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US Secretary of State NEWS calls for quick, credible conclusion of elections recount

Thursday Edition

AIETEUR

June 11, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 23

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Probe and expel compromised faction in GECOM to restore - ANUG files public confidence complaint to Chair p.

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Protection of State assets among key issues in PPP meeting with Top Cop p.

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Heavy rains 14p. wash away Linden/Lethem bypass road - traffic diverted through Nappi

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Groundbreaking CCJ ruling gives more protection to regional manufacturers Oil-rich Papua New Guinea gets $363M from IMF for COVID-19 but loses more annually to corruption p.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

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Probe and expel compromised faction of GECOM to restore public confidence - ANUG urges in complaint to GECOM Chair

By Kemol King

A

New and United G u y a n a (ANUG) has written the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), ret'd Justice Claudette Singh, asking for an investigation into the GECOM Secretariat, for the purpose of identifying elements the party says founded a wayward faction working conspiratorially to aid the governing Coalition, APNU+AFC. Among the issues it pointed out were the variances between the numbers produced by Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo during the Region Four tabulation, and the numbers coming out of the recount, for a series of ballot boxes.

In a June 7 letter, ANUG's Executive Member Kian Jabour penned the letter in which the party's observations were noted.

Jabour noted that the discrepancies were not solely authored by Mingo, but that he is part of this “faction” which compromises GECOM and threatens the future viability of the Elections Commission.

Jabour also noted the events surrounding the East Coast Demerara (ECD) ballot boxes which did not carry the necessary statutory documents. He said that, while the Secretariat denies knowledge of the whereabouts of the documents or how they may have been misplaced, Presiding Officers have produced copies of electronic correspondence showing that instructions came from the Secretariat to exclude those documents and deliver them to the Secretariat, a departure from the statutory procedure.

ANUG is of the view that this particularly warrants an investigation, as it points to rogue elements undermining GECOM's viability.

One Presiding Officer, Wendy Ann had spoken out about the matter, explaining that she had received instructions to leave the documents out of the bags, at the close of poll. A Deputy Returning Officer, Paul Jaisingh, wrote to Justice

GECOM Chair, Justice Claudette Singh Singh, stating that the directive had come from Clerk to the Region Four Returning Officer, Carlyn Duncan. In response, the GECOM Secretariat had claimed that a group of DROs wrote to the Secretariat refuting Jaisingh's letter, but refused t o p r o d u c e t h e correspondence it claims noted the refutation, despite numerous calls for its release by members of the media. It has also refused to answer a series of questions posed by the Press about who the DROs are and the areas they are responsible for.

P r o o f h a s e m e rg e d h o w e v e r, t o s u p p o r t Jaisingh's claims. A Presiding Officer, Steve Datta, spoke in concert with Ann, producing screenshots of a WhatsApp group conversation in which he and other Election Day staff had received instructions to place unused ballots into the poll bags instead of the ballot

A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Executive Member, Kian Jabour box, at the close of poll.

In addition to that matter, ANUG referred to a previous letter the party had sent to the Commission, registering its objection to the Commission's decision to investigate the Coalition's claims of dead and migrant voters, on the basis that it would be illegal for GECOM to do so. ANUG's Chair, an attorney-at-law, had posited that such an investigation would be the jurisdiction of the Court.

Nevertheless, ANUG noted on this issue, that the Secretariat moved to take instructions from APNU+AFC agents during the National Recount and to produce information for them on names ticked off on the Marked List of Electors for each ballot box. In this regard, ANUG said that while the Coalition continues to assert its claims as 'evidence', the posturing and actions of GECOM is an indication of GECOM's

Table showing ANUG's Account of Mingo's manipulation of votes participation in the investigation of the party's claims, and that the extent of this was not accurately

captured in the Observation Reports.

“We wish to remind the Commission that there

appears to be an arm within its executing body endowed with authority to act either (continued on page 8)

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Thursday June 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

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

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

EDITORIAL

CARICOM - time for its scrutineers to step forward The word and stand from the Coalition leadership represent a high-risk gamble. Notwithstanding the pivotal role of GECOM, all of the Coalition’s eggs relative to the recount have been placed in the basket of CARICOM. It is not only a most sensitive place for those who dispatched the team of scrutineers to be in, but a worrying one for the small group on the ground here. It is the worst of places, with the worst choices available.

The EU observers, the OAS mission, the Commonwealth group have all spoken with the same voice: the recount points to an opposition victory at the 2020 polls. To those, one could have reasonably and safely added the Carter Center team, if it were allowed to be here. How could it not have seen the same thing and been the same way as to the finality of the recount outcome? And because of all of this, the CARICOM team has been placed in the hottest of seats by the Coalition. So, what now from this almost invisible, definitely inaudible group of three?

It could link arms and join ranks with the others from more distant places and endorse the numbers, process, and ending. Of course, and it goes without saying, that nothing associated with elections in this country ever ends. If the CARICOM team joins the chorus of observers and pronounces accordingly, then it runs the high risk of being tarnished. The alarms and anger of former PM Owen Arthur should come to mind, when he lamented the wounding of the Commonwealth group.

Alternatively, the CARICOM team could inexplicably and without foundation go out on a limb, find for the Coalition, and end up with zero credibility ever after in the minds of close to half of the Guyanese population. It is damned whichever it turns. For to declare for the Coalition would rope the wider CARICOM agency into the ugly racial prejudices of Guyana and shatter, perhaps forever, its usefulness throughout the region as a neutral mediator, as a helpful neighbour. This would happen no matter how the team rationalizes or nuances its findings; it will be denounced as biased. And if it were to join the crowd and fall short of the Coalition’s expectations, then it will be ostracized and judged the weakest of betrayers.

Thus, a CARICOM observer team stands in the eye of the hurricane, a physical place that is political and electoral Guyana (racial Guyana). That eye should be familiar to its members due to their seasonal and national exposures to nature’s elements. Now they have been called upon with confidence. It must be the most honourable and wisest conclusion. There is doubt that the CARICOM scrutineers could have seen anything in any consistent bulk that compels it to stand and pronounce against the wall of opposing winds. If it were to do so on foundations that are rickety, then it would have no credibility itself. As said before, not the team of people in the Guyanese milieu, but the bigger CARICOM body.

Their work, which was never going to be easy, suddenly got immeasurably harder, with eyes fixed on them and high expectations associated with them. They must not disappoint in any degree. This is with regard to the many expectations of truth, of accuracy, and of principle.

How to stand? And whom to stand for or against when there is swirling a powerful claim of massive cheating/fraud/ rigging/ deception to the tune of 84,000 votes. Perhaps, it is wiser to present this in a different way: what not to stand for through the final written position presented? What not to be a party to and condone in any respect, no matter how slight.

Owen Arthur said it best: maybe it is the best thing not to go there anymore, or consent to involvement there anymore. There would be this lovely home of ours called Guyana. Since to do so comes with the highest probability of personal and entity wide taint. These things may not mean anything here, where the brutal and unsavory fight for power is the be all and end all. However, they do elsewhere and that is what should matter to the CARICOM team of scrutineers.

Praises for Justice Claudette Singh and President David Granger DEAR EDITOR, The Guyanese who I have spoken to within the diaspora and in Guyana are showering lavish praises on GECOM Chair Claudette Singh and President David Granger on facilitating the completion of the recount exercise and the certification (tabulation) of the SORs. The duo has kept their word so far on the recount and has earned the gratitude of the nation at home and abroad.

Albeit, there is a small amount of holdouts by hardliners in the APNU but every supporter of the AFC has supported the process.

The AFCites, like most APNUites have also given their endorsement of the recount being used for the declaration of the election that has been delayed by over three months. Everyone is now looking forward for the finale – declaration.

As noted, the Chair faced insurmountable challenges in undertaking and concluding the recount and the President was opposed by several

hardliners within the inner circle of the PNC for agreeing to a recount. There was a strong push back against the recount but the President ignored dissenters. There were even threats. Voters were on edge on whether the process would be completed.

But the Chair and President were determined to allow its completion.

They both received overwhelming support for the position adopted on the recount. And people are also praiseworthy of the statements by the President that he would accept the declaration of the Chair in whom the President has confidence to honour the tabulation of the recount.

I now read of a push back against the results of the recount. Guyanese say they don’t think the President or the Chair would entertain those dissenters.

They are seen as sore losers. Three months ago, they claimed victory; now they claim fraud and incredible results. The tabulation of

SORs is almost identical with the original SOPs in the hands of agents of parties and observers and as posted on the walls of the places of polling. Thus, talk of anomalies or fraud has no basis or grounding at this time. Political actors must stop fooling supporters, accept the inevitable, bring healing, and start rebuilding party.

Information in the rumour mill is that renegades are clandestinely engaging in acts to derail the closure of the process. Many don’t believe this is true; they say the President would stand up against those elements bent in subverting democracy. The President would not want to compromise the standing he has earned in Caricom and his achievement over the last five years.

The actions of the PNC hardliners have already created a rift in the President’s family; surely, he would not want his legacy to be the widening of the rift in the larger Guyanese “family” by pandering to the former’s

intransigence, even at this late stage.

The people of Guyana and those in the diaspora want to move on from this election exercise. People look forward to the Chair bringing the election process to a quick closure. And they have faith in the President accepting the Chair’s declaration.

The two have a legacy to preserve. Having presided over what observers are saying is perhaps “the fairest and freest” election in postindependent Guyana, the Chair would go down in history as a person who saved democracy. And the President would be seen as the protector of the outcome of a democratic election.

Both the president and the Chair must be commended to keep their word and they should instruct GECOM CEO to expeditiously prepare the report for GECOM, which must move expeditiously to bring closure and swear in the President.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Jagdeo’s overtures to Justice Singh is recognition it’s not over until the Iron Lady sings DEAR EDITOR, General Secretary (GS) of the PPP/C Bharrat Jagdeo knows there is no result that he has seen so far emanating from the National Recount that can make him rejoice. At best, what he is doing is managing his concerns and pumping up his supporters into believing the results are/will be in their favour. It is not until the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) advises the Chancellor of the Judiciary of a result declaring a winner then a president can be sworn in.

His behaviour about declaring the party the winner and swearing in is no more than promotional antics. It is not that he doesn’t know the power in deciding this election rests in the gazetted Order of 4th May. He knows, equally as he knows the said Order was drafted by his Commissioner Sase Gunraj. All Guyana deserve a credible outcome not by Mr. Jagdeo’s sudden love and respect for GECOM Chair Justice Claudette Singh but consistent with the Order.

Since he recognises he can call on citizens “to refrain from ad hominem attacks against Justice Singh” he could have done it before. The brutal attacks Justice suffered in large measure had to do with the tone he set which dictated how she was treated

and viewed. Whether he hit her directly or the organisation she heads, he has hit her. He sought to discredit her in the eyes of the public, local and international, and tarnish a reputation built on judiciousness.

There has been so much rancour during this election process.

Even in disagreement, he could have maintained some level of regard but he chose not to.

People were goaded not only to disagree but more so to be disagreeable.

At his instigation, traditional diplomacy and civil engagement were stomped on. This nation and some of her allies have never before sunk this low. Now he recognises the Chair’s value to society after he had his army of surrogates attacked her and the institution she heads, going at her professionally and personally.

He wants us to believe Justice Singh’s presence at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre during the counting and observation phase “is testimony to her commitment to ensuring its completion in keeping with the undertaking that she had given to the court.”

The Chair is on record, from the day she took the Oath of Office, to deliver to this nation credible elections consistent with the Election

laws, Constitution of Guyana and Judiciary.

Guyanese recall her saying, in the face of allegations against her, that she will not sell her integrity for all the oil in Guyana. That on Nomination Day she told this nation that “I am confident that the GECOM will be able to deliver free and fair elections the only one way I know and that is the correct way,” she must be allowed to do so. Likewise, those who remember are not fooled by the GS that “The recount could not have been completed without her leadership and steadfastness.”

Justice Singh’s has demonstrated these qualities throughout, in spite of hateful and disrespectful rhetoric.

