K
Another billion Sunday Edition NEWS cubic feet of toxic gas - CIEL will pollute the air President AIETEUR
Exxon’s flaring...
July 19, 2020
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Price $140
- EPA can do nothing due to loopholes in permit
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Online readership yesterday, 154,338
Construction of Lusignan heliport commences - but now residents being consulted ‘Emergency’ Mahaicony sea defence project moving at snail’s pace p.2
Arrows showing the emergency $352M works to be done. Picture was taken yesterday.
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Major delays in Rupununi testings, results… p.15
Council orders Ramjattan: Coalition's hands of interference in GECOM lockdown on 21 villages; clear - despite three court cases brought blasts govt. response by supporters to block declarations surfaces Guyana’s request for World Bank Video of contractor’s COVID aid languishes for four months execution p. 13
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Public Infrastructure, GPL refuse to release contracts on $352M sea defence, $587M bucket trucks p. 8
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Sunday July 19, 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: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial
Elections:The Truths Revealed One Prime Minister called it “a long running soap opera.” Another one from the region said that “the truth hurts.” And still another leader from around here, perhaps, summed up Guyana’s disfiguring and soul-sapping elections with words to this effect: it is not going to end well. Could all these people be dishonourable, willing participants in a conspiracy against the coalition, be reduced to the pathos of those who have lost their minds? In Guyana, coalition leaders and supporters (the diehard ones) insist in persevering that they and they alone have the facts and know the truths of this elections season here, and from the figures presented (dreamed up) that their group won. We placed ‘diehard’ and ‘dreamed up’ in parentheses for emphasis, so that the foolishness and flimsiness of the coalition’s incredible conclusions and positions are more pronounced. Diehards only, because many at the different levels of its rank and file supporters recognize the real truths, and quietly seek to distance themselves from the lies that label them as aiding and abetting the ongoing follies of the leader and his dogged inner circle of extremists. The hope of all Guyana is that the leader is not a likeminded extremist, too. We say, and the region and the world agree, that what the coalition presents rises beyond concoction. It is surreal, beyond belief, these numbers dreamed up, these hardline positions about victory that stand shakily on air and topple over embarrassingly with any scrutiny. When the coalition embarrasses itself, all of us are humiliated again and again before an increasingly unsettled world. That world is doing more than talking and warning. It is acting and readying to ratchet the pressure, the first turn of which was that of visa restrictions. For its part, the coalition’s reaction was a study of some contrast. Some of its stalwarts immediately dismissed word of sanctions as meaning nothing. We warn them that visas are the first step only, and the mildest in the menu of options. We find it hard to believe that those who aspire to govern Guyana, who speak of struggling for democracy and righteousness, would want to live like drug dealers and money launderers and human traffickers. To put more pointedly, that they would crawl and move about to conduct the business of the peoples of this country in secretive manners, via underground channels, and with rogue regimes confined to a similar boat. No Guyanese should desire, or identify with, circumstances that compel our political administrators to function under the cover of darkness and by stealth. We do not like it, but if the leaders of this country, the determined coalition leaders, continue to raise their middle fingers in the air and moon their behinds at the world, in defiance of the most influential people in the region and hemisphere, then they risk being taught the severest of lessons. This country is too small and too weak, despite all the bravado, to keep going down the road that is being thought of, and increasingly appearing to be the hard one that is chosen. We do not like any of this, not because of any concern for the welfare of senior coalition people, which is deserving but for what would be the terrible plights inflicted upon the poorer and more vulnerable in this society. We do not care too much either for most of the rest of the political crowd, but what is right is right. Because, if there is no such thing, no morsel of faithful adherence to what is right, then we do not have anything by way of systems, or with regard to laws and honouring them in steadfast obedience. What we have had here in this elections season is one profanity after another, from multiple violations of commonsense, truth, fairness, justice, and commitment to some form of constant and universally acceptable standard. Instead, what the coalition brain trust keeps conjuring and presenting amounts to what is helpful to its warped cause, what is fulfilling of its crooked visions. This is wrong, however looked at and on every count. Yet the coalition persists with what is tantamount to criminal farces. The ominous is promised: it will not end well.
Kaieteur M@ilbox Send your letters to Kaieteur News 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown or email us kaieteurnews@yahoo.com
Dominic Gaskin has displayed courage as a political leader DEAR EDITOR, It would be remiss of me not to express my personal admiration and respect for the bold courage of Dominic Gaskin who displayed no fear in coming forward publicly and condemning the unfortunate position his party and by extension the Coalition has taken with respect to the 2020 election results. Dominic being the son-in-law of caretaker president David Granger, leader of the Coalition would not have made his family life any more comfortable by his actions. Nonetheless, Dominic’s action is a perfect example of the kind of integrity, which is so much lacking today in our politics and country as a whole. He is the epitome of honesty and truth as related in the scriptures, which quotes Jesus as saying “You will Know the truth and the truth will set you free”. That truth as we all know is alive deep within all of us and if it makes you feel good when you know it and bad when you don’t. I happen to know Dominic and his brother well enough to say that they are upright and fair individuals who are not afraid to call it like it is and Dominic had done just that. Like
he said, all Guyana and the world know with the apparent exception of the APNU+AFC who cannot to this day produce any shred of evidence to substantiate their claims of election fraud. I have always stated my distaste of the partisan politics, which is our legacy but this being as is does not alter the facts as to which party won the elections. Perhaps, difficult as it is, this period of our history may be a defining one, which will lay bare these facts which we have for too long argued and denied. We must get real and face our own truth that our country will continue to be strangulated thus rendering it incapable of attaining the level of growth and development, which we have been dreaming of forever. With people like Dominic Gaskin among us, I truly believe that there is hope for a new Guyana where the curse of race division can be overcome and put to rest forever. Finally, I pray that there will be a place for Dominic and his ilk in the healing of our nation as we move forward together in peace and harmony. Yours truly, Bernard Ramsay
Sunday July 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
GECOM HAS INFORMATION ON ‘DEAD’ AND ‘ABSENT’ VOTERS
Foreign governments have a history of dividing Guyanese
DEAR EDITOR, On Friday, July 18, 2020, I penned a letter, factual in its content, in relation to the under-informed pronouncements of the American Ambassador and Prime Minister Mottley, in relation to evidenced fraudulent voting in the 2020 elections. Guyana Times, on Saturday, July 19, did not carry my letter but facilitated a response by Commissioner Gunraj under the misleading caption: “Berating, abusing messengers do not change the facts”. Not carrying my letter or the caption does not surprise me. But it tells one story to the incisive minds and another to the blindfolded followers. Hereafter, I am addressing the incisive minds. Gunraj in his letter seeks to tell me what I should be
writing. This speaks volumes of the attempt to muzzle me and to monopolize what is disclosed to the public. It also reeks of contempt and an attempt to trample on my freedom of expression, which in his typical arrogance he refers to as “dog whistling”. I simply, in my letter, disclosed that GECOM (I never said the Chair), had information (death certificates) on the dead who had voted and that that information would not have been availed to the CARICOM team, which reported that there was no evidence of the allegation that the dead voted, hence the under-informed pronouncements, which referenced the report. I also said that the Chair in a meeting acknowledged that GECOM was in possession of such death cer-
tificates. I will now further say that GECOM was and is in possession of information on impersonation of absent voters and that that information, seemingly, was also not disclosed to the CARICOM team. What I have said here is irrefutable. Unlike Gunraj, I make no attempt to draw conclusions for the readers. If he wants to highlight Mingo and his view on Mingo, he is free to do so. That has nothing to do with my right to keep the public informed with facts. Gunraj can jump high or jump low; however, his attempt to obscure the facts as misinformation only exposes his mischief and alerts the incisive minds and the seekers of truth. Yours faithfully, Vincent Alexander
DEAR EDITOR, Let’s go back to 1953 when the majority of Blacks and East Indians in Guyana supported and voted for the PPP under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan. Mr. Burnham was also one of the leaders of the PPP but Dr. Jagan was the principal leader. The PPP under Jagan and Burnham won the election by a landslide, but the United States and Great Britain felt that Dr. Jagan was a communist so they didn’t want the PPP in power. It didn’t matter to the British and the Americans that the PPP was the democratically elected government, so what did they do? Great Britain had the authority to do so, so what happened? Guyana’s constitution was suspended and the PPP were thrown out
A change of regime and not Regime Change
It is clear now that the APNU+AFC is seeking to conjure (no doubt emanating from Seven Ponds) yet another reason for their loss other than the most obvious, which was bad leadership and bad governance. Not satisfied with abusing leaders of foreign countries, foreign organisations, our regional CARICOM, and our apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice, the new mantra is “regime change”. The vast majority of Guyanese will find this mantra an imbecilic sermon befitting of its source. The coalition entered office on an extremely thin majority mandate of 4,300 votes between the APNU+AFC and
the PPP/C, or only 2,000 votes if the smaller parties were also accounted for, a margin of victory of 0.1%. Instead of showing Guyana that they would be the best government, they increased their salaries by 50%; broke their promises; neglected young people and young leaders; fired thousands of sugar workers; overtaxed both businesses and consumers; mismanaged the economic sectors and damaged our macroeconomic fundamentals; signed bad oil contracts; lied about and hid the US$18M signing bonus in the Exxon deal; and engaged in wasteful spending, and increased corruption.
No actual evidence of ‘dead’ voters has been presented to GECOM DEAR EDITOR, I note, with deep concern, the attempt at dog whistling by my colleague, Vincent Alexander, Commissioner of GECOM in a missive to the press dated 17th July, 2020. The primary and deliberate misinformation therein seeks to elevate the mere unfounded allegations raised during the recount process to proven facts. It is a matter of public notoriety that no evidence was tendered to support the allegations made during the recounts, except a few death certificates presented in isolation and without nexus. Importantly, the decision of the Commission supported by a plethora of case law is that it has no jurisdiction, in any event, to investigate or pronounce upon the allegations aforesaid. This was confirmed by the recent decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice in the Eslyn David case, which stated that the established route for dealing with these matters is an Election Petition.What my colleague has deliberately ignored, but in fact appears to countenance, is the insidious fraud perpetrated by Clairmont Mingo, and he advocates the use of declarations based upon same.It is in recognition of this rank fraud that David Granger and Bharat Jagdeo agreed, with assistance of PM Mia Mottley, to a recount of all ballots cast in the 2nd March, 2020 Elections. One can seek to berate and abuse every messenger who calls out his complicity in thwarting the will of the electorate, but it does not change the facts. Yours truly, Sase Gunraj
This was all led by an aloof and oftentimes invisible President who breached the Constitution more than once and who now holds the record for the least press conferences held in 5 years (3 press conferences in total – not even one a year). As a result, the people were dissatisfied. It was, therefore, not some external plan of “regime change” which caused the APNU+AFC to lose the 2016 local government election. It was not “regime change” which made the APNU and AFC lose the 2018 local government election. It was not “regime change” which made the APNU-AFC lose the no confidence motion. In fact, most people on the street termed this government “the one-term government” and expected them to lose. The loss was not even close – it was almost 25,000 votes if the smaller parties are accounted for. The foreign and local observers did not voice their stern position until the Mingo fraudulent declaration, which was done before their very eyes at the Ashmin’s Build-
ing. As accredited observers, given what they witnessed, they were obliged to make statements and send reports to their superiors; otherwise, it would be a dereliction of duty and possibly complicity. No shifting narrative will change what was witnessed. Nonetheless, before seeking to awaken the dead, the APNU+AFC should start with the most obvious resurrection, which is the release of their Statements of Poll which they claim they have and show that they won the election. They can also seek to acknowledge Mingo’s fraudulent declaration which was unquestionably proven by the recount or offer an explanation for the 15,000 extra votes he found in that declaration which did not appear in the Statement of Polls and the ballot boxes when it was opened. The APNU-AFC is partially right - there will be a change of regime, but it was the voters who would have caused it and they should only blame themselves. Yours truly, Charles S. Ramson
of office.Mr. Editor, that was interference in the democratic process by the United States and Great Britain, especially in the case of the United States who had no formal authority over Guyana. What was the point of the election if you are not going to abide by the will of the people? The Guyanese people had spoken but Great Britain and the United States disregarded what the people wanted and promptly kicked the PPP out of office. The United States and Great Britain felt that of Jagan and Burnham, Burnham was the less radical of the two, so they used their political leverage to engineer a split between the two and we all know that because of that split, we ended up with a PPP still headed by Dr. Jagan, but now we had a PNC headed by Mr. Burnham. To get right down to the crux of it, we now had an East Indian PPP and an African PNC and this was directly caused by Great Britain and the United States. Thus entered the period of racial divisiveness in Guyana that still exists up to this very day. And nothing has changed, because the interference continues and the United States and Great Britain still feel that they should be in control of political events in Guyana, even though we achieved political independence in 1966 and are quite capable of governing ourselves. We have very intelligent people in Guyana and with human intelligence, great things can happen. That’s all it takes. Guyanese people might not be very ad-
vanced in science and technology like some other countries but that doesn’t matter, we are just as intelligent as any other people. All we have to do is try to work together and get beyond the racial divisiveness that has been caused by others, who in some cases had lawful authority over us.We have to solve this problem of racial divisiveness that has been bequeathed to us and like I said, we have the intelligence to do it and since dignity and pride means a lot to us also, we have to do it ourselves. When others do for you what you should be doing for yourself, there is no glory in such a victory. It is a watereddown victory, not the kind of victory that we can tell our children and grandchildren about. So what are we going to tell our children and grandchildren? That the Americans had to do it for us. So, Lincoln Lewis was right, GHK Lall was right, Gerald Pereira was right. Foreign entities should keep out and not try to impose their will on the Guyanese people. Let the political adversaries and our excellent court system work this thing out. Like I said before, it was the United States and Great Britain that created the mess that we are in. So, all foreign entities should stay out. Let us use our Godgiven intelligence that we have in abundance to solve this problem. It is a matter of national pride and dignity. Respectfully, Rudy Vyfhuis
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Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Contrary to claims in Kaieteur Someone else should be given the instruments to report if News editorial, Granger Lowenfield refuses was no refreshing change DEAR EDITOR, I beg to differ with your some of the views expressed in your editorial regarding the positive image been cast upon David Granger. 1. This guy was a brigadier in an army that never even fought in a chess game much less a war. 2. He was a stooge for a
former dictator whom he idolized and we are seeing those results manifest today. 3. He was no refreshing change from the PPP. 4. He wrote some writings in pamphlets and called them historical documents. 5. He is incompetent – look at the state of the economy and the deals he
sanctioned while in government. Stop painting him as some hero who took a bad turn. He regularly wears a Nehru collar but Nehru would be aghast at Granger wearing the clothing that he, Nehru, established as a mark against colonialism. Yours truly, Aryan Ghosh
ABUSE OF THE COURT DEAR EDITOR, I am tired of the country being held to ransom. It is time to end this nonsense. The coalition recognizes that it lost the election, so now it seeks the court to give it a victory. It is tantamount to abusing the court to realize its goal. The court can’t hand the coalition a victory. I appeal to the coalition to end litigation of the election matter. There has been countless election adjudication – case after case, all repeating themselves over the same issues. The way judicial matters proceed this election will not come to an end as there may be more litigation after this
one concludes. After this matter before the High Court is disposed of, no more appeals please. We are near completion of five months since the election was held. When will it all end? The court should not entertain flimsy, frivolous challenges and allow GECOM to make a declaration. One recalls that in May 2015, the PPP requested a recount and it was promised but never carried out. Also, in order to expedite a declaration, the PPP was not allowed to file a court petition before the official declarations when requests for recounts were not carried out. GECOM offi-
cials and court judges could not be found. Fake Statements of Polls were introduced into the system used for the declaration. Lowenfield was in charge of the preparation of the final count for declaration. There were reports that without fake statements, the PPP would have won. PPP was not allowed to file court cases until after a declaration, which it did. It would not be fair now for the court to tolerate ongoing, non-stop court cases to prevent an expedited declaration. The election must come to an end. The court must not tolerate frivolous matters. The court cannot be the substitute for GECOM, which must move quickly to make a declaration as GECOM did in 2015 so that aggrieved parties can proceed to court. Yours truly, Shawn Simmons
DEAR EDITOR, The legal debate on the latest election petition before the High Court was played out on Friday afternoon with oral arguments. Respected lawyers who listened in to the arguments tell me that the petitioner does not have a case. A lower court cannot upend the judgment of an apex court. The CCJ being the final court passed judgment on the election matter and instructed GECOM what it ought to do. Was the order valid? The Commission must carry out that order and bring the election to finality. Guyanese are very frustrated saying GECOM has let the nation down by not moving expeditiously to declare the outcome of the election. Supporters of both sides want the process to end and want the Commission to do the right thing one way or the other and stop dithering. They say it had several opportunities to make the declaration but failed to do so. Many are now saying that the Commission is behaving the same way the government did when it lost the no confidence motion – judicial proceedings. Some even accused GECOM of giving the coalition time to file one judicial petition after another. The gist of the petitioner’s case is GECOM
cannot instruct the CEO what numbers to use for a declaration. Listening to the oral arguments before the CJ, it was quite embarrassing for one side that stammered with inarticulate illogical arguments and evasive responses from probing questions of the judge. The other side was direct and very clear with their presentations. The petitioner’s arguments were very weak and their answers to the CJ’s questions were not good. Their presentation was also very poor in terms of language and persuasion. Some spoke very badly and ineloquently; they don’t belong in a court. I was quite impressed with the forceful use of language by Mr. Edwards though the case he presented was weak; at least he tried to impress and one could listen to them. The client petitioner could do without the rest of them; she could have appeared for herself and made a better argument on her own. Some with letters behind their names are not worth the fees. The AG said if the CEO prepared a flawed report, the way to correct it is to go for an election petition. So if the CEO manufactures numbers that don’t reflect the outcome of an election, one must accept it. Then using the same logic, in using the right recount numbers for the declaration, if GECOM’s action is flawed, then the way to go is to file an election petition. The defendants made very strong arguments. As usual, Mendes was excellent. Other lawyers, the Ramkarrans, Kashir Khan, Jonas, Kim Kyte, among others were all stars. They shone. It was clear to me which side won the debate and how the court would rule. Kyte was excellent and short and pointed and convinced me that the judge will rule in GECOM’s favour. Counsel is right that one can’t take a whimsical report and arguments of the CEO or allegations from a party in making a declaration. The law does not allow for an investigation of allegations. That is done via an election petition. Arguing that one has to use the count of the ten re-
gions and ignore the recount to make a declaration of an election in idiotic and absurd. The purpose of a recount is to verify the count. And in this case, it panned out – within a fraction of deviation by a decimal point of the real unofficial count. The argument that one can ignore or invalidate a recount is specious. The CCJ so ruled on the matter.
The recount did not change the original count of authentic SOPs in the hands of poll workers and observers. No amount of fraud would be accepted. No court can supersede CCJ and instruct GECOM not to use the recount figures to make a declaration. The CEO acted with the intention to impede the declaration of the election results as ordered by the elections commission. He is acting against the law and can be brought up on charges. He must be charged for misconduct and for being partisan and partial.If GECOM is serious about a declaration, then it can act call an early meeting on Tuesday morning and dispose of the matter. The CEO is a servant of GECOM. The Chair is the boss. The CEO can’t dictate what numbers he wants to use for a declaration. He must use the numbers advised. One person can’t decide the outcome of the election or hold the commission hostage. He must be removed. Since Lowenfield has already failed half a dozen times to provide a declaration, then someone else must be given the instruments to prepare the declaration. Regrettably, the judgment is coming late in the day on Monday. When will GECOM meet to complete the declaration? How much time will it need to study the ruling? People ask how much time would GECOM give the petitioner to appeal the ruling for it remain in court so as to prevent a declaration? Delaying the declaration to provide time to read, re-read, and giving the same person the power to prepare the final figures is telegraphing the loser what to do, giving time what to do. The Chair must proceed with the declaration early Tuesday. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
Sunday July 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Priority has to be placed on ethnic reconciliation and competitive fairness
I call on religion leaders to help ease the current tensions
In 1953, during the colonial days, multiethnic unity was achieved in Guyana when the PPP, led together by Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, won 18 of the 24 seats that were contested in the first national one adult person/one vote elections. The ethnic backgrounds of the PPP elected members of the Legislature were: six Indians, five Africans, three Mixed, two Chinese, one Portuguese and one European. They were professionals, workers and farmers. But since 1955 (65 years ago!), after the split in the PPP, there has been little cross-ethnic unity between the large African and Indian communities. Many Guyanese, including myself, have denied, ignored or downplayed the reality that inter-ethnic rivalry is Guyana’s conundrum, that is, the most serious, persisting, confusing and difficult problem. The consequences for the Guyanese nation have been devastating; political instability, persistent poverty in all ethnic communities, and a large annual exodus of migrants from all ethnic communities and classes to North America, the Caribbean, South America and Europe. [In 1960, 6% of persons born in Guyana lived overseas. By 2010, 56% of persons born in Guyana lived overseas.] Many leaders from the APNU+AFC and the PPP/C argue that the conundrum is a perception. They assert that the economic and social programmes of their parties are not ethnically inspired. They demonstrate that their leaders and members are from the African and Indian communities, and also from the Amerindian, Mixed, Portuguese, Chinese
and European communities. These leaders maintain that the conundrum is not true, and they claim that only a few people are telling Africans and Indians to think that there is inter-ethnic rivalry, but most African and Indian Guyanese know about the symbols and expressions, based on stereotypes, which are used to organize grassroots support in their respective ethnic strongholds, especially during elections. Confirmation of this ethnic solidarity is the 2020 election. Regardless of their economic class (rich, middle class, working class or poor), and regardless of their gender and age, over 95% of African voters supported the APNU/AFC, and over 95% of Indian voters supported the PPP/C. There was no significant crossover voting. There are not many active social networks across the two communities because there is a low level of socializing between Africans and Indians. Consequently, most Africans and Indians have limited information about and a limited understanding of each other’s community. Ethnic solidarity voting is not necessarily a bad thing nor is it essentially racist. Based on their previous experiences, and with the huge oil revenues on the horizon, the 2020 election confirmed that African and Indian voters wanted to protect themselves from the fear, whether unfounded or not, that, if their bloc lost, they will be dominated, excluded or marginalized by either an APNU+AFC Winner-TakesAll Government or a PPP/C Winner-Takes-All Government. Interestingly, in the 2020
election, in addition to the monopolization of support from their ethnic communities, both of the main parties garnered significant support from the Amerindian and Mixed communities who comprise about 30% of the national population. The PPP/C won 70% of all Amerindian votes and 33% of all Mixed votes. The APNU+AFC won 66% of all Mixed votes and 25% of all Amerindian votes. The other contesting Parties won 5% of all Amerindian votes and 1% of all Mixed votes. The root cause of the continuing conundrum is unfair competition. Since colonial times under the British, there has been unfair competition between classes from all ethnic communities. There has never been a level-playing field, with no corruption, where classes from all ethnic communities could compete equally for: government patronage, land, tax incentives, public contracts, local services, public service jobs, fair wages, professional jobs, business and educational opportunities, financing, markets, and drainage and irrigation services. Since independence in 1966, when there were periods of economic growth under APNU/AFC and PPP/C governments, unfair ethnic and class competition continued to be the norm. The new oil revenues will not automatically create the conditions required for equal and fair competition. The priority has to be inclusive national governance negotiations to design and implement new rules and new reforms for equal and fair competition. Yours truly Geoffrey Da Silva
DEAR EDITOR, Guyana is a virtual tinderbox at the moment as a result of the prolonged duration in declaring the election results. It would take little for people to let go of such a volatile situation. I implore all religious, civic, and political leaders to go the extra mile to entreat their followers to desist from violence, and use this oppor-
tunity to show acts of grace and kindness – even though one perceives the other as the antagonist. Our peoples have suffered intensely and for a long time. Our nation cannot afford nor survive violence. It is high time that we take a deep breath and offer a prayer of love and grace – even though it is difficult to do. As an evangelical Christian, I es-
pecially appeal to pastors, leaders, Bishops, etc. to use your power and influence to impact society by being the salt and light of Christ. “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I…” Psalm 61:1–3. Yours truly, Dr. Devanand Bhagwan
The media should try harder to report on the achievements of ordinary people
DEAR EDITOR, In Guyana, there is a gap between citizens who hold public offices, and the ordinary man. For example, a school teacher, a farmer or a normal man may go to work and be fortunate to accomplish some major achievements in their profession, but reporters pay less attention to these accomplishments, and report instead about politics. Isn’t the normal citizen seen as important as public officials or persons in authority? Journalists in Guyana should diversify their reports to include the achievements of youths and the accomplishments of regular folks in the country, rather than solely focusing on the fights and other happenings of the two regimes. These approaches can boost encouragement for hard working folks to achieve even more and better themselves and their country. News is what is new; current; happening but isn’t an achievement of the man in the street as equally important as the achievement of the country. It is these person who live
day to day that make a country better, toil to survive and ultimately make the country survive, thus they should be recognized for their contributions. There are instances where the state media and other media houses showcase person for example; there are only two times per year that reports are really focused on school children; after the release of the results of the National Grade Six (6) Assessment (Common Entrance) and The Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). Although, these are the largest exams in the Primary and Secondary school levels, they are not the only accomplishments that schoolchildren achieve during a school year. Coverage can also be given to sporting events, workshops and other academic achievements throughout the year. This meager five minute of fame that those high flyers would have obtained ends abruptly and is in fact only given because it leads right back to the political game of chess. It would be more inter-
esting for journalists to follow up of these students, see where life takes them, and compare their lives with that of the students who did not do so well. It is important for many persons to be rewarded for their good works; therefore, a good form would be through media. Recognizing that it is highly impossible for one single body to publish all these especially, since many may occur and achievements would vary from person to person, local community newspapers or magazines should be implemented in the regions where this can be done. In previous years in communities such as Linden then Mackenzie when bauxite mining was more rampant, the company published its own newspapers “Demba Daily” where they recognized all the achievement of persons in the community from birthday celebrations, to wedding announcements and anniversaries, special awards et cetera. Yours truly Ceion Rollox
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Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
(From left) GPL’s $587M purchase order and BK’s $352M awarding of project
By Mikaila Prince
D
espite a series of requests sent to these agencies, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) as well as the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) have refused to share with Kaieteur News, the contracts of the $352M awarded to BK International Incorporated for a sea defence project in Region Five, as well as the $587M spent to procure eight trucks. Previously, Kaieteur News had reported that the Public Infrastructure Ministry as well and GPL had, within a space of a few days, awarded
two multi-million contracts— one to repair 500 meters of sea defence in Content, Mahaicony in Region Five and the other to procure eight bucket trucks to conduct maintenance works for the state-run power agency. Following the awarding of the $352M contract to BK, which was signed on June 24, Kaieteur News reached out to the MoPI via eight separate emails and a series of phone calls, requesting that the Ministry release the contract. This was with the intention of ascertaining the details of the project such as start to end date, the scope of works, specifics on how the money
would be spent, among other crucial details. On Kaieteur News’ sixth request, the Public Infrastructure Ministry via its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Krest Cummings, had finally responded. She told this publication in an email on July 13 that, “I am seeking approval from my superiors to release the requested document to you on behalf of the Sea & River Defence Department”. Cummings said that a followup would be completed until July 15 and linked this to COVID-19 restrictions. However, two days after the promised deadline, no response was provided to
Kaieteur News regarding the publication of the contract. Several calls were made to Cummings’ office and two additional emails were sent to her, but still no response was provided. This is the same predicament Kaieteur News faced with the publication of the $587M allocated for the eight bucket trucks by GPL. In a statement by GPL dated at June 22, the agency had revealed that no monies were paid to the Massy Motors, the contractor selected to procure eight bucket trucks which carried a price tag of $587 million—despite a purchase order illustrating otherwise. In addition, but most importantly, the agency failed to give specific costs new equipment. In light of this omission, an email was sent to GPL’s PRO, Shevion Sears Murray, in which the contract was requested to be released, in order to ascertain how much was spent on the cost of the equip-
(From left) Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Guyana Power and Light ment, the cost of retrofitting, the freight, certifying, as well as the insurance for the bucket trucks in question. A series of phone calls and emails were sent to the PRO, all of which went unanswered. Up to press time last evening, no response from GPL or MoPI was provided to this publication’s requests. The awarding of these contracts has raised questions about transparency of government spending in general, and specifically the giving out of contracts during a very contentious period.
