Kaieteur News

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Suriname finally NEWS issues vote results showing Opposition win

Saturday Edition

AIETEUR

June 06, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 22

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

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Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Price $80

Online readership yesterday 146,797

EU releases damning elections observer report...

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GECOM accused of acting in blatant violation of the law - cites fair reporting by Kaieteur and Stabroek News PPP leading recount by more p.7 boxes left than 16,000 votes to- 167 be completed 236990 229489 250000

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EPA gives ExxonMobil permission - Vincent to flare Adams p.

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Ballot Boxes with missing official documents not p. to be tabulated 8 - GECOM Secretariat

Harmon makes ABCE countries remind unverified claims Granger and Jagdeo of of compromised recount commitment ballots 0

Previous declarations

Recount to date

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Claudette Singh refuses to accept Mingo fraud in official observation report - Invites p. separate 3 submission from ANUG

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Claudette Singh refuses to accept Mingo's fraud in official Observation Report - invites separate G ECOM Chair Justice (ret'd) Claudette Singh has upheld a decision by CEO Keith Lowenfield presenting any reference to Clairmont Mingo's fraudulent vote tabulation in recount observer reports, but has invited a separate submission from A New and United Guyana (ANUG) on Mingo's actions.

During an interview with Kaieteur News last evening, representative of ANUG Kian Jabour chronicled an attempt made by his party to note numbers which have been unearthed from the national recount but differed from the declarations that have been made by Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo during his controversial tabulation of the region's state of polls.

During the attempt to record the information Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield had arrived during the week at one of the workstations and instructed the supervisors not to include in the

submission from ANUG

observation report any claims of irregularities with Mingo's infamous tabulations.

Against this Jabour said, “ I approached him on the matter and I brought up the provision in the order which clearly states that any party is allowed to make an allegation as long as it is correctly worded on the observation report. He let me know that this is a different scenario and that he could not allow that.”

The party representative went on to say that there was a back and forth between him and Lowenfield in the context that GECOM was allowing unproven “evidence” of death certification and immigration records in those reports, but stanchly refused to note an observation which has been proven in numerous articles by Kaieteur News.

2020 elections recount…

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o a l i t i o n Campaign CoChair , Joseph Harmon is yet again raising unsubstantiated claims about the credibility of the March 2 general and regional elections. During a briefing with the press held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre yesterday Harmon faced a series of questions about his views.

Harmon claimed, “when we are looking at the qualitative figure of the number of cases that we have highlighted, it's close to 90,000 [votes] that are 'infected'.”

According to Harmon, the Guyana Elections Commission,(GECOM) has a number of serious issues that must be ironed out before the final declaration is made.

“This phase is almost complete, so we must know where we stand as it regards these matters…After the statement of recount has been produced, a report has to be produced, these observations will be documented…” he said.

The Coalition has, as part

“We have a problem with that. It shows that you are taking a bias; you are only showing certain party's allegations, but you're not giving the other parties the same courtesy,” Jabour argued.

He highlighted that out of frustration he personally visited the GECOM Chair and made it known to her his concerns while adding, “she made it known that the recount only has two more days to go… She had let me know that she will be accepting a report from us directly towards her and the Commission which will point out the fraudulent numbers that are now being uncovered in the recount.”

Jabour disclosed that the party is currently putting together a report to state that they are in possession of

“credible evidence and recordings to show that Mingo's numbers were fraudulent, and we will be submitting that as a public document to the Commission before the end of this recount,” he told this publication.

According to Jabour his party has only now decided to raise Mingo's inflated numbers, even though several boxes have already been recounted, because the Commission “has used these allegations in the Observation Report to go ahead and receive information from central immigration officer/ Commissioner of Police, on allegations being made.

Once we saw that very active approach to allegations we believed that all allegations needed to be made on that OR in order to get a clear, fair and balanced picture of what we have observed during these elections.

If we only have one side making allegations on that observation report it will

ANUG representative, Kian Jabour appear as if fraudulent elections have taken place and nothing has been refuted.”

The ANUG representative was keen to highlight in his conclusion that his party is fearful that the observation report will be used to make a plethora of further fraudulent allegations.

Notably, Kaieteur News

had published an article on Thursday which stated a supervisor working at GECOM refused to note an observation by The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) that the tabulation by Mingo, in one instance, inflated the votes of the governing Coalition.

TCI Presidential Candidate Rondha-Ann Lam had said that for Ballot Box 4589 attached to a polling station at Plaisance Primary School, she noticed that the number called by Mingo for the tabulation which led to his March 13 declaration was higher than the number arrived at, during the recount. Lam indicated that she asked the supervisor to note the inflation.“The supervisor sought clarity and came back to say, we are only dealing with what is found in the boxes,” Lam posted.

“All of the observations are recorded, but this is the first time that the small parties have been meted out with this. I have proof of 25 boxes that were 'Mingo'ed'.”

Harmon makes unverified claim of compromised ballots

of a misinformation campaign this recount, raised thousands of objections to the process, alleging serious electoral fraud by the PPP/C. When pressed for evidence, however, it has been shy about producing. There has not been, to date, any verifiable evidence of electoral fraud occurring on Election Day. In fact, the Coalition has placed the onus on GECOM to produce evidence to support its claims. It has published none that were able to withstand scrutiny.

Despite this, Harmon said that the Coalition is awaiting a response from GECOM about the various claims made. He noted that he had written several letters to the Commission about those concerns.

“I have raised those concerns again in a press statement yesterday requiring the commission to give me a response to the queries by the end of today. I am not sure if the commission will meet or not; I cannot determine their arrangement but I require a

response from them to give a query by the end of the day because these are major issues which touch and concern the credibility of this process.”

Further, the former Director-General held that there are hundreds of persons whom his party objected to that were not in Guyana on the March 2 but voted. In this case, many of the claims made by the Coalition have been proven to be false, and none has so far been substantiated.

Weeks ago, when the Coalition submitted a list of persons it claimed were out of the jurisdiction, a Berbice couple, whose names were found on the list, quickly

refuted the claims and showed Kaieteur News their passports to prove that they were in the country.

That was only the beginning. The Coalition supplied two lists to GECOM. The first list of 207 names was sent to the Immigration Department for

verification, and returned 172 purported to be confirmed. However, 24 persons on that list have since come forward to refute the Immigration Department's inaccurate report.

The second list supplied by the Coalition, of 310

names, was also found by Kaieteur News to be riddled with inaccurate information.

The Coalition has been making these claims since the beginning of the recount, and intensified its campaign when the recount showed the PPP to be maintaining a (continued on page 7)

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Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL - 624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Finally, a small victory in our oil fight Our headline of June 3rd said it all: “Exxon’s lobbyist bolts from contract to rewrite Guyana’s oil laws.”

At long last, the gods of oil heard our repeated cries over the many injustices placed upon this nation and responded with a little ease. It is an uncustomary retreat for ExxonMobil, and people associated with it. \But the stepping away from the contract related to revising our petroleum laws by Hunton Andrews Kurth is not little in any sense, but significant. We say this because firms like Hunton Andrews Kurth do not give ground to an impoverished divided place such as Guyana. Now we must be more watchful and courageous going forward.

Because when a powerhouse law firm in the American oil capital is forced to give up a sweet payday and beat a quick withdrawal in this matter involving the refining of Guyana’s petroleum laws, then it is only giving up something now to get more later. It is the way that multinationals such as ExxonMobil operate, along with law firms and lobbyists on the gravy train, when dealing with underdeveloped places like Guyana.

Guyana has to watch out for any new surprises that seek to exploit us stealthily. For Exxon and its slick hustlers, this is a long chess game, and they think that they can outflank, outsmart, and outlast us. Of key interest now that Exxon has to bounce back with something smother, is what will be its follow-up? And how will Guyanese decision-makers do right this time by Guyana’s waiting populace? We are watching.

Guyana must not continue with its backward position of finalizing its petroleum laws first, and then moving to build its policies on what are our positions for our oil wealth.

Our leaders must reverse course and develop our immediate short-term, medium term, and long-term visions to drive associated national oil policies. With those as bases and objectives, we can then commit to redrafting our oil laws.

More pointedly: this is what we want from our oil blessing, and these policies must be the basis of oil laws that follow.

Such laws must be ferociously protective of Guyana’s interests for the present generation and future ones. These laws must be about what maximizes Guyana’s pluses, while limiting the draining plans of the many oil predators prowling in our house.

They start with Exxon. In the sophisticated thinking of ExxonMobil, Guyana has succeeded in winning a small battle – a skirmish, really – with a big war still to be fought.

For certainty, the corporation holds the highest cards, but this does not mean that Guyanese must throw up their hands and roll over without fighting.

Expose, challenge, and fight for Exxon to alter its moneysaving strategy on damaging and expensive gas flaring at the wellheads of production. It is damaging because such reckless action injures the atmosphere; it is expensive, because Exxon knows of a cheaper way, with the technology in hand, to manage better and more cleanly. The issue is not why it is not doing so, but that it must be compelled to do so, just like Hunton Andrews Kurth.

This is only a start, with a host of other burning issues which need revisiting and revising. They must be addressed now and not later, when it pleases the big strategists at Exxon and the bigger predators in larger Houston. We register our demands for more sensible cost arrangements for auditing overhead; for costs related to potential oil spills; and for revision of the dirt-poor cheapness in that 2% contract. All of these components stand like bones in the throat of right-thinking Guyanese.

We Guyanese have been taken advantage of by the gougers at ExxonMobil and the willing givers who lead Guyana. As we ready for reemergence and renewal from our long national lockdown and our ugly, brutalizing electoral process, we stand committed to the vision and calling for a better, wiser, and more prosperous Guyana. It must be a better political Guyana, and in this we will hold the feet of all our leaders to the highest heat and brightest light of scrutiny and exposure, where necessary. There

The Education Ministry cannot be allowed to put the lives of our very young students and teachers at risk DEAR EDITOR, Several weeks ago, the Ministry of Education assured parents that it would reschedule the sitting of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations to a date that would not cause panic and allow adequate time for children whose preparation for these exams was disrupted by the arrival of the COVID-19 virus in Guyana.

These children, of course, have not been able to return to their classrooms since to formally resume their preparation. Yet, the Ministry’s announcement a few days ago that the NGSA would be held on 1st and 2nd July, 2020, and further, that examination level students would return to their classrooms on 15th June, 2020 amidst the country’s battle to curb its climbing number of COVID-19 cases has instead truly caused panic and fear in many children, parents and teachers. Social media is awash with reactions from deeply concerned and distraught parents following the Ministry’s announcements: • “Why put the students’ lives at risk?” asked one parent, “kids will be kids.

They will not adhere to social distancing as they were away from their friends for a long time…I don’t think the

children’s lives should be endangered just for some exams. Papers can’t bring back lives.”

• “As a parent, I am scared for my daughter because she is diabetic, and sometimes she has trouble breathing.

How will she be able to wear her mask?” said another parent.

• “Why? All other exams across the globe have been cancelled. Why are you risking our lives for these exams? Do you have funding to provide assistance for each of these families in case a child gets sick? Is there counselling set up for children going through this system with a PANDEMIC going on to channel their thoughts and emotions? I doubt there is.

Please, for the health and safety of the children and the future of this country, rethink,” pleaded a parent.

• Another parent concluded that, “This is totally irresponsible and reckless. You are endangering the lives of students and staff. Stop this foolishness now.”

Indeed, this decision to bring students and teachers across the country together in classrooms when our Chief Medical Officer recently described Guyana’s COVID19 situation as “almost break-

away” is incredulous to say the least. It also comes at a time when citizens of regions 6 and 9 are on high alert following alarming increases in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring Suriname and Brazil. Thousands of our young children will have to use public transportation to get to and from their schools.

They will be exposed to many other persons using public transportation and at bus or car parks. It is a known fact that an asymptomatic person (child) can take home this deadly virus to parents, grandparents and siblings.

Added to these health concerns, the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) recently disclosed that hinterland students are not prepared to write examinations in July having had little or no access to learning for almost three months. Surely this must be the situation of many of our less fortunate students. What will be the psychological impact on these children who are so inadequately prepared to write this important examination? It is easy to say that these students should have been preparing with the assistance of their parents— but in reality, there may be many difficulties that did not make this possible. The Ministry’s solution of

providing half-day sessions every other day for two weeks before the NGSA exam (at most a total of 7 half-day sessions) is ludicrous. The National COVID-19 Task Force recently denied GECOM’s request for the addition of two workstations for the ongoing National Recount on the grounds that the request did not meet the standards of safe guidelines for operations at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). It is difficult to believe that this same Task Force would approve of the Ministry of Education’s plan to bring together thousands of students and teachers all over Guyana. At a time when many more developed countries have decided against re-opening their schools for the rest of the year, there are critical and compelling reasons for the Ministry of Education to delay the holding of these examinations and to rethink its approach to doing so. The Ministry’s ill-advised plan for the sitting of the NGSA 2020 examinations cannot be allowed to happen. We cannot do this to our 11- and 12-year olds.

Yours faithfully, Muriel Jones, Parent of a Grade 6 student

Serious concerns about the role of some mainstream media in these delicate times DEAREDITOR, In an article published by me in another newspapers dated 3rd June, 2020 and captioned ”Recount is not about simple numbers but a more complex and complete evaluation,” I presented factual evidence to buttress the claim as captured in the headline of said letter in response to the effrontery of the European Union Ambassador Fernando Ponz Canto suggesting, in spite of the very glaring evidence of electoral fraud and corruption discovered in every region that, “ it was impossible to cheat”.

