Monday June 29, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Harmon says Granger will not concede By Kemol King “For those persons who are calling for Mr. Granger to concede, that is not going to happen!” Those are the words of APNU+AFC campaign manager, Joseph Harmon, from an interview on the Linden radio station 104.3 Power FM. Kaieteur News understands that the interview was broadcast across several stations in Guyana and across the region. Harmon’s comments are the first response from an executive of the Coalition to the numerous calls which have been made for President David Granger, the Coalition’s presidential candidate, to admit his loss. Despite Harmon’s comments, Granger is yet to address the public on what decision he will take. The results of the recount show that the PPP/C got 233,336 valid votes, ahead of the Coalition’s 217,920 valid votes. Questions about conceding have been pointed to Granger since the CARICOM Scrutineer Team stated in their report that the recount results are completely acceptable and should form the basis of a declaration. Granger had touted the CARICOM team’s competence and ability on
- Granger yet to comment
From left: APNU+AFC presidential candidate, David Granger and campaign manager, Joseph Harmon multiple occasions before the publication of the report, stating that CARICOM is the “most legitimate interlocutor” on the Guyana situation. However, since the report revealed CARICOM’s rejection of the Coalition’s efforts to discredit the March 2 polls, Granger has been absent from the media space, and has refused to respond to questions about whether he will admit defeat. Meanwhile, calls for a declaration to be made on the results of the recount
continue to mount. Four influential senators on the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee just days ago called on Granger to concede. In support of the CARICOM team’s findings, calls for a declaration to be made on the results of the recount came in a joint statement from the diplomats representing America, Britain, Canada, and the European Union. Those were accompanied by similar statements from the
Organisation of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth, the Kingdom of Norway, and Nelson Mandela’s Elders Group. Locally, calls for Granger to concede came from several religious organizations, including the Arya Samaj community and the Centre for Inter-Religious Dialogue. A Washington-based political consultant, José Cárdenas told reporters on Saturday that he thinks Granger will do the right thing and demit office, to avoid
Cops break up 4:00 A.M bike and horse races on Homestretch Avenue - over 100 to be charged for breaching COVID-19 curfew Some of the impounded motorcycles.
Police from ‘A’ Division yesterday arrested 135 people, impounded several motorcycles and even one horse, after breaking up a 4:00 A.M horse-cart and motorbike races on Homestretch Avenue. The impounded bikes and horse, along with the arrested bikers, horse cart racers and spectators, were taken to the Brickdam Police Station. The alleged culprits were placed in the station compound,
where they were processed before being released on station bail. They are to be charged for various offences, including breaching the 6:00 P.M to 6:00 A.M COVID-19 curfew. Horse-cart and bike racing are regular features along Homestretch Avenue, particularly on Sundays. Large bets are reportedly placed on participants. The area is transformed into a ‘racetrack’ with horse-carts speeding alongside traffic.
sanctions from the US. Harmon dismissed all of those statements in his interview yesterday. “Concede to what?” he asked, “Concede to who? What is he to concede to? It appears to me, I’ll venture to say any right thinking person, to be a most ridiculous and nonsensical proposition.” Harmon said that calls for Granger to admit defeat are coming from “a narrative which has been overtaken by time… in view of a report submitted by the Chief Elections Officer to the Guyana Elections Commission…” Last Tuesday, Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield disregarded the instruction of the Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, by presenting an elections report to GECOM, which did not reflect the results of the recount. The report seeks to dump 115,844 valid General Election votes on claims that they are not valid. The Court of Appeal had passed down a ruling, which stated that “more votes” in Article 177 (2) of the Constitution means “more valid votes” – the article speaks to the criterion for which a candidate is to be deemed President-elect. The CEO claimed that he was guided by the Court of Appeal in his revision of the recount results, despite the fact that there was a stay on the Court’s judgment at the time he submitted the report. Furthermore, the results of the recount were already tabulated and certified as “valid votes” as evidenced in the recount certificates.
Lowenfield’s report purports to give the Coalition 171,825 votes, a purported lead over the PPP/C’s 166,343 votes. This represents the fourth attempt to hand the Coalition a victory, which does not reflect the will of the voting populace as expressed on March 2, and certified during the recount. The first two instances were perpetrated by Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, who made two very different, but both fraudulent declarations on March 5 and 13. The third time was on June 13, when Lowenfield submitted a preliminary report, seeking to dump 269,619 votes on trumped up claims of voter impersonation and procedural irregularities. This time around, Lowenfield’s ‘final’ report differs strikingly from his first, but he has provided no explanation for the difference. Harmon said that the CEO has submitted his report. “All they are waiting on now,” Harmon said, “is for the Chairman of the Elections Commission to make her declaration and have Brigadier David Granger sworn in. That is the issue.” He added, “Let us not waste too much time in swearing in President Granger so that our country can move forward.” Of the challenge to the Appeal Court’s ruling, Harmon said that he does not think the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will reverse it. A singular hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, after which the Court is expected to announce a date for a ruling.