To compound issues, public accountability advocates have argued that the governing Coalition lacks the authority in itself to approve of these c o n t r a cts owing to the fact that Cabinet is required to give the green light for any contract worth in excess of $15M; Cabinet was nullified with the dissolution of Parliament in December of 2019 and that status quo remains until a final declaration of the March 2, General and Regional Elections is announced, a President is sworn, and a new Cabinet is selected.
Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
E’bo man walks free after pleading guilty of nephew’s killing
Killed: Naresh Ramdass A man who pleaded guilty to killing his nephew on the Essequbio Coast in 2018, was set free Friday after a trial in the High Court. The accused, who was identified as Kendrick Armogan called ‘Ricky’, was sentenced to 27 months on a manslaughter charge after appearing before Justice Sandil Kissoon via a Zoom meeting. The man was set free, however, since he had already served his time in remand, which commenced in 2018. The charge read that on April 23, 2018 at Bush Lot on the Essequibo Coast, Armogan unlawfully killed his nephew Naresh Ramdass. When asked to plead to the charge, the accused pleaded guilty.The facts of the case read that on Monday, April 23, 2018, at about 12:45hrs, the accused and deceased had an argument in their yard. Shortly after the argument, the accused’s older nephew was seen walking the accused out of the yard and he tried to calm him down. While exiting the yard, the accused had a brown handled knife
Freed: Kendrick Armogan in his hand.As the accused nephew was walking him to the head of the street, the deceased opened the gate and ran behind the accused. He had a wood in his hand. The deceased then rushed toward the accused and hit him with the wood. The two started scuffling and it was during this time that Armogan got hold of the knife and stabbed the deceased. According to the postmortem report, there was evidence of blunt and sharp force injuries to the body of Ramdass and on stab wound to the right chest.Since the accused pleaded guilty to the charge, Justice Kissoon deducted a third from a 25-year base. The judge took into consideration time served in remand, aggravating factors leading to the death of Ramdass, the weapon used and the fact that the deceased was the aggressor. After all considerations, the accused was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment, but since he had already served that time in remand, he was allowed to walk free.
Community service for labourer who says ganja used to treat cold A labourer was on Friday sentenced to one month community service after he pleaded guilty to a possession of cannabis charge. Kecin Dos Ramos, who lives on Wakenaam Island, Essequbio River, appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam virtually. The charge read to him indicated that on April 13, 2020 at Nelville Seawall, Wakenaam Island, he had in his possession eight grams of cannabis. The court heard that on the day in question, police were on a COVID-19 campaign on the seawall, when they
discovered a group of young men acting in a suspicious manner. A search was conducted and a quantity of cannabis was found in a transparent plastic bag in the accused’s pocket. When Magistrate Sam asked the accused to plead, Dos Ramos pleaded guilty without hesitation. Before sentencing was passed, the man told the court that he has a cold and that he boils and drinks the cannabis as a remedy. The man was fined $5,000 and sentenced to one-month community service.
Dem boys seh...
Rigging wuss dan Corona-virus Dem CARI-CUM leaders dem frighten rigging more dan dem frighten Coronavirus and hurricanes. Dat is why after de Mingo-Bingo, dem leaders decide fuh come to Guyana. Dem come because dem concern dat de rigging virus could spread to dem small islands. It could contaminate dem country politics. It could dutty dem politics. It could cause commotion, confusion and civil wars. Dem small islands peaceful; dem nah want dis type of behavior deh. But dem also know dat when Guyana gat problem. it does export it. Guyanese does run deh
fuh escape de pressure back home and dem does tek way jobs, women and men. Dem CARI-CUM leaders nah want de rigging virus meet dem country. Dem want quarantine it. So dem come fuh see how dem could help. But dem could never cater for wha dem had to meet up. De Rigadier had them pon a goose chase. He tell dem send a team, we gon recount. When dem send de team, court action file to stop de recount.One of dem Prime Minister done read de Rigadier like a storybook. He see through de man like if he was clear plastic. And he done know things nah gon end well. Dem CARI-CUM leaders
nah want riggers sitting down around table with dem. In fact, dem don’t want to sit down fuh talk with no sanctimonious gangsta. Dem tun up dem nose pon dat sort of behavior. One ah dem call it demonic. But most important of all, dem leaders rememba wha de damage wha de Rigger-in-Chief cause to dem small islands. Dem had one facility wha did allow dem fuh use dem money fuh buy thing in dem other islands. When de Rigger-in-Chief dun with it, it collapse. Dem leaders nah wan CARI-CUM collapse. Talk half and wait fuh de backlash.
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Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
Supervisor on bail for shooting Guyanese man dies in West Berbice woman in face Lake Ontario incident
A
44-year-old supervisor attached to Ansa McAl was on Friday granted bail after he was charged with the attempted murder of his partner. Julius Arthur of Lot 293 ‘B’ Field, Sophia, East Coast Demerara, was arrested on the July 14, 2020 and was dragged to the Fort Wellington Magistrate Court before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh to answer to the charge of attempt to commit murder on Devlin Garraway. The accused was not required to plea and was granted bail in the sum of $100,000. The case was postponed to the August 14, 2020.Devlin Garraway, 28, was reportedly shot to her neck/jaw area by Arthur during an argument at the woman’s Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice residence. The father of the victim had told this publication that his daughter and the suspect
Charged: Julius Arthur
Shot: Devlin Garraway
once shared a relationship but had separated. However, the suspect, reportedly, was still turning up at Garraway’s home. Such a visit happened on the day in question and an argument ensued during which she was shot. Garraway was subsequently rushed to the Fort Wellington
Hospital and transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.The father disclosed that the victim had confided in him that she broke up with the suspect because he grew very abusive towards her. She is said to be recovering slowly.
Family members of Guyanese man who migrated to Canada are in deep mourning after he drowned during an outing to Lake Ontario on Friday. The man has been identified as Tahir Khan, said to be in his mid-30s. Khan was rushed to hospital after being pulled from the water near the Toronto Islands, police say. According to a report in cp24.com, an online news, emergency crews were called to Hanlan’s Point Beach around 7 p.m. after receiving reports that a man was drowning in Lake Ontario. The man was pulled out of the water, police said, and was transported back to a marine base where paramedics waited. Police said that emergency crews performed CPR and that the man was unconscious and “unresponsive.”Tahir was then transported to the hospital in lifethreatening condition, paramedics said. Yesterday, the Queen’s College Old Students’ Association was in mourning. Khan started QC in 1995. “The Queen’s College family has suffered another loss within the past two days with the tragic passing of Tahir Khan last evening
Died: Tahir Khan in Toronto, Canada,” the body said in its Facebook post. “QC-OSA extends deepest condolences to the loved ones, family and friends of our departed colleague. May his soul rest in eternal perfect peace.”
Bisram’s mother, accomplice jailed 1 year each in $4M cop-bribery case One week after Sharmilla Inderjali, mother of extradited US-based businessman, Marcus Bisram, and her coaccused, Maryanna Lionel, were found guilty of offering a police officer $4M to suppress evidence in an alleged murder case, the women were on Friday sentenced to one year imprisonment each. The defendants appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly who handed down the sentencing. In handing down the sentence, the Magistrate stated that there is sufficient evidence against the defendants and as such, she 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 Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. He was charged along with 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 Number 67 Village, 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 men were committed to stand trial at the Berbice High Court. According to reports, on the day of the killing, Bisram had a party at his home, which Narinedatt and a few others attended. At some point, Narinedatt went to the back of the yard to urinate. Bisram allegedly followed Narinedatt and began making sexual advances
towards him. It was reported that Narine slapped Bisram and pushed him away. It was then that Bisram allegedly instructed his friends to kill Narinedatt. It was reported that the overseas-based Guyanese told his friends, he would ensure they would not be caught. Several men allegedly beat Narinedatt at the businessman’s premises. He was reportedly then taken to a roadway and beaten until he fell into a drain. The men then reportedly took the carpenter by vehicle to Number 70 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, where they dumped him on the road and drove over it with a car to make it appear like a road accident. Bisram was arrested in New York after the Government of Guyana asked for him to be extradited. He was finally brought back last year and formally charged.
Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Bandits abandon robbery attempt after cashier fights back The attempted robbery took place here.
Police are investigating an attempted robbery at the New World Supermarket located at Lot 13 Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD). According to police officials, about 11:35hrs yesterday, two men wearing COVID19 masks, entered the supermarket posing as customers. According to police reports “whilst in the vicinity of the cashier counter, one of the male pulled out a cutlass from his waist and started to fire several chops at the cashier and the other male took out a suspected firearm from his waist and held on to the owner.� Police said that the cashier started fighting which resulted in the two suspects abandoning what was a clear robbery attempt.
Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
They escaped on foot. Kaieteur News understands that during the ordeal, the cashier received injuries to his right middle finger and upper back. Police visited the scene at approximately 11:50 and an investigation has since been launched into the matter. The supermarket is owned and operated by a Chinese businessman, Xiu Yu Qiu, 48. The businesswoman is assisted by her son, Jun Yi Ku, who works as the cashier at the business. This is not the first robbery attempt on the business. In December 2016, three armed bandits invaded the supermarket and escaped with approximately $300,000 in cash after beating the owner and her husband.
Seven new cases recorded Guyana has been seeing steady increases in the number of positive COVID-19 cases. To date, the national figures stands at 327 confirmed cases of the virus. Yesterday, the Ministry of Public Health updated its COVID-19 dashboard confirming another seven positive cases bringing the national statistics to the 327 cases. The Ministry had reported approximately 50% recovery rate of all cases. Some 163 persons have so far re-
covered from the infection while there have been 19 fatalities. Further, the number of persons in institutional quarantine has increased to 13 while 145 persons remain in
institutional isolation. Additionally, five persons are currently in the COVID19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Regions One, Four and Seven accounts for the highest number of infections.
Teen charged with fatal stabbing of fellow villager A teen was on Friday charged at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, East Coast Demerara, for the stabbing of a fellow villager. The defendant, Aquil Farrington, 18, of 486 Dazzel Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool where the charge was read to him via Zoom. He was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on July 14, 2020, he stabbed and killed Barneth McKenzie, during an altercation at Dazzel. Magistrate Liverpool granted the defendant bail in the sum of $500,000 with the matter adjourned to August 28, 2020. According to reports, on July 13, 2020, Farrington was involved in a dispute with the deceased and his elder brother over an evening greeting. On the day in question, the deceased allegedly attacked Farrington with a cutlass and a piece of iron. Farrington, who was armed with knife, reportedly retaliated by stabbing the victim several times to the abdomen causing him to collapse to the ground. The deceased was picked up in an uncon-
A stitch in time: Residents of Lima Sands, Essequibo Coast, are asking for help to repair this section of road which has washed away with the recent heavy rainfall.
Dead: Barneth McKenzie
scious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The matter was reported and an investigation was launched and Farrington was later arrested and charged with manslaughter.
Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Ramjattan: Coalition’s hands clear of interference in GECOM
- despite three court cases brought by supporters to block declarations
By Shikema Dey De facto Public Security Minister and the Coalition’s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Khemraj Ramjattan, has put on record that the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has not interfered with the operations of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the 2020 Elections, even after three of their supporters presented court actions seeking to block a lawful declaration from being made. Ramjattan appeared on Beyond The Surface with Stan Gouveia on Thursday evening, responding to questions surrounding the March 2, 2020 Elections. The Public Security Minister alluded to allegations that the Coalition was complicit in interfering with GECOM, with respect to the fraudulent declarations made by District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; the fraud laced reports presented to the Commission by Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and hampering the GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh from declaring the Opposition’s People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) as the winners of the March 2 Elections. To this he said, “We in government have had our hands, as far as I am aware, from all the intelligence, very far away from that constitutional body. The body is GECOM and they are the final authority on the declaration of results.” He said, “It had court matters that intervened; it had court matters interrupted the process and many other matters right up to now,” Ramjattan continued. Those matters were however, brought to the courts by three Coalition supporters under the guise of “private
De facto Public Security “Attorney-at-Law, Roysdale Forde “Attorney-at-Law, Mayo Roberston Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan citizens.” CEO to prepare his report uscompleted, showing a clear (CCJ). Ulita Moore – win for the Opposition, anDavid, who turned respon- ing the recount figures. APNU+AFC Candidate Misenga Jones – Coaliother Coalition supporter, dent in the case, was repreThe first case was Eslyn David, brought a mo- sented again by Mayo tion Counting Agent brought by APNU+AFC Can- tion to the Court of Appeal in Roberston. With the clear CCJ ruling, didate, Ulita Grace Moore, on attempts to block the CEO They ruled that the Appel- the CEO was instructed again March 17, seeking to block a from presenting to the Com- late Court has no jurisdiction to prepare his report. That CARICOM-supervised re- mission, his final report using to rule on David’s case, and action was marred once more, count. the figures from the recount. cleared a path for the GECOM with a next court action, the This was after news come That case was brought on Chair, to once again, order the most recent brought by a to fore that incumbent Head June 19, mere minutes before of State, David Granger and Lowenfield was expected to the Opposition Leader submit his report before the Bharrat Jagdeo had agreed to Commission at 1pm that aftera full recount of the votes cast noon. at the March 2 polls, to be David was represented by supervised by a special Attorneys-at-law Mayo CARICOM scrutineering Robertson, who represented team. Moore in the first case, and Moore was an East Coast Roger Yearwood. She sought Demerara candidate for the from the Court among other Coalition in the 2018 Local things, a declaration that Government Elections and GECOM failed to act in accorshe was on the Region Four dance with the recount order list of candidates for the re- No. 60, in that it “failed to degional elections. termine a final credible count In her application, Moore and or the credibility of the through her Attorneys-at-law, result” of the March 2 polls. government aligned Mayo David based her request Robertson and Roysdale on the preliminary summation Forde had requested that the report compiled by Court order GECOM to utilize Lowenfield where he prothe fraudulent declarations duced two alternate figures; made by Clairmont Mingo on the accurate numbers from March 13. the recount and another The High Court had ruled which took into consideration on the case in favour of the baseless allegations made Moore; however that ruling Coalition during the recount. was overturned by the Full The Appellate Court ruled Court, paving way for the 2-1 in favour of David but that National Recount. ruling was later overturned Eslyn David – Coalition when the Opposition venSupporter tured to the apex court, the After the recount was Caribbean Court of Justice
Coalition’s Counting Agent, Misenga Jones. Jones, like Moore and David, was represented by Attorney-at-law, Mayo Roberston. She had moved to the High Court with an attempt to force the GECOM to rely on nothing but the ten March 13 district declarations which were struck down by Justice Singh, as the basis on which a final Elections declaration is made.Those declarations included the fraud laced declaration made by Mingo that Ulita Moore had wanted GECOM to use to grant the Coalition a false win. Arguments were made in the case on Friday and the Chief Justice, Roxanne George is expected to hand down her ruling on Monday at 2pm.
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U.S. SANCTIONS ARE REAL
by José Cárdenas hat the United States government announced this week that it has begun imposing sanctions on Guyanese citizens engaging in antidemocratic behavior should not have come as a surprise to anyone. Indeed, top U.S. officials signaled as early as last March that such behavior would have international con-
T
Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
sequences. What is regrettable is the failure to heed those warnings, especially by a U.S.based commentator who repeatedly but wrongly assured Guyanese audiences that the U.S. government had neither the authority nor the will to hold Guyanese officials accountable for their efforts to impede a final reckoning of the March 2 national election. One wonders what com-
fort those erroneous assurances gave to those actors who are out to thwart the will of the Guyanese people. Now that the U.S. has demonstrated the will and capacity to act to defend Guyanese democracy, those very same individuals would do well to understand that this week’s action is merely the tip of the iceberg as far as the authorities the U.S. government possesses to respond when democracy is threatened. It is important to understand that the sanctions announced this week — the revocation of U.S. visas; that is, the ability to travel to the U.S. — were actions taken by the State Department under its own authorities. Under Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, the Department can bar any foreign citizen (and their immediate family members) at any time for any reason from entering the U.S. They do not have to explain the reasons to anyone. Because of privacy laws,
however, the U.S. cannot disclose the names of individuals sanctioned, but the newly sanctioned will certainly know if they try to travel to the U.S. for business or pleasure. They will be unceremoniously turned away. Other U.S. legislation gives other Departments and agencies of the U.S. government broader sanction authorities. For example, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act gives the U.S. Treasury Department broad powers to impose financial sanctions on persons determined, among other things, to be responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged in, certain human rights abuses or corrupt acts anywhere in the world. Those are open to wide interpretation — on purpose. For example, in 2018, the U.S. sanctioned (“designated”) the President of Nicaragua’s Supreme Electoral Council, Roberto Rivas Reyes, and his wife, for
involvement in significant corruption and for perpetuating electoral fraud that undermined Nicaragua’s electoral institutions. Such a “designation” by the U.S. Treasury means any and all economic assets the individual possesses in the U.S. are frozen — i.e., made inaccessible to the owner — and that individual is prohibited from any transaction that involves any contact with the U.S. banking system. Essentially, it means the individual becomes an economic “non-person”, since even domestic banks and other institutions will shun the individual for fear of running afoul of U.S. sanctions, because of their connectivity to the U.S. And these are just individual sanctions. As has been demonstrated next door in Venezuela, the U.S. has wide-ranging authorities to respond to anti-democratic behavior by targeting whole sectors of any economy — for example, Venezuela’s oil sector.
One hopes Guyana never reaches that stage. Now, given the electoral calendar in the U.S., some might want to believe that time is running out for the Trump administration, and that should Joe Biden win the election, sanctions will fade away with the passage of administrations. But that would be foolhardy. It is obvious to anyone paying attention is that there is no partisan divide in Washington on the need for a transparent, democratic resolution in Guyana. The many statements from the U.S. Congress backing CARICOM, the Organization of American States, and other international stakeholders have been clear. In the U.S. Senate, we have seen the highest-ranking Democrat and Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as well as the leading Democrat and Republican on the Western Hemisphere subcommittee, weigh in. In the House of Representatives, the Democratic Chairman and Vice Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, as well as several members of the Congressional Black Caucus, all Democrats, have joined their Republican colleagues in supporting the calls for a declaration of results that favors the winner of the largest number of votes. A t a t i m e o f heightened partisanship in domestic U.S. politics, readers should note that there is no division regarding Guyana’s current impasse. To believe a change in presidential administrations will somehow entail a reversal of U.S. concern for democracy in Guyana is destructive wishful thinking. There is still time to conclude Guyana’s recent electoral cycle without more collateral damage to the country. International friends of Guyanese democracy want to see the impasse resolved expeditiously and peacefully. However, those who have differing agendas must realize there are ever-more-serious consequences for their actions. *José Cárdenas is a former U.S. official who had senior positions in both the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch, focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean. He is a government relations consultant in Washington. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Sunday July 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
Farewell to the flesh, Osaze: The sound of the drums will forever haunt them
D
eath is inevitable. At some point that dreadful news must come. This past week, those who are and were associated with the WPA got news that one of the stalwarts of that movement has passed away. Osaze is not known to the younger generations or even to those before them. We often remember the movement but not those who embodied the movement. In our haste to cannibalize what we produce we throw out the bay with the bath water. There has not been a party in Guyana that has been so demeaned and distorted as the WPA. Some have made that enterprise their cash-cow. In the end, they render persons like Osaze invisible and unheralded. But we know the origins of that stench; some of us have been around the Middle Passage. So, farewell to the flesh Osaze. You were there in the flesh when Guyana came face to face with its colonial demons as it fought to define
the tone and tenor of its independence. You lived the inevitable revolution of your time, not by empty rhetoric and false prophesy, but by making the ultimate sacrifice. As a soldier for real freedom, you sacrificed everything for the revolution. Some who may call your name in death crucified you in life as they engaged in their cowardly narratives. Many of them never stood before the might of the State in the quest for freedom for all as you did. You, from the salt of the earth, earned your stripes. You brought your creative intellect to the real struggle and planted it in the ranks. Your artistic talents found authenticity in active struggle. And you were everything they could never be. Whether you were sitting behind the African drum or painting images of reality and imagination or driving a Tapir on the dangerous roads of then, or making the case with a microphone in hand, you
were forever that beautiful Black working class brother from the nigger-yard of yesterday and today always trying to turn to the world of tomorrow with your strength. Yes, it was you and your type who Martin Carter had in mind when he gave birth to that poem of rage and hope. That you slipped back to the ancestors as they are in the process of burying your legacy with their twisted songs heralding return to the nigger-yard is a coincidence they will never see. You die as they paint new images of colonial supplicancy. Some promise to erect on your grave site statues of colonial supremacy—not statues of you. Your very name is thrown to the wolves as the view such a name as the embodiment of Black romance and Black pomposity. You die as they try to separate you from your brethren in the USA. But go in peace Osaze. Tell that brother what they have reduced his name and his legacy to. Tell him what a dogmatic
simpleton they have turned him into. Tell him how they talk him up but reserve their statues for the dreaded colonizers. Tell him how they have un-blackened him in their quest to prove that Black lives do not matter. And say hello to all the other comrades. Let them know how dread it is with the new assassins of conversation. But let them know that we continued to defend the sacred earth they traversed with libations of survival. Brother Osaze as you walk through the gates of Africa wait to have a chat with John Lewis, the man from a place called Troy. Have a
good laugh with him about those who know not of your common origins but try to lecture Guyanese with their nonsensical anti-black narrative. And give John some of that unique dialectical reasoning that was your trademark. Go my brother, knowing that they cannot stop the tide of your history. Make one last salute to the seed and fruit of you. And give one last rebuke—that Osaze smile— to those who are trampling on the sound of your beloved drum. Tell them that the sound of the drums will forever haunt them.
