. Now sanctions have kicked in to coerce acceptance of the democratic outcome. This was not dissimilar to 1992 when the US coerced the PNC regime to accepting the outcome of a democratic election. Hoyte and Hamilton Green, among others, involved in rigging, were defiant. Some said then that they would not listen to any White man and that US can’t tell them to accept the outcome of a democratic election because Guyana is a sovereign nation. They better rethink. Have they forgotten what happened to Manuel Noriega of Panama who said the same? He was picked up by US troops and flown to US for a trial where he was convicted and served over twenty years. Then he was sent to France for another trial and conviction and further imprisonment. When his term finished there, he was brought back to the US for another life term. Such hospitality would be given to riggers including Ministers, financiers, bureaucrats, and judges and their family members. Also, those who have their children studying in the US could see visas cancelled and deported. Judges won’t be spared if they repeated idiotic rulings. The Chief Justice and CoA can’t rule differently from the CCJ that already pronounced that recount must be used to declare the election. And GECOM already took a position. The US is a guarantor of democracy in Guyana. The Guyana regime needs to be
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Kaieteur News
reminded that US enduring geo security depends on respect for democracy in its backyard. The US can’t close its eyes to electoral fraud in this era. The US, like almost every democratic government around the globe, has called on the government of Guyana to honour the result of the March 2 elections as obtained in a recount of ballots that showed the regime lost to the PPP/C by 15,400 votes. Those of us who studied comparative politics would know the ongoing mantra of US foreign policy on elections. The US is embracing democratic values and pushing back against authoritarian rulers. The US rejects electoral fraud unlike say during the period of the PNC dictatorship when the US allowed fraud in order to keep out the communists who would have won democratic free and fair elections. US is very concerned about maintenance of democratic values in Guyana and other countries and has
repeatedly threatened sanctions on those involved in electoral fraud. The US recognizes that democracy and pluralism are under assault in Guyana through attempts of rigging. Violation of basic rights is not permitted. Such violations can’t be tolerated by democratic and freedom loving countries. The riggers can’t be allowed to undermine democracy and rule of law. That is why Guyanese Americans have been calling on US sanctions. No one should be spared – including those living in America urging people to take to the streets and threatening violence against supporters of democracy. The US also recognizes that the behaviour of some members of the coalition is undermining US authority in the region. The US can’t allow the regime to defy it and get away without sanctions. Telling Granger to step aside is the strongest statement yet from the Secretary of State on Guyana
electoral fraud. The regime is now targeted with a wide net for sanctions. Even lawyers who are prostituting themselves with frivolous cases before the court would face sanctions. The lawyers ought to know better and stop fooling clients that they have a legal case when there is no hope. No judge would rule against the CCJ, the final arbiter of the law. If orders of GECOM were not heeded (by Lowenfield or Myers) to prepare a report for declaration, more sanctions would be coming. Next time, it would be of a tougher nature such as seizure of assets and would include more family members not excluding those studying as foreign students in America. The honourable thing for Lowenfield and Myers is to make the right declaration and for the coalition is to accept defeat, congratulate Irfaan, and try to build a credible opposition to win the next election. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
We must strengthen the justice system DEAR EDITOR, Given the high levels of violence currently in the country it is important that we as a nation relook at our approach to law enforcement and the acceptance of deportees within our borders. The current correctional and monitoring system in place for those with a criminal history has proven itself to be insufficient at controlling and preventing the reoccurrence of crime. The risk of proceeding with the elimination of the deportee return programme may result in visa issuance restrictions. However, the safety of our citizens should
be of immediate utmost importance. Overtime as our justice system develops and law and order is restored, then we should pursue a joint programme with those nations that insist on us having a deportee acceptance immigration policy. It would help in the interim to ensure a productive discussion is held with the ambassadors of these foreign countries. This will ensure that our governments have a clear mutual understanding of the difficulties faced on either side and also help our governments identify the opportunities for future joint development.
Our nation has limited resources and any help the governments of our allies could provide to ensure our justice department is better prepared, while also improving law and order within our borders, would be immensely appreciated. This my friends is to our mutual benefit. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
What do you have planned Justice Singh? The world is waiting DEAR EDITOR, I’ve maintained all along that this fiasco is going to erupt with frightening geopolitical consequences for APNU. APNU cannot jeopardize billions of US dollars of American investments, persevere perversely with one of the most shameful acts of electoral nastiness in the last few decades, defy and mock the US in its backyard and set Guyana on an inevitable course to join Venezuela and its Russian and Chinese superpower backers, without facing terrifying geopolitical repercussions from the West. The fact that Lowenfield has now repeatedly openly tried to defraud the will of the electorate, break the law and engage in criminality tells me that APNU either has secretly obtained help from superpowers rivalling the US or now feels strongly it will get that support so it continues the madness. So, action must follow words for Claudette Singh. She talked a good game with demanding Lowenfield deliver the proper results. She has to now play it by ensuring decisive action and follow through. Her actions to date have been ridiculous. Do you honestly give a fraudster four tries before acting? Any inaction, intransigence or dillydallying on her part will be seen as a time buying construct that enables APNU to make dangerous moves that lead to catastrophic
geopolitical consequences. The lastest one is a clear abuse of court. The most momentous event in the last week (no, not Lowenfield’s filthy theatrics) was the ABCEU countries meeting the armed forces directly to confirm their apolitical stance. When the West starts bypassing the de facto government to meet directly with the armed forces to signal its intolerance to the armed forces taking sides, this is now a matter of geopolitical significance. Once the Guyana fiasco reached the US Senate foreign relations committee, it reached the Pentagon and the White House. It is definitely very geopolitical. APNU is in a category 5 hurricane and it doesn’t even know it. That is how rampant criminality, immorality and wrongdoing has destroyed the mental faculties of this rigging coterie. Forget the Guyanese people. The West is closely studying you Claudette Singh. You are being watched closely now by formidable superpower forces because your actions or inactions may be a direct geopolitical threat to their interests. The visa restrictions are just a teaser. There is massive consequentiality coming. Trump has a dog to wag in the face of poor polls. APNU couldn’t have made it easier for him. What do you have planned Justice Singh? The world is waiting. Yours faithfully, M. Maxwell
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I disagree with Mr. Norton’s conclusion that the CEO of GECOM is defending the Constitution DEAR EDITOR, I note a letter penned by Mr. Aubrey C. Norton in the local press on July 15, 2020, captioned “CEO is defending the Constitution”. Please permit me Editor to respond to this inaccurate conclusion from Mr. Norton. From my readings of the situation, the only instances of deviation from the Constitution have been some specific actions on the part of Mr. Mingo and Mr. Lowenfield. No less a person than Mr. David Granger had sought to embrace these fake Mingo numbers and the fraudulent Lowenfield discounted summary figures. But what is absolutely clear is that those numbers were constructed in violation of the spirit and intent of the Constitution. Clause 46 of the CCJ ruling stated, “Article 177(2)(b) rightly only needed to reference “more votes” and there was no basis for the Court of Appeal to assume jurisdiction to interpret that provision. It is clear that, under the legal infrastructure governing the electoral process, unless and until an election court decides otherwise, the votes already counted as valid votes are incapable of being
declared invalid by any person or authority. In this respect, the Guyanese electoral system is not very different from other such systems in other Commonwealth Caribbean countries.” How difficult is this for Granger to understand? Article 177 (2) of the Constitution further establishes that the only way to win an election is “if more votes are cast in favour” of your list. Mr. Granger has to be sadly lacking in the knowledge of arithmetic if he cannot understand that 233,336 votes cast for the PPP/C are more than the 217,920 votes cast for the APNU+AFC. It is as if the West Indies (WI) amassed 233 runs against the English Team who was only able to muster 217 runs in a one-day match. However, a bent bookie, approached the umpire at the end of the game and demanded that he illegally discount several runs from the WI score to grant England the victory. Why? Because he feels that there were “no-balls and wides” being bowled and not capture by the scoreboard.