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Monday June 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL TEL:624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Constitutional reform We have a tendency in this country to give more listening and positive reception to outsiders when they step forward to share a word of guidance. The higher the foreigners are, the more hearing is given to what they have to say in respectful acknowledgement that it is worthwhile and, most of all, it is nonpartisan and progressive. Well, they do not come much higher than His Excellency, Gregory Quinn, the current High Commissioner from the United Kingdom to Guyana. His latest assist is that “Constitutional Reform should be high on the agenda after final declaration” (KN June 12). We completely agree. Our country is in the most terrible state imaginable. As a national document, the Guyana Constitution has few saving graces. Politically, it is about the ways to holding on to power. It offers every means to twist, evade, hide, derail, and deny rationales and logic relative to elections and to perpetuate power through many perverse interpretations leading to elastic outcomes. The CEO of GECOM manifests that flexibility. In the shortest conclusion, the Guyana Constitution is a concoction for the crooked. It is pointless, at this difficult time, to revisit the tired ground of who neglected to look honestly at this catastrophe of a compendium, and to work diligently to bring about genuine reform of this body of laws that has caused so much political distress, ugly division, and social unrest. The document is there, and this country is trapped by its great many infirmities that allow, even condone, the deceptive and the dangerous to run riot. The self-defeating has been the record. All any Guyanese with a conscience left, with one patriotic bone remaining, has to do is to ponder where we are today. We are divided and devastated, and lost and troubled, and this empowers Guyanese political class to weasel their way out from under any rock, exist in the spurious and scurrilous, and then to return to wallow under any new rock-pile created. The Guyana Constitution is cursed with a vengeance by those out of power but embraced and loved by those who denounced it before, when they are in the driver’s seat of governance. For then it makes them unchallengeable and unconquerable. Constitutional Reform, once high on everybody’s agenda, because of the endless cursing that it provoked when out of power, suddenly has nothing with which there is deep concern. The hypocrisies of short-sighted, self-serving leaders are first glaring and then like the proverbial can get kicked up and down the street, while the status quo prevails. Reform is, indeed, so urgently required that it has to be of the highest priority, but the odds of determined and committed political leaders being takers are so low, as to be negligible to the point of uselessness. Guyanese political leaders have lied too much, dissembled for too long, and been allowed to get away with any manner of evil rulership regime. It makes no sense, and is counter-intuitive, to fix what could lead to one’s group being removed from the corridors of power, the seat of government. Which toiler in the political vineyard consents to his own demise? The reality is lip service to reform, playing along cleverly to make a mockery of effort and result, and stymie or dilute any reform provisions so much so that they return with worse lurking. Yes, we are skeptical, though we support fully the call by the British High Commissioner that Constitutional Reform should be among the highest priority issues to be addressed. We know our politicians too well to be hopeful or to believe that they have it in them to seek such a place.
I celebrate the successful engagement of young Guyanese for their resilience and commitment towards nationalism DEAR EDITOR, I wrote this more than a week ago but held it, pending the current GECOM farce. I fully expect the inevitable result will be based on the GECOM verified recount and sanctioned by CARICOM. I, like most Guyanese at home and abroad, celebrate the completion of the recount while awaiting the decision of GECOM and the final outcome of this ignominious election. I see this as the beginning of a slow, torturous and uncertain path to a new Guyana, good or bad. However, while I celebrate the fall of the incompetent, unethical, and incorrigible PNC cabal, its sycophants and surrogates, I am not celebrating the PPP victory. I have no positive expectations of the partisan, racebaiting, corrupt, incompetent and unaccountable PPP cabal,
driven from office in 2015 by the collective objections of the media and civil society. The ineptitude and incoherence of the PNC cabal in these inglorious times helped me to understand the persistence of the PPP, despite the colossal political, social, economic, and environmental costs they imposed on Guyanese. In retrospect, I realized Guyanese were unfortunately left to choose between the very bad and the least worst of two parties ordained by a constitutional and electoral framework they (PPP and PNC) contrived. The post-celebration challenge for most Guyanese is how to move forward, positively, carrying the weight of dysfunctional constitutional, legislative, and electoral systems poised perilously on the
shoulders of grossly compromised and dysfunctional institutions, such as Parliament, Judiciary, the Police Force, Statutory Agencies etc, which are supposed to hold autocratic Governments and their agents in check. Lest we forget, the PPP had made many promises over 23 years to fix these problems. Instead, they exacerbated most of them and were blatantly autocratic, despite slim majorities or as a minority government. Guyana’s gravest threats right now are increasing authoritarian rule and capture of the nation’s oil bounty by politicians, officers, their relatives, close associates and friends, a la “The Resource Curse and Democracy: Lessons for Guyana,” issues identified by, Michael Ross, professor of political science at UCLA.