Dr David Hinds (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
More than 150 countries engaged in COVID-19 vaccine global access facility
WHO: Geneva/London – Seventy-five countries have submitted expressions of interest to protect their populations and those of other nations through joining the COVAX Facility, a mechanism designed to guarantee rapid, fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. The 75 countries, which would finance the vaccines from their own public finance budgets, partner with up to 90 lower-income countries that could be supported through voluntary donations to Gavi’s COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC). Together, this group of up to 165 countries represents more than 60 percent of the world’s population. Among the group are representatives from every continent and more than half of the world’s G20 economies. “COVAX is the only truly global solution to the COVID19 pandemic,” said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “For the vast majority of countries, whether they can afford to pay for their own doses or require assistance, it means receiving a guaranteed share of doses and avoiding being pushed to the back of the queue, as we saw during the H1N1 pandemic a decade ago.
Even for those countries that are able to secure their own agreements with vaccine manufacturers, this mechanism represents, through its world-leading portfolio of vaccine candi-
tests, treatments, and vaccines. COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO, working in partnership with developed and developing coun-
est represents a tremendous vote of confidence in COVAX and our shared goal to protect people around the globe through the fair allocation of a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of
dates, a means of reducing the risks associated with individual candidates failing to show efficacy or gain licensure.” The COVAX Facility forms a key part of the COVAX pillar (COVAX) of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a groundbreaking global collaboration to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19
try vaccine manufacturers. COVAX aims to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world. It will achieve this by sharing the risks associated with vaccine development, investing in manufacturing upfront so vaccines can be deployed at scale as soon as they are proven successful, and pooling procurement and purchasing power to achieve sufficient volumes to end the acute phase of the pandemic by 2021. “This early level of inter-
CEPI. “COVAX offers an innovative solution to the gravest public health crisis in living memory. It will speed up the availability of safe and effective vaccines through early investment in manufacturing capacity, and maximise the chances of success by backing a broad and diverse portfolio of vaccine candidates. Through COVAX our aspiration is to be able to vaccinate the most vulnerable 20% of the population of every country that participates, regardless of income level, by the end of 2021.
Ensuring fair access is not only a matter of equity; it is the fastest way to end this pandemic” The goal of COVAX is by the end of 2021 to deliver two billion doses of safe, effective vaccines that have passed regulatory approval and/or WHO prequalification. These vaccines will be delivered equally to all participating countries, proportional to their populations, initially prioritising healthcare workers then expanding to cover 20% of the population of participating countries. Further doses will then be made available based on country need, vulnerability and COVID-19 threat. The COVAX Facility will also maintain a buffer of doses for emergency and humanitarian use, including dealing with severe outbreaks before they spiral out of control. “The COVID-19 pandemic, like every health crisis, also presents us with opportunities,” said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, WHO Chief Scientist. “A vaccine that is affordable and accessible to all will help us address systemic health inequalities. We need all countries to support COVAX to achieve this goal and bring an end to the acute phase of the pandemic.” The success of these efforts will ultimately depend on securing enough funding from governments and commitments from vaccine manu-
facturers to participate at a scale large enough to deliver a global solution. The formal expressions of interest submitted are nonbinding; the COVAX pillar will now begin a process of consultation with all 165 countries, with countries funding vaccines through their own domestic budgets being required to provide an upfront payment and a commitment to purchase doses by the end of August to secure involvement in the COVAX Facility. Significant progress has been achieved by the COVAX partners to date, with seven of the nine candidate vaccines supported by CEPI already in clinical trials. A memorandum of understanding with AstraZeneca also commits them to supply 300 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to COVAX. In addition, in June Gavi launched the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), a financing instrument aimed at incentivising vaccine manufacturers to produce sufficient quantities of eventual COVID-19 vaccines to ensure access for developing countries. The AMC has already raised close to US$600 million against an initial target of US$2 billion from high income donors as well as the private sector. The Gavi Alliance will also work with the developing countries to assure readiness of supply and cold chain and training to reach high risk groups.
Sunday July 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
African population in 1974- 31 percent; in 2020 - 29 percent I
n December 1974, Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, addressed a special congress of his party, at the party’s head office at Sophia. His speech was compiled in booklet form and given the title, the “Declaration of Sophia”. The most important words in that delivery by Burnham were as follows; “It was also decided that the Party should assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the government which is merely one of its executive arms. The comrades demanded that the country be given practical and theoretical leadership at all levels – political, economic, social, and cultural – by the PNC which had become the major nation institution”. (quoted in “To Survive Sensibly or to Court Heroic Death: Management of Guyana’s Political Economy” by Tyron Ferguson, page 157). In 1970, the African population stood at 31.2 percent, the Indians at 51.8 percent and in 1980, Africans were
30.5 percent while Indians were 51.4 percent (taken from “Guyana: From State Control to Free Markets by John Gafar, page 30). Any mature human in Guyana knows that historically and up to the present time, the PNC has the support of almost a majority of Africans and the same for the PPP with East Indians. The PNC rigged the 1968 election and every national poll since then until 1992. In 1992, the African population was 35.6 percent and the Indian 49.5 percent (source; “Structural Adjustment and Good Governance: The Case of Guyana,” by Tyron Ferguson, page 19). What could be seen clearly here was that the party that held African support was never a majority party. In 1973 during protest against rigging of the election in that year, two PPP protestors – 17 year old Jagan Ramessar and 43 year old, Jack Bhola Nauth, a father of five – were shot by soldiers as they protested a military contingent taking the ballot
boxes into an army truck. One year after failing to win the 1973 election, Burnham declared that his minority party was an organ that was of higher legal standing than every other state institution. The PNC flag flew over the Court of Appeal building. The paramountcy of the party doctrine became one of the most immoral and corrupt acts of politics in the history of colonial and post-colonial West Indies. A party that garnered its support from 30 percent of the population and whose strength was never tested in a free national poll ruled Guyana for 24 years. In 2020, we are seeing attempts to re-enact permanent minority government in this land. Life is one intrigue after another. Present at the PNC congress at Sophia in 1974 when Burnham declared paramouncy of the party was one of the leaders of the PNC’s youth arm, Vincent Alexander. Also, in attendance was
the leadership of the police and army as was required. David Granger was in attendance. Forty- six years after a party that speaks for a minority community in the Guyanese population, it is indeed phenomenal that two persons - Alexander and Granger - who witnessed Burnham’s declaration that his party was the most powerful organ with legal authority over any other national institution, are involved in foisting that same minority status on Guyana. African Guyanese constitute in 2020 a percentage of 29, while Indians are at 40. If the fraud perpetrated by Mingo and Lowenfield succeeds then we would have returned to permanent minority rule as it started in 1968 and lasted for 24 years. Once it happens in 2020, there is no
way the PNC will allow a clean, untainted poll in 2025, 2030 and onwards. What David Hinds, Lincoln Lewis, Henry Jeffrey and the people who they propagandize for want is to have the permanent hold of power by a party that represents less than 29 percent of the population. One has to emphasize the word “less” because there is statistical evidence to show that not all African districts in Guyana voted for the PNC. The turnout in Georgetown in 2020 was not ecstatic. Plaisance did not have a large turnout. This is what is so frightening about the current election house of horror. We are not talking about a party that has 49 percent and rigged to stay in power but less than 29 percent. A majority government
Frederick Kissoon does not mean and should not translate into domination. But totally unacceptable in the 21st century is a party with less than 29 percent of electoral strength ruling a country forever. Every human must be made to understand that if the PNC is allowed to remain in power after losing the election, there will never be a free and fair poll any longer in Guyana. 29 percent will rule over 71 percent forever. (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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Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
18 Guyanese hospitality professionals to benefit from 4-week Caribbean training
E
ighteen Guyanese hospitality workers, sponsored by the Demerara Distillers Limited
(DDL), will embark on a fourweek training programme in various Level 1 Awards in Spirits courses, conceptual-
ized by the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) and the Wine and Spirit Education
Trust (WSET). Komal Samaroo, Chairman of DDL, in an invited comment said, “It is our hope that this training will assist in the continued development of our local hospitality industry and the local workers in the industry many of whom have been hard hit by the COVID pandemic.” The announcement was made last week that over 200 Mixologists, bartenders and other hospitality professionals throughout the Caribbean will be the beneficiaries of an online training programme, which will see the participants increasing their knowledge and skills free of cost during this current down time. The training is for Caribbean hospitality workers who have so far been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and are unable to work due to the closure of the tourism industry over the past few months. WIRSPA, which represents distillers’ associations across the Caribbean and WSET, is the largest global provider of wine, spirits and sake qualifications. Samaroo, who is also the Chairman of WIRSPA added, “WSET is an internationally recognized provider of education, and this initiative is making available to our hospitality professionals, a world class qualification in spirits. This certification will provide them with important new skills and enhance their employment prospects.” Participants must be at least 18-years-old to be eligible for the training and will
DDL’s Komal Samaroo be selected by individual distillers’ associations in the respective countries. The Level 1 Award in Spirits courses, run online via WSET’s Online Classroom, will start on July 27th and will run for four weeks. At the end of the course students will take a remotely invigilated online exam, and those who are successful will receive a certificate and WSET lapel pin. WIRSPA’s membership of Caribbean-based distilleries will provide additional support during the course, running tasting sessions and webinars on their brands and products as a supplement to WSET course material. Deniece Bourne, WSET Business Development Manager – Americas East and The Caribbean, said, “Tourism is a major industry across the Caribbean, and, in these challenging times, we are committed to offering our support to displaced hospitality professionals. We are delighted to part-
ner with WIRSPA for this initiative which aims to empower participants through education and a qualification that will help them in their careers, both practically and professionally, once they are able to return to work.” According to Vaughn Renwick, CEO of WIRSPA, “beverage service professionals – mixologists, bartenders, bar managers and other hospitality industry professionals – have been on the sharp edge of the lockdown, with many giving up all income as the industry was shut down and only now slowly opening. This is our way of supporting this important sector and providing individuals with additional skills, in anticipation of full reemployment.” Caribbean-based organizations interested in contributing to this initiative may contact Bourne at dbourne@wsetglobal.com or Renwick at vaughn.renwick@wirspa.com for more information.
Sunday July 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Economic diversification - a means to cushion an economy against exogenous shocks (A review of David Granger’s Guyana’s golden age: the diversification of British Guiana’s economy, 1880 - 1930.) Guyana’s golden age: the diversification of British Guiana’s economy, 18801930 examines, in great detail, the economic diversification which occurred in British Guiana following Emancipation in 1838. This process reached its apogee between 1880 and 1930 and it is this period which the book’s author, David Granger, refers to as ‘Guyana’s golden age’. The combination of concurrent changes –the expansion of sugar production in Brazil and Cuba and its extension in Asia; the recovery of beet sugar production in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars; agitation for free trade and the elimination of protective tariffs by commercial and industrial interests in Britain; and the Emancipation of enslaved Africans in the British West Indies – led to the collapse of sugar prices, undermined the profitability of sugar and triggered the abandonment and sale of several plantations. The need to pay cash for wages to Portuguese and East Indian indentured immigrants from 1835 and 1838, respectively, even prior to African Emancipation, and the extension of free villages along the coastland bought about the establishment of a money-based economy. Business transactions and more diversified enterprises in the local market – including banking, commerce, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade and, later, rice and balata production and bauxite, gold and diamond mining – had to be facilitated. Guyana’s golden age: the diversification of British Guiana’s economy, 18801930 traces these transformative changes in the economy which, prior to Emancipation, had been dominated by sugar production. Economic diversification did not end sugar’s dominance, however. ‘King Sugar’ retained its paramount position in the Colony’s economy. It would continue to do so beyond the end of the era of economic diversification. Even the advent of large scale bauxite mining could not displace sugar’s pre-eminence in the economy. Sugar still accounted for 70 per cent of exports and remained the largest industry and employer of labour by 1897. Sugar
would remain the mainstay of the economy right through to the first two decades after Independence. The economic differentiation which took place in the century following Emancipation, however, can neither be discounted nor can its significance be diminished. British Guiana’s economy at Independence in 1966, however, was noticeably different from that at Emancipation in 1838. It had become more diversified. It was dominated by sugar, indeed, but less preponderantly so. This book highlights this central but transformative process. Granger traces the sources of this economic diversification to a number of factors, following the emergence of a free peasantry after 1838. These included: changes in population triggered by the introduction of large numbers of indentured immigrant labourers; changes in the constitution in 1891 which relaxed the almost absolute political stranglehold of the planter classes; changes in society, including the introduction of compulsory primary education in 1876; and changes in technology which catalyzed new sectors and increased the demand for commodities. This book is of fundamental relevance to understanding Guyana’s economic history and particularly the economic differentiation which took place after Emancipation but it is by no means singular in this endeavour. Among the raft of sources consulted in the researching of this book is Walter Rodney’s History of Guyanese Working People 1881-1905. Rodney had observed that peasant farming had contributed only in a small way to economic differentiation. He pointed out that “…the elements of economic differentiation included the consolidation of the timber industry, the pioneering of diamond mining and the revival of the gold industry.” The book is enriched by the scrupulous research undertaken by its author. He has mined a treasure trove of authoritative and scholarly sources – including George Beckford’s, Caribbean Rural Economy, (1975); Rawle Farley’s The Rise of the Peasantry in British Guiana (1954); E.J. Hobsbawn’s Industry and Empire: An Economic History of Britain
since 1750(1968); Michael Moohr’s, The Economic Im-
single market, such as the United Kingdom. Equally, it
pact of Slave Emancipation in British Guiana (1972); and Walter Rodney’s, A History of the Guyanese Working People, 1881-1905 (1981). The republication of Guyana’s Golden Age: The diversification of British Guiana’s economy 18801930 is timely and its lessons are timeless. First published as an essay in the Guyana Historical Journal, Vols. IV &V, 1992-1993, it re-emerges as a monograph at a critical juncture in the country’s economic history. Petroleum production commenced in December 2019, exciting national passions and expectations, as was the case with the discovery of gold and bauxite. The book serves as a sobering reminder that commodity production is subject to fluctuating fortunes. Economists and others have already begun to caution about the dangers of resource curse and ‘Dutch disease’. The book forewarns of the dangers of concentrating economic diversification around primary commodity production. The book is a reminder, also, of the inherent benefits and risks associated with economic diversification, principally into other natural resources. Granger argues that: A country, in diversifying its economy, could avoid sharp or sudden changes in revenue which might accompany the fluctuations likely to occur in producing for a
could achieve a real improvement in the distribution of income among the majority of the country’s
people and make a permanent impact on their livelihood. The book’s salient lesson is that the discovery of a new and potentially lucrative resource does not necessarily make an economy more resilient. Commodity production is subject, almost as a rule, to the vagaries of the international commodity markets. Guyana is now only in its first year of petroleum production but, already, has been subjected to the effects of a decline in global oil prices brought on by the COVD-19 coronavirus pandemic, for example. A second lesson which emerges from the book is the danger of not adding value to commodity production. Guyana’s concentration on primary production, during and after it ‘golden age’, has subjected the economy to cycles of growth and recession. Modern economic diversification, therefore, must include value-added production to yield higher valued exports and to build a more resilient economy. David Granger, now Guyana’s President, recognizes this. He makes refer-
ence, frequently, to the fact that Guyana’s economy has traditionally been reliant on the ‘six sisters’ – bauxite, gold, fish, rice, timber and sugar– and laments how these industries have been sources of economic vulnerability. Granger, as President, has pledged to continue economic diversification and to add value to his country’s abundant natural resources. He appreciates, no doubt from his own research in writing this book, that economic diversification is not an end to itself but a means to cushion an economy against exogenous shocks. Guyana’s Golden Age: The diversification of British Guiana’s economy, 18801930 contributes to our understanding of the process of economic change which can be triggered by demographic, economic, geographic, political, international and technological factors. While British Guiana’s economy remained reliant on external developments and while national output still depended primarily on sugar, economic diversification was a necessary adjunct for the emergence of modern economy. It still is.
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Coronavirus: Life in the ER is getting tougher; help us to help you By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
A
s our efforts con tinue to contain COVID-19, I believe it is important that I remind the public that it is important for us to work together if we are to see the needful outcome. This was aptly emphasized in an article I wrote at the beginning of this month. I again share this article with you and appeal to you to not only read it, but en-
deavour to apply the recommendations. “Doc it’s becoming very difficult for us”. Those were the words of a member of my team earlier this week while taking care of patients in the Emergency Room (ER) at GPHC. While I had noticed the surge in patient numbers over the past few weeks, it’s never easy hearing the toll it is taking on the ER staff. The ER at GPHC is the place that never sleeps. No matter what’s the obstacle (believe me there are many), my ER team is always ready to prac-
tice ‘MacGyver’ tactics to ensure we can continue to deliver for our patients. It is a thankless job that has become even more challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now seeing an unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases in Guyana and if it continues to surge, it will take a toll on us in the ER and the healthcare system in Guyana. THE UNPRECEDENTED RISE IN COVID-19 CASES Over the past weeks, we have seen an increased number of COVID-19 cases. This
is a sharp rise when compared to the slow rise in the initial numbers. My biggest worry is that we haven’t reached our peak and if we do not improve on our preventative measures, it will overwhelm Guyana. We need to learn from other countries and not make the same mistakes that have cost so many lives and have left so many incapacitated. We have also seen the increase in COVID-19 cases at the ER. While we are managing to keep the ship afloat, I am beginning to see the possibility of kinks that can overwhelm us if our COVID-19 cases continue to climb at unprecedented rates. THERE IS EVENA RISE IN NON COVID19 CASES In the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in Guyana when persons were more adherent to restriction guidelines, the number of patients coming to the ER had dropped significantly. This gave us the time to adapt and also manage with the smaller number of COVID19 cases that was coming. It does take more time and effort to manage COVID-19 patients than non COVID-19 patients because of factors too numerous to mention. Unfortunately, as persons have become more tolerant to the situation and less adherent to guidelines, we are seeing a rise in non COVID-19 patients presenting for care. What is distasteful, is the fact that many of these non
COVID-19 emergencies are avoidable. There are many trauma cases presenting during the curfew hours; quite a few of them are intoxicated with alcohol. Injuries from interpersonal violence are also prevalent. These are all avoidable conditions that add to our already stretched lists of patients. HOW IS THE ER STAFF COPING? No one can ever say they are fully prepared and are doing well during a pandemic. This is a first time experience for us all. Working in the ER or the “fast lane” as it’s sometimes called, you have to be resilient and cope with abnormal amounts of stress on a daily basis. In a pandemic, stress levels can go through the roof and overwhelm any system including hospitals and their ERs. For now, we are coping; but there are signs of things getting out of hand. There is only so much that our system was designed to handle. If this surge continues, we may become overwhelmed and it will not be good for us and our patients. Every day we continue to strive and find the balance between concurrently caring for COVID-19 and non COVID-19 patients while pushing our safety levels to the brink. I am fearful of the day that we will not be able to find that BALANCE. HOW CAN YOU HELP US TO HELP YOU?
Sunday July 19, 2020
Dr. Zulfikar Bux Every week I write and ask for us all to practice preventative measures. It’s the only way for us to safely maneuver and be successful against this pandemic. Today, I’m pleading for the sake of my ER team and all the health workers in Guyana to: · Stay at home and social distance if you have to go out · Always wear a mask when you are out · Practice good hand and general hygiene · Adhere to restriction guidelines · Spread the word about preventative measures to everyone you know If all of us do these five things well, I’m confident that we will flatten this surge and win the fight against this pandemic. With COVID-19, the health workers need you more than you need them. I wish to thank my ER team at GPHC for their unfaltering will to strive for their patients during this time; what we do matters, let’s keep doing it. To my fellow health workers in Guyana, keep up the will to battle and soldier on. To my fellow Guyanese, be responsible; please help us so that we can help you.
Sunday July 19, 2020
[In case you missed them, we are repeating, in their entirety, some of the big stories we published during the past week.] SUNDAY ABSENT LOWENFIELD SENDS IN FALSIFIED REPORT – GOVT. COMMISSIONERS ALSO A ‘NO SHOW’ – SENDS IN FALSIFIED REPORT – GECOM TO MEET SOON ON A WAY FORWARD Guyana’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield once again, defied a direct order by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and presented to the Commission, yet again, a final election report with falsified figures and not those amassed from the National Recount. After seeking clarity from the Chair, Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh on precisely what the final figures would be derived from, Lowenfield was ordered to present himself before the entire seven-member Commission on Saturday July 11, 2020, at 11am with the final report containing the accurate figures. The CEO, however, failed to show up to the meeting along with the three government nominated Commissioners, Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman. As a result of their absence, no quorum could be had but nevertheless, the CEO sent his report. That report did not reflect the results of the recount, instead showing a win for the incumbent A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition. On the cover letter of his report, Lowenfield told Justice Singh that she provided no “clarifications” to the queries he made in his July
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Kaieteur News
10 letter to her. He acknowledged receipt of her subsequent letter affirming her previous orders and noted his understanding “that Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution affords the technical officer the right to advise the Chairman of the elections results that ought to be declared.” On that premise, he said, he prepared and submitted the report, “in accordance with my statutory and constitutional duties and all applicable laws.” Lowenfield’s new figures In his new report, the CEO claimed that a total of 475,118 valid votes were cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections; however the recount shows that a total of 460,352 valid votes were cast. LOWENFIELDACTINGIN BADFAITHANDAGAINST DEMOCRACY – OAS In its strongest statement yet, the Organisation ofAmerican States (OAS) has condemned Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, for his repeated attempts to frustrate the democratic process, arguing that he is acting in bad faith and contrary to the interest of democracy in Guyana. The CEO continues to flout the instructions of the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh- for him to present a report on the results of the national vote recount. Lowenfield has yet again attempted to present results to GECOM which do not reflect the recount’s findings. “There can be no justification for this action,” the OAS stated on Saturday July 11, 2020. Though the recount has shown the PPP/C to have taken the lead with 233,336 votes, ahead of the APNU+AFC coalition’s 217,920 votes, Lowenfield’s falsified report seeks to place the coalition in the lead with 236,777 votes ahead of the PPP/C’s 229,330 votes. The numbers largely resemble those of the
declarations held in abeyance by the Elections Commission, including the fraudulent March 13th declaration produced by Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo. “Let us be very clear,” the OAS stated. “The only democratic solution for Guyana at this time is respect for the results of the national recount. No other figures – neither those prepared prior to the recount, nor those recently invalidated by the Caribbean Court of Justice, nor any others that may be unilaterally devised by the Chief Elections Officer – can have any place in the final determination of results. A new electoral process is also an unacceptable solution.” The OAS General Secretariat intends to report on the developments in Guyana to the OAS Permanent Council. The Council has immediate responsibility for directing the Organisation’s ongoing actions, and is one of two political bodies of the OAS, alongside the General Assembly. EXXON BURNS OVER 360 MILLION CUBIC FEET OF GAS IN ONE MONTH – WILL CONTINUE TO POLLUTE THE ATMOSPHERE WITH HUNDREDS OF CANCER CAUSING TOXINS WELL INTO AUGUST For last month alone, American oil giant, ExxonMobil, burnt over 360 million cubic feet of gas thereby polluting Guyana’s atmosphere with hundreds of cancer-causing toxins.Based on recent indications by Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Head, Dr. Vincent Adams, it appears that this trend of causing alarming damage to the nation’s environment will continue well into August. The EPA Director told this newspaper on Saturday July 11, 2020 that the oil giant has been burning approximately 12 million cubic feet of gas per day since May. He revealed as well that it was only a few days ago ExxonMobil was able to get a key piece of the Liza Destiny’s gas compressor system into Germany to be fixed. Dr. Adams said that the equipment is expected to return by month end and once installation is done, ExxonMobil should bring an end to flaring by midAugust. ExxonMobil had blamed the technical issues for the flaring. The EPA Head said that until such time, the oil giant will continue to burn 12 million cubic feet of gas per day.
