Kaieteur News
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL TEL:624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Restarting and rehabilitating
I
n a truly democratic society, one that is devoted to statehood and nation building, elections are followed by gracious conceding and congratulating from those who fall short to those who prepare to ascend to the corridors of governance. Will this be the case later today here in Guyana, a land that aspires to the ideals of democracy and the kind of governance that is an inherent aspect of such? In other societies, undemocratic rogue nations, there are the clashing controversies and conflicts that initiate a long downward spiral in hostile post-elections environments. Is this what is promised here in some form at some time to some degree? As of the close of Tuesday June 16, we at this paper do not know what today Wednesday June 17 promises or, for that matter, any of the severely testing days that are beyond what should be this first day of a new beginning. And, how we need a new beginning! One that is fresh and filled with hope for all of our fellow citizens, including those with electoral disappointments and heavy personal anxieties. Elections disappointments must not, under any circumstances, deteriorate to the frustrations and political instigations that lead to the unthinkable, the unacceptable, and the unconstructive. For we, this country Guyana, need to restart. We can restart by forcing ourselves - all of us - towards the readjustments that are so vital, so mandatory, if we are going to be reinvigorated as a nation. From restarting cleanly, we can propel ourselves to readjusting sensibly, in search of the surging reinvigorating so necessary at this particularly demanding time in our existence. Are we, as a society of diverse peoples so interested? Do we have it individually and collectively, and deep within, to roll up our sleeves, tighten our belts, and fix our minds, to commit to harvesting all of the promises that beckon ahead? We at Kaieteur News believe that we do as a proud and hardworking people, and we say so today. However, to do so, we need peace, for from that peace comes the order and stability to regroup and restart for national purposes and national rewards. We have the raw gifts in abundance, and so much so that the greedy and rapacious and covetous cast longing eyes and watering mouths at our riches. Thus, we need each other to protect what we have, to cultivate what we have been endowed with, and to maximise the earnings that come from our gifts, and which rightly and fairly belongs to us Guyanese. Any thinking and visions of clean restarting calls for the peace of mind that leads to the environmental and atmospheric peace so desperately needed, yearned for, at this unhappy and unsettled moment. We have been filled to flowing over with the hostile and hurtful, the hating that fosters more hating, which only drove deeper into the darkness of the underground. And this accrues to the delight and benefit of those near and far, whose eyes brighten when they calculate how much of Guyana is up for grabbing and exploiting. The hands that are grasping are many, the hearts still more that are measuring our land and its yields, while they busy themselves projecting our profits and counting how they capture the lion’s share of what is ours. We need national peace to be so focused against what lurks, a wise political fraternity (fraternity, not enmity) to bring about the social ambience so compulsory, if only we are to give ourselves a chance to restarting and continuing as a nation of one people towards a single destiny. We ask one more time, can we be so disciplined, whether first or so close to that prize, to understand and appreciate what is involved, what could come? We hope so and look forward to things being so from a leadership level all the way down to the level where all of us have to coexist and live constructively and with hope in our hearts. We agree that there is much discussion and debate (disagreement, too) that must be integral and immediate components of going forward to a better standard and place (Continued on page 6)
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
Use of the CARICOM Logo was not authorised DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the full-page advertisement, which was carried in your Tuesday, 16 June 2020 edition on page 2, which, inter alia, reproduced the Caribbean Communitys (CARICOMs) Logo.Our records do not indicate that any application by the Kaieteur News or any other entity has been made for permission from the Secretary-General to use the Logo. The use of the Communitys Logo in this advertisement is therefore unauthorised. As published, the advertisement is misleading as it would easily lead one to believe that it was placed by the Community or its Secretariat.
I request that this disclaimer be published in the next edition of your newspaper. I trust that there would be no repetition of this unauthorised use of the Communitys Logo, in this or any other form, going forward. Yours truly, Leon Robertson Communications Advisor Office of the Secretary-General Editors Note Our apologies for having neglected to exercise due diligence on the artwork provided by a third party. All future versions of the advertisement will be absent the CARICOM Logo.
The people of Leonora are proud of Irfaan Ali’s achievement DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me your precious space to openly express a shared enthusiasm. Based on this afternoons proceedings meeting, the Chairman from the Election Commission, the Right Honorable (Rtd.) Justice Claudette Singh has instructed the CEO to submit his report for a declaration of the election result, based on the votes as per the recount, as per Article 96 of the Representation of the Peoples Act. The figures show that the PPP/C secured 233,336 votes and the APNU/AFC generated 217,920 votes, a dominant and winning lead of 15,416 votes. The Madam Chairman has ultimately lived up to her name and Guyana salutes her for being justified in her legitimate decision. We all applaud her for doing a fearless and wonderful job. Since the original
counting of the votes commenced, the Mingo fiasco over fictitious numbers and imbroglio, the uncomfortable legal court proceedings, the CARICOM reentry, the Carter Center refusal, Lowenfields 156 days recount process submission, the delaying tactics and antics, the frivolous interruptions, the thousands of unsubstantial and ridiculous claims, the rebuttal from accusers, the revelation of facts over fictions, the actual recounting result, the embarrassing confessions from supporters of the Coalition Party, thousands of honest and sober minded Guyanese have already shown their dislike for the former governing party and have indicated their full support for the PPP/C by way of writing to the newspapers, calling in to radio programs or verbally expressing their choice to
fellow Guyanese in the streets, at work or at home. It is without hesitation or reservation, we the people of Leonora do extend our warmest and sincere best wishes to Dr. Irfaan Ali, the newly elected President of Guyana and the Brigadier (red) Mr. Mark Phillips, the expected Prime Minister. We are so proud of the fact that these two distinguished gentlemen, backed by a supportive cast led by the prolific Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and the astute Mr. Anil Nandlall, will lead this nation on to a road of recovery despite being saddled with the burning issues of a depleted economy, thanks to the bankruptcy gifted by the APNU/AFC. Wi t h y o u t h a n d experience, intelligence and determination from the PPPC, Guyana will once again overcome its pressing hurdles to establish stability and provide the happiness
that the people finally deserve. These two individuals should not fail us but instead, blaze a trail for development and construction and forge a relationship that will bridge a gap between poverty and prosperity through unity and not diversity. May that Almighty look over the entire Guyana as we pray on our knees not to squeeze anyone, but for the good welfare of all and that, this nation will not be hurled to the ground and their lives and rights trampled on as they had previously experienced. We fervently hope that this new administration will restore the true meaning of emancipation and not allow only any-one secular group to enjoy the privilege of courting freedom. To our dear President, Sir, you have done great justice to the people of Leonora, coming a long way (Continued on page 6)
Wednesday June 17, 2020
The Guyana Bar Association should take action on behalf of voters DEAR EDITOR, The Guyana Bar Association, if they have any integrity or guts left since you hardly hear a squeak from them regarding the violations and criminal mischief of the ruling party, must bring a class action Lawsuit on behalf of the voters of Guyana vs Gecom, Lowenfeld, Justice Singh, President Granger, his Ministers and the APNU+AFC for violation of voters rights under International Public Law (IPL) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR). These individuals must be made to pay each citizen for the blatant abuse of voter rights as governed by international laws and treaty as Guyana is a signatory country to these laws. This must never be allowed to happen again and a lesson must be taught. In the USA, lawyers would have a field day with this sort of case as your most lethal witnesses will be the observers who wrote the Caricom report in this subject matter. Please do not let this opportunity go to waste. Yours truly, Aryan Ghosh
I am satisfied with the Ministry of Educations measures for COVID-19 DEAR EDITOR, My task is a simple one through this medium as it relates to our children deserving a chance to sit their exams for assessment. I humbly seek your approval to share a few observations and recommendations. As a parent, I have seen and read enough to conclude that the National COVID-19 Task Force is doing as best as they can and winning in the fight to stem the tide of COVID-19 infections on the local shores. While the world, more so, the first world has suffered and in some cases, continues to endure a devastating blow, I firmly believe that it is the guidelines and interventions of the NCTF that have worked to save the population from annihilation. I do believe as is evident that the Ministry of Education has adopted all the protocols and is following the guidelines to the letter to ensure that our children are safe in this pandemic setting. I have checked the Ministrys social media pages and for credible guidelines and information as a parent.The children have been home for a while now and most have benefited and are continuing to, in some form or another from the Ministry of Education. Those interventions that facilitate learning have been arguably supported by most teachers and commendation is in order.I would have had an issue if the Ministry was doing nothing to keep the children gainfully engaged but I do beg that the students who are at the age to sit the exams be afforded the opportunity as opposed to the sudden Chicken Licken outcry by some for whatever purpose.With all the efforts and preparation in place, I take this opportunity to beg parents and teachers alike to please give our students the opportunity to sit the NGSA, CSEC and CAPE examinations. Yours respectfully, Tracy Franklin
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The winner should be gracious in victory DEAR EDITOR, By the time this letter is published, it will be the undeniable and unchangeable fact which party has won the 2020 General and Regional Elections. Currently, half of the country may be overjoyed and ecstatic, as the party of their choice has gained the keys to the office of the Presidency and the right to govern for the next five years, unless defeated by a No-Confidence Motion. However, a large part of the population may be disappointed and confused. Therefore, my plea to the supporters of the triumphant party, please be gracious in victory. For the peace of all of Guyana, extend an olive branch to the losing side. Please, for the younger Guyanese as myself, maintain love, unity, and harmony. Future generations will be judging your actions. Yours truly, Jordon Nelson