Jagdeo is no statesman, no caring politician. He is brutish and ruthless. He has set the tone in this election cycle for crudeness and treating others with disrespect. In true divisive fashion he now wants it to be believed he cares about the integrity of GECOM on the misguided pretext that “The last few months have been a difficult period where the Chair has had to contend with key elements within the Secretariat and the three APNU+AFC Commissioners, who are bent on undermining every effort aimed at producing a credible result which reflects the will of the electorate.”

Having taken upon himself to determine good and bad in society not based on universally acceptable principles he pretends to suddenly care, to now recognise the Chair should be treated with respect. If the GS really wants to demonstrate respect for Justice Singh, let him tell his supporters to await the full execution of the Order and results from GECOM. The mere fact that he has not awaited this and sought to pronounce on who won is disrespectful to the Chair and GECOM. Many are not fooled. It has finally dawned on Jagdeo, after jumping and prancing all around, that Justice Singh holds the trump not him. The Recount has finished one stage and moved into another of the remaining stages; it is not over. The sudden feigned overture of love and respect for Justice Singh is recognition; it is not over until the Iron Lady sings.

Lincoln Lewis EDITOR’s NOTE: \After such a protracted elections process, we here at Kaieteur News believe that the time is opportune for healing to begin. Moreover, a leader should be commended for appealing to his supporters, and others, to rein in the divisiveness, even though belatedly.

Thursday June 11, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Let us remember Friday, 12th June 1964 DEAR EDITOR, Let us remember this day and date in 1964, Friday, 12th June. The news reached us that the Abraham family had perished in their Hadfield Street home.

They were burnt to death, obviously, the work of arsonists.

The nation was shocked.

This day, I ask that we pause to reflect on the significance of this horrible incident and turn away determined that as a people, we ensure that this and succeeding generations do not experience a repeat of this kind of occurrence.

Further, as we imagine the burning of human flesh and the suffocation of the innocent, let us also regard the Abraham family as martyrs of that period.

There is no Monument for the Abraham Family and I offer for consideration that a plaque or marker be placed at the spot on Hadfield Street to remember their martyrdom.

Next, that special prayers at the Brickdam Cathedral be offered or that the Roman Catholic Bishop Allen recognise this anniversary in some form.

The Abraham family members were staunch Roman Catholics.

Further, this date be placed in our National Calendar as another Black

Friday.

Arthur Alexander Abraham was a dedicated son of Guyana. A man of unquestionable integrity and a public servant of competence, highly respected by one and all.

Arthur Abraham lived in a comfortable three-storey colonial-styled wooden building on the southern-side of Hadfield Street.

Arthur Abraham was a graduate of St. Stanislaus College and made his career in the public service. He rose to the highest level within the administration of the public service, when he became Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Premier.

On his return from vacation leave in Brazil, he teamed up with the likes of A. J. Seymour of the Guyana Information Services (GIS) to produce leaflets to inform citizens about the upcoming National Elections due later that year.

In early 1964, there was a lateral transfer of Mr. Abraham from Office of the Premier to the Ministry of Works and Hydraulics.

At that time, Peter D’Aguiar and the United Force Party, had gained popularity as a viable third political force in the country.

Peter D’Aguiar was a staunch Roman Catholic.

In certain quarters, it was

suggested that Mr. Abraham may have been passing sensitive information to Mr. D Aguiar. Other reports said certain documents disappeared from Mr. Abraham’s desk.

Mid 1964, with General Elections to be held soon, it was a testing time in the country.

To paint a picture of the environment at that time, I quote from Pages 95 & 96 From Pain to Peace (19531964): -”In May 1964,Trinidad’s Prime Minister, Dr. Eric Williams, tried to help find a solution to our problems. He invited delegations from Guyana’s political parties to Port-of-Spain to discuss ways to help Guyana get over its political impasse. The PNC team consisted of Forbes Burnham, Winifred Gaskin, David DeGroot, H.M.E. Chomondeley and Hamilton Green.

The PPP team was led by Dr. Jagan and consisted of Brindley Benn and Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye. The UF Team was led by Peter D’Aguiar and consisted of Randolph Cheeks and Hariprashad.”

Dr. Eric Williams met with the delegations separately.

In spite of his efforts, he failed to break the deadlock existing between the three political parties.

The delegations returned

Now a word for opposition leaders DEAR EDITOR, Recently, I reached out with a plea to the president.

Today, I do the same with the three leaders of the opposition, who I recognise by name - Mr. Jagdeo, Dr. Ali, and General Philips. This may be found surprising, but I am honour bound to do so.

After all the challenges and clashes, my conclusion is that there is no such thing, in the traditional sense, of electoral triumph for them. I say this because even when there is the prospect of winning, there is losing.

The hard, immovable stances are: No! Not again!

Never! To cut to the quick, it is the rank essence of the power and tyranny of racebased politics. At this time, it is pointless to revisit the past and who did what. I simply say that what is present today is what matters and indicative of the prospects for the future.

As I see, hear, and sense the road ahead, a certain kind of leadership in Guyana is unacceptable. I put it on the table: PPP leadership is unacceptable.

The results of the recount do not matter. We may hem and haw, dispute forever, but the bottom is this: it is seen as unthinkable and absolutely

impermissible at many levels in Guyana’s political society.

It is a shame that this, which is danced around, is the alpha and omega of our ideas about democracy. Does it have a thick strain of the racial about it? Without hesitation I answer: Yes! Thus, the best that I could think of that holds some promise, some chance, for the PPP is to be part of a blend. A blended governance structure, that is. Whenever this is said, the knives come out; I speak to reality in the leadership realms of adversaries and in the deep, long trenches.

The deck is stacked against the opposition party; it knows this, and rails against the injustice of it all. But this is where things stand in the simplest detail. The foreign contingents will soon be gone, then all that will be left are ourselves with the devil and the ocean for company.

I cringe and I sympathise in saying these things. I am ashamed that in this modern era, it is the best that we can be. When we use the sophistications of ethnic polarization and ethnic competition (conflict, really) and the history of slavery and sacrifice, this is where we are.

No amount of careful talking, no degree of denial and dissembling, and no perfume changes the smell and stench, of the grim finality of our national political reality.

The three leaders named come with their own records, but even those pale and are not of consequence anymore.

What matters today and now more than ever is this: how they look, who they are, who and what they represent, and what they excite. And after all the sidestepping and pretending, that would always be.

In spite of my own personal limitations, inhibitions would be more accurate, I wish them the best, as I recognise the hand dealt and held, and which now have to be played out as the longest of homestretches emerge on the still distant horizon.

I close by saying one more thing: should any Guyanese need any interpretation of what I just wrote, then he or she is in a worst place than me. I may be burdened with too much sand in my shoes; their problem is that it blinds their eyes and ears and nostrils, too.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

home empty handed.

“Seeming to coincide with our return to Guyana, an Afro-Guyanese, Joslyn John, of Meten-Meer-Zorg was blasted to death on his way to board a train at De Kinderen.

Later, a young AfroGuyanese Buxtonian was hacked to death.”

At Wismar, there was an outbreak of racial violence – Indo-Guyanese were killed and hundreds of business places and homes demolished.

Sadhoo, an IndoGuyanese selling his stockfeed ventured into Casbah – a predominantly Afro-Guyanese village – he was killed.

Of significance, was that five persons were charged for the seditious writing of an article headed “Attention Indians” – these were Gool Khan, Shakoor Manraj, Balwant Singh, Doodnauth Hetram and Janki Persaud.”

The language of the publication was inflammatory and tended to worsen and already racially divided the nation.

“June 12, 1964: In the early hours of the morning, an incendiary device was thrown into the Hadfield Street home of Mr. A.A. Abraham, former Permanent Secretary to Dr. Jagan and Permanent Secretary, Works.

Mr. Abraham and seven children perished in the fire, which engulfed his home.

Mrs. Abraham and his daughter, Ann, jumped through a window and escaped. The only survivors of a beautiful family.”

After this incident, several persons were detained.

Let us use this anniversary of the Abraham martyrdom to call upon our political and business leadership to avoid the beating of war-drums.

We must remain optimistic, even though we live in a world where leaders everywhere east, west, north and south of every epoch make decisions and initiate actions, not necessarily in their own best interest and the promotion of a nicer world.

Why did the Americans wage a fruitless war in Asia?

Why did Chiang Kai-shek not realise that the voices for reform ought not to be ignored?

Why did the Trojans pull a suspicious looking wooden horse into their city breeching their formidable defenses?

Why did the Trojan leaders not recognise that the huge wooden horse was a Greek trick?

Why did Hitler not recognise the resilience of the Russians when he launched a surprise attack this month in Russia in 1941, losing one of the fiercest battles in modern history as he tried to capture and control Stalingburg?

Why did our leaders in Guyana could not appreciate the intensity and significance of the 20th century Cold War, allowing for the manipulation by these super-powers? A condition which unhappily may be extant.

Why some of our leaders appear to have great faith in foreign concepts and personality, all alien to our culture. Our leaders on both sides of the political divide would be well advised to devote their time and efforts, working together to release the creative energies of our young people and push the older ones to the limit of their physical and mental capabilities.

On this Day, we hope that all of our leaders recognise that the challenge of democracy requires maturity, integrity and a passion to ensure that the welfare of Guyanese must be of primary importance.

Hamilton Green

PAGE 6

Thursday June 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

With Promises to Keep DEAR EDITOR, More Jobs! 30,000 Jobs on offer!!

It is not clear which job market is being proposed. It is a reasonable guess; however, that it would be in the Public Sector, if not specific to the Public Service.

The reason for the concern has to do with the scale of the proposed exercise, the periodicity over which it will be undertaken, in order to make a discernible impact; but more critically, the nature of employment to be offered to the unemployed of varying eligibility standards. Would this be a specially coordinated and visible exercise, or not unlike previous projects, fade into obscurity?

But to return to the likeliest set of opportunities for fulfilling promises – the Public Service, it would be necessary to take a quick review of its current constipated job structure, i.e. a) Administrative b) Senior Technical c) Other Technical & Craft Skilled d) Clerical Office Support e) S e m i - s k i l l e d Operatives & unskilled; and f) Contracted

Employees conveniently)

(most

Incidentally, at no stage will productivity be an issue.

There is little recollection of a performance appraisal system that is in anyway related to an unstructured promotion process. So that the matter of performance rewards has long been replaced by imposed (annual) salary increases that takes little or no account even of attendance records.

In the meantime, it has become increasingly convenient to recruit employees on contract – with the lure of not only unearned annual increases, although not being bona fide public servants; but with the gratuity of 22.5% of basic salary every six months intended to compensate for not being in pensionable employment.

The concern here is that contract employees can be recruited into any of the abovementioned non-skilled categories of jobs – down to the level of ‘unskilled’.

Therefore, there goes productivity – a discouraging prospect when counted up to 30,000.

Just look at the following numbers taken from the 2019

Estimates in respect of the 10 Regional Administrations – in relation to possible ‘nonskilled’ categories: Clerical and Office Support – 513 Semi-skilled Operatives & unskilled – 2,474 Contracted Employees – 578 3,565 When it comes to the following eleven Ministries: Presidency Finance Foreign Affairs Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Agriculture Natural Resources Public Infrastructure Education Public Health Social Protection Public Security Contracted employees in 2019 numbered 2,456 out of a grand total of 17,022, or 14.4% of those Ministries’ establishments.

The biggest employers were: i) Education 2,884 ii) Public Health 3,262 iii) Public Security 7,658

The seriousness of the GuySuCo situation DEAR EDITOR, I cannot say I am surprised to learn that the GuySuCo is out of finance and could soon face closure unless something is done to address the lingering matter.

My own interactions with GuySuCo personnel had revealed to me the seriousness that faced the Corporation.

I have asked my friends who are in the hierarchy of

GuySuCo what is being done to address this matter.

My question drew a blank.

I asked specifically if the CEO is engaging the Minister and other Governmental officials on the matter recognising the seriousness of the situation.

To my surprise and utter dismay, I learnt that the CEO is not even in Guyana but rather is in the United States for several weeks now. Even if it is that the CEO is making

representation, he is obviously handicapped given his absence from Guyana.

For me, it is a worrying that the captain has obviously jumped the ship leaving his mates and passengers to fend for themselves.