Dr. Adams said he has made it clear to the operator of the Stabroek Block that it has to stay within that target. He said, too, that steps have been initiated to tighten the loopholes in the company’s permit which allowed it to flare in the first place. In an invited comment, ExxonMobil’s Public and Government Affairs Advisor, Janelle Persaud reminded that the company has cut crude oil production on the Liza Destiny FPSO to reduce the amount of gas being flared. Kaieteur News understands from Dr. Adams that the company is still hovering around 80,000 barrels of oil per day. Persaud was keen to note that some gas compression equipment is being repaired abroad while adding that ExxonMobil anticipates its arrival in the coming weeks so as to safely complete final commissioning of the gas handling system. She said, too, that key specialist technicians required to repair the equipment have been mobilized. MONDAY GUYANA’S DESTINY RESTS ON THE SHOULDERS OF CLAUDETTE SINGHAND OTHERS – COMMONWEALTH SECRETARYGENERAL According to Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, Guyana’s destiny as a great nation rests on the shoulders of Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (retd) Claudette Singh and others who are “bound by duty to make the right decisions, respect the rule of law, the will of the people and those who are ready to put their country before personal ambitions.” The official made these and other strong remarks in a statement Sunday. In her missive to the press,
Scotland urged Guyana’s leaders to be “faithful to the common good” so that the future “may be truly forged”. The Commonwealth Secretary General also welcomed and noted the recent pronouncements by the Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister o f St . Vi n c e n t a n d t h e G r e n a d i n e s , D r. R a l p h Gonsalves, where he called on all stakeholders to respect the ruling handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal. “In accordance with the applicable laws and the Constitution of Guyana,” Scotland said “the CCJ exercised its final appellate jurisdiction, and, on 8 July, 2020, handed down a clear and unambiguous ruling.” The CCJ in their judgment stated, “It is for GECOM to ensure that the election results are swiftly declared in accordance with the Laws of Guyana.” Noting that Guyana is a much loved and valued member of the Commonwealth, Scotland “strongly urged” GECOM to adhere to the directions given by the CCJ and “decisively conclude the March 2, 2020 elections based on the results of the national recount.” JORDAN TIES GUYANA TO US$14.6M CONTRACT ON LAST DAY OF ELECTIONS RECOUNT Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan on June 8 signed off a US$14.6M contract with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for a hydropower project, and in doing so, tied Guyana to that agreement on the very day that the national recount of votes concluded at the Arthur Chung Conference. This agreement adds to a long line of actions taken by the Government since the passing of the No
Confidence Motion, which was executed in defiance of the G o v e r n m e n t ’s Caretaker status, as s t i p u l a t e d b y G u y a n a ’s apex Court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). President David Granger had made a commitment not to enter into any major agreements, out of respect for the ruling of the Court. L i k e l y, t h e l a rg e s t financial agreement of its kind since the landmark ruling was handed down by the Caribbean Court, restricting the administration’s power; the Government’s flouting of the Court’s judgment is compounded by the fact that the Finance Minister signed the agreement on the day the final tabulation was concluded at the recount, illustrating that t h e g o v e r n i n g p a r t y, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) lost the elections by 15,416 votes. The total cost of the project is US$16.59M, to which Guyana must contribute US$1.95M, according to the contract. Though contracts of this nature are expected to face parliamentary scrutiny, the National Assembly has not met in over a year and is currently dissolved. The contract secures the funds for the cost of the construction and rehabilitation of three hydropower plants: Moco Moco (700kW) and Kumu (1.5 MW) at Lethem, and Ikuribisi (1MW) at Bartica; as well as for payments for goods, works, consulting and related services procured under the project to bring it to fruition. According to the agreement, the IsDB agreed to finance the project on December 15, 2019 through installment sale financing, for execution by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). The Bank’s website (Continued on page 28)
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From page 27 lists the project as ‘Active’ as of December 14, 2019, the day before it agreed to finance the project, as stated in the contract. FIRE DESTROYS SECTIONS OF LUSIGNAN PRISON – NO DEATHS, NO ESCAPEES, 15 INJURED A fire Sunday destroyed sections of the Lusignan Prison after it was said to be a form of retaliation. Reports were that narcotics, cellphones and forms of contraband were found by an investigative team during cell sweeps and subsequently tensions broke out between prison officers and inmates. An explosion was heard moments later and the fire erupted. The fire caused damage mainly to the administrative building and an old building that was formerly used to house inmates. The fire was said to have spread quickly due to the old, wooden buildings in the compound. The fire service was able to extinguish the fire before it got to the prison. Army choppers were seen circling the area and this publication later learnt that the Guyana Defence Force was assisting in ensuring that there were no potential escapees. The Joint Services Protocol was implemented and the authorities were able to contain the rioting prisoners. Most of the inmates were escorted to nearby facilities.
Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
Additionally, 15 prisoners were injured during the ruckus Sunday but most of them were treated by on site paramedics as the injuries were minor. Two of the injured prisoners were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and were admitted to the Emergency Ward. One of the inmates sustained burns to the shoulder and arms while the other sustained injuries to the abdomen following an assault. There were no deaths reported. Families of prisoners were also at the scene, some with clothes and food and others expressing alarm about the welfare of their relatives. Reliable sources told Kaieteur News that there were high profile prisoners who were burnt but due to safety concerns, they would be transferred to GPHC at a later time Sunday. TUESDAY GECOM CHAIR SAYS…LOWENFIELD GIVEN FINAL CHANCE TO PREPARE REPORT ON RECOUNT FIGURES BY 2:30PM TODAY – DCEO ON STANDBY IF HE REFUSES Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’) Claudette Singh, has given her fourth and final chance to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, for him to submit his report on the accurate results of the concluded National Recount.
Refusal to complete this task by 02:30PM today will result in his removal from his function as the CEO, following which the Deputy CEO (DCEO) Roxanne Myers will assume her senior ’s duties. In contrast to Saturday (July 11, 2020), all GECOM commissioners were present at yet another meeting convened by the elections commission to deliberate on the way forward to announce credible election results. Also present at Monday’s 10:00AM meeting was the GECOM Chair and the CEO. As the media stood on the outskirts of GECOM’s Kingston head office, loud chanting could be heard by over 100 supporters of the A Partnership For National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), who were situated some 300m from the GECOM building. These supporters, many of whom were unmasked and hence flouting the COVID-19 restrictions, chanted, “Fraud is fraud!” and “Swear in Granger now!” Police officers, receiving supervision from the divisional commander on the scene, made numerous efforts to disperse the crowds. However, the supporters stood their ground and refused to leave the streets as they hurled insults at the officers. Some even ended up in a scuffle with the police. At 12 noon Monday, opposition Commissioners had related to the press that one of their colleagues, Robeson Benn, had filed a
motion to have the CEO dismissed, and that the meeting was adjourned until 14:30hrs. When the meeting reconvened, a meeting in which Lowenfield was “patently silent”, Kaieteur News learnt that the GECOM Chair had made a decision to invalidate the ten March declarations which were being held in abeyance, thereby paving the way for the final declarations to be only based on the results of the national recount. This invalidation, by extension, rendered the reports submitted by the CEO on those March declarations as null and void. GECOM CHAIR THROWS OUT MARCH 13TH ELECTIONS DECLARATIONS The ten district declarations made prior to the National Recount were Monday cast aside by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission
(GECOM), Rt’d Justice Claudette Singh and, consequently, so were the previous final election reports prepared by the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield. With this move taken by the Chair, it means that the winners of the March 2 Elections can only be declared using the figures accumulated at the end of the National Recount and leaves no room for ghost figures to appear as have happened previously. Those scrapped declarations included the fraudulent District Four declaration made by controversial Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo on the night of March 13. These numbers were being held in abeyance. Commissioner Sase Gunraj subsequently, after the GECOM meeting Monday, relayed to the media that, “She [Chair] proceeded to say that the March 13 declaration which included the fraudulent
declaration by the Returning Officer of Region Four has been set aside and replaced by the recount tabulation certificates. That, I believe, is an important finding and ruling of the Chairman.” This was also confirmed by GECOM’s Public Relations Officer in other sections of the media. The fraudulent declarations for District Four made by Mingo were included in the final election report prepared by Lowenfield on Saturday who defied the Chairwoman’s direct order to prepare his report using the numbers from the recount. The recount figures places the win with the Opposition with a total of 233,336 valid votes while the Coalition trailed behind with 217,920 valid votes and the remaining 5,214 went to the joiner parties. With the recount numbers, the PPP would be positioned for 33 seats in Parliament, while 31 (Continued on page 29)
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From page 28 went to the Coalition and remainder to the joined parties. LOWENFIELD REMAINS ON THE JOB AMID MOUNTING CALLS FOR DISMISSAL – ANUG SAYS GECOM CHAIR SHOWING WEAKNESS Opposition commissioner of GECOM, Robeson Benn Monday filed a motion for Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield to be fired from his post, the most concrete step so far taken in the wake of increasingly strident calls for the CEO’s dismissal. The calls have come after several attempts by Lowenfield to thwart the electoral process by giving numbers that were not reflected in the national recount. On Monday, GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh at a meeting at which the CEO was widely expected to be dismissed, gave the CEO a final chance to submit his report based on the recount figures. Local political party A New and United Guyana (ANUG) believes that this decision is a sign of weakness on the part of the GECOM chair. In a statement issued Monday, the party said the CEO’s behaviour warranted a much sterner response. “Lowenfield’s willful disobedience,” the statement read, “recalcitrant and contemptuous attitude through his submission of fraudulent numbers and failure to attend a meeting of national importance scheduled on Saturday 11th July warrants not only summary dismissal but immediate criminal investigation. The CEO has frustrated the work of the Commission in delivering a declaration of the March 2, 2020 elections results, and has undermined the Commission’s fundamental duty of ensuring ‘impartiality, fairness and compliance’ under article 162(1)(b) of the Constitution.”
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Another party, The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) issued a statement Monday applauding Singh’s patience but, in less explicit terms than ANUG, also called for the CEO’s ouster from the process. THREE PATIENTS RECOVERAT GPHC FROM COVID-19 USING PLASMA FROM SURVIVORS Three patients infected with the COVID-19 disease have successfully recovered following treatment of the convalescent plasma from survivors. Dr. Mahendra Carpen, who has been actively involved in the treatment of COVID -19 patients at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), explained that the convalescent plasma was initially administered to four patients –all of whom were in critical condition. He said that first patient did not respond favourably to the treatment, but the other three made full recoveries following the transfusion. According to him, the plasma is only administered to patients who are in “extremely critical condition.” The doctor explained that the first patient did not respond favourably to the treatment because of other medical complications. He said however that the latter three patients made full recovery with no complications. He noted that the convalescent plasma is by no means a substitute for full treatment; rather it is a supplement to the other medications used to treat COVID-19 patients: “What happens is that patients are given the treatment along with the oxygen, vitamins, hydroxychloroquine and other types of medications administered to COVID-19 patients.” Part of standard procedure for the plasma transfusion, Dr. Carpen said involves counseling. “We usually consult and
counsel the relatives of those patients we deem necessary for the transfusion,” he told Kaieteur News, adding that it is part also of the procedure to encourage survivors to make voluntary donations to help other patients suffering from the disease. The convalescent plasma is collected from a recovered COVID- 19 patient that contains the antibodies against the virus and then used to treat critical patients who are suffering from the infection with the intention for it to fight the same viral infection. WEDNESDAY LOWENFIELD REFUSES TO SUBMIT REPORT AGAIN; WALKS OUT OF MEETINGWITH GOVT. COMMISSIONERS Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, has yet again refused to submit his report of the recount results, thereby disregarding what was touted as a final opportunity given to him by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, to do so. On Monday, the Chairman had ruled that failure to effectively execute this instruction would result in Lowenfield’s deputy, Roxanne Myers, being tasked with submitting the report instead. Lowenfield’s deadline for submission was 2pm Tuesday to be considered before a GECOM meeting that was
scheduled for 2:30pm. Tuesday, however, Lowenfield walked out of the meeting without submitting the report. The three government- nominated commissioners – Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman – also walked out of the meeting. Speaking to the media on the outskirts of the GECOM Kingston office Tuesday, the three Commissioners had given the impression that the meeting had been suspended as a consequence of an application being filed against GECOM in the High Court by a Coalition supporter. This application seeks to force GECOM to rely on nothing but the ten (administrative regions) March 13 district declarations, which were on Monday deemed invalid by the GECOM Chair along with the reports submitted by Lowenfield which contained figures used from those struck-out declarations. “We were advised, informed…In my instance when I arrived here [was] that a matter had been filed in court. We brought it to the attention of the Chairperson. She has established a pattern, a practice, when matters are filed [that] she does not proceed with the business of the meeting at that particular time. And so against that background, we have not proceeded into any of the substantive issues that were before the meeting today,” said Alexander. Opposition-nominated commissioner, Sase Gunraj, on the other hand, shared a
different view as to why the meeting had not proceeded as planned. According to Gunraj, at 2:30pm Tuesday, when the meeting convened, Lowenfield was asked if he had prepared his report. According to Gunraj, this enquiry was objected to by one of the government commissioners who stood up and said that the CEO did not have to answer to the Commission. This, Gunraj said, was “speedily” followed by government-nominated commissioners opting to walk out of the meeting. The Gunraj went on to say that when the question was posed for a second time to Lowenfield, he refused to answer, and subsequently walked out of the meeting as well. The oppositionnominated Commissioner was however of the firm belief that no impediment was imposed upon the Elections Commission, its Chairman or its members since no injunction was granted against the proceeding. PRESIDENT’S OFFICE DENIES ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE CLAUDETTE SINGH – condemns Nandlall’s ‘sanctimonious gangster’ comment The President’s office Tuesday condemned comments made by former Attorney General under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Anil Nandlall, in which he referred to the incumbent as a “sanctimonious gangster” and insinuated that a plan
was being hatched to remove the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, from her post. In a statement it was note that, “The Ministry of the Presidency rejects out rightly the wicked and highly outrageous statement issued to the media by Mr. Anil Nandlall captioned, ‘The sanctimonious gangster on the prowl… and the clinical insanity continues…’ and which accuses President David Granger of hatching a plan to remove Chairman of the Elections Commission, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh from the helm of the Commission.” The Former Attorney General in a statement posted to his Facebook page claimed that word was being circulated that Granger was planning to remove the GECOM Chair from her position. “It is clear,” Nandlall posited “that this latest initiative is being explored because of the Chairperson’s obdurate refusal to use fraudulent and fictitious numbers presented by the Chief Elections Officer as the basis for the declaration of the Elections Results, which would illegally gift to Granger and his Rigging Cabal, another term of the Presidency and government, respectively.” Nevertheless, the former Attorney General assured that if such plans are afoot, they would fail, as the GECOM Chair can only be (Continued on page 30)
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From page 29 removed from office by way of resignation because of the Price/Carter formula. Explaining, Nandlall said that the formula, from its conception, never addressed the “disappointment of” and the removal from office of a Chairperson, once appointed. He added that those who participated in the constitutionalisation of the Price/Carter formula included members of the People’s National Congress who failed to address that issue. “In the result, there is currently no provision in the Constitution of Guyana which speaks to the removal of a Chairperson of GECOM, unlike the other C o n s t i t u t i o n a l Commissions,” Nandlall added. The statement from the MoTP however, referred to Nandlall’s accusations as dishonest, malevolent, dangerous and based on “spurious and unsubstantiated fiction.” COALITION DELIBERATELY MISREPRESENTING CLEAR JUDGMENT OF THE CCJ – JAGDEO Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo Tuesday said that the APNU+AFC Coalition is deliberately misrepresenting the clear judgment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the recount case. “We’re all very clear that this is a falsehood,” he said. “APNU has a way of misinterpreting, deliberately so, every judgment of the Court and anything that comes out in the public domain to suit their narrative.” “They expect the Court in Guyana to say ‘Yes! You can use that report, although it has fraudulent numbers…” “This is what they expect the Court to endorse… electoral fraud.” He made these and other comments during a Facebook live video Tuesday, hosted to discuss the elections situation. The Coalition has thrown its support behind a filing in the High Court by a voter named Misenga Jones. The motion seeks to force the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to use the 10 district declarations as the basis for a final declaration of the results of the March 2 polls. Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield had submitted a report to the Commission, which largely reflected the numbers in those declarations, despite the fact that those declarations have been overtaken and corrected by the CARICOM scrutinized
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national recount. Following the CEO’s submission of that report, the Chair made a decision to invalidate those district declarations. In a statement sent out last night, the Coalition sought to support Jones, claiming that the CCJ’s ruling meant that the recount order was not in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana. The CCJ in its ruling stated, as pointed out by APNU+AFC, “It is a matter of elementary constitutional law that if ordinary legislation is in tension with the Constitution, then the Court must give precedence to the words of the Constitution and not the other way around. With respect, the notion that Order 60 [the recount order] could either impact the interpretation of the Constitution or create a new election regime at variance with the plain words of the Constitution is constitutionally unacceptable.” When the Court made this statement, it was said in the context of the ruling of the Appeal Court, which had sought to redefine a valid vote and give the Chief Elections Officer legal cover to unilaterally invalidate 115,844 votes counted and tabulated during the national recount. THURSDAY US GOVT. TELLS GRANGER ‘GET OUT’ – AS SANCTIONS HIT TOP OFFICIALS, FINANCIERS Top officials from the de facto Granger 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 said, “Today I am 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 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 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 ( A P N U + A F C ) 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 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 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 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 l o n g . ” G o v e r n m e n t ’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.” DEMONIC CLIQUE ENGAGED IN VILE ATTEMPTS TO HIJACK THE GUYANACOUNTRY – CARICOM CHAIR Chair of the Caribbean Community and Prime
Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves penned a scathing editorial Wednesday 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. “In a normal democracy,” the CARICOM Chair said, “what should be a straightforward matter of counting votes has become the equivalent of a longrunning 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 authoritatively, is tantamount to an abuse of the process of the court or is frivolous and vexatious.” (Continued on page 37)
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From page 30 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 abeyance pending the 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
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“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 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.” So far, the 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.” He said that 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 integrity: “Today, 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 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 anti-democratic 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!” FRIDAY ELECTION RIGGERS TO BE INFORMED OF VISA REVOCATION – US AMBASSADOR The US Embassy informed the press Thursday that those persons found to be undermining democracy in Guyana, and those who are complicit, will be informed that their visas have been revoked, and that they will not be allowed to travel to the United States of America. US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, hosted a virtual press briefing Thursday to discuss the announcement of those sanctions by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the day before, which form part of an “initial tranche of visa restrictions”. Pompeo demanded that President David Granger step aside, as his coalition has actively been supporting the frustration of a declaration of the results of the transparent recount
process. The Ambassador gave few details of the sanctions being imposed, pointing to US privacy laws preventing her from doing so. “Visa records are confidential under US law; so we are not able to identify the individuals or provide details on any individual visa case.” She would not say how many persons are involved or what categories they fit under, only that the restrictions have already begun and that such action is long overdue. The Consular Affairs section of the US Embassy, Kaieteur News understands, will be reaching out to the offenders to notify them. Kaieteur News understands too that in excess of 50 persons have been targeted with visa restrictions so far, including Government ministers, APNU+AFC officials, GECOM officers, judicial officers, coalition financiers and even media operatives. Lynch indicated that more persons may be added in a future tranche, as the embassy reviews various cases and actions being taken by persons at this time. Asked how persons may have these restrictions removed, Lynch said that Pompeo has the authority and that he could so do if he determines that there are no longer any adverse impacts on US foreign policy. The Ambassador would not comment on any escalating sanctions, should the APNU+AFC government refuse to demit office, explaining that such action would depend on decisionmakers at the highest levels (Continued on page 38)
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From page 37 of the US Government. However, she offered that examples around the globe would offer a fair idea of what could come. “These restrictions are under the authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 212(a)(3)(C),” the Ambassador said, “to restrict visas to those whose entry into the United States would have potentially serious adverse foreign-policy consequences.” Lynch said that Pompeo’s announcement clearly indicates that there are consequences to subverting democracy and the rule of law. In this regard, the US, she underscored, is driven by the Inter-American Democratic Charter, a document countries in the hemisphere signed on to which requires them to defend democracy when it is threatened. One reporter asked how the US Government could justify demanding Granger to step aside when a declaration has not yet been made. Lynch noted that there are about seven results, but underscored the US Government’s confidence in the results coming out of the national recount, which shows that the Granger Government was unsuccessful in its bid for reelection. Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, had stated in a preliminary report to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) following the recount, that there were votes tainted by voter impersonation and irregularities, in line with allegations being made by the coalition to discredit the elections. Pointed to this, Lynch reminded of the findings of the CARICOM Scrutineer Team, which Granger had deemed the “most legitimate interlocutors” on the Guyana situation. “The national vote recount considered all of that,” Lynch said, “and they had the CARICOM Scrutineers there, as well as the OAS observers. The CARICOM Scrutineers were determined to be the most legitimate interlocutors for this process, and their words at the end were that they witnessed nothing that would prevent a declaration based on the national vote recount.” The Ambassador did not mince words on the protraction of the electoral process. “As you know all too well,” she said, “it has been more than 19 weeks since the general and regional elections took place in Guyana. There has yet to be a resolution,
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despite a full election recount and a ruling by Guyana’s apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice, that the national vote recount should be used to declare the winner. There have been seven separate election results, five prepared without witnesses – by witnesses, I mean international and local observers, party agents and elections officials; two of those results were prepared with substantial observation. Both local and international observers stated that GECOM ran an election day that was free, fair and credible; the same was said about the recount with CARICOM observers, called the most “credible interlocutors,” stating that nothing precluded GECOM from declaring a winner using the national vote recount. The Guyanese people have exercised their civic right and they deserve to be heard. But, due to continued electoral improprieties, the people have NOT been heard after 19 long weeks.” “The events following the March 2 elections, some of which I personally witnessed, indicate that there are forces that have repeatedly refused to accept the will of the people at the ballot box. Guyana’s non-democratic trajectory is dangerous for its citizens and for the hemisphere as a whole.” Even then, there were questions posed to Lynch over the timing of the sanctions, being announced when there is a showdown in the High Court over the legality of the recount. In response, she pointed to statements Pompeo has been making for several weeks, and explained that there is nothing coincidental about the timing of his announcement. She refused to comment on the judicial process, as well, stating that that has to play itself out. The US Ambassador made a point of stressing that GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, is a person of utmost integrity and a distinguished jurist who has given decades of her life in service to her country. After the Chair had announced her decision that the recount results must form the basis of a declaration, the APNU+AFC camp had begun to heap aspersions on her integrity, with one coalition member, Aubrey Norton, stating that the GECOM Chair is “digging a hole for herself”. Later on, APNU+AFC supporters placed a miniature effigy of Singh into a makeshift coffin and pretended to have a funeral on the streets for her. “I am shocked and