This principle continues to evade the folks at Congress Place, that all of their actions to date come across as “bent, twisted and crooked”. They contested an elections and they lost; fair and square. It is time they wake up and appreciate that Mr. Lowenfield has no power to alter the numbers and cannot vitiate the process and the outcome. On Elections Night, some 2,339 Presiding Officers and their Team, collectively established that the PPP/C got 15,000 plus more votes than the APNU+AFC. That tally was confirmed, by and large, in the recount process at the ACCC and proved again in the final tally that the APNU+AFC was behind the PPP/C by 15,000 plus votes. So these numbers that Mingo has attempted to construct lacks credibility and are downright fake. This is the reason why the lawyers for Mr. Granger’s side continue to fail on every occasion to convince the CCJ to rule in their favour. You have to be mentally obtuse to not understand that Order No. 60 is exclusive to the 2020 elections and exist primarily because of the Elections Law (Amendment) Act, No, 15 of
2000, and the Representation of the People Act – Chp 1:03 (RoPA). Both of these sprangs of the law have been operating within the Constitution during this 2020 elections cycle. These numbers being put forward by the CEO to the Commission is his personal and secret mathematical invention that lacks credibility and is illegal? What the Madam Chair is constitutionally bound to do is declare the real, credible, and transparently aggregated numbers that were arrived at, by a public process witnessed by thousands of Guyanese at ACCC. GECOM has those numbers by way of the 10 Tabulation Certificates authenticated by senior GECOM staff members during the recount exercise at the ACCC. So I beg to humbly disagree with Mr. Norton’s conclusion that the CEO of GECOM is defending the Constitution. Rather what this looks like to me is a defense of fraud on the part of the Congress Place boys and girls. Regards, Sasenarine Singh
A society that sees and hears only what pleases DEAR EDITOR, I look at what passes for individual wisdom and political discourse here and recoiling comes. We only see what we want to see and hear what is pleasing and serves our purposes. Citizens laud what is favourable and the messengers; the knives are unsheathed when the disagreeable surfaces. I write generally, to none specifically, and as I do this, I wonder why, given the appalling shallowness and narrowness of this land. My recent personal journey (public and private) should illuminate what inspires. Early in the elections clock, I wrote that the coalition’s position looked unfavourable and I would only support a result which meets my criteria for fairness, my conscience. Despite the clashing claims of who won, my stance remained unchanged. It was asserted that I was aiding coalition rigging, which was corrected publicly. After the disputes over count, recount, observers, reports, and the CEO, I presented my own conclusion: the coalition lost; there should be graceful retreat. Immediately, fire and brimstone poured: damnation to hell. This is not a national cesspool, but an
Thursday July 16, 2020
Kaieteur News
overflowing societal sewer. Editor, a few choice tit-bits emphasize what the politics (racial) in this lovely country do to good folks: ‘I see like you ‘switch’ and yuh ‘change.’ From which one to which one; to the groups that make monsters of us, that we lose ability to reason, the wisdom to rise above the noise of our bellowing? Publicly, I have articulated that I do not trust the PPP’s leadership, and that I find it, with few exceptions, unsavoury and unacceptable. So to where I go. That has not changed. If anything, I think the ‘big ones’ will be worse this time around. Notwithstanding this, I can think and say that it has won. While, everybody is raging about who won, my position is that when the PNC or PPP wins, all Guyana loses. That is final. I/we have talked about the lesser of two evils, now there is no evil. On the latter I disagree strenuously, since what I am privy to what happened in the era of the PPP, I think is beyond redemption; the coalition’s standards were slightly different only. Then, as I examine the racial milieu, my assessment is that this time we are too far gone to return to any degree of sobriety and temperateness;
we a r e t r a p p e d i n a veritable civil war of words; one that promises the real thing. Yet we chatter mindlessly about who won. And because I see, sense, and know this, I reach for this temporary oasis of shared (inclusive or whatever) governance that, in my calculation, offers a pathway out of our seething racial cauldron. In a nutshell: we so hateful racially, so bigoted and biased against one another, that no PPP or PNC administration could succeed. They may survive and languish, but not succeed. Therefore, from around 2000, I repeat -national and diverse. All groups will feel that they belong, have a seat, have a say in theirs and the national destiny. Look at us: how do we sell when poisoning is feared? How do we buy when sellers turn their faces? How do we work together when deep-seated animosities sizzle? For how long can police or army hold? How long before phantom squads and freedom fighters? As I considered this and share again, I asked my Maker: what am I doing here? Do I even belong here? Naturally, this is interpreted automatically that I want something, feathering my nest. Given my history, what is there here, in this impoverished,
forsaken place, that could be found rewarding, lucrative, spiritually enhancing? For the record, last year, I shared with Minister Trotman and the staff that I would not be returning. I said to him also that, should the government change, under no circumstances, would I serve. For those reading, politics is not paramount for me. That is upstairs; that is the hungry, hurting, and helpless around. This brings contentment. Editor, permit this: I am the way, the truth, and the life. That is my only truth; not Mr. Granger’s, not Mr. Jagdeo’s. And: the truth shall set you free. Since May 1966, Guyanese are more enslaved, to racial prejudices, a money culture, to falsehoods and deviousness. Elections are Exhibit 1. There is no country, only party. When I hear talk of switch and change and the rest, my response has been unambiguous: what kind of cheap whore do you think I am? So I present and plead for the national and the inclusive. That is the biggest heresy, blasphemy, and evil in Guyana today. One of these days I will find wisdom and leave this alone. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Conduct and utterances that beguile indecency, unfitness and improperness DEAR EDITOR, The downright bullying attitude displayed and condoned by the APNU+AFC coalition to retain power by any means necessary is an egregious and barefaced abuse by very senior functionaries of the APNU faction to this nation. This abuse has been condemned by the international community who are unanimous in their call for the declaration to be made utilizing the recount figures. There has been serious resistance from the embattled CEO of GECOM to this effect, who submitted several falsified reports to the Commission despite direct instructions of what was required. His display of insubordination warrants dismissal and his continued falsification of the elections report warrants serious penalties for attempting to pervert the elections process and committing elections fraud. He can also be dismissed in the public interests. That is a simple and straight forward matter. I would like to reference that if a public servant is accused of wrongdoing then the procedure is that he/she is interdicted/dismissed from duty. When this elections fiasco is completed and the rightful President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is sworn in, I would suggest that those who seek to pervert the course of the elections process and the rule of law be debarred from taking up seats in Parliament. Parliament is for fit, proper and honourable people whose interest is in the development of Guyana. The fraudsters and perpetrators of fraud must be
injuncted from making or partaking in the decisionmaking process for the development of Guyana. They have already shown what they are capable of. They must never again be in receipt of taxpayers’ money because they have perpetrated this heinous human rights violation seeking to discredit and dump legitimate votes. All the illegal transactions of allocations of contract and land grabbing must be reversed. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, former President of Guyana for two full terms, had issued a warning since the No Confidence Motion in December 2018 that persons must reframe from conducting certain business because there was a caretaker government which cannot make new deals and that such deals would be illegal and revoked. Nevertheless, the international community should still impose sanctions on the instigators and perpetrators that aided, abetted and condoned the intent to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Election in Guyana. They must be blacklisted. One must question where is the integrity, honesty and decency that was posted on billboards across this country seeking to have individuals elected to office? They have displayed nothing but the opposite in actuality, their conduct and utterances beguile indecency, unfitness and improperness. What a shame and disgrace for the user of the yardstick ‘fit and proper’ to describe or discredit others. A. Persaud
Did the Chair err? DEAR EDITOR, I am no legal person, not even so trained. So I am at a loss to understand why the meeting slated for GECOM on Tuesday, 14 July could not proceed court filing or not. The meeting it seems, from reports was properly called, and the report was enquired into from CEO. At this point it is alleged progovernment commissioners chose not to be a part of the meeting, citing the court filing. The meeting being properly called then, in my
humble opinion, should have proceeded, as there was no legal impediment barring the meeting from proceeding. Did the chair err in not nullifying March 13 results earlier, which she held in abeyance? Is there a ploy afoot to have the chair resigned on her own volition as she was unable to conclude elections in a timely manner? If this is so then a constitutional crisis develops and the incumbent will then have prudency to declare state of emergency. Shamshun Mohamed
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 16, 2020
PAGE 07
Granger in charge of conspiracy to rig elections, and int'l community knows it T - PPP/C
he Opposition P e o p l e ' s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is of the view that incumbent President, David Granger, is at the helm of the conspiracy to rig the 2020 Elections, and that the Guyanese public and the international community are not fooled. Giving context to their stance, the PPP said that the statement from the Government of Guyana, in direct response to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announcing sanctions on top officials from the Coalition administration, paints a clear
picture of the “classic deceptive strategy of Granger.” “That is to say,” the party expanded, “remaining in the background and orchestrating his minions, including Ministers of his Government, candidates and leaders of his political party, his Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and even his party supporters, to front his unconstitutional, undemocratic, illegal and sinister political agenda.” When they are exposed, the Opposition said, Granger appears in the public with a “glib denial of any
wrongdoing”, repeating his “sanctimonious pledge to obey the Constitution, to adhere to the rule of law, to comply with Court rulings and to promise noninterference with the operation at GECOM.” The Coalition's statement, the PPP noted, is a denial that they are undermining the electoral process. “Guyana, the Caribbean and indeed, the Western Hemisphere can bear
UK also working to sanction top Coalition officials
K
aieteur News understands that the United Kingdom is preparing to join its American counterpart, and impose sanctions on top G o v e r n m e n t o ff i c i a l s , leaders of the APNU+AFC coalition and election officials, who are actively supporting efforts to rig Guyana's elections. With the electoral process dragging on for four months pass Election Day, the United Kingdom has been following closely at every step. UK High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, along with the other Western diplomats, had spoken out from the very first time Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, tried to rig the elections, and has lent his voice at other junctures, to condemn
In Trouble: Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield election rigging. Several UK officials have made statements calling for the results of the recount to be declared, so that the electoral
process can come to a democratic close. However, the declaration continues to be frustrated, owing to several officials at the Elections Commission, including Mingo and Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield. US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, yesterday announced sanctions on officials who are obstructing the resolution of the democratic process in Guyana- it is taking the form of visa cancellations. Kaieteur News understands that UK sanctions will follow in similar sanctions, with sources saying that it is not normal that details are given. Rather, it was explained, affected parties are contacted individually and told.
“Demonic” clique engaged in vile... From page 3 electoral process, current and former CARICOM leaders and their countries have been ridiculed by APNU+AFC officials. “These self-same vile and vulgar persons,” Gonsalves said, “having failed in their attempts to curse and bully Prime Minister Mia Mottley and former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur, and me, have now turned their demonic attention to senior staff members of CARICOM and other reputable persons in Guyana and the Caribbean Community.” The CARICOM Chair said that he is deeply
disturbed by this, and called on President David Granger to denounce those who have made such “threats, defamation and verbal abuse.” Even in the face of those attacks, Gonsalves said, “We must continue, fearlessly, to do the right thing. The evil of the antidemocratic brigands must not be allowed any space to triumph.” Gonsalves said that they cannot be allowed to disrespect the clear ruling of the CCJ. He pointed to the Charter of Civil Society, which Guyana is a signatory to, as well as the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and
other documents which enshrine fundamental obligations of nation states to the CARICOM region: “The time for decisive action is shortly upon us. The voices of all decent men and women of democratic temper must join in the denunciation and condemnation of those whose nefarious agenda is antithetical to everything that is good and honourable in our Caribbean civilization.” In closing, the Chair said, “I await, soonest, the declaration by the Chair of GECOM of the results of the elections. It is long overdue!”
testimony, first hand, to Granger and his Government's multiple, transparent and vulgar attempts at undermining the electoral process and interfering with GECOM in the discharge of its mandate in conducting elections and declaring the legal results of those elections,” the Opposition stated. The party pointed out the court motion filed by C o a l i t i o n s u p p o r t e r, Misenga Jones, seeking Orders from the High Court to compel GECOM to declare tainted results of the elections, aimed so that “Granger can steal the next Government.” The Opposition added, “No doubt, Mr. Granger is the intellectual author and is in charge of the conspiracy to rig the March 2nd, 2020 Election. Not once has he condemned the naked fraud attempted by Clairmont Mingo and Keith Lowenfield. In fact, he and his Ministers have all embraced them and they still do.” Further, the party said
De facto President David Granger
Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo
that every Minister in Granger's cabinet is on record in Guyana and overseas “canvassing support” for their attempts to corrupt the electoral process and “defending” those who are directly carrying it out. Among those, the PPP said, include 'Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Joseph Harmon, Raphael Trotman, Cathy Hughes, Khemraj Ramjattan and others.” Both local and international stakeholders, the party said, who dared to criticize their conduct would face the brunt of “vitriolic
abuses.” Because of their continued actions, the Opposition said “these sanctions were long intimated.” “Granger and his Cabal mocked those who spoke of them. Now that the sanctions have finally come, he sanctimoniously pleads his and his Government's innocence. Everyone acquainted with the facts would agree that the sanctions are justified, in the circumstances,” the party said.
