K
US$5M Ocean NEWS View Hospital cost jumps to US$8M AIETEUR
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Friday Edition July 31, 2020 - Vol. 22 No. 30 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
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- media not invited to commissioning P. 3
Online readership yesterday 153,758
Appeal Court throws out case to stop elections declaration...
Recount figures must be used to declare winner- Judges P. 8
Justice Dawn Gregory
Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry
Justice Rishi Persaud
I will accept any declaration without condition - Granger P. 7
- Harmon says court erred, maintains only ‘valid votes’ count “The right 27-member Transition to After dramatic of appeal is a EU says it ‘will renewables will exchange, 24-hour not waver’ privilege that not leave Guyana in support should not stay granted with stranded oil of Guyana’s be abused” - Appeal Court judges to - OAS Secretary General democracy decide on court costs assets - CGX Head P. 20
P. 11
P. 8
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Trump says election results must not wait months or years
P. 11
US expands list of persons - says region refuses to go facing visa ban along with Granger’s “farce” P. 2
Kaieteur News
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Friday July 31, 2020
US expands list of
persons facing visa ban - says region refuses to go along with Granger’s “farce” United States Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak
T
he United States Acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Michael Kozak, has announced that the American Government has expanded its pool of persons facing visa restrictions for undermining Guyana’s democracy, or for being complicit. He also called the David Granger coalition’s position on the elections a “farce” as it has been claiming that the results of the recount, which shows it lost, are not credible. In a press briefing yesterday, Kozak related that the US Government has taken steps to advance democracy
in the Western Hemisphere, which he called “the hemisphere for freedom.” US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, had announced the first tranche of restrictions on July 15 “on individuals responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Guyana”, after which US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch reiterated the support the US places behind the transparent and credible national vote recount. The recount results show that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has won the elections. “The Secretary’s been
clear,” Kozak said, “The Granger administration and its allies continue to defy the will of the Guyanese people by refusing to accept the vote count. The count has been certified as valid by international observers OAS and CARICOM, Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s highest courts.” Kozak pointed to the Inter-American Democratic Charter as the document which binds the countries of the Americas and the Caribbean to democracy. “We’ve been working with our partners and through the [Organization of American States] OAS,” Kozak said, “to stand up for democracy where it is under threat, and at the same time we’re trying to turn the tide in those countries where democracy is but a dream.” Kozak said that the US joins the rest of the region “refusing to go along with this farce.” “We will continue,” he added, “to act until the Granger administration accepts the will of Guyanese voters.” The announcement came on the same day that Guyana’s Appeal Court made a unanimous ruling which iterated, amongst other things, that the recount results
must be used for a final declaration. Despite stating yesterday that he would accept any declaration made by the Chair, Granger’s coalition has signaled its intention to appeal the judgment of the Court, to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which could further frustrate a declaration of the final results of the elections.
This is despite the electoral process going on for five months. On top of that, the central themes of the coalition’s arguments support getting rid of the recount figures, and making a declaration on the basis of the tainted district declarations, as several other attempts to rig the elections results failed to hold ground.
President David Granger
No relief!
A crowd gathered at President David sharing out $50,000 COVID-19 relief. Police Granger’s former residence at Thorne Drive, ranks turned up shortly after to disperse the D’Urban Backlands yesterday morning after it gathering. was rumoured that the president would be (Photo credit: Travis Chase)
Kaieteur News
Friday July 31, 2020
PAGE 03
US$5M Ocean View Hospital - media not invited cost jumps to US$8M to commissioning D
e f a c t o President, David Granger, and de facto Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, yesterday commissioned the Ocean View COVID-19 Hospital where it was revealed that the cost to construct the facility jumped from US$5M (G$1B) to a whopping US$8M (G$1.6B). Private media entities, including Stabroek News, Newsroom and Kaieteur News were not offered an invitation to the event. However, this publication, upon learning of the commissioning plans, decided to send a representative to seek answers to several burning questions regarding the facility. Among the questions was the acquisition cost of the land; how the billiondollar contract was awarded; where government would source the funds needed and whether the contractors were paid in full. After the formal proceedings, President Granger was asked to respond to concerns about the magnitude of the expenditure for the sanatorium. To this, the President said, “Nothing has been done outside of the law.” Granger added that “This matter was thoroughly ventilated at Cabinet.” It is unclear when this matter would have been dealt with at the level of Cabinet. It was de facto Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who back in April made it known that the APNU+AFC government would have to
The Ocean View COVID-19 Hospital
President Granger speaking to the media
President David Granger and Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence unveiling the plague find in excess of G$1 billion to transform the old Ocean View hotel at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara into a state-of-the-art facility for the incubation, isolation and quarantine of COVID-19 patients. That cost, however, did not include a possible purchase price. The President in his reply could not provide that detail but stated that the previous owners were “heavily indebted” to the bank. “My understanding,” he
continued, “is that it’s in receivership.” “So in financial terms, we don’t have a bottom-line but the Minister of Public Health and the Minister of Finance are quite aware of the level of expenditure and Cabinet is convinced that the expenditure is justified given the health situation,” the President said. Lawrence was also asked pointed questions on the cost of the land and, in reply, she stated “We haven’t had any transfer or anything like that;
all of those matters are in the Ministry of Legal Affairs.” “I know that the Ministry s p o k e t o M r. J a c o b Rambarran,” Lawrence said, “and I know that since his consent to help us in the situation to use the place and so on, that has now transferred to the Ministry of Legal Affairs and they are the
ones who are talking with the receiver and Mr. Rambarran and making all the necessary arrangements.” Asked whether the building is owned by the government, Lawrence said “you’ll have to ask the Ministry of Legal Affairs. I don’t want to assume anything to you. I want you
to go where the persons are dealing with the issue and get the information from them.” The Coalition, under the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purpose Act, acquired the Ocean View Hotel property through a compulsory order. The order (Continued on page 10)
Kaieteur News
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Friday July 31, 2020
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL - Tel: 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Statements of Poll With yesterday’s unanimous Court of Appeal decision to throw out the Misenga Jones appeal case, the crux of which was essentially to force GECOM Chair Claudette Singh to use the latest iteration of votes based primarily on Clairmont Mingo’s fraudulent figures in order to declare David Granger as President, Guyanese are now one step towards a sane resolution of the APNU+AFC manufactured electoral impasse. Which is of course to say that the alternate being offered – the acceptance of Mingo’s figures as sanctified by Keith Lowenfield, and enthusiastically endorsed by the Granger political machinery – is, in a word, insane. Lost in all the convoluted legal cases and language, the premise that the Coalition continues to foist upon us is as simple as it is macabre – it says that despite the fact that the recount shows a finite number of votes as having emerged from the ballot boxes, sane people must accept, without question not only the Coalition’s unproven cases of fraud in those votes that were counted, but that because of that unproven fraud, those same sane people must accept as reality a Granger win based on 15,000 votes, all magically conjured up by Clairmont Mingo, and which have no evidentiary basis in the recount ballots. At some point in time, a complete investigation into the actions of those involved in trying to rig the 2020 elections will have to be undertaken, followed hopefully by a thorough examination of the legal and systemic loopholes that they exploited to take us through this five-month-long nightmarish circus. On the one hand, certainly there has to be constitutional reform, including restrictions on the powers of the executive presidency and sanctions on anyone occupying that seat of power who decides to act as unreasonably and indecently as Granger has acted after having lost the elections in March. Leaving office in the wake of losing an election should not be at the whim and fancy of the loser, and if any future president seeks to attempt what he has done, there must be clear-cut sanctions and penalties for his or her actions. That is however for the long term. As is, much of what has gone wrong in the current quagmire has less to do with how far a rogue executive was willing to go to retain power than it had to do with how much he was and has been accommodated in his quest to do so. In all the areas of imminently unnecessary inaction and inertia that played a factor in getting us to where we are today, none is so obvious as the refusal of the Guyana Elections Commission to release the Statements of Poll (SOPs) for all regions, particularly the highly contested Region Four, where Mingo’s clear fraud took place. It would be useful to explain, for the unaware, what the basic purpose of a Statement of Poll is. The role of the SOP is outlined in the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), Section 83 (9). Under this section, multiple copies of the SOP, the record of votes taking at an individual polling station, must be made and given to “(a) the returning officer; (b) to the assistant presiding officer; (c) to such of the duly appointed candidates or the polling agents as are present; (d) to the Chief Election Officer.” The clear intent of the multiple copies is clear – with redundancy of record, there is greater assurance of accountability. Still, that was not enough for the purposes of the law. Section 83(9A) envisages another category of persons who are eligible to view the SOPs generated at individual polling stations – the citizens of Guyana: “The statement of poll prepared in accordance with subsection (9) shall be posted in a conspicuous place outside of the polling place as conclusive evidence of the result of the election for that polling place unless there is a recount of the votes.” That the SOPs are generated by a specific set of electoral officers, that they are captured and preserved at the Place of Poll, and that in that static form, they are both passed up the hierarchical pyramid at GECOM while being made publicly available constitutes a critical component of the
A small Coalition elite may be trying a thing, but most Guyanese want to move on Dear Editor, In response to Moses Nagamootoo’s July 26 column titled “Dialogue on the Way Forward”, please permit me to address the Prime Minister openly and directly. Prime Minister Nagamootoo, you will recall that your namesake Moses, a prophet and lawgiver of the Christian, Islamic, Jewish and Baha’i religions, and who was an adopted member of the Pharaoh’s family, abandoned his privileged status and asked Egyptian Pharaoh Haran to let the Israelites go. Most Guyanese want the small group of APNU and AFC “Pharaohs” to “let the nation go” by accepting the recount results of the 2020 election and by bringing an end to this unprecedented “stupidness”. To deflect from their management failure of the APNU and AFC political campaign, the Co-Managers (Joe Harmon
and Rafael Trotman) are blaming everyone, and they are trying to foster self-pity and fears of exclusion and marginalization among APNU and AFC supporters. The overwhelming majority of the 217,920 APNU and AFC voters (47.34% of all votes) know that the “Pharaohs” will obtain the support of a few “big-eye, greedy” and “fast hand” business associates, from all ethnic communities, to get around the sanctions for the benefit of themselves and their families. In contrast, most Guyanese know what is coming under the dictatorship; shortages of medicines and foods, no jobs in Guyana and the Caribbean, and many months without salaries. Robberies will increase and there will be more corruption in all “shapes, sizes, genders, ethnicities and classes”. Reliving the Burnham
process by which we accurately determine the will of the people. The SOP is, in essence, the core currency of the electoral process. It is surely with this understanding that on December 7, 2011, a little over a week after the November 28 elections, Leader of APNU, Granger, had his party stage a protest in front of GECOM, demanding that the Commission produce the original SOPs for those elections. A month later, in January of 2012, his calls for those original SOPs to be released grew even more strenuous, even in wake of the PPP/C having only gained a minority government, and even after GECOM had provided him with scanned copies of the SOPs on compact discs. Reads a statement from Granger to the GECOM Chair at the time, Dr. Steve Surujbally: “After a full and careful examination, we have found it impossible to reconcile the two sets of SOPs since in a significant number of instances, the SOPs are not identical, which, you will concede, they ought to be. Consequently, we are renewing our original request to access the original hard copies of the SOPs in GECOM’s possession.” A decade later, five years of which has been spent with him as incumbent President, Granger’s principled position on the release of SOPs has radically changed. He himself has, as part of his personal regime of hiding from and restricting the media, has almost stayed away completely from the question of the role of Statements of Poll as a determinant of the credibility of the elections. His coalition’s stance on them has, however, devolved with all the inanity and incredulity that has typified all of their actions over the past five months. When it was that Clairmont Mingo produced that first travesty of a tabulation on March 5, to the dismay of every intelligent observer of the process, no less a person than Granger’s second-in-command of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Chairwoman Volda Lawrence, immediately signed off on what was known then, and subsequently proven to be, electoral fraud, the original Regional Four Declarations. The coalition would go on to claim that the SOPs in their possession matched those that were tabulated by Mingo as well as, naturally, the total figures generated. This would be repeated once more on March 13, with Carol Smith-Joseph, a staunch and prominent political lieutenant of Granger, signing off on the second set of fraudulent declarations made by Mingo. From that time to now, the Coalition’s answers to questions on their hidden SOPs have continued to shift, from silence to obfuscation to bluster. Questioned in May, during the recount exercise on why Granger would not simply release the SOPs in his position, PNC Executive Aubrey
years, nearly all Guyanese will become “small comrades”. Of course, there will also be a few “medium comrades” but, most importantly, there will be a very small elite of “big comrades”, composed of persons from all ethnic communities. The late Octavia Butler, the successful AfricanAmerican science-fiction novelist, said it very well when she stated that “to be led by a tyrant is to sell yourself and those you love into slavery”. APNU and AFC supporters are asking how come the “Pharaohs” do not realize that “when yuh start riding ah tiger, yuh can’t get off”. In today’s world, they will not be able to get away with their misdeeds. However, unfortunately, nearly all Guyanese will be victims until the dictatorship is defeated. Moses, based on your column calling for dialogue,
should we assume that you and some other “big-big” people in the APNU and AFC have the authority and influence to propose dialogue among all political parties? If one does not have the authority and influence to call for dialogue, then follow the wise advice of our Guyanese ancestors, “if yuh nah got wing, nah guh a bird sport”, which means that when persons do not have the authority and influence to organize something, then they should not try to impress or is it that you are trying to influence and change the minds of APNU and AFC supporters? If that is so, you should be like the prophet Moses who led with wisdom, courage and respect for the law. But Guyanese know, without using magical tea leaves, that “yuh can’t suck cane and blow a whistle” at (Continued on page 5)
Norton dodged, providing the excuse that the coalition was ‘strategically’ holding back. The same day, AFC executive, David Patterson, offered no greater clarity on the same questions. The man himself, Granger, when asked frontally about the SOPs during a post-recount interview, offered the curious excuse that he had been shown an in-party tabulation that comported with Mingo’s figures but he had not bothered asking for any actual statements of poll. Clearly, 10 years and the burdens of incumbency have served to blunt his desire for SOPs, particularly considering that, unlike in 2011, he has not once demanded that GECOM produce the original Statements of Poll that his party had claimed would show them winning the elections. Which brings us, finally, to GECOM’s role. As captured in the letter and spirit of the law, Section 83(9) of the ROPA in particular, every Statement of Poll is a public document. GECOM, from the Returning Officer to the Chief Elections Officer, holds it in trust for the public, but does not and should not exercise discretionary proprietary control over it. That we have been allowed to go through legal quagmire after quagmire, that we have been subject to a Granger-led campaign of misinformation that has been as arrogant as it has been insipid, has been largely because the Commission from the very beginning did not demand of both Lowenfield and Mingo access to certified copies of the Region Four statements of poll. Of course, there have been legal implications as well. How many decisions in the past four months could have been clearer, more definitive, had the SOPs from Region Four been made admissible as evidence? While the incumbent has effectively been defeated in its last desperate legal battle to artificially extend its time in power, the damage of its misinformation remains and has to be rectified in the short term, in the interest of stability. Lowenfield and Mingo should be ordered to turn over the Region Four SOPs and they should be made available to the public, just as the statements of Recount have been. Indeed, there is arguable obligation under the law, ROPA Section 84(1A)(c) to display the SOPs for each polling station next to the SORs. In the medium term, the Representation of the People Act has to be amended to specify that all SOPs must statutorily be made public using all the technology available with all discretion of hiding them be removed from GECOM. There is no reason that Granger had to go begging for Statements of Poll in 2011, and there is no reason that GECOM should be effectively aiding and abetting his 2020 campaign of obfuscation going forward by not making all original SOPs from March 2 public.