appalled at the dangerous statements and actions that I have seen directed at the Chairwoman,” Lynch said, and called for all Guyanese to speak out in defence of her. Moving forward, the US Ambassador reminded that over 130 countries are represented in various statements from the Organisation of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth, CARICOM and the European Union, as well as multiple bilateral messages and calls for the process to be free and fair. Her closing statements were: “Finally, I’ll say that this turn of events is highly disappointing for the United States. The US has cautioned for weeks, and for months quite frankly, that we stood by our word, should democracy be undermined in Guyana. We continue to hope that the will of the Guyanese people will be respected and will prevail. This country, as you all know, has a very bright future and we look very much to partnering with a democratically elected Government in Guyana.” COMPANIES LIKE RYSTAD ENERGY WANT GUYANESE TO BE HAPPY COLLECTING PEANUTS FROM EXXONMOBIL – DR. MANGAL -INSISTS COUNTRY SHOULD TAKE ITS TIME IN GRANTING PROJECT APPROVAL If there continues to be delays in giving ExxonMobil the green light to begin developing its third project, the Payara in the Stabroek Block, Guyana stands to lose significantly. This picture was painted recently by Rystad Energy, a Norwegian research company. In its latest assessment of Payara, Rystad reminded that once developed, Payara is expected to bring up 200,000 barrels of oil per day. ExxonMobil had hoped for approval to be granted last year December. Had its wish been granted, Payara would have been up and running by 2025. In a press conference held earlier this y e a r, i t w a s n o t e d t h a t delays in approval were due to issues that had to be resolved with the Field Development Plan for the project. As a result of this, the project start-date has been pushed back by a year. Rystad was keen to note that if these delays persist, Guyana which stands to gain US$4.4B from the project could see those revenues diminish substantially. With a sixmonth delay, it said that the
project would generate around US$800 million less than what it would and around $1.6 billion less with a 12-month delay. It also noted that already, Guyana has lost $300m in net present value while adding that more is at stake with the said delays. Upon noting the foregoing analysis, former Presidential Advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal, took to his LinkedIn Page to express h i s d i s g u s t t h a t Ry s t a d Energy continues to push ExxonMobil’ s agenda in Guyana. D r. Mangal categorically stated that in negotiations, countries have a right to delay to get real value. He was keen to remind that Guyana already lost US$55B by rushing deals with ExxonMobil. In this regard, he was alluding to the damning report called Signed Away that was prepared by The G l o b a l Wi t n e s s . T h a t document exposed how Guyana left US$55B on the table due to hurried negotiations for the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). With this in mind, Dr. Mangal posited that the money which Rystad said Guyana is about to lose due to delays is peanuts. In an invited comment, the transparency advocate said that Guyanese must not be fooled by Rystad and others that it is in the country’s
interest to produce oil by any means necessary. He said that oil production must always benefit the people and the country by extension to the maximum. The Petroleum Consultant said that Rystad Energy’s pro-ExxonMobil narrative is simply telling Guyanese that they should be happy with collecting 12 peanuts and if there are continued delays, it could end up with just five peanuts in its hands. “They would like us to believe that we poor stupid Brown/Black people should be happy to get peanuts whilst the foreign companies make off with 100’s of billions of US$. And no wonder the Granger administration gave away US$55B of what should have come to the deserving people of Guyana because they were fooled. They thought it would win them the election.” Moving forward, the former Presidential Advisor said Guyanese need to focus on rescinding the awards of the Kaieteur and Canje blocks, and getting a fair deal on the Stabroek Block. “We also need to constrain production from the Stabroek Block. A couple 100,000 barrels per day is sufficient for us, and anything more will make us complete hypocrites as our coastline submerges due to climate change,” the transparency advocate concluded. COURT SETS DATE TO HEAR K/NEWS PUBLISHER’S LAWSUIT TO QUASH EAST COAST LAND DEALS The court case filed by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, to quash the June 11, sale of 130 acres of prime East Coast Demerara (ECD) lands by the incumbent, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition government is scheduled to come up for hearing on August 13, 2020 in the Georgetown High Court. Kaieteur News was told that the parties involved in the case, including National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin Heath-London; Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, and the Attorney General, Basil Williams, have been served with the court action. The case, which is set to come up at 10am before Justice Sandra Kurtzious on August 13, concerns an application filed by the publisher seeking a declaration from the Court that the de facto Finance Minister and NICIL had no power or authority to transfer
state lands to any person or entity not under the control of the Minister, pursuant to Sections 8 and 11 of the Public Corporations Act (PCA); Cap. 19:05. CARICOM HEADS TO HOLD SPECIAL MEETINGON GUYANA According to the recently installed Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, the regional body is expected to convene a special meeting on Guyana. This development will come after a more than four-month long electoral impasse. The new Chairman, who is also the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, shared knowledge of this special meeting Thursday during a Jamaican radio programme with Ritchie B. During the interview, PM Gonsalves reiterated the need for a credible declaration to be announced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) so that a peaceful transition of the newly elected government could follow. “The declaration,” Dr. Gonsalves said, “needs to be done very swiftly by GECOM, because you know the pressure is building up and there is likely to be commotion, strife and maybe even civil war.” It is against this that the CARICOM Chair disclosed that an assembly would be convened with other regional heads of states to deliberate on the way forward. Dr. Gonsalves said that on Wednesday, he was in discussions with the CARICOM SecretaryGeneral, Ambassador Irwin LaRoque, during which they agreed that, “we would await a decision by the High Court proceedings, following which the meeting would be held.” Following scathing statements from the international community on Wednesday, where it was revealed that the United States has imposed Visa restrictions on the incumbent President and executives of his party, among others, the St. Vincent PM penned a damning editorial in which he stated that “vile, frivolous and vexatious attempts” were being deployed to hijack Guyana’s democracy. SATURDAY CLAUDETTE SINGH WANTS CASE THROWN OUT, SO SHE CAN DECLARE RESULTS RULING SET FOR MONDAY… Attorney for Guyana (Continued on page 39)
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From page 38 Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairperson, Kim Kyte- Thomas Friday made a stirring presentation for Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire to throw out the case filed to compel GECOM to rely on nothing but the disputed figures presented by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield. The Chief Justice is scheduled to hand down a decision on Monday at 4:00 pm via live stream on the Supreme Court website. During a six hour long hearing before Justice GeorgeWiltshire at the Georgetown Supreme Court, Kyte-Thomas was among several attorneys who presented arguments in opposition to the case filed by Misenga Jones seeking declarations to prevent the CEO from using the recount figures as the basis for the final declaration. The recount figures show a victory for the Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) over the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC). Jones, a registered voter and APNU+AFC counting agent during the recount, is seeking orders to prevent the CEO from using the recount figures as the basis of the final declaration. In her submission Friday, Kyte-Thomas noted the matter is the only thing seeking to stop GECOM’s Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, from declaring the final results based on the results of national vote recount. She stressed that contrary to Jones’ complaint, Section 18 of the Election La w s (Amendment) Act of 2000 specifically provides that the Chief Elections Officer shall be subject to the direction and control of the Commission. She argued that
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Lowenfield cannot go off on a “frolic” of his own and put himself above GECOM, the laws of Guyana and even the Constitution. Kyte-Thomas stressed it would be unthinkable that one man, an employee of GECOM, could be vested with such absolute and unchecked power. Further, the lawyer advanced that the Chief Elections Officer is a statutory officer subject to the disciplinary control of the Commission and that Article 161 (1) A, Section 2 of Representation of the People Act (ROPA) and Section 18 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act of 2000 bear this out. In this regard, she stated that Guyana’s Constitution and electoral laws never contemplated that the CEO would be a power unto his own and dictate to GECOM. RES JUDICATA Additionally, the lawyer argued that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal made a decision in a similar case, hence Jones’ application tramples on the principles of Res Judicata and
should be thrown out. Her arguments were supported by attorney Kashir Khan, representing The Citizen Initiative (TCI) and Change Guyana (CG); attorney Timothy Jonas, representing The New Movement (TNM), and Sanjeev Datadin representing the United Republican Party (URP). The lawyers all supported the argument that the case before the High Court is in breach of the principle of Res Judicata. In her argument on this point, Kyte-Thomas referenced the judgment of the CCJ. She noted that the Court was pellucidly clear when it concluded that the valid votes which were recounted must be used. “DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBEREDASA STATESMAN OR ROGUE PRESIDENT?” – FORMER US GOV’T OFFICIALS TO GRANGER With heavy sanctions casting a dark shadow on Guyana’s future, two former United States government officials have stated that
incumbent President David has a clear chance to be remembered in history as a “Statesman” if he concedes to his loss or crumble or as “Rogue President”. The officials, Deborah Misir, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Policy, US Department of Labour and Douglas Meurs, former Political Advisor and Director for Somalia in the Office of the Secretary of Defense appeared on Kaieteur Radio’s Room592 and posed the question to the incumbent after the US, United Kingdom and Canada signaled the commencement of sanctions on top coalition officials, who had a hand in rigging the March 2, 2020 Elections. So far, the US has announced visa restrictions but these sanctions could become harsher as Guyana’s electoral stalemate continues. According to Misir, those sanctions will be “warranted” due to the process being dragged out four months after Guyanese went to the polls. “What is happening is ridiculous,” Misir added, “when you factor in the constant delays, frivolous
litigations brought by officials in the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition and Guyana’s apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) speaking in support of the will of the electorate.” “Do you want to be remembered as a Statesman or a Rouge President? You have that choice to be remembered respectfully and in history,” the former bureaucrat said. Sanctions on government officials should come as no surprise to the coalition, Misir said, considering that they too supported heavy sanctions on Venezuela, and had called for then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government in 2015 following then President Donald Ramotar’s prolonged prorogation of Parliament. STOPABUSING EVERYONE WHO DARES TO SUGGEST THAT YOU LOST THE ELECTION – FORMER BUSINESS MINISTER TO APNU+AFC In what he dubbed a final appeal to the APNU+AFC government, former Business Minister and AFC Executive, Hans Dominic Gaskin Friday night called on the coalition to cease its attempts to rig Guyana’s elections, and stop abusing everyone who suggests that it lost. The coalition has viciously attacked many who speak out against it, including CARICOM leaders who advocate for the region to maintain the highest democratic principles. “You are losing political ground,” Gaskin said. “You cannot win this battle. Find a way out today.” Gaskin, who is also the President’s son-in-law, said it is very clear that the David Granger government has lost its bid for re-election, and that “no fancy legal maneuvers”
can change that. “They only serve to delay the inevitable and raise tensions among our people, while exacerbating the adverse economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gaskin warned. Noting that the major parties rely heavily on racevoting to shore up their support bases, Gaskin said that it is regrettable that the younger generation of AfroGuyanese politicians “will be saddled with the consequences of what has taken place over the last four months” should they choose to join APNU or AFC. “I tend to shy away from race issues,” he stated, “because I believe that the process of enlightenment is an intergenerational one in which our actions speak louder than our words. Having said this, I feel compelled, as the proud son of a black man, to comment on the future of AfroGuyanese political leadership, in the context of the current situation. I find it regrettable that the younger generation of Afro-Guyanese politicians, should they choose to further their political careers within APNU or the AFC, will be saddled with the consequences of what has taken place over the last four months. This year, I have seen many bright shining young stars from all the political parties, and it is my sincere belief that those in the APNU+AFC camp will pay the heaviest price for what has occurred. While I hope that this does not happen, I cannot ignore the PNC’s prolonged stint in opposition post-1992.” At the time, Guyana had had the first free and fair election in decades, which saw the PPP/C winning and retaining office until 2015 when it was defeated by a coalition of parties, the PNC being the largest.
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Beatrix Potter
Junior page BUTTERFLY TEMPLATES
H
ave you read the tale of peter rabbit? It’s a very famous children’s book, written by beatrix potter. Beatrix was born in 1866. She and her brother kept many small Animals as pets – rabbits, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, mice, frogs and Even bats! They both liked to draw their pets, but beatrix liked Drawing animals from her own imagination most. She also loved Exploring and drawing nature when they visited beautiful places like scotland and the lake district. Beatrix was very smart, and studied archaeological artefacts, fossils and insects, but she was especially interested in mycology – the study of mushrooms! She even wrote a scientific paper
Sunday July 19, 2020
about it, but women at that time couldn’t be scientists. To earn some money, beatrix started drawing cards with animals. She liked writing and illustrating letters too. One day, she wrote a letter to her friend’s son, and told the story of peter rabbit. She decided to make the story into a book. The tale of peter rabbit was published in 1902 – and it was a great success! She wrote, illustrated and published many more books. She also created dolls, painting books, games and other items based on her characters.
In 1905, beatrix bought a farm in the lake district. She learned about farming and bought more farms and land to help preserve the landscape. She enjoyed country life very much, and was very active in protecting the environment. When beatrix died, she left almost all her farms and land to the national trust, a charity which protects historic places and landscapes. You can even visit hill top farm today, which is exactly like it was when beatrix lived there!
SUPPLY LIST FOR MELTED CRAYON BUTTERFLIES: ~ crayons (the best method to take off the paper is to soak them for a few hours in water, then the paper comes off easily). ~ sharpener ~ iron (lowest setting) ~ scissors ~ parchment paper
have that fold line there before you start. 3. Start shaving crayon bits. We found that a
color wheel. For example: blue-purple-pink, or redorange-yellow, or greenturquoise-blue. This way,
~ paper (I used sulphite paper cut into 8.5 x 11 to fit through printer)
limited palette worked best. Try and pick colors that are next to each other on the
you will avoid all of the crayons melting together and making brown. 4. When your butterfly looks filled in, fold over the paper in half. 5. Place a piece of parchment paper over the folded butterfly and iron in two-second motions. It won’t take more than 15 seconds for the crayons to be melted. 6. Open it up! Fill in with tempera paint if you’d like to. 6. Once completely dry, cut out the butterflies with scissors.
~ tempera paint (optional) BUTTERFLY TEMPLATES: STEPS TO MAKING M E LT E D C R AY O N BUTTERFLIES: 1. Print out your templates. 2. Fold the paper in half, then unfold. It’s helpful to
Be sorry when you cause hurt Sometimes it happens that we do something That causes someone to hurt; Then we need to make things right again, And hurry to do our part.
Find your way from start to finish through these flower mazes!
The first thing that we have to do Is to see that we should not hide, But be brave and face what we have done, And really feel sorry inside. This will make us want to go To try to make them again feel good, Tell them that we are truly sorry, And try to make up as best we could.
by Uncle Roy
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 19, 2020
Treat people the way you want to be treated
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TEEN TIME
The emotions that affect us when we deal with others will always provide a good guide to how we should treat others. Our reactions to any situation will inform us of what others feel, and so we can use what we remember as our feelings and try to help others in the same way. Let people know you appreciate them and admire them for doing something good. We must remember in our own experience that, when others show some appreciation for any way by which we have done something worthwhile, we
feel well rewarded for the time and trouble we spent for this effort, such as getting good marks at school, doing our chores at home, and helping them in some way. It would be just as good when we do the same for others.Express gratitude to those who share their lives with you. Apart from the good feeling that others experience when we thank them for helping us in some way, this would always encourage them afterwards to continue to try to live at peace and helpfulness with you by doing the things for
which you thanked them. Remember that manners can make the difference between a loss and a win. In every situation in which we spend our lives, courtesy in all we do, say and act will always result in a better reaction from those we deal with. When we remember that courtesy does not cost much effort on our part, then we can find no excuse for not following these simple rules in all our efforts. Speak with love and respect. This is one of the most simple and effortless ways to foster good
relationships. But many times shyness makes us less willing to share these feelings. The fact is that any expression of these feelings always results in the same from others. Be kind to yourself and to others. Kindness is one quality that we must at all times and in all situations use to guide our actions. It is also true that it also increases when we use it in our reactions with others. Look out for the other ways to developing our relationships in our next article.
LogiCross Use each given letter or lettergrouping once, and only once, in the appropriate numbered rows and columns in the grid to uncover a hidden quote! Use only pure logic to figure out where each letter group should be placed no other knowledge is required! Puzzle by Hemant Kumar Jha.
Friends by Uncle Roy The best people I know besides my family Are the friends that make me feel so good; They are the children who help me out, And keep me as happy as I could. My friends and I love to be together, Whether at school, work or play; I feel that these special people Are what make my life okay. My father is glad I have such nice friends; He often lets me bring them along, But he says that I should be careful That they do not make me do wrong. When we try to keep each other happy, And help one another to always do right, Then I know we would always be friends, And never have to quarrel or fight.
When you make sincere attempts to live well with others, you always find a way to succeed in this.
Solutions to last week’s
Masyu
Galaxy
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Sunday July 19, 2020
FAMILY TREE File right How you file your nails can make or break them—literally. “Filing in one direction, lifting the file each time on the return stroke is the best method to prevent damage or breakage,” says Jin Soon Choi, founder of Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa in New York City. “The most important thing is to choose the right grade file,” she explains. “If you use a very high grain file, it’s going to cause breakage, but if you use a fine grade file (like 400 to 600 grit) and do not file aggressively, you can file in a back and forth motion.” Keep them chemical-free Warning: You’re not going to like what you’re about to read. Many of your favorite nail polishes, acrylics, and nail polish removers are full of harsh chemicals that cause nail brittleness, dryness, and thinning. So, how to strengthen nails? It’s wise to avoid gel polishes, acrylic nail glue, acetone soaks, and acetone nail polish remover at all costs.. Pamper your cuticles Though your manicurist may say otherwise, there is actually no reason to cut your cuticles, according to Choi. In fact, your cuticles are part of your skin and serve the important purpose of acting as your nail’s protective barrier. “When you cut the cuticle, it may look great, but it’s going to peel off two or three days later,” she warns. Further, cutting your cuticles may lead to infection, ridges, white lines, and other nail problems. Give the polish a rest Many of us are guilty of trying to making our nail polish last as long as possible, says Choi. We hope to extend the life of our color with constant touch-ups, then when the chips become too noticeable to bear, we head straight to a salon for a fresh coat. This all makes sense for cosmetic purposes, but having nail polish on your nails for too long greatly damages their strength and overall health, warns Dr. Jaber. Even the safest nail polishes can leave your nails brittle, thin, and dry if left on for too long. Stick to a healthy diet One of the keys for how to strengthen nails is maintaining a healthy diet. Foods like blueberries that are full of antioxidants help protect your body’s cells from free radical damage, while leafy greens provide the iron you need for nail strength.\ Do at-home nail treatments If your nails look like they need some major TLC, do an athome nail treatment. In the same way your face occasionally needs a super hydrating face mask, so do your nails. Consider dermatologist Dana Stern’s Deep Hydrating Formula, a hybrid gel-oil that hydrates and strengthens nails or Dermelect’s Peptide Infused Nail Recovery System for Damaged or Aging Nails. Always cut your nails As much as you might love the look of long, beautifullyshaped fingernails, it’s best to avoid growing them out if you want to make them stronger. “Keep your nails shorter, as the longer they are, the easier it is for them to get traumatized,” says Dr. Jaber. Short nails are far less likely to be broken in your everyday life. As an added bonus, it’s also much easier to maintain the appearance of nails when they’re short! Discover more tips to protect your nails.
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Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Your Mental Health and You Mental or emotional health refers to your overall psychological well-being. It is the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships, your ability to manage feelings and deal with difficulties, and how much meaning and joy you get from your life. Good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. It is the presence of positive characteristics, such as being able to cope with life’s challenges, handle stress, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behavior. They are able to handle life’s challenges, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. But just as it requires effort to build or maintain physical health, so it is with mental and emotional health. Improving your emotional health can be a rewarding experience, benefiting all aspects of your life, including boosting your mood, building resilience, and adding to your overall enjoyment of life. However, many things that happen in your life can disrupt your emotional health and lead to strong feelings of sadness, stress, or anxiety.
These things include: ·Being laid off from your job ·Having a child leave or return home ·Dealing with the death of a loved one ·Getting divorced or married ·Suffering an illness or an injury ·Getting a job promotion ·Experiencing money problems ·Moving to a new home ·Having a baby The connection between the Mind & Body Good changes can be just as stressful as bad changes and when you are stressed, anxious, or upset, your body reacts in a way that might tell you that something isn’t right. Your body can react in the following ways: ·Back pain ·Change in appetite ·Chest pain ·Constipation or diarrhea ·Dry mouth · Extreme tiredness · General aches and pains · Headaches · High blood pressure · Insomnia (trouble sleeping) · Lightheadedness · Palpitations (the feeling that your heart is racing) · Sexual problems
· Shortness of breath · Stiff neck · Sweating · Upset stomach · Weight gain or loss Poor emotional health can weaken your body’s immune system, making you more likely to get colds and other infections during emotionally difficult times. Also, when you are feeling stressed, anxious, or upset, you may not take care of your health as well as you should. You may not feel like exercising, eating nutritious foods or taking medicine that your doctor prescribes. Abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs may also be a sign of poor emotional health. Improving your Mental Health First, try to recognize your emotions and understand why you are having them. Sorting out the causes of sadness, stress, and anxiety in your life can help you manage your emotional health. Express your feelings in appropriate ways. If feelings of stress, sadness, or anxiety are causing physical problems, keeping these feelings inside and bottling them up can make you feel worse. It’s OK to let your loved ones know when something is bothering you. However, keep in mind that your family
Drinking more water reduces sugar, sodium and saturated fat intake
Based on the fact that about two thirds of our bodies are comprised of water, it may seem obvious that consuming water is important for our health. But a new study finds that by increasing plain water consumption, we can control our weight and reduce intakes of sugar, sodium and saturated fat. The study, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, is led by Prof. Ruopeng An, from the University of Illinois. Though most people meet their body’s fluid requirements by drinking plain water and other beverages, we also get some fluids through certain foods, such as soup broths, celery, tomatoes and melons. To further investigate how increasing water intake can affect parameters of health, the researchers used a nationally representative sample of more than 18,300 adults in the US from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2012. The researchers asked participants to recall all foods and drinks they consumed on 2 days that were between 3-10 days apart. Prof. An then calculated the amount of plain water that each participant consumed as a percentage of daily dietary water intake from both foods and drinks. Although drinks such as black tea, herbal tea and coffee were not assessed as sources of plain water, Prof. An did include their water content in the calculations of total water consumption. On a daily basis, the participants consumed an average of about 4.2 cups of plain water, which accounts for just over 30% of their total water consumption.The average calorie intake for each participant was 2,157
calories, which included 125 calories from sugar-sweetened beverages and 432 calories from “discretionary foods” - desserts, pastries, snack mixes and other foods that are not essential. The results of the study revealed that people who increased their consumption of plain water by one to three cups daily lowered total energy intake by 68-205 calories each day and their sodium intake by 78-235 g each day.For purposes of the study, “plain water” was defined as water from a tap, cooler, drinking fountain or bottle.Further results showed that the people who increased their water consumption also consumed 5-18 g less sugar, as well as 7-21 g less cholesterol. “This finding indicates that it might be sufficient to design and deliver universalnutrition interventions and education campaigns that promote plain water consumption in replacement of beverages with calories in diverse population subgroups without profound concerns about message and strategy customization,” says Prof. An.He and his team add that these effects were similar across race, ethnicity, education attainment, income level and body weight status, however, they were larger among males than females, and among young or middleaged adults than older adults. Prof. An suggests these differences could have been linked with the higher daily calorie intakes associated with men and young or middle-aged adults. Medical News Today previously reported on a study that suggested placing water dispensers in schools lowers obesity in students. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com.