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Thursday July 16, 2020
PSC reiterates validity Every tool will be used to of recount results, hold accountable those who support for CARICOM undermine democracy- Canada
T
he Private Sector Commission (PSC), a duly accredited observer of the March 2 General and Regional Elections, as well as the National Recount, yesterday reiterated that its scrutiny of the process showed that the elections were credible and that the recount results are valid. The party's statement comes on the heels of attempts made to have the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) use fraudulent data as the basis on which a declaration is made. In this regard, the PSC also reminded of its endorsement for the findings of the CARICOM team. The Team had noted that while there were irregularities, they were not sufficient enough to move their “unshakeable belief” that the recount results are “completely acceptable”. Those results show the PPP/C to have gained 233,336 votes, ahead of APNU+AFC's 217,920 votes. See the PSC's full statement below: The Private Sector Commission (PSC) served as an Accredited Observer along with other Accredited Local Observer Groups and Organizations, the International Diplomatic
PSC Chair, Gerry Gouveia Community, representing the ABC&E countries and the International Observers, with the exception of the Carter Center who were denied entry into Guyana by the Coalition Government. The Private Sector Commission fielded Observers throughout the entire period of the Recount, at every Work Station, all day, every day. The Private Sector Commission, while recognizing minor administrative difficulties, found the process of the Recount to have been efficiently conducted and authentic. The Private Sector
Commission noted, as did the CARICOM Report, the frequently aggressive, and, at times, obnoxious, if not bizarre, behaviour by Agents representing APNU+AFC at the various Work Stations, but, who, nevertheless, were unable to document any material complaints to question the process. The Private Sector Commission, as did all of the National and International Observers, found the Recount results to be valid and entirely credible. The Private Sector Commission was pleased to endorse, without reservation, the observation of the CARICOM Scrutineers, that “the objections raised by the APNU+AFC” were not “materially relevant to the recount of the ballot” and that there was “no evidence as to who were the ultimate beneficiaries of the alleged 'ghost voting' and voter impersonation”. The Private Sector Commission, in all of these circumstances, has no hesitation in demanding of GECOM, the immediate acceptance of the results of the Recount and that GECOM proceed to a declaration reflecting those results of the General and Regional Elections without any further delay.
J
ust after the Secretary of State for the US, Mike Pompeo hit top officials yesterday in the de facto Granger government with visa sanctions; Global Affairs Canada announced that they too would be using all the tools at their disposal to hold accountable, culpable elements who seek to prevent a swift conclusion to Guyana's electoral process. Global Affairs Canada is the department of the Government of Canada that manages Canada's diplomatic and consular relations, encourages Canadian international trade, and leads Canada's international development and humanitarian assistance. In its statement yesterday, the Canadian department said, “Canada will continue to work with its partners in the international community, using all tools at our disposal, to demand a swift and transparent conclusion to the election process and hold accountable those who prevent it.” The Canadian Government relayed also, its disappointment over the delayed declaration of the winners of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional
Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada, Michael Grant Elections, a delay which has now lasted more than four months. Canada also threw its support behind calls by the Organization of American States (OAS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and civil society organizations to announce the results based on the figures of the National Recount, as validated by the CARICOM Observer Mission. Canada firmly maintained as well that the rule of law and democratic
processes "must be respected" and a declaration be announced without further delay in the interest of the democratic rights of Guyana's electorate. The Canadian Government has played a vital role in rallying for Guyana's democracy, issuing several statements reiterating their call for the declaration to be made using the recount figures. Key among those was Micheal Grant, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas at Global Affairs Canada who had supported the National Recount and later on expressed concern over the long delay of the declarations. Grant had tweeted “As demanded by CARICOM, the OAS and the Commonwealth, the outcome should be declared based on the recount which was confirmed by the CARICOM observer team. This has gone on too long.” He had also lent his voice after the landmark Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling on July 8, tweeting: “Important ruling today from Caribbean Court of Justice on Guyana. It's time for the election results to be announced by #GECOM based on the recount. No more delays.”
Argument over evening greeting US Govt. tells Granger leaves teen stabbed to death
A
dispute that went on for two days among three young men ended in tragedy on Tuesday night after one of them was stabbed to death at Dazzel Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The dead teen, Barneth Mckenzie, of Lot 371, Fourteenth Street, of the aforementioned housing scheme, was slain by a 17- year-old around 16:50Hrs on Tuesday. Eyewitnesses told this newspaper that it all started with an argument between the victim's elder brother and his alleged killer at a shop within the Dazzle Community on Monday evening. They said that the victim's brother had entered the shop and extended greetings to those present. This newspaper understands that when he approached the suspect in this manner, he was shunned. This aggravated the victim's brother and he asked the suspect, “Why you can't tell me good-night?” The suspect replied, “Who is you for me to tell you good night?” The victim's brother was angered by this response and an argument ensued. Kaieteur News understands that the suspect eventually left for his home after the exchange of harsh words. The following day the suspect visited the
Dead Teen, Barneth McKenzie
shop but this time, he was confronted by the victim and his brother. A scuffle subsequently ensued about the said evening greeting. This newspaper was told that the suspect, armed with a knife, dealt the victim who was carrying a cutlass and a piece of iron, several stabs to the abdomen. The 19-year-old who was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by relatives was pronounced dead on arrival. Police later visited the scene and arrested the suspect at his home.
From page 2 results.” They also noted that the Coalition has opted to advocate for a declaration using fraudulent numbers – this, on several occasions. “We condemn all efforts to undermine the credibility of the March 2nd election, including recent actions taken by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) to effectively disenfranchise thousands of voters and manipulate the vote count,” they said. The Subcommittee also submitted its complete support for GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh in her decision to dismiss the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield's fraudulent reports. “We commend the people of Guyana for their remarkable patience over the last four months,” the House Subcommittee said, “but they have waited far too long.”
Government's response The incumbent Coalition Government in response to
the US State Secretary's pronouncements said that they “regret the decision taken.” “The matter affecting the outcome of Guyana's elections,” they said “is still before the courts, which is entirely the responsibility of the judiciary. No declaration has been made.” The Coalition claimed that the “Executive Branch” has not participated in the undermining of the electoral process and urged all countries interested in Guyana's development to “await the logical conclusion of the process” which is being managed by the Elections Commission, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana. De facto Foreign Affairs Minister, Karen Cummings, however, accused the US Government of being “illinformed and uninformed.” “I must say I am appalled and shocked, and to say that it shows that the author of such an idea is ill informed and
uninformed. We have not broken any international treaty or laws; we have not even broken our own laws and we have been loyal and in abeyance of the Constitution and Guyana's laws,” Cummings was quoted in another section of the media. Minister Cummings went on to accuse the US government of entering deals with countries they should be sanctioning, instead of Guyana. She said, “Their attention should be turned to those countries where they have had money laundering and the drug lords and they haven't been going after those and sanctioning those countries yet they are striving to have deals with such countries.” “We as a government,” the Foreign Minister added “is showing that we have moral backbone and we have integrity that cannot be flattered, bribed or terrified.”
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 16, 2020
PAGE 09
The devil is in his lair F
ollowing the 1997 elections, there were political protests for months in the streets of Georgetown. The protests descended in character assassination. The PNCR protestors targeted the then President Janet Jagan. She was the victim of some of the most vile and vicious protests. Mrs. Jagan was unfairly and insensitively demonized by supporters of the PNC. And the race became a factor in the protests. Janet Jagan was made into a scapegoat for the PNCR's inability to accept its defeat at the elections. The party's supporters went as far as saying that she had no right to be President of Guyana. The protestors, on more than one occasion, would take out a white doll (an effigy for Mrs. Jagan). They would hold it up for all the protestors to see, throw it to the ground and beat and stomp upon it while chanting, “We gun wuk pun she”. The “wuk” they were referring to, was the casting of an omen on her. There was an interesting but tragic end to this matter. One of the women who used to be beating and stomping on the doll ended up in an abusive relationship. Almost every day, so the story goes, she ended up being beaten and stomped upon by her
partner. That is what can happen when you try to dabble with the occult. People have a right to protest but they do not have a right to demonize persons in a manner which could invite hatred. Guyanese protests have always been colourful but sadly also many of them have been coarse and churlish. Ideally protests should be about principles and not personalities. But some people find it hard to separate the two and to pursue a cause without attacking others. On Tuesday last, there was a nasty protest directed against the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh. She was being targeted by supporters of the APNU+AFC. The protest descended into foulness. A mock funeral was held, using a doll as an effigy of the Chairperson of GECOM. It was paraded through some city streets in a symbol funeral. It was a most tasteless display. Protests against the police are taking place in many states across the world. Effigies are being burnt, symbolically. This is all part of the drama of protests. But no one has gone to the extent to which the APNU+AFC supporters have in actually staging a
mock funeral. Protestors should not dabble in the superstitious. When protests enter this realm, uncertainty can be the outcome. Dealing with omen and evil spirits is not something for play-acting. The devil finds work for idle hands and will find ways also to use these things to his advantage. Those who are dabbling with omens are courting danger. The devil is in his lair. He is paying keen attention. He is waiting for his chance to wield his mischief. He will use the slightest opportunity made available to weave his evil. He will use those, who are dabbling with things which they do not fully understand, to pursue his evil ends. The Good Book says: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” More importantly persons should not venture into the supernatural realms. One of the problems with political protests in this country is that it more often than not descends into character assassination and sometimes into senseless violence. It provides a stage for persons to poke fun at others. This time, however, the protestors took their parody a bit too far. No one is above
Dem boys seh...