Guyanese only have to reflect (or read archival news and letters) on the 2010 to 2014 period to be reminded of Bai Shan Lin, Berbice Bridge, Skeldon Factory, Pradoville Two, Marriott, etc and popular sentiments expressed about the government. In fact, Guyanese reflections may be mirrored right next door in Venezuela and Brazil, where popularly elected politicians were declared convicts. The indictment of the PPP’s presidential candidate on corruption charges and questions about his personal ethics are not matters to be considered lightly, despite his potential immunities. Again, one only has to look across at Suriname, to see convicts using political office to hide from justice. Whatever the future holds. I am still celebrating the (Continued on page 6)
If Dr. Alexis wants to retain his reputation, he must withdraw his statement DEAR EDITOR, Today, Sunday’s Edition of the Chronicle, lead headline loudly screams, “Dr. Francis Alexis, QC says PPP/C appeal to the CCJ has no real prospect of success”. Dr. Alexis is indeed a decorated legal scholar. He is a former lecturer of law at the University of the West Indies, a former Attorney General of Grenada, a Queen’s Counsel and a lawyer of over four decades standing. Importantly, he currently holds the position of Deputy Chairman of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission. The Chairman of this body is ex officio the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Adrian Saunders. The stated mission of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission is to appoint judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice. Dr. Alexis appeared in the Guyana Court of Appeal for the Applicant, Eslyn David v Chief Elections Officer and others. It is common knowledge that this matter is pending, on appeal, to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Its hearing is scheduled to take place on July 1, next Wednesday.
Over the centuries that English Law has evolved, evolving with it, have been certain doctrines commonly called “conventions”. With the passage of time, they have graduated to assimilate the force of law and indeed, form an integral part of the body corpus of English Law. These conventions supplement the law to protect institutions of the law, the legal system itself, the rule of law and cannons of fundamental justice. When the British Legal System was supplanted in Her Majesty’s colonies so were those conventions, deeply ingrained. When these colonies were granted independence, some of these conventions were codified in the independent constitutions of these territories. However, those conventions that were not codified, still forms part of the rule of law in these territories. Guyana and the Caribbean are among those territories whose legal systems devolved in the manner just outlined. One of these conventions is that lawyers who sit on bodies that appoint Judges should not appear
They will go through the motions, take part in the gamesmanship and make fools again of a helpless Guyanese populace that worships them and gives them the spiked whips with which to flay. At bottom, the Guyana Constitution is a comprehensive criminal code and that is why it is so treasured by the political charlatans that find it so helpful to commit one crime after another against the Guyanese people. We agree that it should be reformed. With the current crop of politicos, reform is not happening anytime soon nor in any meaningful measure.
before those Judges. A logical corollary of this principle is that they should not make any public statement, adopt any posture or commit any acts, which may be viewed as influencing litigation pending before Judges whom they have appointed or has a responsibility to appoint. This convention is grounded deeply in the doctrine of natural justice and forms part of that network of principles that protects and ensures judicial independence and fundamental justice. Dr. Alexis, in my respectful view, has egregiously violated these principles. Not only has he made a public statement but has expressed his legal opinion on how the case should be decided, exposing himself to the obvious accusation that he is attempting to prejudice the outcome of the proceedings. An ordinary citizen who violates the sub judice doctrine is likely to be hauled before the courts for contempt. Dr. Alexis is not an ordinary citizen, in this regard. He has done much worse. The truth is he should never have appeared in the proceedings, in the Court of Appeal of Guyana, knowing of the likelihood of it journeying to the CCJ. His entire involvement in this case is highly reprehensible and must be condemned. I know that apologists for APNU+AFC will rush to cite the public remarks made by Prime Minister Mia Motley, QC. There is simply no basis for comparison. Ms. Motley
made absolutely no reference to the legal proceedings, but simply spoke on matters that are in the public domain which she has a right to do, in any free society. If Dr. Alexis wishes to remain a respectable jurist, he must withdraw his remarks with an appropriately worded statement admitting this gross misadventure. It is this type of conduct, which fuel the fears of those Caribbean citizens who cling desperately to Her Majesty’s Privy Council. Speaking for myself, I am assured by my belief in the integrity and independence of the CCJ. I take solace from the fact that the CCJ had no difficulty in rejecting Dr. Alexis’s argument in the Guyana Court of Appeal, in the No-Confidence Motion cases, where he submitted that the term “majority” means “absolute majority” in Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana. Similarly, to think that “votes” in Article 177 of the Constitution means anything other than “valid votes” is simply tautologous, as the framers of the Constitution obviously recognize that the legislative team, which governs the electoral process ensures the weeding out of invalid votes, prior to counting. Therefore, what are counted or recounted are only valid votes. The layman understands this much, more so, Judges of the highest Court in the region. Yours truly, Anil Nandlall
Monday June 29, 2020