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Kaieteur News
We need competent Those guilty of attempting leadership in transitioning to benefit from electoral fraud will pay a heavy price into necessary new technology Dear Editor, A life-sized cardboard cutout of David Granger was used during the elections campaign; it allowed APNU+AFC supporters to take a picture with their leader. Five months after losing those elections, David Granger and his cardboard look-alike have become indistinguishable. The lack of care for the welfare of the people of Guyana and the refusal to accept the will of the electorate combined with an absentee presidency has allowed anarchy to flourish within the ranks of the APNU+AFC coalition. For all the leadership Granger is demonstrating, he may as well be made of cellulose. How did we get here? David Granger was assigned the task of leading a committee to find a new leader for the PNC following the 2009 challenge to Robert Corbin by four members deemed unsuitable. Lo and behold! The Committee reported that the best man for the job was the head of the committee, Granger. The man came with history, some good (career army officer, family man) and some bad (head of Special Political Enumeration Council) 1973. This was the mystique of Granger. The reality of David Granger is more akin to the character Chance, the gardener who is misheard and becomes Chauncey Gardiner in the movie ‘Being There’. In a discussion about the economy, Chance takes his cue from the words “stimulate
growth” and talks about the changing seasons of the garden. The President misinterprets this as optimistic political advice and quotes “Chauncey Gardiner” in a speech. I urge anyone who seeks to understand David Granger to watch this movie, the tale of a vapid man who said and did little of value but was interpreted through a prism and thought wise. Over the last few weeks, APNU+AFC’s Joe Harmon has made increasingly militant statements culminating with a declaration that there would be no acceptance of electoral results based on the recount figures. As has been the case with the ever-shifting goalposts since 2nd March, a few days later Granger endorsed this position. Having drawn the line in the sand and thumbed their collective noses at the international community, APNU+AFC has now moved into the dangerous arena of anarchy. The rhetoric of ethnic insecurity has been ramped up and amplified within their close ranks, the activists speak of a return to the days of the “troubles”; meetings and vigils are held by unknown groups to commemorate ‘victims’ of that era. It is nauseating to see pictures of the Lusignan massacre victims on the same flyer as Rondell ‘Fineman’ Williams. It is a narrative designed to stir the most peaceful of hearts, to divide
the people of Guyana along ethnic lines, and to cause violent conflict among our six races. I am thankful that it is failing spectacularly, ironically, the pressure that APNU+AFC put Guyanese under for the last five years of disastrous economic and social policies have forged us into a gem with diamond-like hardness; the old tricks are proving useless against a united people. We, the people are all looking at the actions of Harmon, Christopher Jones, James Bond, Simona Broomes, Jaipaul Sharma and even the buffoonery of Sherod Duncan with enlightened eyes. We know that the U.S has levied travel sanctions, and we also know that it does not end there, hence the patient approach. We suffer through the frivolous court cases, the endless delays of the inevitable declaration of electoral results based on the national recount figures secure in the knowledge that when those international sanctions ramp up, those guilty of attempting to benefit from electoral fraud will pay a heavy price for the privilege. The cardboard cutout may be the only one of the APNU+AFC campaigners unaffected when all the dust settles and for all that Granger does now, the cardboard version seems the lesser of two evils and it certainly could not do worse than the incompetent, intransigent incumbent. Yours truly, Robin Singh
Foreign Policy magazine article contained glaring errors about Guyana Dear Editor, I refer to an article captioned: ”Does Guyana Foretell an American Future?” by Justin Gest and published on July 29 in the magazine, ‘Foreign Policy’, which contains glaring inaccuracies. For example, the writer’s flawed assertion: “The party in power is almost entirely supported by native-born people with centuries-long heritage in the country. Official results point to their defeat at the polls by an opposition party predominated by people of immigrant origin.” As a member of the Guyanese Indigenous
community, I’m highly offended as by a stroke of a pen the writer has eliminated the existence of my people which make up 11% of our population. Also, my people, Amerindians, are the only ethnic group native to Guyana. I recall that the same treatment was meted to Native American groups in North America whose existence has been threatened for centuries. Please be advised Africans, Indians, Chinese, and Portuguese were all brought to Guyana either as slaves or indentured immigrants. Also, no ethnic group is large enough to alone command a majority to win
either the Presidency or the Parliament. For instance, Indo-Guyanese which is the largest group represents only 39% of the population. As such, as with the case of the PPP/C, which convincingly won the March 2, 2020 elections by over 50 percent of the total votes, electoral victories require cross-ethnic voting. It must be noted the PPP/ C ran and won against 14 political parties, five of which make up the APNU-AFC grouping. It is neither about race nor oil; it is about democracy and respecting the will of the Guyanese people who voted on March 2, 2020. Yours truly, Alister Charlie
Dear Editor, This July month’s experiences of extended blackouts (the absence of ‘power and light’) raise the speculation of how some of our village agencies would respond to the ‘real’ demands of a new ‘virtual’ technological environment. Immediately, there needs to be a consensual definition of what in fact could be ‘normal’ in as yet an unpredictable pandemic, and post-pandemic, world. Agencies that boast of sophisticated (but not necessarily logical) ‘paperlessness’ may still have to grapple with the assured supply of power to their customers and clients who are expected to conduct ‘intelligent’, even though ‘artificial’, relationships.
The UK government, recognising the projected communication gap, has already begun to provide the requisite technological support equipment, in anticipation specifically of children having to learn in a real ‘virtual’ environment – a substantive increase in a creatively designed budget. Hopefully, not only would our village leaders learn from such an example; but it would appear to be an exceptional opportunity for them to collaborate with private entrepreneurship, as a matter of urgency, on the overall benefits to be derived from implementing a joint strategy aimed at fast-forwarding the upliftment of the education and training so fundamental to the development of our human resources of the
future. It is in this immediate connection that reliable power supply becomes an indispensably dependent fundamental. But apart from individual agencies reacting to the challenges inherent in the rampant advances of technology, there must be concerted determination to grasp the nettle of transforming ‘virtuality’ into the ‘reality’ of preparing families for growth within a ‘normalcy’ that would not remain just ‘new’. And while all await the anticipated inputs of an oil and gas economy, there still needs to be insistence on competent leadership out of the current tunnel of darkness into light – day and night. Yours truly E.B. John
A small Coalition elite may be trying a thing, but most... From page 4 the same time, that is, you cannot impose a “dressed up” dictatorship and simultaneously disguise it with a call for dialogue. Some people think that your call for dialogue is “a ting” to escape the revocation of visas and the imposition of sanctions? Moses, you know better than many others that Cheddi Jagan always believed that any kind of shared government had to be based on the right of every Guyanese adult to express their political preference in regular, free, fair and transparent elections. The AFC won significant and growing support in the 2006, 2011 and 2015 elections from Guyanese in all ethnic communities. After 2015, something went wrong but it is not too late to return to those pre-2015 days. All Guyanese want an end to the “worries” and the “punishing”. Whether they are from the African, Indian, Mixed, Amerindian, Portuguese, Chinese and European communities, no Guyanese person wants Guyana to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. If Guyana is to move forward, it is mandatory that there must be dialogue for inclusive governance to overcome the political stalemate of one-seat majorities and one-percent margins of victory in the 2011, 2015 and 2020 elections, the inter-ethnic rivalry between the African and Indian communities, and the unfair
ethnic and class competition. All APNU and AFC leaders and supporters must be assured that these are new times in Guyana. The Guyanese people and the international community will welcome you and not allow any side or any political party to dominate or exclude any individual or ethnic community. Former CARICOM Chairwoman, Mia Mottley, recently noted that, “there must be space for all, regardless of who wins and who loses”. It is clear that, after the new PPP/C government is installed, the OAS, the EU, the Commonwealth and CARICOM will want to encourage, support and assist in the establishment of new inclusive governance
mechanisms. Most APNU and AFC leaders and supporters want to work for the fulfillment of their dream of justice, freedom and dignity for every single Guyanese. You will be respected and warmly welcomed under a broad prodemocracy tent. In the end, the way forward for the Guyanese nation must be based on resolving issues. Reflecting on what happened before with you and others, we believe that, in this unprecedented crisis, the overwhelming majority of PPP/C members and supporters believe that issues are always more important than personalities. Yours truly, Geoffrey Da Silva
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Guyanese in Winnipeg remain in dismay over attempts at electoral fraud Dear Editor, Like so many Guyanese abroad, Guyanese residing in Winnipeg have observed from afar the continuing efforts by the ruling party APNU+AFC to deny our country folk the right to elect the winning party from the elections held on March 2. Guyana will always be our emotional home. Our small Winnipeg group continues to support schools and communities with books, first aid and sports supplies. Ever since the NCM was passed in Parliament in December 2018, we noted the commencement of APNU+AFC shenanigans. There were deliberate delays in the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission due to the recalcitrant attitude of Mr. Granger. Indeed the CCJ ruled his initial appointment violated the constitution of Guyana. When the elections were eventually held on 2nd March, 2020, it was deemed by international observers from OAS, Commonwealth, EEC, CARICOM, Carter Center and accredited local observers to be free, fair and transparent. We noted with dismay, however, in spite of the Statements of Poll revealing the PPP as the winner, the APNU+AFC still claimed victory. Despite the repeated calls then, for them to provide
their SOPs as the PPP did in support of their claim, none ever materialized to this day as far as we know. Instead, what we and the world witnessed was the barefaced irregularities in the tabulations of Region 4 by RO, Clairmont Mingo, to alter the results of the election. We noted since then, repeated attempts by Messrs. Mingo and CEO Lowenfield to provide fraudulent reports to the Commission. We also noted that the CARICOM recount exposed the Mingo fraud and confirmed PPP the winner. The hijacking of the democratic election process is a huge embarrassment to all Guyanese. No self-respecting person will walk the streets of Guyana without any clothes, for that individual will feel it’s wrong and feel ashamed - the feeling of social shame for doing a public wrong – yet the saga continues. We have noted with dismay the constant use, indeed abuse of the courts to thwart the will of the electorate. We are reassured, however, by efforts of both the local and international democratic forces who have remained engaged since 2nd March to support the will of the people of Guyana. Yours truly, Beta Seewah For the Winnipeg Group
Friday July 31, 2020
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I will accept any declaration without -Harmon says court erred, condition - Granger maintains only ‘valid votes’ count By Kemol King President David Granger has said that he will accept any declaration of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh SC, CCH and that such acceptance is not conditional. He was, at the time, responding to questions during the commissioning of the new Infectious Diseases Hospital, recently retrofitted out of the Ocean View Hotel
property at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The question pointed to the President – leader of APNU+AFC – was, given the party’s stance on valid votes, whether he would accept a declaration which includes votes he considers invalid. To this, he responded “With respect, my statement on compliance with the declaration wasn’t conditional. I didn’t say if the rain is falling or the sun is shining. You know, if it
comes by day or by night. I am obliged to observe the declaration of the Chairman of the Election Commission.” The national vote recount s h o w s t h a t G r a n g e r ’s coalition has lost its bid for re-election to government. The party has staunchly opposed and frustrated a declaration on the basis of the recount results. In response, the international community and large sections of the Guyanese community have called on
Guyana’s COVID-19 cases surpass 400
The Ministry of Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard. The number of recorded cases of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guyana continues to climb at an alarming rate. The Ministry of Public Health announced yesterday that the country has now surpassed 400 confirmed cases of the virus. This startling revelation was made by Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, as he updated the nation of the local COVID-19 situation. The CMO reported that of the 78 tests conducted within the last 24 hours, three returned positive for the virus, taking the new total of confirmed cases to 401. Of the three confirmed cases, two are from Region Seven and the remaining one from the capital city. It was additionally reported that the number of active cases in institutional isolation is 196, with 50 persons in institutional quarantine and three in the COVID Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The
CMO was keen to point out that to date, 185 persons have recovered from the Coronavirus while the number of deaths remains at 20.In addition to this, the CMO noted that 4,641 tests have been conducted to date with 4,240 returning negative for the virus. In his update yesterday too, the CMO encouraged Guyanese Muslims to be cognizant of the local COVID-19 situation and make the necessary adjustments to curb the spread of the virus as they celebrate the festival of Eid-Ul-Adha. Eid-Ul-Adha is being observed today.According to Dr. Persaud, practising social distancing must be prioritized and strictly adhered to. “Similarly, on Saturday August 1, Emancipation Day will be celebrated nationally. The Ministry is once again pleading with all to ensure that the COVID guidelines are at the core of these celebrations,” the CMO added.