Rigadier bird-day get sanction
Y
esterday small bully meet he match. He come face-to-face with de big bully. De big bully tell he, de Rigadier, to “Step aside. Is time yuh respect democracy!” Ye s t e r d a y w a s d e Rigadier bird-day. De Pompeo man,who is de man in charge of foreign policy for de US, send he a nice gift. Rigadier thought was a bird-day gift. He didn't know was a farewell present. De gift spoil de bird-day party. Was a real party affair. But Rigadier keep it pun state property. When de Pom-peo man send he gift, de party turn sour. Some people face tun long. Nobody nah smiling fuh de cameras. Some of dem depress and propping
sorrow. One man, who dem boys de like and who like do deals, start watching de stains pun he shoes. Men and women lose dem appetite immediately. Some of dem nah eat nuttin. Some ah dem deh get belly wuk. And not from de food. De party tun like a wake house. And to think dat was only yesterday dem supporters keep mock funeral fuh Claw-dette. Yuh see how evil does tun back pun de wicked? Dem boys glad de visas get pull. Rigadier want bring back dictatorship. He think he is a Papa Doc. Dem boys seh is no way dictatorship gun return to Guyana. Dem boys nat gun allow no dictatorship fuh spoil de future of dem
picknee. And dem boys wan tell de Rigadier “Nat hay! Nat in dis country hay suh!” Dem boys seh dat plenty people visa should get tek away- not only guvment officials. Dem boys feel that dem gat lawyers, kantractors, miners, media workers and judges. Dem boys nah mean dem people wha does judge beauty contest. Dem mean some a dem wha sit down pun bench fuh decide people life. Dem boys want know what kind of justice poor people gun get when deh go in front of some of dem. Dem boys wan tell dem farrin country fuh pull dem visa and dat of dem wife and family too. Talk half and wait till dem boys publish de list of dem wha get sanction.
criticism, but criticism should not be taken beyond the pale. To go to the extent of staging a mock funeral with persons doing all manner of strange things to the effigy while others are moaning and groaning is something which should be of concern to all God-fearing persons. If your cause is righteous, you do not need to
mix matters with Satan. Once you invite Satan in, you are inviting evil and danger. There is no place for experimenting with the occult, the supernatural and the superstitions. The mock funeral may have created enough drama to draw attention to the protests. But it could also be an opening for the devil to enter into the fray. Protests
should stay clear of the afterlife. This is an invitation for evil. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Thursday July 16, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Declassified documents reveal Rodney may have been betrayed by a top leader
O
n the 40th death anniversary of Walter Rodney last month, I received a cache of declassified US government documents from Donald Rodney which w a s s e n t b y Wa l t e r ' s d a u g h t e r, A s h a . T h e documents were obtained from George Washington University. This was the first time such contents were
made public since Rodney's assassination 40 years ago. From June 13, I have been occupied, preoccupied and mentally burdened with composing daily columns on the rigged elections of March 2. I found this period to be so frightening and dangerous, that I could not think of nothing but daily offerings on this page on this
scary development that if not resolved will wipe Guyana off the social map of the world. I was moved to break with my approach in these columns since March 4 with the Clairmont Mingo electoral savagery when I read yesterday of Donald Rodney's critique or condemnation of Desmond Trotman, a GECOM
commissioner and the manager of the WPA's office. Trotman is using Rodney's name for purposes of the worst kind of political banditry. Donald is Walter's brother who almost died in the car with him when the bomb exploded and killed Walter. There are 20 declassified documents. In one of those documents, there is mention of a certain WPA leader who was suspected of being a Burnham plant. That leader is very much alive today. I am not going to get a libel. I know a lot about libel since as a practicing media operative for 32 years I know a little bit of the laws relating to libel. If I name that person, I know I will get a libel writ because the person will say I published something about him that is false. Even though it is a security document from the US Government, how I am going to prove that he was indeed a Burnham agent? You will have to go through each of the 20 items to find his name. Please contact me a t e m a i l fredkissoon@yahoo.com or my cell at 614-5927. Asha Rodney has transmitted the documents so I do not see why you are not entitled to see them. Before I move on to the infamous Rodney betrayal, a word about Burnham. There is one of those documents where it appears that Burnham was prepared to kill Rodney because in
conversation with the US Ambassador, President Burnham asked (without being direct but the subtlety was there) the US Ambassador to get Rodney to desist from violent conspiratorial activities else he (Burnham) would have to do what he has to do. We will never know if the Ambassador did intervene with Rodney. Now for the betrayal. I have long suspected that at a very high level, a WPA personality was close to Burnham during the apex of Rodney's efforts to confront Burnham. The question is; was he loyal to Burnham out of psychic association or was Burnham doing some blackmailing or was money involved from a foreign government? I spent some occasions talking to a man who Burnham trusted implicitly and who Burnham would have turned to for advice in killing Rodney. Elvin Mc David in the later years of his life took to me and revealed many things to me in our conversations at his Queenstown home. One was about Burnham's perceptions about David Granger. I swear on my parents' grave, it is true that in one of our conversations, he elaborated on Burnham's views on Granger. Although the expressions of Burnham on Granger were not negative, they were not eulogistic either. I honestly believe Mc
Frederick Kissoon David liked me and wanted to talk to me. I don't know why. I will leave speculation for another column sometime in the future except to briefly say that he expressed regrets at advising Burnham not to employ me at UG and my wife at Guymida. Mc David wanted me to know that there was a mole right in the heart of the WPA leadership. He waxed lyrical on the successful strategy of Burnham in penetrating the WPA's leadership. But Mc David was not a stupid man. He knew he could not tell me who that person was. It is 40 years since Walter was killed and I have snippets of research notes. I think there was also a second mole. The question is; did the hierarchy of the WPA ever suspected that there were two moles among them? Given the type of middle-class bohemian activists the WPA leaders were, they would never have believed that Burnham would have penetrated their circle of camaraderie. He did and two of those comrades helped Burnham to murder their leader, Dr. Walter Rodney. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Thursday July 16, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Thursday July 16, 2020
CJ to hear case filed to set aside recount figures on Friday C
hief Justice (Ag) Roxane George – Wi l t s h i r e i s scheduled to hear on Friday, oral arguments in a case filed to compel the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to set aside the recount figures in relation to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. The case was filed by Misenga Jones, a registered
voter and supporter of the Granger administration. Jones is seeking orders from the High Court for the declaration of the elections results to be made based on the disputed figures of Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield. On more than three occasions, Lowenfield refused to comply with the instruction of Justice
- AG's request for Order to stay GECOM's proceedings denied (retired) Claudette Singh, the Chair of GECOM, to present the Commission with the report based on the recount figures. The outcome of the national recount shows a
victory for the PPP/C over the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). More recently, a ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice
(CCJ) categorically stated that the Chief Elections Officer should submit a report in accordance with a June 16 order made by Singh, for the recount figures to be submitted. That ruling by the CCJ was not honoured by Lowenfield. In a 40-page application filed in the High Court on Tuesday, Jones is asking the Court, inter alia, for several declarations to force GECOM to rely on nothing but a report based on the March 13 district declarations as the basis on which a final election declaration is made. That report includes the fraudulent March 13 declarations made by Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo. Tr i n i d a d i a n S e n i o r Counsel, John Jeremie; Attorneys- at –law, Mayo Roberston and Roysdale Forde appeared for Jones in the matter. During the Case Management Conference hearing for the matter held yesterday, Justice George Wiltshire told the parties that several issues are to be considered. Chief among them she said is for consideration to be made on the issue of whether the High Court has jurisdiction to hear the case. The CJ also gave several undertakings for all submissions to be in by Friday morning. She said that each submission should be no more than 10 pages. For the oral presentation of the hearing set for 2:00 pm on Friday afternoon, the Judge said the lawyer representing each party will be granted 15 minutes to address the Court. She noted that the time restrictions are given for all parties in the case to have an opportunity to address the Court “in the interest of justice and fairness.” With no objection to political parties being named as respondents, the CJ added to the matter, Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Douglas Mendes; Guyanese lawyers, Devindra Kissoon and Anil Nandlall for the PPP/C; Senior Counsel, Ralph
Chief Justice (Ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire Ramkarran for the Liberty and Justice Party, (LJP); Kamal Ramkarran for A New United Guyana (ANUG); Lawyers Sanjeev Datadin, Stephen Singh and Jameela Alli for the United Republican Party (URP); Attorney Kashir Khan who will appear in association with Mohamed Khan for The Citizen Initiative and Change Guyana; and Attorney, Timothy Jonas for The New Movement (TNM). Also on record for the respondents in the matter are Attorney, Neil Boston S.C for the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Attorney -at -law, Kim KyteThomas who is appearing for GECOM's Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh; and Attorney General, Basil Williams S.C who will appear for himself alongside Attorney, Maxwell Edwards . At one point of the hearing, Edwards sought for an order from the Court to have GECOM maintain its status quo until the matter is heard. However, Attorneys Jonas and Mendes raised concerns over the request for orders by the lawyer for the Attorney General given that he is listed as a respondent in the case. Mendes noted that it is improper for Williams' lawyer to make such a request since as Attorney General, he should be neutral party in the matter. “It is improper for the Attorney General to be seeking that relief as a respondent in the application when the actual applicant has not made any such request w h a t s o e v e r, ” M e n d e s pointed out. In attempt to defend his position, Williams told the Court that he is acting in his capacity as a custodian of (continued on page 13)
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 16, 2020
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NTC to provide relief hampers to vulnerable groups in Santa Rosa T
he National Toshaos Council (NTC) in keeping with its mandate to prepare and implement strategies for the development of indigenous communities will be donating one hundred relief hampers and care packages to the village of Santa Rosa, Region one. The hampers, inclusive of food supplies, personal care items and sanitization products will be distributed to immediate family members of persons affected by COVID-19 and vulnerable groups such as the elderly and single parent families. Speaking with Kaieteur News, NTC's Executive Director, Ms. Jude Da Silva noted that in wake of the recent upsurge of infected
NTC's Executive Director, Ms. Jude Da Silva cases in the Moruca sub district, the NTC recognized that the families of infected patients were among those in
Some of the items that would be donated by the NTC
CJ to hear case filed to set aside... From page 12 Guyana's constitution- the nation's Supreme law. He noted the Attorney General didn't apply to enter to this case but was added in the proceeding as a respondent hence he is allowed to make the request. However, Attorney for the GECOM Chair, KyteThomas told the court that there is no need for the order
since her client has always and will always be mindful of maintaining the status quo of GECOM in light of any ongoing court proceeding. Kyte -Thomas said that Justice Singh will wait for the hearing and determination of the matter before any action is taken towards making the final elections declarations. With the foregoing in
mind, the CJ noted that there was no need for the Court to give any orders. She said too that the Court will resume hearing the matter at 2:00 pm on Friday. The hearing is expected to be live streamed via Supreme Court's channel. This is now the third court case filed to stop the election declaration based on the recount figures.
dire need of assistance. This, she added, sparked the council's initiative for the emergency drive. Da Silva noted that the NTC has collaborated with several individuals and organizations including the Guyana Women Miners Association, Conservation International, and Food for the Poor in the sourcing of
items for the hampers. Additionally, the Director noted that the NTC will be providing care packages inclusive of masks, gloves, sanitizers and personal hygiene products. The Director sought to urge all indigenous leaders and residents of communities facing the threat of COVID-19, to
adhere to the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Public Health in an effort to eliminate the spread of the deadly virus. As for the NTC, it is encouraging persons interested in donating supplies towards this cause to make contact with its representatives on 592-6217207.
