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June 12, 2020 -Vol. 22 No. 23

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Incoming CARICOM Chair tells election loser “take your licks like a man” p.

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...PNCR calls on CARICOM to distance itself from his comments

Disrespectful

This badly parked container truck at the junction of Sussex and Saffon Streets yesterday was a worrying sight since it not only obstructed traffic but could have caused an unnecessary accident or traffic jam.

PPP wants Top Nandall withdraws Constitutional Reform should be Cop to investigate contempt case high on agenda after incitement against Mingo, others final declaration of violence on p.

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- court imposes $450,000 cost

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- British High Commissioner

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Papua New Guinea goes after its fair share from oil companies through amended legislation p.

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Kaieteur News

Friday June 12, 2020

Kaieteur News

Friday June 12, 2020

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Incoming CARICOM Chair tells election loser “take your licks like a man” ... PNCR calls on CARICOM to distance itself from his comments

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ARICOM will not stand idly by and watch the results of the recount be set aside. So the loser of the elections must take his “licks like a man”. This is according to Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines and incoming CARICOM Chair, Ralph Gonsalves. After he made this and other comments on a radio show, NBC Radio – “Your Morning Cup” in his country, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition and its leading constituent, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) both responded in condemnation, calling his comments prejudicial. The PNCR, in particular said that unless current CARICOM Chair and Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, makes a statement, distancing the regional union from Gonsalves’ statement, it would be viewed as an attempt by CARICOM to scuttle the electoral process.

Following the final tabulation of votes of the National Recount on June 8, which placed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the lead, there have been several outcries by the Coalition, insisting that the final recount was invalid and that it cannot be used to declare the winner. Due to this, the Coalition has also refused to sign the District Certificates, all except for Region One. The Coalition has accumulated thousands of allegations of electoral fraud, levelled against the PPP/C. It has asserted that these allegations point to an undermining of the electoral process, and a non-credible election. However, the Coalition’s claims have l a r g e l y b e e n unsubstantiated, and many were proven to be false.

Gonsalves, mentioned that he is a friend of the President, David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and that he, in his honest opinion, thinks that the recount process was carried out effectively and should definitely be used to declare the long anticipated winner.

But the Coalition says that many of the ballot boxes are tainted by irregularities, mainly in strongholds of the PPP/C. It argues that when

those boxes are discarded, the remaining votes show it is the winner.

A C A R I C O M Ambassador, Noel Lynch, had told the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) that irregularities did not occur in the process by which the Guyanese electorate cast their votes, but in the count of votes.

Gonsalves further added that as the CARICOM observer mission is expected to deliver its report on the recount, that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) should declare a winner in accordance with its results.

The three-person Scrutineering Team consists of Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Cynthia BarrowGiles; Commissioner on Antigua and Barbuda’s Electoral Commission, John Jarvis; and Supervisor of the Electoral Commission of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Gonsalves was also a part of the group of officials led by the CARICOM Chair and Barbados Prime Minister Mottley, who came to Guyana in March after the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, produced a declaration marred by a lack of transparency and protest.

Kaieteur News has proven, through verifiable reports, that Mingo rigged the tabulation to secure a fraudulent national victory for the Coalition.

The National Recount of votes has confirmed this, as the Coalition got 116,941 votes, below the Mingoimpacted figure of 136,057 votes in that District’s General Election. He also deflated the PPP/C’s General Election vote from 80,920 to 77,231.

In doing so, the Returning Officer, conjured 15,427 ghost voters.

Gonsalves in his statement declared that CARICOM will not “tolerate anybody stealing an election”, adding that anyone who sees it fit to challenge anything after the announcement is welcomed to do so in court. But for now, he referred to GECOM, “you have to declare the winner in accordance with the recount”.

The PPP/C and A New and United Guyana (ANUG) have said that it would be

CARICOM Leaders, including Gonsalves, and CARICOM Chair and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, in a March meeting with the Opposition (CARICOM)

Incoming CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves illegal for GECOM to investigate matters of fraud allegedly occurring on Election Day, as that would be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court.

The recount has shown that the Coalition lost the Election with a General Election total of 217,920 votes, behind the PPP/C’s total of 233,336 votes.

The St. Vincent PM urged all to come to terms with the outcome of the elections, stating “if you lose, take your licks like a man”.

The APNU+AFC coalition in a jab at the PM’s credibility, said that it is unfortunate that he, who is

Gonsalves at the Ministry of the Presidency, in March alongside current CARICOM Chair and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley [left] and outgoing Guyana Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (CARICOM) “embroiled” in an elections petition in his home country, is commenting on this matter.

The party called his remarks prejudicial to the integrity of the process and its eventual outcome, and called for CARICOM leaders to refrain from words and actions that might undermine the process’ legitimacy and credible conclusion.

Hours later, the PNCR – the leading faction of the Coalition – also put out a statement alleging prejudice, and called his comments “a direct interference into the affairs of a sovereign nation” and the work of GECOM.

The party said that his statements constitute an attack on the integrity of the CARICOM team, as it alleges that Gonsalves is making a direct appeal to influence the team in the preparation of its report on the recount process.

“The People’s National Congress Reform, therefore, calls on the sitting Chairman of CARICOM, the Right Honourable Mia Motley, to issue a clear statement

distancing CARICOM from Prime Minister Gonzales’ statement lest it be interpreted as CARICOM’s intention to scuttle the entire process of arriving at a final credible process,” the party stated.

It added that it hopes “there is no irreparable damage to our relations with CARICOM consequently.”

Gonsalves is set to assume the Chairmanship of CARICOM on July 1.

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Friday June 12, 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

Elections Observer Report - political financing Today, in this final coverage of the EU’s Elections Observer Report, a close look is taken at the influential presence in Elections 2020 of what the EU termed “unregulated political finance.” Many in Guyana know that it is unregulated, though not many may know that it is also unlimited in the quantities doled out to one party or the other in the local political arena.

The first thing to be said is that at any time in any place where “unregulated” and unlimited political financing occurs, there is bound to follow a litany of issues that could range from the perverse to the prejudiced to the powerful thrown into already very nasty circumstances.

Unregulated and unlimited money facilitates and incites more trouble in a dark place.

Intelligence making the rounds are of many men giving monetary gifts in the hundreds of millions. Unconfirmed reports are of a list of names of prominent commercial interests individually topping even that massive figure. If dozens of men lined up to give billions in total, then much legwork and mischief become possible. As is to be expected, the primary recipients of such unlimited political financing have been the major groups, with the newcomers sharing in the wealth in lesser amounts.

When the levels of spending in extensive newspaper space and expensive television time are partially assembled, the amounts involved in paid advertising have to be astounding. There is the first piece of supporting evidence.

The second piece is present in the number of agents recruited to provide support services and get the messages across continuously. And, if those were not enough, a coalition spokesperson went public to air the party’s grievance about suspected collusion between some of its own agents in polling stations and those of the opposition.

Like most things in life, money talks, thus this claim should not be readily dismissed.

As if in agreement, this is what the EU’s report had to say: “both major political groupings had significant funds at their disposal.” Those funds made possible the draining death struggle that continues. Armies march on their bellies, move quicker on gasoline, and function more energetically when incentivized. All of that applies in spades when politics with its rich promises of ascension to power is the still richer prize. In a nutshell, there were tankers of money to spread around, and much to spare.

After all the clamour and conflicts over money laundering in this country, and the recognized fearful state where Guyana stands, nobody was talking about, or concerned, or honest enough to question the possible sources of such cash. Businesspeople in the environment swear loudly and insistently that business is slow to poor; their words and postures denounce them as liars and worse.

By process of elimination: business is bad, profits are near nonexistent, and skimpy savings are off-limits, therefore, the “unregulated” and unlimited cash financing of Guyana’s elections almost automatically trace to a single source: dark money, aka dirty money.

In this manner, it could be argued that the nation’s governance apparatus, regardless of which group succeeds at the polls, is accordingly contaminated, and already comprised. To retable the associated logic and expectation: campaign financing is not intended to be a one-way street.

Instead, it is entered into as a wise investment, with rich returns promised. To be pointed: exponential returns, since so much corruption characterizes professional and political Guyana.

For emphasis: political financing is not charity. Rather, it is spending to get a better tax deal (politically arranged forgiveness or condoned evasions being the routines). Or giving with a mind towards less new regulations, or less enforcement of existing ones. In essence, such actions by agents of the state, be they bureaucratic or political, embody expensive giveaways at the expense of the state treasury and the ordinary taxpayer. Campaign money today makes good things happen tomorrow, when the dust settles over elections turmoil and cash creditors line up to collect

CEO’s report should be make for suspenseful, inventive reading Dear Editor, As a favorite past time, we heard, read, saw in the movies and perhaps, some have experienced this scene describing a cold winter day at home, with the snow falling , people cuddling up with a thick, woolly blanket, a nice cup of steaming coffee, seated on a big, old fashion armchair in front a glowing fireplace and by a side window overlooking Mother Nature beautifying the environment with its glory, engrossed in reading a spy thriller, a romantic novel, the making of history, philosophical embracement or the realm of fantasies. In Guyana, on a rainy day, sitting on a grandfather rocking chair by the window that presents a scenic display of the thunderous rain coming down with all its might, the noise batting the zinc sheets on the roof of the house, the exotic smell of nature flowing through the window, the fresh luscious green, dripping, teasingly wet, the eyes steadily follow the pages of words written by your favorite author, bringing the world to your home through the power of books.

Is it wrong to expect and anticipate that a potentially hypothetically CEO Lowenfield mesmerizing report would provide the type of reading material that would leave the reader in awe, shock, suspense and surprise; would not fail to

disappoint anyone with gory details describing the mysterious adventures of the fantastic players in the world famous election recount; grilled with all the camouflage and espionage secret agent work of the underworld; the tactful, superlative and astute work of discovering findings that are tantamount to criminal charges; information that would incriminate the potential office bearers; reveal the confirmation of scandals, corruption and fraud and name all the individuals who are guilty of corroborating with locals and foreigners to sabotage this country and subject to prison for high treason? If so be the case, then, his emissary’s summary will certainly satisfy the insatiable reading appetite for a mystery beyond history, climaxing with a crescendo that would leave the reader palpitating dangerously and gasping for breath!

But, remember, this is the same Lowenfield that only recently invented the case of the four musketeers (DRO’s) failing to appear for a meeting summoned: claiming to have a letter signed by some 20 other RO’s refuting the claim of RO Paul Jaisingh that he was instructed to place the “ancillary documents” in a separate bag: failing to name those officers; formalizing a process that would include 156 days for recounting; cognizant of Mingo’s

inaccuracies yet accepting Mingo’s fabricated numbers twice; corroborating with other agents and players to destabilize the legal framework of GECOME; deliberately misleading and misguiding GECOME and the nation.