It does not show the CEO in a good light and I am sure thousands would like to hear from him.

Yours sincerely, Liebert Alleyne

13,804 Apart from qualified doctors, nurses and other medical specialists, Public Health would offer minimal opportunity for non-skilled personnel. Hopefully also, the latter could not be expected to reinforce an already challenged education system.

Ironically, however, Public Security includes the prison system – a most inhospitable prospect for any level of employee.

On the face of it, Agriculture is one immediate prospect to be explored. It provides opportunities for devising a creative strategy for producing a wide range of goods that can replace imports (with expiry dates). The sector also offers opportunities for substantive collaboration with established, as well as new, entrepreneurs in the private sector, from which Caricom and other investors should not be excluded.

In the meanwhile, there is need to upgrade the technological productivity in relation to that category of employee described as ‘Clerical and Office Support’ – a grouping inclusive of probable unskilled, which in 2019 totalled 6,827 persons (or 37.79%) from the aforementioned ministries.

But included amongst them are very likely individuals in search of more creative employment.

Accordingly, the boastful promise of thousands of jobs require a high level creative task force, with clearly defined terms of reference, aimed at achieving more than just employment, but the objective of fundamental human resources development in the foreseeable future.

E.B. John

STOP WITH THE RACIAL DIVISIVE UNDERTONE DEAR EDITOR, The current situation in Guyana has me pondering on Martin Carter’s words, “This is a dark time, my love”. My brothers and sisters do not buy into their divisive downright rhetoric. For the last five years, the Coalition has been “aiming at your dream”. I know the majority of us did not buy into their lies, that is why the PPP/C won our free and fair election by 15,416 votes.

It is time for us to stand united, now more than ever, the country is broke, we have a global pandemic, and the election has caused us to be pushed into a period which my fellow young people and I hoped was behind us.

Never in my wildest of dreams, I thought I would have witnessed rigging, and then constant narrative changes by the “decent and honest”, from saying they will accept the results of the recount to now trying to nullify the entire election. An election, which was two years

in the making; two years of the theatrics.

My fellow Guyanese, my Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters, for there to be social cohesion, for Guyana to truly enjoy the good life, and progress, STOP WITH THE RACIAL DIVISIVE undertone. Guyana is made up of six races, we are a diverse melting pot, think of the best cook-up you have ever had, that is Guyana, an amazing blend of various cultures.

Please, do not buy into the instigators who are trying any possible thing to stay out of jail, and remain at the helm of power.

Do not listen to the rhetoric coming from persons who are not even in Guyana but are using their social media fame to pen racially divisive statements.

We are ONE PEOPLE ONE NATION ONE DESTINY, it is time we truly unite as one, all the races and cultures must stand united!

Respectfully, Odayson Ashby

Counting on Bank of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, The bank, of which I was a member since its establishment in this country, has just peremptorily advised that my cheques would no longer be honoured if the payee is not also a member.

The notice given was less than six working days – from Friday May 29 – to be effective on Monday June 08.

So that perchance a cheque issued from the cheque books furnished me less than a month ago, and which the payee may have been dilatory in encashing, would be rejected – to our mutual embarrassment.

In the absence of any prior public notification, therefore, I am left to apologise to one who trusted me – in this forward march in ‘customer service’? This virtual disenfranchisement is just one of several aberrations in which

foreign banks in Guyana have indulged over recent months, without the intervention of our own Bank of Guyana, which appears to be as disabled and immobile as this senior citizen.

How do I pay for my accustomed medical attention from a provider belonging to another bank, if the latter adopts the same hostile posture?

Technologically driven decision-makers continue to be insensitive to the increasing psychological assault on the reticent ‘customer’ as a human being.

All this at a time when the WHO is actively reviewing the mental health implications of the current pandemic.

Look forward to being advised at least by a Governor at his best.

Yours faithfully, A lone senior citizen

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

PAGE 07

Protection of State assets among key topics in PPP meeting with Top Cop A

high-level team f r o m t h e Opposition People's Progressive Party (PPP) yesterday met with Police Commissioner, Leslie James to discuss issues of “national importance”, key among them being the protection of State assets while the party awaits their anticipated transition into office.

The top brass team comprised Presidential Candidate Dr. Irfaan Ali, Prime Ministerial Candidate Mark Phillips, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and Former Attorney-General Anil Nandlall.

Irfaan Ali, who spoke to reporters outside of the Police Headquarters in Eve Leary after the meeting, stated that the party requested from the C o m m i s s i o n e r, p o l i c e presence at each government building, citing that same was done back in 2015 when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition won the elections.

“You would recall that in 2015 that there were police officers stationed at every ministry and department

intelligence and they are securing information to deal with such threats if they arise.”

“The funny thing is that a lot of these persons that are doing this, trying to divide people racially, are those living outside of Guyana, and who have no interest in coming back here but bent on creating mischief and I think it is time that the force deal with these persons,” Ali told the media. He noted that the Commissioner has compiled a list of “breaches” and that has been sent for legal advice.

PPP Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

while the transition was taking place…

So, we have asked him to ensure that he looks at this and ensure that systems are in place to secure State assets and documents and the Commissioner assured us that systems will be put in place to do justice,” Ali said.

would be in place, in the event of violence after the declaration of the March 2, 2020 election is made.

According to Ali, there have been threats on social media of unrest and a string of racially charged statements made by people “who are bent on creating mischief in our society and dividing our people along racial lines.”

“The Commissioner has assured us that they are actively monitoring the situation, they are gathering

POST DECLARATION VIOLENCE & RACIAL HOSTILITY The PPP also sought assurance from the Commissioner that systems

Bandit shot dead, accomplice captured after robbing Wismar - gun, cash businessman recovered

A

22-year-old bandit was shot dead yesterday afternoon, shortly after he and an accomplice had gun-butted and robbed a businessman at One Mile, Wismar. Police said that Kevin Baston, of 161 First Alley, Wismar, was slain during a shootout with the businessman who he had robbed and police who arrived at the scene.

An unlicensed firearm, a wallet, the businessman's cell phone and other items were recovered from the slain man and an accomplice, who was later captured in a house at Victory Valley, Wismar.

Police said that at around 14:00 hrs, Baston and his 24year-old accomplice entered the business place of Hubert Campbell, 52. They gunbutted Campbell and relieved him of his wallet, cash, cell phone and documents, before fleeing on foot.

According to police,

Kevin Baston

Campbell, accompanied by a friend, trailed the robbers in a vehicle and eventually cornered them a short distance from the scene of the robbery. A brief shootout ensued and the robbers fled in different directions.

Police arrived on the scene shortly and Baston was shot

dead during an exchange of gunfire. Ranks later tracked down his accomplice, who was hiding out in a house in Half Mile, Wismar.

In June 2016, Baston was shot in the chest during an altercation with another man in at Kuru Kururu, Linden Highway.

NO WITCH-HUNTS The Presidential Candidate was questioned on why the issue of the flawed list sent out by the Top Cop to the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Ret'd Justice Claudette Singh was not raised at the meeting.

To this, Ali stated that the issue has been fully ventilated in the public after persons emerged with evidence to refute the claim that they had migrated and did not vote at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The Top Cop came under heavy criticism after he maintained that the list containing 172 names was accurate after it was deemed to be flawed.

Responding to questions on whether the PPP plans to remove the Commissioner James from his position when they get into office, Ali said that, “We are not in witch-hunting exercise.”

“We are not going on a witch-hunting exercise about firing people and so on.” Ali said, “We are moving forward in this country, in building a strong country that is inclusive, a country that is tolerant of different ideas and different views, and a country in which all Guyanese must be proud of, that is what I am looking forward to.”

“We are going to act p r o f e s s i o n a l l y. T h e Commissioner has assured us that he and his team will continue to act professionally; they would act professionally and we hold the Commissioner to his commitment.”

JAGDEO MISINFORMS Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo told the press that Irfaan Ali, according to Article 177 (b) of the Constitution is “deemed” the President.

Explaining his statement, Jagdeo stated that Article 177 2(b) says “that once it is established that one list has more numbers than the other list, then the head of that list, the Presidential

Candidate, on the list that has the majority vote, is deemed the President of Guyana and that the Chair of GECOM shall declare him as President.”

But Jagdeo failed to mention the key role of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield in advising GECOM Chair in making the declaration.

H owever, a check of that very sect ion of the Constitution in its entirety says: “Where there is only one Presidential candidate at an election: or there are two or more Presidential Candidates, if more votes are cast in favour of the list in which a person is designated as Presidential candidate than in favour of any other list, that Presidential candidate shall be deemed to be elected as President and shall so be declared by the Chairman of the Elections Commission acting only in accordance with advice of the Chief Elections Officer, after such advice has been tendered to the Elections Commission at a duly summoned meeting.”

W ith all the Regions certified, the country awaits the declaration of results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

GECOM's CEO Keith Lowenfield has until June 13 to submit his report to the seven-member Commission for deliberation.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Thursday June 11, 2020

Oil-rich Papua New Guinea gets US$363M from IMF for COVID-19 - but loses more annually to corruption

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apua New Guinea has made billions of dollars on its oil and gas resources since the 1990s. But instead of saving that money for a rainy or for u n p r e c e d e n t e d circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, those entrusted to protect the people's wealth, allowed a selected few to embezzle it.

According to global watchdog, Transparency International, the cost of corruption to the nation was estimated to be above US$1.4 billion in 2015. And in 2016, former Prime Minister Mekere Morauta cited estimates of more than US$429 million being lost to corruption annually.

As a result of this wanton abuse on the national coffers, Papua New Guinea was left with no choice but to turn to the International Monetary

Fund (IMF) for emergency funding to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just a few days ago, the Executive Board of the IMF announced that it approved a disbursement to Papua New Guinea under the Rapid Credit Facility to the tune of US$363.6 million to help cover urgent balance of payments needs.

IMF officials noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting the country's economy hard, through export losses and the impact of measures to mitigate transmission of the virus.

Kaieteur News understands that the crisis erupted as the government was beginning to implement wide-ranging reforms under a StaffMonitored P rogramme (SMP).

(A SMP is an informal agreement between country

authorities and Fund staff to monitor the implementation of the authorities' economic programme. SMPs do not entail financial assistance or endorsement by the IMF Executive Board.)

The IMF said that the authorities of Papua New Guinea have acted forcefully to prevent a significant outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.

While thes e efforts have been s ucces s ful to date, the F und s aid that the economic impact of mitigation measures and export losses is likely to lead to negative growth in 2020 and has generated significant fiscal and balance of payments financing needs.

It w as als o noted by t h e f i n a n c i a l ins titution that low er resource export earnings have led to a

GuySuCo land sales proceeds to help cash-strapped entity

C

ash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) which says it is running out of money and may have to close its three remaining estates unless it receives a cash injection quickly, is likely to get some help. Yesterday, the Ministry of Finance said it has noted GuySuCo's request to the Government for a bailout.

The Ministry said it wishes to assure that it is actively seeking to assist GuySuCo to access funds that are available to it, to mitigate its present c h a l l e n g e s .

“Notwithstanding, however, the prevailing national circumstances, coupled with the challenges of COVID-19 and a reduced national income, render the Treasury incapable of providing a bailout to GuySuCo.” The Ministry said that it wants to remind that a $30B bond backed by NICIL's assets and guaranteed by the Government of Guyana was secured through NICIL to retrofit and revitalise the three remaining sugar estates-Albion, Blairmont

- Finance Ministry and Uitvlugt.

The Ministry said that during the period, July 2018 to February 2020, $9,720,759,568 was disbursed to GuySuCo to fund its Capital and Operational Expenditure much of which was outside the terms of the bond.

“Additionally, NICIL through the SPU, sold lands that were vested to it, and garnered deposits of $2.1 billion.

The full sum was used to offset bond payments that became due in May 2020.

The balance of $1.5 billion for the lands will be paid over to NICIL when the vesting orders are signed and gazetted.”

The Finance Ministry said it is expected that part of this sum will go towards a bond repayment, which is due on July 4, 2020, and the remainder to GuySuCo. “GuySuCo also generates its own income.