There is no loophole that allows the Chief Election Officer to make valid votes invalid 97 and 98” Note 97 and 98 results of the recount and I DEAR EDITOR, On June 26 2020 in the Kaieteur News, in a letter captioned, “I believe the CCJ has Jurisdiction, I said we are going through interesting times. I felt it became much more interesting when I saw the report of the CEO to the Chairman of GECOM. Mr. Lowenfield, the CEO of GECOM, stated “I have taken note of the guidance of the Court Appeal in Eslyn David v Chief Elections Officer et al in the preparation of my Report under Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act and providing advice as required by Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.” Apparently, he concluded that this guidance advised him to determine valid as opposed to invalid votes and so using his own discretion or understanding deducted from the numbers in the declaration presented to him by the Returning officer of the recount and gave the APU+AFC victory at the recent Regional and General elections. Search as I may, I could not find anywhere in the orders that he was advised to determine valid and invalid votes or for that matter any definition of Valid or invalid votes. I am not a lawyer but I decided to read the laws and I do believe I could read and comprehend. Section 177 (2) states, “A presidential Candidate shall be deemed to have been elected as President and shall so be declared by the Chairman” and (b) simply states where there are two or more list the designated candidate of the list where “more votes are cast” is declared the President. The Court of Appeal did say “more votes cast” means “more valid votes cast”. It is however assumed that if the Constitution says more votes cast it could not have meant any other but valid votes as it is inconceivable the constitution could have meant invalid votes. I then decided to look at Section 96 of the Representation of People Act as the CEO says he was guided by it. Section 96 states, “The CEO shall, after calculating the total number of valid votes of electors which have been cast for each list of candidates, on the basis of the votes counted and information furnished by returning officers under section 84 (11) ascertain the result of the elections in accordance with
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deals with the allocation of seats. Note Section 96 mentions “valid votes”. Also 84 (11) and 89 (1) mentions valid votes and so again, it was not necessary for the Court of Appeal to interpret this issue. Considering space and the fact that this is a recount I would move to Section 89 (1) which states, “Upon conclusion of the final count, under Section 84, of the votes the returning Officer in the presence of such person entitled under Section 86 (1) to be present as attend, shall” and a list of things were stated about what to do with the ballots etc. So we move to 89 (1) (d) which states, “prepare a written statement as to the result of the verification of the ballot papers… 89 (1) (e) states, “publicly declare the final result of the counting” and 89 (1) (f) states, “deliver to the CEO a return in writing in respect of the final counting in form 24 which shall set out the number of (i) valid votes cast for each list of candidates as aforesaid,” it continues to list spoilt, tendered ballots, etc. Here recurring is the expression “valid votes”. Bear in mind that the officers of GECOM and the returning officer would have heard certain objections and allegations and would have noted same and in the end would have delivered to the CEO a return which sets out the number of “Valid Votes”. Note also that for transparency and the writers of the Act would know why the act says that these numbers must be publicly declared. This means the public would be notified of the
suppose this was to prevent any slip between the cup and the lip. So finally, the public is made aware of the “valid votes cast for each list. I searched for any section, any loophole, that would or could alter the publicly disclosed numbers and found none. Now I would repeat Section 96, “Section 96 states, “The CEO shall, after calculating the total number of valid votes of electors which have been cast for each list of candidates, on the basis of the votes counted and information furnished by returning officers under Section 84 (11) ascertain the result of the elections in accordance with 97 and 98” Note 97 and 98 deals with the allocation of seats.” The CEO has to calculate the number valid votes cast on the basis of votes counted (note, “valid votes” that have already been placed in the public) and information furnished by the returning officer. Of course there were other information like number of spoilt ballots, etc., which have already been accounted for, and he has to ascertain the results of the elections in accordance with Sections 97 and 98 which means ascertain the number of seats. Now as I stated, I am not a lawyer but I would like someone, anyone to point out to me that the law suggests that the CEO could determine as invalid votes what has been validated by the process and presented to him in statements by the Returning Officers as valid votes Yours truly, Rajendra Bisessar
The APNU+AFC will try anything to stay in power DEAR EDITOR, The weather for the next two weeks in Guyana, certainly underlines the state of mind the Guyanese people have endured for the past two years, at least. It is not that rain is not a good thing, but, the heavy thunderstorm, overcast conditions and the absence of the brilliant sunshine certainly portray a picture of doom and gloom and the presence of evil thriving to conquer good. It definitely does not conjure the ambience for any happy mood that will propel the urge to participate in any form of celebration. Is this a forewarned sign to adopt any wrong doing preventative method, or, is it a sign to notify us in advance of the times to follow that will deflect a departure from righteousness to unrighteousness? Guyana has been showered with the blessings of the national and international community and individuals on a constant basis, supporting the call for free and fair election and the confirmation of the elections recount valid votes that legalizes the PPP/ C Party to be elected to be sworn in to legitimately govern the country. Yet the APNU+AFC Party members (with the distinct exception of a few brave and honest ones) have categorically insisted on denying the acceptance of the mathematical errors conjured by Clairmont Mingo and Keith Lowenfield that are so obvious and glaring to the entire. This influence and propaganda for electoral
fraud, lies and deceits is masterminded by no other than the chief architect for a renegade leader who continues to squat on the people’s property since 2018 at the defeat of the NCM in favour of the opposition party. Yet, again, the fate of the elections result is in limbo, hindered by the ongoing appeal case lying with the CCJ to commence on July 1. Let us allow our minds to revisit the inconvenient truth that laid the solid foundation for barefaced advantages taken by this syndicate of lawlessness: 1)Refusal to follow the constitution of Guyana. 2) Refusal to immediately adhere to the No Confidence Vote. 3) Refusal to adopt the legal framework of choosing a Chairman for GECOM. 4) Refusal to accept the decisions of the CCJ. 5)Refusal to concur with the dictates of GECOM. 6)Refusal to acknowledge the findings of GECOM,