One wonders how long it should take to compile this summary when the obvious speaks for itself. Any functional executive managing the sensitive affairs of a nation and in such a hot seat would have taken the necessary precaution and commenced compiling his or her report from inception, updating daily, adjusting by including or deleting and only have to add a conclusion as the proceedings flow to an end. Adopting this method, there would have been no room for errors, questionable transparency and the result would have reflected efficiency and impartiality. But now, is the writing on the wall and we do not have to ask “mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of all?” Guyana cannot help but to pause and question whose fingers are compiling this report, what will be the contents of this composition, why this narrative, which side of the fence will be reflected, when will we receive this report, where will this report ultimately lead to and how the people will react.

Is Guyana once again under siege and are the

people held under duress for a hefty ransom? Do not forget to recollect that, this was the same officer along with others, many local and overseas observers, representatives and dignitaries, collectively and vociferously advised that, his presence on GECOM erodes the confidence and transparency of the work of the electorate body and therefore, he should be removed and no longer participate in the election activities so that the process cannot be undermined or compromised.

Thankfully, the Madam Chair, the honorable Ms. Claudette Singh, rightfully issued the order for the removal of Mr. Mingo and restricted his involvement and presence from the scene.

Then again, each person must be given a chance to prove and provide, we shouldn’t hastily judge a book by its cover, changes do occur overnight, no one wants to walk around naked or covered with a guilty conscience for the rest of one’s life and God does work in a mysterious way. So, we have to sit and wait, cross our knuckles and knees, bite our fingers, hold the breath, hope and pray that honesty and integrity will proliferate, permeate, persuade and ultimately pervade unambiguously.

Yours truly, Jai Lall

Freddie Kissoon should apologise for his attacks on Eusi Kwayana Dear Editor, It is with trepidation that I write this article. I am very fearful that Freddie Kissoon will find something on me in his archives. Or even more damning, he will find someone who knows the “real” Rohit Kanhai outside of Kanhai’s public posturing.

The true person will be revealed, the public person exposed for his/her hypocrisy. It is like having a Freddie Krueger nightmare.

What Freddie dreams up can have real consequences in

the real world.

Some of Kissoon’s attacks on the WPA over the years, on occasions, were justified. To a large extent, the WPA has had missteps, and should be criticized.

Nevertheless, to personalize political problems as the failure of individuals, is another matter. In this regard, Dr. Kissoon has targeted the leaders of the WPA with a venomous mindset that is remarkable. His attack on Eusi Kwayana revealed that Kissoon’s arsenal can be

what is owed.

The EU in its third priority recommendation advised this fix: “Develop, in a consultative process, effective legislation to regulate political finance, taking the principles of equality, transparency and accountability into account.” The recommendation spoke further to “reasonable limits for campaign expenditure” and “disclosure and reporting requirements” and “establishment of an independent oversight body.”

All that sounds good today and when on paper. In the environment of everyday living post-elections, other forces and interests take charge leading to no progress on this and other things.

quite deadly, if it backfires.

Kissoon dignifies his recent “exchange” with Kwayana as a “debate”. There was no debate in that exchange. Kwayana simply stated that “paper will bear anything that is written on it”.

It was the lack of a debate that inflamed Kissoon, that his ire got fired up. He responded quite predictably by resorting to “someone” who had the “juice” on Kwayana. In essence, he put on his historian cap, adorned with a feather from his “reliable source”, finally exposing the “real” Kwayana. Voila!

Kissoon has employed the tried and trusted method of singing praises to the person you desire to “chop down” as a means of expressing regret for having been forced to “do the right thing” to serve a higher purpose, despite your reverence for your victim.

This is how the execution of Melville’s “Billy Budd” took place.

Eusi Kwayana is no Billy

Budd. Kwayana himself has admitted to his inadequacies on many occasions in understanding the historical moment. He has a magnificent track record on “speaking truth to power”.

He filed complaints against two ministers for using public property for personal use, when it was not politically expedient to do so. He was one of the founding fathers of the WPA, which was born in the anti-dictatorship struggle. There is no need to list Kwayana’s public life, which Kissoon is fully aware of. His argument is that this public figure is a sham. He has access to an authentic source that exposes the real Eusi Kwayana that has fooled us all along.

Not surprisingly, he has shown a consistency in his access to truthful sources.

During the life of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, as Kwayana was giving evidence, Kissoon (Continued on page 6)

Friday June 12, 2020

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Kaieteur News

It is expected that Claudette Singh will declare elections in keeping with the recount results Dear Editor, The Recount of the ballots for the March 2nd General and Regional Elections, which were held over three months ago, is finally completed.

The people of Guyana have spoken. They have chosen to give the People’s Progressive Party/Civic a majority through the ballot box and the democratic right to form the new government.

Our country has been made to suffer through a more than three months wait for an election result which, in fact, was known the day after the elections were held from the Statements of Poll in the possession of the major contesting parties (including the APNU+AFC), the majority of the International and Local Observers and the international Diplomatic Community, as well as the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield.

Tragically, however, the country was forced into a Recount of all the ballots cast by the fraudulent act of the GECOM District 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, and the inaction, at the time, of the Chairman of GECOM to intervene.

The Recounted ballots have matched almost exactly, the Statements of Poll which have long been published, but, have, also, dramatically exposed the fraudulent declaration made by the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, based on Mingo’s fraudulent tabulation, giving the APNU+AFC a majority, still held in abeyance by GECOM’s Gazetted Order.

In a democracy, at the point where the results of an election are clear, it is expected that the leader of the political party which has lost the support of the people, will concede and congratulate the incoming leader of the new

government to take office.

That has not happened here.

For weeks now, the APNU+AFC leadership have refused to acknowledge the inevitability of the majority reflected in the ballot box.

Sadly, they have continued to lie to their own supporters and the rest of Guyana.

Just two (2) days before the conclusion of the Recount, David Granger, in anticipation of the truth of the Recount result about to be concluded, addressed the nation as both Leader of the APNU+AFC and the de facto President of the country, but, instead of conceding, he chose to discredit the result of the Recount.

David Granger, for the first time, publicly embraced what he called “numerous reports of irregularities” and then listed “unstamped ballots, deceased and migrant voters and missing poll books” which he claimed “to have been committed intentionally not accidentally and demonstrate a pattern of manipulation of the electoral process”.

Not a single one of these trumped up, invented allegations advanced by Granger’s party, and now, Granger himself, have been substantiated. Not a shred of evidence has been submitted to GECOM in support of them. In any event, none of these fairytales can have any legal bearing whatsoever on the result of the recounted ballots.

A Recount is what it says it is, a recounting of the balloted votes cast by every voter extracted from all of the ballot boxes in every District, nothing more, nothing less. It is not an audit of the electoral process.

This is what the Aide Memoire between David Granger and Bharrat Jagdeo, amongst other things, agreed to: · “That a total recount

of all ballots from all electoral districts from Regions 1 to 10 would take place urgently in accordance with the Constitution, the applicable law and the judgment of the Court, issued by Roxane George, Chief Justice (ag) on Wednesday, 11th March, 2020. · That the High Level Team would supervise the recount under the auspices of GECOM and would not engage themselves in the actual counting of ballots.

Their presence is to ensure that the recount is done in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner”.

Let me repeat that, what David Granger and Bharrat Jagdeo, facilitated by Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and the Chairman of CARICOM, in the presence of Joseph Harmon and Raphael Trotman, and Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, Secretary General of CARICOM, agreed to is “a total recount of all ballots from all electoral districts in Regions 1 to 10”. They did not agree to review the entire electoral process which took place on 2nd March for the simple reason that all of the International Observers, including CARICOM, and all of the contesting parties, including David Granger, had already found the process to be entirely credible.

In the same breath that David Granger set out to denigrate and refuse to accept the result of the Recount, in complete contradiction, he repeats his mantra that he “will abide by the declaration of the Elections Commission”. Let us all hope so.

But then, David Granger’s entire address reeks of dishonesty and prevarication.

Here is how he dismisses the reason for the country being forced into a Recount:”Subsequent events resulted in the prolongation of the electoral process well beyond the deadline for the

Mayo Robertson should use logic and deductive reasoning on the ‘invalid’ votes issue Dear Editor, Mayo Robertson’s letter in your June 10th edition, ended with the following words, “how could GECOM..... include votes that are clearly not valid”; referring to the ballot boxes with missing documents.

But I say to him, be a Sherlock Holmes and use logic and deductive reasoning. For starters, ask yourself these questions: 1) Most, if not all of

those boxes without documents were from PPP/C strongholds and of course PPP would win handsomely in these districts. Would the PPP/C be so stupid then to tamper with these ballot boxes from areas where their win is guaranteed overwhelmingly?

2) Which party stands to gain if these boxes without documents from the PPP/C stronghold areas are not included in the tabulation?

You know that answer, right?

3) How could one invalidate those overwhelming PPP/C votes from these ballot boxes? One way of course, is simply by not putting the relevant documents in the ballot boxes.

4) Did you know that the presiding officers and the DRO said that instruction came from the clerk of Mr. Mingo’s office to not include these documents in the (Continued on page 6)

declaration of results…owing to legal challenges” in the Courts, which, unbelievably, he blames on the PPP/C. Granger, completely ignores the perfidy of Mingo and that it was his candidate, Ulita Moore, and his party’s lawyers who attempted to prevent the Agreement which he entered into with the General Secretary of the PPP/ C, Bharrat Jagdeo, to conduct the Recount.

From the very beginning of this ongoing attempt to erode and discredit the result of the March 2nd Elections, it has been obvious that the only beneficiary is the APNU+AFC party. It has been a naked and ugly attempt to enable David Granger and his party to remain in office and hold on to power in violation of the Constitution and the Laws which govern us as a

democracy.

Even now, as the final result of the Recount has been tabulated and confirms what the watching world and the majority of Guyanese have long recognized, that the popular will has chosen the PPP/C to govern, David Granger desperatelyclings to power. As we await the official declaration of the result of the Recount by GECOM, he continues to damage his country, damage his own people, damage our future, and,by misleading his own supporters,seriously threatensthe maintenance of peace and good order.

The Chairman of the Elections Commission, former Justice Claudette Singh, has not been exemplary in the conduct of her responsibility of the events subsequent to the Elections which have led us into a Recount.

Nevertheless, she has kept her undertaking given to the Chief Justice, before the Granger/Jagdeo Agreement, that she would facilitate a Recount “should there be discrepancies in the Statements of Poll as called by the Returning Officer”, which she told the Court was “bolstered” by the President and the Leader of the Opposition inviting CARICOM to observe a Recount.

We must now expect that GECOM, under her leadership, will move to declare the result of the Elections in accordance with the tabulated Recount of the ballots, for the swearing in of the Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Yours truly, Kit Nascimento

Anil Nandlall has already reverted to a binary perspective on humanity Dear Editor, Within hours of the announcement of the close of tabulation of votes cast in the March 2 general elections, there arose among us a Seer, who had been a law-giver, former Attorney-General Mr. Anil Nandlall. The Seer proclaimed in his solemn tone the meaning of his party’s numerical lead in the tabulation. His voice describes it as, in part, THE TRIUMPH OF GOOD OVER

EVIL. In the same hour his chief declared that Guyana’s leaders must be gracious toward one another. The new Seer has fallen back on a wellknown binary division of humanity that has seldom led to an uplifting experience for the quality of life.