Another disbursement is expected in the coming days; so we urge that NICIL,

GuySuCo and the syndicated lenders work assiduously to resolve any bottlenecks.”

The Ministry said that the Government remains committed to making GuySuCo a viable partner.

GuySuCo on Tuesday said that it has no money to pay creditors and conduct maintenance in the second crop with over $2.1B owed to creditors. GuySuCo has fallen from grace; it was once the biggest foreign currency earner to now being behind gold and rice.

More than 7,000 workers lost their jobs in the sugar industry in the last four years as the Coalition closed four factories, which they say were dragging the industry down.

Aging factories, poor agriculture and poor world prices alongside the loss of preferential markets have decimated an industry, which once sweetened the treasury, even propping up the other under-performing sectors.

large balance of payments shortfall of around four percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while measures to contain the spread of the virus are dampening economic activity and government revenues, leading to a substantial widening of the budget deficit to over 6 percent of GDP. With limited scope for increasing borrowing domestically or abroad, the Fund said that the authorities' economic policy response has focused on reallocating spending within

the budget envelope towards health care as well as facilitating access of unemployed workers to superannuation savings, and encouraging banks to support individuals and businesses adversely affected by the economic downturn.

Despite the COVID-19

crisis, the authorities of Papua New Guinea have reaffirmed their commitment to reform while noting that the nation's longer-term outlook remains positive, based on the SMP reform agenda and the likelihood that major resource projects will come to fruition in coming years.

Probe, expel compromised...

From page 3 without instructions from the Commission, or against its overall objectives,” Jabour stated.

He said that this is evidenced by the events leading up to the two Region Four declarations, delays leading up to the commencement of the recount, and so on.

“Numerous decisions were taken to date which appear counterintuitive to transparency and accountability, the most recent one being to include the use of words 'not valid' in the Observation Reports for those votes held in ballot boxes with documents which were alleged to be missing, and the apparent reluctance to include these boxes into the tabulation,” Jabour said.

In this regard, the first suggestion to note the recounts of those votes as invalid was a suggestion of an agent of APNU+AFC. Jabour ended, “In light of the foregoing, we are formally requesting an investigation into the events that took place at the Ashmin's Building and at High Street, which led to the presentation of a substantial number of SOPs with alarming variances, and into entire management of GECOM which not only appear to be incapable of organising the simplest tasks, but to be severely compromised and partisan.”

The party also attached a table of its observations showing stark variances between Mingo's numbers

and those resulting from the National Recount.

The National Recount of votes has proven that Mingo rigged that district's tabulation process and, in doing so, conjured more than 15,000 ghost voters in his unsuccessful bid to secure the APNU+AFC Coalition a fraudulent victory.

Mingo's General Election declaration of Friday, March 13, 2020 gave the Coalition 136,057 votes, while the recount showed the correct figure to be 116,941 votes, indicating that the Returning Officer fraudulently inflated the Coalition's Region Four total by 19,116 votes.

His declaration also gave the PPP/C 77,231 votes, when the party's rightful total – according to recount figures – is 80,920 votes, indicating that Mingo exacted a deflation of 3,689 votes on the party.

Kaieteur News has produced verifiable reports, demonstrating Mingo's manipulation of votes in 32 ballot boxes from the East Bank of Demerara.

Our analysis of those boxes shows that Mingo's tabulation subtracted 391 votes from PPP/C, and added 1,514 votes to APNU+AFC. This amounted to a total variance of 1,905 votes from the corresponding Statements of Poll – the other 13,000 plus ghost votes were scattered over what would have had to be at least dozens of ballot boxes.

The Organization of American States (OAS) Observer Mission Chief,

Bruce Golding had also noted Mingo's manipulation of figures in a preliminary report on the Guyana elections to the OAS Permanent Council.

Despite all of this evidence being well ventilated in the Press, and despite repeated requests made to GECOM to address the issue of Mingo's fraud, there has been no indication

by GECOM that it will do so.

As the recount came to a close last week, the European Union Observer Mission released a damning final report, condemning the post-Elections behaviour of the Secretariat, with particular note of the nontransparent, non-credible tabulation of results in the largest and most decisive district, Region Four, where the Returning Officer blatantly violated the Representation of the People Act. “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.”

One of the mission's main recommendations is for the launch of a national consultation process to overhaul the Elections Commission, to include and represent the “various components of the Guyanese society and political spectrum.”

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

PAGE 09

Schools should not be reopened so soon

A

woman who has t w o grandchildren writing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) next month has made it clear that they will not be attending school when it opens on Monday. She said the students will go and write the examinations but she will not be placing their lives in jeopardy by sending them to classes.

The Ministry of Education should not be reopening classes for those children who are required to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) in early July. While one appreciates that it is necessary for the children to write the examination, it is far too risky to ask these children to attend classes for two weeks prior to the examinations.

The students writing the NGSA would have already been prepared for these examinations. The examinations were originally slated for 8th and 9th April but were postponed on March 16, a mere 3 weeks

before examinations were to be held. When the postponement was announced, the students should have been in the final stages of preparation for the NGSA. They have since had an additional three months at home to do the additional work, which they would have been expected originally to complete in the three weeks preceding the original examinations dates.

Therefore, there was sufficient time for them to be prepare. If they are not ready as yet, they never will be.

The health risks associated with sending students back to school at this time is much too high.

Research has long established that schools are the perfect breeding grounds for the spread of viruses, even where students are spaced as much as 10 feet apart in classrooms.

Most outbreaks of influenza in Guyana have been spread within schools.

The students contract it from each other and then take it

home where it spreads more quickly throughout the general population.

Imagine what is going to happen if the coronavirus spreads within the school system. It will result in an uncontrollable situation.

There is too great a risk involved in opening schools for two weeks for the NGSA students. Most of whom will have to use public transport and can infect others once they contract the virus.

Based on the recent assessment of PAHO/WHO, the virus's reproduction number is much too high for even a limited reopening of schools. Countries generally do not relax social restrictions unless the reproduction number is below 1. As at 2 weeks ago, Guyana's reproduction number for the virus stood at 1.3.

The coronavirus is circulating within the society. Over the past nine days, there have only been three known cases. But for each of these cases, there are three to four potential other

Dem boys seh...

Cover up and clean up tekkin place

D

em boys like listen to de Market Venda – the Bajan man who does talk he mind pun Capital Media H.D 99.3.

D e M a r k e t Ve n d a confuse as to how de election recount dun and results nah declare yet. Dem boys bin recall when de BINGO bin tekkin’ place, Lolofield was quick to declare de BINGO numbers. But like he tekkin’ he time now.

Dem boys hope he nah using de calculator or spreadsheet or bedsheet wah de Bingo man bin use.

Market Venda right when he

seh dat de election is wan Em-Ba-Rass-ment to Guyana. He right when he seh the govment side tun it into a pappy show and mekkin’ Guyana look like wan banana republic.

He seh how de govament side now claiming that deh was fraud but according to de Venda it was dem wah bin drag out elections fuh 16 months instead of 3 months after de no-confidence motion.

Now dem gat de Market Venda confuse when dem seh validation is not verification.

Dem boys nah know all dem big fancy words but dem

boys just as confuse as de Venda.

De Venda nah wan fool.

Just like dem boys, he believe that all the ‘fuffuckle’ was fuh give dem scamps in de govament time fuh cover and clean up dem tracks.

But time longer dan twine and wah does hide in de dark does come to light in de day.

Like de elections, dem gat wan paper trail fuh all dem things wah some people trying fuh cover up. And like was plenty dem had to hide.

Because it tek dem mo dan three months.

Talk half and listen to de de Market Venda.

cases and there may be many other asymptomatic cases.

Guyana should therefore wait until no new cases arise over a two-week period before it begins to even consider reopening schools.

One of the lessons from the coronavirus pandemic is its swift spread and slow decline. The data show an extended period during which new cases and deaths plateau rather than fall precipitously.

For example, the United States has continued to record more than 1,000 deaths per day for weeks now. Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom have had similar experiences. Most states in the USA are opening back yet on Tuesday there were more than 19,000 new infections and more than 1,000 coronavirus deaths.

Even when the total number of cases and deaths decline, is there the risk of a second wave of infections?

Many countries, which relaxed social restrictions saw a spike in cases.

Presently, millions of

persons have taken to the streets in many US states in anti-racism protests. It is near impossible to guarantee social distancing during these protests. And therefore, there will be a spike in coronavirus cases in the next two weeks. Instead of second wave of infections happening in the autumn, it is likely to happen soon.

Protestors are endangering their lives and that of their families.

But perhaps the most telling experience are from the schools. Two weeks after reopening schools, Israel had to shut them down because of a spike in infections. At one school

alone, there were 130 infections. South Korea has had to postpone the reopening of schools due to a spike in local cases.

The decision therefore of the Ministry of Education to reopen schools on Monday for those students writing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) is a reckless one. It places our schoolchildren and the general population at risk.

(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

Thursday June 11, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

The Chronicle: People's Power, No Dictator T

his column should have been d o n e f o r Saturday. That is the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Walter Rodney. I haven't got a clue why I am publishing it three days before June 13. Maybe it has to do with my piece yesterday with the words, “ P e o p l e ' s P o w e r, N o Dictator” in the caption.

I thought I would follow it up today with a repetition of those words. I remember those words so vividly. I left for studies abroad shortly after Walter coined it. But it will forever remain alive in political demonstrations in t h i s c o u n t r y. O n c e governments disregard people's rights, fighters will

take to the streets, shouting: “ P e o p l e ' s P o w e r, N o Dictator”.

I will have to do another column of the great heroic figure of Walter Rodney for June 13. Please look out for that publication because I will candidly condemn those who are alive today and in the worst manifestation of raw, moral criminality, betray the legacy of this man who gave his life for Guyana. Many of them are unapologetic sycophants for the people who have attempted to rig the 2020 general election thereby disenfranchising the people who Walter gave his life for.

For now here is the repeat of his mesmerizing slogan in yet another column of mine.

Is there any country in the world since the Second World War (WW2) whose political sociology has remained unchanged and unchanging as Guyana's?

Russia comes close to mind but there are hundreds of dissimilarities between Guyana and Russia since WW2. One outstanding feature is that the economy of Russia is one of the most robust in the world.

Here are the words of Rodney, in one of the best oratories ever delivered in the history of this country.

This gem is now in published form under the title of “ P e o p l e ' s P o w e r, N o Dictator”. It was given in 1979. Rodney was making reference to the state-owned

Chronicle. As you read what Rodney had to say about the Chronicle, think of the year he uttered those condemnations and look at any issue of the Chronicle since the no-confidence motion was passed in December 2018.

Rodney condemned the Chronicle in 1979. That is 41 years ago. Today, in 2020, the Chronicle's miasma in support of dictatorship and rigged elections make the Chronicle under the presidency of Forbes Burnham look like a sparkling bottle of vintage champagne. Here now is Rodney on the state owned Chronicle; “Today, the Chronicle newspaper is proud to announce itself as the 'Sister' of the New Nation publication which is the official organ of the PNC party.

Here in Guyana, several persons and organisations have called for a boycott of the lying and vicious publication called the Chronicle, which uses the people's money to abuse the people. Such a boycott would represent an example of non-

cooperation. It has to be agreed on and implemented as a collective action.”

Mahatma Gandhi once observed that “noncooperation with evil is a sacred duty.” We can no longer seek non cooperation and a boycott of the Chronicle because the Chronicle has fallen. David Granger, Moses Nagamootoo, the autocrats in the PNC and AFC that have reduced the Chronicle to a rotting carcass. They have been ignominiously swept aside by the relentless strides of Hegelian dialectics.

Rodney must be turning in his grave when he read Eusi Kwayana quoting from the Chronicle a PNC candidate, Ganesh Mahipaul, that in the 2020 election spreadsheets were used in other districts to count the vote. Make no mistake, Kwayana was subtly asking what was wrong in Mingo using a spreadsheet to tabulate the votes for district 4. Of course, Kwayana knows all too well that Mingo's figures came from the haunted house at Hague on the West Coast of Demerara that all Guyanese were so afraid of that it was torn down.