CARICOM and OAS. 7) Refusal to concede to defeat. 8) Refusal to listen to the advice of the national and international community. 9) Refusal to act as a caretaker administrator only. 10) Refusal to comply with Parliamentary procedures. Mr. Hide and Seek appears and disappears conveniently. Is he the puppet for a higher commander? This band of nefarious people will try anything in order to forcefully and illegally retain power because of fear of all their misdemeanours coming to light. The international community knows that they cannot trust anything that the APNU+AFC says. The people of this country continue to be depressed from oppression and need, immediately, quick and effective sanction in certain section with swift action. Yours truly, Jai Lall
Is Guyana gangsterism now GRANGERISM DEAR EDITOR, Mr Granger insists that he is only answerable to the Constitution, yet his behaviour says that the Constitution must answer to him. Mr Lowenfold claims he is working in conformity with the law, but such law cannot be found. Numerous others have taken the Oath to uphold the laws, but it seems they have an alternative interpretation .......We will honour, uphold and preserve our collusion in the CoOperative Republic of Guyana. sincerely faiyazAlli
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Our fundamental issue is not Singh, Mingo or Lowenfield but an absence of Rule of Law Let’s go back to the beginning. Mingo goes rogue. What was there to stop Chair Claudette Singh or the Commission to step in and take over the tabulation of Region Four? The Commission is ultimately responsible for completion of the tabulation and declaration of the results. Do you allow the whole election machinery to breakdown if one or two officials go rogue? If this is a Rule of Law state, why wasn’t Mingo arrested? Lowenfield incorporated Mingo’s fraudulent numbers in the first Lowenfield Report, which he submitted to the Commission. Lowenfield in that Report had asked the
Monday June 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
Board to declare Granger the winner. Lowenfield had committed not just an act of corruption but plain fraud – why wasn’t he too arrested? Why didn’t the Commission remove him on his designated post? Alright, the Chief Justice stepped in before the Commission could have met to act on the Lowenfield Report (It is possible Chairman Singh could have voted with 3 PNC Board members to declare Granger the winner). Why would the Chief Justice send the matter back to Mingo to complete the tabulation transparently? Shouldn’t the Commission already have acted to remove and possibly arrest Mingo for
committing blatant fraud before the eyes of dozens of international observers? This election impasse has exposed a huge fault line in the polity of Guyanese society. Rule of Law barely works. At the end of the day, this is not about Mingo or Lowenfield nor Claudette Singh - this is about more fundamental problems that pervade all organs of the State and even the Judiciary. I would ask all readers of KN to ponder this question: What makes Singapore (or many other States) so different from Guyana? It is my opinion that the Rule of Law makes all the difference. Yours truly, Mike Persaud
I celebrate the successful... Guyanese of all classes, to be engaged in appropriate
From page 4 successful engagement of all the true young Guyanese who braved the weather, COVID, scurrilous comments, and a painstakingly primitive system to count each and every one of the 460K + ballots cast in this election. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their thoughtfulness, resilience, nationalism and commitment to excellence throughout the process. I am hoping they endure as Guyana goes forward. They are the Guyanese, for which Guyana has been waiting. The success of any nascent political transformation has to include engaging Guyana’s diverse population in finding paths to improving their wellbeing. Guyana’s future is inexorably tied to the wellbeing of
ethnicities, educational levels, trades, geographies, genders, marital status, sexual orientations, religions, origins, opiate choices, etc, many of whom have been neglected or ignored. New initiates have to go beyond serving the few local special interests in mining, agriculture, commerce and service who have pandered to the political directorate while systematically dispossessing Guyanese of ownership and control of their resources. They have to overcome the partnerships with international timber, mining, agriculture and commercial conglomerates who have kept Guyana as a primary raw material producer with little human and capital development for advancing technology and market penetration. Instead, Guyanese have
sustainable endeavours, which build human and physical capacity while ensuring equitable social engagement and environmentally sound activities. Keep your faith in integrity, hard work, merit, and accountability young Guyanese, your and Guyana’s future are what you make of it. As you have no doubt learnt, the process is as important as the outcome. The process of transformation of Guyana is continuous and ongoing. Celebrate each victory as you go forward, this is as sweet as Mashramani, Phagwah, Eid, Xmas, Kwanzaa, Spring Festival all put together. We old people like to partake. Call on us, we don’t only fete, we also contribute. Yours truly, Rory Fraser
Monday June 29, 2020
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Washington Lawsuit reveals…
ExxonMobil admits climate change exists, but continues to lie about its efforts to address phenomenon YouTube channel. In those ads, Racine contends that Exxon misleadingly promotes its efforts to develop energy from alternative sources such as algae and plant waste. The Attorney General, however, stated that these efforts are “vanishingly small” when compared to the investments Exxon continues to make in fossil fuel production. Expounding further, the Attorney General pointed to an online advertisement in the New
By Kiana Wilburg When they were told by inhouse scientists in the 1950s that their hydro-carbon products would heighten the catastrophic consequences of climate change, ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron and British Petroleum (BP), employed numerous deceptive tactics to hide what they had learnt. They hired scientists to sow seeds of confusion about the validity of climate change and even funded organizations to create false narratives about the existence of the phenomenon. These oil giants feared that if consumers knew the dangers associated with their products, they would run to other alternative sources of energy, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. Despite their best efforts—some of which were successful for nearly five decades—the world has come to grips with the reality that climate change is an undisputable phenomenon which all must seek to address. In the midst of this global awareness, ExxonMobil in particular has engaged in an advertising campaign to convince all and sundry that it has accepted that climate change is real and it is reducing its carbon footprint.