He also described the tabulation results as a triumph of the rule of law over anarchy and of democracy over thuggery (physical or verbal).

We will all doubtless speculate on the composition of the ranks of those blessed who are on the spotless side of Good as well as those who make up the side of unredeemed Evil.

In a society that dismisses investigation of “humans being brutal to humans” an inspired Seer can still talk of thuggery as being the behavior of the other side.

Yours truly, Eusi Kwayana

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Friday June 12, 2020

Kaieteur News

Diversify or be devastated or die DEAR EDITOR, There have been 14 global recessions since 1870: in 1870, 1876, 1885, 1893, 1908, 1914, 1917-21, 1930-32, 1938, 194546, 1975, 1982, 1991, 2009, and 2020. This present global recession will be served. The share of economies in recession will be more than 90% compared to 85% in the Great Depression of 1930-32 according to a recent World Bank report. What is troubling is a decline in global per capita income by 6.2%, which is

unprecedented. This means millions will be push into extreme poverty globally and thousands locally.

Tourism is an industry that depends on disposable income but since all the countries that travel to the Caribbean will be in a recession indefinitely, traveling will diminish significantly. Coupled with the Covid-19 additional restrictions traveling will become less pleasant. Oil price will be moderate for at

least a year. This means Guyana has to diversify agriculture, agro- processing, import substitutions and international consulting.

This will mean investing in agriculture, negotiating with importers who are usually campaign contributors. This will be politically difficult but is necessary. Investing in developing our human capital can offer services such as educational service, legal services, and medical

services virtually. This will become more popular due to more people working from home using the internet.

Companies will want to expand this trend because it’s cheaper and increase their profit. The Caribbean and Guyana can benefit from this global trend.

The world will change due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Guyana needs to adapt to the new reality.

Yours truly, Brian Ellis Plummer

Freddie Kissoon should apologise...

From page 4 wrote an article claiming that there was a witness who would contradict what Kwayana was saying on the witness stand He has also consistently attacked Tacuma Ogunseye over the years. If his claim, that Ogunseye was forced to drop the libel suit because the evidence was compelling, is correct, then he could have released the

evidence. It is not too late to do so. The question that needs to be answered by Kissoon is why is he so intent upon killing an entity that he has pronounced dead for the umpteenth time. Perhaps he wants to become a mortician, and has been practicing on the WPA as an entry point into the profession. He has had enough practice, and can console himself that he cannot kill his victims if his

diagnosis is faulty. That does not exonerate him from the charges of misadventure, which has consequences for the living.

He should consult Ms. Pat Rodney and Donald Rodney on this matter.

It is noteworthy that Kissoon’s attack on Kwayana, that he was condoning the behavior of Justice Claudette Singh in aiding and abetting the

rigging of the elections, has proven to be false. Kwayana is an “institutionalist”, who does not prejudge official judgments until it is rendered from the official source. In this respect, Kissoon should apologize to Kwayana. It is his arrogance at being proven wrong that has forced him to launch this attack upon Kwayana.

Yours truly, Rohit Kanhai

Your paper is deteriorating into bias and divisiveness Dear Sir/Madam, It is quite unfortunate that your newspaper is deteriorating into a divisive, unapologetic and biased news outlet. For many days now the face of Mr. Mingo graced your pages. Today his case was withdrawn, and not a word from your news outlet.

I heard what he did. I don’t agree, but you painted him as the worst human being alive even entertaining pieces from “dem boys seh”. Why no story about the withdrawn case?

You should apologise to this man. No one is perfect, and just so you are

aware your readership is steadily decreasing. I hope your finances are in order.

Ayanna Isaacs Editor’s Note. The story on the dismissal of the contempt case ag a i n s t Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, having happened yesterday, is carried in today’s edition. We stand by our reporting on M i n g o ’s fraudulent tabulation in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition, an issue that has not [yet] been brought before the courts. We encourage all views in Kaieteur News, including criticisms of our coverage.

Mayo Robertson should use logic...

From page 5 boxes? It seems likely that this instruction was only for the GECOM officials from those PPP/C stronghold areas. And of course you are fully aware of the saga of Mr. Mingo’s fraudulent declarations.

Which party do you think is benefitting from Mr. Mingo’s Illegalities?

5) If GECOM says that it does not have these document, then the police should be called in to arrest those presiding officers for still having GECOM property in their possession. Do you

think the POs still have those documents?

6) The ballot boxes at the end of counting at each polling station are supposed to be secured and have some kind of GECOM seal.

If at the recount, the ballot boxes have not been found to be tampered with after sealing from the polling station, then it means that despite the missing documents, it contains genuine and valid votes from voters in that area.

Yours truly, Anand Narain

Friday June 12, 2020

PAGE 07

Kaieteur News

Nandlall withdraws contempt case against Mingo, others - Court imposes $450,000 cost Attorney -at –law, Anil Nandlall yesterday withdrew the contempt of court case filed against Region Four Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, and other Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials on the basis that the applicant did not hold sufficient evidence to have the respondents cited for breach of the Court order.

N a n d l a l l ’s b e l a t e d withdrawal did not sit well with Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George- Wiltshire.

Justice George –Wiltshire who has been presiding over the matter since March,

chided the lawyer for wasting the Court’s time.

During the Supreme Court hearing conducted via zoom, yesterday the CJ announced that she had already prepared her ruling in the case.

The Judge stressed too that Nandlall had the opportunity on numerous occasions to indicate early on his intention to withdraw but chose to do so at last minute when she was ready to proceed with her ruling.

The Chief Justice emphasized that the case was indeed very deficient and imposed court in the sum of

Region Four RO Clairmont Mingo

Chief Justice Roxane George- Wiltshire $450,000 on the applicant in the matter. The applicant, Reaz Holladar, a client of

US embassy warns workers of crowds ahead of elections declarations

The US embassy in Georgetown has warned its personnel to take precaution as the time draws nearer for elections results.

According to the alert to US workers and others, Guyana’s security and law enforcement will likely have an increased presence before and after the announcement of the elections results in the coming weeks.

“It is possible that large crowds could gather at government venues. U.S. government personnel have been advised to take precautions to prepare for any unexpected disruptions to their normal

routine.”The embassy urged that personnel avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, as even peaceful demonstrations may quickly turn violent.

“Monitor local radio or television reports for up to date information. Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests,” the embassy advised.

The embassy had also advised about a demonstration planned yesterday against police violence at Umana Yana, Kingston.

The authorities had said no permission for that demonstration was granted.

Attorney Anil Nandlall Nandlall’s is dead, hence the Court appointed his wife, administrator of his estate for the purpose of satisfying the judgment.

The case surrounds orders of the court that are alleged to have been intentionally breached by Mingo.

According to the application of contempt filed, Mingo is accused of acting in violation of the ruling by Chief Justice Roxane George- Wiltshire by refusing to ascertain the votes recorded in favour of the lists of candidates in accordance with the

Statement of Polls (SOP).

He is also accused in the document of failing to commence compliance with section 84(1) of the Representation of the People Act.Further, Mingo is accused of failing and/or refusing to ascertain the votes recorded in favour of each list of candidates in accordance with the statements of poll, “but instead, chose to use a preprepared spreadsheet, as the basis for the ascertaining and

adding up of the said votes.”

The application purports the respondents to be Mingo; Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield; and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) through its servants and agents; GECOM Chair, Claudette Singh, and the three governmentnominated Commissioners, Vi n c e n t A l e x a n d e r, Desmond Trotman and Charles Corbin.It requests (Continued on page 8)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Friday June 12, 2020

Papua New Guinea goes after its fair share from oil companies through amended legislation

By Kiana Wilburg

A

fter years of being saddled with deals that gave the lion’s share of the nation’s wealth to oil companies, the relatively new administration of Papua New Guinea seems determined to charter a new course for its people. One of the most evident moves in this regard relates to the passage of amended legislation that increases the country’s share of the profits to be had from the exploitation of its oil and mineral resources.

Following the passage of the amended laws on Wednesday, Prime Minister James Marape took to his Facebook Page and wrote, “When laws that lead to economic independence are passed, I know Parliament is doing its job, for government is not only

about building infrastructures (so far mostly from borrowed money).”

He added, “...To our investors, as I said in the past we will not break legit contracts or agreements or license, be it exploration or development. I can assure our investors that we know they must make money for their shareholders too so we will not be greedy but we just asking for a fair share, if they want to harvest our resources.”

Marape also noted that his administration will also be promulgating an organic law that will ensure it migrates to a production sharing regime that will become effective in 2025.

TURNING TO IMF Kaieteur News would have reported yesterday that Papua New Guinea had

made billions of dollars on its oil and gas resources since the 1990s. But instead of saving that money for a rainy or for unprecedented 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, the new administration for 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.

This publication understands that 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 h i t t i n g t h e c o u n t r y ’s economy hard, through export losses and the impact of measures to mitigate transmission of the virus.

Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape

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

Nandlall withdraws contempt case against...

From page 7 an order that the respondents stand committed to the Georgetown Prison or such place of confinement for one month, and a fine of no less than $750,000 for being in contempt of the Court.

However, in seeking to have the matter terminated, Nandlall yesterday accepted that his client did not have sufficient evidence of contempt against the RO, Chief Election Officer nor the Chairperson to have any of them committed to prison.

In his notice of withdrawal prior to the hearing, the lawyer had conceded that the matter was drawn up and filed under very exigent circumstances on March 12, 2020 when the respondents were in the

process of violating the orders made by the Court the previous day. In those pressing circumstances, Nandlall noted that the important, relevant and probative evidence was not available and was not included in the application at the time.

“The most egregious violations of that order happened on March 13, 2020, that is after the filing of the application.

The national recount exercise conducted by the respondents has unearthed vast volumes of relevant probative evidence which were not available at the time of filing and would have greatly assisted the court in determining whether or not the aforesaid orders were violated.”

The lawyer noted nonetheless that his applications for leave to file supplementary affidavits to put before the Court this new volume of evidence which was not available prior were not favourably considered by the Court. He noted that it was submitted that in the administration of justice that evidence be marshaled and placed before the Court in proper form.“Our efforts to secure the leave of the court to file s upplementary affidavits was not favourably considered and it contributed significantly to my client’s decision to withdraw the matter with a view of re-filing and placing before the court evidence mentioned above,” the attorney explained in a letter to the Chief Justice.

Kaieteur News

Friday June 12, 2020

PAGE 09

President Granger cannot bear the full blame for not calling elections earlier The APNU+AFC commissioned an opinion poll just after its loss of the no-confidence motion in December 2018. The person who heads the organization that conducted the poll for the APNU+AFC has now revealed that the APNU+AFC had a two percent lead over the PPP/C but hesitated in calling elections immediately after the no-confidence motion.