Kaieteur News
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Thursday July 16, 2020
Guyana records 18th COVID-19 death, cases move to 313
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he Ministry of Public Health y e s t e r d a y confirmed the country's 18th COVID-19 related fatality. The victim has been identified as 74-year-old Milton Paul, a resident of Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown. A c c o r d i n g t o information released by the Ministry, Paul died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on
Sunday July 12. A source from the hospital told Kaieteur News that the elderly man was taken to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit on Saturday July 11, last. He was subsequently moved to the transition ward the following day where he succumbed. It is understood that samples were taken from the deceased for a COVID-19 test but he died before the
results were received. The test result came back positive and the Ministry confirmed Paul as the latest COVID-19 related fatality. Last Saturday, 69-yearold Geerjadai Jagnarine succumbed to COVID-19 related complications in the isolation unit of the West Demerara Regional Hospital. It was further noted by the Ministry that in approximately 17 days,
Guyana recorded a total of six new Covid-19 deaths. Yesterday, Guyana also recorded five new cases of the disease bringing the number of confirmed cases to 313. According to Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr. Karen Boyle, “roughly 50%� of these cases or 156 persons have recovered. There are currently 139 persons in institutional isolation, 10 persons in
Dr. Edward Sagala areas of concern. Aranka comes in second to Moruca, for the highest number of cases locally.
Dr. Karen Boyle institutional quarantine, and five persons in the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). REGION SEVEN Dr. Edward Sagala, Regional Health Officer (RHO), for the CuyuniMazaruni's (Region Seven) Health Emergency Committee, stated that the Region has a total of 48 positive cases with Bartica accounting for 11 of these. Meanwhile, there are 17 Individuals in institutional isolation in the district. The Region has also accounted for one of 18 COVID- 19 related deaths. Kaieteur News understands that Abdool Khan, a 34-year-old businessman, succumbed to the virus on July 1 at the GPHC; the young man who was in the COVID-19 ICU since June 22 was the first confirmed case for the Town of Bartica. Four of his relatives including his threeyear-old daughter have since tested positive. The release also listed Aranka, Oku and Bartica as
VISITING TEAM Kaieteur News understands that the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Region Seven Regional Democratic Council (RDC), will be conducting a three-day visit to three frontline villages Arau, Kaikan and Eteringbang, from July 15, 2020 to July 18, 2020. Activities to be conducted during the visit include the setting up of three pre-fabricated houses to be used as isolation facilities in each village, assessments of the movement of persons and their adherence to the Covid19 prevention measures in each village, and screening inclusive of sampling for Covid-19. Refresher training for health care providers in these locations is also on the agenda. The visiting team will supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), medication and other medical supplies, including vaccines for children.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 16, 2020
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Bisram's mother, co-accused Drunk man gets beaten sentencing set for tomorrow for rapping on wrong door
F
ollowing her ruling that Sharmilla Inderjali, the mother of extradited US-based businessman, Marcus Bisram, and her co-accused, Maryanna Lionel, are guilty of offering a police officer $4M to suppress evidence, Senior Magistrate, Leron Daly told the court yesterday that the sentencing for the two women is set for Friday in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. On Monday, the lawyer for the two women, Sanjeev Datadin, made a plea of mitigation which he hopes the Magistrate would consider. Last Friday, Magistrate Daly said that there is sufficient evidence against the defendants and as such, found them guilty of the offence. Inderjali, 45, of Number 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and Lionel, 25, sister of one of the accused charged with the killing of Faiyaz Narinedatt, were out on a total of $3M bail. It is alleged that the women, during the month of November 2016, offered a detective at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, $4M for him to suppress evidence against Bisram. Bisram of Number 70 Village Corentyne, Berbice, and the United States of America, was charged with the murder of Narinedatt which allegedly took place between October 31, 2016 and November 1, 2016, at N u m b e r 7 0 Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, Berbice. He is charged along with
A
Extradited US-based businessman, Marcus Bisram
Murdered: Faiyaz Narinedatt
Maryanna Lionel
Sharmilla Inderjali
Orlando Dickie, 39, of Stevedore Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown; Radesh Motie, 39, an excavator operator, of 124 Number 78 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Diadath Datt, 18, of 98 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice; Harripaul Parsram, 49, of 164 Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice and Niran Yacoob, 37, of 65
N u m b e r 6 7 Vi l l a g e , Corentyne Berbice. It is alleged that Bisram procured Dickie, Motie, Datt, Parsram and Yacoob to murder Narinedatt. While a judge recently ruled that there is insufficient evidence against Bisram and the matter was discharged, the other accused were committed to stand trial at the Berbice High Court.
32-year-old charged for attempted murder over bar stool
T
hirty-two-year-old Kevin France of East Ruimveldt, Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was charged for attempting to kill a man over a bar stool. The charge was read to the accused via zoom by Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts. France was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on February 28, 2020 at Lamaha and De Abreu Streets, Newtown, Georgetown, he attempted to murder Neil Dutchin. Chief Magistrate McLennan granted the accused bail in the sum of $200,000. According to the facts of the charge, on the day in question, Dutchin and his friends were at Blue Martini Nightclub when Dutchin had a misunderstanding with France
Charged: Kevin France over the bar stool and an argument ensued. The accused left and subsequently returned in the company of his two accomplices, one being armed with a handgun.
Dutchin was then confronted by France and his accomplices and it escalated into a fight which resulted in Dutchin being shot twice once to the right side abdomen and once to his upper left thigh. France and his accomplices then relieved Dutchin of a sum of cash, cell phone and a knife before making good their escape. Dutchin was then picked up in a bloodied state and rushed to the hospital where he was admitted in a critical condition. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched. In August 2015, France had a murder charge against him dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The charge stated that on April 24, 2014 at Campbellville, Georgetown, France murdered Bharrat Ramcharran during the course of a robbery.
man said to be intoxicated was reportedly beaten, stripped, tied up and dragged after he rapped on the wrong door at 02:00hrs yesterday. Police said that occupants took the man for a burglar and raised an alarm. He was then confronted by neighbours who interrogated the man after tying him up. In a video seen by this publication, the person can be heard asking the man why he was intruding the house. He responded by saying that he was sorry for the situation he got himself into. Police have since launched an investigation into the matter and have taken statements from the occupants of the house and the allegedly assaulted man.
The intoxicated man who was beaten
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Thursday July 16, 2020
Kaieteur News
GGDMA issues regulations for small and medium scale operations
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A public-spirited citizen on Tuesday alerted authorities to a girl, 7, he found sleeping on a bench on Waterloo Street, Georgetown. She was guarding her belongings in a black bag. The concerned man stood there
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of its implementations. The GGDMA highlighted that as a necessity, camp managers will be required to conduct the necessary screening protocols upon the hiring and dispatching of pork knockers to mining camps, including the completion of a health assessment checklist to ascertain the miner's state of health. Additionally, miners will be required to provide their address and contact information for documentation purposes. The document further stipulates that miners wishing to travel to interior locations for work must visit the nearest health facility and request a prescription for a malaria preventative drug (such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine) in order to reduce the chances of contracting malaria which exhibits similar symptoms (such as
fever and body aches) of Covid-19 according to the World Health Organization. Added to that, the GGDMA specified travel restrictions such as the limiting of persons traveling in vehicles to ensure the adherence to the guidelines set out by MoPH. The document further instructs that each camp should be provided with at least one medical temperature gun to test all personnel before they enter the camp or leave the camp for the worksite on a daily basis as well as the wearing of facemasks at all times. Moreover, miners are also encouraged to desist from entering any Amerindian village and in the event where it is necessary, consent must first be given by the Toshao or village leader. Finally, mining operators are required to equip mining
camps with one or more medical thermal guns to test personnel temperature and the implementation of isolation camp should persons demonstrate signs and symptoms of the virus. In June, the Ministry of Public Health along with the National COVID-19 Taskforce proposed the shutting down of mining operations in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 after a number of positive cases emerged from mining camps in Region seven and one. Consequently, MoPH announced earlier this month that “all mining operations shall cease” in Moruca in Region One, and Aranka/ Arangoy Landing in Region Seven, both of which have accounted for the bulk of COVID-19 cases in the country to date.