It is time to establish a meritocracy in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, Meritocracy is defined as the “government or holding of power by people selected based on their ability�. During the rule of the major parties, the face of Guyana shifted to that of the predominant racial makeup of that particular party. However, one must note that during the reign of President L.F.S. Burnham, the school system was integrated and ability dictated the level of educational opportunity available to students independent of racial or socioeconomic background. Mr. Robert Corbin reminded me of this when I last saw him. At the time, he was the leader of the PNC while in opposition.The reason I mention this important point has to do with the current economic performance and future outlook of the global economy. Guyana does not have the luxury of developing in isolation due to its high dependence on exports, and given the limited human resources available in our country. It is very important that we as a country, leverage the talent available based on abil-
ity. This of course does not exclude the availability of overseas Guyanese talents that have had the opportunity to develop additional skills via experiences not currently available nationally. Therefore, I place for serious consideration before our current and future leadership that in order to achieve sustainable and efficient development of our country, an unbiased vetting of the talent pool available must become the norm in how business is done. Management of talent and the holding of each other accountable will effectively address issues of loyalty and performance. As we move forward with the development of our country, each individual must be placed in a position that best leverages their talents and makes the best use of the talent we have available as a country. If racism is allowed to continue to take root and flourish in our country, development will be unsustainable as power changes hands after an election. Yours truly, Jamil Changlee
We have to work together to sweeten our bitter past DEAR EDITOR, I am heartened by turn of events as the APNU+AFC political masquerade and bullyism which threatened a storm finally subsided. Over the last year or so, we endured a tolerance-testing journey; we have had to navigate political potholes, illogical math, legal battles, colossal power-avarice, devious manipulations of the SOP verification and reconciliation processes that ended with a money wasting national recount and tabulation. In the end, the truth prevailed. In the words of poet, Omar Khayyam, the moving finger writes and having writ moves on, not all thy piety or wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all thy tears wash away a word of it. While there are contextually profound meanings to such words, I have chosen to use the simplest version, that is, whatever is done cannot be undone. The populace has spoken through the ballots; nothing can erase the collective outcome. Its a done deal, achieved through democratic processes, which we must all accept. We must now positively embrace this change and collectively work to shape our country into the design that would be both, physically pleasing and economically rewarding to us and our future generations. We can all rest assured that
the PPP/C has the nations best interests and socioeconomic well-being at heart. By extension, every Guyanese can look forward to prosperous times again; we did it before and we will do it again. We have embraced a philosophy based on the idea that development is about people and for people. Hence, our focus on bettering the lives of all Guyanese regardless of their religious, cultural or pol i t i c a l affiliations.Furthermore, the belief in peace, progress and prosperity, collectively, has always been our mantra. We shall not shirk from such responsibility. Let us now put back our trust in our new administration, and be prepared to join hands across the ethnic, religious and political spectrum to lend support to a team, which promises transformational leadership under our elected President Dr. Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier (rtd.) Phillips.In sum, let us relish the dawn of this new era of prosperity; one which would be forged on the rule of law and egalitarian values and principles, such as, fairness, justice, equal opportunity, equal access, and correspondingly, citizens responsible conduct.Fellow Guyanese, let our republic reign as we work to correct this disjunctive democracy and sweeten our bitter past. Yours truly, Ronald Singh
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
The CARICOM Observer Team report is “conceptually flawed” DEAR EDITOR, A careful examination of the “Report of the CARICOM observer team for the recount of the Guyana March 2, 2020 elections” has raised a number of important concerns about the structure, process, and the outcome of the analysis described in the 132-page document. First, it is unclear whether the Teams categorical observation that their report was based on “…an audit” and therefore “…was not in fact a recount” is consistent with what is described elsewhere in the document. For example, “Overall, while we acknowledge that they were some defects in the recount of the March 02, 2020 votes cast for the General and Regional Elections in Guyana, the Team did not witness anything that would render the recount … from reflecting the will of the voters. The actual count of the vote was indeed transparent” (p.2). There is a need to redefine what “transparent” means within the context of a report that was limited in its observation. Also, an assessment of the percentage of time that the word recount (approximately 92%) was used relative to an audit (about 8%) lend to the conceptual confusion of the approach taken in this report. Additionally, the observation that “GECOMs elaborate and unnecessary checklist (see Appendix IV). A checklist which was unnecessarily/ excessively burdensome and which was suggestive of an audit rather than a recount” highlights the conceptual confusion about the ap-
proach the Team adopted in their work. This issue by itself is not especially problematic, however, given that a recount is clearly a type of an audit, one wonders about the potential impact that an unclear framework might have had on the process and the outcome of this report. Second, the constraints that the Team described in the document (see page 5, para. 1) included the number of Team members (n=3) which resulted in only 18.09% or 423 workstations being observed in the process. This methodological approach or “The Recount Strategy” is fundamentally flawed but was nonetheless the framework that formed the basis for the conclusions reached by the CARICOM Team. The implications of this unscientific methodology are far reaching. The priority assumptions about the adequacy of the selected size of the CARICOM Team are brought into question and should be considered when assessing the value that is place on this limited and therefore incomplete report. A report is as good as the research design or in this instance, “The Recount Strategy” that it uses. Parenthetically, when was it known, “… that it was virtually impossible…” for the Team to adequately deploy across the workstations? More importantly, as is described later, are the decisions that were made in the face of the unfortunate reality of the limitations that confronted the Team not consequential? The Teams solu-
tion of this problem is at the heart of the challenges that are inherent in the findings posited in this report. Third, the discussion about the selection of the specific workstations (n=423 or 18.09%) does not point to an approach that can be trusted, at least in terms of the results of the analysis. Was the choice of the workstations based on established principles of random selection? This document does not even attempt to deal with this well-known problem in making inferences from a sample (i.e., n=423) to the general population from which the sample was drawn. Additionally, if one grants the Team a passing grade on the assumption “… that it was virtually impossible …” to actually observe 100% of the available work stations, it is virtually irresponsible to eliminate from the report a description of steps that were taken to ensure that their work is representative of the Guyanese electorate. So, the reader is left asking what if any of the basic principles of random sampling were considered or implemented in this design. If the criteria for any type of random sampling approach are not met, then the platform on which the results are built is fragile and potentially deadly to any attempt at a “free and fair election” process. Thus, in the face of the violation of well-established guidelines for analysis of data, the results cannot be trusted. The failure to describe the criteria used to select workstations within and across each region destroys
any confidence that one could reasonably have in the process and the outcome of the work of the CARICOM Team. Fourth, the percentage of the overall ballot boxes observed included the following: Region 4 (37%), Region 3 (18%), Region 6 (14%), Region 7 (26.82%) and Region 9 (24.65%). These percentages show no consistent pattern that considered the relative number of ballot boxes by Region. If a selection of stations was based on some statistical approach that accounted for the relative size of the Region then one might have been more confident that the CARICOM sample could be trusted. The core issue across all the observations about the methodology and the results of the recount is the flawed design of the work of the CARICOM Team. Moreover, the irony of this report is that the solution (i.e., The CARICOM Team) has created more problems than clear answers to the issues it sought to resolve. This, in the absence of a systematic approach to a process that was intended to engender confidence in an election process, the electorate is left with a report that is conceptually flawed and statistically imprecise. Finally, this is clearly a report that should be viewed more as an attempt to create a new methodology that blatantly disregards standard and best in class approaches to process audit and or an electoral recount. As a result, we have a report that ex-
cludes data from over 80% of the possible work stations thereby rendering conclusions from an audit that is based on an unscientific selection of 18.09% of the work stations useless at best. Overall, the multiple contradictions observed throughout the document is striking. In addition to those observed above, the essence of the inconsistent description on page 24, paragraph 1, is emblematic of similar contradictory statements in the document. That is, the Team suggested that the GECOM staff “… for the most part” were “well trained in the basic procedural matters” while admitting that “… it was also evident that there were varying degrees of effi-
ciency and effectiveness of the staff.” These evaluation concepts capture the ideas of doing things right (efficiency) and doing the right things (effectiveness). If in fact, varying degrees of efficiency and effectiveness… were found in the staff that were observed, then it should follow that there were varying degrees of the doing things right and of doing the right thing. Clearly, there is a need to consider the impact of these and other identified “basket” of concerns on the outcome of the election. Yours truly, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles
The people of Leonora... From page 4 from the sacrifice of your grandmother and the other glowing contributions from the many stalwarts from this village who have unreservedly sacrificed their lives for this Party and the people of this nation. Let us not forget the great Alice, a martyr, who gave her life for the freedom of this country. You have a proven track record for success from your former ministerial positions and we have no doubt that you will continue to shine again and better that record. We stand proud as Leonorians to acknowledge you as the first President Leonora has produced and the second from West Coast Demerara, the late Mr. Arthur Chung being the first. To our friend, Mr. Prime Minister, we say, Sir, you have also established yourself quite distinguishably as a military officer and have won the admiration of this nation during your tenure. Leonora is proud to be associated with your selection and know that you will perform to the best of your capacity and be a true statesman to represent the interest of all the people of Guyana. Congratulations once again, good luck and God bless. Thank you. Yours truly, Jai Lall.