He feels this was a bad decision since the Coalition ended up spending months challenging the legality of the no-confidence motion.

He feels the President’s indecision in not calling elections earlier contributed to the Coalition’s loss. By the time elections were called, the two percent lead had evaporated.

He attributes the blame

for not calling the elections just after the no-confidence motion of President David Granger. The President however cannot be saddled with all the blame.

The President is not a one-man show. He belongs to a political party and that party would have had an input into the original decision to try some fancy mathematics rather than call elections within three months.

The Coalition must have been circumspect about going into an election with such a slender lead in the opinion polls. They may have thought that a two percent lead was too risky and therefore wanted to ensure a larger lead or to put other plans in place before calling elections.

The PPP/C had

handsomely defeated the APNU and the AFC (they contested separately) in the 2016 and 2018 local government elections.

The PPP/C had scored an emphatic victory and the APNU, notwithstanding its two percent lead in the opinion polls, many felt was not ready to go to the polls.

Another factor is pride and ego. The APNU and the AFC had originally accepted their defeat in the noconfidence motion. One Minister even told a gathering outside the National Assembly after the vote that the APNU+AFC had defeated the PPP/C before and would do it again.

Sometime afterwards, the APNU and the AFC decided there was another w a y. N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g reports that the passage of

Dem boys seh...

De packing up start Dem boys remember when HAP-New seh how CARICOM was de most trusted ‘interlocutor’. Dem same ‘interlocutor’ broker an agreement between Soulja Bai and Jagdeo fuh a recount.

Soulja Bai and Jagdeo agree to accept the results of the recount.

All CARICOM doing is holding dem to dem word. De recount done and Ralphie, de man from St Vincent, seh how Caricom expect de winner of de recount to be respected. He seh how CARICOM nah gun allow nobody fuh steal an election.

Dem boys nah know why dah should upset de HAP-New. De recount done and is Soulja Bai who agree to accept de results of de recount. He sign to dah.

Ralphie nah seh who win de elections.

But is suh when yuh guilty. Yuh does give yuh self away. Dat is why Brother Bob sing.

“Who the cap fit, let them wear it! Said I throw me corn, me no call no fowl.”

Ralphie tell dem dat when a party go to an election, there is always a chance dat it could lose.

He seh the loser gat to tek dem licks and guh long. But some of dem hay nah want stand up and tek dem licks like a man. Dem want behave like a cry-a-baby. Dem want throw tantrum.

But dem boys know dat dem trantrum is only wan pappy show. Dem boys dun hear dat dem start fuh pack up and clear dem offices.

Talk half and remind dem fuh only carry away wha is dem own!

the no-confidence vote had mobilized and energized their bases, the APNU+AFC decided to try to rewrite the basic laws of mathematics so as to avoid the ignominy of having to cut its term short by one and one quarter years.

The Coalition went into the 2020 general and regional elections with the right strategy. According to the Department of Public Information, the opinion poll had indicated a 94 percent approval rating for the President among the supporters of the APNU+AFC. With this approval rating, there was no other alternative open to the Coalition than to make David Granger the showpiece of its elections’ campaign.

What the Coalition missed was the other aspect of the opinion poll. It was also reported that the President’s overall opinion rating nationally was only 50%. This should have raised red flags that the Coalition had to do much more work in winning crossover and undecided voters. It did not and paid the price.

If there is any person to blame for the election loss, it cannot be the President. It is obvious that there was some misdirection within the C o a l i t i o n ’s c a m p a i g n strategy. Enough was not done to win crossover and undecided voters.

The PPPC had been on the ground since 2015.

The PPP/C concentrated in the 2016 general elections exclusively on regaining its traditional base. It successfully did this and convincingly won the popular vote in the 2016 local government elections after the APNU and the AFC ran one of the poorest campaigns ever. History repeated itself in November 2018 when the PPP ran away again at the local government elections.

It is against this background that the criticisms of President Granger should be reexamined. There were tactical errors during the campaign and the PPP/C outworked the APNU+AFC which made some bizarre choices as is evident from their lists of candidates. In some areas, some of the

party comrades who could have made a difference were simply sidelined. This contributed to the APNU+AFC’s defeat.

The silly fight which was picked with the AFC destroyed whatever slim chances the Coalition had of winning the elections.

The decision not to announce Khemraj Ramjattan as the Prime Ministerial candidate was a terrible signal to the AFC supporters that the APNU may renege on the AFC’s right to the Prime Ministerial slot.

In the final analysis, it was the loss of AFC votes to the PPP/C and especially to the smaller parties which cost the Coalition the elections. But who needs a good campaign strategy when you have the ‘Bingo’ man in your corner.

(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

Friday June 12, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Ghost Ship starring C. Hughes, N. Nagamootoo, K. Ramjattan and Mingo Mango The lead for Tuesday’s edition of the Kaieteur News was: “Mingo conjured 15, 000+ ghost votes.” I really liked that headline because I have consistently described how the APNU+AFC leaders were in touch with dead people on a cruise liner in the movie “Ghost Ship”.

The entire political edifice of the APNU+AFC crumbled like when waves hit a sand castle on the beach because the figures they produced were from the jumbies on that ghost ship.

On reading the Kaieteur News headline of Mingo 15,000 plus ghost votes, it turned out that I was right about the presence of certain

coalition leaders in the movie.

I know Nagamooto was there on the ship. I saw the captain (a ghost, of course) giving him a number of papers. Those were the figures on the election results which he reproduced in his Sunday Chronicle column of March 8, titled, “Confidence and Crisis”.

Nagamootoo’s choice of words for the title was disturbing. First he was confident that the people on the ship, including the beautiful Italian woman, Francesca Rettondini, who was singing the, Italian love song, “Senza Fine” were real. He actually did a few

steps to the song while some of the ghosts cheered him.

Here are some words in that column that drove Nagamootoo to believe the apparitions on the liner were in fact living people: “I was full of confidence that the APNU+AFC coalition was heading for a Triple Crown, having taken majority votes in two previous elections – 2011 and 2015. This is my 12th elections, and I am not worried about the outcome.”

So why did he put the word, “crisis” in his caption?

Let’s quote him again: “ T h e n s o m e o n e dramatically disclosed that the PPP/C had claimed

victory. Its backers in Trinidad were popping champagne on the basis of that leak.” Who made the leak? This is where Nagamootoo came close to realizing that he was dancing with jumbies.

The disclosure on the ship that APNU+AFC did not win was made through telecommunication to the dead captain, but it was real communication that came from real people from the real world – the entire entourage of international observers including two former prime ministers of globally respected CARICOM states – Jamaica and Barbados.

N a g a m o o t o o , nevertheless, returned to his comfort zone, dancing with a dead singer and reading nonexistent election numbers from non-existent people on a ghost ship. Why? Because Cathy Hughes and Khemraj Ramjattan were on the ghost ship too talking to Nagamootoo and deceiving him. Let’s quote Nagamooto again from that infuriatingly jejune and jaundiced Chronicle column: “…the Russians were here, three of whom were arrested and deported after they were found with cyber equipment.”

It was Hughes and Ramjattan who announced

to the world the Russians came to Guyana and tried to take control of the election process to invent a victory for the PPP (see my column of Monday, April 6, 2020 headlined: “The Russians are coming! The Russians are coming!). Yes the Russians were here with Hughes and Ramjattan also announcing that a Libyan man named, Marwan Al Ayed and an American with the name, Brent Karcher accompanied the Russians.

The trouble is that up to now, like Nagamootoo, Hughes and Ramjattan have not realized that the Russians, Al Ayed and Karcher were all part of the dead guests on the ship and that beautiful Italian woman was a jumbie too singing to her fellow jumbies. This explains why in the movie when Nagamootoo went up to the singer, stretched out his hand, and touched her, his fingers were touching pure air. She didn’t have flesh.

She was dead.

Interestingly, also on the ghost ship, where Nagamootoo, Hughes and Ramjattan were busy in deep, discussion, was Mingo Mango. But he did not approach his APNU+AFC handlers. He was preoccupied with collecting “ghost ballots,” the words Kaieteur News used in its

Frederick Kissoon lead for Tuesday. Go to the movie and look at the scene where Mingo Mango is present. I will describe it for you.

The opening sequence has Francesca Rettondini singing, “Senza Fine”.

People are dancing and enjoying themselves.

Rettondini looks stunning in a red evening gown with long sleeves that stop at her elbow. A little girl sits on a chair looking lost. She appears to be the only person not happy. A man comes up and gives the girl some numbers.

They look like mathematical figures. The girl takes them, shuffles them, and smiles at the man.

The man is Mingo Mango.

He is giving the girl the ghost votes that APNU+AFC finally collected. Please go to Youtube and look at that opening scene.

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

Kaieteur News

Friday June 12, 2020

PAGE 11

Consumers alerted to “deceptively” Guyana collects US$35M labelled condensed milk for second oil lift by Shell -Food and Drug Dept. says product to be seized, importation banned

T

he Government Analyst- Food a n d D r u g Department (GA-FDD), through its Director, Dr. Marlan Cole, has advised against the importation, distribution, sale and use of “a deceptive, misleading and foreign labelled brand of sweetened condensed milk”.

This milk, Cole detailed in a letter is labelled – “Nouveau! New! Promex Nova Leite Condensado Cheio”.

The GA-FDD Director made it clear that “This is not pure sweetened condensed milk exclusively from a dairy (animal) source/origin, but it is actually what is termed a Filled Milk.” Filled Milk is a mixture of milk solids and edible vegetable oil and this fact must be clearly stated on the label for consumers to know or be aware of, according to the Food and Drugs Department.

In addition, it was noted that “the label of any sweetened condensed filled milk cannot (should not) depict a pictorial representation of a cow or any other dairy animal and must carry a disclaimer ‘Not suitable for children less than 2 years’.” Such a disclaimer is necessary, the GA-FDD Director said, since the digestive system of children is not sufficiently developed to process its contents.

This product –Promex Nova, therefore is a very serious public health risk to consumers, more so, when the true Common name to represent its composition is omitted and the label sets out

to be deceptive, misleading and in a foreign language, he noted.

According to the Laws of Guyana Food and Drugs Act Chapter 34:03 Part IV: “condensed milk or sweetened condensed milk shall be milk, or a milk product, from which water has been evaporated and to which sugar has been added, and shall contain not less than: - 28.0 per cent of milk solids and 8.0 per cent of milk fat; and may contain Vitamin D”.

Also, part II (6) (1) of the Food and Drug Act states that: “any person who labels, packages, treats, processes, sells or advertises any food in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous

-Natural Resource Fund now holds US$94.9M

T

GA-FDD Director, Dr. Marlan Cole impression regarding its character, value, quality, composition, merit or safety is guilty of an offence.”