Frederick Kissoon Rodney must be turning in his grave to see David Hinds sending his letters to the Chronicle in support of rigged elections. This is the same David Hinds who when he was arrested by the Burnham dictatorship, the Chronicle of Forbes Burnham painted him as a criminal on its front page.

I love Walter Rodney but I can't help using the words, “poor Walter.” Look what the Chronicle has become 40 years after you were assassinated. Look where your fellow revolutionaries are today. Look at what type of system they are supporting in 2020. Surely, one cannot help saying, “poor Walter,” but not as an insult but as a regret and as a reflection. I close by saying to you Walter, thanks for the phrase, “People's Power, No Dictator”.

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

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

PAGE 11

Tourism Recovery Bus driver charged with causing Action Committee death of Lusignan woman established

T

he Department of Tourism in the Ministry of Business has collaborated with the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and the Small Business Bureau to o r g a n i s e t h e To u r i s m Recovery Action Committee (TRAC).

In a statement yesterday, the department stated that the establishment of the committee was driven by the impact felt by the tourism industry globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was noted that “after a solid performance in 2019, the tourism industry is expecting a period of negative growth in 2020, as a result of the necessary travel restrictions implemented to stop the importation of the virus.

According to the release, TRAC, “will be recommending research-based solutions and define viable strategies for the tourism sector in Guyana through a process of multiagency and multistakeholder collaboration aimed at accelerating recovery from the adverse economic and other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

During the upcoming 12 months, the committee will focus on a variety of impact areas as it aims to stimulate the tourism sector. They will be assisted by several specialists, advisory subcommittees.

“These advisory subcommittees will be exploring and proposing solutions in areas such as Safety and sanitation, Strategic marketing, Techinnovation, International partnerships, Finance and Resource mobilisation, Communications management, Ports and frontiers, Product resilience, Research and data collection,” the release stated. The initiative will involve the participation of the public and private sector as well as community, municipal and regional entities and international organisations.

The Minister of Business Haimraj Rajkumar will have direct oversight and responsibility for TRAC, which will house its Secretariat in the Ministry's South Road office. The Central Committee of TRAC is expected to hold its first meeting this week to plan the immediate lines of action to be pursued.

Decomposed body found at Rambarran Wharf

P

olice were called to remove the p a r t l y decomposed body of an unidentified man from the Rambarran Wharf, New Hope, East Bank Demerara yesterday afternoon.

The discovery was made at around 14:30hrs by persons who were traversing

the area. Police said that the victim is of African ancestry.

He was clad in a pair of jeans.

Ranks also described the dead man as being of medium build and sporting short dreadlocks.

There were no visible marks of violence and the body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.

T

hree weeks after a 20-year-old woman was killed in an accident on the Rupert Craig Highway, East Coast Demerara, an unlicensed minibus driver was on M o n d a y c h a rg e d w i t h causing her death.

The defendant, Patrick Rudolph Edward, was charged for causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a licence.

He appeared in the Sparendaam Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Alicia George and pleaded not guilty.

The first charge alleged that on May 28, 2020, at Rupert Craig Highway, East

Coast Demerara, he drove minibus BWW 6242 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 20-year-old Sabita Sukhoo.

It was also alleged that on the same day and at the same location, he drove minibus BWW 6242 when he was not the holder of a driver's licence.

Edward was granted bail and is expected to make his next court appearance on June 30, 2020.

Edwards was the driver of minibus BWW 6242, when it collided with a Toyota Rav 4, which caused the bus to topple. Several persons were flung onto the

Dead: Sabita Sukhoo

roadway, receiving multiple injuries.

Sukhoo was seen lying in a pool of blood after the collision. The Lot 123

Lusignan Pasture, East Coast Demerara resident succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Man's body found with plastic bag tied over head

UN donates furniture, appliances for coronavirus quarantine facilities

P

olice are trying to ascertain the identity of a man whose body, with a plastic bag tied over his head, was retrieved from a trench at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

The discovery was made on Monday at around 13:55 hrs by residents.

Police were immediately informed and made their way down to the location and retrieved the body from the canal.

According to Region Three Commander, Simon

Mr. Jairo Valverde, UNDP Resident Representative (right) hands over items to Ms. Abigail Smith, Principal Assistant Secretary-Administration, Ministry of Public Health. Also in the photo is Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, UN Resident Coordinator.

T

he United Nations (UN) System provided the Ministry of Public Health with items to support the quality of stay of patients in Coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine facilities.

Reclining chairs, coffee tables, microwaves, electric kettles, tablets, and pillows with cases were provided in a two-part donation on May 27, 2020 and June 4, 2020.

Contributing agencies were the Food and

Thursday June 11, 2020

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator.

The donation is just one element of the UN's efforts to strengthen the capacity of health systems, led by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health O r g a n i z a t i o n ( PA H O / W H O ) , a n d

supported by a number of other agencies.

Assessments to determine the nature and scale of further support required of the UN System, including socio-economic assistance, are ongoing.

In Guyana, the United Nations system works with a range of partners to deliver the UN Caribbean Multicountry Sustainable Development Framework (2017-2021) that is directly aligned with the 2030

Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, encompassing People, Prosperity, Peace, Planet and Partnerships and e m b r a c i n g e q u a l i t y, diversity and human rights leaving no one behind.

The UN System in Guyana comprises 19 UN agencies, funds, and programmes, and is led by the UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka.

McBean, the corpse was lying face-down. A plastic bag was tied over the victim's head.

There were chop wounds on the hands.

Ranks said that unidentified male appeared to be of East Indian ancestry, but may also be a Venezuelan national.

He was clad in a burgundy jersey, black track pants with white stripes and a pair of black socks.

The body is at the Ezekiel Funeral home awaiting a post mortem.

Canal Number Two man drowns in conservancy

A

4 5 - y e a r- o l d man drowned after he went swimming at the Canal #2 Conservancy Dam, West Bank Demerara on Monday last.

Police said that Orwin Durga of Polder Canal #2 WBD had reportedly left his home to go swimming at around 18:30hrs with a group of friends.

It was during the

recreational swim that Durga took a plunge and never surfaced.

His brother made a report later that night and a search party scoured the area in efforts to recover the body.

It was until the next day, however, that Durga's body was found.

Cause of death was confirmed to be asphyxiation due to drowning.

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

Police remind minibus operators of COVID-19 measures

Police ranks with minibus operators yesterday

T

he Education Department of the T r a f f i c Headquarters yesterday visited several minibus parks around downtown Georgetown ensuring drivers and conductors adhere to the COVID-19 emergency measures, in keeping with the Public Health Ordinances, Chapter 145.

This act makes provision under Section No.7 for social distancing and physical

distancing protocols, which dictate that persons should maintain a distance of at least six feet in order to avoid the spread of COVID19.

S e rg e a n t s K e n y a t t a Bishop, Sheldon Wickham, Lance Corporal Tiffini Lawrence and Constable Javell Frazer worked to sensitize the minibus operators of the number of passengers that should be onboard.

Only half of the

passengers catered for are being allowed in the buses, in keeping with the measures.

For example, a 15-seater vehicle should not carry over six passengers at any given time and this includes the driver.

The minibus operators were also instructed that passengers and drivers must wear protective facemasks.

The operators should also ensure that both passengers and minibus should be properly sanitized.

NBTS mobile unit collects 1000 units of blood

T

he National B l o o d Transfusion Services (NBTS) Mobile Connection Unit has collected approximately 1000 units of blood since its first drive on May 13.

NBTS's Director, Dr. Pedro Lewis told Kaieteur News that the Unit visited New Amsterdam, Parika Market, Leonora Market, Massay Supermarket (Providence), Vreed-enHoop, Number 11 Village, Berbice, Black Bush Polder among other areas.

The Director stressed that all Public Health protocols were observed during each of these visits including social distancing,

A Good Samaritan donating blood

The National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) team on one of its Mobile Blood Drives screening for Covid-19, sanitization and donors were even given a footbath before they entered the Mobile Unit.

He added that things have begun to return to normalcy since the Blood Bank has (continued on page 16)

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 11, 2020

Heavy rains wash away Cops seek to secure DNA evidence in Linden Linden/Lethem bypass road - traffic diverted through Nappi double murder

MURDERED: Royston John CHARGED: Maxwell Usher

P

olice are seeking to obtain DNA evidence in connection with the murder of Imogene Gordon, 49, and carpenter Royston John, 43, who were knifed to death at Wismar, Linden three months ago.

A senior police official confirmed that investigators have contacted the Guyana Forensic Science laboratory (GFSL) requesting that the tests be done.

In November, 2019, the laboratory had conducted deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests which ascertained the identity of Collin Rodney, whose badly burnt body was found in the trunk of his car at Letter 'T',

MURDERED: Imogene Gordon Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

On March 17, 2020, the bodies of Imogene Gordon and Royston John were found with multiple stab wounds in Imogene Gordon's Lot 117 Prosville Housing Scheme, Wismar home.

John was reportedly found lying on his back at the door of the lower flat of the incomplete two-storey building while Gordon was discovered lying face down in the lower flat.

Investigators retrieved a knife that is believed to be the murder weapon.

They later arrested the slain woman's estranged reputed husband, Maxwell

Usher in the same area where the murders had occurred.

He was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was treated for a wound to one of his hands.

He was subsequently charged and remains on remand.

Imogene Gordon had filed a police complaint against Usher with whom she had shared a commonlaw relationship. Reports are that she had complained that he threatened to chop off her hands and feet.

He was arrested and charged in connection with these allegations on March 10 and later appeared at Linden Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess where he pleaded guilty to the charge. He was placed on a six-month bond to keep the peace.

The Manari Bridge under construction is scheduled to be completed within 2 weeks The flooded part of the Manari-Bypass-Road

T

he bypass along the Manari Creek, adjacent to the Linden-Lethem road has been rendered impassable after it was partially washed away as a result of Monday night's torrential rainfall.

The bypass is a means of transport along the LindenLethem road while there is the ongoing construction of the $160M Manari (concrete) Bridge.

Speaking with DPI, Regional Engineer attached to the Ministry of Public

Infrastructure Rafael Lewis noted that there is an alternative route for commuters. “With the bypass being impassable at this moment, vehicles are currently using the road through Nappi which would take you to the road in Lethem by the rodeo ground,� Lewis remarked.

Noting the rain to be a hindrance, the Regional Engineer said works to repair the bypass will commence as soon as the weather becomes favourable.

In an invited comment, Regional Executive Officer Carl Parker said the Manari Bridge is nearing completion and will accommodate light vehicular traffic in two weeks, as the contractor moves ahead with laying the bridge's deck on Friday, June 12.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has advised all motorists and pedestrians to exercise immense caution and to observe all safety signs when traversing the area. (DPI)

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

PAGE 15

Ground-breaking CCJ ruling on cement gives more protection to regional manufacturers

I

n a judgment released yesterday, the Trinidadheadquartered Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) upheld the decision of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to raise the tariff on “other hydraulic cement” imported into Barbados.

The CCJ declared, however, that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Barbados failed in their respective duties to conduct prior consultation with the importers, Rock Hard Cement Limited.

On June 17, 2019, COTED, the organ of CARICOM responsible for altering or suspending the Common External Tariff (CET), approved the application of Barbados to suspend the CET of five percent on other hydraulic cement in order to replace it with a tariff of 35 percent.

The suspension was authorised for two years and not the five years that were requested.

The CCJ statement yesterday explained that Rock Hard imports other hydraulic cement manufactured in Turkey into Barbados.

“Rock Hard was not consulted or notified before the application to raise the tariff was made or granted although both Barbados and COTED were aware of the impact the COTED decision would likely have had on that company.”

Rock Hard claimed that the decision to raise the tariff should be annulled because it had a legitimate expectation that Barbados would keep the tariff steady at the CET rate of 5%.

The basis of this legitimate expectation was alleged representations made to Rock Hard by Barbadian officials in 2015 when Barbados reduced the tariff from 60%, where it stood in 2015, to the CET rate of 5%.

The Court held that in order for Rock Hard to succeed in the Court's

The Arawak Cement plant in Barbados

Original Jurisdiction, the alleged representations that gave rise to its expectation must have come from CARICOM, but there was no claim or evidence that it was COTED that made the alleged representations to Rock Hard.