Restarting and rehabilitating From page 4 for us in this country. But we must restart first on the right footing and immediately. Thereafter, all the positions and contentions-as well as the necessary resolutions about how to go about GECOM, what to do for a new constitution, when to converse about Truth and Reconciliation can and must follow with no less urgency and authenticity. Those are only some of the big-ticket areas and items mentioned now, since there are a million others of a similarly demanding nature, which we at KN have every intention of prioritizing and tabling right here on this page in the next few days and weeks. As all will agree, be they ally or adversary, we as a nation have been transfixed on and consumed by elections for some 18 months now, since late in the evening of that fateful late December day in 2018 have been about elections only. We now need to move away in one piece and with one mind towards living again, which we can only do by taking the first determined and comprehensive steps to restarting. Our people need to go to work to earn and be
restored to the places of personal self-esteem and dignity. Our businesses need to reopen so that the commerce of everyday life can be expanded and energized. Our churches need to reopen so that we can kneel and pray that we have gotten here, and that we will have the strength and the character to move forward together. That is the key: in the oneness of togetherness that comes from the peace that is fed by respect for process and result, respect for each other. Guyana has delayed long enough in this endless and bitter struggle for elements of democracy. They are of the first elements only, with all the supporting architecture of mind and vision, of single-mindedness of purpose to usher in an era of stability and unity in this society still to come. We appreciate that it will be an uphill task, many grueling ones rolled into one, but it is time for us to get down to the business of building a nation. It is time to restart, starting from today through genuine national self-discovery.
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Labourer gets 3-year jail sentence for robbing Wismar businessman
Jailed: Keon Harlequin By Renay Sambach On Monday, days after 22-year-old Kevin Batson of 161 First Alley, Wismar, was shot dead after he and an his accomplice gun-butted and robbed a businessman at One Mile, Wismar, Keon Harlequin, a labourer also known as “Peas” of One Mile, Wismar, Linden, was sentenced to a total of three years imprisonment for the offences. Harlequin virtually appeared before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, when the two charges: armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition were read to him. He pleaded guilty. The charges stated that on June 10, 2020 at One Mile, Wismar, Linden, while in the company of another and armed with a gun, they robbed businessman Herbert Campbell of a
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Dead: Kevin Batson wallet and a cell phone. On the same date and at the same location, Harlequin had in his possession an unlicensed firearm and matching rounds of ammunition when he is not a licensed firearm holder.According to the facts of the charge, on the day in question, Harlequin and Batson went to “Sadam” Hardware Store and ordered a garden rake and opted to pay before the items were delivered. Batson then allegedly whipped out a handgun and relieved a salesperson of his valuables. The men then attempted to make good their escape, when the businessman pursued them.In an attempt to scare the businessman, Batson opened fire and the businessman pulled out his licensed pistol and returned fire. It was then that Batson was shot. His body (Continued on page 22)
“Winner must not take all”- Carter Center
The Carter Center has made a call for “Constitutional Reform” to be a high priority for the incoming victors of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, with the aim of abolishing the “winnertakes-all system.” The Carter Center said, “Going forward, we call on all Guyanese to prioritize efforts to strengthen Guyana’s democratic institutions and advance constitutional reforms to move beyond the winner-takes-all system,” in a statement issued yesterday. Despite not being allow entry into Guyana, to observe the National Recount, the Carter Center continued to support and pay keen attention to Guyana’s electoral process, again expressing disappointment that their numerous requests for entry were denied. They were also in high praise of the CARICOM Scrutineering Team report, submitted to the Chair of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM), Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh, on Monday. “Although the Center is disappointed that it was not
allowed to return to Guyana to directly observe the recount, it is encouraged by CARICOM’s largely positive report on the recount process,” the statement said. Further, the Carter Center commended the GECOM on the completion of the recount process and welcomed the CARICOM report, which indicated that despite minor flaws in the process, the recount results are acceptable and provide the basis for a declaration of results from the March 2 election. The Carter Center pointed
out that they had previously stated that while electoral preparations and voting and counting procedures met international standards, “the March tabulation process for Region 4 generated results that were deemed by the Center and other international and domestic observers as not credible.” The results of the National Recount show that the People’s Progressive Party has won with a grand total of 233,336 votes against the APNU+AFC Coalition’s 217,920 votes.
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
Guyana records 12 more COVID-19 cases There are 12 new cases of COVID-19 in Guyana. This is according to Chief Medical Officer (CMO) within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. The CMO told viewers in a live update via Facebook yesterday that among the new cases, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) has recorded its first case. According to the CMO, the nation now has eight out of 10 regions reporting COVID-19 cases. Dr. Persaud said that as at June 16, 2020, of the 36 tests conducted, the new cases were uncovered. “This brings our total number of confirmed cases to 171 and the number of COVID-19 deaths remains at 12. The total number of tests done is 1,995 and of that number 1,822 are negative. We have 60 active cases in institutional isolation and 24 cases in quarantine. We are happy to report that 99 persons have recovered thus far,” the CMO stated. In the global context, Dr. Persaud noted that, accord-
ing to the World Health Organization (WHO), the total number of cases is 7,823,289 with 431,541 deaths. In the Region of the Americas, the total number of positive cases is 3,781, 538 with 201,848 deaths. At the interim, he noted that the Public Health Ministry continues t o c a l l o n those within the mining community to recognise that they can only be safe if they always follow the guidelines of wearing a mask when in public, washing their hands as often as possible and maintaining physical distancing. “Please remember that there is no cure so the temptation to self-medicate if you have symptoms of COVID-19 is not recommended. We ask that you seek medical attention by contacting the nearest health facility so that they can bring services to you. The message is not only for the miners within the hinterland region, but for those who are at home on the coastland and have plans of returning. Please remember
that you cannot provide for your family if you are sick,” he noted. According to Dr. Persaud, the criteria for travel by air as stated in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) biosafety for Air Travel, lists PCR testing for COVID, temperature and symptom screening, and use of Personal Protective Equipment, (PPE) as essential. As it relates to Guyanese returning home from abroad, the CMO noted the IATA endorsed procedures will apply to any traveller, citizen, resident, worker, and visitor arriving by commercial and private aircraft to the two main airports in Guyana. Added to that, the CMO said that pre-screening is required before persons returning by airline are screened at check-in and boarding by the airline. Dr. Persaud said temperature, symptoms checks, health assessment and other COVID specific exit/entry screening will be applied in accordance with IATA guidance.
“Travellers should provide proof of negative PCR tests not more than 48 hours before travelling. If testing is done on same day, testing must be done by PCR method and traveller must arrive at least six hours before the departure of the flight. Practice physical distancing during boarding (6ft/2m distance); use of personal protective equipment where necessary, said
the CMO. As it regards boarding, he added that, “it is recommended to commence from the back of the aircraft with each passenger seated before the next person enters.” Further, the CMO said persons needing special assistance should be boarded before other passengers. He said that passengers should be encouraged to use restrooms at the departing airport before boarding.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud
Caribbean Voice in partnership to provide free resources to NGSA students The lockdown and other measures to address COVID19 have resulted is an ongoing struggle for students who are preparing for the Secondary School Exam/National Grade Six Assessment. Students lacking internet access are at a greater disadvantage without the online resources made available by various Ministries of Education and other stakeholders. Families, teachers and their trade unions are stridently objecting to students writing the exam as scheduled – July to October - because of lack of preparation, fears for the safety of students and teachers, difficulty of accessing transportation to and from school and other related issues as well as the attendant mental health fallout. In response to this situation, a team of students and teachers from various U.S. universities have partnered
with The Caribbean Voice (TCV) to provide muchneeded access to free study materials in preparation for the exam. The team, known as the Caribbean Education Project (CEP), has published learning resources accessible via an online platform. CEP is distributing printed copies of these resources, implementing novel file-sharing solutions to communities lacking internet access and providing live support through Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to those requiring additional assistance. According to a statement, “CEP and TCV are looking for local contacts to advise on the best means of developing and distributing the resources and to assist in making the resources as widely available as possible. Also CEP and TCV are seeking businesses willing to provide free or lowcost printing and distribution
of the printed materials to students in need of them. Please contact CEP or TCV if you can help on any of these fronts.” Meanwhile, schools and teachers are urged to access and use the materials to help their students prepare for the exam. Ministries of education across the region are also invited to utilise the resources to supplement what is currently being offered as well as suggest any changes to maximise the impact of the resources. For more information, or to become a local partner, persons can reach out to CEP’s Shawn Shivdat via Facebook Messenger or +14044069638 via WhatsApp or to TCV via email to caribvoice@aol.com or Annan Boodram on Facebook Messenger or 646461-0574 on WhatsApp. For access to the free examination preparation materials, persons can visit caribed.org.