It was disappointing after presenting irrefutable evidence extracted from an easily accessible public document found on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) website, outlining the legal defining characteristics of the recount that I was forced to respond to a misleading editorial commentary to reiterate, “The gazetted Order of 4th May 2020 speaks to a National Recount and this specifies areas of particular focus for review. It is not your call, my call or any other but GECOM to stipulate at this point (or at any point) what the recount focus is and what

will be no exceptions, no friends, no untouchables.

We alert them to be forewarned from now: do the right thing with this oil of ours. Similarly, we promise to give and do whatever it takes-time, energy, resources-to shine the sharpest lights on ExxonMobil and its deceptions and ripoffs, while we fight to get as much as we could from our oil.

ExxonMobil must deal with Guyanese honestly; it has not done so yet. This world power of a corporation (and hangerson) must be exposed and shamed. We look for a true partner, not a devious predator.

Our message is simple: we will challenge any goliath, whether from Guyana, or in Houston. We will do our duty to our brethren. We demand that they do similarly.

therefore must be reported on.

Clearly this key issue has been missed. Efforts by many to misrepresent the Recount is noted” (3rd June).

Above comment was made in response to the misleading, “Editor-in-Chief’s note: The socalled anomalies raised by APNU+AFC agents in these observation reports have no basis. They are fishing expeditions. One of the most egregious claims by APNU+AFC was the supposed non-stamping of the ballots of the Disciplined Services which Mr Lewis interestingly avoids mentioning. This is a recount, not an audit or an election petition.

The GECOM Chair is dutybound to declare the recount result and to do so expeditiously.”

This seemingly simple editorial note is an act of suppression. It is misleading and an attempt not to acknowledge the very profound aspects of the Order that determine the nature of the recount, designed and agreed to by GECOM as a means of ascertaining credibility. The readership is reminded that it was

Anil Nandalall, former PPP/C Attorney General, who opined that “fraud once committed makes everything a nullity…ab initio”. The Opposition having agreed to the specifics of the Order is now changing its voice and so are those specific international agents whom we must now call international dictators espousing a vulgar diplomacy.

The editor and the newspaper were wrong. Not wrong to editorialise, for that is the prerogative of ownership.

Wrong is their use of editorial power to misrepresent public information. In so doing they fool a large cross section of the Guyanese community and world at large. I submit this is not accidental. It represents glaring support of an organised campaign to discredit certain views and the persons who make them thus making them less than credible in the eyes of the reading public.

It sets out the pillars of destabilisation of the truth of the 2020 Elections and the recount which the opposition (Continued on page 6)

Saturday June 06, 2020

These elections may be voided and the full consequences will become apparent DEAR EDITOR, A short time ago several heads of missions to Guyana, international observer teams, contesting political parties, civil society organizations and prominent personalities were vociferously and aggressively identifying instances of post-election fraud, while dismissing any suggestion of malpractice throughout the elections, and threatening dire consequences and sanctions if the transparency, credibility and results they required were not satisfied. Their concerns, demands and threats led to an agreement to amend the electoral laws to facilitate a transparent, thorough and complete national recount which has resulted in innumerable credible allegations, sustained by documentary evidence, of irregularities, illegalities and a conspiracy to commit massive electoral fraud.

This development has been met with a thunderous silence, dismissiveness and apparent unconcern by many whose sensibilities were offended by imaginary offences.

The National Recount will soon be completed and the

sheer magnitude of electoral malpractice and fraud, which some have tried to normalize, is still to be fully determined though there is, already, compelling and overwhelming evidence of hundreds and thousands of actual instances of electoral offenses, not the imaginary and highly speculative transgressions that threw the international community and PPP-affiliated groups into convulsions and hysteria blamed on Mingo. Many observation reports attached to Statements of Recount reveal numerous real offences (none of which have been attributed to Mr. Mingo) that attract criminal punishment, i.e. fines and incarceration, and include: 1. ballots cast by deceased persons; 2. ballots cast by electors who were from the jurisdiction and could not present themselves at the polling station on Election Day; 3. ballots cast by elector voting without ID and without evidence of Oath of Identity and requisite poll book entry; 4. ballots cast by

electors voting with Certificate of Employment without evidence of tendering COE and requisite poll book entry; 5. ballots cast by Disciplined Services rejected because Presiding Officers neglected to affix official stamp; and 6. unavailability of Poll Books, marked OLEs and other statutory documents.

The post-election process has also occasioned actual violence and the threat of violence on election workers, policemen, ordinary citizens and school-children and have engendered prolonged political uncertainty and instability. All talk of consequences and sanctions by those initially eager to apply them seem to have evaporated. It is becoming more and more likely that these elections may be voided and the full consequences of this nefarious plot will become apparent and the only talk, at the moment, is of reward and shared governance for this national disaster and disgrace.

Sincerely, Oscar Dolphin

HISTORY AWAITS DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter by Mr. GHK Lall, “ Response to Mr. Sankat” which was meant to be a response to my letter of June 3rd requesting him to provide proof of his claims of “manipulations and massive cheating” by the PPPC. Mr. Lall it is not “hardheaded” for any person with an objective mind to seek clarification or to question, in your case, public statements.

All I did was to ask you provide readers with proof of your accusations of fraud committed by PPPC. May I remind you of one of the cardinal rules in any civilized debate is to not launch into personal ridicule as a form of argument. Furthermore, I am not aware of time limitation factors that apply in attempting to separate “wheat from chaff” Fear not Mr. Lall, in my response, I will not stoop to your level of discourse.

Editor, I was not expecting Mr. Lall to reference the OLE as proof o f P P P C ’s malfeasance. Since it is common knowledge that the claims and objections period preceding the elections was even extended to 49 days by GECOM. All contesting parties had fair opportunity to register their objections. It was GECOM’s responsibility to

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prepare and publish the final OLE for the 2020 elections. I must also r e m i n d M r. L a l l o f t h e documented cases whereby hundreds of unfounded objections made by APNU/AFC were eventually rejected by GECOM. Three months after election day, it appears that Mr. Lall still needs to be convinced (or admit) as to which political party attempted to committed fraud and even, at this late date, is still hell bent at disrupting the recount process.

E d i t o r, m a n y o f u s , hopefully Mr. Lall as well, are familiar with a similar claim made by Mr. Stanley Ming that the 2020 OLE was a “recipe for disaster” since it contained some 660,000 electorate when Guyana’s population is only 750,000. This claim, as w e l l a s M r. L a l l ’s , h a s already been publicly debunked as “dishonestly conflating the two” by Mr. Christopher Ram in another newspaper.

I would also make reference, so readers can follow, to a more scholarly r esponse to Mr. Ming’s statement (and Mr. Lall’s assertions) contained in a letter publish in your June 4th edition entitled “Death by a

Thousand Cuts: How Stanley Ming’s Attempt to Cast Doubt on the Electoral System Tragically Failed”. I refer readers, also, to another letter published in your June 4th edition entitled “It’s not how many people are on the voters’ list but how many people voted.”

There could have been a million names of the 2020 OLE, at the end of the day only those who followed and subsequently, met GECOM’s rules of eligibility could have cast votes on election day.

Editor, finally, on Mr. Lall’s caution of impending doom. Yes, I am quite aware of the beast lurking. And I am quite cognizant of the fact that it is waiting for the recount to be completed. The question democratic mind Guyanese need ask themselves. To what lengths are we willing to go to stop it in its tracks. History awaits.

I leave readers with the following words of Nelson Mandela: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live in harmony and equal opportunities. It is an ideal for which I hope to live for and see realized. But, my lord, if it needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die for.”

Regards, Navin Sankat

May our love for God take precedence over political or racial preference DEAR EDITOR, Historically, the election results in Guyana have been an occasion for unusual tension - usually instigated by politicians, preachers, panellists, presenters, and partisan pulpiteers of various strands. Invariably, this tension results in violence whereby property is destroyed, and people lose their lives or are threatened in various forms. As Christians, we urge others – especially church leaders, to take this opportunity at this critical moment to make a difference in the moral fabric of the nation through the things we do and say.

We implore Christian and other religious leaders as well as activists to use whatever means available – their meetings, pulpits, the print and social media, their tongues and their bodies – to proclaim the message of love and peace during these desperate times in the country.

As the Lord has instructed, at all times, we need to be salt and light to reflect the very character of God. Therefore, we need to

refrain from saying and doing those things that could cause others to hate the other because of dissonance of one’s political choice, one’s ethnic background, or because of colour, creed, or texture of hair. Perhaps, it is also time for us to b e introspective and examine ourselves for racism even though we do not want to acknowledge it publicly or even privately, and approach God and society with a renewed spirit and heart.

We especially call upon politicians and leaders in civil society to denounce any form of violence following the announcement of the elections results. Failure to do so could result in wounds that could be broad, deep, and long-lasting and could take generations to heal.

What constitutes acknowledgement and praise of God? Is it the quoting of Scripture or utterance of fanciful religious talk? No; it is being mindful of God’s commandments and walking the talk and emulating his

grace in everything we do and say. Indeed, brothers and sisters, in view of all we know about God’s compassion, we encourage each one to offer your tongues, your bodies, your actions – your holistic selves as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him (paraphrase of Rom. 12:1).

Dare we be a Daniel and take a stand for righteousness and holiness? Shall we betray the Lord or deny him with our resolve to close our eyes to wrongs for political expedience or tribal consolidation, or, shall we remain faithful to him and trust in his faithfulness?

Our hope and prayer ought to be, “Not our will, but your will be done, O Lord.

Amen!” May our love for God and devotion to him take precedence over political or racial preference – for his honour and glory, and for the healing of the nation.

Yours truly, Devanand Bhagwan Allan Johns Oscar Ramjeet

Family Planning services were never discontinued at the GPHC DEAR EDITOR, The Board of Directors and Administration of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) wish to clarify that contrary to the information contained in Ms. Sherlina Nageer’s letter published in your newspaper on June 4, 2020, the Corporation’s Family Planning services never stopped but continues despite the challenges we face from the COVID-19 pandemic since we

recognise the importance of such services to women and girls.

Editor, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced all health care institutions to modify and adjust their operations to provide services to their patients while at the same time ensuring that those patients and the medical personnel who serve them remain safe.

Consequently, we have implemented a (Continued on page 6)

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It is not too early and it is always welcomed by me DEAREDITOR, I refer to the letter by Samuel A.A. Hinds titled, “I favor inclusive governance rather than a shared PPP/C and PNCR cabinet” (in another newspaper).

My thoughts and positions follow.

From the very first sentence in his epistle, “It is not too early to be earnestly thinking of Truth and Reconciliation amongst all our people, for the good of our people and country” the honourable Mr. Hinds (he is that to me) reached into the essence of something I hold dear. It is interesting that he marshaled and deployed that most consequential of words “truth” three times in his writing, as he strove valiantly to emphasize its relevance and its significance; three being an accepted biblical standard for emphasis.

Even as I applaud Mr. Hinds’ he need not emphasize truth and reconciliation to me, as I subscribe fully to such thinking and visions of his and anyone else’s; and to that call I add my paltry pen, my faint wilderness voice. What we have is not working, in its sum it hurts. But it does more: for it fosters more than political competition and political differences. It breeds hate.

Vile and venomous hatefulness, with viciousness internalized and harbored deeply.

We cannot build anything on such a foundation, such heartfelt passions: not as individuals, not as a nation. The negative energy is killing us; for even in victory, the rest of the country is condemned to the fate of perpetual losers (as someone kindred spirit wrote).

As I agree, I say stay still for a moment and absorb our conversations, if you can; then ask where to and to what?

Where to and to what, given where we are and how we are in the seething chambers of ourselves? If each of us were to spare a moment to look at self, there would be recoiling. But still we walk around with these burdens, first historical and now of the very present, proudly claiming that we know what we are doing, we like where we are, and we will get somewhere.

So, we insist on maintaining a divided house, while insisting further that it stands on the firmest, truest of foundations.

We have become the Fathers of Falsehoods.

The past and the present have been wrecked by those fathers and falsehoods; now the future holds the same: racial hating, social simmering, political sabotaging, individual and collective suffering.

It is why I say that we must be willing to look honestly and closely in the mirror that is of us, examine ourselves critically, and pronounce ourselves unhappy as to the decayed state of our appearance and condition.

Maybe then we will admit that the pendulum of national negativity, national debility, and national instability will continue to swing unceasingly in the dreary monotony of our limited and unsuccessful existences. For all these reasons, I assert that we need Truth and Reconciliation, if only for the national good, the individual clarity, it should produce.

I say further: let us be brave enough and principled enough to want to know what is wrong

Serious concerns...

From page 4 and international dictators are seeking to use as a foundation for clandestine machinations at regime change by any means necessary. I again remind readers of the Organisation of American States’ (OAS) role in the Bolivia story and what is taking place politically in the countries that form the Guianas oil basin. Venezuela, Guyana and most recently the exposure of OAS ignorance and/or disregard for Surinamese laws.

There is an organised effort by several actors in and out of Guyana who speak from the same script, to present an impression of many sources, in support of the opposition and denouncing GECOM. It is not lost on a large section of the Guyanese community that there is political warfare waging between the contesting parties of the 2020

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Kaieteur News

elections. It is also obvious that some mainstream media have formed an alliance to influence domestic and international understanding of Guyana’s politics and electoral reality.

There is serious concern about said role in these delicate times. Only time will tell the fruit Guyana will reap from what has been sowed.