ExxonMobil CEO and President, Darren Woods But a recent lawsuit that was brought against it and other majors by the Attorney General of Washington D.C, Karl A. Racine, indicates that the oil giant continues to deceive the masses. According to Racine, Exxon is currently running a series of fullpage advertisements in print editions and posts in the electronic edition of the New York Times, and in other publications with wide circulation to DC consumers, such as The Economist, as well as on Exxon’s
the company’s “sustainable and environmentally friendly” biodiesel fuel could reduce “carbon emissions from transportation” by greater than 50%. The Attorney General indicated that the advertisement is also utterly misleading. The Attorney General pointed out that the company’s spending tells the true picture of ExxonMobil’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. In this regard, Racine noted that from 2010 to 2018, Exxon
From 2010 to 2018, Exxon spent only 0.2% of its capital expenditures on low-carbon energy systems, with nearly the totality of its spending (99.8%) focused on maintaining and expanding fossil fuel production. York Times which promotes the company’s development of algae into biofuels. Racine highlighted that the ad omits to inform readers that it is extremely difficult to produce algae for biofuel on a large scale due to the massive amounts of land and fertilizer that would be needed to support such a venture. The advertisement also misleadingly tells consumers that Exxon is “working to decrease its overall carbon footprint,” and that
spent only 0.2% of its capital expenditures on low-carbon energy systems, with nearly the totality of its spending (99.8%) focused on maintaining and expanding fossil fuel production. Further to this, the official noted in the lawsuit that ExxonMobil has simultaneously invested billions of dollars into the development of Canadian tar sands projects which accounts for some of the most carbon intensive oil extraction projects in the world.
Washington DC’s Attorney General, Karl A. Racine Additionally, the Attorney General noted that in 2016, Exxon earned US$198 billion in revenue but invested less than 1% of that in alternative energy research, including algae. Taking this into consideration, Racine said it is pellucid that Exxon continues to deceive the masses by painting a false picture of its efforts to address climate change. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS: Climate change Continued on page 10
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St. Vincent’s PM Gonsalves Nandlall calls out Dr. Alexis for alleged breach of legal to assume CARICOM ethics ahead of CCJ hearing chairmanship on Wednesday
Prime Minister of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, is set to assume the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) this Wednesday, as the current Chairman, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, prepares to step down from the position. According to the rotation schedule prepared and shared by CARICOM, PM Gonsalves will assume the CARICOM chairmanship for six months, after which the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago will assume the title. After bearing witness to the Guyana’s electoral impasse, the incoming CARICOM Chair, earlier this month, sternly expressed that he refuses to “stand idly by and watch the results of the recount be set aside, so the loser of the elections must take his licks like a man.” After he made this and other comments on a radio show, NBC Radio – “Your Morning Cup” in his home country, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition and its leading constituent, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) both responded in condemnation, calling his comments prejudicial. The PNCR, in particular said that unless
Incoming CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves current CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley, makes a statement, distancing the regional union from Gonsalves’ statement, it would be viewed as an attempt by CARICOM to scuttle the electoral process. APNU+AFC campaign manager Joseph Harmon was quick to respond to Gonsalves utterances, as
he stated that the governing Coalition found it “strange and alarming” that he would make statements of this nature which closely resembles that of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). Harmon had said Gonsalves had “taken a public position that is prejudicial to the integrity and eventual outcome of the ongoing national recount of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.” Against this, Owen Arthur, the former Prime Minister of Barbados, came to the Gonsalves’ defence. Arthur advocated for the context in which Gonsalves spoke, while highlighting the instruments of governance by which the CARICOM member states are bound. “Your leader, [President David Granger] sits in the council with other Caribbean leaders and sometimes they exchange sharp views, sometimes in public. It can’t be that someone at the level of Mr. Harmon thinks that he has the authority to unleash the kind of vitriolic attack on Caribbean leaders. Harmon is not a Caribbean leader, and your leader should tell Mr. Harmon that he is out of order and he is out of place,” Owen Arthur stated.
Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall
Grenadian Queen’s Counsel, Dr. Alexis Francis
Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall has raised concerns over what he describes as clear violations of several legal principles perpetrated by Grenadian Queen’s Counsel, Dr. Francis Alexis with his involvement in Guyana’s elections recount case before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The Grenada-born legal scholar, who currently holds the position of Deputy Chairman of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission(RJLSC)- the body which appoints judges to the CCJ,
was hired as part of the Government‘s legal team in the recount matter. Nandlall said this is a clear breach of the conventions, which safeguard legal functionaries within the region. According to Nandlall, one of these conventions stipulates that lawyers who sit on bodies that appoint judges should not appear before those Judges. “This convention is grounded deeply in the doctrine of natural Continued on page 20
Monday June 29, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Lies on top of lies make Satan smile There is only one endgame which is possible when it comes to Guyana’s elections. Fraud will not be allowed to prevail. The APNU+AFC and their agents are putting on a last-stand pantomime. But they know that they will not be allowed to assume office through fraud. If they did not know it before, they know it now. What the APNU+AFC is doing is buying time. They are buying time to clean-up and cover-up their misdeeds. They are buying time to be able to complete certain transactions on behalf of their rich handlers; they are buying time to find ways to conceal some of what was done so that it cannot be traced back to them and their cronies. Two decades have passed in the 21st century. And during those two decades, no government has gotten away with electoral banditry. Guyana is not going to be the exception. Those persons within the APNU+AFC, who may have been living in the past, have been brought back to reality both by the local, regional and international rejection of their crookery. The CCJ’s case is irrelevant to the outcome of the elections. Win or lose, the decision about the elections rests with GECOM. And GECOM will not be able to foist an illegal regime upon
the country. David Granger knows that he will never again be the President of Guyana. His underlings know it too. They are being confronted with the implications of their own lies. Once you begin to lie, you have to continue lying. One lie leads to another. The APNU+AFC is caught in a big lie, and that lie has had to be sustained to the point where it makes the liars looks like idiots. The first lie was that the APNU+AFC had won the elections. The Statements of Poll confirming this could not be produced. The second lie was that the recount would confirm the victory. Knowing that this was a lie, a third lie was manufactured; that the PPP/C rigged the elections. When persons pointed to the contradiction of the PPP/ C rigging the elections to hand the Coalition a victory and, knowing that the recount would establish the lies which were being pedaled by the APNU+AFC, the narrative switched to questioning the elections’ credibility. This was the fourth lie. It was hoped that the Caricom Audit Team would have been deceived by the numerous baseless allegations of dead people voting, migrant persons voting and missing documents. The APNU+AFC seemed to have overlooked that the Team had experience in electoral matters. They saw right though
the masquerade which the Coalition had launched. The APNU+AFC was hoping that the Caricom Team would have given it a lifeline to discredit the elections and thus remain in office until new elections were held. The Coalition did not wish to risk having the Carter Center here and so they used all manner of poor excuses to deny their return for the recount. The Caricom Team was not fooled by the Coalition’s theatrics. In its report, the team described the allegations of fraud levelled by the APNU+AFC as follows: “The team viewed much of the exercise as a fishing expedition designed to gather data for a possible election petition and which resulted in considerable time being wasted during the recount. Furthermore, the net was cast extremely wide in the hope of at least making a small catch and at times the anticipated harvest ended in slim pickings.” In relation to the missing documents from ballot boxes – an issue which the APNU+AFC is hanging onto as a lifeline – the team said it did not view these fatal to the recount but pointed to the need for it to be investigated. The Coalition was so confident that Caricom would hand it a lifeline that after the recount showed that it had lost, it held out that the pro-
Dem boys seh ...
Soulja Bai name gon change to Rigadier If all dem who plotting and conspiring to steal de election had put dem energies to help fight de COVID 19, de virus would a dun run from Guyana and gone back to wheh it come from. When you want tek tricks and mek it a living, you gat to come to Guyana and talk to de HAP-New+ HAY-EffSee. De Coalition would outsmart even de devil. Guyana is being made to look like all dem people who live hay is a pack of idiots. De whole world done know wha going on with de elections. Yet Guyanese debating who gat jurisdiction and who acting constitutionally. De problem was not with
de election. De problem is dishonesty of those who trying fuh thief de election. Some ah dem bread wellbuttered. But dem want it now be nut-buttered. Others nah know wha dem gon do when guvment change. So dem fighting fuh stay in power. Dem boys in a way glad how things playing out. Because dem boys getting fuh see people fuh who they truly are. De masks dropping off dem face. You gat some people who turn out to be educated dunces. With all dem education, dem still want fuh mek people believe lie. Dem trying so hard to convince people about a lie dat dem start to believe dem
own lie. De devil nah stand a chance with dem. Dem boys gon lose a lot of friends on purpose. Because dem boys nah want some of dem people around dem no more. Dem like snake in de grass. Dem see wrong and call it right. Dem support dishonesty.Dem boys nah gat problem with dem supporting de party wha dem like. But when it comes to dishonesty, dem boys does draw de line. You and me cannot be friends if you is a barefaced liar and thief. Sorry...find some other friends. Dem boys gone. Talk half and hope Soulja Bai name nah change to Rigadier.