According to Cole, “The members of our National Food Safety and Control Committee from all regions in Guyana were briefed on the circulation of this product at our previously held virtual meeting on June 10, 2020 and were advised to take enforcement action (seizure) against this product. If or when (Continued on page 18)

he Ministry of F i n a n c e announced y e s t e r d a y t h a t US$35,063,582.06 was received for the second lift of one million barrels of oil from the Stabroek Block by Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited (SWSTL).

The Ministry noted that this payment was desposited into the Natural Resources Fund which now has a total holdings of US$94, 921,803.00.

In March, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had disclosed to this news agency that Guyana had received almost US$55M for the first million barrels of oil which was sold to SWSTL. It was in mid-February that local authorities witnessed the transfer of Guyana’s first millionbarrel lift of crude onto the oil tanker Cap Philippe which was chartered by Shell. It had bought, in total, Guyana’s first three million barrels of crude from the Liza Phase One Project.

Shell has one more lift to

make.

Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe, had told this newspaper in a previous interview that Guyana is entitled to at least five million barrels of oil for 2020.

According to the Energy Department, the subsidiary of Shell, which is the thirdlargest company in the world based on 2018 revenues, won the bid for three lifts on account of a (Continued on page 15 )

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Friday June 12, 2020

Port Mourant family loses home, business in fire

As Fire fighters tried to get their equipment in order neighbours were forming a bucket brigade.

A

family of five is still in shock after their home and business went up in flames yesterday at Ankerville, Port Mourant, Berbice. Kaieteur News understands that the inferno started sometime after midday in the upper flat of the two-storey wooden and concrete structure.

Although the fire was contained to the single structure, residents at the scene expressed their displeasure that fire fighters from the Rose Hall Town fire station arrived nearly 25 minutes after the blaze began. By this time, they said, the upper flat was already completely

engulfed. Residents said that they managed to form a bucket brigade in an attempt to save the lower flat which housed a grocery shop.

According to perturbed residents when a truck finally arrived it developed mechanical issues and therefore couldn’t pump water from a nearby trench.

A second fire truck was summoned from New Amsterdam. By the time that truck arrived, residents said that the flames were already beginning to subside because of their efforts.

One of the fire victims, 3 7 - y e a r- o l d Te j m a t t i e Jaundoo, said that she, along with her husband, their eldest daughter and two

Residents helping to battle the fire. toddlers were at home when the fire started. She disclosed that she was having lunch with her husband and daughter at the back of the home while the toddlers were sitting on the step located at the side of the house at the time.

“I don’t know what time the fire started but me and my husband and big daughter were sitting at the back eating lunch and the two small ones were on the step drinking drink (soda). I don’t even know when the fire ketch all I hear is the zinc crackling and I run up to see if dem two children upstairs but I didn’t see them but when I run back out I see them outside. All of we were

outside so I don’t even know how this fire start,” said the bewildered woman.

Noting that the house was solar powered, the woman explained that the wire connecting the panels to the battery was located in a bedroom that was situated at the upper flat of the building near a stairway. According to

the woman the family had never before experienced any issues with the solar connections. The family, she said, has been living at the very location for the past seven years.

Wi t h t h e h e l p o f neighbours the family managed to save a few items.

However, Jaundoo estimates

the family’s losses, to be somewhere in the vicinity of $22M. Meanwhile, Hemchandra Persaud, Officer in Charge of the ‘B’ Division Fire Service told members of the media that the fire department responded to a call of a fire at 279 Ankerville, Port (Continued on page 16)

Tejmattie Jaundoo and her husband (near the fence) still in shock as efforts are made to tame to the blaze.

Friday June 12, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Friday June 12, 2020

Constitutional Reform must be high on - British High agenda after final declaration Commissioner B r i t i s h H i g h Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, is hopeful that constitutional reform will be high on the agenda for Guyana after credible election results would have been declared and an administration is sworn in.

During a recent interview with Kaieteur Radio, Quinn highlighted that constitutional reform is paramount to providing the overarching legal framework, which sets out the basis of the social contract between a state and its people, affecting all aspects of policy and society.

“They establish the institutions of government,”

Quinn said, “and their powers vis-à-vis (with regard to) each other and with and between the people.” In stressing the importance of constitutional reform, the High Commissioner spoke of his homeland, Northern Ireland - a religious society that was divided for decades. For the greater good of the country, the two main leaders of the political divide, Ian Paisley and Martin McGuiness, agreed that there needed to be a new way of governing the land. They opted for constitutional reform.

“These two guys, two very diametrically- opposed people—Ian Paisley and

Martin McGuiness—as far apart as you can find, decided that they had to come together for the greater good of the country, and that’s how we ended up with the Good Friday Agreement in 1996.”

By signing that agreement the two leaders ended terrorism, said Quinn.

This he said was complemented by a boom in the economy soon after and citizens of the country thrived. “There was a changed way of life in Northern Ireland that I didn’t think that I would ever see in my lifetime,” Quinn expressed.

“We need to now think of

Parents/guardians must show NGSA pupils how to protect themselves against COVID-19 –CMO urges Given the reopening of school in the coming weeks to facilitate the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), Chief Medical O f f i c e r ( C M O ) , D r.

Shamdeo Persaud, made an appeal to the parents and guardians of children, scheduled to sit the exams to have open conversations with them on how to protect themselves from COVID19. Addressing the nation during the daily COVID-19 briefing, the CMO reminded “Parents, to have the conversation with their young ones about the health guidelines that must be followed during the time they will be at school.

“Please show them step

CMO Dr. Shamdeo Persaud by step how to put on the mask and to wear it appropriately. Remind them not to touch the front of the

mask, and to use the straps to remove it when taking a snack.

So, let them take a plastic or a zip lock bag and place the mask there until after eating. Remind them to wash hands properly, and as soon as they have finished, put on the mask again,” he said.

The CMO continued, “Parents, you can give them an extra mask, just in case the one they are wearing falls or becomes soiled.

“Remind them to wash hands after using the restroom and not to play around that area but to return immediately to their classroom. You can also (Continued on page 18)

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn going forward after getting through this election process, and work to the benefit of every single member of society,” he appealed.

Both of the major political parties, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change

(APNU+AFC) have for years peddled a rhetoric of undertaking constitutional reform, as recorded in the recent and past manifestos of both parties.

One key objective of the APNU+AFC manifesto of 2015 highlighted that, “Undertaking constitutional reform to remove the scope for abuses and excesses carried out with impunity by the Executive and by the President, in particular. Part of the solution lies in reform of the National Assembly to ensure checks on the majority in the Legislature and on the Executive so that the interests of the nation as a whole and the interests of substantial minorities are taken into account…” It a d d e d t o o t h a t “Constitutional, electoral and parliamentary reforms are imperative.”

After gaining victory and assuming office in 2015, the

coalition, pursuant to Article 119(A) of the Constitution, appointed a Standing C o m m i t t e e f o r Constitutional Reform for the purpose of continually reviewing the effectiveness of the working of the Constitution and making periodic reports to the National Assembly, with proposals for reform as n e c e s s a r y. T h e Parliamentary Standing C o m m i t t e e f o r Constitutional Reform currently consists of seven members and is headed by Attorney General, Basil Williams. However, that committee met less than seven times in the past five years, as data shows.

Nonetheless, both the PPP/C and the governing coalition have promised to advance constitutional reform if given the opportunity to govern.

(Mikaila Prince)

Labourer accused of knifepoint rape at Bush Lot foreshore

A

man has been g r a n t e d $100,000 bail for the rape of a 23-year-old woman of Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Grafton Clarke, 27, who was arrested on June 4, 2020, appeared yesterday at the Whim Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Renita Singh and was charged under Section 3 (3) Of the Sexual Offences Act Chapter 8:03. He was not required to plea and bail was granted in the sum of $100,000.

The case was postponed to June 29, 2020.According to the facts of the matter, the young woman, who is married, was imbibing with a male when he asked her to follow him to the Bush Lot foreshore. There she said she was held at knifepoint and

Grafton Clarke

was raped. While it is unclear how the woman made her way out from the foreshore, Kaieteur News was told by police ranks that she relayed what took place

to her husband who then confronted the male in question and a fight ensued.

The husband reportedly injured the man during the brawl.

Kaieteur News

Friday June 12, 2020

PAGE 15

GTT donates hundreds of PPP wants Top Cop to investigate incitement of violence on social media surgical, KN95 masks to Following their meeting on Wednesday with the Suddie Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, the Police O p p o s i t i o n P e o p l e ’s Hospital Commissioner, Progressive Party (PPP) has formally submitted evidence to aid investigations into the incitement of violence in Guyana.

“As requested at our meeting held at your office on June 10, 2020, please find attached extracts of statements published on the social media platform, Facebook, worthy of your attention, investigations and appropriate actions. We will continue to send more as we unearth them,” detailed a letter submitted by former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

Accompanying the letter were screenshots captured from Facebook detailing

Leslie James

instances where persons were inciting violence riots including threats to “burn Guyana” if the PPP is sworn into office along with threats to set Freedom House alight.

In a political charged climate with the entire Guyana awaiting the official

declaration of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, persons have used social media to express and air their feelings.

PPP Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, following the party’s meeting with the (Continued on page 18)

Guyana collects US$35M for ...

From page 11 number of factors.

These included a competitive pricing that limits the Government’s exposure to market uncertainty; the size, scale and global reach of its trading operations; the company’s high level of integration between Upstream, Trading and Downstream; Shell’s strong foothold in the Latin

American markets and the size and scale of their shipping and storage operations in the region, allowing for multiple options on the Liza crude commercialization; and the range of new grades Shell recently introduced into the market.

The Department also took into consideration Shell’s willingness to share critical refinery information

which it asserts Guyana needs, in order to understand the Liza crude behaviour.

Kaieteur News was also informed via a statement from the department that Shell’s readiness to support it in operating these cargoes, while it is strengthening its structures and in-house crude commercialization human resources, was also a determining factor.

GTT’s Delita Weithers hands over the donation of masks to a representative of the Suddie Hospital.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has made a donation of hundreds of surgical and KN95 masks to the Suddie Hospital in Essequibo.

This donation forms part of the company’s “Celebrating Guyanese Heroes” initiative. “As a company we are compelled to support our frontline workers, especially during these unprecedented times, as they demonstrate commitment by taking care of the nation,” stated GTT’s PR Manager, Jasmin Harris.

“The pandemic” she explained, “has highlighted

the critical role that our frontline workers play and we feel duty-bound to assist in whatever way we can; we are in this together and the masks are necessary.” Receiving the donation on behalf of the Suddie Hospital was Dr. Sonia Gray. She indicated that it was a much needed donation and will help to assist the doctors and nurses at the hospital in fulfilling their duty to the patients in a safe manner. “We would like

to thank GTT for this donation.