Lincoln Lewis

with us beneath the torrent of our correct words, outside of our so carefully constructed public postures, at some height above the uncleanliness of us all and it all. Let us get to the core of the truth about us (me and you), and the missing ideal of the promise of this society.

It is not too early; every day delayed, is one wasted hour too late. Elder Hinds and I may disagree on many things, but on Truth and Reconciliation, there is oneness of earnest soul. I have one interest, one objective only: where such could take us. At the least, it could help us to ease our demons out of the darkness of the national soul and prepare a welcoming for any light that could shine in its place.

I heard Mr. Hinds (from the title) about inclusive rather than shared governance. I could not agree more. For whenever I speak of “shared” and “unity” and “national front” and the other fine roads not travelled, I go beyond the major parties identified. Though this may be an affront to Mr. Hinds, I have long gone past both. My personal history has been of hard and harsh decisions involving separations from ones long held close.

I have since modified myself on a guarded basis. I mention that, because as much as I recognize that the two bigger parties are going nowhere and are essential and unmoving components of Guyana’s political process, I do what is within my control. That is, I move myself away, I do not belong.

That is my truth and with which I have reconciled myself.

Like Bro. Samuel, I urge all Guyanese brethren: let us consider carefully and let us give Truth and Reconciliation a chance and a place in our hesitant, still resistant searching for the healing that has either been denied or eludes.

My reaching and urging extends to all, including those on both sides of the divide, and for whom I have had grave misgivings. See! I have started internally to reconcile myself with what needs to be done, to help this nation (and myself) to go wherever it carries.

Sincerely, GHKLall

Family Planning services were never discontinued...

From page 5 number of measures which include referrals of patients to health centres within their communities to reduce overcrowding and maintain social distancing, however Family Planning services were never discontinued and are still being offered at this institution. We encourage persons who may be seeking Family Planning services to visit this institution or contact us on 2275511 to coordinate their visit. We at the GPHC remain committed to providing the best health care to our patients.

Yours Faithfully, George A. Lewis, Brigadier (ret’d) GPHC Chief Executive Office

THE TEN CONFUSIONS DEAR EDITOR, An astronomical amount of analysis have been performed over the fiasco of the March 02, Guyana elections so it would be superfluous for me to give further discourse, however, some deductions are worthwhile highlighting. · The emerging recount numbers of the Region 4 ballot boxes are very instructive for accounts and book-keepers: falsified calculations will inevitably backfire! · The ubiquitous target is the Returning Officer for Region 4, a person with sketchy concept of computer programmes to construct a spread sheet a week after being picked up by ambulance and rushed to hospital. · The uncovered fake numbers therefore did not start, nor end with Clairmont Mingo: There was expert help in the concoction of the numbers as they had to incorporate the total number of votes cast per box as well as the overall figure to give the Coalition ‘victory’. · The Coalition which

has declared itself winner of the elections now claims the elections were tampered with. · Why, after fourscore and ten days after elections the PNC is claiming names of deceased and migrated persons on the List of Electors? Should this not have been corrected during ‘Claims and Objections’? · Why did a senior GECOM Secretariat functionary order Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Edgar Thomas to remove GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj from the Ashmin building oblivious that Gunraj has more constitutional power? Thomas correctly ignored the edict and has been demoted. · Attorney Basil Williams claims that the law does not provide for a recount, but went on to state that this is his personal opinion and not of the Coalition. · The Attorney General has expressed three: (1) the elections and current declarations are illegal, (2) the recount process is illegal and (3) the elections were not credible.

· Why do top PNC headhunters expound on the sovereignty of Guyana as the rationale for keeping the Carter Center out of the recount, stating ‘we do not need white people to meddle in our affairs’; yet in the same token hire a Washington firm to lobby the Coalition’s positions ? · Why is Justice Claudette Singh writing to the police seeking evidence of electoral fraud regarding absentee (migrated) and deceased voting? Why is she not pursuing the evidence at her doorstep to summon the police to take action against the deliberate fraud committed by Clairmont Mingo?

It is clearly evident that the APNU/PNC is using the most imbecilious issues to declare the elections null and void. Clearly a case of dodging the raindrops as the recount will reveal that the PPP won.

The big question is: will the Coalition accept this result or would the cabal be calling for fresh elections?

Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine

Mr. President don’t take us down the wrong road DEAR EDITOR, Thank you for your reporting and commentaries.

I note the President is silent on the public position of his party on the elections; contradicts his position of three weeks ago that he would accept the result of the recount. He said he speaks for the government. Then he must stop those who are issuing ultimatums and threats and engaging in illegal acts.

Regrettably, APNU-led coalition has not been consistent on its position on the elections. It has held changing positions just before the elections till now – from claiming victory to election not credible.

Before the election, the party said its opinion polls said it would win even though other opinion surveys showed it trailing.

On Election day, March 2, the President and other spokespersons for APNU as well as AFC came out and said all went well with election day procedures. It was perfect.

They predicted victory right after close of polls.

The day after election, they claimed victory but realized in the evening they lost. On March 4, the count was ‘mingoed’ as he was instructed to create a victory; it was rejected by

the court. Joe Harmon said Granger would swear in by that weekend. The court voided the ‘mingoed’ count on March 8 and instructed Mingo to do a proper transparent count in the presence of observers.

Mingo defied the court and on March 13 ‘mingoed’ the count again and declared victory for APNU. Meanwhile five Caricom PMs arrived in Guyana to find a solution and urged both government and opposition to accept court ruling for a proper count.

The PMs were ignored. The international community threatened sanctions if Granger swears in on the fraudulent count.

Granger called Mia Mottley seeking her help to do a recount to legitimize the result. The President signed an agreement to honour the recount. The President’s party went to court to challenge the recount. The court ruled in favour of the recount.

APNU asserts that the recount would show gains f o r t h e p a r t y. R e c o u n t shows APNU losing and confirms original count of SOPs in possession of all opposition parties and international observers.

APNU makes allegations of improprieties about election day

procedures and voters’ list. Harmon threatens GECOM with ultimatum.

Volda says elections not credible.

How come the coalition won on March 4 but elections not credible now?

Meanwhile, gangs were called to a meeting. Is mayhem planned?

Mr. President, please don’t endorse these actions! You are taking us down the wrong road! You did not support the fraud and stained your name till n o w. Why compromise integrity now? I saluted your leadership for five years as President and three and a half as Opposition Leader. I voted for you. Unlike some others in the party, you are not power hungry. You never threatened GECOM or issue ultimatums. Please stop the planned threats and actions of your colleagues.

Mr. President, our party is losing credibility over its shifting positions.

Even supporters are questioning why the party’s and your position keeps changing. Come out once and for all and put a stop to the games being played by some power grabbers in our party.

Yours truly, Nigel Philadelphia

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 06, 2020

PAGE 07

EPA gives ExxonMobil Suriname issues vote results showing Opposition win permission to flare - Vincent Adams

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he flaring of over nine billion cubic feet of gas by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block has left several local and international environmentalists completely alarmed, especially when one takes into consideration the nation's commitment to reduce greenhouse gases.

H e a d o f t h e Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, has said he agrees with industry stakeholders that the amount of gas flared is significant, but was keen to note however that the company's permit makes allowance for the conditions under which the associated gas was burnt.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Dr. Adams said that ExxonMobil's environmental permit clearly states that there shall be no flaring, except in the case of startup or emergency.

He told, “What is happening is part of startup and it took longer than expected because of equipment failure. It is the first time they are using a particular design for the compressor for the Liza Destiny FPSO. You can build compressors and everything onshore but when you test it with a different type of gas on the site, it is a different ball game.”

The EPA Head said that ExxonMobil would have

EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams found during the testing that the seal for the compressor was not compatible hence it was removed.

“So this is not a breach of license or permit,” he said, “This is part of start-up. We did not say you can only flare x number cubic feet during an emergency or start up...So the permit covers what they are doing.

The initial flaring was only supposed to last for a few hours or a few days. But because of the issues with the equipment, they had to change out and flare 100 percent of the gas,” the official said.

Based on the information he received from ExxonMobil, Dr. Adams said that these issues would not be encountered for the start-up of other projects such as Payara and Liza Phase Two.

Dr. Adams shared as well that the EPA is satisfied that ExxonMobil has done everything within its power to address the issues while noting that it has already started cutting back on the gas being flared. The EPA H e a d s a i d , “ We a r e monitoring it and really pressuring them on this.

They would not get a free pass for the next time.

If they flare outside of what the permit states, there are provisions for penalties.”

According to the EPA's laws, which date back to 1996, it allows the regulatory body to institute a maximum penalty of about $1M. The EPA head had told Kaieteur that the oil giant is flaring about 15 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Local conservationist, Annette Arjoon-Martins had said that while that number seems small in the eyes of some, it is truly significant.

The advocate for a safe environment said that the flaring of 15 million cubic feet of gas is equivalent to the destruction of 2000 acres of forest per day. Taking this into consideration, she believes ExxonMobil's operations should be halted until its gas compressor can be fixed.

“To do otherwise is utterly unacceptable,” an impassioned ArjoonMartins told this news agency during an interview for World Environment Day.

Next president: Chandrikapersad 'Chan' Santokhi

S

uriname (New York Times) — Suriname's electoral authorities have finally announced preliminary results from the May 25 elections won by opposition parties, which on Friday accused the government of Desi Bouterse of obstructing efforts to seat a new legislature in the small South American nation.

The results — which in past years were announced almost immediately — were released Thursday night just an hour before the government imposed sweeping limits on public activity to fight a flare-up of COVID-19.

Four opposition parties have formed a coalition to elect the next president in August, though they remain one vote short of the 34 needed for a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, which is required to elect the president.

The parties issued a statement accusing the g o v e r n m e n t o f obstructionism, noting that

Out: President Desi Bouterse

delays in the vote counting process are pushing it toward the June 24 deadline set by law for seating the new legislature.

The United Reform Party leapfrogged past Bouterse's National Democratic Party, winning 20 seats, up from nine, while the government party fell from 26 to 16.

The Reform Party's chief, former police officer Chandrikapersad 'Chan' Santokhi, is expected to become the next president.

Bouterse, who won democratic elections a decade ago, has suffered from an economic crisis and from a 2019 conviction for murder involving political opponents of the military government he led from 1980 to 1987.

A Dutch court also has convicted him in absentia of drug trafficking, which he denies.

He has remained free in part because he holds the presidency and he is appealing the murder conviction.

Bouterse has been largely invisible since

Monday, though the leader of one of the opposition coalition parties said the president had contacted him in attempt to get him to switch sides.

Bouterse's party also has demanded a recount in some areas.

T h e e l e c t i o n announcement came as the country of about 600,000 people suddenly announced scores of active cases of COVID-19, up from one a week ago.

Authorities imposed a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew, ordered non-essential businesses closed and said people can travel only two to a car, and only to get food or medicine. Facemasks are now mandatory in shops and meetings of more than five people are banned.

The number of active cases rose to 80 on Friday.

“With the COVID-19 situation, the economic situation is getting worse.

The new government must therefore get to work quickly,” the coalition parties said in their statement.

PPP leading recount by more than 16,000 votes - 167 boxes left to be completed

O

n Day 31 of the National Recount exercise, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) managed to complete an additional 76 ballot boxes, with the opposition PPP gaining now 16,000 lead votes over the incumbent APNU+AFC. This now increases the total number of recounted ballot boxes to 2,172, with 167 remaining to be counted.

GECOM's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, informed the media last evening that the distribution for boxes was 76 for Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). The recount for all other regions has been completed.

According to Ward, of the total number of Statements of Recount, 2,153were tabulated for the General Election and 2,133 for the Regional Election.

So far, the recount at its current stage has put the opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP) in the lead with a total of 210,310 while the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) accumulated a total of 193,939 votes. These are according to final totals as of Friday published

by The Citizenship Initiative (TCI). Those figures show the PPP leading by 16,371 votes, 10,000 votes more than the previous day's total. The GECOM spokeswoman was keen to note that the national recount could be completed by Sunday, paving the way for a national declaration for the recount exercise by, at least, next week Thursday.

Kaieteur News reported on Saturday last that GECOM extended the date of the exercise to

Harmon makes unverified claim Table illustrating processed and outstanding ballot boxes A d m i n i s t r a t iB v ea l l o t b o x e sB a l l o t s O u t s t a n d i n g of compromised...

R e g io n s p e r r e g i o nc o m p l e t e d

R e g io n O n e

CO M PLETE

R e g io n T w o

CO M PLETE

R e g io n T h re e

CO M PLETE

R e g io n F o u r

879

712

R e g io n F iv e

CO M PLETE

R e g io n S ix

CO M PLETE

R e g io n S e v e n

CO M PLETE

R e g io n E ig h t

CO M PLETE

R e g io n N in e

CO M PLETE

R e g io n T e n

CO M PLETE

June 13, thereby providing an additional 14 days to complete the recount. This decision was triggered after the Elections Commission failed to complete the recount in the initial 25 days.

In a Gazetted addendum, it stated that the recount shall be conducted continuously each day,

167

including weekends and holidays, from 08:00hrs to 19:00hrs at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal on the East Coast. It additionally stated that the recount shall proceed with 12 workstations until its conclusion, an increase of two workstations from what was stated in the order.

From page 3 considerable lead.

Before the recount, the Coalition had been maintaining that it won the elections. But that contention was based on a series of declarations which include the fraudulent Region Four tabulation produced by Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

When asked yesterday whether, based on the declarations so far, he believes that the coalition has won the elections, Harmon said that the party cannot make this determination. Kaieteur News had so far proven, using verifiable data, that Mingo manipulated the Region Four tabulation to favour the incumbent.