Wednesday June 17, 2020
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Belief and reality
W
hen the Human Immunodefi ciency Virus (HIV) first appeared, it amounted to a virtual death sentence. Once you got the virus then you knew that you were going to die. The treatments now used to prolong the life of those infected with HIV were not available back then. Infection with HIV thus meant death within a short period of time. It also carried a stigma which many tried to escape by either concealing the disease or claiming that they had other fatal conditions. There were many persons whose relatives claimed that they died from cancer when in fact the real cause was complications from the virus. A friend of mine was tested positive in those early years. The doctors told him that he had been infected with
the virus. He knew that this diagnosis meant that he would die young. But in his mind, he did not want to accept that he had the virus. And this belief led him to be in denial. He died believing that one of his former lovers had placed an omen on him and it was this evil spirit that was responsible for his illness. He was not an unintelligent man. He was highly educated. But he wanted to believe something other than the truth. The doctors had told him that he had tested positive; he had all the classical symptoms associated with full-blown AIDS. But that was not a reality which was acceptable to him because it shone the spotlight on his numerous sexual indiscretions and promiscuity. He took another way out: the
way of denial. He died believing that his illness was as a result of an evil spell. His belief became his reality. There was another woman from the same village. She was an extremely religious person. She believed in her heart that she was the beneficiary of divine protection and there was no personal challenge which she could not overcome with the intercession of God. She insisted repeatedly that she was “washed with the blood of Jesus” and no disease could prevail against her. It did not dawn on her that perhaps the same Jesus whom she loved had his own plans for her. And so when she got sick, she refused to take her medication telling her doctors that God would cure her. She died in hospital from a curable illness. What she wanted to believe had become her reality.
Dem boys seh ...
Learn about de gold in de backyard Dem farrin country gat a big advantage over dis country. Dem gat de technology fuh extract wealth faster dan some of dem big pump pon de East Coast dat does drain water. Dem machine wha dem oil company and dem gold mining company gat, does extract we minerals faster dan we can say “Oooh la la!” Dem boys rememba lang ago when we used to got pork-knocker with dem Warishi, pick axe and battel. Dem used to mine in such a way dat de gold gon last fuh generations. Dem boys did even try dem hand and dem did mek a few ounces which help dem fuh get-up in life. But nowadays with dem dragga and dragline wha digging de gold, all we gold gon done before we grand-picknee start fuh
pee froth. Dat is wha yuh call destructive mining. De Oh-Mai company come fuh dig a gold mine. People feel dat with de amount gold in dat mine, dat every Guyanese would be millionaires. In fact, plenty man leff de wuk in de bauxite industry fuh go and wuk with de Oh-Mai. But none ah dem become millionaire. While dem wukkin hard, dem big boys flying in KFC chicken by helicopters. Dem boys seh we leaders gat fuh get dem act together and stop settling fuh dem lowhanging fruit – like a few jobs here and there. Is time we start to control we own wealth so dat it mek we rich and it could last fuh when we grand-picknee dem become big man. Talk half and start understand how much wealth yuh gat in yuh backyard.
When the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak first occurred, there were some persons who felt that it was all a hoax concocted by the large pharmaceutical companies. Some of them are still of the belief that there is no coronavirus in Guyana. They do not wish to be restrained in their lifestyles and so they have internalized a belief that there is no virus. They have made it into their reality and are denying the existence of the coronavirus. When what you want becomes your reality, it can lead to denial and delusion. And this manifests itself even when it comes to politics. There are persons out there who may seem irrational in arguing that the APNU+AFC won the elections. It seems brazen, barefaced and contemptuous for anyone to have such a position. But there are many intelligent and respectable per-
sons who desperately wanted the APNU+AFC to win the elections. They are struck with this blind loyalty to the Coalition to the extent that this has become their reality, the source of their present delusion. They cannot accept that the party which they support has lost convincingly and fairly. They cannot accept it because they do not wish to accept it. And like the man who could not accept that he was infected with HIV or the woman who could not contemplate that God would allow a disease to get the better of her, these supporters of the APNU+AFC are clutching at straws. The truth is there in front of their faces but the reality, indeed the truth, is too hard for them to accept this. This is not what they want. What they want has obsessively become an obsession; it has become their reality. They have to find a justi-
fication for that reality. And so they continue to parrot the debauched narrative that the dead got up and voted and that migrant people voted even though not a single such case was reported on Election Day in 2,339 polling stations across the country. It is not that these people are stupid; it is simply their desire becoming their reality. Their belief has become their reality. When they claim that the elections results were flawed, it is not always a case of dishonesty. It can be a case of delusion. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Make a bust of the following persons If any young Guyanese, 40 years from now is asked what the significance of June 16, 2020 is, he/she may not know. But if that day is a holiday or if there is a statute on some popular spot in Guyana that symbolizes its importance then it becomes self-explanatory. I am recommending one of two things to President Irfaan Ali as a matter of extreme urgency. Create a national holiday for June 16 or the day when the declaration is official or erect a bust of the face of the following persons; Bruce Golding; Owen Arthur; American Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch; Canadian High Commission, Lilian Chatterjee; British High Commissioner, Grey Quinn and EU Ambassador, Fernando Ponz Cantó.
These people kept alive Guyanese freedom to vote and have that vote counted. We should forever be grateful to them. When you contextualize their presence in Guyana and relate it to 1968, then you will come to understand that the names mentioned above have left an indelible legacy in this sad country. Here now is the contextual argument. In 1968, Forbes Burnham and his PNC party thought that the only way the party can survive in power was to rig the election because a split vote may see the United Force and the PPP in a coalition thus ending the PNC’s reign. From 1968, the PNC rigged successive elections including the one under Desmond
Hoyte in 1985. There was also a fraudulent referendum in 1968. From the first electoral massacre in 1968, the country saw a continuous exodus so by the time the Americans negotiated with Cheddi Jagan to have free and fair elections in 1992, Guyana was virtually a ruined land with most of its talented and wealthy people gone. But the relentless exodus included countless ordinary souls who secured illegal landing in several CARICOM states and western countries. From 1968 to Desmond Hoyte’s innovative directions in political economy in 1987, Guyanese living here were an unhappy people, pessimistic and joyless. Most, if not all, wanted to get out. It was a miserable society without
hope and hopelessly going nowhere. In this quagmire of depressive nihilism, I chose to return but also dragged my soulful, beautiful, educated wife with me. I knew what a wasteland Guyana was until 1992 when people could have voted freely and see their votes counted. From 1992, elections were held, incumbents came and went. Then, came March 2, 2020. This was the atavistic reversion to 1968, 1973, 1978, 1980, 1985. I lived through all those rigged elections but I never saw such naked electoral terrorism as I saw from March 2 to June 15 in the year 2020. No one under 40 years of age can imagine the shape of the collective psyche of a society where a permanent dictatorship had its knee on the body of its citizens. This happened again in March 2020. We were back to permanent PNC dictatorship. The reincarnation of Forbes Burnham came down from the horizon to Guyana. But the era of rigged elections had passed. The world was not prepared to torture Guyana again. The world knew that Guyana did not deserve an-
other round of PNC dictatorship, another round of Burnhamism, another round of dissolution of the right to vote. This is where we must see the price value of Golding, Arthur, Ambassador Lynch; High Commissioner Chatterjee; High Commissioner Quinn and Ambassador Cantó. These people saved Guyana. These influential international actors saw the naked electoral terrorism perpetrated by the PNC, AFC and their GECOM surrogates and they told Guyana and the world, they will stop electoral terrorism in Guyana because they will confront it. Confront it they did. Guyana won yesterday. Freedom was won yesterday. But it was only possible because of Golding, Arthur, Ambassador Lynch, High Commissioner Chatterjee; High Commissioner Quinn and Ambassador Cantó. I implore President Ali, please borrow some funds from some part of the world and make a bronze bust of Golding, Arthur, Ambassador Lynch, High Commissioner Chatterjee, High Commissioner Quinn and Ambassador Cantó. Forty years from now the
Frederick Kissoon young generation will look at these faces and they will read the inscription below. They will see that if it weren’t for these great humans, these passionate humans, these outstanding democratic characters, Guyana would have been dead as it was under Forbes Burnham. I want the PPP leaders to know that I will use my pen consistently to call for these busts to be made. I would suggest placement at either the arrival section of the airport or at the round-about at the Kitty seawall or by the Cenotaph. Do it, President Ali, just do it! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
Second SVN student gets prestigious Canadian scholarship - eyes career in medical field Narindra Persaud continues to make the SVN school proud
In 2016, Narindra Persaud was one of the best graduating Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) students of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) School and ever since, he has been excelling. As testimony to his continued excellence, Persaud was recently awarded the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to pursue studies in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Toronto, Mississauga. This is according to a press release issued by the school, which noted that “the Principal, Faculty and students of SVN have joined in congratulating and wishing Narindra Persaud continued success as he embarks on a journey to pursue a career as a general surgeon.” According to the Times Higher Education World University rankings, University of Toronto is the 18th among the world’s top 100 universities. This annual scholarship, named after a former Canadian Prime Minister, recognises international students who demonstrate academic excellence with a drive to leading the improvement of their com-
munities. While thousands of students worldwide apply for this elite scholarship, Persaud is one of 38 students actually selected for the 2020 cohort. He succeeds Vamanadev Hiralall, who was granted the scholarship in 2018. It is worth acknowledging that Hiralall and Persaud, both of SVN, are the only students from Guyana to ever be awarded this prestigious scholarship. Persaud hails from a humble background in the village of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. Although Persaud was displeased with his performance at the NGSA, having secured a place at the Zeeburg Secondary, he was able to attend SVN and was one of the most outstanding performers at CSEC in 2016 attaining 20 subjects with 14 grade one passes. He attributed his success to the dedication to excellence and discipline espoused by SVN together with the support of his teachers and family. After a one-year break from studies, Persaud returned to SVN to pursue studies at CAPE. Despite difficulties transitioning to fulltime studies again, he was
SVN’s best graduating student at CAPE in 2019 with passes in 14 units. According to several of his teachers, Persaud has been an exemplary student of SVN evident by his competitive nature and devotion to producing excellent work. He has always strived to improve himself and this allowed for his outstanding academic achievements, the SVN statement said, adding that, “his enthusiasm extends to his current work as a Chemistry teacher at the school.” Having grown up in a large impoverished neighbourhood where much importance is not given to education, Persaud has a passion for helping to alleviate these problems through his volunteer work. “Persaud also exemplifies the school’s philosophy of giving back to one’s community. He has also been involved in teaching science subjects to children at local orphanages and single-handedly organised SVN’s blood drive in October 2019.” For further information, visit the University of Toronto Website: https:// future.utoronto.ca/pearson/ 2020-scholars
Wednesday June 17, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
Kaieteur News
48 more Guyanese headed to home-isolation - another 205 more to do so today A passenger being screened at CJIA
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who were stranded in NY. Meanwhile, those stranded in Barbados and Trinidad, are still awaiting word as to when they will be able to head home. These individuals had their Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flights postponed on June 11. Authorities had stated that there were not enough pas-
sengers listed to make the bookings. However, in a recent update, authorities informed Kaieteur News that the list was completed and is now awaiting confirmation from CAL for a new date. Member of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), David Patterson, had
told reporters during a recent press conference that the NCTF will allow two repatriation flights per week. He also told stranded Guyanese abroad that in due time, all persons will return home and encouraged that persons keep registering online with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Labourer gets 3-year jail sentence... From page 7 was later discovered in some nearby bushes with the businessman’s cellphone, a sum of cash, a quantity of marijuana and several other items. However, Harlequin managed to escape but was later apprehended while hiding in a house at Victory Valley, Wismar. A search was carried out on Harlequin’s person and an un-
licensed pistol with two live rounds of ammunition, a toque, gloves, dove spray, and several other items were discovered. He was cautioned, arrested and charges were later instituted against him. After listening to the facts of the charge, Magistrate Fortune sentenced Harlequin to three years imprisonment on both charges. The charges will run concurrently.