and friends may not be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately. At these times, ask someone outside the situation, such as your family doctor, a counselor, or a religious advisor, for advice and support to help you improve your emotional health. Live a balanced life. Try not to obsess about the problems at work, school, or home that lead to negative feelings. This doesn’t mean you have to pretend to be happy when you feel stressed, anxious, or upset. It’s important to deal with these negative feelings, but try to focus on the positive things in your life too. You may want to use a journal to keep track of things that make you feel happy or peaceful. Some research has shown that having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and give your health a boost. You may also need to find ways to let go of some things in your life that make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Make time for things you enjoy. Develop resilience. People with resilience are mentally tough and are able to cope with stress in a healthy way. Resilience can be learned and strengthened with different strategies. These include having social support, keeping a positive view of yourself, accepting change, and keeping things in perspective. Calm your mind and body. Relaxation methods, such as meditation, listening to music, listening to guided imagery and yoga are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. For example, you may do it by exercising, stretching, or breathing deeply. Ask your family doctor for advice about relaxation methods. Take care of yourself. To have good emotional health, it’s important to take care of your body by having a regular routine for eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, and exercising to relieve pentup tension. Avoid overeating and don’t abuse drugs or alcohol. Using drugs or alcohol just causes other problems, such as family and health problems. Paying attention to the signs of Mental Illness Mental illnesses are serious disorders which can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. There are many causes of mental disorders. Your genes and family history may play a role. Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, may also matter. Biological factors can
also be part of the cause. Mental disorders are common, but treatments are available.Mental and emotional health problems often arise when your nervous system has been compromised by overwhelming amounts of stress. The body’s natural and most efficient method of coping with stress and rebalancing the nervous systemis via face-to-face social contact with a trusted person. This is why mental and emotional health is so closely linked with social health: helping yourself involves reaching out to others. What are the symptoms of a mental illness? If a friend or loved one doesn’t seem themselves, how do you spot the difference between a bad mood and something more serious? Drinking too much, crying all the time or any other ongoing, significant change in a person’s behavior, thoughts or feelings could be telltale signs of a mental illness. Often it’s not a single change, but a combination. The following signs are not to help you diagnose a mental health issue, but instead to reassure you that there might be good reason to seek more information about your concerns. · Feeling worried or anxious · Feeling depressed or unhappy - Emotional outbursts · Problems sleeping · Weight or appetite changes · Quiet or withdrawn behavior · Substance abuse · Guilty or worthless feelings all the time · Changes in behavior, thinking and feelings In life we all face challenges from time to time and it is our reaction to these challenges that define how we are left feeling. Sometimes our reactions are based on where we are as a person at the time and we sometimes react without thinking thoroughly about the issue at hand. However, if we try to attain a calm, balanced and measured attitude we may find ourselves making less rash decisions and being in a better place mentally. Many people who suffer from a feeling of a loss of empowerment often begin to feel irrational, down and depressed. Empowerment is a process that sets a goal that is personally meaningful and begins to work toward that goal. To improve your sense of empowerment you can: Learn something new Learning is powerful and effective. When you gain new knowledge, it can help you feel prepared or inspire
you to tackle something new. It can also make you feel as though you have a fresh perspective or different skill set to retry something that may have been challenging before. If nothing else, the act of learning can leave you feeling mentally stronger and more capable. Give back It is easy to get stuck in your own world. We each get wrapped up on our own dayto-day problems and it can leave us feeling overwhelmed and sometimes powerless. When we help others, it allows us to see that we have something important to offer to the world around us. In the process of giving back, we can also empower others while helping ourselves. Take charge We often have a tendency to rely on our routines, the competency of others or even chance to get us where we are going. Although there are certainly aspects of our lives that we are not able to control that are as simple as flight delays or as complicated as illness, there are many things we can control. Those things under our control include our behavior, thoughts, and feelings. If we take the opportunity to show up in our lives with the right attitude and focus on what we bring the situation, we often find that we have more power than we thought. Set goals Knowing what you want and going after it can go along way in making you feel powerful in your own life. The first step in goal setting is to begin by thinking about what is meaningful in your life. From there, think about what you may want to achieve or do that can bring a greater sense of meaning into your life. Start with goals that you know you can attain first. This can help build confidence and a sense of mastery. From there add goals that may be more challenging and keep going. Make your own rules We all spend a lot of time worrying about what we “should” be doing. This tendency to live our lives according to the unattainable guidelines made up of absolute statements often leaves us feeling as though we are not good enough or that we have limited choices. So begin to think about how many times a day you say to yourself, “I should…” or “I have to…” and simply stop to think about whether that statement is accurate. You will likely find that there are plenty of times where you are making a choice, which gives you the chance to do something else if you want to.
Sunday July 19, 2020
Entertainment
Enetworks lines up three incredibly entertaining films for today and Wednesday
For today and Wednesday, the team at Enetworks has lined up three enthralling movies that you would not want to miss. Kaieteur Entertainment understands that for today, two of the movies that will be aired are Greyhound at 10PM and Feel the Beat at 1 PM. Then on Wednesday at 8PM, I Still Believe will be aired. For the uninitiated, Greyhound is a 2020 American war film directed by Aaron Schneider and starring Tom Hanks, who also wrote the screenplay. The film is based on the 1955 novel The Good Shepherd by C. S. Forester, and also stars Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, and Elisabeth Shue. The plot follows a US Navy Commander, a firsttime captain who leads a convoy of allied ships carrying thousands of soldiers across the treacherous waters of the “Black Pit” to the front lines of WW2. With no air cover protection for five days, the captain and his convoy must battle the surrounding enemy Nazi Uboats in order to give the allies a chance to win the war. As for Feel the Beat, it is a 2020 American family dance comedy-drama film directed by Elissa Down, written by Michael Armbruster and Shawn Ku and starring Sofia Carson, Enrico Colantoni and Wolfgang Novogratz. With respect to I Still Believe , it is 2020 American Christian musical romantic drama film directed by the Erwin Brothers and starring KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Shania Twain, Melissa Roxburgh, and Ga r y Sinise. It is based on the life of American contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter Jeremy Camp and his first wife, Melissa Lynn HenningCamp, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer shortly before they married. Camp’s song “I Still Believe” is the film’s namesake. The film is the first production by Kingdom Story Company, the Erwin Brothers’ fifth feature film, and their second to be released under the Lionsgate banner. It premiered at ArcLight Hollywood on March 7, 2020, and was theatrically released in the United States on March 13, 2020. It received mixed reviews from critics, who commended the film for depicting faith in the midst of suffering.
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The Cavicchioli wine collection: The Wine Review … A tribute to endless bliss and refinement When the elegant taste of wine and the effervescence of Champagne are married into an admirably painted bottle in Italy; the result is the classic Cavicchioli (kah-VEEkee-oh-lee) collection. This exclusive Italian brand emerged on the local market through the efforts of the multi-billion dollar conglomerate Ansa McAL. And to date, it has proven to be a true tribute to pleasure and refinement. Kaieteur Entertainment could not be more thankful for this blissful contribution to the sea of wines that exist in Guyana. INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE CAVICCHIOLI 1928 PROSECCO TASTE /FLAVOUR Made from 100% Glera grapes, this wine offers a flamboyant taste. It contains exuberant foam. It has a pleasing, gentle sweetness and finishes with a slightly sweet though dry edge. It has the perfect nectar quality to it. In short, it comes over as rich, smooth and bold. AROMA The Prosecco brings with it, gratifying hints of floral aromas along with an apricot tinge that closes off with a slight sugary note. SUITABILITY With the Prosecco being on the drier side, it makes it crisper and more food-friendly. As such, it is a superb complement to a whole meal
but it is particularly suitable for appetizers, delicate first courses and fish-based dishes. HISTORY The Cavicchioli family of Italy has been cultivating vines in the San Prospero province of Modena in the Sorbara DOC for over 100 years. The letters DOC or DOCG on an Italian wine label mean Denominazione di Origine Controllata, and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, the latter being superior to the former. They refer to government guarantees of the wines’ origins.In 1928, Umberto
Cavicchioli began bottling the wine under his family name; today, it is Umberto’s two grandsons, brothers Sandro and Claudio, who are in charge. Claudio looks after the commercial side of the family business and Sandro is the winemaker. The family’s focus on vineyard ownership, low yields and DOC production has been instrumental in establishing Cavicchioli as one of a leader in high-quality Lambrusco and Sparkling wines.For more information about this incredible wine see the company’s homepage at http:// www.cavicchioli.it/ing/cantina.php.
Waseefa Khan: From Country girl to budding entrepreneur in the Big Apple Waseefa Alliyah Khan migrated to the United States about five years ago and being the hardworking woman she is, it is no surprise that she is paving her own way in one of the most competitive cities in the world, New York, as a budding entrepreneur. She has always had a passion for beauty and fashion so her announcement to her family and friends when she ventured into the makeup business was welcomed and supported by everyone. She started her business with lipstick and eyelashes branded “Luxurious by Lilya K” The 26 - year-old mother of one is driven and focused on her goals and said it was important for her to showcase the talent and strength that Guyana produces through its people. “One of the things that motivated me to start the small business was the desire to let people know both in Guyana and abroad that beautiful things can come of this blessed country of ours and we as Guyanese can go anywhere and make a mark.” Her lipstick line comes in 12 shades and are bright, bold and beautiful while her eyelashes range from simple to dramatic to cater for every woman and any occasion. Her lipstick line is 100% handmade, organic, curtly free infused with vegan friendly aloe vera which is used to heal and moisturizer the lips while wearing. Alliyah is currently working on another collection which will be called “Jasmine” named after her daughter. That line will include eye shadow palettes, lip-gloss and lip scrubs. She has been using every
The talented Waseefa Khan and her products available avenue to promote her line impact on the lives of almost everyand has received endorsements one, this has not slowed Alliyah from beauty bloggers, influencers down since she is using the time to and a few artistes.So far, shipping build her brand even though busifor her product is available to any ness has been on a slight decline. part of the United States and She is confident and committed to Canada. Worldwide shipping will be the process of being a successful available soon. Kaieteur Entertain- businesswoman. She is currently fiment understands that the budding nalizing testing on a facial serum and businesswoman is even more moti- massacra which should be available vated and encouraged to continue for purchase soon. You can follow to grow her business for the out- her business and place your order pouring of support and positive through her social media handles on feedback from customers about the Facebook and Instagram: IG Page quality of her products. Even though @Luxurious_by_liya_k FB: page the COVID-19 pandemic has had an @Luxurious_by_liya_k
Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
Police gets support from UNICEF, other partners to improve forensic skills The University of Guyana (UG), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Blossom Inc. on Friday, July 17, 2020, launched a partnership that will see artists being trained to improve their forensic skills to assist in the investigation SERVICES
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Security Officers to work, preferably ex army, police or disciplined services.Age 2440.Contact#223-4172/6396648.
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Articulated Hauler Operator for Interior location.Applicant must be experienced.Call#6182020. One Arc-Welder. Must know to do grill work. Must able to work with limited supervision. 613-3879 Experienced Baker,Junior Baker,Bettencourt’s Diner 38 Durban Street,W/Ville.Tel #231-1368/223-1938. For person to assemble bicycle. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda One Female cleaner. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda Experienced Accounts Clerk. Must have passes in Maths & English. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda Bus Drivers.Hire Car Driver. Call #225-3234. Manager needed for restaurant & bar. Must be computer literate & business oriented. 3-5 years experience. Email:bailpi@hotmail.com HEALTH Herbal Remedies- Diabetes, Hypertension, Hyplori, Gall & Kidney Stones, Respitory illness, PCOS etc. Contact Sparman# 676-5924 TO LET
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process and facilitate access to justice. The programme is getting major support from the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The training will encompass techniques used by law enforcement for identification, apprehension or conviction purposes, is a key component of the response to violence against children in Guyana. The collaboration will focus on ensuring that there is a consistent skill set to engage with the GPF and other agencies that work on the frontlines of child protection violations. According to UNICEF Country Representative Sylvie Fouet, the “Partnerships remain critical to both preventing and responding to all forms of violence, exploitation and abuse. She noted that while Guyana has made strides to address these violations through actions at policy, institutional, community and service delivery levels, there is still significant work to be done to ensure that every child is protected and have access to transformative justice. “Particularly, for sexual abuse and related cases where children are removed from their primary caregivers,” Fouet says “there remains a need to ensure that a medium exists to aid in investigation and reporting of the cases.” Through the partnership,
UNICEF Director Slyvie Fouet
UG will play a critical role in the provision of forensic artists to the GPF, which will aid with their investigations, particularly in cases relating to children and adolescents. Expertise that can be provided by forensic artists include composite drawing will help investigators generate leads based on physical descriptions for example; image modification which is used to change and enhance a photograph in order to help an investigator and/or trial attorney; image identification is the recording of a person’s distinguishing features for future reference; crime scene sketching helps support the information shown in photographs of the scene; and demonstrative evidence when any visible, physical evidence is recorded in legal proceedings.
Ayodele Dalgety-Dean, Director of Blossom Inc. noted that the training is welcomed since there are plans to support the development of a specialized course of forensic art. She noted that Blossom Inc., the CPA, and the GPF will continue to work in tandem to support the investigation process, especially where crimes of violence are committed against children and adolescents. This work complements ongoing investments in specialized Courts for Sexual Offences and Family matters, Child Advocacy Centres, graduate and undergraduate programs in Psychology and Social Work, the Venezuelan migration response and training in the GPF, all of which are actively supported by UNICEF.
Our Frontline Worker of the Week is… From page 47 subsequently and remembers being placed at various health centres where she honed skills to be effective in the primary health care system. She explained that the job afforded her the opportunity to travel throughout Region 10, and she was privileged to work at all of the health facilities during outreaches. Over the past six years, she has been functioning as the Epidemiology Nurse at the Regional Health Office, in Linden. Her responsibilities include, accessing and analyzing trends and patterns, for both communicable and noncommunicable diseases across the Region. Indeed, this has made her especially suitable to be on the Region’s COVID-19 response team. She posited that gathering information is crucial as it equips health care providers with the requisite knowledge of diseases that are prevalent in a community, and if there is an outbreak. This essentially helps to guide a tactical response. PASSION,
NOT PAY-CHEQUE Talking about her job with palpable passion, Nurse Christian said that a nurse, could never really be adequately compensated for fulfilling such a duty. As such for her, it is really not about the pay cheque. “It was never about the job, or the money! I don’t have a love for my job, I have a love for people, and that is the reason I chose nursing,” Nurse Christian asserted. She admitted that, it is that love that has kept her going over the years. Married for 25 years to, Anthony Christian, the love of her life, Nurse Christian revealed that she loves spending quality time with her family. This has certainly not been affected by the restrictions presented due to the pandemic, she shared. “I love to cook and keep a nice home!” said the proud mother of Shaqueena Christian, a daughter who has followed in her footsteps. Her daughter recently completed training as a nurse. Questioned, if she had in anyway influenced her
daughter’s decision to become a nurse, Nurse Christian quickly quipped, “but of course! I was always talking about my job, and about the people that I was able to help nurse back to health; so maybe, without intending to, I did influence her decision, and I’m so happy about that.” She is convinced too, that she would have also influenced her husband’s daughter, Showana Christian, who also works in the health sector. For any mother, having an offspring follow in their professional footsteps is indeed one of the greatest blessings and Nurse Christian can certainly attest to this. It is testament to the close bond, which they would have developed overtime. So for not only being a mentor but also for being an outstanding health care provider, even in the face of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, we at Kaieteur News say hats off to Nurse Khadine Christian and bestow her with our ‘Frontline Worker of the Week’ title.
Sunday July 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Video surfaces of contractor’s execution
New details have emerged as a video surfaced on social media showing the execution of KP Construction’s boss, Kissoondath Premsukh. Premsukh was gunned down in the presence of his clients on Thursday last just after 17:00hrs at a construction sites located at D’Urban Street, Lodge, next door to the Morgan Learning Center. In the video that surfaced yesterday, Premsukh was seen conversing with two individuals outside the yard of a construction site when a man clad in black jeans with brown, long-sleeve shirt ran up from behind and began shooting at him. The gunman was seen fleeing up the road. The contractor was seen running into the yard where he collapsed. One of the individuals who was with the contractor, a male, was not hit but he fell to the ground. A woman plunged into a heap of sand that was close by.
Executed contractor: Kissoondath Premsukh
A few dogs that were present also tripped over each other as they scampered away. Eyewitnesses had detailed that the shooter hopped off a motorcycle and walked up to the contractor and opened fire him. The video depicted the
STANDARDS IN FOCUS
The construction site where Premsukh was executed
motorcycle riding pass the scene and waiting for Premsukh’s executioner some distance away. Kaieteur News understands that Premsukh was building a church at the location for the individuals seen conversing with him in the video. The clients are said to be
NATIONAL STANDARD PROVIDES REQUIREMENTS FOR NUTRITION LABELLING Nutrition labelling was developed in the 1970s in the wake of increased concerns about health and nutrition. It is today governed by a combination of legislation and voluntary arrangements. The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has facilitated the development of the Guyana Standard Specification of nutrition labelling (GYS 267:2007) to ensure such labels are effective in providing consumers with information about foods so that wise choices can be made. The standard was also developed to convey information on the nutrient content of foods. Importantly, this standard should ensure that nutrition labelling does not describe a product or present information that is false, misleading, deceptive or insignificant in any manner and that no nutritional claims are made without nutrition labelling. Further, the standard specifies procedures for the nutrition labelling of foods. It does not apply to foods for special dietary uses. Nutrition labeling refers to information about the nutritional content of a food product. In many countries of the world (including the European Union and the United States), it is mandatory to provide information on energy content and the content of key nutrients (like fat, saturated fat, sugar, and salt) per
100 g and/or per portion size. The National Standard divides nutrition labelling into two components - Nutrient declaration and Supplementary nutrient information. Nutrient declaration should convey an understanding of the quantity of nutrients contained in the product. For the Nutrition Facts table, which is displayed on labels, information can be expressed on the basis of a serving of stated size of the food as sold. According to the standard, this information should be based on reference amounts of food, which are standardized quantities, reflecting the amount of a food consumed at a single eating occasion. The Nutrition Fact table shall be on all labels except, alcoholic beverages with alcohol content of more than 0.5%, fresh fruit and vegetables, single ingredient meats and raw marine or fresh water products. Among the other products exempted are food packaged in the retailer’s establishment at the request of the purchaser. The standard requires that the energy value of food be expressed in calories, and on a voluntary basis in kilojoules. This applies to the amount of fat and fatty acids, carbohydrates, fibre, sugars, etc. These nutrients can be declared as a percentage of a daily value based on refer-
ences stated in the standard. The standard also provides recommended daily intake for vitamins and minerals. For foods containing zero amounts of seven or more of the energy value and nutrients in the core information, the statement “Not a significant source of (name the omitted core nutrient) shall be included in the Nutrition Facts table. Lastly, the standard specifies requirements on how the Nutrition Facts table shall be displayed on the available label space of a prepackaged product. Importantly, the Nutrition Facts table shall be located on the outer container or the retail package if the prepackaged product contains separately packaged ingredients or foods. Local manufacturers and suppliers of food products are encouraged to acquire a copy of this national standard and to implement the requirements therein to ensure nutrition labels are complete and appropriately displayed to guide consumers. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-006466. Please visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org and like our Facebook page: gnbsgy
a pastor and his wife. Persons who witnessed what transpired said that they had left the scene moments after Premsukh was picked-up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This newspaper had reached out to the pastor and his wife but they are too traumatized to speak. Police have so far managed to apprehend a suspect for the shocking killing of the contractor. Sources have told Kaieteur News that the suspect arrested is a businessman well-known to Premsukh. It was detailed that the contractor would frequent the suspect’s place to imbibe alcohol with friends. This publication had also
received information that police were able to implicate the businessman in the crime after spent shells recovered from the scene matched a licensed firearm that was in his possession. In a recent development, new details are emerging that the businessman is also a well-known boat captain from the East Coast Demerara (ECD). The information that was relayed to this media house suggests that suspect in custody might also be linked to a previous attack on the contractor’s life only last month. Premsukh was shot twice in the leg on Father’s Day while entering a supermarket at Coldingen, ECD. It is unclear whether the
businessman held had ordered or paid someone to commit the hit on Premsukh. Nevertheless, sources said that the motive behind the execution of the contractor was a triangular love affair. The suspect had reportedly warned the contractor to “back off”. Family members and friends have described the late Kissoondath Premsukh (Dave) as a hardworking individual who was the backbone of his family. They have since denied all allegations made that he was involved in a triangular love affair. The attack can be viewed on the link below: https:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=tgqDSnU8HeU&feature=youtu.be
Council orders lockdown on 21 villages... From page 15 disposal, have worked diligently to protect our communities by encouraging villages to abide by measures. However, as is the case elsewhere, there are a few selfish individuals that have greatly compromised our villages by taking advantage of the open border and using illegal border-crossings.” The council said that it is against this background that it along with the 21 communities has made the collective decision to go into a lockdown. “We have made arrange-
ments with village councils to have systems in place to facilitate the delivery of food and other essential items to all of our communities and attempted to facilitate essential travel into the Marudi mines. For the South Rupununi villages, all measures including the 6 pm to 6 am curfew will remain in place until further notice.” The council also demanded that the Government and regional authorities support its decisions and measures to protect its people from the spread of the deadly virus.
It is being reported also that the students and teachers are among those quarantined in Sand Creek, Region 9, as part of the contact tracing precautions. The news from Region 9 would come as government announced a relaxation to the curfew on the coastlands, with the time being pushed from 6pm to 8pm to 6am for the curfew. The curfew has been lifted for Berbice between Monday and Friday, but in force during the weekends. Region 9 is the biggest region in Guyana.
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Kaieteur News
Investigations reveal ‘Bobcat’ CONSUMER CONCERNS caused deadly Banks DIH Oil Revenues Invested in Social warehouse collapse Spending but more so in Industries Generating Wealth and Jobs The collapsed building that resulted in the death of the two workers
Investigations have revealed that a ‘Bobcat’ machine had accidently caused the collapse of a Banks DIH building that killed two construction workers on July 8. The fatal incident took place around 13:00hrs that day during a demolition exercise at the warehouse located at Ruimveldt Industrial Site, Georgetown. It was reported that the building had collapsed without warning on employees of a construction company called Home Designs. Three of the employees had escaped with minor injuries while two died. One of the workers, identified as Jagmohan Bissessar, 61, of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), succumbed to his injuries hours after the incident occurred. His colleague, Anthony Lowe, 25, died eight days later while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Officials had promised that an investigation would have been launched to determine what caused the sudden fall of the
Dead: Anthony Lowe building. Kaieteur News learnt that the boom of a ‘Bobcat’ machine accidently hit the main pillar of the structure causing it come down all at once. It was detailed that the Bobcat was at the time being used to remove debris from under the building. The workers killed and those injured were having lunch when the partly demolished structure fell on them.