The APNU+AFC representative said that it is his party's position to await the decision of the Chairman of the Elections Commission on the winners of the 2020 Regional and General Elections, though the party has said several times before that it has won.

Saturday June 06, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Ballot boxes with missing official documents not to be counted, tabulated - GECOM Secretariat - Commission to meet on way forward today

By Shikema Dey

T

he Secretariat of the Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission (GECOM), headed by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, yesterday passed a directive that ballot boxes from District Four will not be counted or tabulated for lack of official statutory documents.

Approximately, 29 ballot boxes from the East Coast of Demerara, primarily in Opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP) strongholds were affected by the Secretariat's decision.

Kaieteur News understands that on Thursday, an APNU+AFC Coalition counting agent pointed out that many of the ballot boxes emerging from Montrose, La Bonne Intention (LBI), and Chateau

GECOM Secretariat Head Keith Lowenfield Margot communities were missing statutory documents such as the counterfoils, official lists of electors (OLEs), folios, spoiled ballots, damaged ballots, and proxies.

The coalition agent

Observation reports for ballot box #4644 showing the change in language suggested that the “Recount of votes not validated due to absence of statutory documents” be placed on the observation report. This was met with objections from the

other parties' agents and, according to information received, the note was made.

It should be pointed that objections made by the other party representatives were

not noted.

Yesterday, when the party agents started the recount, the suggestion was made once again by a Coalition agent however,

this time, the Recount Supervisor announced that a decision was taken to note on the observation report that “Recount of votes not (continued on page 16)

Linden authorities clash over market closure Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell addressing some of the REC members some time back during the RHEC meeting

T

he Regional Health and Emergency Committee (RHEC) of Region Ten is miffed that the advice it gave to the Mayor and Town Council of Linden regard the opening of the municipal markets has not been accepted..

“The RHEC Committee had discussed the matter several times at their thriceweekly meetings at which the Chairman of RHEC was mandated to pen a correspondence to M&TC formally expressing its concern and the need to act e x p e d i t i o u s l y, ” t h e Committee said in a statement yesterday.

The Committee claimed t h a t M a y o r , Wa n e k a Arrindell, responded that the M&TC will make every effort to sanitize the markets which will remain as it is, open every day of the week, contrary to the RHEC's recommendations.

“It is clear that the issue of closing the markets for three days to maximise social distancing was not taken on board,” the statement noted.

It was revealed that the Mayor indicated that her council has sought to do some sanitization, stating that a number of places have been sanitized.

However, on the issue of market days she didn't respond, only stating that the markets are a main source of income for the council.

Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, via the statement, expressed disappointment at the Mayor's actions taking into account that she was one of the persons from the inception who had suggested a number of stringent measures to be adopted by the town in combating the disease.

“I am lost as to the Mayor's response as they seem not to understand the depth and extent of their refusal to close the markets.

The markets cannot be so important that people's lives and safety do not matter and the Council should be held accountable and responsible for their inaction on the issue,” Morian said.

Head of the RHEC, Orrin Gordon, echoed similar sentiments arguing that there

is no great amount of revenue that can be lost from closing the market.

He said that while he understands that revenue is of paramount importance, the Mayor and her Council should remain cognizant that immediate and stringent action has to be taken as residents' lives and safety are at risk with the continued non-monitoring of the markets where persons feel free to congregate in larger than provided for numbers.

“I can tell you that there is no significant amount of

revenue that comes in from the market where we observe persons in large numbers drinking hence, I don't understand why the Council has not sought to proceed with the recommendations to close the markets on alternate days and ensure the markets are sanitized properly,” he stated.

President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Victor Fernandes stressed that all the committee seeks to do is to ensure that nonessential activities/services are not permitted especially

considering the heavy drinking and large crowds that gather in the markets to drink.

“I believe that the Council is seeking sympathy from the vendors and workers so when we (RHEC) take action and forced closure of the markets they may use it as an excuse for being unable to pay employees but they must be cognizant that we are seeking to take preventive actions that help our residents' wellbeing,” he said.

The Committee,

however, expressed the view that if the infection numbers increase in Region Ten that the Mayor and her Council's inert response would be dubbed as contributory.

“There is no solid reason why the markets cannot be c l o s e d o n Tu e s d a y s , Thursdays and Sundays with it opening on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays as in the long run we are seeking to save lives and preserve people's health but it is obvious that the agenda is different for the Mayor and Town Council,” the committee reiterated.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 06, 2020

PAGE 09

Political change and the electorate

P

olitical change can be a good thing, especially for a country which has been traditionally saddled with extended periods of rule by one party. The PNC ran Guyana for 28 years between 1964 and 1992; then the PPPC followed with 23 year from 1992 to 2015.

When a political party has an automatic ticket to successive re-election, it can lose its way as we have seen in the cases of both the PNC and the PPP. They took things for granted and ended up being b o o t e d f r o m p o w e r.

Political change is a wake-up call to these political behemoths not to take the people for granted.

A few years ago, when this column projected that one-term governments will become a feature of our modern politics, the idea was scoffed at and dismissed by the so-called political experts. But this prediction has now materialized with

the APNU+AFC being reduced to one-term.

Political change has once again come to Guyana and this is good news because it means that political parties cannot any longer take the electorate for granted nor can they simply rely on ethnic voting for victory.

People, having experienced change, are no longer fearful that one party gets it, it cannot be removed through elections. They are therefore increasingly going to hold governments accountable. Those who fail to be accountable to the people and who take them for granted are going to be rejected.

Ethnic voting can no longer guarantee victory to any of the country's political parties. The demographics of Guyana has changed. The ethnic security dilemma has been removed. Indians no longer command, on their own, a majority and as we saw in the 2015, the PNCR,

with the support of smaller parties, was able to win.

This is good for Guyana because it means the fear of permanent ethnic ostracism f r o m p o w er h as been removed. We can now envisage an era in which the large parties will be forced into alliances with smaller parties in order to win an election. We have also seen a plethora of small parties emerge and secure a handy number of votes. If only all of them had joined their lists, they would have emerged as a stronger parliamentary force. But they have time on their side. Rome was not built in a day. Political parties do not become strong overnight.

Alliance politics will become a feature. The indigenous vote will be critical and with Lenox Shuman enhancing his reputation at the 2020 elections, his party may eventually hold the balance of power in future parliaments.

Dem boys seh...

Guyanese tun second-class in dem own land

W

e gat we own problems with de poleece hay. Every day dem gat traffic jam on de East Bank Public Road near Houston and Mc Doom. Dem people wha providing services to dem oil company does deh moving stuff in some big truck and dem gat de poleece stopping traffic so that they can get priority.

This is how dem oil company gat we like secondclass citizens in we own country.

Imagine if you gat a pregnant woman going to de hospital and gat to deh in dah long line because dem oil

company and dem suppliers getting priority and po-leece escort.

De po-leece report how dem arresting people wha breaking de social restrictions.

Dem does go in dem village and pull people out of dem yard on the suspicion dat dem people gat sport and dat them nah practicing social distancing.

But dem boys know dat de same po-leece is some of the biggest culprits when it comes to social distancing.

On Thursday dem had wan big funeral on the East Coast.

Dem had hundreds of people at the funeral home and

plenty police went deh. In fact, de po-leece been directing traffick fuh de funeral.

Dem boys want to know how come dem big boys with dem brown clothes wha deh among de mourners was not interested in enforcing de social distancing?

Dem stop a driver pun de road and de officer tell he: “I smellin' liquor pun yuh breath.”

De driver tun to he and seh: “Dat is because yuh nah practicing social distancing.”

Talk half and wait fuh see de damage dem oil company doing to de road.

There is speculation that the vulgar attempt by the APNU+AFC to steal the elections will force them to be rejected totally in future elections. We heard similar sentiments after the assassination of Walter Rodney.

We heard how the PNC would have become a 10% party. It turned out quite the opposite and the PNCR, with the right leadership, has a good chance of returning to office in 2025.

Right now, we are at the stage of political theatrics.

There is a tussle taking place within the PNCR to see which leader can outdo the other.

This is playing to political gallery because it is now likely that someone will have to be elected to replace David Granger. The path of political succession is being paved and the question now is who will succeed David Granger whenever that times come. This is why some leaders of the PNCR are trying to see who can jump

higher than the other. They are making their pitch for political leadership.

It is sad what has happened to David Granger.

But his mistakes are for others to learn from. He gave too much authority to some persons and they let him down by their conduct and corruption. He did not have a good team around him and his lieutenants embarrassed him. Some of them were more into business deals than helping the people.

They hitched on to the f r o c k t a i l s o f businesspersons who were previously aligned to the PPPC. The Coalition paid the political price because the people were not blind.

Some of them may have misled Granger into believing that the APNU+AFC's Statements of Polls showed that the Coalition had won the elections. Granger should have gotten his own trusted people to check to ensure this

was true.

The beauty about change is that it gives you a chance to look back at your mistakes and to make things right. The PPPC looked back at their mistakes and for the past five years they have been working the grassroots. It is because of this work that they won the 2016 and 2018 local government elections and defeated the Coalition in the General and Regional Elections this year.

But they know that if they mess up, the voters will kick them out in 2025.

Remember my prediction about one-term governments.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday June 06, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

No, Lo Lo no, no Mango no, no Rawdette no O

ne of the comedies that came out of the no confidence motion (NCM) in 2018 will forever remain in the humourous culture of Guyana. After the Speaker called on Charrandass Persaud to vote on the NCM and he said yes, meaning he was voting for the motion, a female parliamentarian kept shouting, “no Charran, no.”

The Speaker of the House asked for a second round of voting which was improper. That decision was never highlighted because the NCM was won by the opposition so they had no time to delve into the decision of the Speaker at the time. Looking back, when

the motion was put, it was voted upon and that was it. It was carried. There should have not been a second call It was the uproar that the APNU+AFC created after the vote that led the Speaker to ask for a second casting.

What happened is that the APNU+AFC created pandemonium and the Speaker either out of caution or deliberate judgment, wanted to ask Charran again.

My personal take was that the second voting was taken in the hope that Charran would change his mind, but Charran had made up his mind a year prior.

In the uproar at the first round of voting and the Speaker asking for a second calling of names, this female

MP's decibels reverberated d o w n Av e n u e o f t h e Republic straight into Main Street taking in High Street and ended up on the waves of the Atlantic at Eve Leary.

She kept shouting, no, Charran, no; no Charran no!

And others joined the chorus of no, Charran no!

Charran left the country the same night, accompanied to the Ogle Airport by PPP personnel, Peter Ramsaroop.

The next day, all the libel laws of the world were broken. In the total world of APNU, AFC, their surrogates and political prostitutes, the sermon was that Charran took a bribe.

The Chronicle stooped so low in the gutter that it was a historical low. Not

even under Burnham's and Jagdeo's control did the Chronicle publish such egregious defamations. No editor under Burnham and Jagdeo would have done what the Chronicle did to Charran. My personal feeling is that the current editor of the Chronicle is the most unacceptable media personality this country has produced. If there is a change of government, I think before the ink is dried on the swearing-in paper, he should be ostracized from this society. The Chronicle has reached the apogee of depravity under the reign of APNU+AFC. Barrington Braithwaite, a commissioner on the Ethnic Relations

Commission, noted that Charran did take a bribe and Braithwaite went on to explain why. He wrote that Charran had a gambling habit. Image the acrobatic leap – from gambling to bribe-taking. Nothing wrong with leaping but where is the proof?

In the same Chronicle, Moses Nagamootoo, a lawyer of all people, wrote that Charran took a bribe.

T h e P o l i c e Commissioner and his boss, the Minister of Public Security got onto the antiCharran pantomime. The Commissioner said that Charran was being investigated for alleged bribery and the matter also involved national security.

Minister Ramjattan told the nation, it was him that alerted Guyanese to the likely money-taking because he was told that Charran was asking about the purchase of gold.

It was this same minister, at a press conference who told us that the Russians came to rig the election for the PPP. He got word of it, and deported them. It turned out that the Russians were among the dead people on the cruise liner in the movie, “Ghost Ship,” the very jumbies that gave Nagamootoo fake numbers that gave APNU+AFC a victory on March 2.

So Charran voted for the opposition-sponsored NCM

Frederick Kissoon and because of that, he is accused of taking money.

But why aren't people shouting “No Lo Lo no; no, Mango no; no, Rawdette no?” Why isn't the Police Commissioner investigating some election officials since certainly the Police Commissioner must know that what has gone on since March 4 constitutes a formidable assault on national security.

There is evidence that certain election officials had as their visitors at home, certain leaders from the PNC during the crisis that unfolded at the Ashmin's building. This columnist has seen a still photo of certain top brass from APNU+AFC entering the home of an election official during the controversy of the Mingo tabulation. No one is shouting no, Rawdette no, no Lo Lo no, no Mango no, even though the evidence is more glaring than in Charran's case. It just goes to show, what 21st century Guyana has become.

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

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 06, 2020

PAGE 11

ABCE countries remind Granger and Jagdeo of recount commitment W

ith hours left before the national recount of the March 2nd general and regional elections concludes, Guyana's western partners are reminding the country's leaders to recognize the results of the recount, in keeping with their commitment.

The joint statement came from the Ambassador of the United States of America, Sarah-Ann Lynch; the British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; the Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee, and the Ambassador of the European Union, Fernando PonzCanto.