Wednesday June 17, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Only the court can determine fresh elections GECOM Chair - CEO expected to present final report to Commission by 1 pm tomorrow By Mikaila Prince Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, yesterday reminded the country that the Commission is not empowered to determine fresh elections, as such a function lies within the jurisdiction of the High Court. Singh, in her decision given to the Commission yesterday, referenced Articles 162 and 163 of the Constitution of Guyana, which separate the functions of GECOM and the High Court, respectively in matters of electoral process. Article 162 stipulates that “the Elections Commission shall have such functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections as are conferred upon it by or under this Constitution.” Meanwhile, Article 163 (1)(a)(i) states that, “… the High Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine any question… either generally or in any particular place, an election has been lawfully conducted or the result thereof has been, or may have been, affected by any unlawful act of omission.” Throughout the duration of the national recount exercise, which lasted 35 days, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) claimed that the March 2 General and Regional Elections were neither fair nor credible. During the recount, the Coalition alleged hundreds of irregularities, including asserting that votes were fraudulently cast for the dead, as well as that Guyanese who were not within the jurisdiction had votes cast in their names. With the aim of giving validity to the plethora of un-
substantiated claims, the APNU+AFC provided several list of migrant voters to the elections commission for them to probe. Against this, the former Attorney General and executive of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/ C), Anil Nandlall, had argued that it was not within GECOM’s jurisdiction to investigate the claims submitted to them by the APNU+AFC, stating that such actions came under the authority of the court. Nonetheless, Singh had gone ahead with examining the claims and dispatched a list of 207 Guyanese, who APNU+AFC claimed to be out of the jurisdiction on Elections Day, to the Immigration Authority for verification – this was on May 21. One hundred and seventy-two of those names were returned and ‘confirmed’ as being out of the country on elections day by the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Ewart Wray. However, when Kaieteur News published the list comprising of the 172, a total of 26 of them came forward to debunk the Coalition’s claim. They maintained that they were in fact in the country on the day of polls. Kaieteur News interviewed most of these persons, and others whose names were objected to on observation reports. In a series of articles, they presented verifiable information that they were in country. One such person was prominent lawyer, Devindra Kissoon, who was not only in country but served as an observer on Elections Day. Another list of 310 was submitted on May 30. However, there is no evidence that that list, though submitted to the GECOM Chair, was forwarded to the Department of
Immigration. With respect to a dead voter, the Coalition had presented a death certificate, as initially made in the state newspaper, the Guyana Chronicle. APNU+AFC counting agent, Ganesh Mahipaul, during an exclusive interview told the Chronicle, “From ballot box 210, serial number 257 was registered as 81-year-old Chitnandani Ramdass, but the party has a death certificate confirming that Ramdass died on June 6, 2015.” The Coalition alleged that serial number 257 (Ramdass) was ticked off on the list indicating that the person voted although he/she was a deceased person. An official copy of the polling station’s Official List of Electors (OLE) commonly known as the pink list, showed however, that the woman’s name was not ticked as voted, which meant that she did not cast her ballot nor did anyone vote in her place. The question of how Ramdass’ name was on the list despite dying in 2015 may be linked to a fault in the system used to update the National Register of Registrants. In giving her decision yesterday, the Chair asserted that the Commission does not have the powers of a Court of Law to examine and re-examine witnesses or to procure official documents to determine the truth of the allegations contained therein. The Chairperson posited that she is of the opinion that some of the allegations are of a serious nature and must be addressed. However, Article 163 (1) (b) of the Constitution confers on the High Court the exclusive jurisdiction to determine the validity of an election. “In this regard, GECOM could not have thereby
Co-founder of Change Guyana denied... From page 3 notice from authorities, which prohibited him from boarding the first flight which arrived in Guyana on June 6. Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Egbert Field, had said that a total of 12 persons were taken off the first flight.Field had explained that this was done because these passengers had done the wrong COVID-19 test. The Change Guyana Party member, however, said that no one told him anything as to why he was disapproved.Moreover, Hinds argued that the COVID-19 test he conducted was the correct one despite it did not specifically mention PCR on the slip result. He highlighted that his test was done at Walgreens, a site which only does PCR
testing.Hinds also differentiated that a PCR test will be labelled as “Sars coV 2 COVID-19 negative” whereas a test for the antibodies will be labelled as “IgG IgM”. The former prime-ministerial candidate said that after being denied an initial flight, he then decided to try again. He said he re-submitted his documents to board a second flight, which arrived yesterday.However, once again Hinds received the disappointing news of a second disapproval notice. This time, he said, he demanded an explanation and was told by the Guyana Consulate based in Miami that his disapproval and rejections was instructed by the authorities in Guyana.Attempts last night to solicit comments on Hinds’ repatriation disapprovals were futile but this publication will continue to follow this issue.
clothed itself with jurisdiction to establish itself as a Court of Law to determine credibility of an election when Article 163 (1) stipulates that the High Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to determine the legality of an election,” the Chair noted. Singh also noted that the Commission “cannot arrogate onto itself a jurisdiction to annul an election since no specific power was conferred on it under Article 162 (1) (b). A perusal of Articles 162 and 163 of the Constitution shows that the Articles clearly and sharply separate the functions of GECOM and the High Court respectively in matters of electoral process.” In delivering the landmark decision to the Commission, Justice Singh referenced Article 163(1)(b) then Article 71 (1)(b) of the 1996 Constitution which received judicial consideration in the case of Gladys Petrie v. Attorney General (1968) GLR 504 at 519 Bollers CJ. It stated, the question which the court had to consider under this Article was, “Whether there is some general illegality either affecting the whole election or whether there has been some specific illegality being either an act or an omission which
GECOM Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh affects the results of an election?”Parliament has made provision for the determination of questioning the validity of elections by way of The National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act Chapter 1:04 of which the long title reads:“An Act to provide for the determination of questions relating to the validity of elections of members of the National Assembly under a system of Prop o r t i o n a l Representation.”The marginal note to Section 3(1) of the Act enacts “Method of questioning the validity of election.” According to Section 57(3) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, Chapter 2:01, the marginal note shall be construed and have effect as part of the Act. Section 3(1) of the Act provides, “Any question referred to Article 163(1) (a), (b)
and (c) of the Constitution may, in respect of an election referred to in Article 60(2) of the Constitution and with a view of securing appropriate remedial orders, be referred to the court and shall thereupon be determined by it in accordance with this Act and every such reference shall be by petition, hereafter referred to as an election petition.” In light of the foregoing and in keeping with Order No. 60 of 2020 and its addendum dated 29th May, 2020, Singh requested for the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, to prepare and submit to the Commission a final report to ascertain the results of the elections under Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act. The CEO is expected to present the report to the Commission by 1 pm tomorrow.