Girl, 7, found sleeping on city bench rescued
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The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), yesterday announced the released guidelines for the operation of small and medium scale mining during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines listed in the document, caters for the screening of miners before and after entering the interior as well as Indigenous communities, implementations of travel restrictions in abeyance with social distancing regulations as well as the proper management of employees. The document which aims to provide support to both small and medium scale mining operations was tailored by the GGDMA, to suit the local mining industry, taking into consideration the practicality
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for over an hour to ensure the relevant authorities came to her rescue. According to the man, he was carrying out some errands when he noticed the girl on the bench. His attention was also drawn to a man, who appeared to be mentally unsound, approaching her. He tried contacting the police force but they were unresponsive. The young man then took to social media to seek help and the Women's Miners Association showed up shortly after. The child's mother had already arrived. They were taken under the organization's wing. It was found that the family lives in Wales and frequently experience issues. They would come out in search of food. It was reported that on the day the child was found, she and her mother had woken up since 3am for a four-hour walk to Georgetown. The child subsequently became tired and fell asleep on the bench. The mother reportedly left to buy a cigarette. She returned and saw the crowd gathered. The Women's Miner's Association arrived shortly after
The child on a bench on Waterloo Street and the child and the mother were taken into their care. A number of entities, Kaieteur News was told, have since donated, including from Royal Castle, Ramroop's Trading and the Youth for Better Trading. The Child Care and Protection Agency is also said to be looking into the matter. A team visited the house
of the family yesterday and found the conditions terrible. The house had no running water. The young man that initially came to the child's rescue has actively been assisting in getting her help and is calling on anyone who would like to aid in giving this family a better to life to contact him on 661-4580.
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 16, 2020
Completion of US$5M Covid-19 Hospital postponed
T
he US five million dollar (G$1B) project to turn Ocean View International Hotel into a state-of-the-art hospital for the incubation, isolation and quarantine of persons infected with the novel Coronavirus (COVID19) which was expected to be completed by July 13th has once again been postponed. This is according to National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat Logistics Officer, Colonel (Ret'd) Nazrul Hussein. Speaking to Kaieteur News, Hussein explained that his part of the work “which is the construction aspect” is now expected to be completed by July 29th. He added that the facility will then have to be set up with the required “equipment to make it functional.” During a recent virtual press conference Hussein had said “(the) Infectious Diseases Hospital on the East Coast is about 95% completed. It is anticipated that all outstanding works and minor changes will be completed by the 13th of July.” The sanatorium, he added “will be fully dedicated to the COVID-19 response and for any other infectious diseases that may arise in the future.” In April, Finance Minister Winston Jordan in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) had said “we had to open centers to receive these different cases, the biggest one being at the Ocean View Hotel and Convention Centre and retrofitting that facility will cost us in excess of a billion dollars, just to retrofit it.” “That is not including the purchase price,” he asserted. He added that the cost will increase exponentially when the facility gets up and running. On June 22, Kaieteur News reported that seven contractors were sole sourced by the Public Health Ministry to complete the 'retro fitting' or furnishing of the Hospital. The article referenced a memorandum to Minister Jordan, from the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Public Health Ministry; Collette Adams which showed the work was separated into eight lots.
Lot 1', the “Remodeling of the Main Wing, Installation of Medical Gas, HV AC – negative pressure system, Construction of Operating Theatre, Construction of R.C. Ramps and Laundry Room and Rehabilitation of Main Plumbing System and Distribution Networks” was awarded to International Imports & Supplies at $381M. 'Lot 2', the “Remodeling of East Wing, Rehab of Roof, Construction of Power Supply Room, Construction of gate on the ground floor, Installation of New Electrical Mains, Perimeter lighting and Automatic Gate” was awarded to Ivor Allen at $388M. 'Lot 3', the “Installation of Lift” was awarded to KP Thomas & Sons Contracting Inc at $49M. 'Lot 4', the “Construction of Southern Concrete Fence, Timber Revetment, Construction of R.C. Base for Triage Area and Holding Area for Infectious Waste” was awarded to James Nicholson Construction Services at $54M. 'Lot 5', the “Construction of Northern Fence Concrete Fence, Timber Revetment, Construction of R.C. Base for M o rg u e a n d C o n c r e t e Walkways for projects for the MOPH” was awarded to Associated Construction Services at $64M. 'Lot 6', the “Construction of one (1) incinerator for sharps and medical waste” was awarded to Andy Moore at $4.1M. 'Lot 7', the “Supply, Installation and Commissioning of HV AC Systems” was awarded to Antarctic Maintenance & Repairs at $22M. The final ' L o t 8 ' , t h e “ S u p p l y, Installation and Commissioning of CCTV Surveillance System” went to International Imports & Supplies for $86M. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Memorandum stated that, “Funds have been provided by the Government of Guyana for the project named at caption.” While no date was listed on the Memorandum indicating when the request was made, the approval was given on April, 16, 2020 by Chairman of National Procurement and Te n d e r A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Board (NPTAB), Berkley Wickham – his signature was attached to the document.
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Kaieteur News
Man City overcome Bournemouth 2-1 to extend home winning streak
Manchester City’s David Silva in action with Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Pool via REUTERS/Dave Thompson)
Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi in action against Bournemouth, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Pool via REUTERS/Laurence Griffiths)
Thursday July 16, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today might be a bit difficult, because you aren't likely to be as productive as usual. You won't have much to say, and you'll feel sleepy and somewhat grumpy. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You certainly are in a strange mood today. True, things have been going smoothly for the past few days, but be careful not to fool yourself. "Pride comes before a fall," as the expression goes. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It will be as though you're in a new, hopeful world today, Gemini. The people you meet will be cordial and caring, and the future will seem like a bright, attractive place to live. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Because your tendency recently has been to brood over everything, Cancer, a day like this can't be anything but beneficial. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Because your tendency recently has been to brood over everything, Cancer, a day like this can't be anything but beneficial. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The day ahead should be excellent. You've been searching for meaning behind recent events. No doubt there have been a lot of changes both at work and at home. You're bursting with new ambition.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The day ahead should be excellent. You've been searching for meaning behind recent events. No doubt there have been a lot of changes both at work and at home. You're bursting with new ambition. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't even try to understand what's happening today, because you won't be able to fathom it. Collective currents of concern are imposing upon your life and you're powerless to stop them. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't even try to understand what's happening today, because you won't be able to fathom it. Collective currents of concern are imposing upon your life and you're powerless to stop them. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Do countries abroad represent real opportunities for you? This is a question that you'll soon have to answer. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today won't be like most other days, Aquarius. Look around and you'll see that people either have their heads in the clouds, are depressed, or seem to be trying to keep up a good front. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you were offered the opportunity to take a trip around the world, where you would see wonderful palaces and experience a timeless love affair, would you take it?
(Reuters) - David Silva and Gabriel Jesus scored firsthalf goals as Manchester City claimed a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League yesterday. Second-placed City broke the deadlock inside six minutes as Spanish midfielder Silva curled a sublime free kick into the top corner for his second set-piece goal in three league appearances. Bournemouth went close to an equaliser from a free kick of their own but Junior Stanislas’s effort was saved by City keeper Ederson, who pushed it onto the post. City doubled their advantage when Jesus slalomed past two defenders to score from close range, with Silva collecting his 10th assist of the league campaign. Bournemouth avoided further damage in the second half when the VAR overturned a City penalty awarded for a tackle by defender Steve Cook on Brazilian striker Jesus. Substitute David Brooks gave Bournemouth a lifeline with an 88th-minute goal after Callum Wilson found the Welsh midfielder to slot home from close range. The duo went close to an equaliser in the closing stages but City held on to collect all three points and extend their winning streak at home to six games. “It was difficult but our opponent played really well, they were really good and they pushed us a lot,” City manager Pep Guardiola said.
“Their needs are higher than ours but we played our game.” City have already secured a second-placed finish
behind title winners Liverpool, while Bournemouth remain 18th and three points adrift of the safety zone.
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Thursday July 16, 2020
Kaieteur News
Four games a day Joe Denly dropped, James Anderson and Mark Wood rested as Joe Root returns confirmed for 2022 World Cup in Qatar
The tournament’s official logo for the 2022 Qatar World Cup is seen on the Doha Tower, in Doha, Qatar, September 3, 2019. (REUTERS/Naseem Zeitoun) (Reuters) - World Cup fans will be able to watch an unprecedented four games a day on television, spread out over 11 hours, during the group stage of the Qatar 2022 tournament after the schedule was confirmed yesterday. With the relatively short travel distances for the venues in and around Doha, it could be possible for fans who travel to the 32-team tournament to attend multiple games each day. The early games will kickoff at 1300 local (1000GMT) with the fourth match starting at 2200 local (1900GMT) and finishing just before midnight. The tournament’s opening game on Nov. 21, will be at the 60,000 capacity Al Bayt Stadium, with its distinctive ‘tent’ style covering. The final on Dec. 18 will be held at the 80,000 Lusail Stadium, which, like Al Bayt, will also host a semi-final. “The World Cup is always a festival of football, a real celebration for the fans who come on-site and watch. In Qatar, with the compact nature, this is going to be amplified even more with 32
teams and 32 sets of supporters all in and around Doha,” said FIFA Chief Tournaments and Events Officer, Colin Smith. FIFA will wait until the draw for the tournament is held in March or April of 2022 before assigning specific games to venues and timeslots. That will enable them to better align games with time zones for domestic television partners of the competing teams. The tournament was switched from it’s usual JuneJuly slot due to the heat in the Gulf state and is the first that will be held in the middle of the European season. Nasser Al Khater, CEO of the Qatar World Cup organising company, said plans for the tournament were well on schedule with 90% of the work finished on roads and infrastructure. “When we talk about the stadiums, more than 85% of the work has been completed and really now, the last two years, we’re focusing on our operation readiness and making sure we get the fan experience plans in place,” he said.