By Pat Dial Some time ago, this column had carried the position of the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) on the use and protection of the country’s prospective oil revenues. Over the last several months, the country and the information media were completely distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the weird political entanglements which had enmeshed the country. Foreigners wrote and spoke more about Guyana as an oil country than Guyanese themselves. The GCA felt it was timely to place oil again into the consciousness of Guyanese people. We should begin by reminding that there are several templates of how to treat oil revenues, as for example, the Norway model or the Sovereign Wealth Fund. The Sovereign Wealth Fund seems to have caught the attention of the financial authorities of the state. Very few persons are, however, informed about the how the fund would operate and the population must be fully and constantly informed as to how any model that is adopted operates. Below, we
Another billion cubic feet of toxic gases will pollute the atmosphere... From page 3 issues that led to the burning of the gas, the conservationist expressed hope that the manufacturer would be held liable for providing a defective piece of equipment to ExxonMobil, which has wreaked environmental havoc on Guyana. She said, “…If this is indeed the case, because we have no presence offshore to confirm if it is so or not, then I am assuming that there should be some liabilities. I would like this to be looked into…I would shudder to think this could happen with another piece of similarly important piece of equipment…,” the concerned conservationist noted. Another Guyanese who is passionate and resolute in her position on protecting the environment from the potential dangers of ExxonMobil’s operations is international lawyer, Melinda Janki. She told Kaieteur News that it is vital for all Guyanese to be aware that the burning of gas releases toxic chemicals that can harm one’s health and the environment. And as far as she is aware, ExxonMobil’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Liza Phase One Project makes no mention of the car-
cinogenic impacts of the toxins released by flaring. With this in mind, she said all Guyanese should ask how the EPA can permit ExxonMobil to emit those significant levels of carcinogenic toxins into the atmosphere. For the safety of Guyana’s environment, Janki said that the EPA must cease making and accepting excuses from ExxonMobil and shut down the operation until it can be put under control. The lawyer said that the health and well-being of Guyana’s people and environment are more important than ExxonMobil’s desire for profit.During an interview with Dr. Adams, he explained that the harsh reality for the EPA, the guardian of Guyana’s environment, is that it can do nothing at this point since the loopholes in the permit granted to the company, allows it to flare. According to the permit, ExxonMobil can burn gas during the start-up period or for emergency purposes. Much to Guyana’s misfortune, there is no cap on how long the start-up period should last. The permit is also silent on what action should be taken if mechanical issues prolong the burning of gas during the start-up.
Until the language is tightened in the permit, the only thing the protector of Guyana’s environment can do at this point, is sit back, watch the air be polluted with hundreds of toxic chemicals, and perhaps hope that the flaring would indeed come to an end by mid-August. In light of the COVID-19 restrictions on travel and the measures in place to protect offshore operations, there are no guarantees that the flaring would be over with by next month. TOXIC EFFECTS In the extensive research that Kaieteur News conducted, it was found that the burning of gas is extremely damaging to the environment. According to a special study conducted by the World Bank, flaring releases gases that are not only harmful to one’s health but also disastrous to the climate. The report notes that flaring releases more than 250 toxins including cancer causing agents such as benzopyrene, benzene, carbon disulphide (CS2), carbonyl sulphide (COS), and toluene. It also releases metals such as mercury, arsenic, and chromium and nitrogen oxides. Another study that was conducted by the Suez Uni-
versity in Egypt agrees with the findings of the World Bank Group while adding that flaring is a significant contributor of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. When released into the atmosphere, these gases trap heat to a significant degree. The University’s Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering was keen to note that flaring is also considered to be extremely harmful to the environment since it releases methane which has about 25 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide. Other pollutants such as sulfur oxides and volatile organic components (VOC) are also released from flaring. These are considered major causes of acid rain and fog, which harm the natural environment and human life. Taking these and other harmful environmental effects into consideration, nations such as Guyana are urged to limit and/or prohibit flaring. (SEE LINKS FOR STUDIES: http://large.stanford.edu/ courses/2016/ph240/miller1/ docs/emam.pdf; AND http:// documents1.worldbank.org/ c u r a t e d / e n / 193801468779650307/pdf/ 295520Flared0G 1on0Strategy01public1.pdf)
give a short synopsis of the way we think the oil revenues should be deployed. Our allotted space is too limited to encapsulate our full position: (1) The population of Guyana does not wish any political party to control the oil revenues. We are therefore suggesting the establishment of an oil corporation, which should be as independent as possible. Its directorate would consist of representatives of the Parliamentary political parties, the private sector, labour, representatives of NGOs and any distinguished Guyanese representatives who may be employed in the oil industry abroad. (2) The staff of the corporation should be world class and should be recruited not only from Guyana and the Caribbean but internationally. Our international friends, including India or China or even Russia, could be invited to give some “technical” advice. It may be important to have competent Guyanese understudy with every important post. (3) One-third of the oil revenues should be allocated to be spent on the immediate well-being of the population on things including increases in pensions and salaries; health and education; tending the old and disabled and in other critical areas. The salaries of the public service should be increased to the extent that the service could attract entrants of the highest calibre who will be making a career in the service. Such a public service would be free of political pressures and undue influence and would resemble that of colonial Guiana. (4) The other two-thirds of the oil revenues should be committed to investments in wealth generating industries. Such industries would ensure Guyana’s place in the First World since the economy would be strong and resilient and providing full employment. Such industrial development would be accompanied with quick infrastructural development. The present agricultural, mining and forest industries should be addressed immediately. Sugar and rice, with adequate financial investment and creative management, could bounce back into the economic backbone of the country. So would other subsidiary crops such as fish farming and fishing, fruit and flower farming as well as
ground provisions and bananas and honey. With adequate investment and creative management, Guyana would be very competitive in the world market and could take immediate advantage of the US$6B Caribbean market. In time, other new industries would be ventured into, some of these related to the oil industry. The infrastructural development would not only be confined to roads, bridges and a railway running into the interior but would include hydro, solar and wind power. (5) To accommodate the financing of the modernization of the present industries and the establishment of new ones and in particular to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs, a Development Bank should be established. (6) As Guyana enters into the new era of social and economic change, the environment must be carefully monitored. In addition to the present environmental issues, which are being addressed, oil has to be considered in its own right. Such would involve oil spills, onshore operations of the industry and the preservation of fish and shrimp stocks and other marine life. (7) Immigration and settlement has always been a concomitant problem of every oil-producing country and each has addressed it differently. The Immigration and Citizenship Laws of the country should be immediately revised to include such elements as every prospective immigrant should be able to speak and write English; should have some knowledge of the history of Guyana; should be bringing some skills or capital investment needed in the country. As in early America, the ancestral countries of the Guyanese population should be granted a quota according to their present percentages of the population. One of the main objectives of the immigration policy is to build an integrated society from the inception and to preserve and have a continuum of the culture and way of life of the Guyanese people and avoid them being overwhelmed by the new immigrants. (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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‘Emergency’ Mahaicony sea defence project moving at snail’s pace
On-site equipment set out by BK By Mikaila Prince lose to a month af ter the award of the $352M sea defence project to Brian Tiwari’s BK International Incorporated for what was touted as “urgent flood protection works”, no significant movement has been made on the 500 meters of breached sea defence between Dantzig and Content in Mahaicony, Region Five. In October of 2019, powerful high tides had devastated parts of coastal Guyana, with thousands of families living near the shoreline struggling to keep their belongings, livestock and farmlands from being damaged by saltwater that had breached the coastland. At the time, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) had ramped up works with contractors along certain points at the Mahaicony foreshore and spent close to $1B spent to seal the breaches. Initially, the contract to repair to severe sea defense damages was awarded to A&S General Contractors, but was later transferred to BK International Inc., following poor works executed by A&S. When this current contract was awarded on June 24, it had raised and continues to raise questions about transparency of government spending in general, and specifically the awarding out of contracts during a very contentious period. To compound issues, public accountability advocates have argued that the governing coalition lacks the authority in itself to approve of multimillion dollar contracts like this and others, owing to the fact that Cabinet is required to give the green light for any contract worth in excess of $15M; Cabinet was nullified with the dissolution of Parliament in December of 2019 and that status quo remains until
C
a final declaration of the March 2, General and Regional Elections is announced, a President is sworn, and a new Cabinet is selected. Despite being the highest bidder for the project by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) BK International was awarded a contract to the tune of $352M, some $74M more than its already relative high bid offer. BK International was one of the three companies who bid to secure the contract, the other two companies being MB Construction who bid $235,744,500 and Colin Talbot Contracting Services who submitted a bid of $247,599,600, while the engineer’s estimate was $184,521,000. BK’s bid was $278,876,300 – some $31M over the next highest bid and more than $90M over the engineer’s estimate. BK and the MoPI had defended this $74M increase, stating that an additional 150 meters were added to the original project, which took the scope of works to 500 meters. A visit to the site This publication yesterday paid a visit to the stretch of sea defence, close to two miles inward from the Dantzig main road. The journey to the site was one made under a scorching sun, along an uneven and slushy mud road bordered on each side by acres of flooded rice fields. Upon arriving at the site, after about 45 minutes of trekking, Kaieteur News came upon a work site, but one in which not much work seems to have been done on what was touted to be an emergency repair. On the 500m of threatened sea defense, two clear breaches were apparent — these were estimated to be
about 100ft in total. With no mangroves on the shore to protect the lands from being overtaken, salt water from the sea gushed onto the lands with little force, despite boulders lined off to prevent this. A worker on site spoke to Kaieteur News on the condition of anonymity. He noted that the powerful ocean waves had caused so much damage to the sea defence infrastructure, that a decision was recently undertaken to reinforce the foundation of the damaged area. The worker explained that excavators were tasked with digging up the muddy soil, filling the gap with boulders, stacking those boulders with the soil which was initially removed, following which they would compact the rebuilt foundation. This reinforcement, the worker said, would be completed a few times until they were satisfied with the works. Notably, during Kaieteur News visit yesterday, it was discovered that the first stage of that task of reinforcement had barely begun. When asked on the specifics of the project such as costs, the worker told this publication that he knew nothing about the contract details. He noted however, that it would take close to two years to complete the project—a task he considered to be a very “tough” one. Request to view contract Despite a series of requests via emails and phone calls to the MoPI, the ministry has refused to share with Kaieteur News the contract signed between them and BK International Inc. Yesterday, this publication made several attempts to contact Tiwari himself. On the first attempt, Kaieteur News had gotten onto the CEO, but that conversation was quickly disconnected after the reporter had identified herself and the media house she represented. Further phone calls were subsequently made to Tiwari, all of which went answered. A text message was also sent out to his personal number, but up to press time no response was provided.
Sections of the breached sea defense
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Nat Squash Queen Ashley Khalil also played Badminton... From page 58 and leadership skills. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female,” added Ashley. “When I’m not playing squash, I help manage my family business A.R.K. Enterprise. I am a certified Level Two Squash Coach and also enjoy spending quality time with my family, cooking, going out of town and travelling,” said Ashley. Ashley says she is not interested in playing professional squash because she does not feel that thereward equals or surpasses the amount of e n e rg y, t i m e , r i s k a n d commitment she would have to put into becoming a professional, especially
with squash still not yet being an Olympic Sport. “My family is my support system and a crucial part of my life, I cannot fathom the thought of having to be away from them for long periods of time,” informed Ashley. “I am presently living in Guyana and like everywhere else in the world, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on all sporting events. To u r n a m e n t s are cancelled and there is no indication as to when they will resume. I have not been on a squash court in about four months. I am trying to stay in shape at home with some basic
workouts and drills,” said the Squash Champion. “I will forever be thankful for my family who never miss an opportunity to come out and support and watch me compete, while Robert Fernandes was one of the first people that showed me techniques and the basics of squash. My main coach, my Dad, spent countless hours playing with me against our wall at home and taking me to the courts to put in some much needed practice. My brother, who I do most of my training with and the main reason for my improvements and keeping my game on form; Finally, Coach Carl Ince for running
Sunday July 19, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may be feeling a bit reserved today, Aries, especially when it comes to issues involving love and romance. Follow your instincts and know that your hesitation isn't unfounded.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your romantic, sensitive nature comes alive today, and you may find yourself searching for the security of a close lover. You're apt to be pickier than usual - not just anyone will do anymore.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Reclaim control of things that might be holding you back now, Taurus. You may find that there's an element of restriction to the day that's keeping you from getting where you want to be.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Tension in your romantic life is apt to well up today, Scorpio. More than likely, there are certain responsibilities that you feel you have to attend to that take you away from your intimate experience with another.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Be selective when it comes to expressing your passion today. Remember that less is more. You don't have to use a tremendous number of bells and whistles in order to get your point across.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You could be feeling the pressure of time now. At this point in your life you may be more aware than ever of your limited time left on this planet.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) In general, your spirit is upbeat, freedom loving, and adventurous. Today, however, you might find that it's a bit more intense and possibly somber, especially when it comes to romantic issues. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's important for you not to overanalyze every little detail of your situation now, Leo, especially when it comes to love and romance issues. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) When it comes to love and romance, you may find yourself in a bit of a pickle, Virgo. There's a request for greater commitment now.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Situations regarding love and romance are likely to get much heavier and more intense now. Are you ready to make a deeper commitment to the one you love? AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The love and romance department should be going pretty well for you now, Aquarius. This is the time to probe more deeply into your current affair with that person who catches your eye. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your incredible passion and creativity are taking center stage, Pisces. It's also quite possible that there's a great restlessness within you egging you on to take things to the next level.
the National Te a m training,” Ashley stated. She is hopeful that squash would be admitted to the Olympics during her career as a squash player. “Unless it is accepted for the 2024 Olympics, I would not get the chance to attend or participate. If I had one wish, it would be to represent Guyana at the Olympics. I will always be grateful for sports, squash in particular, because I got opportunities to compete in some of the most beautiful countries with top-class facilities,” Ashley concluded.
Pan Am youth games... From page 63 Junior Continental Championships when they were due to take place in 2020 was that “all players shall be under 21 years of age as of 31 December 2019; that is all players shall be born on or after 1 January 1999”. This age limit remains in place for the Junior Continental Championships, even if the competitions are held before and no later than May 2021, when some players could therefore be 22 years of age. This is only the case for these reorganised Junior Continental Championships.
Ashley & her brother Jason-Ray made local history when they won the female & male Open respectively in 2019 KFC Nat Snr Squash Championship.
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Nat Squash Queen Ashley Khalil also played Badminton for Guyana By Sean Devers The Multi-talented 27year-old Ashley Khalil holds two unique records in Guyana in the Sports of Squash and Badminton. In 2007 the talented Ashley made her Guyana Senior Squash team debut at 14. At that time Ashley, whose first sport was Badminton, was the U-15, U17 and U-19 National Champion in both Squash and Badminton. This was the first time this had ever been achieved in Guyana’s history. That same year she also won Silver and Bronze Medals at the Junior Pan-Am U-19 Squash tournament, was the Caribbean U-15 Champion, got a Silver Medal at Senior Nationals, and gained a Silver Medal at the Caribbean Junior Badminton Championships. So dominant was her performances in both Sports that she received the 2007 Junior Sportswoman of the Year. Her other unique achievement took place last year in the KFC Senior National tournament. But she got some assistance from her younger brother Jason-Ray as they became the first pair of brother and sister to ever be crowned National Squash Champions in the Men’s Open and Women’s Open respectively. Some of other her greatest achievements in her squash career includes representing Guyana at the Commonwealth Games in
India (Open Multi-Sport Games) at just seventeen years old. Winnings 3 Caribbean Junior Titles, 1 Silver and 4 Bronze Medals at Junior Pan-Am, 2 Women’s National Championships, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals at Senior Caribbean Championships, 2 Bronze Medals at the South American Games and 5 Bronze Medals at CAC Games. However, Ashley has stopped playing badminton competitively because she claims there were always obstacles interjected by the Guyana Badminton Association to protect their own players and cause confusion when she tried to partake in their competitions. She feels she is still good enough to compete against any badminton player and hope to one day be able to represent her country again. In one of her biggest Squash tournaments, Ashley, a part of three-women Guyana team which included Mary Fung-a-Fat and Taylor Fernandes, lost her debut game at the 18th Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, to Chilean number one seed Giselle Delgado. Ashley was born on March 15, 1993 in Georgetown, Guyana to Raymond and Amanda Khalil and is the middle sibling of their three children. Ashley grew up with her parents, her older sister Krystal-Lisa and a younger brother Jason-Ray and spent her entire life in
Meadowbrook Gardens. The right-handed Ashley attended Marian Academy from Prep A to Fifth Form before going to School of the Nations for two years of Sixth Form. Her childhood was filled with various sporting activities and was an enjoyable time of her life. “We have a sizeable yard, which is all concrete, and this allowed us to play various types of sports. My childhood was extremely enjoyable, with many happy memories, numerous birthday parties, countless cricket matches, running and cycling races, swinging, sea-sawing and sliding head first into any sport that we could think of. With all this going on, I couldn’t help always having a bruised knee, scratched elbow or stumped toe but thankfully, no broken bones,” remembered Ashley. “Ever since I was young, my brother and I would have numerous sibling rivalries with everything we did. Whether it was racing, playing cricket, or cycling in the yard, it was always highly competitive. But the true rivalry came when we started to play badminton and squash and neither of us wanted to lose to the other. Being the older sibling, it was only right that I won - at least that’s how it was in the beginning,” Ashley
Coach Ramom Chan-a-Sue (left) and GSA Head David Fernandes with Taylor Fernandes, Ashley and Mary Fung-a-Fat at the Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru last year.
Ashley Khalil plays a back hand shot.
continued. Unlike many Public Schools, most Private Schools place a lot of emphasis on both Sports and Academics. “I am forever grateful for the well-rounded environment which Marian Academy provided during my school life. They not only encouraged academics but also extracurricular activities. As a result, I was able to excel in badminton, athletics and volleyball. I also participated in tennis and basketball,” Ashley disclosed. Ashley started playing squash at a very young age and explained how she developed an interest in Squash. “In the beginning before stepping foot into Georgetown Club, I knew nothing about the sport. By being around people and o b s e r v i n g t h e m p l a y, I eventually grasped the concept, had fun learning and made some lasting friendships. I was able to compete and excel in squash because of my badminton background. I really enjoy playing badminton, it is the fastest racquet sport and it teaches you to quicken your reflexes. It started off as a family sport for me, as my Dad played competitively and still does so for recreational and fitness purposes,” added Ashley whose favourite dish is Macaroni and cheese. “My siblings and I quickly fell into also playing. I don’t remember the first match I played, but I definitely remember the first one that I lost. I cried my heart out as though it was the end of the world,” Ashley, who has two dogs; Trixie and Kola.
Ashley who is a volunteer with an animal organization, ‘Paws for A Cause – Guyana’ which aims to minimize cruelty to animals and help educate people on ways to control the pet population, first represented Guyana at the Junior Level in squash from the age of 12 and was the Winner of the Consolation D r a w i n t h a t Ye a r ’s Caribbean Championships in 2005 and at Junior level for her Country until 2011 when she reached the age limit. “My most memorable Junior tournament would be winning my first Caribbean Championship in Tortola 2007 (Girls Under 15). Having my family and friends there to support and celebrate my victory with me made it very special. My most memorable Senior tournament would be 2019 Senior Nationals. Even though it was my second time winning the Ladies Open it was extremely special for me because I got to share that victory with my baby brother who won the Men’s Open Category. We made local history that day,” stated the local Squash Queen. “To describe my style of play I would say, I mix explosive drives with deft drops and I rely on my volleying skills and shot selections. My main goal is to try and dominate my opponent and taking full advantage of their mistakes,” explained the young woman. “The most challenging aspect of playing squash is that it requires a high level o f f i t n e s s , s t r a t e g y, dedication, commitment to training and mental t o u g hness. Those challenges make the sport
more enjoyable and encourages me to strive for better,” revealed Ashley. She said there are no disappointments in her Squash career. “The only set back is that squash is not recognized as an Olympic Sport and it would be my dream to represent my country on such a grand scale,” disclosed Ashley. She noted that compared to the other Caribbean counties, the standard of squash in Guyana is relatively high and competitive. “But compared to the rest of the world, we are only satisfactory. We have a very good Junior Programme and it shows in our Results at Caribbean Championships and other Regional Tournaments over the years. As anything in life, there is always room for improvement and I believe that we can improve the level of squash in Guyana by holding more local tournaments for both Juniors and Seniors and exposing promising players to more Regional and International Tournaments.” Ashley says Squash is not a very popular sport in Guyana, especially outside of Georgetown because there are limited amounts of functional courts and also only a few people fully understand the sport. “As with most competitive sports there is a stigma associated with girls being involved. We must change those stereotypes and break those barriers down and encourage our girls to get involved as we try to raise the bar and create more elite women athletes. Sport teaches people to be strong, confident and resilient and it also helps them develop communication (Continued on page 57)
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The Guyana Committee of Services celebrates another anniversary A
s the common people of Guyana and the world face uncertainties and continuous challenges, their problems are likely to multiply and timely responses will be required. To d a y t h e challenge is Covid-19 and we can be assured that other threats await on the horizon. The Guyana Committee of Services is a responder; an organization born out of the need by ordinary folks for solutions and hope in times of distress. The Committee is a not-for-profit apolitical organization that engages in humanitarian gestures, particularly in situations in which people in sports and culture are adversely affected by the vicissitudes of life. Our Committee offers timely material assistance to alleviate and in some cases eliminate anxieties associated with sudden misfortune in the lives of individuals who are often overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control. The Guyana Committee of Services strives to complement efforts of staterun and non-governmental units to provide hope and relief to victims on the downside of the scale of triumphs and disaster. We strive to find solutions to extraordinarily stressful situations faced by ordinary folks and we provide assistance to bring relief and also to ward off predictable Alisha Fortune
Joey Ramkumar
Linden ‘Jumbie’ Jones
unpleasant situations. The Guyana Committee of Services was initially drawn to the task of helping others when the predicament of a local Boxing Champion, Mr. Clive Atwell, moved us to raise funds for his medical treatment overseas in 2016. That was the catalyst for the formation and gelling of the Committee. On October 25, 2015 Clive Atwell was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital where he was diagnosed with a brain hemorrhage. The only neurologist in Guyana at the time had advised that the Champ needed emergency lifesaving surgery which was conducted at Woodlands with apparent success; but a second surgery was necessary within six months to assure his full recovery. Clive Atwell tried unsuccessfully to singlehandedly raise funds for the second surgery after receiving an estimate of Five
Million Guyana Dollars from a hospital in Trinidad and Tobago. The break came on June 9, 2016 when Sports Wr i t e r S e a n D e v e r s published an article in the Kaieteur News captioned “Clive Atwell in biggest fight of his life” which publicized the boxer ’s plight. That article prompted one Georgetown businessman to call to action several persons for a worthy cause. An ad hoc committee was pulled together by the proprietor of Payless Variety Stores, Joseph Ramkumar, to solicit funds for Atwell’s second surgery. Joseph Ramkumar is a man for all seasons. He had read Devers’ article and was so moved by the Champ’s dilemma that he invited a group of individuals to discuss the problem and find a solution. Among that initial group were entertainment and sports personalities, including Comedians Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones, Rajan Tiwari and Odessa Primus and Calypsonian Young Bill Rogers; sports and media workers including athletics trainer Leslie Blacks, News Editor Eugene Noel and Sports Writer; and perhaps to ensure proper accountability for the funds to be raised, Bank Manager Carlos Prowell and Accountant Harry Parmessar were drafted. The group met regularly at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion to plan and execute fund-raising initiatives to realise the second surgery. The treatment Mr. Atwell needed was not readily available in Guyana. The ad hoc group was successful, with the help of Director of Yo u t h & S p o r t M r . Christopher Jones, in raising funds to send Mr. Atwell to
Rajan Tiwari New York for treatment, accompanied by Mrs. Atwell, Rajan Tiwari and Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones; and while in the Big Apple they were fortunate to connect with Lady Ira Lewis of the Guyana/America Heritage Foundation in New Jersey through which invaluable assistance was provided to complete the task of securing the costly medical treatment for Mr. Atwell. Prior to Mr. Atwell’s return to Guyana, the ad hoc group was tremendously inspired by our initial success. We continued to function as a unit with the goal of providing help in other similar situations, until eventually, on 15thJuly, 2016, the original group met at the Bourda pavilion and decided to officially give birth to the Guyana Committee of Services. The Committee continues to raise funds to carry out our mission. We have had the good fortune to have several reputable businesses as our founding benefactors; among them Payless Variety Stores located in Georgetown, Vreed-en-Hoop and New Amsterdam; Star Party Rentals, Reggie Baichan of Reggie’s Wholesale Store and Mark Kazim (Chineeman).
Clive Atwell The Committee often organises fund-raising programmes with a view to creating its own fund, to at the least, supplement the reliable contributions of our benefactors. It is our hope that the Guyana Committee of Services will emerge as one of the ‘go to’ units for people involved in sports and culture, a release from the organisation informed. No office bearer of the Guyana Committee of Services derives benefit from the proceeds of our fund-raising endeavours. During 2016, the Committee provided a small financial reward to athletes and coaches who were successful at the Carifta Games, while the mothers of four athletes were each acknowledged with a gift on M o t h e r ’s D a y. T h e Committee also made a donation to the Linden Track Club.