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
GECOM Chair clears path ... From page 3 and issues related to the economy, among others,” the party’s statement posited. The Organization of American States (OAS), which observed the entirety of Guyana’s electoral process, commended the Guyanese public for the patience it displayed as it waited three months for GECOM to resolve the issues which arose since the Region Four tabulation. It also thanked the GECOM workers for their diligence and again noted that the result reflects the will of the people. The regional body said that it looks forward to the declaration and subsequent swearing in, and that it will provide support required to ensure the new administration can address the issues and challenges which were unearthed by the 2020 electoral process.
Wednesday June 17, 2020
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Kaieteur News
West Indies sporting new Test and training kits as part of three-year partnership with ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies team will be sporting new eye-catching training and playing kits during the Sandals Tour of England 2020 as part of a new three-year partnership with Castore, the official team kit and merchandise partner of Cricket West Indies (CWI). The new training outfits were unveiled during the West Indies training camp at Emirates Old Trafford. The training kits feature lightweight, performance enhancing fabrics and an ultra-modern maroon, dark blue and pink design that the players love and that fans around world will be excited to wear. The new Test “whites” will be revealed ahead of the
upcoming three-Test series against England when the West Indies will be defending the Wisden Trophy at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton (July 8-12) and then at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester (July 16-20) and July 2428). Castore, the fast-growing premium performance brand will supply team kits for Test, T20 Internationals (T20I) and One-Day International (ODI) games and covering the men’s, women’s and age group teams from Under-15 level upwards. It is the Liverpool-based company’s first deal in team sports and its first move into cricket apparel. CWI Commercial Director,
Dominic Warne stated: “We know the players are excited to get their hands on the new performance training range from Castore, especially during this unique training camp. Castore have listened to the needs of our players and coaching staff to deliver a range of superb kit and we’re looking forward to revealing a special Test kit ahead of this historic Series.” Phil Beahon, co-founder of Castore, said: “We are delighted and honoured to have been chosen by Cricket West Indies as their Official Kit Partner. Castore creates worldleading sportswear garments designed to enhance the performance of elite athletes and we are incredibly excited
Wednesday June 17, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There's a great day ahead of you, Aries. You'll be blessed with the ability to solve problems, and others will come looking for you today. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Do you feel like your life hasn't changed a bit over the past few weeks? You feel that certain things need to change but you do nothing but sit there. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) There is a fire burning deep inside of you, Gemini. It gives you a lot of power and energy. People around you are receptive to this energy. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Enthusiasm and energy will be your allies today, Cancer. Something different is in the air and inciting you to move forward. You will make decisions and go in new directions for your own good and for the good of the people around you. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're organized and rigorous, Leo. You plan everything. But with today's energy, you'll be inclined to let the day go by without keeping to a tight schedule. After all, not every day has to be a workday. VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22) A lot of people around you might think that you are a strong individual, Virgo. For example, you stand up against wrongs in the established social order.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Libra, you are worried that some of the people close to your heart might change. You have been watching and paying attention to subtle signs and changes for quite some time now. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You've always been a loner, Scorpio. You tend to act on your own and you don't trust outside help. Over the last few weeks, however, you've managed to find people who have accepted you the way you are. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You've always felt the need to create, Sagittarius. The simplest tasks can fulfill this need. You're even happy if you sketch on a small piece of paper. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Some people around you might think that you have never really matured, Capricorn, that you still have the mind of a child. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) If you analyze your life, you'll see that it has completely changed over the past twelve months, Aquarius. You've matured as an individual and your actions have been beneficial to yourself and those around you. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may be a little bit disappointed to find out that the people you think so highly of are in fact mere reflections of your own personality.
about the opportunity to contribute to the next chapter of history for one of the most successful international teams in cricket.” Details of the Test kit and where to buy the new range will be announced by CWI and Castore in the next three weeks ahead of the opening Wisden Trophy Test match
starting on July 8. About the kit provider :Castore exists for one single reason – to make athletes better. Castore’s ethos is built upon the philosophy of BETTER NEVER STOPS, an ideal deeply infused in their DNA and something they strive to live every single day. Castore utilise
advanced engineering and unique technical fabrics to create the highest quality sportswear in the world for athletes who demand the very best. The wear are designed with a passion for innovation with specialist features to help to optimise athletic performance in all conditions.
Lewandowski misses the fans as Bayern clinch title behind closed doors AFP Robert Lewandowski said he hopes Bayern Munich will be able to play in front of their own fans again soon after winning an eighth straight Bundesliga title yesterday behind closed doors. Lewandowski’s first-half goal sealed a 1-0 win at Werder Bremen which saw Bayern
become the first team to secure a top league title on the pitch since the coronavirus lockdown. “It was tough without our fans, without the energy they give us, but we are happy that we are German champions again,” said Lewandowski after Bayern won their eighth straight match following the
Archery Guyana members continue... From page 31 of arrows in target for scoring. The competition continues next Sunday, June 21, 2020 with Stage 12, as Archery Guyana urges its archers with access to ranges or home facilities to participate. All archers are mandated to observe their National health and safety requirements and the PAHO/WHO guidelines for prevention of COVID-19.
resumption of German football last month. “It wasn’t easy, but we showed our quality. “I hope we can play in front of our fans in our stadium soon.” Club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted it was a “curious, strange” feeling to see only a handful of Bayern officials and backroom staff in the Weserstadion to cheer the players. Lewandowski admitted Bayern endured a nervous last few minutes as only a finger-tip save from goalkeeper Manuel Neuer protected the lead. “When you are 1-0 up, you know you need to score again to be sure. Werder Bremen played well, but luckily for us, we managed to hold them out,” said Lewandowski. “The most important thing is that we can celebrate as German champions. “That was typical of ‘Manu’ (Neuer), he loves saves like that and he did really well and we had to be really careful with their long balls.” Bayern face Bayer Leverkusen in the German Cup final on July 4 and are among the favourites to win the Champions League. “We have our next game in three days, that is the priority, but after that, we will have enough time to prepare for the Champions League,” said Lewandowski. Tuesday 16th June 2020 results: Werder Bremen 0 - Bayern Munich 1 B Mgladbach 3 – Wolfsburg 0 Union Berlin 1 – Paderborn 0 Freiburg 2 - Hertha Berlin 1
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Kaieteur News
Premier League CEO backs ‘Black Johnson takes spotlight with Fort Erie double Lives Matter’ on team shirts Tottenham Hotspur’s Paulinho (L) is challenged by West Bromwich Albion’s Craig Dawson during their English Premier League soccer match at White Hart lane in London September 21, 2014. (REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth)
MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - The Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters, said he supported the move to have the slogan ‘Black Lives Matter’ on player’s shirts in this week’s games, saying it represented an ethical stance rather than a political one. The Premier League resumes today, and teams will have logos supporting the National Health Service on the front of their shirts and the words Black Lives Matter replacing their names above the number on their backs. “I support them in using their platforms to push good causes. The messages you are going to see coming through the Premier League matches in relation to thanking the NHS, with the ‘Heart NHS’ logo on the front of shirts and also the anti-discrimination messages coming forward, are issues that all players feel,” Masters told Sky Sports yesterday. “I think it is a good thing that players are using their voices to make what I think are ethical value judgments rather than political
statements. They are supposed to be unifying messages, and we support them and so do the clubs,” he added. Masters said backing Black Lives Matter needed to be followed up by concrete policies - but he added that the Premier League has no plans to introduce a US-style rule to ensure members of minorities are interviewed for any vacant coaching positions. “Whatever the campaign messages might be, the promotion as it were, there needs to be significant policies and programs behind it that are making a difference. There is a strong and long-standing commitment from the Premier League and all our clubs to anti-discrimination. We are going to continue to listen to players,” he said. But asked about the “Rooney Rule” operating in the U.S. National Football League (NFL) stipulating that members of minorities be interviewed for vacant coaching positions, he said: “We haven’t discussed that, and we haven’t got any plans to do so.”
FORT ERIE, Canada, CMC – Jamaican jockey Kirk Johnson won twice while veteran Trinidadian Emile Ramsammy sustained his early season form with a single winner, to take the spotlight on Monday’s seven-race card at Fort Erie here.Johnson combined with 2-1 chance Sofia’s Slugger to win race five before following up in the day’s final race aboard 9-1 choice Stormy Suzie.The 57year-old Ramsammy, a legend in Canadian horse racing, captured race four with favourite Pulled the Goalie, to make his mark on the day’s programme at the southern Ontario oval. Ramsammy, twice voted Canada’s top jockey, is involved in a three-way tie at the top on five wins, along with Melanie Pinto and Helen Marie Vanek. Guyana’s Sunny Singh
Jamaican jockey Kirk Johnson. lies fourth with four wins while Johnson is one back on three.After missing out in race three when he finished second to Glorious Freedom aboard Alert Kitten, Johnson suffered more disappointment in race four when he ran third with Glib Marylin. However, he finally made
amends in race five when he paired with three-year-old chestnut gelding Sofia’s Slugger to get the better of the three-year-old and upward maidens in a five furlong dash. Time to Dance sprinted to the lead before Charlie’s Game challenged on the turn but Johnson brought Sofia’s Slugger with a timely run in the stretch to get to the wire half-length clear of his rivals. Johnson’s second win came in another five furlong sprint this time for the threeyear-old and upward maiden fillies and mares when he brought three-year-old filly Stormy Suzie from a stalking position in second, to reel in pace-setter Not a House Frau in a stretch duel and reach the wire by a head. The 39-day Fort Erie meet got underway June 2 behind closed doors after a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and is scheduled to wrap up October 13.