Granger to concede. Addressing his failure to concede, Granger reiterated an earlier statement, which held that he cannot concede, since no declaration has been made “I pay attention to what the popular media say. As far as the groundswell is concerned, everybody knows… I’ve been saying over and over again that I will abide by the declaration by the Election Commission. I will abide by the rulings of the court. People can rightfully challenge a ruling if they disagree with it. Once the Court has finally ruled, we will obey the ruling of the Court.” He said that the groundswell is not a legitimate statement of the law or the Constitution, and that he will follow the Constitution and the Court. “I await the decision of the Commission,” the President said. “I cannot follow the groundswell.” Meanwhile, there has been talk of declaring a state of emergency, some of which was engaged in by the
APNU+AFC Campaign Manager, Joseph Harmon
President David Granger
President himself. A former Guyanese politician, Paul Tennassee, had raised a concern that such considerations would, in this context, function to consolidate dictatorship. Asked about his position yesterday, Granger said that he has not contemplated the necessity for a state of emergency. “All I’m saying is that over the last 20 [weeks], I have insisted that once the Chairman of the Election Commission makes a declaration, I would comply with that declaration. I don’t see how a state of emergency or the necessity for a state of
emergency arises.” He said he has insisted on credibility, but that he does not see what that has to do with a state of emergency. Otherwise, the President has faced calls from more radical sections of the People’s National Congress (PNC) to cancel the elections, despite the fact that he has no authority to do so. Asked about this during yesterday’s briefing with the press, the President said that he is interested in having a declaration as early as possible by the Chairman. “I don’t run the elections,” he explained. (Continued on page 15)
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Appeal Court throws out case to stop elections declaration ...
Recount figures must be used to declare winner- Judges By Rehanna Ramsay he Court of Appeal yesterday threw out the appeal in the elections case filed on behalf of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC’)s Misenga Jones to stop the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from making a declaration of the elections results based on the recount figures. In a unanimous decision, High Court Justice, Priya Sewnarine- Beharry; Justices of Appeal, Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud agreed with the reasoning of the Acting Chief Justice (CJ), Roxane George-Wiltshire, that recount figures are the only data that can be used to determine the final result of the elections. The recount figures show a victory for the Opposition led – People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) over the incumbent APNU+AFC by over 15,000 votes. Jones inter alia wanted the Court to decide that Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of GECOM, Keith Lowenfield, can submit the report derived from his own calculations in the process, rather than the recount figures despite a recent endorsement of the CARICOM- supervised recount process by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – Guyana ‘s Apex Court. Given the ruling of the CCJ in a similar matter, Jones request was considered wholly ill-conceived and a waste of the Court‘s precious
T
Justice of Appeal, Dawn Gregory time by the CJ (ag) in her judgment last week. In similar fashion, the appeal filed by Jones and her legal team was turned down by all three Justices at the Appeal Court. In separate rulings, all three Judges dismissed Jones’ appeal, as well as a cross appeal filed by Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams, meant to stop the declaration based on the recount. POLITICS AND ABUSE In her judgment, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry spoke to the issue of politics and abuse. Noting that the appeal raised impermissible and duplicated litigation of issues already canvassed before the courts, Justice SewnarineBeharry asserted that the action was frivolous, vexatious and amounts to an abuse of the court’s process. In concurrence with the reasoning that the Court has a narrow jurisdiction to
High Court Justice, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry function in a supervisory role in the circumstance for the completion of the elections process, the judge held that on the question of the function of the CEO, he is a statutory officer of GECOM who is subject to the direction of the Commission and must therefore carry out his functions in accordance with its directives. Pursuant to Section 18 of the Elections Law Amendment Act (ELAA), which states that, “the CEO and the Commissioner of Registration shall, notwithstanding anything in any written law, be subject to the direction and control of the Commission,” Justice Sewnarine-Beharry emphasized that there was no provision in the Constitution or law that gives the CEO the power to direct GECOM. She noted the directions given to the CEO by GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret’d), Claudette Singh, must be treated as a valid and lawful directive which the
CEO is to obey by virtue of Section 18 of the ELAA. Justice SewnarineBeharry said too that it was disingenuous for the CEO to want to prepare a report based on declarations made before the recount. Further in her judgment, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry impressed on the need for the Court to remain free from political influence. In reference to a ruling by former Chief Justice Desiree Bernard, Justice SewnarineBeharry stressed that there should be no room for politics in the decision making of judges. She said that, “very often, they make decisions which are not always popular; it is one of the occupational hazards, and we have to live with it knowing that we have decided fairly and in accordance with the law.” She added, “I trust that I speak for all members of the judiciary that we do not have to carry the additional burden of political pressure from any
Justice of Appeal, Rishi Persaud quarter.” The judge held that, “at all times respect for our courts, and order emanating therefrom, must be maintained whether right or wrongly made. We are here to dispense justice fairly and to hold the scales evenly.” To put simply, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry said that, “if the law is on your side, regardless of the identity of the litigant, you will win. If the law and judicial precedent are against you, you will lose.” She further emphasized, “Justice must never be tied to political considerations and affiliation if we, as a democratic nation, believe in the Separation of Powers. That is the legislative, Executive and Judiciary; the independence of the judiciary must be maintained at all times.” RECOUNT UPHELD Justice Persaud held similar views on the matters raised in the appeal. He too
called the appeal a classic case of the abuse of the court’s process and pointed to a number of points in which the matter was res judicata or decided on before by Courts of competent jurisdiction. He noted that the CCJ, a higher Court, handed down a decision that was in keeping with his view as it regards the election cases placed before the Appeal Court. He said that in this regard, he continues to harbour reservations over the majority decision in favour of the case by Ulita Moore versus GECOM and others. In the case of Moore, Justice Persaud gave the lone dissenting judgment. In that case, Persaud noted that the issues outlined in the appeal dealt with the subject of the validity of elections and was therefore meant for the exclusive jurisdiction of the elections court. “I continue to hold the view that those are matters for an elections Court pursuant to Articles 163 (b) (1) of the Constitution…” The Appeal Court Justice said that, as such, the issues raised by the appellant are most suited for judicial review proceedings. In this regard, the judge noted that the CEO, as an employee of the Commission, has no discretionary power or authority and must perform his duties under the direction of GECOM. The judge held too that since the recount was lawful, the CEO is duty-bound to (Continued on page 15)
Kaieteur News
Friday July 31, 2020
Doomed to fail
Y
e s t e r d a y, t h e Court of Appeal of Guyana ruled in the appeal to the recent decision of the Chief Justice. Yesterday’s ruling paves the way for the Guyana Elections Commission to move ahead in declaring the results of the elections. GECOM has called a meeting for Sunday. But it is not clear whether given the pronouncements in yesterday’s decision, which has been stayed for one day, if GECOM will await the outcome of any appeal of yesterday’s decision to Guyana’s apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice(CCJ). The last time the CCJ ruled on an election matter, some supporters of the APNU+AFC urged the Court to stay out of Guyana’s affairs. They falsely contended that the Court of Appeal is Guyana’s highest court. It is not clear now why they should be looking towards the CCJ to overturn yesterday’s judgment. The Court of Appeal yesterday has reaffirmed what was said and known before in relation to any declaration to be made. First, it confirmed that the Order which facilitated the recount was never invalidated by the CCJ. It stated that the Recount order forms part of the electoral laws of the country and it can only be invalidated by an elections petition. The consequence of this ruling is that challenges to the Recount order can no longer be used as a ruse by
the APNU+AFC to force GECOM to discard the recount results. Nor can the APNU+AFC claim that the recount results should be discarded in favour of Mingo’s numbers. Second, the Court agreed with the ruling of the Chief Justice that the Chief Elections Officer is not a Lone Ranger. He is an employee of GECOM and is bound to take instructions from GECOM. He is obliged to comply with the directives of the Commission. One of the judges was emphatic in saying that GECOM was acting within its powers to use the results of the recount and to instruct the CEO to submit his report as per the recount results. Another said that the directions issued to the CEO by GECOM must be treated as lawful and he must comply. The implication of this is that the gamesmanship which was being employed by the CEO must cease forthwith. The rug has been pulled from under him. He has to comply with the instructions given to him. Third, the Court of Appeal was clear that the basis on any lawful declaration now has to be the recount results. The Court held that the votes already counted cannot be invalidated and must be used to declare the results. The implication of this ruling is that the CEO cannot use his discretion. He must prepare and present his results based on the recount. The Court was unambiguous
in its conclusion that the recount numbers must form the basis of the recount. It is theoretically possible that the unanimous decision of the Court of Appeal may be appealed to the CCJ. Even though the Court is due to go in its summer recess next week, its rules allow it to be recalled for urgent matters. If the matter reaches the CCJ, it is not likely to be entertained. In the very first appeal, which the CCJ heard from the Court of Appeal in Guyana, the CCJ held that while it has jurisdiction to grant leave to appeal, it would decline to do so where there is no real prospect of success. It quoted Lord Keith in Farrington v R (1996) 48 WIR 16 (PC who stated: “For the avoidance of doubt… their Lordships consider that it would be inappropriate to grant special leave to appeal as a poor person where it is plain beyond rational argument that the appeal is doomed to fail.” The CCJ in my humble estimation is likely to refuse to entertain the appeal on the aforesaid grounds that the appeal is doomed to fail. As i s t h e A P N U + A F C ’s desperate attempt to hang on to power. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Dem boys seh...
I shall follow thee to the end of thy term The Holy Book says, “Honour thy father and thy mother.” De Minista seh, “De Rig-adier ah me daddy and mooma.” De Holy Book says, “A man shall leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife.” De Minister lef he father and mother party and cleave unto de Rig-adier party. De Holy Book says, “For it is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” De Minista seh, “I shall serve de Rigadier and de Rig-adier only!” Dem boys ask de Minista, how long he gan follow de Rig-adier. De Minister seh, “I shall follow him, till de end of time. Dem boys wan know whether, like Hammie, de Minista had a slip of de tongue. Dem wan know if he did really mean, “till de end of his term.” Dem boys nah understand all dem fancy
charge wah dem gat today, like ‘malfeasance in public office’. But dem boys know wah is fraud. Dat is when you set out to deceive somebody fuh personal gain. If you purport fuh be doing something fuh somebody and dat somebody nah approve of it before you do it, den is false pretense. And dat is fraud, according to dem boys. It nah matter if dem agree after. Once you use dem name before without dem consent, dat is fraud. Dem boys hear about people using other people name fuh file false charge against Claw-dette. And dem boys hear how wan of de persons did not approve until after she name appear pon de charge as a de complainant. So dem boys waiting fuh see when de police gan file de fraud charge fuh de false charges. And dem boys waiting fuh see who gan pay fuh de malicious prosecution. Talk half and wait fuh see de Rig-adier bite he own tongue.