Noting that the recount process is coming to a conclusion, the four congratulated stakeholders who have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to ensuring full transparency in the recount process: “This includes political parties, staff of the Guyana Elections Commission, scrutineers

(from left) US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee and EU Ambassador Fernando Ponz-Canto from the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States, the Advisor from the Commonwealth and observers. The dedication of all is a credit to the democratic process in Guyana.”

The statement would come amidst fears that there would yet be another twist to the story of the 2020 elections. Since December 2018, when a historic no-

confidence was passed in the National Assembly, the country has been thrown into a constitutional crisis as one challenge after another arose, from court cases to delays. The Opposition, the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), has claimed victory over the incumbent coalition of between 15,000-20,000 votes. According to the western diplomats yesterday, President Granger

and the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo should also be commended “for their support of the recount, and for their clear commitment to abide by the results”.

The statement also urged: “As this process concludes, it is important for all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the process and peacefully accept the wishes of the Guyanese population. There will be

disappointment for those who have lost. Those who are elected must take on this responsibility with humility and demonstrate that they will govern for the benefit of every Guyanese citizen.”

The diplomats also encouraged party leaders to commit to constitutional reform and reconciliation to ensure every Guyanese, regardless of party affiliation, sees how their government will work in

their best interest.

“As friends of Guyana, we look forward to working with all parties to further support Guyana's development for the benefit of all its people.”

The elections have been described as the mother of all elections in Guyana with the next administration to have control of one of the biggest oil finds in recent years, in this part of the hemisphere, for the next five years.

Saturday June 06, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

COURTS donates 'Aeroboxes' to frontline workers attending COVID-19 patients

O

n Friday, Courts G u y a n a Incorporated partnered with its largest suppliers of appliances, Mabe and donated 20 areoboxes to the Public Health Sector for healthcare professionals to utilise while attending to COVID-19 patients.

An “areobox” is a protective covering for doctors and health care workers to use when intubating a patient, substantially reducing the risk of infection.

Given its characteristics, the aerobox can be sanitised, disinfected and reused. Due to its construction and materials, it is very resistant and its use is expected to

exceed the needs of this pandemic.

At the handing over and demonstration ceremony at the Ministry of Public Health Annex, Kingston, Managing Director of Courts Guyana, Clyde De Haas, described the device as a “quick and efficient,” noting that it is crucial for Guyana's frontline workers.

According to De Haas, Mabe plans to export some 30,000 of the manual devices across the region.

Deputy Director of the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) Dr. Leston Payne, accepted the donation on behalf of the Public Health Ministry.

He thanked the company for their timely

Managing Director of Courts Guyana, Clyde De Haas (yellow shirt) presents the areoboxes to Deputy Director of the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) Dr. Leston Payne while other officials from the Public Health Ministry and COURTS look on. gesture and extended an invitation to other

companies to come on board and assist in

preserving the lives of those attending to the critically ill, especially during this pandemic.

In April, the giant home

appliance store gifted the ministry a minibus outfitted to provide emergency transport during the coronavirus pandemic.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 06, 2020

PAGE 13

Stringent sanitization measures for students returning to school - NGSAs' can opt out, be placed in nearest secondary, write adjustment exams after be eligible to write a - teachers with existing medical conditions can be exempted placement examination upon - union urges rethink on exams, schools' re-opening completion of their Grade 9

T

he Education Ministry on Friday addressed concerns about teachers and students returning to school for the sitting of the NGSA, CSEC and CAPE examinations citing numerous sanitation and other measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

As students and teachers prepare to head back to school for a few weeks for major examinations, the

ministry has reaffirmed that it is working in the best interest of students and teachers.

The school day has been reduced to a 4-hour day inclusive of a 30-minute lunch break. Students are only expected to attend on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until the commencement of their respective exams. With some parents raising concerns about student safety, the

Ministry of Education team explained the countless measures that will be implemented to ensure safety for all, including erecting hand-washing stations.

Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for the Primary level, Carol Benn said all students will be given a sanitization kit, inclusive of face masks, soaps and hand-sanitisers in the first week of re-entry into

schools.

Schools will be cleaned thoroughly twice daily and teachers will be equipped with face shields. Physical distancing stickers and other signage will be employed at all schools. For parents who still have reservations about sending their children to sit the NGSA, there is another option.

Students may be placed in the nearest secondary school to their home and may

Joint Services receive face masks, gloves from CDC

Y

e s t e r d a y, t h e Civil Defence Commission (CDC) presented a quantity of KN95 face masks and gloves to the Joint Services for use by officers when conducting their duties during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Director-General of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig explained that this donation was made possible through support from SBM Offshore Guyana.

“We have been able to talk to them to support this cause of ensuring that the law enforcement and joint services received adequate protection when they conduct their duties,” he said.

Last Friday, the Dutch floater company donated 30,000 pieces of protective gear which included gloves and masks to the CDC to help with the agency's national response to the virus.

It was noted that the items will later be distributed to the ranks at the various stations. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams thanked CDC for its support noting that this effort will definitely help those in the frontline.

“We know that these items are very essential in light of the COVID-19 situation,” Williams said, “We are the ones on the frontline and because of our frequent and regular engagements in all of the activities, we must protect ourselves to ensure that we can continue providing proper service.”

(Second from left) CDC Director-General Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, Deputy Commissioner of Guyana Police Force Paul Williams, Berbice Divisional Fire Officer, Dwayne Scotland (second from right) and Acting Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim (right) The CDC welcomes donations towards its national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, inclusive of food supplies, personal care and sanitation supplies, or financing. Items can be sent to CDC's headquarters, Thomas Road, Thomas Lands daily between 09:00 hours and 15:00hours. Funds can be deposited to the Commission's Republic Bank account number 962356519938. (DPI)

year once they satisfy the criteria to do so.

All primary and secondary school teachers are expected to return to school on Monday, June 8 while students will return from June 15. Director of the National Centre of Educational Resources Development (NCERD), Jennifer Cumberbatch said that the examination dates provided are the best, even amid the COVID-19 concerns.

'The Ministry of Education has been working to get this right for our children. We want our learners to be safe,” Cumberbatch noted.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the closure of 352 nursery schools, 453 primary schools and 139 secondary schools and affected almost 190,000 students countrywide.

For students sitting the NGSA, English and Science will be held on July 1 while Mathematics and Social Studies will be written on July 2. The Paper 1 exams are expected to last for one

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ingrid Trotman hour each while the Paper 2 exams – except Mathematics – will have a 55-minute timeline.

Meanwhile, there are concerns over the issue of teachers who may have preexisting medical conditions.

The issue was raised during the webinar hosted by the Ministry of Education yesterday morning to address any concerns surrounding the 2020 examinations.

It was noted that persons with pre-existing medical conditions are more vulnerable to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Addressing the issue, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ingrid Trotman stated that teachers with such conditions will not be required to be present during this period.

“Teachers with ailments (continued on page 16)

GMSA elects Nokta as president as body focuses on COVID-19, elections crisis

T

he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) recently held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) for fiscal year 2020-2021 in two parts. On Wednesday, May 27th 2020 the 13-member Board of Directors was elected and on Friday 5th June, 2020, the new President of the Association, three VicePresidents, and the remaining members of the Board of Directors.

Shyam Nokta, Managing Director of Environmental Management Consultants (EMC), was elected unopposed as President of the organisation. He is supported

by Ramsay Ali, CEO of Sterling Products Ltd. as 1st Vice President; Ramesh Dookhoo of Banks DIH Ltd as 2nd Vice President; and Autamaram Lakeram of NAMILCO as 3rd Vice President.

Nokta, in his remarks to the Board, recognized that the country and the business sector

Saturday June 06, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

are facing challenging times, with COVID-19 and the national circumstances.

“One of our primary tasks,” Notka charged, “will be to work with the GMSA membership to get a good picture of the situation facing members and the interventions needed across the various subsectors to put businesses back on their feet.”

Nokta indicated that he is looking forward to a timely conclusion of the recount process, the declaration of the winner of the March 2nd General and rRegional elections based on the recount, and having a Government in place reflective of the will of the people.

“As we did during my previous term as GMSA President, between 2017 and 2019, the GMSA would look to establish a strategic partnership with Government and to work closely with other stakeholders to advance and grow the manufacturing and services sectors. Emphasis will be placed on

strengthening important subsectors covering agroprocessing; services; c h e m i c a l a n d pharmaceuticals; construction and engineering; forestry and wood products; and minerals and related products.”

The new President expressed his strong interest in seeing the GMSA play a leading role in private sector development and adopting approaches that embrace enhanced competitiveness and sustainability.

The GMSA has over 145 member companies covering the manufacturing and services sectors. The Board of Directors for this fiscal year 2020 – 2021 was also elected at the AGM. The Board includes Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL), Sterling Products Ltd., Banks DIH Ltd; Edward B. Beharry Group; National Milling Company of Guyana, Guyana National Industrial C o m p a n y, a n d B r a s s Aluminum Cast Iron Foundry.

Kenneth John, lover of jazz, meets a century

J

azz enthusiast, Kennett John October celebrated his 100th birthday at his lot 35 Broad Street Home, with close relatives and friends.

Caregiver and neighbour, June Nunes, yesterday spoke to Kaieteur N e w s , d e t a i l i n g M r.

October's upbringing and his lifelong passion for music.

Mr. October was born on the 5th of June 1920 to the late Mathida Benjamin and Johnie October. Growing up as a young boy, October was a lover of Jazz music and fancy suits. He dreamt of becoming a jazz superstar, performing on stage before large audiences.

Unfortunately, his grand dream did not – after completing secondary school. October got a job as handyman at the Booker's Stores (now called Guyana Stores) and was later granted the opportunity to become a chauffeur of his company's radio van. It was during this period that he began pursuing his jazz dreams once again.

With a smile on his face, October himself recalled “For a second time I did not become that jazz superstar but at least I became a jazz dancer and that was enough.” Mr. October, as many would call him, remembers that in the evenings after work he would dress up in his suits and head down to the popular Jazz spots in Georgetown and just dance.

When he fell in love with a young lady by the name of Ava, he was forced to give up the night life and settle down. The two got married and their union produced six

Kennett John October posing for a photo dressed in his dark shades and Kongal-Cap during his Birthday celebration yesterday children, 14 grandchildren and a few greatgrandchildren.

At this point of his recollection, Mr. October's smile changed and a hint of sadness was heard in his voice: after decades of m a r r i a g e a n d companionship with his beloved wife Ava October, she passed away at the age of 96 sometime last year.

Nevertheless, October still cheers himself by playing his favourite jazz CDs on his CD player. “I cannot dance any more but I can reminis ce on my younger days when I used to lock-off the dance floor.”

Nunes told Kaieteur News that most of October's children and grandchildren

reside in the US. Nevertheless, she and one of his sons, Shawn, who currently resides with him, do their best every day to make sure that the centenarian is well taken care of.

The woman said that she has known October since as child living next door and described him as funny and outgoing person.

“He was a bad sweet boy and very energetic…He was and still is like a grandfather to me”.

Nunes told this publication that October now spends his days relaxed at home as a storyteller, sharing folklore and past experiences with friends and neighbours.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 06, 2020

Taxi driver charged for bludgeoning businesswoman to death with padlock

A

taxi driver and a well-known salesman of 47 Prashad Nagar, Georgetown who reportedly beat 61year-old businesswoman Sattie Beekharry to death with a large padlock, was yesterday charged and remanded to prison.

Thirty-five-year-old Rafeek Khan appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate court, and connected via Skype to Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer, where he was not required to plea to the indictable charge.

It is alleged, that on June 1, 2020, Khan repeatedly struck Beekharry with a large padlock at her home located at lot 152 Begonia Avenue, Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara.

A previous report revealed that Khan had reportedly confessed to the gruesome killing of the popular businesswoman.

Investigators told this publication that Khan went to the woman's house to collect a sum of money owed to him when an

Murder accused Rafeek Khan

Murdered: Sattie Beekharry

argument ensued between Beekharry and Khan.

The enraged Khan took a large padlock and dealt Beekharry lashes to the head and body causing her to collapse on her living room floor. Neighbours who heard the woman's scream summoned the police. When ranks arrived, they had to force their way into the heavily grilled and locked building.

Mrs. Beekharry was found lying face down in a pool of blood while Khan was caught hiding in the ceiling. An autopsy later revealed that Beekharry sustained fractured ribs and a blunt force trauma to the brain.

Khan is scheduled to make his next court appearance on July 20 at the Sparendaam Magistrate Court.

Incoming international mail impacted by COVID-19 restrictions

International mails to Guyana have been badly affected because of the COVID-19 restrictions and suspensions of flights across the globe

T

he Guyana Post O f f i c e Corporation (GPOC) yesterday acknowledged in a press release that the closure of borders around the globe has badly affected the amount of mail coming into the country.

“Customers awaiting letters and parcels,” GPOC noted , “are asked to note that mails from the US, China, Hong King, Japan, Australia,

Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Bahamas, Belize, Costa Rica, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Brazil and the Caribbean are affected by the suspension.”

According to the GPOC, the closure of borders and the suspension of mails by many countries have affected the ability of the entity to effectively carry out its obligations.

“Customers are advised,” the release

cautioned, “that both incoming and outgoing international mails have been affected. This does not apply to mails from Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago and Tortola.”

GPOC said it will continue to monitor the situation globally and make the necessary adjustment to its service.

The country's borders and airports have been closed since March.

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

Saturday June 06, 2020

Kaieteur News

Education Ministry satisfied with Hinterland students' preparedness for July exams SERVICES Visa Forms Preparer.