This addition to our stock will help to ensure we are protected while performing our daily duties,” Dr. Gray stated. One hundred KN95 and 200 surgical masks were donated.GTT has announced too that it will continue to support doctors and nurses on the frontline with the provision of free mobile service throughout the pandemic.

PAGE 16

Friday June 12, 2020

Kaieteur News

$5,000 fine for vending without mask at Anna Regina Marke t

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The Anna Regina Town Council has taken a recent decision which will see vendors being fined $5000, for failure to wear a mask.

This information was confirmed by Town Clerk of the Anna Regina Town Council, Diane Critchlow.

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Critchlow went on to state CALL DIAMOND TENTS: that failure to wear a mask will 216-1043; 677-6620 result in vendors being 3 bedroom unfurnished apt in fined $5,000. She went on to Eccles, 1st Scheme Gingerlilly explain that “Vendors found Ave. Parking available. guilty of not wearing a mask Contact# 233-0044 will be given a first-time warning. The second time will 10 K Sq ft, 25 Public Rd, result in them paying a fine Agricola. US 3K Neg (Long of $5,000 to the council.”

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it was approved that all vendors must keep six feet apart from each other and customers, Critchlow revealed. “…it is especially important that vendors must wear a mask when attending to persons,” she asserted.

Reports indicate that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the Essequibo Coast.

Authorities, nevertheless, said that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure persons recognize the

seriousness of the virus.

According to the Town Clerk, vendors were previously sensitized on the seriousness of COVID-19.

“Two weeks ago the mayor and deputy mayor along with our environmental officers were in the markets, explaining to vendors the seriousness of the virus, and the precautions they needed to take. This Friday (today) we will be distributing masks to vendors as we partner with the

Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” Critchlow said.

Stressing that there will be serious consequences for persons who continue to vend without the use of a mask, she added, “Persons who continue to operate without a mask will be deemed an undesirable tenant.

This will either result in their suspension or expulsion from the Anna Regina Market.”

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The Anna Regina Market.

From page 12 Mourtant, Berbice. He explained that the Rose Hall Fire Station was the first to respond but fire fighters were met with some challenges which developed while at the scene. Persaud stated that support followed from the New Amsterdam Fire Station.

According to Persaud, “the top floor from the initial report would have been engulfed in flames when the first vehicle arrived and as a result of the fire, the entire building was destroyed. There was also support from the Albion Fire unit,” he added.

He expressed gratitude to

the residents for their firefighting efforts. “I want to thank the neighbours and other public-spirited persons who assisted during the period of fire fighting. There were some things that were challenging to us especially the terrain, we had difficulty in getting the truck to get wa-

ter from the trench (nearby) but we overcame those hurdles and I am happy to note that the two neighbouring buildings were saved and (the fire was) confined to the building of origin.” An investigation has been launched to determine the cause

Friday June 12, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

Consumers alerted to “deceptively”...

From page 11 intercepted at any of our ports of entry or in the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) - Customs ASYCUDA system, same will be refused entry for sale and use on our local market.”

The Department has therefore reminded all importers, distributors and wholesalers not to engage in the prac-

tice of trading products intended for use by Guyanese consumers that are deceptive, misleading or labelled in a foreign language.

These, Cole added, are all practices prohibited by the laws of Guyana Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03 and legal action can and will be taken against defaulters in the very best interest of the

public’s health and consumer safety.

Consumers are also being advised, especially during this period with restrictions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, to pay closer attention to labels and not to purchase items that are improperly labelled or those that are in a foreign language (no English).

PPP wants Top Cop to investigate...

From page 15 Commissioner, noted that the eventuality of post declaration violence was one of the issues high on the agenda.

“We discussed social media and some amount of mainstream media where they are persons who are making racially hostile statements, trying to divide our socie t y, t r y i n g t o i n c i t e people,” Ali told the media.

He stated too that the Commissioner was asked: what systems are in place to address the issue, and to ensure that action is taken against persons found to be inciting violence.

In response Commissioner James as-

Friday June 12, 2020

Kaieteur News

sured the party that the force is working assiduously to investigate such instances.

Further, Ali stated that the Commissioner has already made headway in the investigation and has compiled a list of breaches on social media that has been sent for legal advice so that charges could be instituted.

“The funny thing is that,” Ali said “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.”

Asked whether the concerns of the comments on social media

would affect one’s right to freedom of expression, the PPP Presidential Candidate said “We support freedom of expression, this was raised with the Commiss i o n e r, t h a t w e d o n ’t want any Guyanese to be denied freedom of expression, it is a constitutional right, a fundamental right.”

He continued “But freedom of expression does mean spreading hate and making racist statements, trying to divide our people, creating mischief and division in our country that is not freedom of expression that is trying to destroy the fabric of our society and create havoc in our country.”

DPP withdraws full court appeal to hold Bisram for murder The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yesterday withdrew an application filed by the Full Court to hear an appeal against a High Court decision to dismiss the murder committal against Marcus Bisram.

Full Court Judges upon hearing the matter explained that the Full Court did not have jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter. The Court had already been notified of the DPP’s decision to withdraw the case on the grounds that a Judicial Review can only be heard via the Appeal Court.

Earlier this month, Bisram a Guyana-born American businessman was freed of the murder charge brought against him by the State, a second time.

He was acquitted after a High Court Judge found that the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Marcus Bisram was unreasonable, unlawful and was made by ignoring relevant considerations for murder.

According to documents seen by this newspaper, Justice Simone Ramlall discharged several orders which, inter alia, quashed the DPP’s decision to direct the Magistrate to commit Bisram to stand a High Court trial for the offence of murder.

Bisram was rearrested and

charged again for the murder of Berbice carpenter Faiyaz Narinedatt hours after he was released on March 30, last.

He was rearrested based on instructions from the DPP that there was sufficient evidence for Magistrate Renita Singh to have committed Bisram to trial in the Berbice High Court.

However, Bisram, through his attorneys, Arudranauth Gossai, Sanjeev Datadin, Glen Hanoman, Bernard Da Silva, and Dexter Todd, petitioned the High Court to overturn the decision of the DPP. The lawyers contended that the DPP’s action was ultra vires, unreasonable and outside the relevant considerations that necessitates a charge of murder.

The lawyers successfully contended that Bisram’s arrest on the March 30 and his incarceration since then should be deemed unlawful.

Fire destroys Lusignan mechanic shop The destroyed Workshop

Shiv Latchman, a mechanic and the owner of “Shivo Workshop” located at Dentist Street, Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was in a state of despair yesterday after learning that his business place was destroyed by fire.

He estimates his losses to be in the millions.

The destructive blaze, this publication was told, occurred just after 08:00hrs.

This publication understands that the man’s employees were in a shed near the man’s wooden two-storey building when they noticed smoke emanating from inside.

Upon investigation they realized that the building was already on fire. They were only able to save a few cars that were in the compound before the blaze became unbearable.

Contact was immediately made with the fire service but, according to reports, the fire spread quickly consuming the entire wooden structure and about 10 other cars that were parked in the workshop.

Latchman, who was away conducting business when the fire started, was later contacted and arrived shortly after.

He said that when he arrived “everything was burnt to the ground nothing was saved”.

The proprietor also told reporters that he

Shiv Latchman the distraught owner of the Shivo Workshop has been operating his business at the said location for nearly 30 years and is now considering his next move. The man is also in despair as to how his customers, who are currently overseas, will react when they learn that their cars were destroyed in the fire.

Parents/guardians must show NGSA pupils how ...

From page 14 provide them with their own hand sanitizer and alcohol based wipes, which they can use as often as possible. Remember to talk to your children about distancing in order to protect themselves and their friends.

Most importantly, let them understand that things are going to be different at school because of the virus; you have to give them the mental support because you know how challenging preparing for the Grade Six Assess-

ment can be,” he added.

In the meantime, Guyana has recorded two new cases of COVID -19 taking the figure to 158.Dr. Persaud disclosed that the cases were discovered among 44 tests done yesterday, According to him, while the confirmed cases is now 158, the COVID-19 deaths remain at 12.

To date, 92 persons have recovered, 54 active cases are in institutional isolation, one patient is in the COVID ICU and 22 persons are in institutional quarantine.

Friday June 12, 2020

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

PGA Tour makes subdued return, Rose sets pace at Colonial

Phil Mickelson and Kevin Na stand on the 13th tee box in a moment of silence for George Floyd during the first round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament at Colonial Country Club. Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Reuters - The PGA Tour quietly returned to action for the first time in three months amid the COVID-19 pandemic as the world’s best golfers competed at a spectator-free Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas yesterday.

Everyone in a field featuring the top five golfers in the world rankings underwent mandatory testing prior to teeing off at the Charles Schwab Challenge where the PGA Tour ended its longest unscheduled break from competition since World War Two. “Just being out here is successful, to be honest with

Friday June 12, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A group with which you're affiliated with could suddenly seem to grow closer, and a family feeling could develop among its members.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Family members might want to get out in the world today, perhaps to attend a festival or rally. This is an excellent day to do this sort of thing, Taurus. You should be feeling especially energetic and enthusiastic.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Family members who live far away might be planning a visit in the future, and you could discuss it at some length today, Gemini. A lot of phone calls or emails could be exchanged.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Insights shared by a family member could lead to possible ways to increase your income. Expect to handle a lot of paperwork regarding money, but this is a positive development and definitely should leave you feeling good about your situation.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If you need to execute legal papers of any kind, Leo, you couldn't find a better day to do it. Relationships, particularly romantic ones, should be especially warm, supportive, and rewarding.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Home and family are apt to be your primary focus t o d a y, Vi rg o . Wo r k around the house might take up a lot of your time.

You might want to spruce up the place and make it more beautiful.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today a strong sense of destiny could lead you to someone new - either a potential close friend or prospective romantic partner. You're apt to feel especially protective toward this person.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Volatile emotions may come to the surface among the members of your household today. This could prove irritating for you, but try to avoid becoming involved in others' quarrels.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Someone distraught or angry, perhaps a relative, might phone you today expecting a sympathetic ear and soothing words. You'll be more than able to provide them.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A lost possession could be recovered today. A gift, either money or a long-desired item of some kind, could bring tears to your eyes, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today should prove to be a wonderful day, Aquarius.

Your physical energy is good, and you should be looking and feeling wonderful.Though you'll probably want to spend most of the day at home.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today you might feel as if you're walking around in a daze, but it's a good daze.

Your imagination and artistic abilities are sharp. Your intuition is especially attuned, and the thoughts and feelings of others are more apparent to you than they realize.

you, getting started,” said American Ryan Palmer, who hit the day’s opening tee shot. “I don’t see anything holding us back moving forward. I think today was the biggest day, just getting this first day off.”

Despite an unusually deep field that was reminiscent of a major championship as players

were eager to shake off the rust of a forced shutdown, the action was subdued with no spectators to applaud the awe-inspiring shots.

Englishman Justin Rose showed no signs of the long layoff as he waltzed into the first-round clubhouse lead with a bogey-free sevenunder-par 63 that left him one shot clear of Venezuela’s

Jhonattan Vegas.