ESPNcricinfo - Joe Denly’s Test career would appear to be over after he was omitted from England’s squad for the second Test at Emirates Old Trafford, while James Anderson has been rested on his home ground alongside Mark Wood, in a rejig of their fast-bowling attack given the short turnaround between contests. Root missed England’s four-wicket defeat in the first Test at the Ageas Bowl, but returns to the fray as captain after attending the birth of his second child, as his team seeks a means to avoid their first home series defeat against West Indies since 1988. England did not confirm their final 13-man squad until late yesterday afternoon, with Anderson understood to be sore after bowling 40 overs in his first match back after injury, and Wood also being monitored given his history of niggles. Sam Curran has been added to the squad, alongside the Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson, for whom this represents a first call-up to England’s senior squad. England’s preparations were hampered by rain in Manchester that forced the team to train indoors, and by a lively practice wicket on Tuesday that restricted their opportunities to assess the form and fitness of their quicks, and Root conceded there had been “a few areas
to shore up” before any final decisions could be made. “We’ll have to have another look at the wicket, and there’s a few things we have to clear up in-house,” Root said in England’s prematch press conference, prior to the squad announcement, “making sure everyone pulls up as we would like, and being really clear on what’s the best thing for the team over these five days. Anderson, who turns 38 at the end of the month, needs another 13 wickets to become the first seamer to reach 600 Test wickets. He was the pick of England’s seamers in the first innings at the Ageas Bowl, claiming 3 for 62 in 25 overs, but went wicketless second time around as West Indies sealed victory on the final day. Anderson’s omission for the first of two back-to-back games at his home ground means that he will have missed 10 of England’s last 14 Tests in the last 12 months, dating back to Ireland’s visit to Lord’s last July. Only once in that period has he attempted back-toback games, the second Test against South Africa at Cape Town, where he broke down in the second innings after claiming 5 for 40 in the first. The situation means a probable recall for Stuart Broad, who expressed his displeasure at being overlooked for the first Test despite having been England’s stand-out seamer
in both last summer’s Ashes series and the winter tour of South Africa where he claimed 14 wickets at 19.42 in the 3-1 series win. Chris Woakes could also make his first appearance of the summer, with all 22 of England’s players obliged to remain within the team environment due to the biosecure arrangements for the series. “I think there’s challenges that present themselves in this Covid era,” Root added. “With the games coming around quickly, managing bowlers is going to be quite important. Getting the balance right with a few of them coming back from injury, it’s about making the right calls at the right times. We are blessed with a number of guys who haven’t played or weren’t in the squad who’ve averaged 20 in the last couple of years in English conditions.” Root’s pre-match press conference was pushed back by 90 minutes, partly to enable the captain to have a bat given the weather restrictions, leading to speculation about England’s selection issues. However, all the signs in the build-up to the match had pointed to Denly being dropped. His scores of 18 and 29 at the Ageas Bowl were the 23rd and 24th occasions in 28 Test innings that he has reached double figures, but he has converted those starts to just six fifties in 15 Tests,
with a highest score of 94 and an overall average of 29.53. “Over a period of time Joe has done a brilliant job for us,” said Root. “He has helped show the identity of our side, how we want to play moving forward. He has laid the platform for guys behind to go on and make big scores. “I think he’ll be just as frustrated as anyone that he’s not managed to quite convert those opportunities,” Root added. “But certainly the door’s not closed. He’s been a big part of our squad for some time now. He gets if he gets an opportunity to come back again, then I’m sure he’ll be desperate to take it.” Zak Crawley, by contrast, has improved his career-best score in each of his five Tests to date, and top-scored for England in the first Test with a second-innings 76. At 22, he is a full 12 years younger than Denly, and is set to make his first start for England at No.3, having debuted in New Zealand at No.6, featured as an opener in South Africa, and slotted into Root’s No.4 berth at the Ageas Bowl. “You watch Zak’s progression since he’s been involved in the team, his game has continued to get stronger,” said Root. England squad for second Test: Joe Root (capt), Jofra Archer, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.
GABF will not participate in FIBA Skills challenge The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) was scheduled to participate in the FIBA U-17 Skills Challenge 2020 with national coaches Junior Hercules and Lugard Mohan being selected by GABF as the primary points of contact for the recruitment and execution of this qualifier. However, the Federation has withdrawn from this competition owing to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Guyana. The GABF via General Secretary Patrick Haynes wrote an official document to the FIBA Americas Events Department which said, “The GABF regrettably withdraws from the FIBA U-17 Skills Challenge – Americas Qualifiers due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the City of Georgetown. The only FIBA-certified basketball
facility, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall has been converted to a quarantine shelter for COVID-19 patients until the Georgetown Infectious Disease Hospital renovation construction is complete. Further to this matter, the Government of Guyana’s (GoG) Ministry of Public Health and the Department of Sports did not approve the restart of sports in Guyana.” “We are working closely with the GoG Ministry of Public Health and the Guyana Olympic Association with guidance from PAHO/WHO on a path to restart sports in Guyana. We would like to thank you for the FIBA U-17 Skills Challenge – Americas Qualifiers invitation to this event and will keep you updated as to when the sports
Patrick Haynes restrictions are lifted in Guyana.” The FIBA U-17 Skills Challenge 2020, for both men and women, is scheduled to take place in the third week of
August with the participation of 20 teams in each competition. The world finals of skills and abilities will be broadcasted live on FIBA’s official YouTube channel.
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Series “wide open”, cautions Holder, as history beckons MANCHESTER, England, CMC – West Indies will go in search of a historic series win when they face England in the second Test starting here today but captain Jason Holder warned the series was still wide open, stressing it was critical his side replicated the same intensity displayed in the first Test last week. Speaking in an online media conference here yesterday, Holder reiterated that England boasted a world class unit and acknowledging West Indies faced a massive challenge in order to outplay the hosts in the Old Trafford contest. Should West Indies win the Test, it will mark the Caribbean side’s first series success on English spoil in 32 years. “This series is still wide open – there are still 10 days of cricket left,” Holder said as he repeatedly dialed back on expectations following his side’s impressive four-wicket victory in the opening Test at Southampton last week. “It’s one day at a time for us. England are a very good cricket team, they’ve got some world class players so we’ve got our work cut out in order to win another game. “We don’t get too far ahead of ourselves. This group has done an outstanding job not only in this Test series so far but in the last couple years in terms of our results.” He continued: “It’s a series we’re playing, whether we’re playing against Bangladesh, Pakistan, England or Australia, and whenever we start a series we want to win the series.
Jason Holder during an interview at Emirates Old Trafford. (CWI) “Winning the first Test match is just one piece of the puzzle. We’ve got two games to play and we don’t get ahead of ourselves to be honest. That’s the last thing we could ever do in terms of getting complacent and getting too far ahead. “It’s about us starting fresh [and playing] 10 solid days of cricket … yes we’ve won one game but that doesn’t change anything for us in our strategies and executing our team plans. “If we’re going to win a series here, we’ve got our work cut and we’ve got to play some solid cricket. But not playing solid cricket for one game, we’ve got to back it up. “The second Test match has come, the last Test match is gone so it’s all to play for here in this second one.” Despite being holders of the Wisden Trophy, West Indies were tagged as underdogs prior to the start of the series, principally due to their recent dire record on English soil and the hosts’ dominance at home.
However, the Caribbean side outplayed England over the first four days at the Ageas bowl, before successfully chasing down 200 on last Sunday’s final day to snatch a 1-0 lead in the three-Test “bio-secure” series. But even with the weight of history now hovering over Holder’s unit, the 28-year-old said the touring side remained unperturbed by the hype and conjecture swirling around the Test and the significance of the outcome. “It’s no pressure for us. We don’t get caught up in the off-the-field noise with everyone talking,” a relaxed Holder pointed out. “More or less we’re just here to play cricket and each individual has a role within the team and we are focussing on our individual roles to bring together a strong collective effort. “So we don’t hear the noise on the outside. We’re just focussing on what we have to do in order to win the series.” He continued: “I haven’t
Shannon Gabriel prepares to bowl in the nets © Gareth Copley/Getty Images mentioned anything about history to the guys. Again, it’s hard for us to get caught up in the peripheral stuff. We’re here to play cricket and we’re here to win this series. “For us to study and take on the stuff irrelevant to us and things that we don’t have control over, to me it makes no sense. We’ve got control over the cricket we play and that’s the only thing I [convey] to the guys … how are we going to win a cricket game? What do we need to do in order to win a cricket game? “And once the guys share information together to get that end result, afterwards we can look back and feel pleased with whatever we achieve as a group.” West Indies have returned to familiar surroundings at Old Trafford where they spent nearly a month preparing in a “biosecure” bubble following their
arrival in the United Kingdom early last month. And even though the venue hosted their two ‘intersquad’ tour matches, Holder pushed back on suggestions the ground provided an element of comfort for his side. “I don’t think it is an advantage. Most of these English players have played here more than us so I think we’re still in their backyard,” he noted. “It’s good that we had a couple weeks here to prepare but more or less it’s still a level playing field when the cricket starts tomorrow. If anything, England will still have the edge, they know the conditions a lot better than we do and all of them would’ve played county games here day in and day out. “They’ve got the best knowledge about the ground and it’s about us coming here
over the last two weeks [of the tour] and trying to understand the conditions here in Manchester.” West Indies are expected to have their full 15 available for selection with opener John Campbell having recovered from a blow to the toe sustained in the first Test. SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach. ENGLAND – Joe Root (captain), Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Sam Curran, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson.
Black players allege ‘racial divide’ in South African cricket Johannesburg, South Africa (AFP) — Racial divisions in South African cricket were laid bare Tuesday when 30 black former international players issued a statement alleging racism remained a factor in the game. The letter commended current fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who last week expressed support for Black Lives Matter, and called for Cricket South Africa (CSA) to come out strongly in favour of the movement. Signatories included fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who played in 101 Test matches, and other former stars such as Vernon Philander, Herschelle Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, Paul Adams and JP Duminy. A total of 36 people, including five coaches, were named on the document.
Current black players such as Kagiso Rabada and Ngidi were not included, nor were any white players. The statement claimed despite three decades of cricket unity, “the views expressed from one side of the racial divide are still very much part of our l i v e s . . . We s e e t h i s a n opportunity for CSA to be unequivocal about its position and to make sure the problem is confronted and we also invite our fellow white cricketers to join in this move to defend human dignity.” There was no immediate response from CSA. The statement noted criticism of Ngidi by former players, including Pat Symcox, Boeta Dippenaar, Rudi Steyn and Brian McMillan.
“We are not surprised at their comments. Given South Africa’s well-known past, black cricketers have borne the brunt of subtle and overt racist behaviour for many years, including from some colleagues.” Prince, who played in 66 Tests, posted a Twitter thread at the weekend claiming racial transformation had been met with resistance and “there had never been any unity” in the decade he played for South Africa. Also Tuesday, Omphile Ramela, president of the SA Cricketers’ Association, released a letter, apparently written in his personal capacity, to Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa, seeking government intervention for what he claimed was the illegal appointment of eight white officials by CSA and its
affiliates. “In the last six months all eight new appointments within the executive management of cricket have all been white males,” wrote Ramela, a former franchise player who represented South Africa A. “Transformation is a legislated policy, it is a law in South Africa...they are breaking the law and must face the consequences.” Ramela’s letter came against the backdrop of a campaign on social media challenging the appointment of former Test wicketkeeper Mark Boucher as national team coach, alleging there had been a lack of due process before he was appointed by his former captain, CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith. Both are white.