“The Court held that subsequent knowledge by COTED of the alleged

representations could not make COTED a party to t h e m a s t h o s e representations had not been made on COTED's behalf.

The Court also dismissed Rock Hard's claims that the COTED decision was arbitrary or irrational. The Court stated that the rationale and justification presented to COTED by

Remains of children who vanished in 2019 found on Chad Daybell's property - Prosecutor (ABC News) Officials announced yesterday that Chad Daybell, the husband of an Idaho mother suspected in her kids' months-long disappearance, has been charged with two felony counts of destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence.

The charges were announced after police confirmed finding two sets of unidentified human remains at Daybell's property on Tuesday Police said autopsy results are pending, but prosecutor Rob Wood said at Daybell's arraignment that he was "aware that those remains are the remains of children."

Wood alleges Daybell "willfully concealed and/or aided and abetted another to willfully conceal" the remains from around the time the children, Joshua "JJ" Vallow and Tylee Ryan, were last seen until Tuesday, when the remains were discovered.

Daybell's bond was set at $1 million, and his

Missing children Joshua Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 17, were last seen on Sept. 23, 2019 in Rexburg, Idaho preliminary hearing was set for July 1.

His attorney, John Prior, argued for bail to be lower and said Daybell "has every intention of addressing these issues."

Daybell, 51, who was taken into custody Tuesday on an unspecified felony charge, is the husband of Lori Vallow, who's facing five charges -- two felony counts of desertion and nonsupport of dependent

children and one misdemeanor count each of resisting and obstructing an officer, solicitation of a crime and contempt -- in her children's disappearance.

Vallow, 46, is currently in jail on $1 million bond.

JJ, who was 7 years old at the time he disappeared, and Tylee, who was 17, were last seen in September 2019 and were reported missing by extended family members to police in November 2019.

Chad Daybell in a booking photo after being arrested on June 9 The case has long been shrouded in mystery. Vallow left for Hawaii in December 2019 with Daybell, whom she recently married, about three months after her children were last seen and a day after authorities conducted a welfare check on the children. She was arrested on Feb. 20 in Kauai.

Authorities learned that Tylee was last seen alive on Sept. 8, in Yellowstone National Park, prompting the (continued on page 16)

Barbados were supported by the factual circumstances and that in any event the grounds on which the request was approved clearly fell within a category which allows COTED a broad discretion and where the scope for the Court's intervention is narrow.”

On the other hand, the Court decided to declare that Barbados and CARICOM

had failed to ensure that Rock Hard was consulted before the application for the suspension was approved.

Because the consultation required for an application of this type was limited to obtaining information as to the impact of the proposed tariff increase, the Court decided that the effect of the failure to consult did not call for annulment of the decision.

“The Court expressed dismay that CARICOM had failed to maintain an effective system of consultations at the national and regional level as required by Article 26 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC). The Court noted that the agreed procedures for the processing of requests to COTED, such as this one made by Barbados, had not yet been formally brought into force. The Court found that this was a weakness in the system.”

The Court concluded by stating that it is a matter of (continued on page 16)

PAGE 16

Thursday June 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

US Secretary of State calls for quick, credible conclusion of elections recount

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NBTS mobile unit collects...

From page 13 been receiving requests for onsite blood drives at some businesses.

Additionally, Dr. Lewis disclosed that the bus, which was being used as the Mobile Unit will be returned to the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC).

The NBTS had set up the Mobile Collection Unit after the NBTS was hit by a severe shortage of blood, in the wake

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In his statement yesterday, Pompeo said that, “The United States continues to stand for democratic values elsewhere in the western hemisphere too. We look forward to a quick and credible conclusion to the vote recount in Guyana.”

A video of Pompeo's comments was tweeted by Michael Kozak, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Kozak has been ac-

of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Lewis had explained that the Covid-19 Guidelines placed restrictions on the usual major drives held in public spaces.

The Blood Bank is always in need of donations and continues to urge the public to visit its office or contact the National Blood Transfusion Services on 226-7182/2270418 to donate blood or set up a blood drive.

Remains of children who ...

VACANCY

CAR RENTAL

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for a “quick and credible conclusion” to the final recount of the votes cast on March 2 at Guyana's General and Regional Elections.

The recount exercise concluded on Monday showing the opposition People's Progressive Party/Civic emerging ahead of the incumbent Coalition, A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change by a little over 15,000 votes.

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"We got this news early this morning that Police and FBI had served a search warrant at Chad Daybell's property and have been in touch with law enforcement throughout the day," the Woodcocks said in a statement. "We were notified that law enforcement had discovered human remains on the property. This is obviously a very difficult time for our family, and we ask that you respect our privacy as we wait further news with heavy hearts."

The Woodcocks have not issued a statement since police confirmed the findings.

tively commenting on the election process in Guyana and had in March summoned Guyana's Ambassador in Washington, Riyad Insanally to a meeting expressing America's dissatisfaction with the Guyana government's then apparent preparations to proceed with an inauguration of incumbent David Granger based on the declaration by Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

Pompeo has issued two previous statements on Guyana's post-elections crisis. On April 7, he emphasized that the U.S government is looking forward to working with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as well as with international observers to ensure that the recounting process is “free, fair, transparent and credible”.

On March 9, Pompeo issued a statement via Twitter saying, “Spoke today with Canadian Deputy Prime Minister @CAFreeland to discuss the crisis in Venezuela, the COVID-19 outbreak, support for democratic transition in Guyana, and the importance of continued strong @OAS_Official leadership on democracy and human rights”.

Pompeo also called for a resolution to the recently concluded elections in Guyana's

United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo eastern neighbour, Suriname, saying "We expect transparent and credible outcomes in the legislative elections in Suriname as well.”

Suriname conducted their own elections two weeks ago and found themselves in a political limbo similar to Guyana's with alleged fraudulent acts being conducted in their vote tabulation process.

In those polls, former Justice Minister, Chandrikapersad Santokhi defeated incumbent President Desi Bouterse in elections for Suriname's legislature. Bouterse has asked for a recount.

Ground-breaking CCJ ...

From page 15 Barbadian domestic policy whether that state wished to adopt measures to facilitate the importation of cement produced extra-regionally or encourage locally produced cement manufactured by Arawak Cement Company Limited.

“The Court emphasised, however, that any such measures and the processes accompanying them must comply with the rule of law.”

The judgment was delivered by the full Bench of the CCJ comprising the President, the Honourable Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders and the Honourables, Justice Jacob Wit, Justice Winston Anderson, Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Justice Denys

Barrow, Justice Andrew Burgess and Justice Peter Jamadar. Mr. Allan Wood, QC and Ms. Symone Mayhew, QC appeared for Rock Hard Cement Limited. Ms. Gayle Scott and Mr. Jared Richards appeared for the State of Barbados. Dr. Corlita Babb-Schaefer and Mr. O'neil Francis appeared for the Caribbean Community and Mr. Eamon Courtenay, SC and Mr. Raphael Ajodha appeared for Arawak Cement Company Limited.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was inaugurated in Port-of-Spain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on 16 April 2005 and presently has a bench of seven judges presided over by CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders.

Thursday June 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

Thursday June 11, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Osaka in no mood to back down on support for Black Lives Matter TOKYO (Reuters) - Naomi Osaka, the world’s highest paid sportswoman, says the voices of prominent athletes can be more influential than those of politicians and is determined that hers will be heard on the subject of racial injustice.

The two-times Grand Slam champion has faced a backlash on social media after throwing her support behind the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody on May 25.

The 22-year-old Osaka, who has Japanese and Haitian parents but grew up and lives mostly in the United States, says she has no intention of backing down and hopes to help drive real

and permanent social change.

“I’m vocal because I believe in the movement and want to try to use my platform to facilitate change,” Osaka told Reuters via email.

“George Floyd’s murder and the situation generally in America has had a big impact on me.

“Being silent is never the answer. Everyone should have a voice in the matter and use it.”

The death of Floyd while he was in the custody of the Minneapolis police has sparked worldwide protests against racism and calls for reforms of U.S. law enforcement.

Osaka said she had marched in Minneapolis and attended other Black Lives Matters protests in Los

Japan’s Naomi Osaka attends a news conference Shenzhen Bay Sports Center Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China.

(REUTERS/Aly Song -/File Photo) Angeles, where she lives.

She says the climate has changed considerably since quarterback Colin Kaepernick

Thursday June 11, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Getting in touch with your closest friends could bring about some intense communication, with many revealing some of your deepest concerns, Aries.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Relationships with those closest to you, particularly friends and love partners, should be enhanced by an increased understanding of their emotional world, Libra.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A heightened level of intuition and understanding of others might catapult you to the center of attention at a gathering. Knowledge combined with experience results in wisdom today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Dealing with the ups and downs of other family members could be easier for you today than usual.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Communication with friends who have traveled widely could have you hankering to make a future visit to a distant place that you've always wanted to experience.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Dreams or visions could put you in touch with deep feelings that you may not have been aware of before, Cancer. This could enable you to release traumas from your past and give you a new sense of lightness.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today your mind is strongly influenced by feeling and intuition, Sagittarius, so you'll be able to communicate especially well with others. You might sense what they need to hear before they know it themselves.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You generally like to think of yourself as someone who faces life logically and rationally, but today your intuitive side could prove a valuable resource, especially when it comes to dealing with others.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Relationships of all kinds are likely to be strengthened by an increased level of understanding today. Your thinking is greatly enhanced by your emotional intuitiveness.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your intuition is usually very strong, and your level of empathy enhances your relationships. Today, however, a burst of logic could enable you to see many things in a different light.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today your emotional intuition intensifies your mental abilities, Virgo.

Friends and family members are likely to grow closer to you.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your intuition is heightened almost to the point of telepathy today. Pisces, you may be able to sense what others want and need even before they know it themselves.

took a knee during the national anthem before a 2016 NFL game and paid for his protest by being ostracised by the league.

“Colin has been putting this message out since 2016.

It took a pandemic, an economic crisis and a torturous murder on camera, all at the same time, for people to really hear him,” she said.

“It shouldn’t have been that way. If the NFL wants to show that they really care the first thing they should so is take a knee together and give Colin his job back.

“That some people have said we as athletes should stick to sports is really

insulting.”

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell said last week the league had made mistakes in not listening to players and encouraged them “to speak out and peacefully protest”.

“HATEFULAND SAD” In response to her comments on social media, Osaka has been told to “stay in her lane” and focus on tennis but has chosen to respond to her critics with argument and a few amusing GIFs. “I probably shouldn’t read all the trolling but it’s hard to avoid,” said Osaka, who has over a million followers on Instagram.

“Using humour is definitely one mechanism to expose these people ... Calling them out for their ignorance and racism is also worthwhile sometimes.

“I’m more sad for them than myself – to be so hateful and ignorant can’t be an easy way to live life.”

Osaka said racism needed to be challenged all around the world and was delighted to see Black Live Matters protests in Japan, the country she represents on the international stage.

On Tuesday, Japanese public broadcaster NHK had to apologise for an animated video aimed at explaining the U.S. protests which sparked outrage for its depiction of black Americans.

Osaka retweeted the video with a GIF expressing bewilderment.

“We have been trying for hundreds of years and a change is long overdue,” she said.

“I do think this time there is a different feel and energy, and the protests are so far reaching. There have even been BLM marches in Japan!

That makes me so happy.

“So I’m hopeful for change, I’ll keep campaigning for change, and I demand a better future for the next generation.”

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Thursday June 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Federer to miss rest Batting key to England series win, says Reifer of season after second knee op

Switzerland’s Roger Federer looks dejected after his match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.

(REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo) MUMBAI (Reuters) Roger Federer will miss the rest of the 2020 season after undergoing a second procedure on his right knee, the 20-times Grand Slam singles champion said yesterday.

Federer struggled with injury at this year’s Australian Open in Melbourne, where he lost in the semi-finals to eventual champion Novak Djokovic, and subsequently underwent surgery on the knee in February.

“A few weeks ago, having experienced a setback during my initial rehabilitation, I had to have an additional quick arthroscopic procedure on my right knee,” the 38-yearold said in a Twitter post.