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The effects of the novel coronavirus led to the closing of hundreds of schools across Guyana, leaving thousands of students and teachers to find new ways of learning. The Ministry of Education created an Alternative Plan Programme whereby, students were provided with home-based learning activities inclusive of electronic learning or e-learning.

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ingrid Trotman yesterday stated that while the Ministry used e-learning for students, such as radio, television, social media and the Ministry's website, consideration was also given for students who were unable to gain access, especially vulnerable

Ballot boxes with missing statutory documents not to be counted...

From page 8 validated due to absence of statutory documents.”

The previous observation report which noted that it was the APNU+AFC counting agent who made the suggestion that “Recount of votes not validated due to absence of statutory documents” was later retracted and replaced.

The language of the new observation report did not state that it was an allegation made by a coalition counting agent.

The language cast it is an observation by GECOM itself.

Inquiries were made as to who passed down the decision and the party agents were informed that it came directly from the Secretariat.

When the ballot boxes were sent to be tabulated, the IT Supervisor informed tabulation agents that he had been instructed by the Secretariat to not tabulate any box with the term 'not validated' or 'invalid' on the observation report.

Commissioner Sase Gunraj, when contacted, confirmed that the directive in-

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communities such in the hinterland region.

“For the hinterland students the Ministry of Education provided booklets for Grades 2, 4 and 6 along with the past papers and these were distributed to the region, which further had it distributed to each school and then unto the students,” the CEO stated.

This was done as part of preparations for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) for secondary schools, JuneAnn Gonsalves further ex-

plained: “The teachers themselves prepared worksheets and they were sent to the different villages for those areas that we could not have gotten contact with”.

Gonsalves also said that she is satisfied with the level of preparedness for exams and the engagement of students in Hinterland regions, including Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9.

“I feel comfortable with the engagement that would have been involved and the collaboration across,” Gonsalves said.

“It wasn't just the Ministry as in the Central [Ministry], but the individual regions, we had meetings with our REDOs [Regional Education Officers] and the regions did their part to ensure that the learners were engaged to assist in whatever was abso-

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deed emerged from GECOM's Secretariat as the six-member Commission did not meet that day to make decisions on matters emerging from the recount process.

On one Observation Report from an LBI polling station for ballot box #4641, it was noted on the OR that the “Recount of votes not validated due to absence of statutory documents” which included the total list of electors marked as voted on the OLE; no used or unused tender ballots and no used ballot box seals. Additionally, the OR noted that there were oaths of identities signed for voters but the en-

try was not recorded in the poll books. Earlier in the recount process, the issue of missing documents including poll books had surfaced. Questions were raised on whether this would affect the recount but the Commission took a decision that despite the missing documents, the recount would proceed.

A checklist system was introduced to note the missing documents. This had no affect on the actual recount of the votes in the boxes. The Commission is expected to meet today to make a decision on what will happen to those ballot boxes.

lutely necessary.”

ACEO for Primary Education, Carol Benn is also satisfied with the work in primary schools in the hinterland and confirmed that past papers dating back to 2017, worksheets prepared by teachers and distributed to homes, as well as, parentteacher engagements were held.

NGSA exams are slated for July 1 and 2, while CSEC exams will be held from July 13August 4 and CAPE during the July 13-31 period.

The statements from the ministry would come as the Amerindian People's Association (APA) raised concerns over the preparedness of the Hinterland's students. Thousands of them, APA says, have no access to internet and curriculum. Many of them live in remote communities with little or no communications available.

Stringent sanitization measures for students returning to school From page 13 will be exempted, once they can present evidence or proof of their illnesses […] and given other duties,” Trotman said.

She also noted the resilience of teachers during this time and thanked them for their continued hard work.

Moreover, as it relates to students who may have health issues such as asthma, the Ministry of Education is working to put measures in place for their safety.

The Assis t a n t C h i e f Education Officer (ACEO)S e c o n d a r y, June-Ann Gonsalves assured that if countermeasures are needed for students with asthma and medical conditions, including putting the students in special classrooms further away from other students, the Ministry is prepared to adjust.

“From the time we would have started our consultations we would have relied on the recommendations of the Ministry of Health,” Gonsalves stated.

The ACEO continued “if we need to consider relocating these children, giving them some additional space, we will ask the Ministry of Health for additional advice before we pronounce on this.”

Saturday June 06, 2020

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Kaieteur News

EU releases damning elections observer report...

GECOM accused of acting in blatant violation of the law - Cites fair reporting by Kaieteur and Stabroek News With just estimated days left before the end of the recount exercise, the European Union Observer Mission yesterday released a damning final report that had condemnations for the Guyana Election Commission post-poll behaviour, mixed reviews of the behaviour of other players, but commendation on the reporting by independent dailies Kaieteur News and Stabroek News.

The opening paragraph of the summary goes straight into what expands into a 64page scathing critique of certain aspects of the process.

“The 2 March general and regional elections took place in a deeply polarised environment”the report begins, “Legal uncertainty, unregulated political finance, biased state media and lack of transparency in the administration of elections characterised the pre-election context, but overall the elections were competitive and contestants could campaign freely. Voting, counting and the tabulation of results in nine of Guyana’s ten regions were generally well managed. However, the integrity of the entire electoral process was seriously compromised by the nontransparent and non-credible tabulation of results in the largest and decisive Region 4 by senior Guyana Elections Commission officials, acting in blatant violation of the law and

High Court orders issued in this regard.”

Proving a background into the events leading up to the elections, including the No Confidence Vote and the subsequent legal battle, the report places ultimate blame for the current impasse squarely at the feet of GECOM. “By failing to take decisive action,” the report notes, “as the electoral process derailed into chaos and illegality, GECOM abdicated its constitutional duty to take all actions necessary to ensure compliance with the law by any of its officials, despite unequivocal powers to remove and exercise disciplinary control over them.”

The report notes that the elections were ethnically polarized with APNU+AFC primarily representing AfroGuyanese and the PPP primarily representing IndoGuyanese. The report noted that both major political groupings had significant funds at their disposal with no concern for campaign finance transparency with the implicit go ahead from GECOM. “With consent of the main contenders,” the report noted, “GECOM did not assume its oversight responsibility to monitor campaign finance. Several parties spoke out for enhancing finance regulations, underlining the

need for reforms in this field.”

While the report noted considerable bias in both the privately owned Guyana Times, which favoured the PPP, the state-owned Guyana Chronicle, it observed that “Stabroek News and Kaieteur News proved to be rather balanced in their news coverage.”

The report provided a total of 26 detailed recommendations for electoral reform, with eight listed as priority.

Below are the eight priority recommendations coming out of the EU Observer Mission Report.

1.

Review and consolidate the fragmented election legislation to strengthen legal clarity and certainty.

2. Launch a national consultation process to overhaul the composition and functioning of the Elections Commission, notably to ensure a more inclusive representation of the various components of the Guyanese society and political spectrum.

3. Develop, in a consultative process, effective legislation to regulate political finance, taking the principles of equality, transparency and accountability into account.

Such legislation could provide transparency in campaign incomes and establish reasonable limits for campaign expenditure as

European Union, Fernando Ponz-Canto, (right) hands over a copy of the European Union Observer Mission Final Report to Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission. well as disclosure and reporting requirements and effective sanctions.

Consideration may also be given to the establishment of an independent oversight body.

4. Introduce a legal and regulatory system that transforms the state-owned media into a genuine public service broadcaster. This includes provisions granting editorial independence, financial autonomy, clear separation from any government institution, and an open and competitive selection process of its board members.

5. To foster transparency and accountability in online and offline campaigning, policymakers could consider

introducing detailed reporting requirements for those who paid for sponsored materials as well as for those who received payments. In order to enable voters to easily distinguish between paid advertising and other information, any sponsored campaign-related material should be clearly labelled to indicate who paid for it.

6. Adopt clear written procedures for the transmission and tabulation of election results, notably to ensure consistency of the process in all regions, adequate traceability of handed over electoral documents, and possibility for all authorised stakeholders to examine SOPs as required by law.

7. Incorporate into law the obligation to accompany any declaration of results by simultaneous publication of detailed polling station results and digital copies of all SOPs. In addition to the number of valid votes cast for each candidate list, these detailed results should also include all elements of electoral accounting to allow control of their coherence, such as number of registered voters; voters who voted; rejected ballots; spoiled ballots; etc.

8.

Establish comprehensive election dispute resolution system to ensure effective and timely remedies throughout all stages of the electoral process.

‘We’re almost down to zero,’ says JUTA Kgn Chapter president (Jamaica Observer) Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA) Kingston Chapter President Noel Williams stands outside the tour company’s office which has been devoid of activity due to the effects of COVID-19. (Photo: Joseph Wellington) LIKE most Jamaicans, Noel Williams holds firm to the view that the planned reopening of the country’s borders must be accompanied by strict adherence to health and safety protocols implemented by the Government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

However, Williams, who is president of the Jamaica Union of Travellers

Association (JUTA) Kingston Chapter, says he and his members across the island are looking forward to the return of visitors, as the economic impact of the virus is hitting them hard.

“I really don’t have an issue with the reopening. We have been significantly impacted by the closure of the tourism industry and, by extension, what is happening in Jamaica,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer yesterday, adding that he has been mandated by JUTA members islandwide to speak on their behalf.

“We know the country needs to earn revenue, and we know we need the economy to keep going... If we continue to have the

country lockdown, we will be losing revenue all around.

That is not good for our economy,” he said.

“However, we have to be very cautious with what we do and how we reopen.”

Jamaica’s borders were closed to all incoming travellers on March 24 following the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

T h e t o u r i s m s e c t o r, which contributed approximately US$3.7 billion to the economy from 4.3 million arrivals last y e a r, d i r e c t l y e m p l o y s 170,000 people and provides indirect income to another 200,000.

The sector has been hard hit by the closure, losing approximately

US$15 million daily.

On Sunday, during a virtual press conference at Jamaica House, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the country’s borders will be reopened to international travellers on June 15.

Two days later, he told Parliament that arriving travellers will undergo mandatory screening at the airports, where a determination will be made if they should be tested.

Yesterday, Williams said while Jamaica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, “we have to make sure that we put in the proper protocols, and if that is done, then I don’t

think we should see much of a problem”.

“Testing, from what I understand, can be done in a 24-hour period now, so that should significantly help in alerting us if anyone coming into the country has the virus,” he reasoned.

According to Williams, JUTA has seen an overall 95 per cent reduction in business since the first COVID-19 case was reported in Jamaica in March.

He said while tourism provided the bulk of the business for his colleagues operating on the north coast, the members of the tour company’s Kingston Chapter earned mostly from school

and church trips, stage shows, beach parties, funerals, and other private hires.

“We’re almost down to zero as we speak,” he said, adding that the JUTA office in Kingston had nine staff members before COVID-19, but now there is only one person working three days weekly. “We couldn’t afford to keep all the staff because we’re not earning anything...

The phones are no longer ringing.”

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 06, 2020

Saturday June 06, 2020

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Silver walks back idea of restrictions for older Messi misses training again with thigh injury NBA coaches After initially saying that older coaches might not be able to return to the bench this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic, NBA commissioner Adam Silver reversed course Thursday night.

Health experts have stated that people age 65 and older are most vulnerable to COVID-19, and the NBA has three head coaches in that category: the San Antonio Spurs’ Gregg Popovich, 71; the Houston Rockets’ Mike D’Antoni, 69; and the New Orleans Pelicans’ Alvin Gentry, 65.

Silver initially said in an interview with TNT on Thursday, “There are people involved in this league,

NBA commissioner Adam Silver during a pre match press conference. REUTERS/ Benoit Tessier) particularly coaches, who are obviously older people. ...

We’re going to have to work through protocols, for

example, and it may be certain coaches may not be able to be the bench coach.

“They may have to maintain social distancing protocols, and maybe they can be in the front of a room, a locker room ... with a whiteboard, but when it comes to actual play, we’re not going to want them that close to players in order to protect them.”

Gentry promptly told ESPN regarding Silver’s comments, “That doesn’t make sense. How can I coach that way? ... (It’s not right that older coaches) should be singled out.”

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, the president of the NBA Coaches Association, then got in touch with Silver.

Carlisle told ESPN, “(Silver)

Saturday June 06, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Extend the day by getting up earlier than usual, Aries. Even though it may be hard to leave the comfort of your bed, the rewards will be many.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You may be trying to cling to something that doesn't want to sit still. It's like trying to grab a wet fish. The more tightly you squeeze it, the likelier it is to slip out of your grasp.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Overall, this should be a pleasant day, and you'll be properly recognized for the person you are. You may feel like royalty, so feel free to dress in your most regal attire.

CANCER(June21–July22) Frustration may set in early today, Cancer, but things should pan out for you as the evening approaches. Once you deal with an issue, let it rest.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Whether your realize it or not, you'll have the upper hand today, Leo, so take advantage of this opportunity. Things may be going so well that you might not even notice what a fantastic time you're having.

Sit back and take a moment to appreciate your good fortune.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be careful about planning things too much, Virgo. Leave the morning open for spontaneous acts and haphazard events. Let the structure of the afternoon slowly evolve from the morning's events. You don't need to build Rome in a day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Keep up the positive selfesteem that you've been working on for the past several weeks. This is one of those days when you'll be presented with a situation where you can demonstrate your courage and independent mind.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You may wake up to a cloudy brain fog. Emotionally, you may find it hard to make decisions about anything even though you're feeling called to do so.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) - Independence is key for you, so even though it may not be Independence Day, feel free to celebrate anyhow. Give thanks to all the freedoms you have, and make sure you're taking advantage of them.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Things may be unstable for you this morning, Capricorn, but improve quite a bit by the end of the day.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Make sure you have an equal amount of give and take in your life, Aquarius.