“It felt strange to be honest,” Vegas, whose lone bogey came at his penultimate hole, said about playing without fans.

“Obviously, hit a lot of good shots, and not hearing those claps, it felt odd. But like I said, it’s something we’re going to have to get used to for a little while.”

No masks and no ball boys - Premier...

From page 20 protocols for the restart of the season at a meeting yesterday. There will be strict limits on those allowed into stadiums on matchdays and grounds will be split into zones, including the tunnel and pitchside.

In total only 300 people will be in each stadium, with no more than 110 in the ‘red zone’ including players, club staff and officials. There will be deep cleaning of corner flags, goalposts, substitution boards and match balls before and after each fixture.

Some extra disinfection, such as of the substitution board after it is used, is likely to take place during matches and at half-time, while other

work will be carried out during drinks breaks if they are permitted by the league.

The medical protocols stipulate how squads and coaching staff must travel to and from games, observing social distancing. Clubs will be encouraged to fly on longer away trips to limit use of hotels, and every player and coach will be temperature checked before they arrive at the stadium. Players will have to hand sanitise when they enter and leave the field of play. Meanwhile, players are working with the Premier League on a Black Lives Matter tribute but details are yet to be finalised.

Options discussed by players this week included taking a knee, a Black Lives

Matter logo on shirts and players’ names being replaced by the phrase Black Lives Matter. The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of the pandemic.

The fixture schedule for the first three rounds was confirmed on Friday, with 33 of the remaining 92 matches to be shown on free-to-air platforms. The league will resume on Wednesday when Aston Villa host Sheffield United at 18:00 BST, with Manchester City v Arsenal at 20:15.

Teams returned to contact training at the end of May. In the latest round of testing at Premier League clubs, one person tested positive for Covid-19.

PAGE 20

MotoGP: Revised schedule for 2020 announced with seven races to be held in Spain BBCsport - A revised MotoGP calendar for 2020 consisting of a minimum of 13 races, and a maximum of 17, has been announced with the season to start on 19 July.

Seven of the races will be held in Spain, including the first two at Jerez, with one in Barcelona, two at Aragon and another two in Valencia.

There will be two races in Austria, two in Italy and one apiece in the Czech Republic and France. The season had been originally due to start in Qatar on 8 March. However, that race has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, along with events in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Japan and Australia.

Last month it was announced that the British Moto GP, due to be held at Silverstone from 28-30 August, would not take place and it has not been included in the revised calendar. As well as the 13 scheduled races, there could also be a further four – in the United States, Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia - and a decision will be made whether they take place by the end of July.

Revised MotoGP 2020

Spain’s Marc Marquez won the MotoGP race in Jerez, Spain in 2019 schedule 1. Spain (Jerez) 19 July 2. Andalucia (Jerez) 26 July 3. Czech Republic (Brno) 9 August 4. Austria (Spielberg) 16 August 5. Styria (Spielberg) 23 August 6. San Marino (Misano, Italy) 13 September 7. Emilia Romagna (Misano, Italy) 20 September 8. Catalunya (Barcelona) 27 September 9. France (Le Mans) 11 October 10. Aragon (Aragon) 18

October 11. Tervel (Aragon) 25 October 12. Europe (Valencia) 8 November 13. Comunitat Valenciana (Valencia) 15 November There could also be a further four races – Americas (Circuit of the Americas, Austin), Argentina (Termas de Rio Hondo), Thailand (Chang) and Malaysia (Sepang). These races, if they go ahead, will all take place between 22 November and 13 December. A decision on whether they are held will be made by 31 July.

No masks and no ball boys - Premier League return plans revealed BBCsport - Players and coaching staff will not be required to wear masks at stadiums when the Premier League restarts. Players will be encouraged not to spit or clear their noses and not to break social distancing during goal celebrations.

There will be no ball boys or girls - a system of sterilised replacement balls will be used. Aston Villa v Sheffield

Friday June 12, 2020

Kaieteur News

United will be the first game when the league returns on 17 June. In Germany’s Bundesliga players and staff have been required to wear masks at all times, except for during play.

In the Premier League they will not have to wear masks at all, even in the changing room or on the bench, although the fourth official as well as doctors and

physios will have to.

Yesterday, the Premier League announced there will be a minute’s silence to remember those who have died with coronavirus before the first matches.

Heart-shaped badges in tribute to frontline NHS staff will also be worn on kits.

Clubs agreed to a range of medical and operational (Continued on page 19)

Diack tells court he slowed handling of Russian doping cases to save sponsorship Paris (Reuters) - Lamine Diack, the former head of World Athletics, yesterday told a French court he had slowed the handling of Russian doping cases between 2011-2013 to save a sponsorship deal with a Russian bank.

Diack, 87, said he had not sought to protect the athletes caught up in the scandal, some of whom later competed in the London 2012 Olympics, but to ensure the cases did not come to public attention all at once. This, he said, would have caused a scandal.

Diack, once one of the most influential men in athletics, faces charges of corruption, money laundering and breach of trust. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail.

The former long-jumper has consistently denied wrongdoing.

“Who took the decision to spread out the (sanction procedures)? It was me,” Diack told the court’s three judges. “Everyone said I was taking a risk, but it didn’t stop us from quietly working on doping.”

“When the Russian cases arose, we were going through

Lamine Diack, wearing a face mask, arrives for his trial at the Paris courthouse. © Gonzalo Fuentes, REUTERS a difficult moment financially,” he continued. “My duty was to make sure the IAAF got out of it.”

Prosecutors allege Diack solicited bribes totalling 3.45 million euros ($3.9 million) from athletes suspected of doping to cover up test results and let them continue competing.

They also say Diack obtained $1.5 million of Russian funds while negotiating sponsorship and television rights to help

finance Macky Sall’s campaign for the 2012 Senegal presidential election, in exchange for slowing antidoping procedures.

Diack told the court the Russian bank renewed its sponsorship contract worth $32 million in February, 2013.

Earlier this week, Habib Cisse, Diack’s former lawyer at the IAAF, renamed as World Athletics, told the court the IAAF could have survived financially without its Russian sponsors.

LeBron James backs effort to prevent U.S. black vote suppression Reuters - Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is starting a group with other black celebrities to work to prevent the suppression of the African-American vote, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

James’ group, More Than a Vote, will be focused on educating and protecting black voters as well as energizing more to show up at the polls for the Nov. 3 U.S. elections, according to the person who declined to speak publicly about the campaign.

“We feel like we’re getting some ears and some attention, and this is the time for us to finally make a difference,” James told the New York Times, which first reported the news. James and other celebrities expected to participate - including basketball player Trae Young, comedian Kevin Hart and businessman Maverick Carter - will use their social media presence to provide information to voters.

Their plan comes at a time when Americans are concerned about foreign interference in elections, the

File Photo: Basketball player LeBron James arrives on the red carpet for the film “The Carter Effect” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), in Toronto, Canada, September 9, 2017.

REUTERS/Mark Blinch/File Photo novel coronavirus has raised questions about voting safely and activist groups are worried about voter suppression.

“There will be an active

campaign of suppression,” according to the person familiar with James’ efforts.

“These athletes are the most trusted members of their communities.”

Friday June 12, 2020

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

World Athletics publishes outbreak-prevention guidelines for competition organisers World Athletics yester published a set of health and safety guidelines to assist competition organisers to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus when staging instadium outdoor events during the current pandemic.

The guidelines, drafted

by World Athletics’ Health and Science Department, also address the post-peak period, as described by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are based on scientific and medical knowledge of the virus responsible for Covid19.

The document offers guidance for professional athletes, support staff, technical officials, workforce, volunteers, medical staff and media. Although it doesn’t include guidelines regarding spectators, the WHO has produced a document and risk-assessment tools for mass gatherings.

Competition organisers are advised to undertake a four-point risk assessment for

all accredited attendants. If an individual scores two or higher, it is recommended that they should undergo a medical clearance protocol before the event.

Other recommendations include: Pre-Event - Welcome desks organised by local organising committees (LOC) at airports or railway stations should provide each arrival with a welcome bag that includes single-use masks (three per day, minimum), bottles of hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and a leaflet to explain the health and safety protocols for that particular event.

• When being transported from an airport or railway station to competition hotels, all passengers and drivers should wear a mask and be seated at an appropriate distance away from one another. One-way flows should also be implemented to avoid mixing of people.

• LOCs are also strongly

recommended to organise and use a medical encounter registry, recorded on an electronic system, to facilitate identification and further contact of potentially infected individuals.

At the Stadium Spectators and accredited personnel should have two completely separate entrances and the flows should not cross. Accredited personnel should only be granted access to the competition venue if wearing a face mask and with their personal hand sanitizer.

• Face masks should be worn by everyone in the stadium, with the exception of athletes when warming up or competing in their event.

• Warm-up zones should be large open-air areas within a short walking distance of the competition stadium, and access to it should be strictly controlled. Athletes should be invited to enter the warmup area following a specific timetable. All accredited

FIFA provides further guidance on COVID-19 football regulatory issues FIFA.com - Following the publication on 7 April of recommendations and guidelines to address some of the key football regulatory issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the FIFA administration has since conducted 13 different workshops with representatives from its member associations (MAs), confederations, the World Leagues Forum (WLF) and the European Club Association (ECA). More than 350 participants have attended these workshops.

The active consultation process carried out has led to the identification of frequently asked questions (FAQs), as well as several new regulatory and legal issues. After further discussions within the working group examining football regulatory issues impacted by COVID-19, chaired by Vittorio Montagliani and composed of representatives from MAs, confederations, FIFPRO, the ECA and the WLF, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has today (yesterday, Thursday) approved further temporary amendments to the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players and the Rules Governing the Procedures of the Players’ Status Committee and the Dispute Resolution

Chamber.

The new temporary regulatory amendments approved by the Bureau of the Council are as follows: · In order to avoid any concerns regarding unemployed players, players are permitted to be registered with a maximum of three clubs and are eligible to play in official matches for three clubs during the same season. · In order to give priority to clubs to complete their (2019/20) season with their original squad, provide flexibility, and allow MAs to properly plan their football calendar, those associations following a dual-year calendar are permitted to commence the “first registration period” for the 2020/21 season prior to the completion of the 2019/20 season, subject to certain conditions. · In order to provide financial relief to parties involved in disputes before FIFA, for any claim lodged between 10 June 2020 and 31 December 2020 (both inclusive), there will be no requirement to pay an advance of costs and no procedural costs shall be ordered, and for any claim

lodged prior to 10 June 2020 which has yet to be decided, the maximum amount of the procedural costs shall be equivalent to any advance of costs paid.

These temporary regulatory amendments and the answers to the FAQs that arose during the consultation process are now available on fifa.com.

The temporary regulatory amendments enter into force immediately.