Russia’s RUSADA resumes sample collecting after COVID hiatus MOSCOW (Reuters) Russia’s anti-doping agency said yesterday it was restarting its collection of samples from athletes after halting testing activity due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.RUSADA, which had suspended testing in late March, said its doping control officers would all be tested for the virus and wear protective gear when coming into contact with athletes. Russia has the third-highest number of infections in the world with more than half a million cases, something the authorities have attributed to a huge testing programme that has seen more than 15 million tests carried out so far. The authorities in Moscow, the area worst-affected, yesterday started authorizing the holding of sporting events as long as spectators occupy no more than 10% of any venue’s capacity.
A sign with the logo of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) is on display outside its office in Moscow, Russia December 9, 2019. (REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov) RUSADA was suspended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in 2015 after WADA found evidence of mass doping in Russian athletics.The agency was conditionally reinstated as Russia’s recognized anti-doping body in September 2018, but it was declared non-compliant late last year after WADA found Moscow had
provided it with doctored laboratory data. Russia has appealed a four-year ban on its athletes competing at major international sporting events under their flag as punishment for that alteration of laboratory data.Its case will be heard by the Lausanne-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in November.
Silver: NBA will address player concerns... From page 28 country was — in the same way we never could have predicted the pandemic would unfold, in the way it has — what’s happened since George Floyd’s death is also unprecedented,” Silver said. “I’m incredibly sympathetic and empathetic to what’s happening in people’s lives. And in the midst of all that, to say, ‘We’re looking for an opportunity to restart this league, to try to move forward with crowning a champion,’ it’s not top of mind for a lot of people.” Silver said finding a “uniform” opinion among all play-
ers from the 22 teams invited to resume the 2020 NBA season on July 30 won’t likely happen. Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, who also took part in the ESPN event, said he gets the differing opinions and supports players using their voices to impact change. “I can only speak for myself — but I think it goes for other guys as well — we are the financial support for our families and for a lot of our community,” Lillard said. “We bring a lot of that financial responsibility to support black businesses in black
communities. So it makes a lot of sense for us [to return], from that standpoint. But I think a lot of guys in the league have a point. I think Kyrie and Dwight (Howard) have a point. So I understand it all.” The Athletic reported yesterday that NBA players have been notified they must inform their respective teams by June 24 if they don’t intend to play in the resumed season. There will be no discipline for not participating, but compensation would be reduced by 1/92.6 for each game missed, per the report. (Field Level Media)
Wednesday June 17, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Dettori gives Gosden landmark Royal Ascot win after caffeine kicks in
AFP - Frankie Dettori said he required an espresso or two to pump himself up because of the flat atmosphere with no spectators allowed at Royal Ascot due to the coronvavirus pandemic. The 49-year-old Italian riding legend managed to get off the mark on the first day yesterday with Frankly Darling in the Ribblesdale Stakes, giving his friend John Gosden his 50th winner at the meeting.Dettori — who took his own tally to 68 — said he had found it very hard to get enthused without the usual buzz of thronging crowds trying to get close to the biggest drawcard in the sport. “Before the first race, it was very hard to pick myself up,” he said after riding Frankly Darling. “I usually walk in and am signing autographs, everybody is slapping me on the back and shouting my name. It was the opposite today. “I think I had to have two or three espressos to get me going for the first race. “But now the adrenaline is pumping.” The adrenaline was clearly flowing as Dettori performed his trademark flying dismount. “Of course we miss the
Frankie Dettori admitted he needed a couple of espressos to gee himself up. (Pool/AFP / Edward Whitaker)
Dettori rides Stradivarius in the Gold Cup on Thursday. (AFP/Adrian Dennis)
crowd, but we are putting on a show for the people watching at home who are enjoying the races,” he said. “It was very hard to get going for the first race and a lot of the lads were quiet. “I wasn’t going to do a flying dismount, but ITV (the broadcaster) asked me to do it and it’s not the same without me doing a flying dismount.“There’s no crowd, but it’s still Royal Ascot and I thought I should still celebrate in style.” Gosden — who received a saddle cloth with 50 marked on it from Dettori at the presentation — said Ascot could be an unforgiving en-
vironment. “I can remember during this week scrambling one winner, one year having no winners, having six seconds and finally a winner one year,” he said.“Look, it is not an easy place to win races.” - ‘People losing jobs’ Gosden — who was to have winner number 51 with Nazeef in the penultimate race the Duke of Cambridge Stakes — said it was important the iconic meeting took place even without spectators. “It is Royal Ascot,” he said. “I think it is a huge achievement.“This country and many countries in the
CWI shortlists final four candidates for West Indies Women’s Head Coach
The West Indies women will soon get a new head coach. (CWI) ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies (CWI) has shortlisted four candidates for the final stage of the recruitment process for the role of full-time Head Coach for the West Indies Women’s team. The candidates, all of West Indian heritage, progressed from the initial interview stage, which concluded last week. The candidates participated in individual interviews with a CWI interview panel. Critical areas discussed were applications of cricket coaching experience, technical knowledge, performance planning process, perfor-
mance measurement, performance-driven culture and also CWI’s core values of passion, accountability, respect, integrity and team excellence.The first round of interviews were conducted by: CWI Vice-President, Dr. Kishore Shallow, who is Chairman of CWI’s Human Resource Committee and led the panel, which also included CWI Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams; CWI Human Resources Manager, Oneka Martin-Bird; and Gordon Lord, UK-based Coaching Educator. The successful candidate will be named once the final interviews have been conducted.
world have suffered horribly from this sinister disease — it has been devastating.“Everything that people are going through, let alone the destruction of our economies and people losing jobs — it is a worldwide
problem.“It (Ascot) is a very safe place to be and it’s lovely to put on top-quality sport with the best racehorses in Europe, great athletes and great jockeys.“We understand that it is a financial blow for the racecourses, but we are putting a show on and it’s great that it’s going out.” Dettori paid a handsome tribute to 69-year-old Gosden, who has on two occasions
handed him a lifeline when his career has been at a crossroads.“John is amazing,” said Dettori.“We have a lot of horses running this week. Stradivarius is going for a third Gold Cup.“We have got amazing owners and it is a pleasure to ride for him. He gives me a tremendous amount of confidence. “He is a good boss and a good friend.”
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Kaieteur News
Silver: NBA will address player concerns before return
NBA commissioner Adam Silver during a pre match press c onference. (REUTERS/ Benoit Tessier /File Photo) NBA commissioner Adam Silver plans to listen for now, but expects the league to address all player concerns before games resume in Orlando next month. Silver said he has a sense that players and the league should be able to “work through most of those issues over the next few weeks,” when asked Monday night about how the NBA is handling concerns over the optics of playing during the “Black Lives Matter” movement as well as health and safety matters around the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s not an ideal situation,” Silver said regarding a series of issues the NBA is facing in an appearance on Monday night’s The Return to Sports special on ESPN.