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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Granger is an embarrassment to the other two PNC presidents
I
have written so much of the two presidents that came from the PNC - Forbes Burnham and Desmond – in my 32-yearold career in journalism that a researcher can turn those writings into a book length manuscript. I knew hardly anything about the politics of Granger when he became president and as he settled into the presidency, my analyses were not unkind to him. As
he showed a complete lack of leadership qualities, proved to be a devious leader, showed that he had no selfconfidence, and was happy to parade as a closet dictator then as a media functionary, a social activist and a trained academic, I had no more positive statements to make about Granger. This was from late 2016 onwards. Mr. Granger says he will accept GECOM’s declaration without
conditions attached. I will warm my readers not to be optimistic. Granger is not as smart and thinking as Forbes Burnham. Granger is not as principled and patriotic as Desmond Hoyte. But more importantly, Granger is not concerned with intellectual standing and personal pride as Burnham and Hoyte were. Do not confuse a dictator’s excesses with his conceptualization of fundamental values. If one
reads the books on Albert Speer, one of Adolph Hitler’s most trusted Cabinet ministers, you will see that an autocratic leader still shows concern about how others think about him and he takes measures to ensure that he does not appear foolish and confused in the eyes of his peers. There are silly things that Granger has done that have damaged his reputation and character enormously that
Burnham and Hoyte would have never even contemplated. They were too smart to make those mistakes. Burnham and Hoyte would never refer to the Chief Justice decision as “that is her interpretation.” Because they were selfconfident, Burnham and Hoyte would have faced the nation and the world with well-studied explanations of why they reversed a stated policy. Mr. Granger does not have even a modicum of selfconfidence, so he hides behind his senior party colleagues. One should have judged and dismissed Granger’s presidency from the time he backpedaled on his 2015 election promise of softening the law relating to marijuana. It was he and he alone in both the PNC and AFC that no longer wanted the amendment. But he did not have the courage to face the nation with a plausible reasoning as to why he postponed it. Burnham and Hoyte would never have taken that direction because they felt mentally and politically comfortable in putting forward their positions. Both Burnham and Hotye would have explained why the time was not right to have the changes to the law and they would have faced the media and engaged in exchanges with the journalists. For Burnham’s part, he would have laced his reason with funny retorts while Hoyte would have taken a more vexed attitude, arguing with the media yet facing them and fielding their questions. There hasn’t been an elected head of government in any part of the world in the 20th and 21st century who refused to meet regularly with the press. Granger formally called a press conference on three occasions in his reign of five years, two months which
Frederick Kissoon showed most graphically the absence of leadership qualities. Last night, a majority of Guyanese would have gone to bed with a large dose of optimism after they read that Granger said he would accept a GECOM declaration without conditionality attached. One hopes they know a little bit about the man who was president for five years. Granger is not obsessed with the way he comes across as the other two presidents who came from the PNC were. Granger is going to dissolve your optimism before this day of July 31 comes to an end. He is going to do recount number 2. What is recount number 2? After Mia Mottley cajoled him into accepting a recount (do not deceive yourself; Granger did not generate the idea of a recount, that came from Mottley - see my column of Monday, July 6, 2020, “A secret about the CARICOM recount covenant that must be told.”). It is the game where Granger enunciates a direction then weakens it, calling in others to do the mischief. So he agreed with the recount but he allowed PNC’s lawyers to go to court to stop it. When the GECOM declaration comes (if it ever comes), Granger is going to step back and allow the PNC and the AFC to argue that what GECOM did was not a declaration but an illegality. And the Draculean drama will remain on stage. I hope I am wrong. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
US$5M Ocean View Hospital... From page 3 dated April 29 was signed by Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams. “This notice is made pursuant to paragraph (2)(a) of the Direction by the President under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap.145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement- B, 16TH March 2020,” the Order stated. Neither the cost for the acquisition of the building, nor the land, was stated in the order. Kaieteur News had reported on the document that spelt out government’s rental agreement with the receiver, Courtney Perry, entered into on April 1. Those documents outlined that the Coalition would have to pay G$13M every month to lease the land.
Friday July 31, 2020
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Despite efforts to curb illegal entry, Brazilians continue to enter Guyana By Renay Sambach espite efforts by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in Region Nine (Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo) to curb the illegal entry of nationals from Brazil, 12 Brazilians were, around 02:00hrs yesterday, intercepted by police at Rockstone, Linden in Region 10. As the country with the second highest death toll due to the coronavirus, illegal entries could have worrying implications for Guyana. When contacted, Regional Police Commander for Region 10, Hugh Winter, confirmed that 12 Brazilians were held and noted that, “they were all taken to the Wismar Health Facility to be quarantined and tested for the coronavirus disease.” According to information released, to date, Region 10 has recorded a total of 11 confirmed cases with one death. The remaining 10 cases have recovered leaving the Region COVID-free. Vigilant efforts have been implemented to combat the spread of the disease. This has included the establishment of COVID-19 checkpoints and roadblocks at the Linden-Lethem trail to ensure that persons are screened for the virus. While the number of positive coronavirus cases continues to rise in Guyana, Lethem is reportedly still faced with an influx of Brazilians although the borders are closed due to the pandemic. Region Nine Police Commander, Keithon King, said, “We have no record of anyone entering the country since the borders are closed but we have been dealing with the illegal crossing of persons from Brazil to Guyana for quite some time now… There are several illegal crossing areas in Lethem and the most prevalent one is the Takatu Bridge.”
D
The gate linking Lethem to Bonfim.
He added, “There is 1000 miles of land that can be used to cross over into Guyana illegally. We have since removed the boats from the water, but somehow they’re now finding persons with boats over in Brazil to bring them over during the night. We are also implementing a Border Intelligence Committee to stop the illegal action,” he added. The Border Intelligence Committee, this publication was informed, will be implemented through the collaborative efforts of the GPF, the Guyana Defence Force, the Region Nine Regional Chair, the Regional Executive Officer and health and port representatives, in Guyana and the Military Police, the Federal Police, the Army in Bonfim, health authorities and the Mayor of Bonfim, in Brazil. The aim of the
Committee is to prevent future acts of illegal border crossings, smuggling and drug trafficking. Since March, Guyana’s borders and ports of entry have been closed in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, authorities continue to struggle to deal with the illegal entries of nationals from Venezuela, Suriname and Brazil. Most of the confirmed coronavirus cases in Region Nine were imported from Brazil. The neighbouring country has confirmed more than 2.5 million cases of the disease and has recorded over 90,000 deaths. Earlier this month, at the Guyana/Brazil border crossing, police arrested a bus driver and two accomplices for attempting to pick up nine Brazilian nationals.
Friday July 31, 2020
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After dramatic exchange, 24-hour stay granted - Appeal Court judges to decide on court costs There was a dramatic exchange following the judgment of the Court of Appeal yesterday in the appeal of the Chief Justice’s ruling in Misenga Jones vs. GECOM, et al. Co-counsel for the appellant, Roysdale Forde, asked that the Court stay its judgment for three days. The application was widely opposed. A stay of 24 hours was granted instead. Forde said that the issues are of national importance and pointed to a stay being granted by the Court in the case of Eslyn David vs. GECOM. But several respondents responded, siding with the view of two Justices of the Court, that the litigation is abusive. Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall, responding for the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), said that there was nothing to stay as no orders were granted. He said that some sort of an order was made in David’s case and that the effect of that was stayed at the time. “Here,” Nandlall said, “the appeal filed by the appellant has been dismissed.” President of the Court, Justice Dawn Gregory asked that attorney for the Chair of GECOM, Kim KyteThomas, respond, as the Court’s judgment had placed the matter of the elections declaration squarely back into the hands of GECOM. “I fully endorse what Mr. Nandlall has said to the Court,” Kyte-Thomas said. “Your honour, nothing has been granted, there is nothing to be stayed. All that has happened is a dismissal of a frivolous and vexatious appeal. And that is our position. The work of GECOM must be completed, your honours. If we continue like this, when will we have election results? 2025? This is u n t e n a b l e … We a r e objecting to the application, your honour,” Kyte-Thomas added. Attorney for the 12th respondent, Sanjeev Datadin, chimed in and endorsed Nandlall’s argument. However, he went on to point out that under the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Act, “an appeal that will go to the CCJ requires leave or special leave under Sections 6, 7 and 8.” The lawyer said, “We don’t know whether that will in fact come into being. There has been no application filed, and in any event, if Mr. Forde would like to receive the benefit of any interim orders, as was the case in David, you
have to file your application and the approach should in fact be made to that Court [the CCJ], not to this Court.” He submitted that Forde’s request could not be granted. Attorney-at-law Timothy Jonas, for the 11th respondent, spoke next and e n d o r s e d D a t a d i n ’s argument, then made other arguments in opposition to the application for a stay. He said that if the Court did have the jurisdiction and it granted the stay, it would depend on whether the Court found there to be live issues sufficient for a meaningful appeal. He held the view that the Court did not, as two Justices noted that the litigation constituted an a b u s e o f t h e C o u r t ’s processes. He also explained that what the CCJ granted in Eslyn David vs. GECOM, et al was a mandatory order on an interlocutory basis, not a stay. Responding to these arguments, Forde said that it is not a case in which the Appeal Court is being asked to “put its head in the sand” to pretend there are no judicial or constitutional consequences to its judgment. He pointed again to Eslyn David vs GECOM, et al for which an application was orally made for a stay and it was granted prior to the application being filed to the CCJ. Finally, Forde said that the determination that there are no good grounds for an appeal, or that the matter may be frivolous, cannot “destroy” the application for the stay at this stage. Justice Gregory consulted with her colleagues and they both rejected the application for the three-day stay. She said that she was prepared to grant a short stay of one day, but that the Court’s majority decision stood. At this juncture, Jonas asked that the Court consider the question of costs, to which Nandlall responded, suggesting a “conservative sum of $2M”. This was endorsed by Attorney for the 9th respondent, Kamal Ramkarran, who asked that costs be paid to all respondents before anything further is filed. Datadin endorsed the submissions of Nandlall and Ramkarran on costs. Though all thought that the matter of the stay had been rejected and settled, the Attorney General’s cocounsel, Maxwell Edwards, interrupted the conversation to say that his system was disconnected and that he did not get a chance to make his
submission on the stay. Justice Gregory explained that the Court had already decided on the stay, but Edwards said that he would like for his submission to be completed for the record. During his submission, Edward said that the arguments of Nandlall and Jonas are incorrect in law and pointed to another matter adjudicated by the Court “unanalogous to this one”, in which he said a stay was granted. He added that Nandlall is well aware of (Continued on page 15)
Court of Appeal
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Recount figures must ... From page 8 recount as directed by the Chairperson of the Commission. He held that if GECOM must act on the advice of the CEO, his advice must be lawful and any other advice that he gives, outside of the recount, would be absurd. On this point, the judge relied on the judgment of the CCJ that “unless and until an election court decides otherwise, the votes already counted by the recount process as valid votes are incapable of being declared invalid by any person or authority other than the High Court through an election petition.” ENDORSED In her endorsement of the rulings, the Court’s President, Justice Gregory, in a decision that followed also agreed that the appeal lacked merit. She too told the parties that several of the issues raised by Jones’ appeal are best suited for an Elections Petition, which can only take place after the elections has concluded. In dismissing the appeal, Justice Gregory relied heavily on the rulings of the CCJ and the CJ (ag). She noted that several of the issues were already litigated and hence the current proceedings are an attempt to re-litigate issues. Justice Gregory noted that the ruling of the High Court, that endorsed the decision of the Chairperson of GECOM, that the results
can be declared on no other basis than the figures derived from the recount process. The judge noted too that, similarly, the CCJ had rendered the same determination that upholding Section 22 of the ELAA and Order 60 of 2020 from which, the recount process emanated was constitutional, valid and legal. This, Justice Gregory noted, is contrary to the complaint of Jones, who is challenging the constitutionality of the laws which formed the basis of the recount. The judge therefore held that in light of the foregoing, the CEO should have no trouble carrying out the instruction of the Commission to prepare his report based on the recount figure since he would have supervised the process. “I see no difficulty in that, in him complying swiftly to complete this process,” she said. By the end of the judgment, both attorneys representing Jones and the AG indicated their intention to appeal to the CCJ. Their application for stay of the judgment was initially denied by the Court in the face of strong opposition from several opposing legal team. However, by the end of the proceeding, the Court granted them a 24-hour stay for consideration on their way forward.
I will accept any... From page 7 “The Chairman of the Commission and six Commissioners will determine the outcome of this process.” The Court of Appeal yesterday handed down a unanimous ruling, dismissing an appeal in Misenga Jones vs. GECOM, which sought to set aside the results of the recount. The Court’s judgment is in direct opposition to the Granger c o a l i t i o n ’s p o s i t i o n . However, while Granger has said he will respect the Court, his campaign manager, Joseph Harmon, has cast aspersions on its integrity. In a ‘reaction’ statement he made following the ruling, Harmon said, “While I did not expect much out of the Court of Appeal as constituted, I am still disappointed that the Court did not use this opportunity at this juncture in the history of Guyana to make a judgment
which was sound in law.” He said that the coalition is committed to the rule of law and respect for the decisions of the Courts, and iterated that “when the matter goes to GECOM that only valid votes will be counted in the final declaration made by the Chairman of GECOM.” The coalition’s claims of fraud, made during the recount, have been extensively debunked. Any further investigation of their veracity must be handled in an elections petition. The High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) have all dictated this in their judgments on election cases adjudicated during this election season. But Harmon insists that “fraudulent votes” cannot be the basis for a final declaration. He said, “The Guyanese people will certainly examine in a more meticulous way the manner in which their justice system functions.”
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After dramatic exchange, 24-hour stay... From page 14 the case in question. In response, Nandlall said to Edwards, “Mr. Williams should have permitted you to speak at the appropriate time.” Edwards then wondered out loud if there were any “shenanigans” going on which prevented him initially from making his submission on the stay. Nandlall said that he would respond to Edwards’ argument if the Court would rehear the matter. In umbrage to Nandlall’s earlier comments, Edwards said, “Mr. Nandlall, Mr. Williams does not have to permit me to speak. I am co-counsel in this matter with the learned Attorney General and I have been assigned certain duties, certain roles and this is one of them. So please don’t interrupt me.” Justice Gregory interjected at that point to tell Edwards that his submission
will be reflected on the record. The Court then revisited the question of the stay, based on Edwards’ request for a “very short stay”. Justice Gregory reminded that the Court placed the matter back into the hands of GECOM, which is why she had asked Kyte-Thomas to weigh in on the request for a stay. “Kyte has held out that she is rejecting this application,” the Court’s President said. Edwards then argued that this matter is one of fundamental and supreme constitutional importance, to which the Court decided to grant a stay of one day. Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry interjected at that point to ensure it is on the record that the decision to grant the stay was not contributed to by her. “For the record, I must say that is not my decision. My decision is to refuse the application for a stay. I would just like
that to be noted on the record,” she said. Justice Gregory then noted for the record that two judges, herself and Justice Rishi Persaud, are prepared to grant a stay for one day, expiring within 24 hours. Nandlall and his lead counsel, Douglas Mendes, attempted to seek clarity, but the Court moved on to the issue of costs. Forde’s cocounsel, Mayo Robertson, protested the settlement of costs for all respondents, explaining that the appellant only instituted proceedings against four respondents. He said that the remaining respondents joined, and opined that it would be grossly unfair to expect the appellant to award costs in their favour. The Court’s President responded that the Court would hear submissions on costs and that a decision would be likely after three days.