The FAQ document addresses several pertinent questions arising from the regulatory issues document published by FIFA on 7 April , particularly in relation to expiring employment contracts (agreements terminating at the end of the current season) and new contracts (those already signed and due to commence at the start of the next season); employment agreements that cannot be performed as the parties originally anticipated as a result of COVID-19; and transfer windows.

FIFA recommends that MAs and all football stakeholders carefully study the FAQ document shared yesterday.

personnel should wear a mask and wash their hands before entering warm-up zones or dedicated toilets.

• Masks should also be worn in call rooms, which should be arranged in an outdoor location. It is also mandatory to disinfect chairs between each use.

In Competition - The number of people on the field of play should be kept to a minimum, and officials who will be coming into close contact with athletes should wear protective glasses or a plastic face shield, in addition to their mask.

• Once athletes have crossed the finish line, they should try to keep their distance from the public and officials, where possible, until they collect their belongings from the call room.

Specific guidelines for individual disciplines: - starting blocks should be cleaned between each race - chlorine should be added to the water jump for the steeplechase - relay batons should be cleaned between

each use, and relay teams should be discouraged from gathering or hugging after a race - the use of hand sanitizer should be recommended before each attempt in vertical jumps - officials should clean the landing mat between each jump, using a mop and virucidal solution or use a thin layer of recyclable plastic or tissue that can be placed on the jumping mat-sand in jumping pits should be mixed with a solution that contains biodegradable and non-skinaggressive virucide agent - officials who handle throwing implements should clean their hands or use disposable gloves after each handling - in combined events, the room used by athletes to recover between disciplines should be open-air, if possible. Coaches should be encouraged to interact with their athletes using electronic devices.

After Competition • Media

mixed zones should also be outside, if possible, and the number of people in the area should be kept to a minimum.

A plexiglass screen should be placed between the athletes and the media, and cleaned after each interview, and separate interview boxes should be used if there are multiple positions. Without screens, a safety dead zone of three metres should be adopted when journalists interview athletes, and masks should be used by both parties.

• To keep the number of people on the field of play to a minimum, live award ceremonies are not recommended, but alternative digital solutions are encouraged.

• Once the competition has concluded, a thorough disinfection procedure should be undertaken.

The document is dynamic and will be updated as and when more evidence and scientific-based knowledge becomes available. (World Athletics)

PAGE 22

Friday June 12, 2020

Kaieteur News

It is not about money for us: Holder on England tour PTI - West Indies captain Jason Holder says coming to England for a Test series in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic is neither dictated by money nor a sense of adventurism but the move is a genuine effort to bring back normalcy.

West Indies players arrived in the UK on Tuesday for a three-match Test series, starting July 8 at Southampton in a ‘biosecure’ environment. It will be cricket’s first international engagement since mid-March when the coronavirus pandemic halted all sporting action.

“A lot of people were crying out for cricket. It is not the case we wanted to be guinea pigs but, having said that, we always had a tour plan here in the UK this summer. After we spoke about the possibilities of it coming off, everybody was comfortable and here we are now,” Holder told BBC Sport.

The impact of coronavirus pandemic has been much severe in the UK where more

than 40,000 deaths have been.

In the Caribbean, however, only a few hundred cases have emerged. Holder said the reason for their arrival is not money and that they won’t compromise on health.

“It is not about money for us - we want safety and want to make sure we are treated fairly and we just get on with it,” Holder said. “If you put yourself in the position of a healthcare worker or someone who has worked on the front line throughout this whole pandemic, they have not had the opportunity to sit back at home and run from the virus.

“We are fortunate we have not been in that position but having said that, at some point in time you have to make an effort to get back to some kind of normality,” he added.

Since arriving in the UK, West Indies have gone into the quarantine at Emirates Old Trafford where they will spend three weeks.

Holder was impressed with the way the England and Wales Cricket Board has

arranged everything for his team. He said hand sanitisers, disposable gloves and thermometers have been widely available at their accommodation.

“Things like that give you a sigh of relief and that much more comfort,” Holder said.

“If we didn’t have things like this it would make you wonder if it was actually safe and again I cannot thank the ECB enough for what they have done so far,” he said.

Holder also spoke about the impact of anti-racism protests, that have been witnessed around the world since the death of AfricanAmerican George Floyd in the USA, on the team. “We have had previous series, particularly against England, where people have come out and said things prior to series and that has fuelled us as West Indians,” Holder said.

“Who knows, this could be something serious we could build on and get some real positive energy throughout the entire group.”

Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope and Rahkeem Cornwall of the West Indies cricket team arrive at Manchester Airport on Wednesday. Gareth Copley/ECB via Getty Images

Holder hails ‘smooth’ safety protocols Manchester, England, CMC – West Indies Captain Jason Holder has praised the England and Wales Cricket Board for the safety protocols implemented for the upcoming Test se r i e s ,

s a y i n g We d n e s d a y t h e Caribbean side felt “safe” after arriving here for the historic tour.

He said having been flown from the Caribbean by private charter on

Monday; the team had experienced a seamless transition from the airport to hotel, with little interaction with the public.

The tour is taking place in the face of a global

public health crisis triggered by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has already caused over 4,100 deaths in the United Kingdom.

“I feel pretty safe. I must commend the ECB, they’ve been outstanding so far,” Holder told a media conference conducted via Zoom from Old Trafford here where the entire touring party has been quarantined for the next two weeks.

“Arriving here in Manchester yesterday was p r e t t y s m o o t h . We j u s t transitioned directly from the plane through a VIP arrival hall and then from there straight on the buses and directly to the hotel so we had no real interface with anyone from the public; obviously just the workers at the airport and here at the hotel as well.”

The three-Test series will be the first of its kind to be played behind closed doors and under strict social distancing, health and sanitisation protocols.

Players will be isolated from the public throughout the seven-week tour, first at the “bio-secure” Old Trafford facility and then at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The teams will return to Old Trafford for the final two Tests.

Originally, the series had been carded for May but had to be postponed after the United Kingdom

Captain Jason Holder (right), along with assistant coach Roddy Estwick, leaves Manchester Airport after arriving from the Caribbean on Tuesday. found itself in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Negotiations between the ECB and Cricket West Indies resulted in the proposed series from July 8 - 2 8 , w i t h We s t I n d i e s arriving a month prior to undergo the necessary quarantine and preparation.

“Before coming here to England we all knew what was being posed,” Holder pointed out. “It was a situation of constant dialogue as to what a possible series would look like coming over here to the UK and at no point in time we forced anybody to come.

Everybody had their free will.

“I just think it’s a case where at some point or the other we had to resume some type of normalcy. We have been assured by the ECB that the relevant protocols have been put in place and so far

since we’ve got here, everything has been smooth.”

Holder, who oversaw the Windies’ capture of the coveted Wisden Trophy last year, said it was important that players adjusted to the new measures which were unavoidable across most sporting disciplines.

“At the end of the day it’s not going to be the normal bilateral series here in England but at the end of the day this is where we are with the state of world cricket – state of the world per se,” he stressed.

“I’ve been watching other sports on TV and it is different and no doubt it will be different but again, we’ve just got to get on with it and try to make the most of the circumstances in these trying times.”

Kaieteur News

Friday June 12, 2020

PAGE 23

Atkinson Brothers FC- promoting sports in Moruca

By Zaheer Mohamed

F

ounded 10 years ago, the Atkinson Brothers Football Club (ABFC) have been at the forefront promoting sports in Moruca, Region One. The club was formed by five brothers from Moruca, who after playing football in Georgetown saw the need to promote sports in their home community.

So, after completing school in Moruca, the brothers - Marlon, Barry, Brian, Joseph and Michael had journeyed to the city to attend the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI). There they represented the institution at football, winning the Coca Cola Cup and also turned out for Thomas United FC. Playing in the city, they gained much exposure and their passion for the sport grew tremendously which prompted them to promote the sport back home.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport recently, Marlon, Treasurer for the Club explained that they started to play the game at the age group level and represented their region, but their senior careers were cut short due to work commitments.

He said they wanted to give the youths in their community an opportunity to showcase their skills so that they can go places. “We learnt a lot from playing the game in Georgetown, after we graduated from GTI, we went back home and thought it best to organise tournaments, so we pooled our resources and subsequently the Atkinson Brothers Football Club was formed,” he pointed out.

To date the club has some 60 members including male and female seniors, U17 male and female, U15 male and U20 male teams. Among some of the young talented players at the club are Ronaldo Rodrigues (Guyana U15), Samara Rodrigues (Guyana U15 & 17), Henry

Atkinson Brothers Football Club Senior Male Team.

Phillips, Mark Welcome and Ronald Harris.

The Atkinson Brothers 5a-side tournament is held annually in the month of December since the formation of the club and Marlon informed that despite the Covid-19 pandemic which has brought the season to a standstill, they still remain positive that this year’s edition will be successfully held.

“This tournament is usually contested at the senior and junior levels in both male and female categories. The clubs here as well as those in other subregions do look forward to this competition so we have to remain positive.”

Moruca won the male football title at the 2019 Heritage Games and Marlon indicated that they are confident of successfully defending the title. “We are hoping that the season will resume in time for us to commence preparation for the tournament. We have a number of talented players who are raring to go, however we are hoping that the Covid-19 vanishes promptly.”

Marlon further stated that apart from the 5-a-side

tournament which held in December, the club also stage other tournaments and render assistance to neighbouring clubs.

Exposure to quality coaching remains a challenge for the youths there and he informed that they are in talks with the Moruca Sports Council to solicit assistance from the Guyana Football Federation to have qualified Coaches visit the area.

“We are also working to have coaching courses here so the teams can have their own coaches. I did a one week goalkeeping coaching course two years ago at Leonora so I work along with the players, but I am willing to enhance my ability in this field,” he posited.

Marlon explained that they are also looking at the possibility of having referees’ courses held there.

“Whenever we have major tournaments we have to bring in referees from Georgetown which is very costly, the GFF did conduct a few sessions here and we would like to see follow up programmes which will benefit the club, in that we can use referees from our area.”

Acquiring sponsorship is another challenge faced by club and Marlon informed that they would host fund raising activities to overcome this hurdle. “We usually receive sponsorship from Peanut Speed Boat Service, Royo Speed Boat Service and Troy Abraham and family for which we are thankful. Sometimes we (brothers) pool our resources together,” he said, adding that he would like to see the

Government, the GFF and other businesses chip in.

The club is also planning to embark on a four-day workshop for its junior players. “The players usually train four days during the week so we have to put systems in place for their continuous development.”

The club is being housed at the community ground and Marlon has expressed gratitude to the Village Council and Moruca Sub-

District REO Renita Williams for their assistance in helping to maintain the facility. Other than football, the club organises cricket and volleyball.

Brothers, Bruce and Nico Vi n c e n t w h o b o t h represented Essequibo at the U15 and 17 Inter County tournaments earlier this year, hail from Region One while their sister Annalisa Vincent is a national football and volleyball player.

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