With professional tennis shut down due to the COVID19 pandemic it remains to be seen how many tournaments Federer will actually miss.

The Swiss also had knee

surgery to repair a torn meniscus in 2016 and missed the second half of that season.

When he returned to the tour for the 2017 season it looked like he had never been away, winning the Australian Open to end a near five-year Grand Slam title drought and adding the Wimbledon title later that year.

The last of Federer’s record 20 Grand Slam singles titles came at the 2018 Australian Open. The closest he has come since was at Wimbledon last year when he lost in the final.

“Now, much like I did leading up to the 2017 season, I plan to take the necessary time to be 100% ready to play at my highest level,” he said.

“I will be missing my fans and the tour dearly but, I will look forward to see everyone back on tour at the start of the 2021 season.”

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Interim batting coach Floyd Reifer believes once West Indies’ batsmen can produce consistently, the Caribbean side can successfully defend the coveted Wisden Trophy and win their first series in England in 32 years.

Pointing to the likes of Jason Holder, experienced seamer Kemar Roach and speedster Shannon Gabriel, Reifer said the tourists had the core of a strong bowling attack and once the Windies batsmen could post challenging totals, England could be placed under pressure.

“I think we can win the series once we bat well,” said Reifer, who has replaced Monty Desai for this series.

“Our bowling is never an issue. We have the number one all-rounder in the world in captain Jason Holder, Kemar Roach has been bowling well, Shannon Gabriel is back, young Chemar Holder is a very good prospect for the future, Alzarri Joseph has been bowling well along with [Rahkeem] Cornwall.

“I think once we bat well and catch well we’ll be very competitive and win the series.”

Interim batting coach Floyd Reifer.

West Indies’ last series win came on the 1988 tour when Sir Vivian Richards’s side came away with a 4-0 verdict in a five-match series.

And while the Caribbean side pulled off an astonishing victory at Leeds in the last tour of England three years ago, they lost the two others Tests inside three days to concede the series.

Reifer stressed that while he expected pitches to be good for batting, seamfriendly conditions were always present in England, and the touring side’s batsmen needed to make the necessary adjustments.

“From what I’ve heard …

it’s pretty sunny in England and the pitches there’s not been a lot of cricket played over the last two months but I think the weather is good … so I don’t think the conditions will be a big issue,” the former Test player told the Mason and Guest cricket show here.

“We know we’re going to England, we know the ball is going to swing. It’s just a matter of making the adjustment, playing the ball at the eye-level and as late as possible, building those partnerships and playing as a team.”

Reifer, along with West Indies assistant coach,

Roddy Estwick, recently oversaw two weeks of preparation for the Barbadian players in the 25-man playing group, at Kensington Oval here.

The sessions marked the first outdoor training for players following the government-enforced lockdown here due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I thought the two weeks went very well,” Reifer explained.

“We worked with the guys in small groups – Roddy Estwick and myself along with some of the BCA coaches – and I thought the guys got a lot out of the sessions and it’s just a matter of continuing once we get to England.”

West Indies left the Caribbean on Monday for the series and will undergo two weeks of quarantine at Old Trafford while also intensifying preparations for the first Test set to bowl off at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8.

The second Test gets underway at Old Trafford on July 16 with the third Test bowling off eight days later at the same venue.

All matches will be played before closed doors.

Bayern in German Cup final after 2-1 win over Frankfurt

ICC to wait and watch...

From page 21 and it needs to be the right one and as such we will continue to consult with our members, broadcasters, partners, governments and players and to ensure that we make a well informed decision.”

The meeting yesterday picked up from the last session, which was adjourned after the international scheduling agenda was overtaken by concerns within the board over confidentiality. An independent investigation into that issue continues but one upshot from yesterday was the decision to extend the deadline to the BCCI to come up a solution to the tax issue around ICC events in

India.

The matter has been the source of some tension between the ICC and BCCI, as communication between the two revealed, and has raised the prospect of the hosting rights of ICC events being taken away from India.

The ICC wants its events hosted in India to be exempt from an Indian government tax, which, the board has said, cost it a considerable sum in earnings in 2016, when the last T20 World Cup was held in the country.

“The board discussed the ongoing issue of tax exemptions required for ICC events and agreed to extend the deadline given to the BCCI to provide a tax solution to December 2020.”

Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/Pool) MUNICH (Reuters) Holders Bayern Munich remained on course for a domestic double after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 yesterday to reach the German Cup final for the third straight year.

They will now play Bayer Leverkusen, who cruised past fourth tier Saarbruecken

3-0 on Tuesday, in the final in Berlin on July 4.

Bayern, who have all but secured the Bundesliga title and are chasing a 20th German Cup crown, were unstoppable in the first half and an unmarked Ivan Perisic headed in a Thomas Mueller cross for the lead in the 14th

minute. They should have scored several more with Perisic, Kingsley Coman and Robert Lewandowski repeatedly going close as the visitors were completely outclassed in the first half.

Frankfurt, who beat Bayern in the 2018 final, came out transformed after the

break and snatched an equaliser through substitute Danny da Costa in the 69th.

Yet Lewandowski scored the winner five minutes later with Bayern’s only real chance in the second half after confusion in the Frankfurt box and following a VAR review.

Thursday June 11, 2020

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Kaieteur News

ICC to use ‘common sense’ if players pay tribute to George Floyd in play ESPNcricinfo - The ICC could loosen its interpretation of a playing code and take a “common sense” approach to players who may “take a knee” or wear and display slogans as a mark of solidarity to the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement - a move that will bring it in line with organisations such as FIFA. In the past, the ICC has acted when players have made statements that could be considered political. Most recently it disallowed former India captain MS Dhoni from wearing wicketkeeping gloves with the dagger insignia during the 2019 World Cup. Dhoni, the ICC said, had breached two clauses of the clothing and equipment regulations: one relating to display of “personal messages” and the other concerning the logo on his glove.

Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant-colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Territorial Army and the dagger is similar to the regimental emblem.

In July 2014, ICC match referee David Boon had asked England allrounder Moeen Ali to remove wristbands bearing the slogans “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine”, during a Test against India. Boon told Ali that he was not permitted to wear the bands under the ICC’s Clothing and Equipment regulations, although the ECB had defended Ali’s stance as

Flowers and messages are placed at the memorial for George Floyd. (Getty Images) humanitarian (rather than political). Boon pointed out that teams were not allowed to make such statements during a match.

However, in the wake of George Floyd’s death in the USA, and the feeling of strength it has generated across the world to protest against racism, the ICC will treat displays of solidarity by players on a “case-by-case basis”.

“The ICC stands against racism and is proud of the diversity of our sport,” an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “We support players using their platform to appropriately express their support for a more equitable society.

We will exercise a common sense approach to

the implementation of regulations in relation to this issue and they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the match officials.”

The ICC regulation on statements that veer outside the confines of sport are clear: “Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”

The ICC has also listed “guidelines” for determining the nature of the message: “cricket should be used as a tool to bring people and communities around the world together and not as a platform to draw attention to potentially divisive political issues, rhetoric or agendas.”

The rules say that each message will be examined on a relevant set of

circumstances including if it is a “one-off” statement and what is the “purpose and impact of conveying” it.

“By way of example only, and without limitation, where the purpose of a message appears to be commemorative in nature (e.g. the use of a black armband or a poppy) or to serve a charitable purpose (e.g. to generate funds or awareness for a non-political charitable cause), it is more likely to be permitted; where a message appears to indicate support for a particular government, political party or individual, it is more likely to be prohibited.”

Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died on May 25 in Minneapolis, after a white

police officer, Derek Chauvin, restrained Floyd by pressing down on his neck with a knee for nearly nine minutes while he was handcuffed. Chauvin is facing a second-degree murder charge and three other policemen have been charged for abetting.

The incident triggered massive protests across the world from North Carolina (where Floyd came from) to New Zealand with people bypassing the warning from the World Health Organisation which discouraged social gathering due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many protesters have “taken a knee” referencing Colin Kaepernick, the former National Football League (NFL) quarterback, who famously kneeled during a rendition of the US national anthem at an NFL game while representing San Francisco 49ers to protest police brutality and racial injustice in 2016. Kaepernick was reprimanded by the NFL and has not played since then.

Athletes including Anthony Joshua, the world heavyweight boxing champion, and tennis legend Boris Becker joined the protests in London over the last weekend. West Indies allrounder Carlos Brathwaite was also part of the march on June 6 in London wearing a “Black Lives Matter” T-shirt.

The protests over the past

two weeks, though, have forced sports bodies to relook at rules governing peaceful protests by athletes. Last Friday the NFL commissioner Roger Goddell admitted that the league had “erred” in how it had dealt with player protests, without naming Kaepernick.

Recently FIFA, too, weighed in saying football authorities should use “common sense” and be more flexible without simply slapping the player with the laws which do not allow any form of protest during play.

ICC rule on personal messages “Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey personal messages on their clothing, equipment or otherwise, irrespective of whether such messages are affixed to clothing, equipment or otherwise and whether such messages are displayed or conveyed through the use of the specific clothing or other items (e.g. an arm band) or by the use of words, symbol, graphic message, images or otherwise (“Personal Messages”), unless approved in advance by both the player or team official’s Board and the ICC Cricket Operations Department. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”

ICC to wait and watch before USC graduate Chance encourages deciding T20 World Cup fate student-athletes to keep striving

By Calvin Chapman National men’s 400m indoor record holder, Arinze Chance, who is one of the few Guyanese studentathletes in the USA, graduated this week with honours from the University of South Carolina (USC), after completing his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies.

Chance, who was determined to push for a debut appearance in the Tokyo 2020 games, would’ve had his season curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic but he will not let that dampen his spirits.

During an interview with Kaieteur Sport, the former Police Progressive Youth Club (PPYC) athlete shared that it is important to stay focused on your goals despite various challenges and encouraged the aspiring track and field stars at home to continue working hard.

Chance, who is a former Bishops’ High and Queen’s College student before moving to the University of Trinidad and Tobago, iterated some encouraging words for student-athletes in the 592 who may be disheartened to follow both Track and Field and academics.

He posited that, “It’s not impossible to pursue sport and academics simultaneously, the culture that I grew up with in Guyana forced persons to make a choice between the two but I am living proof that you don’t have to make a choice, you can do both and become successful. If you have a passion or talent for a particular sport, nothing should come in the way of that but academics should be in the forefront of all pursuits.”

He reiterated that, “I want all athletes, regardless of the sport, to pursue their dreams

and break free from the culture that we live in, knowing that there is someone that has done it before, succeeding in sport and academics.”

Although Chance, who graduated with a 3.65 GPA to be on the USC Dean’s list, will be returning to the University to do his Masters, his NCAA eligibility is over now and he revealed to Kaieteur Sport that he will be pushing to go pro next year.

In fact, his pro bid was scheduled for this year but he explained it’s not realistic since sponsors would be adamant to sign anyone during this coronavirus pandemic.

Chance concluded with, “My God is real and through his strength all things are possible and I hope that I can help inspire other studentathletes back home to achieve their goals.”

ESPNcricinfo - The ICC has bought further time before making a decision on the fate of the men’s T20 World Cup, as it keeps tabs on the encouraging progress Australia and New Zealand are making against the Covid19 pandemic. The tournament is scheduled to be played this October-November in Australia, but the chances of it going ahead have not looked especially promising in recent weeks. Less than a fortnight ago, Cricket Australia (CA)’s chief executive Kevin Roberts said the tournament was at “very high risk.”

But this week Richard Colbeck, the Australian Sports Minister, told Sportstar that the country

had flattened the pandemic curve and consequently was a “fitting host for an international sporting spectacle” and could even allow spectators based on the ground situation at the time.

Earlier in May Colbeck had pointed out that it was the crowds - and not the 16 participating teams - that was the main hurdle for hosting the marquee event. New Zealand, where the women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held in February-March next year, has recently declared itself pandemic-free, leading the ICC to believe it can afford to wait a bit more while different alternatives are worked out in case the T20 World Cup is deferred to 2021.

Yesterday, the ICC board

agreed to continue discussing a number of options, as part of the contingency planning, “whilst planning for delivery of the events in the scheduled window is ongoing.”