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Transition to renewables will not leave Guyana with stranded oil assets- CGX Head
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s the world begins its transition to renewable energy, many concerns have been raised regarding the impact this will have on the oil sector. Guyana, like the rest of the world, had announced its intention of transitioning into renewables when it launched its Green State Development Strategy in 2017. The strategy’s main objective focuses on achieving a green economy defined by sustainable, lowcarbon and resilient development that uses its resources in an efficient manner that can be sustained for generations. With Guyana well on its way to becoming one of the world’s largest oil-producing nations, the question that now exists is whether the country’s plan to transition into a state of renewable energy will place a timeline for the country’s development of its oil assets. There are also fears that the short window may lead to some of the offshore oil assets
Professor Suresh Narine being stranded. During his first appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s Guyana’s Oil and You, Head of GCX (Guyana) and Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Te c h n o l o g y ( I A S T ) , Professor Suresh Narine, was called upon to provide his perspective on this critical question. The CGX Director was keen to share his belief that Guyana can still develop its
oil and gas sector while still continuing down the path of transitioning to renewable energy. And given the longterm demand for fossil fuel, he highly doubts that Guyana would be left with stranded assets. The professor iterated that the world’s demand for energy has not abated and that is not likely to change in the near future. In addition to this, the professor noted that the world is expected to see a 20% increase in population growth by 2040, meaning that, as the world’s population continues to grow so will the demand for fossil fuel. Expounding further, Professor Narine was keen to note that Guyana is in a particularly favourable state with it being geographically located in a region, which happens to be a net importer of fuel. “The Caribbean region creates a great demand for us… I don’t think that we are about to see that our fossil fuel resources will become a stranded asset. I think that (Continued on page 22)
Kaieteur News
Friday July 31, 2020
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Eid-ul- Adha Messages PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY Eid-ul-Adha – the feast of the sacrifice – is a scared festival that commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s unshakeable faith and unwavering obedience to A l l a h ’s c o m m a n d t o sacrifice his beloved son Ishmael. Eid-ul-Adha is observed throughout our country with the offering of prayers and the distribution of food, usually the meat of a sacrificial lamb, and alms to the less fortunate in society. These expressions of generosity to the poor and
needy strengthen the chords of cohesion among people in our country. They demonstrate our common humanity and concern for others. They are a manifestation of our collective endeavour to build a more equitable society where everyone will be treated with dignity and respect. Guyanese, today, are becoming a more caring, considerate and compassionate people. We are working towards living in an inclusive society in
which everyone, regardless of race, religion or region of residence will be respected and no one will feel excluded or marginalised. I pray that the outpouring of charity and concern for others, which is characteristic of Eid-ulAdha, will promote greater harmony in our beloved country! I wish all Guyanese, but especially our Islamic community, a peaceful and joyous Eid-ulAdha. Eid Mubarak!
INDIAN ACTION COMMITTEE The Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to extend greetings to all Guyanese citizens, especially those who are adherents of Islam, on the sacred occasion of Eid-ulAdha, a national holiday. The IAC recognizes that Eid–ul–Adha is a time for believers to learn the value of self- denial by making a sacrifice of the things they love, to Almighty God. The IAC understands that Prophet Ibrahim’s great act of submission is thus regarded solely as an example of genuine surrender to the will of his creator. The IAC feels that today, more than ever, human beings need to incorporate
the lesson of this great sacrifice with humility thus underlining the importance of the festival in memory of Prophet Ibrahim’s great act of faith, many centuries ago. The IAC exhorts everyone in the spirit of selfsacrifice to not forget the poor and needy in our community, by sharing the sacrificial offerings with them. The IAC sincerely hopes that this holy observance can bring people of different religious, ethnic and social backgrounds together in a spirit of national unity. The IAC recognizes also that the festival of Eid-ulAdha falls on the third day of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca which is normally made by millions of
Muslims every year. The IAC understands also that due to COVID-19, this y e a r ’s H a j j h a s b e e n restricted. The IAC, in the realization of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic, calls on all Muslims who are going to be actively involved in Eid-ulAdha activities to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of this lethal disease which appears to be gaining strength in South America. The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to ensure that this country remains a peaceful one and, in the future, a prosperous nation. Eid Mubarak from the IAC.
PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS REFORM The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) extends Eid-ul-Adha greetings to all Guyanese, but more especially to our Muslim Brothers and Sisters, we say Eid Mubarak. The preparedness of the Holy Prophet to make the supreme sacrifice, as proof of his total commitment to the teachings of Allah, should inspire us all to strive towards the ideals of brotherly love, peace, justice and empathy towards
one another. It is only by the personal commitment of each Guyanese citizen to the above stated ideals can our country develop into a Nation characterized by unity, harmony and a sense of decency. The PNCR has always been and will always remain respectful of Guyana’s cultural and religious diversity and believes that our diversity has worked and can continue to work to the
country’s advantage. In this latter regard, it should be remembered that it was the PNC Government, under its Founder Leader, Forbes Burnham, which paved the way for each of the country’s major religious groups to observe their holy days as National Holidays. O u r P ar ty r emain s committed to ensuring unity in diversity so that our beloved country can experience real development and progress. Eid Mubarak!
Al- Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad, CIOG PRESIDENT As-Salaamu Alaikum Wa R a h m a t u l l a h i WaBarakaatuh. Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak! Allah, God Almighty has reminded us in the Holy Quran “This day I have perfected your Deen for you,
completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your way of life.” (Holy Quran - Chapter 5 verse 3)” All gratitude is due to Allah (SWT), Lord of all creation, peace and blessings on the noble Prophet (SAW),
his family and Companions. I extend Eid Mubarak greetings on behalf of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana to all and ask Allah (SWT), the Almighty, to accept our good deeds. Eid-ul-Adha has (Continued on page 22)
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings and best wishes to the Muslim communities here in Guyana and in the Diaspora on the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. Its observance comes during the annual Holy Pilgrimage to Mecca, The Hajj; a journey that embodies sacrifices in the quest to fulfill religious obligations. Eid-ul-Adha reminds of unbridled humility and the willingness to selflessly make sacrifices in obedience of God. Its inspiring messages are pertinent to the spiritual advancement of all mankind which redounds in peace and
togetherness. Its observance also continues to exemplify humane characteristics of generosity, morality and love for others, especially the less fortunate. In a diverse society like Guyana where religious boundaries are often transcended, these attributes have proven their value not only in catalyzing and strengthening bonds among our people but also in forging a better understanding and appreciation of our rich cultures and religious practices. As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate in traditional ways, the occasion once again brings into focus the many
sacrifices Guyanese have and continue to make for self-advancement and nation building with the common objective of a better life and future for all. The PPP is mindful that, regrettably, due to COVID-19 protocols, related activities would be restricted. However, it’s optimistic that the significance of Eidul-Adha and its relevance in today’s world will not in any way be diminished. The Party, therefore, urges that the messages and significance of this occasion be foremost in the minds of all so that hope will continue to flourish. Once again, the PPP extends best wishes for the occasion. Eid Mubarak!
GUYANA AGRICULTURAL WORKERS’ UNION The Guyana Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) joins to extend our warmest wishes to Muslims across our country and around the world who are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha. This special holiday is a time to honour the sacrifice, resolve, and commitment to God demonstrated by Abraham. It would usually mark the end of the pilgrimage of Hajj performed each year by millions of Muslims who journey from all corners of the world to Mecca as a testament to their faith. This
scared journey, however, has been impacted this year by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic but the enduring message of the occasion remains enduring. Eid-ulAdha is also a celebration of the ways faith can transcend any differences or boundaries and unite us under the banners of fellowship and love. As Muslims, from all walks of life, join their neighbours and friends to pray, give alms, exchange gifts, and recommit to helping others; we are
reminded of the difficulties that afflict thousands of Guyanese. The prevailing economic situation which is occasioned by poor policies and a procrastinated election cycle has pushed thousands into hardship. As Eid-ulAdha reminds us, we should help those less fortunate and be our brother’s and sister’s keeper. May the spirits of community, togetherness, principled service, and compassionate generosity bring good tidings to those celebrating Eid-ul-Adha.
Protected Areas Commission/ National Parks Commission T h e P r o t e c t e d A r e a s Commission/National Parks Commission (PAC/NPC) notes the Friday 31st July 2020 celebrations of Eid-Ul-Adha and we join in wishing all our Muslim brothers and sisters Eid Mubarak. This holiday also known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice Feast’ is an extremely significant one for Muslims. Profit Ibrahim whose name in Islam also means ‘Messenger of God’ was willing to sacrifice his son Ishmael as offering to God. The purpose of sacrifice during this festival is to give up something that is loved the most – this is how Muslims show devotion to their God, Allah. In keeping with the Eid-UlAdha’s message of dedication and giving/sharing, the meat of a sacrificed animal ( c o w, s h e e p , g o a t , buffalo or camel) is shared to the poor, family and friends in three
equivalent parts; this is said to emphasize equality, kindness and devotion. In Guyana, there is a variety of religious groups and belief. The appreciation of each other’s religious beliefs and cultures is an ingredient for unity and progress. Guyana is not only diverse in religion and culture but also in biological diversity – our natural heritage. As we celebrate this holiday, the PAC calls for us all to be appreciate our diversity and to be kind to each other. EID MUBARAK!
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Friday July 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Al- Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad... From page 21 arrived, it is a season of happiness, family bonding, and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor, nurturing mutual compassion, love, and support for the vulnerable; values that are important to Guyanese and the wider community. Eid is also an opportunity to demonstrate solidarity; especially since this year’s Eidul-Adha comes as the Muslim Ummah and the world suffers difficult times filled with crises and obstacles. Compassion and support are needed, for many of our brethren are experiencing uncertainty, fear, pain, and frustration. The Coronavirus Pandemic has virtually brought the world to a halt and stopped the journey to perform the Hajj for those residing outside of Saudi Arabia. This is a period of great test which requires reflection and meaningful action. Eid-ulAdha cannot be celebrated without remembering the patriarch, the friend of Allah (SWT), Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and peace be upon him. This festival commemorates the sacrifices made by LAND FOR SALE Middle Road La Penitence, Georgetown.Paradise & Enterprise East Coast. Delgin Linden Highway 33 arce. Contact Ray’s Realty: 627-9685 Republic Gardens- Phase 1, Single Plot, Corner Lot G$28 Million. Gated Community. Tele : #660-0192, 688-5554
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Prophet Ibrahim and his family. Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is described as the forefather of all the prophets who came after him, including Moses, Jesus, and our Beloved Muhammad (SAW). Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is accorded the highest status in the Holy Quran and is described in (Chapter 16: verse 120), as an “Ummah,” a nation. Imagine one person referred to as an Ummah. This is partly because the amount of good, his exemplar submission to Allah (SWT), and sincerity in his worship, all embodied to the degree of an entire Ummah, a nation. He was given the title of Khaleellullah, or friend of Allah. This is confirmed in the Holy Quran, “When his Lord said to him ‘submit’, he said ‘I have submitted [in Islam] to the Lord of the worlds.” (Chapter 2: verse 131)” Eid ulAdha starts with the glorification of Allah (SWT), and its pinnacle is total submission to the Creator. Our journey begins by understanding and moving through the levels of our soul. If one overcomes his lower desires, detaches from all material desires, and truly humbles before Allah (SWT), one will understand the essence behind this celebration and can derive the best out of this Eid. This was the example of our Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Eid ul-Adha is the celebration of the reformation of the human condition from that of servitude to other men to that of devotion to the Creator of all living and non-living things. Do not fall into the trap of considering yourself better than others. Remember Allah (SWT) says, “Oh mankind, we created you from a single man and a single woman, and made you into nations and tribes so that you should get to know one another. The most honoured of you are the ones who are most mindful of Him: God is all knowing, all aware.” (Holy Quran - Chapter 49: verse 13). Considering Eid as a unifying factor for all the Muslim Ummah, I humbly request you to join me in raising our hands
in Dua. Supplicating to The Almighty for Blessings and Protection of our Muslim brethren and all of humanity. Let us pray for peaceful coexistence in Guyana and the entire world. Change begins with the person in the mirror. Our actions must prove that we mean no ill to anyone and we are all part of one humanity. Each one of us has to be the change that we desire. Change yourself in order to set an example which encourages others to change. “Verily, Allah (SWT) will not change the condition of a people until they change themselves. (Holy Quran Chapter 13: verse 11) Further, Allah (SWT) reminds us in the Quran, “Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this Prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the (protector and helper) of the believers.” (Holy Quran – Chapter 3: verse 68) Our Father, Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, epitomized the verse of the Quran: Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (Holy Quran Chapter 3: verse 173) May Allah (SWT) continue to bless you and your families and make us people who strive to bring benefit to others. Let us work on improving ourselves and those around us. Together we work to become agents of peace, instilling harmony among people regardless of ethnicity and creed. Let us be protectors of each other, ensuring we respect the rights of each other. May GOD bless our nation as we strive to build a better country. May Allah (SWT) show us the truth as truth and help us to follow it and show us evil as evil and enable us to avoid it. Let us be like the great Prophet, the Patriarch, our father, the Friend of GOD Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon him and his family. Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak Was-Salaamu Alaikum -WaRahmatullahiWabarakaatuh.