South Africa bowler Kagiso Rabada.
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Hashim Amla comes out in support of Black Lives Matter and Lungi Ngidi ESPNcricinfo - Hashim Amla, the former South Africa captain, is the latest cricketer to come out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, posting on Instagram of the “delusions” of those who believe in one race being superior to the other. He also registered his backing of fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, thanking him and others who have “stood up for just causes in their own way”. “... The imagined superiority of whites over blacks or blacks over whites, or one nationality over another, is simply delusional. Yes that’s right - nothing but delusional,” Amla wrote. “However many of us, including myself, have bore the brunt of these delusions and have crazy stories to tell which is why it makes it even more admirable to see exceptional youngsters like @lungingidi doing his bit to represent us all. Thank you brother and all those who stand up for just causes in
Hashim Amla thanked Lungi Ngidi and others who have “stood up for just causes” Lee Warren / © Getty Images their own way - publicly and privately.” Amla’s post comes a day after 31 prominent current and former South African players of colour wrote a letter in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and Ngidi.
The letter’s signatories included Makhaya Ntini, Vernon Philander, JP Duminy and Herschelle Gibbs. The letter was in response to events stemming from Ngidi’s message that he hoped South Africa’s players would join the rest of the world in “making a stand” in support of Black Lives Matter. He was criticised by former players Pat Symcox, Boeta Dippenaar, Rudi Steyn and
Brian McMillan for not being equally vocal about the murders of mostly white farmers in the country. The South African Cricketers’ Association issued a statement in support of Ngidi, and CSA also made it clear that it was behind the Black Lives Matter movement. Since then, several players of colour have begun telling their stories on social media, including
Hashim Amla and Lungi Ngidi pose in this Instagram photo. Ashwell Prince, who called the South African system “broken”. Amla said while he agreed that all lives matter, people with darker skins have “had the worst of it”. “There are oppressed people here in this country and the world over, of all colours and walks of life, cricket included. However the
darker skinned people have had the worst of it. Some may convince themselves otherwise but you have to ask yourself - are those who know the same as those who don’t know? “I stand with all those who are oppressed. And I stand with @lungingidi (again).”
IOC remains ‘fully committed’ to staging Olympics in 2021 Hamilton aims for another F1 record in Hungary BERN (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) remains fully committed to staging the Olympic Games in To k y o i n 2 0 2 1 a n d i s considering multiple scenarios for them to take place s a f e l y, IOC President Thomas Bach said yesterday. Japan and the IOC postponed the Tokyo Games until 2021 in March because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Organisers have since spoken of trying to simplify the event - which had been due to start on July 24 - to reduce costs and ensure athletes’ safety. Bach said the IOC’s coordination commission had reported “very good work in progress” and that more details would be given to a full IOC session which will take place by video conference tomorrow. “ We r e m a i n f u l l y committed to celebrating Tokyo 2020 next year in July and August,” Bach told reporters in a conference call. “The entire IOC is following the principle we established before the postponement (in March) that the first priority is
about the safety of all participants.” “We continue to be guided by the advice of the Wo r l d Health Organisation (WHO) and based on this advice we are preparing multiple scenarios,” he added. “ We d o n ’t k n o w t h e health situation one year from now.” He said that holding events without spectators was clearly something the IOC did not want. “We are working for a solution which on the one hand is safeguarding the health of all participants and on the other hand is also reflecting the Olympic spirit,” Bach added Bach also said the IOC had agreed with host nation Senegal to postpone the 2022 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar until 2026. “This allows the IOC and national Olympic committees to better plan activities which have been strongly affected by the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games and subsequent postponement of other major sports events,” he said. The decision will have to be ratified by the full IOC session tomorrow.
(Reuters) - Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will be doing all he can to stop six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton completing a Mercedes hattrick and matching another of Michael Schumacher’s Formula One records in Hungary this weekend. Verstappen has lined up on the front row for the first two races of the season in Austria, won by Mercedes’ championship leader Valtteri Bottas and Hamilton respectively, and the rivalry is hotting up. The Hungaroring outside Budapest could be third time lucky for the Dutchman who took pole last year and led before being hunted down on worn tyres and passed by Hamilton four laps from the end. The slow and twisty circuit will suit his car, but how much more competitive it will be remains a big question. “I don’t know. That’s the simple answer: I don’t know. But I hope it’s going to be a bit better,” said Verstappen. Hungary is also a favourite for Hamilton, who has won there seven times and can equal Schumacher’s feat of winning the same grand prix eight times.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton wears a protective face mask as he celebrates winning the race on the podium, following the resumption of F1 after the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Joe Klamar/Pool via REUTERS) The Ferrari great, whose 91 wins are looking increasingly vulnerable after Hamilton celebrated his 85th last Sunday, did that in the French Grand Prix at Magny Cours between 1994 and 2006. “Every time I’m reminded of the records that Michael had, it’s just still mindblowing to me,” Hamilton told reporters after winning the Styrian Grand Prix. “I’ve
always loved it, Hungary. “Budapest and Montreal you’d probably say have been my strongest (circuits), particularly at the beginning of my career. So I’m excited to go back,” added the Briton, who is six points behind Bottas in the standings. “It is a circuit that the Red Bulls usually do really well, I think they led the race there
last year. It’s not going to be easy.” Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel has won twice at the Hungaroring but the Italian team head east from Austria licking self-inflicted wounds after Sunday’s race lasted 20 seconds before their drivers collided. Sunday offers four-times world champion Vettel and Charles Leclerc a chance to gather composure, even if more pain awaits with a car down on performance. “I am generally optimistic and at least I don’t have to wait long to be back in the car, so let’s hope that Hungary will be a better place for us,” commented Vettel. The race, again without spectators due to the COVID19 pandemic, will be a tough one for all involved since strict rules in Hungary mean teams — already in a bubble — cannot leave their hotels other than to go to the circuit or airport. “Our focus will be on what’s happening on track and not about the inconvenience of being confined to a hotel room,” said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner. “We know we have a gap to close to fight for this championship and that is what we will do.”
Kaieteur News
Thursday July 16, 2020
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Simmons urges batsmen to go big at Old Trafford
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ANCHESTE R, England, CMC – Head coach Phil Simmons said Tuesday he wanted to see more hundreds from West Indies batsmen as the Caribbean side looked to further improve on their performance in the allimportant second Test starting here today. Pointing to several starts in the opening Test in Southampton, Simmons contended that if one player had carried on to triple figures, it would have allowed West Indies to take an earlier stranglehold on the contest. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite (65) and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich (61) gathered halfcenturies in the West Indies first innings of 318 while Roston Chase (47) and Shamarh Brooks (39) chipped in but none could convert their knocks into centuries. “I think definitely the fact that we had two guys getting 60s and a couple other guys getting 40s and not going on to score hundreds [is an area that can be improved],” Simmons told reporters. “I like to see hundreds on my scorecard at the end of an inning and that is something we have to improve on because if one of the guys who scored 60 had gone on to score a hundred, the game could’ve been easier at the end of us. “We’ve got to make sure that batsmen score big hundreds and take games away from the opposition.” West Indies will be bidding for their first series win in England in 32 years when they clash with the hosts in the second Test of the “bio-secure” series at Old Trafford. They played superbly to pull off a four-wicket victory in the opening Test
after chasing down a tricky 200 on Sunday’s final day, and now stand on the brink of a series success for the first time since Vivian Richards’ star-studded side swept England 4-0 in 1988. Despite the win in Southampton, Simmons said his side were remaining grounded, and would not slacken off the intensity in their preparation and focus. “We will guard against complacency by just trying to do the things we did before the first Test, trying to put all the measures into place,” Simmons said. “It’s one Test match. We’ve won a Test match. Right now that Test match is history. We’ve got to be thinking about Thursday and what we do from Thursday to Sunday.” He continued: “It’s important to look back at the Test match that’s just gone and see what areas you can improve on. It’s a different environment, it’s a d i ff e r e n t s u r r o u n d i n g , different wicket but there are always things you can improve on. “As I said before, no batsman has scored a hundred so our batsmen have got to look to score a hundred. [The bowlers had] one five-wicket haul in each innings, let’s see if we can get two in one innings so you start looking at how to improve what you did and don’t just settle on what you did [before]. West Indies currently hold the Wisden Trophy following their 2-1 series win in the Caribbean last year but were tagged as underdogs for the ongoing series, due to their recent lack of success here and England’s record in home conditions. But Simmons said the fact the Caribbean side arrived early for the series, spent a month in preparation and travelled with an expanded 25-man
contingent owing to the COVID-19 regulations, had been a major factor behind the performance in the opening Test. “I think that has been the biggest influence on the performance. I think the fact that we have been here for that period of time, we’ve had quality bowling in the net because we’ve had 11 seamers here,” he pointed out. “You can’t put a price on t h a t . I t h i n k t h a t ’s
something we have to look at because I remember [in the past] we would come to England and play something like three or four proper warm-up games even before the first Test and then we would threeday games and four-day games in between Test matches so I think that period of training that we’ve had here [went] a long way to how we performed in that first Test.”
West Indies head coach Phil Simmons… wants bigger effort from batsmen.
Jason Holder preparing for the nets at Emirates Old Trafford. (CWI)
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Jason Holder and Ben Stokes exchange a fist bump after the match © Getty Images
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Series “wide open”, cautions Holder, as history beckons P. 21
Lugard Mohan
James Anderson, with England bowling coach Glen Chapple, has been rested for the second Test. (Getty Images)
GABF will not participate in FIBA Skills challenge
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Joe Denly dropped, James Anderson and Mark Wood rested as Joe Root returns P. 20
Junior Hercules
Joe Denly arrives at training yesterday. (Getty Images)
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