“The situation surrounding the global pandemic is evolving rapidly and we want to give ourselves the best possible opportunity to make the right decision for the whole sport,” the ICC’s chief executive Manu Sawhney said. “The health and well-being of everyone involved is our priority and other considerations fallout from that.

“We will only get one chance to make this decision (Continued on page 20)

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Thursday June 11, 2020

Kaieteur News

Windies ambitious but ‘staying Joshua and Fury agree terms on in the present’, says Holder two-fight deal, says promoter Hearn MANCHESTER, England, CMC – Captain Jason Holder said yesterday West Indies would not be relying on their recent success against England for motivation, stressing the importance of the need to “stay in the present” for the three-Test series here next month.

Speaking in a media conference via Zoom, Holder pointed out even though the Caribbean side were the holders of the Wisden Trophy following their series win last year, facing England at home in their conditions presented a formidable challenge.

However, the top-ranked Test all-rounder said his side were “pumped up” by the prospect of beating England at home, and would not be deterred by the lack of past success in the United Kingdom that has seen them without a series win here in 32 years.

“I think we’ve just got to stay in the present,” Holder told journalists from quarantine at Old Trafford here.

“I know what goes into planning for a series and I know how these guys function, and our plans and our thought processes are all different but the main thing is to have that common alignment as a group and we all push towards one common cause.

“We’ve obviously beaten England in the recent past and we will no doubt never forget that but to live in the past

would not be the right way to go about it. England is a very, very good side in their home conditions and the stats would definitely prove that.

“So we may have won last year January but this is going to be July 2020 – so many different things have changed from then to now, conditions being one of them.”

He continued: “Even now to say that we’re favourites ahead of England I think would be wrong. England are still a higher-ranked side than us and will be favourites in their backyard and it’s all the more for us to play for.

“We’ve got that extra motivation to beat England in England so there’s lots to play for, lots to motivate [us] as a group and I [am] assured that the guys are really pumped up for the opportunity.”

West Indies arrived here Tuesday to defend the Wisden Trophy they secured last year when they stunned England 2-1 in a three-Test series in the Caribbean.

They take on England in the opening Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8 before returning to Old Trafford for the final two Tests carded to begin July 16 and July 24.

The series will be the first of its kind, played behind closed doors in a “bio-secure” environment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which has already resulted in over 4 100 deaths in the UK. West Indies players were

tested for COVID-19 before leaving the Caribbean, flown by private charter here before being tested again following their arrival.

They will spend the next two weeks in quarantine while training, and will be isolated from the public throughout the seven-week tour.

Holder said while the many novel changes for the series would require some adjustment, he did not anticipate them impacting the players’ desire.

“I guess the only thing is we won’t be able to play in front the crowds.” he explained.

“I was just today remarking to some of the guys how much I enjoy playing in front of the Barmy Army and to not hear them sing, and not hear them chant and do the normal things they’re accustomed doing would take some getting used to to be honest.

“I guess that’s just a matter for me personally to cope with and deal with but in terms of the entire group, these guys are really motivated for the challenge ahead and lots of guys have points to prove.”

We s t I n d i e s h a v e travelled with an increased contingent for the tour with a 14-man squad supplemented by 11 reserves to accommodate injury replacements and warm-up matches among themselves.

Tokyo Games will not be done with splendour, but will be simplified, says CEO Muto TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto said yesterday that the rearranged Olympics will “not be done with grand splendour”, but will be simplified.

The Games, originally scheduled to start next month, were postponed for a year in March by the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, organisers have been looking at ways to reduce costs and streamline the Games. Following a virtual presentation to the IOC Executive Board in Lausanne, Tokyo 2020 organisers stressed the need to simplify the Games without giving details about how it would be done.

“The Games will not be a grand splendour but will be a simplified Games,” said Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto.

“In order to simplify the Games, we need to review and understand international federations, NOCs, broadcasters and partners. These stakeholders must act in unison to make sure of a simplified Games.”

Muto said more than 200 ideas to simplify and reduce costs for the rescheduled Games had been discussed but gave no timeframe

as to when these changes might be implemented.

“We have not got to the level or stage where we have concrete ideas regarding what we can do to simplify the Games,” he said.

In May, the IOC said they would be putting up to $650 million towards the reorganisation of the Games.

Muto said Tokyo 2020 were still analysing what costs the Japanese side would have to bear. Despite the unprecedented challenges, Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori said that cancelling the Games had not been discussed with the IOC. “The world has changed socially, economically and medically so we have explained (to the IOC) how we have replanned and re-positioned our organization,” said Mori, a former Japanese prime minister.

“We never discussed cancellation. It is not right to discuss based upon speculation regarding hypothetical scenarios. Therefore, our direction, our policy is to not consider, at all, the cancellation.” The IOC Executive Board met in Lausanne yesterday with President Thomas Bach expected to speak to the media later.

Anthony Joshua celebrates winning his fight against Andy Ruiz Jr. in Diriyah Arena, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.

(Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo) (Reuters) - British world heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury have agreed financial terms for a two-fight deal, promoter Eddie Hearn said yesterday.

The discussions over an undisputed world heavyweight title showdown between the two fighters began in early May and they have now agreed on initial terms for two encounters.

Joshua holds the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts, while Fury is the reigning WBC champion.

“We’re making great progress,” Joshua’s promoter Hearn told Sky Sports News.

“There is still a lot to overcome. We are looking at

venues and dates.

“We have the Dillian Whyte mandatory which is due before this fight.

“It’s fair to say (Joshua and Fury) are in agreement regarding the financial terms of the fight.”

Joshua won back his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts from Mexican-American Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia last December.

His next fight was due to be against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev on June 20 but it was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fury has to face Whyte in a mandatory bout by February 2021, and is also contracted to face Deontay Wilder for a third time.

Fury overpowered Wilder in their Las Vegas rematch in February, claiming the WBC crown with a seventh round stoppage.

They had previously fought to a draw in December 2018.

“I’m just got off the phone with (advisor) Daniel Kinahan. He’s just informed me the biggest fight in British boxing history has been agreed,” Fury said in a video posted on his Twitter account.

“The fight is on for next year but there is a hurdle in the road called the Bronze Bomber AKA the knockout king (Wilder).

“But I will get on to him and knock him out and then we get on to the big fights.”

Tyson Fury celebrates winning his fight against Deontay Wilder at the Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand, Las Vegas. (Reuters/Steve Marcus/File Photo)

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 11, 2020

PAGE 23

Windies cherishing test return after coronavirus hiatus says Holder

M

ANCHESTE R, England (Reuters) West Indies captain Jason Holder says his team should cherish the opportunity to play test cricket in a series that could easily have been cancelled due to the new coronavirus pandemic.

The first test is scheduled at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton from July 8, with the last two matches at Old Trafford.

All the tests will be played without spectators with the Caribbean players already set up in their base at

Manchester’s Old Trafford where they are quarantined in the on-site hotel.

“I see so many leagues in jeopardy and the World T20 as well — so the mere fact we are getting an opportunity to play cricket I think we should cherish that,” Holder told reporters.

“Many organizations are taking pay cuts and we have suddenly got our opportunity now to make some money so we have a lot of things to be thankful for and I think we just have to relish the opportunity and grab it with both hands,” he added.

There has been no

international cricket since March 13 due to the pandemic and the status of the World T20 tournament, scheduled to begin in Australia on Oct. 18, remains uncertain.

West Indies’ squad have to spend three weeks at Old Trafford before heading to Southampton and with their movement restricted to the ground and hotel they face a challenge to avoid boredom.

But Holder expects his team to cope with the restrictions. “Guys have different ways of doing it.

We’ve been to some places, for example, in the sub-

West Indies’ Jason Holder during the press conference last year.

(Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs) continent (where) you don’t go outside the hotel too much,” said Holder.

West Indies hold the Wisden Trophy after beating England 2-1 in a three-test

series in the Caribbean last year but Holder is not reading too much into that win.

“So many things have changed from then to now, conditions being one of them. To call us favourites would be wrong. England are a higher ranked side than us and I think they are favourites in their back yard,” said Holder.

“There is lots to play for and lots to motivate you as a group. Guys are pumped up for the opportunity and the only sad thing is that we won’t be able to play in front of the crowds.”

Hamilton felt no rustiness in Mercedes F1 testing return

M

otorsport After seeing teammate Valtteri Bottas complete running with the 2018 championshipwinning Mercedes W09 car on Tuesday at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton enjoyed his first F1 run-out since the end of February yesterday.

Teams are prohibited from completing extensive test running with cars less than two years old, but Mercedes made use of its maintained 2018 cars to practice new protocols ahead of the first F1 race back in Austria next month.

Hamilton completed an extensive day of running at Silverstone despite the changeable weather conditions, marking his first running since the end of preseason testing in Barcelona

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes F1 Mercedes AMG.

three-and-a-half months ago.

Speaking in a video posted to Mercedes’ social

media channels after completing the test yesterday, Hamilton said it felt “just great to be back in

the car” and that the day was “a lot of fun”.

“When you leave the garage the first time, you get

IOC wants athletes’ dialogue as protest calls grow louder

A

THENS (Reuters) - Athletes will discuss and decide on how best to support the core Olympic values “in a dignified way”, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said yesterday, as calls to change rules restricting protests at Games grow louder.

Several major sports have moved to allow protests following George Floyd’s death in U.S. police custody on May 25, including world soccer’s ruling body FIFA and the National Football League (NFL).

Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, however, bans any form political protest during the Games.

“No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas,” the rule states.

IOC President Thomas Bach said consultations between athletes’ groups around the world were under way.

“The IOC Executive Board supports the initiative of the IOC athletes’ commission to

explore different ways for athletes to express support for the principles enshrined in the Olympic charter in a dignified way,” Bach told a virtual news conference.

After reading a resolution of the IOC Executive board condemning racism, Bach was repeatedly asked whether athletes at next year’s Tokyo Games could go down on one knee, as many have done in recent weeks, to show their support for the Floyd protests.

“I will not preempt in any way these consultations with many athletes representatives,” Bach said. “It would not be fair if now I make a statement giving directions or instructions.”

“The framework has been set and now let the athlete commission and athletes discuss among themselves and come up with relevant proposals.”

Athletes who breach Rule 50 are subject to discipline on a case-by-case basis and the IOC issued guidelines in January clarifying that banned protests include taking a knee and other gestures.

this buzz, and it doesn’t matter how many years you do it, it always feels new and fresh,” Hamilton said.

“Obviously this is an older car, but it still felt fantastic. We got through a solid programme today.

“Valtteri’s day was dry, my day started off wet, so quite a greasy Silverstone track. But obviously I grew up in this kind of weather, so I’m used to it. I was still able to get a good feel of the car. “ A number of F1 drivers have raised concerns about needing time to adjust once racing resumes, but Hamilton said he felt no issues upon returning to the cockpit.

“I didn’t feel like I’ve ever left the water, so that’s a positive,” Hamilton said.

“I think every time you take a big break - I think it’s

been 103 days or something you always wonder whether you can still drive.

“So it’s a good feeling to know of course I can, I’m ready, I feel fit. I hope you guys are all well and excited for what’s coming up.”

Mercedes continued to practice protocols following the outbreak of COVID-19, with all team members wearing masks and adhering to strict social distancing guidelines in the garage.

Mercedes and Ferrari are the only two teams known to be conducting tests with previous F1 cars to help prepare for the season start in Austria on 5 July.

Other drivers have been sampling junior formulae cars, including Lando Norris and Alexander Albon, both of whom completed running at Silverstone last week.

The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Lausanne, Switzerland, March 24, 2020. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse)

Tokyo Games will not be done with splendour, but will be simplified, says CEO Muto

rt o p S

Windies ambitious but ‘staying in the present’ - says Holder

West Indies captain Jason Holder.

Olympic rings monument at Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Tokyo. On Monday the IOC announced that the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics Games would be postponed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

(Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports)

USC graduate Chance encourages studentathletes to keep striving

Bayern in German Cup final after 2-1 win over Frankfurt National men’s 400m indoor record holder, Arinze Chance.

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