If someone gives you a compliment today, know how to receive it graciously instead of brushing it off as something meaningless.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Relationships should go well for you, Pisces. You should be able to find emotional stability when you form a relationship with someone you trust.

admitted that he jumped the gun with his statement to TNT. The health and safety of our coaches is first and foremost. It’s entirely possible that an NBA coach in his 60s or 70s could be healthier than someone in their 30s or 40s.

“The conversation should never be solely about a person’s age. Adam assured me that we would work through this together to help determine what is both safe and fair for all of our coaches.”

Both D’Antoni and Gentry told ESPN they wouldn’t mind if the league made all coaches wear facemasks on the bench, but they didn’t want the league to force only the oldest coaches to wear masks.

Earlier Thursday, the NBA announced plans to restart the regular season on July 31, with 22 teams playing at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla. The teams will play eight regular-season games ahead of the playoffs, which could end as late as Oct. 12, the scheduled date for Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

The NBA season was suspended March 11 when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus.

(Field Level Media)

Bismah Maroof...

From page 23 to take this opportunity to congratulate Bismah Maroof on retaining her leadership role in both ODI and T20 formats for the upcoming season. She has been a phenomenal performer and has risen to the occasion whenever the situation demanded.

“I am extremely delighted to announce the emerging contract category. The addition of this category will incentivise players to remain dedicated to the game, importantly increasing the pool of players and creating a competitive environment at the junior level.”

The Pakistan national women’s team is scheduled to feature in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the ACC Women’s T20 Cup in the next 12 months, while an U19 team will feature in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The contracted players Category A: Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan Category B: Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig and Sidra Nawaz Category C: Nida Dar, Umaima Sohail, Anam Amin and Nahida Khan Emerging: Ayesha Naseem, Fatima Sana, Kainat Hafeez, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Najiha Alvi, Rameen Shamim, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal and Syeda Aroob Shah

BARCELONA (Reuters) Barcelona captain Lionel Messi sat out yesterday’s training session as he has a small thigh strain, the Spanish champions said.

Barca returned to full training on Monday for the first time in three months ahead of the Spanish season re-starting on June 11 after being halted since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Messi took part in the first two training sessions of the week but was absent from Wednesday’s session, while the team enjoyed a day off on Thursday.

The Catalans said Messi was expected to return to training in the next few days, meaning he should be available when Barca resume their bid to defend the title away to Real Mallorca on June 13.“The Barca captain has a small strain in his right thigh muscle,” the club said in a statement.

“This Friday he did specific work to avoid any risks because our first La Liga match is eight days away. He is expected to return to

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal versus Real Sociedad at Camp Nou, Barcelona.

(REUTERS/Albert Gea) working with the group in the next few days.”

Barca, who are targeting a third consecutive Spanish title, lead Real Madrid by two points with 11 matches remaining.

Messi is the leading scoring in La Liga with 19 goals.

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Saturday June 06, 2020

Kaieteur News

Michael Holding: Absence of Bravo, Hetmyer and Paul ‘unfortunate’ for West Indies ESPNcricinfo - Michael Holding, the broadcaster and former West Indies fast bowler, has said the decisions of Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul to opt out of touring England were “unfortunate”, if understandable because of concerns over the Covid-19 situation in the UK. Earlier this week, West Indies announced a 25-man party to travel for three rearranged Tests against England next month. CWI had previously given guarantees that players would not be forced to go on the tour if they were not comfortable with the safety provisions being put in place.

Johnny Grave, CWI’s chief executive, told ESPNcricinfo that Bravo, Hetmyer and Paul all expressed fears about how going to the UK could adversely affect their families.

Speaking in an interview for his YouTube channel, Holding said that while he would not blame any of the players for making that choice, their talents would be missed as West Indies seek to defend the Wisden Trophy.

“The West Indies board, before they were even confirming the tour, had told everyone and the entire public that they would not be forcing anyone to go on this tour,” Holding said. “If any

Kemo Paul training player decided they weren’t absolutely sure about going on tour, they weren’t confident of proceedings they could opt out. And these three guys have opted out.

“I think it’s unfortunate as far as West Indies cricket is concerned. I’m not going to tell anyone that they should be going to England because Covid-19 is around, someone may get sick or even worse.

But at the same time I think it’s unfortunate for the West Indies team because these guys have quite a bit of talent, and they’ll be missed.”

Holding made special

mention of Bravo, who was dropped for West Indies’ oneoff Test against Afghanistan in November, and Hetmyer.

Both batsmen were members of the side that beat England 2-1 at home in 2018-19.

Bravo, 31, only returned to the international set-up for that series, after more than two years on the sidelines because of a dispute with the board, and Holding has previously described him as “too talented to be left out”.

“I’m sorry that Bravo in particular isn’t going because Bravo, I think, needs to resuscitate his career,” Holding said. “He started off so brilliantly, everybody thought he was going to be another great West Indian batsman. He hasn’t really fulfilled that. I think the more cricket he can play now, especially for West Indies, the better chance he has of getting back on track and showing everyone the great player that he could be.

“Hetmyer, again, I think he’s a very, very talented player. I think people have heard me talk about him in the past. Again, I’m sorry that he’s not going so that he can get more opportunity to express himself. But I ain’t blaming them for not going.”

Ian Bishop, another former West Indies quick turned commentator, echoed the view that declining to tour should not be held against the trio.

“You have to give players the option because it’s a

Michael Holding © Stanford 20/20 world health crisis,” Bishop told the Trinidad Express. “If a player decides he does not want to take that health risk, you can’t hold it against him in this context. The players know they are taking a risk if someone who replaced them goes on to have great success.

That’s a chance you take.”

West Indies are due to depart the Caribbean on Monday, boarding a specially chartered flight to the UK. On arrival, they will go into quarantine for 14 days before beginning their preparations in Manchester. The first Test is scheduled to begin on July 8 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, followed by two matches at Emirates Old Trafford, with the whole series taking just three weeks to complete.

The West Indies squad will remain within a “biosecure bubble” for the duration of their visit, as part

Darren Bravo cuts through the off side. (Associated Press) of ECB efforts to ensure international cricket during England’s home window, but Holding suggested the experience shouldn’t be viewed as “too much of a hardship” for the tourists.

“I think it’s good.

Everyone has been hoping to get back to live sport, because they’ve been watching a lot of recordings they want to get back to live sport, and cricket in particular,” he said. “Cricket is a game played over quite a few days, so you can get involved in the game, get

distracted from other problems or issues that might be going on in life. So it’s good to see cricket is back.

“I’m not too sure about the confinement. They might be confined in one venue, yes, in a hotel, but I wouldn’t really call that confinement, if you think of what’s been happening around the world with the Covid pandemic, because people have been confined to their apartments, a very, very small area. So being confined to one venue, I don’t think that’s too much of a hardship.”

Vietnam league restarts with packed crowds as coronavirus risk abates NAM DINH, Vietnam (Reuters) - Thousands of fans poured into stadiums in Vietnam yesterday as the country resumed top-flight soccer without social distancing measures or curbs on crowd sizes, owing to its success in combating the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Matches in Vietnam’s professional league were suspended in March but with no coronavirus deaths and just 328 confirmed cases, the communist country is eagerly pursuing a return to normalcy to get its economy back on track.

The stadium in Nam Dinh was close to its 30,000 capacity yesterday as the home side lost 2-1 to visitors Viettel in one of three opening V. League matches, where spectators stood shoulder-

to-shoulder with few face masks to be seen.

Hand sanitisers were available as stewards performed temperature checks on fans, who were asked to wear masks as they entered. “If we were scared of the virus we wouldn’t have come,” said Viettel fan Dinh Van Tam. “The measures taken to fight the virus were good to keep our health safe, that’s why everybody is having fun.”

Vietnam has won praise for its aggressive coronavirus testing and a mass, centralised quarantine programme, putting it on course to revive its economy sooner than others.

The V. League’s decision to pick up exactly where it left off bucks a global pattern of countries preparing to restart

leagues without supporters, while discussing changes to rules to handle fixture backlogs, the lack of atmosphere or fears about fans gathering outside grounds.

Leagues in Spain, England and Italy are set to resume later this month, while the German Bundesliga has already restarted with a haunting atmosphere at empty stadiums and muted goal-scoring celebrations.

Vietnam’s national team captain Que Ngoc Hai of Viettel said it was wonderful to see a full stadium.

“I’m not saying this to compare us with other countries, but Vietnamese football has returned after the COVID outbreak, it showed how well us Vietnamese have fought the virus,” he told Reuters.

A health worker checks the temperature of a soccer fan before a match of the V.League, the national soccer league, after the Government eased nationwide lockdown following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam June 5, 2020. (REUTERS/Kham)

Saturday June 06, 2020

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Teenager Prescod poised to return Guyana to Rugby glory - Wants to see a Rugby stadium in Guyana during his time

Tyrese represented Chase Academy in Cricket.

By Sean Devers Regarded by many in the local Rugby fraternity, including National Captain Jamal Angus, as the best teenage Rugby talent in Guyana, fly-half Tyrese Prescod seems well poised to resurrect this country’s fortunes in a sport they dominated not so long ago.

Guyana won the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championship seven times, as recent as 2016 and reached the finals in 2017 and 2018 where they lost to Jamaica on both occasions.

Prescod has played six matches for Guyana at the U19 level since making his debut in 2016 and is currently training for the men’s senior team.

The multi-talented youngster, who had to choose between Football and Rugby, has also played in

Trinidad for the Caribs Rugby team.

Born toTroy Prescod and Patrina Samuels in Georgetown Guyana, 18-yearold Tyrese attended Shermon Nursery, North Georgetown Primary and Chase Academic Foundation where he played Cricket for that School.

“Growing up in Campbellville are days to remember, we would play football, cricket and ‘sal out’ in the street and after get away for a swim,” informed Prescod.

My love for rugby developed when my uncle/ coach Laurence Adonis, invited me to a match. Sitting looking on seeing how rough the game is I was slightly afraid but saying to myself quietly I can be better than them…. I always had that mentality. But I was also a footballer and it was quite a

Tyrese with the Panthers Rugby Team. difficult decision from Football to Rugby.

I started to go three days to rugby training and two days to football, gradually gravitating to rugby but still loved football, so I spoke to my dad about it and he said it’s my decision but it would be better if I focused on one.

Rugby came to my heart and not my mind and the rest is history,” Prescod reminisced.

“Rugby is a game of passion, sweat and tears. My love for rugby is overwhelming, it brings joy to me. Rugby keeps me humble and focus, interacting with people is an amazing feeling and Rugby offers some great opportunities which I am trying to grasp but I do it for

the love,” said Prescod, who is currently employed at the Ministry of Health.

Prescod loves watching the Fiji Rugby team play.

“Their playing style is very unusual and have influenced my style. Two Fijian players who inspired me are William Ryder and Jerry Tuwai. Their work rate and commitment is excellent,” the Panthers player revealed.

“I will make Guyana proud again in the rugby world! Our standard had dropped for the last couple of years, so my role is to bring Guyana out of that slump and back to the top where we belong.

I also see myself playing in a pro league, a few Guyanese players have done

it but I want to better them and learn as much as possible so I can get to the next level.

But that comes with hard work, determination, consistency and humbleness.

I want to be the first rugby player who sees a Rugby stadium built in Guyana in my time,” he declared wishfully.

When off the field, Prescod spends time with his family and friends; He a fan of video and board games and planting.

He can also play centre and prefers 7s because it more exciting and with more space he gets to showcase his footwork.

“As a youngster I would like to see more youths featuring in the senior team.

Youths are the future, so we must not count them out.

Moving forward hopeful the Union provides proper equipment and facilities so that the players can get the job done without complaining,” Prescod stated.

Prescod thanked his dad for helping his career to move forward and his Coach and Uncle, who he said has made him the youngster he is today on and off the field; teaching him everything he know about Rugby.

He also thanked God and his teammates Ryan Dey, Jamal Angus, Godfrey Broomes and Lancelot Adonis for their encouragement.

Edmonds believes AAG can pull off National senior C/Ships

Coach Julian Edmonds.

On Wednesday last, the President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG); Aubrey Hutson, shared with Kaieteur Sport, his proposal to have at least three track and field meets by August monthend, once the green-light is given by the local authorities that still have the country in a partial lockdown amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Hutson had explained that he believed the news of this will be well received by the athletes because they and club officials alike have been continuously enquiring about a new schedule of competition and many athletes have been self-training.

In an invited comment with this publication, head

coach of the Running Braves athletics club (RBAC); Julian Edmonds, shared with Kaieteur Sport that Hutson’s plan to have three track meets by August month-end is very practical and once athletes have been self-training, it will take about four to six weeks to of specific work to be competition ready.

Edmonds posited that, “All around the world athletes have reverted to training in parks but we can’t because our national park has been closed.”

When quizzed on whether athletes stand a higher chance of being injured, he noted that that would be unlikely but slower times should be expected from the track athletes. More so, with

gyms closed throughout, athletes like sprinters who depend on weights to get explosive power would be affected the more than the middle and long-distance athletes.

The touted track meets

are the National Senior Championship (August 89), National Youth & Junior Championship (TBA) and a Road Race on either July 19 or 26, all subject to approval by local authorities. (Calvin Chapman)

PAGE 22

Saturday June 06, 2020

Kaieteur News

Bonner anxious to prove worth Mindsets and relationships need after call-up for England tour fixing to take Windies back to KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Having earned a place in the West Indies Test squad for the upcoming tour of England, left-handed batsman Nkrumah Bonner is ready to prove that Cricket West Indies (CWI) made the right call in choosing him to be part of the historic series.