In 2017, the Committee provided ‘out-of-pocket’ allowances to all athletes who participated in the Carifta Games and this was repeated in 2018. The Committee in 2018 provided ‘out-of-pocket’ allowances for athletes who participated in the Commonwealth Games in Australia; sponsorship for the Allian Pompey 3rd International Meet at Leonora; and sponsorship for a Musical Workshop for aspiring entertainers and DJs in Bartica. The Committee has made numerous other donations and interventions during the four years of its existence. We are happy doing what we do and we want to do more. We extend an invitation to volunteers to join us to help us help others; and please visit the Guyana Committee of Services on Facebook.
People need to just think a bit Holding slams ECB, Archer over... From page 63 making his way to the venue. The pacer was forced to miss the Test as he had to selfquarantine and has since been fined by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) ahead of the possibility of playing in the third Test should he test negative for COVID-19. “Talking about sacrifices - Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in a little cell and he did nothing wrong - that is a sacrifice,” said Holding.
Holding did not have kind words for the ECB either, suggesting they hadn’t thought all the protocols for the series out well enough. “Why aren’t the England team travelling on a bus? If they have already passed the COVID test and everyone is together, they have six matches and are moving from one venue to another, why aren’t they just all on a bus?” Holding questioned. “Why are they allowed to travel by car? People need to just think a bit,” said Holding.
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Black Lives Matter - South Africa’s cricket elite shows united face in moving Centurion tribute
Janneman Malan takes a knee on the pitch prior to the start of the 3TC game. (AFP via Getty Images) ESPNcricinfo - After days of discussion around the Black Lives Matter issue, South Africa’s elite cricketers showed a united face against racism by taking a knee at Centurion’s SuperSport Park ahead of the 3TC match yesterday. All 24 participating players, support staffers, CSA officials including Graeme Smith, the director of cricket, and members of the SuperSport commentary team - Makhaya Ntini among them - joined in as South Africa staged its first live cricket match in four months. The gesture, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, came after a fortnight that showed up the faultlines in South African cricket. On the eve of the match, Smith, Faf du Plessis and Dwaine Pretorius confirmed that they would take the knee, and joined three
other white South African cricketers - Anrich Nortje, Rassie van der Dussen and Marizanne Kapp - in supporting Lungi Ngidi’s call for players to join the rest of the world in making a stand against racial discrimination. With no spectators allowed at the ground, television coverage showed the players standing in a halfcircle facing the vacant presidential suite at SuperSport Park to sing South Africa’s national anthem Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. The players then took their positions on the field, with Temba Bavuma’s Kites bowling first, to Reeza Hendricks’ Kingfishers. As the umpires called time, with the words “we are ready”, the Kites players - batsmen Janneman Malan and Hendricks - and the umpires took a knee on the field. The
rest of the teams an d everyone else involved stood around the outside of the boundary and did the same, their right fists raised in solidarity. Cameras panned to Smith, who was flanked by former Springbok World Cupwinning captain Francois Pienaar and former South Africa quick Ntini, who had made headlines this week as he recalled instances of racial discrimination during his time as an international. In an interview on television on Friday morning, Ntini revealed how he used to run from the ground to the team hotel to escape the “loneliness” of sitting on the team bus, where he said the rest of the squad would move to the back if he was in front and vice-versa. On the day, on the live broadcast, Ntini and Smith
Andile Phehlukwayo and Lungi Ngidi take a knee before the start of the 3TC match. (AFP via Getty Images) discussed the gestures at the start of the game. Smith told Ntini he could “feel the emotion coming from you”. Ntini replied: “that’s why we stand together.” “A very important message is being put out today,” Smith said on air, and Ntini agreed, calling it “one of our greatest moments”, while also echoing the call for unity. “Everyone can see that, as South Africans, we all stand up and plough the same furrow together. We stand together,” Ntini said. “The more we do this the more change will happen. Here’s Lungi. He was the first one to voice it, and everyone [who has since supported BLM] stood by him.” Ngidi’s stance on BLM prompted reactions from both sides with four former players - Rudi Steyn, Pay Symcox, Brian McMillan and Boeta
Dippenaar - criticising the youngster for not showing equal solidarity for the fight against the murder of predominantly white farmers in the country. The quartet drew the ire of 31 former players including Vernon Philander, Ashwell Prince, Ntini, JP Duminy and Herschelle Gibbs, and five current coaches including Geoffrey Toyana and Wandile Gwazu who were in charge of Eagles and Kites respectively at the 3TC. The group collectively issued a statement in support of Ngidi and called for CSA and cricketers to support the BLM movement. Hashim Amla, who wasn’t in the list of signatories to that letter, made public his own thoughts on the m a t t e r t h e n e x t d a y, thanking Ngidi and others who had “stood up for just causes in their own way”. On
air, Smith said, “There’s no need for Ngidi to be attacked at all. I think he’s handled himself extremely well.” After the letter from the 36 players and coaches - all of colour - CSA issued a second statement supporting the BLM movement but it was not until Friday that more plans around how it would show that support were revealed when Smith, du Plessis and Pretorius said they would take a knee. Before, during, and after the game, the players and commentators, as well as CSA officials, wore armbands with ‘Black Lives Matter’ emblazoned on them. Andile Phehlukwayo, who was playing for the Eagles, also wore a ‘Black Lives Matter’ tshirt under his team shirt, and showed it off when he dismissed Heinrich Klaasen in the final innings of the match.
Dominant Walcott wins five including $40 000 feature EDMONTON, Canada, CMC – Barbadian jockey Rico Walcott rekindled memories of his dominant Northland Park days when he snatched five races, including the feature CAN$40 000 Red Tail Landing Handicap, on the nine-race card at Century Mile here Friday. The 29-year-old, injured last month in a racing incident here, snatched victories in race three with favourite Raiden, in race four with another favourite Sensame before also taking race five with punters choice Penny a Point. Walcott then paired with favourite Sunburst to win the Red Tail in race eight before also capturing the day’s final event aboard 4-1 chance Bear Fabulous Son. A multiple times champion at the now defunct Northlands also here in Edmonton, Walcott’s latest success propelled him to 14
wins from 42 rides for the new season, five clear of Rigo Sarmiento with Barbadian Antonio Whitehall third on eight wins from 46 outings. In his first full season at Century Mile after a brain operation led to a truncated c a m p a i g n l a s t y e a r, Walcott’s season began in less than stellar fashion when a starting gate incident on the opening day left him sidelined. With Friday’s fireworks, however, Walcott showed little effects from that accident, installing himself as the favourite to win his maiden Century title. He opened his account over a mile when he carried the five-year-old chestnut gelding Raiden to a handsome 2-½ length victory over the three-year-olds and upward. Walcott pressed the pace from along the rails as Awesome Hit and Small Town Dude duelled for the lead
Barbadian rider Rico Walcott.
through the first quarter run in 24.74 seconds. Raiden burst to the front at the five-sixteenth pole with Barley Boy in pursuit but drew off handily in the lane to reach the wire comfortably.
Walcott doubled his tally in a six furlong sprint when he made all the running aboard the four-year-old dark bay filly Sesame, to crush the three-year-old and upward fillies and mares by six
lengths. And this third straight win came in a 6-½ furlong event also for the three-yearold and upward fillies and mares when he brought the five-year-old chestnut mare
Penny a Point with a flying late run to win by a length. Fit For Royalty, with Whitehall in the saddle, posted the early splits before Walcott came from off the pace with Penny a Point to collar his rivals. A gate-to-wire effort then handed Walcott his fourth taste of victory as he guided four-year-old chestnut filly Sunburst to a dominant 1-½ length win over the threeyear-olds and upward fillies and mares in the feature race. Walcott kept Sunburst in check through the early stages before making his move at the quarter pole and holding off Broadway Bonnie to reach the wire first. The experienced reinsman capped off a superb day in the saddle when he brought the 10-year-old roan gelding Bear Fabulous Son with a sharp late run to beat the three-year-olds and upward by a nose over a mile.
Sunday July 19, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Hamilton takes record 90th career pole in Hungary (Reuters) - Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton celebrated a recordextending and “surreal” 90th career pole position yesterday after a dominant Mercedes one-two in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying. Championship-leading team mate Valtteri Bottas will start alongside the Briton today, with the Mercedespowered Racing Point cars of Canadian Lance Stroll and Mexican Sergio Perez third and fourth. Hamilton is favourite to triumph for the eighth time at the Hungaroring and equal a record for most wins at the same grand prix held by retired Ferrari great Michael Schumacher, who won eight times in France. The pole was his seventh in Hungary, equalling Schumacher’s record for that race, and his Mercedes again looked to be in a class of its own after the team won the opening two rounds in Austria. “Hungary’s always been a good hunting ground for me but also I’m aware that qualifying isn’t everything here,” said Hamilton, who lapped with a track record time of one minute 13.447 seconds, 0.107 faster than Bottas. The six-times world
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during qualifying for the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix at the Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary. (REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/Pool)
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after qualifying in pole position. (Mark Thompson/Pool via REUTERS) champion said he had not realised immediately the significance of a pole that leaves him 22 ahead of Schumacher, the next best qualifier in the history of the sport. “It feels very, very surreal...it doesn’t seem real to have 90 poles,” declared the 35-year-old, who also has
25 more than his Brazilian boyhood idol Ayrton Senna managed in his F1 career. Bottas hailed Hamilton for another great job but hoped to reverse the positions today. “It’s going to be a bit of a drag race into Turn One between us tomorrow, so I look forward to that; the first lap will definitely be
interesting,” he said. Perez was quicker than Stroll in final practice but the Canadian got the lap that mattered and looked forward to a strong race in the ‘pink Mercedes’, a controversial car very similar to last year’s titlewinning Mercedes and under protest by Renault. The Ferraris followed the two-by-two team trend, with Sebastian Vettel lining up fifth and Charles Leclerc qualifying sixth — a positive after a tough afternoon in
Austria last weekend where they collided in the Styrian Grand Prix. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, on pole last year, could only qualify seventh and ahead of the McLaren pair of Lando Norris — third in the championship — and Carlos Sainz. “I hope this is going to be our worst weekend,” said Verstappen, who felt something was “clearly not working” with his car. Former champions Williams, who finished last
overall in 2019, had something to cheer with both their cars through to the second phase of qualifying for the first time since September 2018. George Russell ended up 12th, and ahead of Red Bull’s Alex Albon, with rookie team mate Nicholas Latifi 15th. The session was held without spectators, as at the first two races in Austria, due to the COVID-19 pandemic but some fans still gathered at vantage points on surrounding slopes.
IPL 2020 likely to be played in the UAE between September and November ESPNcricinfo - The 2020 edition of the IPL being played entirely in the UAE is now a distinct possibility, and ESPNcricinfo understands that the BCCI has earmarked a tentative window between September 26 and November 7 for it. A final decision will be taken by the BCCI once the ICC announces the likely postponement of the men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled between October 18 and November 15 in Australia. The ICC Board is scheduled to have a call on July 20 to discuss the matter, and a final decision on the World Cup is likely to be taken then.It is understood that the BCCI has written to the Indian government seeking permission for the tournament to be shifted to UAE and also get the necessary travel permission for the players and officials of the teams. On Friday, the BCCI’s Apex Council discussed the possibility of the IPL being played in the UAE in its entirety. It is understood that the BCCI would still prefer conducting the tournament in India, but the Covid-19 situation - the number of infections in the country are on the rise - has meant that
A part of the 2014 IPL was played in the UAE because of the general elections in India. (BCCI) the UAE has been identified as the next-best option. In April, the BCCI deferred the IPL indefinitely because of the pandemic. With over a million cases at the moment, India is third on the list of countries in terms of infections and has officially recorded over 26,000 deaths. The BCCI had originally wanted to conduct the IPL behind closed doors in limited venues and singled out
Mumbai as the hub, but India’s commercial capital has a huge number of Covid-19 infections in the country, making it unfeasible. In June, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly wrote to the state associations, stating the board was “optimistic” about the IPL taking place this year and “all possible options” were being worked out including playing in “empty stadiums”.
If the tournament does shift to the UAE, it would be the second time for the IPL there, after the first 20 matches of the tournament were staged in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in 2014 because of the general elections in India. In April, the Emirates Cricket Board had written to BCCI, offering UAE as an alternative venue for the tournament. And the board is
ready to play host now, if the BCCI green-lights the switch. “We are ready to fully support the IPL if it chooses to come and play in the UAE,” Mubashshir Usmani, ECB secretary, told ESPNcricinfo. “We will provide all the support concerning the protocol and government permission required to host the IPL. We are waiting for written confirmation from BCCI.”
The tournament is expected to be played at the three main grounds in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, while it is not clear whether the oval at the ICC Academy in Dubai, too, could be used as one of the venues with the tournament likely to be played behind closed doors. As far as the franchises are concerned, they discussed playing in the UAE during an owners’ call on July 13. With most of the global pool of players homebound due to the pandemic, the franchises are primarily concerned about the players getting enough training ahead of the tournament, which could go on for at least six weeks. If the tournament does move to UAE, it is understood that franchises are likely to set up their bases a month in advance, for training and also to cater to any quarantine measures imposed by the UAE government. It is understood that the main reason for marking November 7 as the date for the IPL final was to ensure Indian players get enough time to travel to Australia for the four-match Test series, set to begin in December.
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Jofra Archer cleared to play in third Test after fine and written warning ESPNcricinfo - Jofra Archer has been cleared to play in the final Test of the series against West Indies despite breaching biosecurity protocols after the first Test. Archer was dropped from the squad for the second Test in Manchester after it emerged he had made an unauthorised visit to his home in Brighton after leaving Southampton. Ashley Giles, the managing director of England men’s cricket said the breach “could have been a disaster” which cost English cricket “tens of millions of pounds”. But a disciplinary hearing chaired by Giles ended with Archer being given a fine which is understood to be around £15,000, the value of his match fee for the second Test - and an official written warning. The relatively lenient penalty reflects Archer ’s previous good record, his remorse and an acceptance his actions were foolish rather than a wilful breach of protocol. The hearing was also attended remotely by Archer ’s agent, Tom
Harwood, a representative from the Professional Cricketers’ Association, and John Carr, the director of England Cricket Operations at the ECB. Archer has been obliged to isolate in his hotel room at Emirates Old Trafford since the details of his trip came to light. He has already undergone one Covid-19 Test - which was negative - and will undergo another on Monday. If that, too, is negative, he will be reintegrated to the squad on Tuesday. The individual whom he saw in Brighton has also tested negative for the virus since the incident. ESPNcricinfo understands that individual was not Archer’s neighbour and Sussex teammate, Chris Jordan. The England squad have been keen to rally round Archer in recent days. While he has not had any face-toface contact, they have kept in touch by WhatsApp in the evenings - the players are not allowed access to their phones during the day in
Jofra Archer during a practice session. (Getty Images) accordance with anticorruption protocols - and several of the team have played computer games with him. The team management is
understood to be looking at the possibility of Archer exercising on the outfield at Emirates Old Trafford after the close of play to ensure he is able to retain his fitness.
Draw a possibility after rain wrecks third day MANCHESTER, England, CMC – The Old Trafford Test was left leaning heavily towards a draw after persistent rain ruined the pivotal third day, forcing an abandonment without a ball bowled here yesterday. While light rain in the morning held up the start before washing out the first session, heavier showers in the afternoon ensured the square remained covered ruling out any possibility of play. Match officials eventually called time on the day at 4 pm (11 am Eastern Caribbean time). The washout has left the element of time as the most important factor in the Test, which England need to win in order to level the three-match series, after losing the opener in Southampton by four wickets last weekend. West Indies are also chasing victory in order to complete their first series win on English soil in 32 years but if the match ends in a stalemate, they will retain the Wisden Trophy with a Test still to play, also at Old Trafford. The Caribbean side were poised to resume their first innings on 32 for one, with nightwatchman Alzarri Joseph on 14 and
Sunday July 19, 2020
Kaieteur News
Ben Stokes walks across the outfield on a washed out third day at Emirates Old Trafford. (Getty Images) experienced opener Kraigg Brathwaite on six. Left with just under an hour to navigate late on Friday’s second day after England piled up a massive 469 for nine declared, West Indies lost left-handed opener John Campbell for 12, lbw on review to left-arm seamer Sam Curran, 20 minutes before the close. All-rounder Roston Chase said following Friday’s play that West Indies planned to take a patient approach to
their innings. “[We need to] just take a page out of the English players’ book, especially (Dom) Sibley, how patient he was and just waiting for the bowlers to come to his areas and score,” Chase told reporters. “So it’s just for us to take that leaf from their book, play each ball on its merit and when the opportunity comes to score, just score and go about it the normal way.”
The series is being played behind closed doors in a “biosecure” environment to mitigate against the threat of COVID-19 pandemic which has already resulted in 45 300 deaths in the United Kingdom alone. Scores: ENGLAND 469 for nine decl. (Ben Stokes 176, Dom Sibley 120, Jos Buttler 40, Dom Bess 31 not out; Roston Chase 5-172); WEST INDIES 32 for one (Joseph 14*, Brathwaite 6*) trail England by 437 runs.
JOA explains 300 per cent in salary increases, doubling of administrative expenses SportsMax - The Jamaica Olympic Association says the significant increase in administrative expenses over the past two years is as a result of changes made to its organisational structure as it moved to become more professional in its operations. The JOA was responding to a report in Jamaican media on Thursday that placed the spotlight on the organisations ballooning operational expenses over the last two years. In the report aired in Television Jamaica, it was revealed that salaries moved from JMD$9.7M in 2017 to J$34.7M in 2018, while administrative expenses spiralled almost 100 per cent from J$32M to J$60M over the same period. Meanwhile, JOA’s assets declined from J$178.1M in 2017 to J$147.8m in 2018 all while per diem payments for athletes was reduced from USD$30 to USD$25. Earlier Friday, the JOA issued a lengthy statement detailing the changes to its operations as it sought to justify its expenditures. “The increase in the administrative expenses of the JOA was as a result of the full establishment of a corporate organizational structure. This involved the modernization of the operations of the JOA again in keeping with the “Pathway to Success” programme and entailed the full computerisation of our accounting systems, the introduction of a payroll system to replace the paperbased manual system and a complete revamp of the website,” the JOA said in its statement. “Sixty-seven per cent of the increase in administrative expenses over 2017 was as a result of the increase in salaries and wages which was a function of the decision of the Board and mandate it received from member associations to restructure and professionalize the association.” The JOA said 10 per cent of the increase in administrative expenses over the prior year 2017 was as a result of a decision taken by the new administration to rectify the reconciliations and finalise outstanding financial reports from the prior quadrennial period (20132016) for submission to its main stakeholder, the International Olympic Committee (IOC). “This saw a reduction in our receivables from J$85M in 2017 to J$20M in 2018,” it said.
The JOA explained that salaries increased as a result of a decision taken by the board to restructure and professionalize the office in keeping with the “Pathway to Success” vision which was articulated to our members in 2017. “In expanding the services to our members, the Board identified four critical areas: Business Development, Member Relations, IT Services and Marketing and Corporate Communications. This necessitated the engagement of persons with the skill sets and experience in alignment with the services being offered,” the JOA said. This, it said, resulted in increased sponsorships and revenue to the JOA with income levels doubling in 2018, which was a direct result of the JOA leveraging more income opportunities through existing stakeholders and new partners. The JOA also claimed that leveraging increased grant income through Olympic Solidarity to support the development activities carried out by our various member associations while also continuing its efforts to increase other income streams through new sponsorships. The redevelopment and branding of the JOA Website and the development of websites for some Member Associations at no cost to them. According to the JOA, significant improvement in member relations through its educational workshops, increased training opportunities for its members locally and overseas and the hosting of its “Sports for Breakfast” series, which allowed its member associations to interface and network with corporate Jamaica. Membership support increased by JMD$80M over the prior year and across various sports facilitating their development and assisting with Olympic qualification efforts. In relation to communications, the JOA said the professionalization of its communication network with its members’ associations and external partners as well as press conferences and briefings hosted by the JOA led to the creation of a strong brand presence locally and globally.
Kaieteur News
Sunday July 19, 2020
Wiltshire dominoes tourney set for July 25 at Turning Point
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Boxing coaches receive AMBC certificates
Mark Wiltshire Some of the top city teams are expected to be in action from July 25 at Turning Point when Senior Organising Secretary of the Guyana Domino League, Mark Wiltshire stage one of his annual tournaments starting from 13:30hrs. Wiltshire is expected to team up with President of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Colin Mc Ewan for hosting of the competition. Entrance fee is $12,000 and the winning team will
take home $120,000, runner up $60,000 and third place $30,000. The competition will conclude on the Sunday. Wiltshire is calling on the teams to be present at the venue at least 30 minutes before the schedule time for play to start. Among the teams set to take part are Mix Up, Gold for Money, Quiet Storm, TNT, Blue Bird, C7, Turning Point and Providence. Te a m s c a n c o n t a c t Wiltshire on 659-8672 for registration.
People need to just think a bit Holding slams ECB, Archer over breach
West Indies fast-bowling legend Michael Holding (right) has laid into Jofra Archer and the ECB. SportsMax - West Indies fast-bowling legend Michael Holding has laid into Jofra Archer after the England pacer flouted the bio-secure protocols and was dropped from the team for the second Test in the #raisethebat series at Old Trafford. There was no play on y e s t e r d a y ’s t h i r d d a y because of persistent rain, with England having batted for the majority of the two days prior. With the West Indies leading the series 1-0, scores in the second Test are England 469-9 declared and the West Indies 32-1.
“I have no sympathy at all. I don’t understand why people can’t just do what is required,’ Holding said during an interview with Sky Sports. According to the Sky Sports commentator and pundit, the sacrifices the teams have had to make to make the series a reality are relatively small and should not elicit actions such as Archer’s. Archer, during his trip from Southampton where the first Test was played to Manchester for the second, rerouted to his house before (Continued on page 59)
Five coaches attached to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) yesterday received certificates after participating in a Seminar organized by the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC). The virtual seminar dealt with the return to boxing after Covid19 and was held on July 11. In the photo GBA president presents a certificate to Orlan Rogers (second from left). Also is the photograph are Terrence Poole MS (right) and Clive Atwell. Missing are Joseph Murray and Sebert Blake.
Pan Am youth games scheduled for April 2021
F
ollowing the postponement of a few tournaments this year namely the Indoor Pan Am Cup and the Pan American Challenge/South American Championships that was scheduled to run for June 27th to July fifth 2020 in Peru, the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) has announced that the Junior (under-21) championship will be staged in April 2021. Guyana will be competing solely in the male division of the tournament, which will run concurrently with the female division from April 12-25 in Santiago, Chile, and, hopefully will not be affected too much by the coronavirus pandemic and with many sports leagues and competitions already returning to play follow a three-month hiatus, all signs point to a hiccup free event. The Junior Continental Championships, which act as the qualification competition for the 2021 Junior World Cups at the end of 2021, were originally due to be completed in 2020. H o w e v e r, d u e t o t h e coronavirus pandemic, this has not been possible in all continents, with the exception of Europe. In order to provide opportunity for all competitions to take place, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has extended the window by which they must be
completed to May 2021. This is a mere six months before the Junior World Cups that are schedule to be contested in India (m) and South Africa (w), and as long as the FIH and the hosts know who the competing nations will be by May, then all logistics, marketing and arrangements can still be made in good time. The Age Limit for all competing athletes for the (Continued on page 57)
The junior hockey players will get to eventually showcase their skills in the Pan American Hockey Federation championship in April next year after the COVID 19 postponements.
Draw a possibility after rain wrecks third day
rt Spo
West Indies players stroll across the field at Old Trafford during the rain delay.
Squash Queen The Guyana Committee Nat Ashley Khalil also of Services celebrates played Badminton another anniversary for Guyana Ashley with one of her Dogs Kola. Alisha Fortune
Clive Atwell
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