Transition to renewables will not leave Guyana with... From page 20 demand will continue,” he said. Professor Narine further noted that although the demand for fossil fuel is expected to rise, renewables are taking, and will continue to take, increasing market shares in the coming years. Adding to this, Professor Narine stated that there are many other oil-producing nations such as the United Kingdom and Germany that have
begun transitioning to renewable energy while continuing to be some of the world’s largest fossil fuel economies. In conclusion, the Professor was keen to note that the world’s demand for fossil fuels will eventually go down as renewables come up to scale. Until then, he posited that the need for the oil sector will remain intact hence his position that Guyana’s assets are not likely to be left stranded.
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Friday July 31, 2020
Trump says election results must not wait months or years United States President Donald Trump tweeted yesterday that the results of an election should be announced on the night of the Election. The tweet stated “Must know Election results on the night of the Election, not days, months, or even years later!” Trump’s Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, has paid close attention to Guyana’s electoral situation, and recently announced sanctions in the form of visa restrictions after the David Granger coalition’s efforts to frustrate a declaration of the results of the transparent national vote recount
became evident. However, the tweet is likely about the US situation, and not Guyana, as has been interpreted by its respondents.
The US President seeks re-election in November, against presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee and former US Vice President, Joe Biden.
“The right of appeal is a privilege that should not be abused”
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ecretary General o f t h e Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, has made it clear that the right to appeal any judicial judgment is a privilege that should not be abused. This appears to be a caution to the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government. Following the unanimous ruling of the Appellate Court in the Misenga Jones vs Guyana Elections Commission et al, Roysdale Forde, attorney for the applicant, had requested a three-day stay of the judgment, but was granted just 24 hours. The request for the stay is an indication of the possibility of an appeal being filed before the Caribbean Court of Justice. In a tweet, Almagro posted a picture of the summary of the Appeal Court’s decision and stated, “The right of appeal is a privilege that should not be abused - especially in deferring the will of the people.” “#Guyana has spoken,”
27-member EU says it ‘will not waver’ in support of Guyana’s democracy
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US President Donald Trump
- OAS Secretary General OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro
he added and urged that, “GECOM must declare results based on the recount.” Almagro has been vocal throughout Guyana’s 2020 electoral process and, at the recent OAS Permanent Council meeting, he had endorsed the use of the recount figures for a declaration to be made. He joined with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the rest of the international community in calling for the electoral process to be resolved swiftly and democratically.
He has also noted the many attempts by the Coalition at frustrating the democratic process. “This must come to an end,” Almagro had said, “It is not serving or benefitting Guyana. It is not serving the institutions. It is not serving democracy. It is not serving [President David] Granger. We plead respectfully to not have further use of the judicial system to delay a resolution. The judicial system should not be used in this consistent form or context.”
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he European Union (EU) has promised that it will not waver in its espousal for a rapid conclusion of the present political crisis in Guyana, “which has gone on for too long.” The assurance was given by the Acting Managing Director for the Americas for the European External Action Service (EEAS), Javier Nino Perez. EEAS is the EU’s diplomatic service and defence ministry. In the correspondence with Chair of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia, Perez responded on behalf of the EU’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell. He said that the EU has closely followed Guyana’s electoral process “with no small degree of concern.” In a previous statement, the EU spoke in defense of democracy in Guyana, explaining that the legitimacy of Guyana’s government depends on a declaration of the recount results. The Union reiterated in the letter to Gouveia that it firmly supports the credible
European Union Minister for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell.
recount results. “We feel that the clear ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice provides a solid foundation for a peaceful and democratic solution to Guyana’s post-electoral crisis. It is now up to the Guyana Elections Commission to issue, rapidly, a declaration based on the credible results of the recount certified by the Caribbean Community, ensuring respect for the will of the people of Guyana, in line with the ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice.” Perez said that the EU counts on the Commission to
conclude this process, ensuring that a legitimate government is sworn in. This note was published on the same day that the Court of Appeal unanimously ruled to dismiss an appeal of the Chief Justice’s ruling in the Misenga Jones vs. GECOM case, which sought to have the Commission use the tainted district declaration’s as the basis of a final declaration, instead of the credible results of the national vote recount. The Appeal Court ruled that the recount results must be used to make a final declaration.
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Batsmen let down by technical approach... World Athletics Council From page 30 alter your guard to cater for the amount of movement. I didn’t see them doing that. “The other thing we used to do is between matches, we would set up the bowling machine to replicate what you get from Stuart Broad. When you [review] all the wickets [that fell], all these lbws, the minute the ball is coming out the hand, the batter has gone early to where the ball is starting and then they are already falling across the line.” With Broad rested, West Indies won the first Test at Southampton by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series but with hopes raised of their first series win on English soil
in 32 years, things quickly fell apart. In the second Test at Old Trafford, they capitulated in both innings to crash to a 113run defeat with Broad returning for his first Test to grab six wickets in the contest. The 32-year-old then produced a 10-wicket match haul in the third Test days later at the same venue as West Indies’ batsmen perished meekly for 197 and 129, to plunge to a heavy 269-run loss. Radford, who was ousted from the coaching setup in a management shake-up ahead of last year’s World Cup in England, also told Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guests that while he was unaware of
the goings-on inside the Windies camp, targeted planning to combat Broad should have taken place between the second and final Tests. “There are drills you can do, very simple drills that we used to do on the machine to replicate what you get in the middle,” the Englishman explained. “Now what I would have hoped after Stuart Broad knocked them over in the second Test match, I would like to think they all got together with the backroom staff and said ‘right, we know what they’re coming with, we know what they’re going to do. They’re going to bowl dead straight and angle the ball in’ and work on that.
Friday July 31, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You seem to be filled with questions, Aries. Some of them are big, some trivial. All you know is that they preoccupy you, and the answers aren't readily apparent. Don't fret.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) There's tension in the air today, Libra. Even though it isn't your doing, you may want to keep a low profile, especially if you need to work. Try to avoid any discussions.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You're an individual, but sometimes it's hard for you to suppress your uniqueness in order to get the job done. It may not be you. The problem may be your job.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You're a dreamer at heart, Scorpio. You prefer not to think about material things. That explains why you tend to forget groceries or dry cleaning. You're happiest if things get done for you.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your ego may be bruised by events from a few days back. Has it occurred to you that it's within your power to right the wrong you feel was done to you? It isn't a matter of confrontation but of conversation. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today's planetary configurations are pushing you to get some perspective on your life and the lives of people closest to you. You must admit that you've been rather selfish lately.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) If you follow your instincts and dare to take some risks, Sagittarius, you'll be handsomely rewarded. You have the capability to make a good project great. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Finally, Capricorn, you'll be able to breathe a long overdue sigh of relief. It's likely that you've been worried about your finances for some time. Well, you need worry no longer.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This is a day to be up front with your partner, Leo. It's possible that your relationship has reached some sort of stalemate. It's up to you to get that fire burning brightly once again.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Separate the wheat from the chaff today. Look at your relationships and decide who your true friends are. You're loyal, which is to your credit, but why be loyal to people who don't return it?
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is a day of untold o p p o r t u n i t y, Vi rgo. If you've been concerned that you haven't been using your full creative potential, you can put that concern to rest today. Your creativity is boundless and you'll finally realize it.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Separate the wheat from the chaff today. Look at your relationships and decide who your true friends are. You're loyal, which is to your credit, but why be loyal to people who don't return it?Why not give it a try?
“I don’t know what’s going on in there, whether they worked on those areas because then you nullify their best bowler. And one bloke has basically bowled out the team. Jofra Archer didn’t bowl us out, no one else bowled out West Indies team – it was only Stuart Broad. “All you had to do was come up with a method and practice the method to cope with that.” Radford, a former head of the region’s High Performance Centre, said with the matches played back-toback, West Indies were also guilty of failing to freshen up their attack by making use of the reserve bowlers available. After the first Test, the Caribbean side’s bowlers appeared jaded and only managed to dismiss England once in the next four innings. “England rotated eight seam bowlers. They were always resting a couple of seamers so every time their bowlers played they were fresh,” Radford pointed out. “As the tour went on, for whatever reason, we didn’t use our backup bowlers. We carried on using the [same] bowlers all the way through.”
Windies legend Sir Everton... From page 29 asserted. “The masses that followed Marcus Garvey into rejecting colonialism in preference of democracy had produced an icon that represented their dreams for future generations.” National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers, headed a distinguished list of mourners which included legendary fast bowler Sir Wes Hall, Sir Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Joel Garner, Charlie Griffith, and former West Indies captain Brian Lara who was a pallbearer. Sir Everton’s son, the former West Indies wicketkeeper David Murray, was also in attendance along with Barbados Cricket Association president and Cricket West Indies director, Conde Riley, and UWI Cave Hill principal, Professor Eudine Barriteau. Sir Everton was buried at Three Ws Oval of the UWI Cave Hill Campus, alongside Sir Frank Worrell who died in 1967 and Sir Clyde Walcott who passed away in 2006.
makes key decisions on Olympic cross country The World Athletics Council has today confirmed the competition format for a cross country event to be included in the Olympic Games. The event, which has been proposed for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, would be a mixed team relay for 15 countries. Each team would be composed of two men and two women. Each member of the team would run two legs of the 2.5km course, alternating between male and female athletes as each athlete completes the 2.5km course and hands over to a teammate. World Athletics will meet with the Paris 2024 organising committee in the near future to work out further details of the
proposal. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said he was delighted at the prospect of cross country returning to the Olympic Games 100 years after it last appeared at the 1924 Paris Games. “My love for athletics began with cross country,’’ he said. “When I joined my first athletics club, Hallamshire Harriers, the club president was Joe Williams, who ran in the last Olympic cross country race in Paris in 1924. It would be hugely symbolic for this wonderful athletic discipline to return to the fold after a century, and for a new generation of runners to fall in love with the glorious challenge of running off-piste.”
World Athletics to expel... From page 26 week the federation had asked World Athletics to delay its decision on its status, saying it did not have enough funds to cover the fine and other fees and that it was still searching for external funding. The federation’s handling of the doping crisis and its fallout has angered some of
the country’s top athletes, including three-time world high jump champion Maria Lasitskene, who has been among the federation’s most vocal critics. Some athletes have said they could consider representing other countries if they are indefinitely barred from competing on the global stage.
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World Athletics to expel Strong ratings boost momentum Russia’s federation if fine for women’s sport unpaid by August 15 Moscow/Bern (Reuters) - The global governing body for athletics will expel Russia’s federation, suspended since 2015 for having broken anti-doping rules, if it fails to pay a hefty fine before Aug. 15, it said on Thursday (yesterday). Rune Andersen, chair of the taskforce overseeing Russia’s reinstatement efforts, said it had received a guarantee from Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin that a payment of $6.31 million, which includes a fine for breaching antidoping rules, would be made before mid-August. The federation had missed the initial deadline of July 1. The expulsion, which would have to be approved by the World Athletics Congress, would lead to Russian athletes being sidelined from international competitions, including those who had previously been authorised to compete as neutrals. World Athletics said the decision would come into effect immediately and automatically if the payment was not made by the new deadline. It said no Russian athletes could be
clear to compete internationally as neutrals until that condition was met. It added the federation needs to submit a new plan for reform and show satisfactory progress in achieving its objectives. “At least we are now in a position to continue the reinstatement process having had a clear indication that the have accepted the seriousness and severity of the situation,” World Athletics President Sebastian Coe told an online news conference. “The proof of the pudding will be in the reinstatement plan we have from them.” Russia’s athletics federation was suspended in 2015 after a report commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) found evidence of mass doping among track and field athletes. Despite working towards reinstatement, the federation’s senior officials and coaches have continued to find themselves embroiled in doping scandals. This (Continued on page 25)
Reuters - U.S. women’s soccer and basketball earned strong television ratings as they returned after being put on hold due to COVID-19, helping to quell concern that the pandemic would undo progress made in women’s sports over the last year. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Challenge Cup final on Sunday averaged 653,000 viewers, up almost 300% from the 2019 final, broadcaster CBS said. The Wo m e n ’s National Basketball A s s o c i a t i o n ’s (WNBA) opening day attracted its most viewers in eight years as an average of 539,000 watched the Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury. “These numbers are significant because they are evidence that the economic viability of women’s sport is continuing, despite this unprecedented time,” said Nancy Lough, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas focused on sports marketing. “I believe we are now seeing sustained momentum.” Both the NWSL and the WNBA rode into 2020 with plenty of momentum.