The 31-year-old Jamaican will be among 25 players – including 11 reserves – who will leave the region next week for the United Kingdom where they will play a threeTest series in a “bio-secure environment” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, when the team was announced, CWI chief selector Roger Harper described Bonner as “an unflappable character” whose “ability to hold the innings together and bat through tight situations could serve the team very well”.

Bonner told the Jamaica Gleaner his call-up was a dream come true.

“The feeling to know that I am in the West Indies Test squad is highly emotional, but I am ready for it and if I should make my debut, it will be a very proud moment because two years ago I was struggling to make the Jamaica team,” the middle-order batsman said.

Bonner is making his Test debut after being one of the leading batsmen in this year’s West Indies First-Class Championship, with 523 runs in seven matches at an average of 58.11.

He previously represented the West Indies when he played two T20 Internationals in 2011 and 2012.

“I am eager to show my talent,” Bonner said of his upcoming assignment. “As a cricketer, you have to go in different conditions to prove

top, says former cricketer

Nkrumah Bonner. your worth.

England is one of the toughest places to make your international debut, but it is also one of the places that can make you, so I am looking forward to the challenge to face the skilled England bowlers, and all I can do is stick to the basics and work on my mental and tactical game.”

Bonner is one of two newcomers to the Test squad. The other is 22-yearold Barbadian fast bowler Chemar Holder who is also coming off an excellent domestic First-Class season.

He was the leading fast bowler in the West Indies Championship with 36 wickets in eight matches at 18.91 each.

The West Indies team, which is led by Jason Holder, also includes Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope,

Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer and Kemar Roach.

There are 11 reserves accompanying the main 14 players: Sunil Ambris, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Keon Harding, Kyle Mayers, Preston McSween, Marquino Mindley, Shane Moseley, Anderson Phillip, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican.

Subject to the final approval of the UK Government, the West Indies will defend the Wisden Trophy, starting July 8, behind closed doors at Ageas Bowl, Southampton and Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

The players will all be tested for COVID-19 this week and are scheduled to fly to England on private charters next Monday. They will live, train and play in a “biosecure” environment during the seven weeks of the tour, as part of the comprehensive medical and operations plans to ensure player and staff safety.

Chelsea crowned Women’s Super League winners in England (Reuters) - Chelsea were awarded the Women’s Super League title and Aston Villa were declared the winners of the second-tier Women’s Championship by England’s Football Association (FA) yesterday after the season was ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The FA Board has reached a majority decision to decide the 2019-20 FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship on a basic point-per-game basis, with promotion and relegation determined on sporting merit,” the FA said in a statement. “As a result, the FA Board has today confirmed the decision to award the 2019-20 Barclays FAWomen’s Super League title to Chelsea FC Women, and to award the 2019-20 FAWomen’s Championship title to Aston Villa Women FC.” The decision to award the title on a points-pergame basis represents a blow to Manchester City.

City were top of the WSL table and a point

ahead of second-placed Chelsea, having played one game more than their rivals, when the season was halted in mid-March. Both teams qualified for next season’s Women’s Champions League.

Bottom-placed Liverpool, whose men’s team are two wins away from securing a first topflight crown in 30 years, will be relegated to the second-tier for the 2020-21 season.

“As the 2019-20 results were expunged between Tier 3 to Tier 7 of the women’s pyramid, there will be no relegation or promotion between the FA Women’s Championship and Tier 3 this season,” the FA added. The Women’s FA Cup is at the quarter-final stage and the FA said an update on the status of the competition would be issued after a board meeting later this month.

It added that the FA were working with clubs as well as other stakeholders to plan for next season with target start dates to be announced soon.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Former West Indies pacer Winston Davis believes strongly that West Indies have the talent to return to the pinnacle of international cricket, but adjustments in the cricketers’ mindset and the relationship between players and administrators are required for that to happen.

Winston Davis, who performed his last international duties for the Caribbean side in India in 1988, offered that advice Tuesday night on the Mason and Guest cricket radio show here.

“West Indies cricket was at its zenith then and I look forward to when we get back to those days,” said the 61year-old Vincentian.

“There is no lack of talent in the West Indies but the mindset – you have to have a reset of the mind of the players.”

Highlighting instances of players being at odds with Cricket West Indies (CWI), Davis added: “The West Indies Board has never been the best friend of the players and that is sad.

“There has always been a very contentious relationship between the West Indies Cricket Board and the players.

The two seeming always to

Former West Indies fast bowler Winston Davis. be in conflict. They gotta resolve that. The board gotta look out for the interests of the players and the players gotta accept the responsibility that they’re representing about 5-6 million people who look to them for a fillip, for a lift, and cricket does give the nation a lift.”

Davis, who made his mark for West Indies in ODI cricket, was paralysed after suffering spinal injuries when he fell from a tree in his native St Vincent, in 1997.

He has lived in England since being flown there for treatment after the accident.

“I am very fond of saying to people up here the West Indies as a group would never be an economic power, we would never be a military power, but in cricket we were

a powerhouse. We just need the guys to get back there – think cricket, think West Indies, think where we come from, where are fillip is and give it our best shot,” Davis said.

Meantime, the former right-arm fast bowler expressed disappointment that no spectators would be allowed into the Ageas Bowl, Southampton and Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester where West Indies will play against England to retain the Wisden Trophy next month.

A group of 25 players, including 11 reserves, will leave the region next Monday to begin the threeTest series that will be played in a “bio-secure environment” because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Davis said he understood why the matches would be played behind closed doors but noted that, “when you have spectators, people who come to the games, it adds to the atmosphere and sometimes it gives you a spur”.

Adding that he supported West Indies going ahead with the tour despite the spread of COVID-19 which has claimed almost 40,000 lives in the UK, Davis said: “We gotta make a move at some time.”

CWI releases statement on Equality Regional cricket authority, Cricket West Indies (CWI), in the light of global protest for justice that stemmed for the unfortunate death of George Floyd, put out a statement on its website supporting the fight against racism.

The statement read: “… CWI stands together with the millions around the world in the battle against racism and the fight for equality and justice. We were all horrified as we witnessed the treatment and consequent death of an unarmed black man; George Floyd, that lead to major protest around the world.

And, we join our cricketers, other stakeholders, and all sportspersons and sports administrators in speaking out against all forms of racism and inequality.”

“We stand alongside all who are peacefully protesting and championing the cause. The people of the West Indies have fought many battles of our own, on and off the field. We have been blessed to witness the prowess, determination and leadership of our cricketing heroes who united the Caribbean and brought great success and pride to our people.”

“Our cricketing heroes helped in large measure to pave the way for cricket and our West Indian Societies to thrive at home, and generated great enjoyment and dignity for

the West Indian Diaspora abroad while they face their own experiences of inequality and injustice in their adopted homes.

We therefore support all sporting icons and role models who are today leading the way in peacefully protesting and standing against the scourge of racism and injustice.

CWI believes that with sportsmen and women standing together, sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire and unite people in a way that little else can.”

Saturday June 06, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 23

400-meter upset winner at worlds suspended in doping case

M

ONACO (AP) — The winner of one of the most shocking races in memory has been provisionally suspended for failing to make herself available for doping tests.

Salwa Eid Naser, who routed the defending Olympic gold medalist while running the best time in the women’s 400 s i n c e 1 9 8 5 a t l a s t y e a r ’s w o r l d c h a m p i o n s h i p s , w a s c h a rg e d w i t h whereabouts violations by the Athletics Integrity Unit yesterday.

Last October at worlds in Qatar, Naser won in 48.14 seconds. Naser, who was born in Nigeria and now runs for Bahrain, beat Miller-Uibo by .23 seconds on an evening in which Miller-Uibo shattered her own personal best by more than a half-second.

“I slowed down a bit over the last 10 meters,” Naser said in a November interview.

“I celebrated too early. I think if I had someone to push me to the finish line, I was going to run off, with a 47.9 or a 48.0.”

She said she’s been targeting the world record of 47.60 held by Marita Koch of East Germany. It’s one of the longest-standing marks in track. Koch and Czech sprinter Jarmila Kratochvílová are the only women to

break 48 seconds at 400 meters, and both did it in the 1980s, an era sullied by stories of steroid use among Eastern European athletes.

At the time, many of the substances weren’t detectable, which is why some of those marks have not been removed from the record books.

A person listed as Naser’s agent did not immediately respond to a request from The Associated Press for comment.

Athletes are required to provide regular updates on their whereabouts to make it possible for anti-doping authorities to carry out surprise testing outside of competition. A violation means an athlete either did not fill out forms telling authorities where he or she could be found, or that athletes weren’t where they said they would be when testers arrived.

Three violations within 12 months can lead to a suspension if the athletes can’t justify why they weren’t available for testing.

The provisional suspension is the latest in a series of cases against Bahrain’s elite squad of female runners originally from African countries. Olympic steeplechase champion Ruth Jebet was four years in March for EPO, and Olympic marathon runner-up Eunice Kirwa picked up a four-year last year.

Women’s 400-meter world champion Salwa Eid Naser was provisionally suspended Friday June 5, 2020, by the Athletics Integrity Unit for not making herself available for doping tests, charging the sprinter with whereabouts violations. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, FILE)

Bismah Maroof retains Pakistan ‘Absolute joke’: Sancho and Dortmund captaincy in new contracts teammate Akanji fined for home haircuts Jadon Sancho escaped punishment for displaying a “Justice for George Floyd” t-shirt during Borussia Dortmund’s win against Paderborn last weekend.

(Pool/AFP/File / Lars Baron)

A

FP - English midfielder Jadon Sancho and his Borussia Dortmund teammate Manuel Akanji were fined by the German league yesterday for breaking stringent health guidelines to get haircuts at home.

Photos emerged of Sancho, 20, and 24year-old Swiss defender Akanji having their hair styled in their respective homes, with neither the players nor the hairdresser wearing any personal protective equipment.

“Absolute joke DFL,” tweeted Sancho.

The German league (DFL) said in a statement: “The players from Borussia Dortmund had obviously violated general hygiene and infection protection standards at home hairdressing appointments and in particular the medical-organisational concept of the DFL task force.

“There is no question that professional footballers also have to have their hair cut.

However, this currently has to be done in accordance with the medical-organisational concept.”

The German football federation (DFB) decided on Wednesday it would not fine Sancho for lifting his Dortmund shirt to reveal a t-shirt bearing the message “Justice For George Floyd” during the win against Paderborn last weekend.

The death of Floyd, a black American, as a white policemen kneeled on his neck in Minneapolis has sparked days of protests in cities across the United States and in other countries.

The Bundesliga became the first of the major European football leagues to resume on May 17, following the coronavirus shutdown. Players and coaches must follow strict health guidelines, including regular testing and only remaining with family members or teammates in between matches.

ESPNcricinfo - The PCB has increased salaries across the board for the country’s top women cricketers, as well as more lucrative financial incentives for domestic cricket. Bismah Maroof retains the captaincy, while Anam Amin and Umaima Sohail get full contracts. Maroof finds herself promoted to the highest category A, as does Javeria Khan, while Nida Dar, who became the first Pakistan women’s player to participate in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia last year, drops down from Category A to C due to a “below par season”, according to women’s chief selector Urooj Mumtaz. A sustained run of poor form with the bat appears to have cost 28-year old Sidra Ameen a central contract, while 22-year old left arm spinner Nashra Sandhu also drops out of the 9-woman list.

Sana Mir’s retirement means nine central contracts this year, as opposed to 10 last year but it also means that in two years, the number of centrally contracted women’s cricketers has nearly halved. Two years ago, 17 women were awarded central contracts, a number the current PCB administration brought down last year. Mir’s exit ostensibly leaves a hole no player has been able to fill, and the trade-off is an increase in the quality of the contracts. Category A

Bismah Maroof led the chase after the openers fell. (Getty Images) players see their earnings rise by a third, while Category B and C players will have their remuneration increased by 30% and 25% respectively. Domestic cricketers experience a significant boost as well, with match fees and event prize money doubling at that level, while daily allowances increase by 50%.

In addition, an emerging contract list of nine promising women’s players has been created.

ESPNcricinfo understands they will be paid retainers, with the category in effect serving as a vote of confidence to the players believed to be knocking on the door of centrally contracted players most earnestly.

Mumtaz said: “On behalf of the selection committee, I would like to congratulate all the players who have received the central contracts. The selection committee had detailed

deliberations prior to announcing the central contracts. International performances over the past 12 months, fitness standards and the players’ ability to contribute in both white ball formats were key measures that formed the criteria for the selection.

“Bismah and Javeria have been promoted to Category A, following leading performances with the bat in the last year. Diana Baig has been promoted to Category B and she joins Aliya Riaz and Sidra Nawaz - both of whom have been retained in this category - as she topped the T20I bowling charts for Pakistan in the last 12 months.

“We had to take some tough decisions and would like to emphasise and encourage those who have missed out to take this as an opportunity to improve their game and make a strong comeback. I would also like (Continued on page 19)

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AAG looking to host national seniors on August 8-9.

Tyrese (with ball) in action for the Guyana youth team. (Photos from Tyrese Prescod FB page) Tran Ngoc Son of Viettel fights for the ball with players of Duoc Nam Ha Nam Dinh during a soccer match of the V.League, the national soccer league, after the Government eased nationwide lockdown following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam June 5, 2020. (REUTERS/Kham)

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