“We are trying to find a way to our own normalcy in the middle of a pandemic, in the middle of essentially a recession or worse with 40 million unemployed, and now with enormous social unrest in the country.“And so as we work through these issues, I can understand how some players may feel, that it’s not for them ... it may be for family reasons, it may be for health reasons they have, or it may be because they feel — as some players have said very recently — that their time is best spent elsewhere.” A coalition of players including Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving has held a series of players-only calls and also communicated concerns to the league regarding how to use the NBA platform to continue the BLM movement — and not detract from it while playing.The NBA has been on hiatus since March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic. BLM protests opposing racial injustice and police brutality — many with NBA players present — have spanned the country and traveled around the globe since the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25.Silver said he understands precisely where players are coming from and supports their approach. He’s discussed ways the NBA can assist in forwarding social justice reform. “The social unrest in the (Continued on page 26)
West Indies beat Englandin the 2016 World T20 final. (Getty Images)
T20 World Cup ‘unrealistic’ and ‘unlikely’ this year - Cricket Australia chairman ESPNcricinfo - Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings believes it is “unlikely” and “unrealistic” that the Men’s T20 World Cup will take place in Australia as scheduled this year. The fate of the tournament, scheduled between October 18 and November 15, is being deliberated fiercely by the ICC Board which last week deferred to take the final call. The ICC has continued to remain optimistic despite the growing likelihood of the tournament being postponed in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. After the ICC Board meeting convened to discuss contingency planning last week , ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney had said that there was only “one chance” to make the decision and it needed to be the “right one” which he said would be ar-
rived at after consulting all stakeholders, from the broadcaster to the players. Eddings, who sits on the ICC Board, though, felt time was running out. He pointed out that with many of the 16 participating countries still under the grip of the pandemic it was “very, very difficult” to stage the tournament and said that CA had presented different options to the ICC Board for the tournament to be moved. “I sit on the ICC and we’re having meetings as we speak,” Eddings said on Tuesday. “It’s a bit of a moving feast at the moment. I’d say it’s unlikely, while it hasn’t been formally called off this year or postponed, trying to get 16 countries into Australia in the current world where most countries are still going through Covid-19 spik-
ing, I think it’s unrealistic or would be very, very difficult. We’ve put forward a number of different options to the ICC we’re working through at the moment.” This is the second time in the last month Eddings has asked the ICC to consider postponing the T20 World Cup. Last month, he addressed an email to the ICC’s Finance & Commercial Affairs Committee, proposing Australia and India swap hosting the tournament over the next two years. Contents of Eddings’ correspondence to the ICC were reported by the Times of India recently. Eddings suggested that Australia host the event in October-November 2021 and India stage the tournament a year later in 2022. Doing that, Eddings said, would financially help all the member
countries. If not, Eddings said it would be “detrimental to cricket” in case the “cancellation” of the World Cup in Australia this year was “replaced by award of” the tournament in October-November 2022. Last month Kevin Roberts, who was sacked by CA as chief executive on Monday, had pointed out that there was a “very high risk” of the T20 World Cup taking place in October-November. Roberts, though, had indicated the “implications” of postponing the tournament were not straightforward and the ICC was “juggling a lot of balls” as it was “looking at the windows that are possible over the coming year.” One of those windows, as ESPNcricinfo reported could be moving the Men’s T20 World Cup at the back of the Women’s ODI World Cup which is scheduled in New Zealand for February-March 2021. In case that happens, the women’s tournament would need to be advanced to January in order to fit in the men’s edition. Doing that would help the ICC and CA retain the local organising committee for the Men’s T20 World Cup to continue and smoothen the logistics and costs. Nick Hockley, CEO of the T20 World Cup local organising committee, and appointed as Roberts’ temporary replacement, said CA would be ready for any eventuality including the tournament being postponed. “There’s a huge amount of work going on around [T20 World Cup] contingency planning,” Hockley said yesterday. “I think there’s meetings coming up next month at ICC level where some decisions will be made and we’ve got a fantastic local organising committee who are busy preparing for every eventuality and the decision that will come forth.”
Wednesday June 17, 2020
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Bairstow eyes England wicketkeeper role ahead of West Indies Tests
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FP - Jonny B a i r s t o w believes he can regain his role as England’s Test wicketkeeper as players prepare to go head-to-head for a place in the side to face the West Indies. England are gearing up for a three-Test series against the Caribbean side next month that will mark the return of international cricket after the coronavirus shutdown. With no first-class matches in the run-up to the series, they will use warm-up games at Southampton, the venue for the first Test, starting on July 8, to assess players’ form. Bairstow was dropped from last year’s tour of New Zealand, with England selection chief Ed Smith indicating his international future was as a specialist batsman. He played just one Test in South Africa in December and was rested from the tour
of Sri Lanka, with long-time rival wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and gloveman Ben Foakes selected instead, before the coronavirus cut short that trip in March. But while the 30-yearold multi-format international said he wanted to play Test cricket again, he also made clear his preferred role. “Over a period of time, I’ve been really happy with my ‘keeping,” Bairstow said yesterday in a conference call. “That was the bit at the start of my career that people questioned but people have stopped speaking about it over the last couple of years. “I’ve looked at the stats and my stats are very good. So there’s no reason why that isn’t an area I want to be coming back into.” The son of the late former Yorkshire and England wicketkeeper David Bairstow, Jonny has been England’s wicketkeeper in
England’s Jonny Bairstow has a Test average of nearly 35. (AFP/File / Glyn Kirk)
48 of his 70 Tests. B a i r s t o w, h o w e v e r, averaged just 18 with the bat in his last seven matches with the gloves. How England see his future could become clearer when Smith announces on Wednesday a squad slimmed down from an initial 55-man training group for next month’s Tests. - Pace attack Bairstow will be working
on his batting during a net session at Durham today when he faces England quicks Ben Stokes a n d M a r k Wo o d i n preparation for a lively West Indies attack. Bairstow said being d r o p p e d a s E n g l a n d ’s wicketkeeper had stung. “You can only be judged on your last performances and I like to think they were good and I hope they will get
Jonny Bairstow (left) wants to win back his place as wicketkeeper in the England Test team. (AFP/File / Glyn Kirk) me back in the side as long as I score enough runs,” he said. B a i r s t o w, f e e l i n g refreshed after a lengthy absence due to the COVID19 shutdown, has no doubts about the competitiveness of England’s upcoming camp. “We’ve got some guys that can bowl at serious pace, we’ve got guys that are wanting to be proving themselves so I don’t think the intensity side of things is
going to be a problem,” he said. Nor does Bairstow believe the West Indies will benefit in a series where there will be no spectators on health grounds. “I think it’s a level playing field,” he said. “It’s the internal motivators that you will really see come through when these games are played behind closed doors.”
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West Indies captain Jason Holder (right) chats via Zoom with Good Morning Britain hosts Piers Morgan (left) and Suzanna Reid.
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
Windies to stand with BLM in fight for racial justice MANCHESTER, England, CMC – Captain Jason Holder said West Indies were committed to the global fight for racial justice, and will stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the upcoming series against England. The Caribbean side arrived here last Tuesday for their three-Test series tour which will be played against the backdrop of fervent protests across the world, in the wake of the killing of an unarmed black man George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis, United States. Protests engulfed London and several other cities here last weekend while West Indies remained in quarantine at Old Trafford. “I must highlight that we Cricket West Indies is firmly behind the movement of Black Lives Matter,” Holder told Good Morning Britain hosted by Piers Morgan and Suzanna Reid here Monday. “There’s obviously a lot going around the world now with the protests and the whole movement as such and definitely the West Indies team will show their solidarity [with] the movement. “We as a team have had a few discussions around it and as to what exactly we’re going to do, and I think come July 8 and the first Test match we will show our support around the world towards our solidarity with the movement.”Global sporting icons such as Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have already thrown their
weight behind the Black Lives Matter movement, during the current protests. The English Premier League announced recently players would wear “Black Lives Matter” printed on the back of their shirts for the first 12 matches of the season which resumes next weekend following a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Holder, 28, who has led West Indies in 32 of his 40 Tests, said he believed the current environment provided the ideal climate for changes to take place in race relations but stressed that unity was critical in the process. “I think the most effective response is always unity. I’ve been following it quite closely and I’ve seen many opinions from people around the world and I think it is a perfect opportunity to inflict change,” said Holder, the Test cricket’s leading all-rounder. “The only solution is to unify so we need to unite and come together as one. There needs to be equality and Black people must feel as though they have a presence in this world. “I think at present it can be argued that Black people don’t feel as if we have a presence in the world and it’s a perfect opportunity for people to rise and for people to educate themselves on racism and try their best to eradicate racism and come together.” The Windies tour is also going ahead against the backdrop of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic which has already resulted in 297 000 infections and over 41 000 deaths.
11th Stage of International Remote Archery Competition
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s ninety-three archers from twenty countries competed in the 11th stage of the international remote archery competition in the 60X ISOL remote shoot competition and in keeping with the WHO COVID-19 measures, Archery Guyana’s number of competing archers is increasing and they are showing resilience and adaptation to this growing sport as evidenced
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Wednesday June 17, 2020
Archery Guyana members continue representation
on Sunday 14th June, 2020. Competitor Robert Singh scored 539/720 placing him 7th of 15 in the 30 meters recurve bow category. Newcomer Samira Duncan recorded 379/720 and placed 2nd of 2 in the 25 meter recurve category. Winnette Lawrence with a score of 642/720 and placed 9th of 13 in the compound bow category. Mr. Singh reiterated that at this
standard of the International competition he needs to improve his ability to have consistent high scores but nevertheless he has enjoyed to continue and benefit from this level of competition. Samira Duncan had this to say about her 1st time experience: “I participated in my first international competition online and I was not prepared for the level of those in other countries. I know
that I shoot well but my skills were not as great as those who participated in the competition. It gave me a preview of how much I need to improve to compete at international levels giving me the motivation to improve my skills way more for the next time and I will definitely do better in the next competition.� As previously mentioned, registration is done online and
Winette Lawrence preparing to shoot. Robert Singh Robert Singh on 11th Stage.
Samira Duncan taking aim.
athletes choose which session and division they would shoot. Scaleddown target faces are used to suit the specified distances for those shooting from home with limited space. Equipment inspection is done by taking a photo of bow and arrows, as well as target faces and sent online. A QR code is then sent for archers to log in and send scores after every end along with pictures (Continued on page 25)
West Indies sporting new Test and training kits as part of three-year partnership with Castore Jermaine Blackwood in the new West Indies kit. (CWI)
Fast bowler Alzari Joseph sports the new West Indies kit. (CWI)
Castore WI Logo
rt o p S
Lewandowski misses the fans as Bayern clinch title behind closed doors
Bayern Munich players celebrate in front of near-empty stands after securing an eighth straight Bundesliga title. (Pool/AFP / Martin Meissner)
- Cricket T20 World Cup ‘unrealistic’ Australia and ‘unlikely’ this year Chairman
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