The fourth World Cup victory of the U.S. women’s soccer team drummed up enthusiasm for the sport across the country, while the WNBA’s January collective bargaining agreement aggressively ramped up pay for players, in a landmark moment for women in sports.”Most prognosticators look to the past to predict the future. What they don’t see as clearly are turning points,” said Andrew Zimbalist, a professor at Smith College specialising in sports economics. “The U.S. women’s World Cup victory last year was a turning point.” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has pushed back on suggestions that the pandemic would set the sport back. On M o n d a y, t w o d a y s a f t e r t h e truncated, coronavirus-delayed season kicked off, ESPN said it added 13 more WNBA games to its broadcast schedule. The majority of the NWSL Challenge Cup games aired on streaming platforms like CBS All Access and Twitch, with the opener and final broadcast on CBS. “We’re obviously thrilled,”
Swiss launch criminal probe of FIFA boss Infantino Zurich (Reuters) Criminal proceedings have been opened against FIFA President Gianni Infantino by a special prosecutor looking into dealings between the head of the global soccer body and Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber, Swiss authorities said on Thursday (yesterday). The special prosecutor Stefan Keller, appointed last month to review complaints against the two men and others, had found indications of criminal conduct related to their meetings, according to the AB-BA watchdog which oversees the Attorney General’s Office. “This concerns abuse of public office, breach of official secrecy, assisting offenders and incitement to these acts,” the watchdog said in a statement. Both Lauber and Infantino have denied wrongdoing. FIFA said in a statement that it would cooperate fully while Infantino said that it was “perfectly legitimate and perfectly legal” to meet the Swiss Attorney General. “It’s not a violation of anything,” he said. “It has been my aim from day one, and it remains my aim, to assist the authorities with investigating past wrongdoings at FIFA,” he added. “FIFA officials have met with prosecutors in other
Gianni Infantino jurisdictions across the world for exactly these purposes.” Infantino was elected in 2016 to replace disgraced Sepp Blatter, who also become the subject of criminal proceedings in 2015. Blatter, suspected of criminal mismanagement, was banned by FIFA’s own ethics committee although the investigations against him are still ongoing and he has not been charged. He denies wrongdoing. On being elected, Infantino promised to clean up FIFA and to put the focus back on football. FIFA was embroiled in the worst corruption scandal in its history in 2015 which led to several officials being indicted in the United States on corruption-related charges. Lauber last week offered to resign after the Federal
Michael Lauber Administrative Court concluded he had covered up a meeting with Infantino and lied to supervisors while his office investigated corruption surrounding soccer’s governing body. The court said he had made “implausible” statements about a meeting with Infantino. While Lauber had acknowledged two meetings with Infantino in 2016, he had denied a third meeting reported by media to have occurred in 2017, prompting a disciplinary probe by the agency that supervises the attorney general’s office. He later said he did not recall the third meeting but that it must have occurred based on diary entries and
text messages. Lauber officially tendered his resignation on Tuesday, his office said, with his last day of active duty set for Aug. 31 (today). The AB-BA watchdog said Keller had now opened proceedings against both Infantino and regional public prosecutor Rinaldo Arnold who was involved in the meetings, and was seeking parliamentary approval to have Lauber’s immunity from prosecution waived. “I take note of the fact that a lawsuit has been opened. This is actually a logical step to clarify the facts,” Arnold told Reuters. “It should be mentioned that a case against me was closed last spring last year.”
said Commissioner Lisa Baird. “The numbers clearly demonstrate that we are a league on the rise. But make no mistake, we’re not satisfied. Women’s sports still don’t receive the attention they should.” The NWSL opener last month snared an average of 572,000 viewers, according to CBS. This was higher than their male counterpart Major League Soccer’s (MLS) tournament opener, which averaged 492,000 viewers according to ESPN, its second-highest regular season audience in three seasons. Olga Harvey, chief strategy & impact officer at the Women’s Sports Foundation, said she was “thrilled yet not surprised” by the NWSL and WNBA ratings. “Women’s sports have always been, and remain, a showcase of skill, grit, and dedication – preor post-pandemic,” said Harvey. “The early numbers are encouraging,” said Carter. “Only the passage of time will determine if these early ratings successes are sticky.” David Carter, a professor of sports business at USC and principal at the Sports Business Group, cautioned that it could be too soon to say whether the trend will continue.
FIFA statement F I FA a c k n o w l e d g e s the decision of the Swiss Special Federal Public Prosecutor in opening an investigation regarding the meetings involving the FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber. FIFA, including the FIFA President, remains at the disposal of the Swiss authorities and will, as we have always done, cooperate fully with this investigation. “People remember well where FIFA was as an institution back in 2015, and how substantial judicial intervention was actually required to help restore the credibility of the organisation,” said the FIFA President earlier today (yesterday). “As President of FIFA, it has been my aim from day one, and it remains my aim, to assist the authorities with investigating past w r o n g d o i n g s a t F I FA . FIFA officials have met with prosecutors in other jurisdictions across the world for exactly these purposes. People have been convicted and sentenced, thanks to F I FA’s cooperation, and especially in the United States of America, where
our cooperation has resulted in over 40 criminal convictions. Therefore, I remain fully supportive of the judicial p r o c e s s , a n d F I FA remains willing to fully cooperate with the Swiss authorities for these purposes.” In addition, as far as FIFA is concerned, and as previously communicated on Thursday 25 June 2020 by the FIFA President: “ To m e e t w i t h t h e Attorney General of Switzerland is perfectly l e g i t i m a t e a n d i t ’s perfectly legal. It’s no violation of anything. On the contrary, it is also part of the fiduciary duties of the President of FIFA.” When Gianni Infantino was elected for the first time four years ago, FIFA was involved as a damaged party in more than 20 proceedings in Switzerland alone. “There was a mountain of questions,” the FIFA President also added during the Council press conference. “So it’s legitimate to offer to contribute to the Swiss Attorney General about the clarification of these events, hoping that those who have done criminal acts and damaged FIFA will be held to account for that.”
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England women will not take part in 2021 SheBelieves Cup © Getty Images
BBCsport - England women will not play in next year’s SheBelieves Cup in the USA, the Football Association has confirmed. The decision has been made “based on existing
uncertainties around the future trend of the Covid-19 pandemic”. Technical factors and travel logistics during a tight international window were also considered when
making the decision, the FA said. England have competed in the event each year since its inception in 2016 and were crowned champions in 2019. The SheBelieves Cup is
an invitational tournament held in the USA every year around February or March and includes four teams. The Lionesses’ autumn fixtures will be announced “in due course”, the FA
said. In a statement, the FA added: “The clear focus for our technical team will be to deliver an international fixture programme which provides the best possible performance
outcomes for the Lionesses as we begin a crucial threeyear period building to the home Uefa European Championship in 2022 and Fifa Women’s World Cup in 2023.”
U.S. coaches complain of athlete England v Ireland: Hosts wrap up six-wicket victory on ODI return abuse at NBA’s China camps: ESPN
David Willey celebrates the wicket of Paul Stirling Getty Images BBCsport - England eased to a six-wicket win over Ireland on their return to one-day internationals at the Ageas Bowl. Chasing just 173, and without a number of regulars who are away with the Test squad, England were stuttering at 78-4. But Eoin Morgan and Sam Billings, who made 67 not out, shared an unbroken fifthwicket stand of 96 to seal the victory with 22.1 overs to spare. David Willey earlier marked his England recall by taking his first fivewicket haul in international cricket. The left-armer, playing his first international since being left out of last year’s World Cup squad, took four wickets with the new ball and returned to take the final wicket, finishing with 5-30. Ireland had been 28-5 at one stage and could have suffered a far heavier defeat but for an unbeaten 59 by 21-year-old debutant Curtis Campher.
The win gives England 10 points in their first game of the newly formed World Cup Super League and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Like the recent Test series against West Indies, these matches are being played behind closed doors in a bio-secure bubble with ODIs to follow on Saturday (tomorrow) and Tuesday. This was England’s first ODI on home soil since last summer’s World Cup win and many of the players’ first competitive cricket since the tour of South Africa in February. Despite the eerie atmosphere without spectators, the bowling attack was impressive, fast bowler Saqib Mahmood also catching the eye with 236, but there was evidence of rustiness at the top of the batting order. Ireland 172 (44.4 overs): Campher 59*, Willey 5-30. England 174-4 (27.5 overs): Billings 67*, Morgan 36*. England won by six wickets.
Beijing (Reuters) - American coaches at the National Basketball Association’s training academies in China have complained of abuse of young players by local staff and harassment in the Xinjiang region, ESPN has reported citing unnamed sources. The report quoted NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, who oversees the league’s international operations, as saying the league received “a handful” of complaints about mistreatment of young players and immediately informed Chinese authorities. He said the league wasn’t aware any of its employees had been detained or harassed in Xinjiang. But he said the NBA is “re-evaluating” and “considering other opportunities” for the academy programme, which operates out of sports facilities run by the Chinese government. The NBA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. China’s foreign ministry spokesman told a daily news briefing he did not believe the matters raised in the ESPN report were diplomatic issues. The General Administration of Sport of China, the country’s top sports body, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ESPN report cited comments from several unnamed American coaches who worked at one of the NBA’s facilities in China recounting Chinese coaches hitting young players. The youngsters were also not provided proper schooling, the report said. One coach told ESPN that he was stopped three times by police within a span of 10 months while working at one of the NBA’s camps in Xinjiang and one occasion detained for some hours. The Xinjiang academy has now been closed.
China has been accused of human rights violations in Xinjiang, including forced labour and holding at least a million ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims in detention centres. China has denied such accusations. The ESPN report comes after a sharp deterioration in the U.S. league’s standing in China in October stemming from a tweet by Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey supporting the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Beijing’s state television pulled NBA games off its channels, and it’s not clear whether the games will be aired again. The NBA resumed its regular season play, yesterday.
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The “Other” Olympic Medalists from the Caribbean By Rey O’Neal The first Olympic athlete from the Caribbean to win an Olympic medal while representing his own country was the Haitian long jumper Silvio Cator who won a silver at the 1928 Games. However the British sprinter Harry Edward, who was born in British Guiana (now Guyana), had mounted the victory stand twice in 1920, winning bronze medals in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes. He would be followed eight years later by another Guyanese sprinter, Jack London who won a silver medal in the 100 meters and a bronze in the 4x100 meters relay for Great Britain. The list of athletes from the Caribbean who have won Olympic medals while representing other countries includes: Athletics Men - 100m Harry Edward (GBR/GUY) - Bronze 1920 Jack London (GBR/GUY) - Silver 1928 McDonald Bailey (/TRI) - Bronze 1952 Ben Johnson (CAN/’/JAM) - Bronze 1984 Linford Christie (GBR/JAM) - Silver 1988* Linford Christie (GBR/JAM) - Gold 1992 Donovan Bailey (CAN/JAM) - Gold 1996 * Ben Johnson won the event in 1988 and was later disqualified for a doping violation. Christie was upgraded from bronze to silver medal status. Men - 200m
Silvio Cator at the 1932 Summer Olympics Harry Edward (GBR/GUY) - Bronze 1920 Men - 800m Phil Edwards (CAN/GUY) - Bronze 1932 Phil Edwards (CAN/GUY) - Bronze 1936 Men 1500m Phil Edwards (CAN/GUY) - Bronze 1932 110m Hurdles(Men) Mark Mc Koy (CAN/GUY) - Gold 1992 High Jump (Men) Germaine Mason (GBR/JAM) - Silver 2008 Triple Jump (Men) Keith Connor
(GBR/AIA) - Bronze 1984 4x100m (Men) Jack London (GBR/ GUY) - Bronze 1928 Roger Bambuck (FRA/GDL) - Bronze 1968 Hermann Panzo (FRA/MRT) - Bronze 1980 Ben Johnson (CAN/JAM) - Bronze 1984 Tony Sharpe (CAN/JAM) - Bronze 1984 Desai Williams (CAN/SKN) - Bronze 1984 Max Moriniere (FRA/MRT) - Bronze 1988 Robert Esmie (CAN/JAM) - Gold 1996
MMG signs first sporting entity – Archery Guyana Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) has signed its first sporting entity in Guyana to utilize its platform for subscription services. Cognizant of the difficulties encountered during the global Covid-19 Pandemic and as the world embraces the new “normal”, Queen’s College Alumnae, Bobita Ram and Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon, worked together to implement an innovative and convenient option for the members and donors of Archery Guyana. Mobile Money is a mobile payment service which will allow any Archery Guyana Member, sponsor or potential sponsors to make payments to the sporting entity from the convenience of their mobile phone or any
of MMG’s 350+ agent locations countrywide. Persaud-McKinnon, in expressing how happy she was for the collaboration said, “This will be a convenient and easy option for members to renew their subscription fees, enter various competitions and pay their competition fees, all from the comfort of their home.” She took this opportunity to encourage all club members, sponsors and future sponsors to register for the mobile platform. “We need to keep the spirit of archery alive even in these unprecedented times,” said Persaud-McKinnon. She added how thankful Archery Guyana was for the diligence with which the MMG team worked to get this process set
up. Ram indicated how proud she was that the MMG could play such a vital role throughout many spheres. “Electronic payment facilities play a key role in supporting organisations such as Archery Guyana and we look forward to its members experiencing the ease of use that this safe and secure c h a n n e l p r o v i d e s ,” she said. Archery Guyana wishes to thank the MMG and GTT teams for their diligence during the setting up process. Persons are encouraged to register for https:// MMG at mobile.mmg.co.gy/register to benefit from the numerous payment and shop options the platform provides.
Glenroy Gilbert (CAN/TRI) - Gold 1996 Bruny Surin( CAN/HAI) - Gold 1996 Men 4x400m Relay Phil Edwards (CAN/GUY) - Bronze 1932 Roger Velasquez (FRA/GDL) - Bronze 1972 Women - 200m Marie-Jose Perec (FRA/GDL) - Gold 1996 Women - 400m Marie-Jose Perec (FRA/GDL) - Gold 1992 Marie-Jose Perec (FRA/GDL) - Gold 1996 Sanya Richards (USA/JAM) - Bronze 2 0 0 8 Sanya Richards (USA/JAM) - Gold 2012 Women - 100m Hurdles Patricia Girard (FRA/GDL) - Bronze 1996 Women - 400m Hurdles Sandra Farmer-Patrick (USA/JAM) - Silver 1992 Women-Javelin Throw Tessa Sanderson (GBR/JAM) - Gold 1984 4x 100m Relay (Women) Beverly Goddard (GBR/BAR) - Bronze 1980 Marita Payne (CAN/BAR) - Silver 1984 Angella Taylor (CAN/JAM) - Silver 1984 Beverly(Goddard)Callender (GBR/BAR) - Bronze 1984 Christine Arron (FRA/GDL) - Bronze 2000+ Sandra Citte (FRA/GDL) - Bronze 2000. Ran heats but not final +Upgraded from fourth place after disqualification of the third-place USA team retroactively owing to a doping infraction. Christine Arron (FRA/GDL) - Bronze 2004 4 x 400m Relay (Women) Joslyn Hoyte-Smith (GBR/BAR) - Bronze 1980 Charmaine Crooks (CAN/JAM) - Silver 1984 Jillian Richardson (CAN/TRI) - Silver 1984 Molly Killingbeck (CAN/JAM) - Silver 1984 Marita Payne (CAN/BAR) - Silver 1984 Sanya Richards (USA/JAM)- Gold 2004 Sanya Richards (USA/JAM) - Gold 2008 Sanya Richards (USA/JAM) - Gold 2012 Boxing Medalists Jose”Chegui”Torres (USA/PUR) - Junior Middleweight - Silver 1956 Basketball (Men) Patrick Ewing (USA/JAM) - Gold 1984 Patrick Ewing (USA/JAM) - Gold 1992 Fencing (Men)
Harry Edward in 1922 Fabrice Jeannet (FRA/MRT) - Individual Epee –Silver 2008 Fabrice Jeannet (FRA/MRT) -Team Epee Gold 2004 Jerome Jeannet (FRA/MRT) - Team Epee G o l d - 2 0 0 4 Fabrice Jeannet (FRA/MRT) Team Epee - Gold- 2008 Jerome Jeannet (FRA/MRT) - Team EpeeGold2008 Jean-Michel Lucenay (FRA/MRT) Team EpeeGold2008 Ulrich Robeiri (FRA/GNE) - Team EpeeGold- 2008 Fencing (Women) Laura Flessel (FRA/GDL) - Individual Epee – Gold 1996 Laura Flessel (FRA/GDL) - Individual Epee – Bronze -2000 Laura Flessel-Colovic (FRA/GDL) - Individual Epee – Silver -2004 Maureen Nisima (FRA/MRT) - Individual Epee – Bronze -2004 Laura Flessel (FRA/GDL) - Team Epee – Gold 1996 Sarah Daninthe (FRA/GDL) - Team Epee – Bronze 2004 Laura Flessel-Colovic (FRA/GDL) Team Epee – Bronze - 2004 Maureen Nisima (FRA/MRT) Team Epee – Bronze - 2004 *Laura Flessel has won
more Olympic medals than any other fencer in history. Judo (Men) Teddy Riner (FRA/GDL) - 100 kg Class – Bronze - 2008 Teddy Riner (FRA/GDL) - 100 kg class – Gold - 2012 Swimming (Women) Enith Brigitha (NED/AHO) - 200m Freestyle – Bronze - 1976 Enith Brigitha (NED/AHO) - 100m Freestyle – Bronze - 1976 Bas Malia Metella (FRA/GNE) 50m Freestyle – Silver - 2004 We i g h t l i f t i n g ( M e n ) Louis Martin (GBR/JAM) - Middle Heavyweight – Bronze - 1960 Louis Martin (GBR/JAM) - Middle Heavyweight- Silver - 2004 Notes: Guadeloupe – GDL; Martinique – MRT; French Guiana (Cayenne) – GNE; Anguilla – AIA; Netherlands Antilles – AHO; Puerto Rico – PUR. Jesse Vassallo (USA/ PUR) finished 4th in the 200m Individual Medley in swimming at the 1984 Games but subsequently set world records in that event and in the 400 meter Individual Medley. Coralie Balmy (FRA/ MRT) finished fourth in the 400m Freestyle swimming event at the 2008 Games.She later set a world record in the 200m Freestyle.
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Windies legend Sir Everton hailed as revolutionary, nation-builder Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – Sir Everton Weekes was on Thursday (yesterday) immortalised as a “special gift of grace, gentility and greatness” and also hailed as a working class hero and n a t i o n - b u i l d e r, a s t h e country and region bid farewell to the West Indies legend who passed away earlier this month. In an official funeral staged at the storied Kensington Oval on the fringes of the capital, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles told a gathering which included Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Governor General Dame Sandra Mason, that Sir Everton had defied his historical and social origins to claim his place at the pinnacle of global success. Noting that Sir Everton had been “little in physical form and less so in monetary value”, Sir Hilary pointed out that the outstanding Barbadian had still emerged as “the greatest giant in a global world filled with giants, completing the near impossible climb to the top.” “Sir Everton was one of the greatest revolutionaries of our Caribbean world because he deliberately designed a method to turn this [colonial] history upon its head,” Sir Hilary said in a compelling eulogy. “He was a disturber of the colonial peace that
denied any justice. He emerged as a dignified man, representing everything he was not meant to be. “If ever a bat became a bridge, if ever a bat became a beacon, if ever a bat became a baton, it was the bat in the hands of Everton DeCourcey Weekes.” The last surviving member of the famed Three Ws, Sir Everton died on July 1 at age 95, following a period of ill health. Long heralded as one of the finest batsmen to have graced the game, Sir Everton churned out 4455 runs from 48 Tests between 1948 and 1958 at an average of 58, after making his international debut at age 22. His feat of becoming the first ever batsman to score five Test centuries in consecutive innings remains a record still to be broken. H o w e v e r, S i r H i l a r y contended that while Sir Everton’s amazing record of performance spoke volumes, his life also reflected a story of achievement and triumph nearly impossible to obscure. “Numbers are never enough. Behind the figures reside a configuration of life and living. It is the grand narrative of which they are merely a part. Behind the numbers, there is the hidden history. With Sir Everton, the truth of this history is even more palpable,” said the
Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. “He became the first Barbadian to be classified and celebrated as number one in the world in any approved and respected endeavour,” added the leading regional academic, in reference to Sir Everton’s designation by Wisden in 1951 as one of its five Cricketers-of-the-Year. “This was a seismic, seminal moment. Barbados, not yet a nation-state and under colonial oppression, had received its first international endorsement as a place that produced performance excellence. “The island entered the annals of international popular culture as a society that gave life and nurture to a native recognised as a special gift to humanity.” Sir Hilary also underscored Sir Everton’s contribution to national development, describing his emergence as a world class figure as one of the driving forces in creating a n e w n a t i o n a l consciousness. “He was the metaphor that defined the mentality necessary for the making of a nation. He placed his country and region above the cruelty of history. He became the champion of achievement and liberation of our people with dignity,” Sir Hilary (Continued on page 25)
Former West Indies batsman Desmond Haynes (left) and Adrian Donovan leading the casket of Sir Everton Weekes through the guard of honour. (Picture by Kenmore Bynoe)
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Batsmen let down by technical approach, says former coach Radford Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – Former West Indies batting coach Toby Radford has questioned the preparation and technical approach by the side’s batsmen during the just concluded Test series, and also believes the Caribbean unit placed undue pressure on their seam attack by not rotating their squad. Speaking in the wake of the Windies’ 2-1 defeat to England in the three-Test series, Radford said the touring side’s batsmen had
shown several technical deficiencies against the moving ball and appeared especially unprepared for what should have been a predictable line of attack from Stuart Broad. “We were fine until Stuart Broad played. When Stuart Broad plays, he bowls mid to wide crease, angles the ball in and then nips it back in sharply. You’ve got to get out, you’ve got to kill the movement, you’ve got to kill the lengths so you’ve got to get forward,” said
Radford who oversaw the batting group when West Indies retained the Wisden Trophy with a convincing series win in the Caribbean last year. “What we did in 2017 (tour of England) and last year in the Caribbean is we batted outside of the crease to negate his length – you take his length away. “What the guys were doing is staying in the crease and a lot of them, for whatever reason, were misjudging the length believing
Friday July 31, 2020
Hilbert Foster RHTYSC Secretary/CEO
Toby Radford - Former West Indies batting coach. the ball was short when it was still a good length and then it was nipping quickly back off the length.” He continued: “You’ve got to get outside the crease, (Continued on page 25)
Reduced 30th Anniversary celebrations for RHTY&SC to be observed in September
T
he Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation would be celebrating its 30th anniversary in a reduced manner during the month of September. Earlier this year, the club had established a SubCommittee headed by its Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster to organise over thirty (30) activities to mark their historic event but the coronavirus crisis has forced the club to reduce the number of activities. The club was formed in September, 1990 under the supervision of three-time Guyana and Commonwealth Youth Service Awardee, the St. Francis Community Developers, formerly the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Youth Club. The Club started with sixteen (16) members, who were invited to a special meeting on the 15th May, 1990 by Public Relations Officer of St. Francis, Hilbert Foster. After several meetings over the ensuing four months, the RHTY&SC was formally launched with Keith Foster as President, Moses Ramchanden as Secretary and Leon Wiggins, Treasurer. To d a y, t h e c l u b successfully hosts over seven hundred activities annually and is one of the top cricket clubs in Guyana. The Club is the only youth and sports club in Guyana to have ever receive a national award, Medal of Service and was also awarded five (5) Guyana Cricket Board Club of the Year awards in 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2016. On the cricket field, the club has won ninety-eight
different cricket tournaments and has produced a combined 105 cricketers for Berbice, Guyana and West Indies at the different levels. Foster, who has served as Secretary/CEO for over twenty (20) years stated that among the activities to be hosted would be a pictorial exhibition, special 30th Review Magazine, Feeding of the Poor, Basil Butcher Trust Fund, Republic Bank Summer Camp, Old Age Pensioners Breakfast Programme, Spelling Bee Inter Primary School Competition, One Hour Television Show, Assisting thirty (30) families with special hampers, honoring the oldest RHTY&SC members and unveiling the 30th anniversary R H T Y & S C A l l Ti m e Cricket Team. The club office would also undergo some major repairs while several junior cricketers would receive gears. Assistant Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu who would spearhead the anniversary celebrations with Organising Secretary Rabindranauth Kissoonlall stated that all plans are in place for a successful celebration despite the ongoing coronavirus crisis. Naidu stated that the club would observe all of the guidelines set down by the Government Task Force and if necessary, changes would be made to the list of activities. The 20 year-old Naidu also disclosed that donation of cleaning detergents would be made to the Rose Hall Town Police Outposts, Rose Hall Town Council and Rose Hall Town Fire Station as part of the club’s coronavirus response project.
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Kaieteur News
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GMR&SC extends condolences Hamilton aims to stay in Formula to the Jamaica racing fraternity One for at least three more years on the passing of ‘Mikey Spice’ The Caribbean motor-racing fraternity is in mourning following the death of talented and experienced photographer Michael ‘Mikey Spice’ Samuels who was shot on Wednesday night at his home in St. Catherine, Jamaica. The 45 year-old who was a Customer Service Representative with the National Commercial Bank in Jamaica, was subsequently rushed to the Spanish Town hospital by police where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Samuels was a popular figure in Caribbean motor-racing, travelling extensively across the region to cover the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship including Guyana and other events. Yesterday, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) extended condolences to the friends and family of motor-racing photographer. The message is as follows: “The motor-racing world awoke this morning to the shocking news that motorsport photographer Michael Samuels aka ‘Mikey Spice’ lost his life in very tragic circumstances last evening outside his home in Jamaica. There really can be no words to describe how great of a person ‘Mikey’ has always been. ‘Mikey’ brought us as close to the racing action as we could have gotten, but the greatness in ‘Mikey’ lay in his personality. He was always a friendly and jolly person who would move mountains to ensure those around him were happy. Many of us formed a very close bond with ‘Mikey’ over the years and he will be missed dearly. The GMR&SC would like to extend condolences to the friends and family of ‘Mikey’ and ask you to be strong in this time, as ‘Mikey’ would not have wanted to see you sad.”
Silverstone, England (Reuters) - Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton is hoping to stay in Formula One for at least three more years, with the COVID-19 pandemic and racial issues p r o v i d i n g e n e rg y a n d motivation. The Mercedes driver, now 35 and out of contract with Mercedes at the end of the year, holds a string of records and is set to surpass Michael Schumacher ’s seven titles and 91 wins. “In terms of how long I go, that’s a bit of an unknown,” Hamilton told reporters at the British Grand Prix on Thursday (yesterday). “I would say that the COVID lockdown, when we
had the first part of the season cancelled, whilst it was a negative in many, many ways, in some ways it gave a lot of life, a lot of energy to focus on some other things. “That bit of time off was really a bit of breathing space. It gave me a renewed bit of energy to perhaps go longer,” added the Briton, who can take a record seventh home win at Silverstone this weekend. Hamilton, who is leading team mate Valtteri Bottas by five points in the championship after winning two of three races this season, has 86 career victories. The champion said he wanted to be able to
continue performing at his current level. “There is a point at which physicality and the mental side tail off, and I don’t know when that’s going to be, but I don’t see that happening in the short term, in the next two or three years,” he said. “Also we’re in a period of time where there’s not another driver from my background coming up at the moment, and I’m conscious of that as well,” added the sport’s sole Black driver, who has been outspoken on racial justice and equality. “So my goal is to continue to deliver for as long as I can, I do see myself going for at least another three years.”
Lewis Hamilton. (Image: GETTY)
Michael ‘Mikey Spice’ Samuels
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley (centre) along with Professor Hilary Beckles (left) and close friend of the Weekes family, Adrian Donovan, lay a wreath on the grave of Sir Everton Weekes
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Sir Everton Weekes
Windies legend Sir Everton hailed as revolutionary, nation-builder Reduced 30th Anniversary celebrations for RHTY&SC to be observed in September Swiss launch criminal probe of FIFA boss Infantino
World Athletics to expel Russia’s federation if fine unpaid by August 15 The “Other” Olympic Medalists MMG signs first sporting from the Caribbean entity - Archery Guyana Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon
Bobita Ram - GM MMG
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