cess was not yet complete since the report of the Caricom Team had not yet been submitted. When it was submitted, the APNU+AFC got what we Guyanese would say was a “shock-attack”. It smothered any hopes the Coalition has of discrediting the elections on the grounds of fraud. As such, it has had to resort to new lies. The latest lie is the manufactured numbers declared by the Chief Elections Officer. The elections are no longer not credible. They are now
deemed credible because the Chief Elections Officer, by some magical process and unknown authority, has arrogated to himself the right to invalidate votes cast and certified as valid. The same elections which the APNU+AFC said was discredited have now produced a credible result: an APNU+AFC victory. If that is not idiocy, then Santa Claus is real. What is real is the action which the international community is going to take against those who feel that they can steal an election.
The lies of the APNU+AFC are piling up on top of each other. Satan is smiling. (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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Monday June 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
A certain amount of madness The caption of this column is taken from the title of the book on the life, politics and legacy of one of African’s great leaders – Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso. A certain amount of madness has descended onto the entire, not partial, but the entire leadership of the PNC and the AFC since their failure to install themselves in power from March 4 when the Mingo horror show collapsed. One cannot make sense of
who is in charge of the PNC and inside the AFC. One cannot make sense of what these leaders are saying since the contradictions are enormous. It is almost certain that a book length manuscript will be published covering the complete story of the 2020 election using all the things that have been printed. The two latest episodes have come from Joe Harmon and David Granger. Harmon exclaimed that the PNC will
ExxonMobil admits climate... From page 7 describes a change in the average conditions — such as temperature and rainfall —over a long period of time. Scientists have observed that the Earth’s surface is warming, and many of the warmest years on record have happened in the past 20 years. The effects of a warming planet, particularly from massive fossil fuel burning include, but are not limited to: increased sea levels; increased ocean temperature and acidity; extreme weather including heat and drought, as well as extreme precipitation events, wildfires, flooding, and more frequent, longer-lasting, and more severe storms.These events threaten human health, food security, agriculture, economic productivity, water supplies, national security, and labour productivity. The effects of climate change also damage public infrastructure and social systems, and exacerbate economic inequality. Furthermore, a warmer planet poses a significantly increased risk for biodiversity, species loss and extinction, and ecosystem impacts, as well as enormous economic injuries and losses on individuals, communities, and public and private institutions.
not concede because the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, has furnished his report that APNU+AFC has won. He ignores the fact that Lowenfield’s figures are being disputed in the highest court of the land with a decision likely in days. Harmon is a lawyer so he should be literate enough to read the laws to understand that Lowenfield’s figures can only become reality if GECOM accepts them. This is the same Harmon who publicly spoke about the imminent meeting of GECOM on March 7 to swear in Granger after the court would have dismissed a writ sought against Mingo’s crooked tabulation. Three months after, Granger is yet to be sworn in but Harmon thinks the very GECOM that he knows would have sworn in Granger on March 7 will this time make Granger president based on what Lowenfield compiled. A certain amount of madness has overtaken Harmon since March 4. This is the man who defended the government’s employment of an American consultancy firm, to get the US establishment to accept an
APNU+AFC victory. In so doing, Harmon catapulted himself into the Guinness Book of World Records. Only Harmon accepts that governments contest elections not political parties. The consultancy firm pronounced that the election was free and fair. Harmon’s boss, President Granger, publicly declared that he did not know about the consultancy report and was highly annoyed that the dossier the firm produced described him as a US citizen. From Harmon, we move to Moses Nagamootoo, the PM. He argues that the US and regional powers (which has to include CARICOM countries) want to overthrow the Maduro government and they are using Guyana as their pawn. The rambling PM went on to speak of the geopolitical interests of the US but failed to explain why such a superpower and dozens of regional powers, need Guyana’s help to topple Maduro. Indeed a certain amount of madness has overtaken this man too. Shortly after Nagamootoo’s accusations against the US and other hemispheric countries, President Granger in a trenchant
rejection of Nagamootoo’s thesis put out a statement that Guyana shares the strategic values of the US and listed a number of enduring agencies and institutions in which these values are embedded. Here is where a certain amount of madness has enveloped Granger. He listed the Carter Center as one of those enduring entities. But it was Granger who refused the Carter Center to have a presence in the recounting exercise observed by CARICOM. In denying the Carter Center ’s request, Granger justified it by saying he accepts that CARICOM is the seminal mechanism through which the recount could be monitored. But Granger is completely silent on the CARICOM recount which showed he lost the election. There is a certain amount of madness in the AFC. Its leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, conceded defeat at a meeting with his senior staff. Then the next day, he claimed the APNU+AFC won. Then his General-Secretary, David Patterson, went to Essequibo where he told a meeting that the election was not credible. Ramjattan, personal aide, Sherod Duncan, was in “cuss down” mode, “cussing
Frederick Kissoon down” the US and other countries that Granger asserts are Guyana’s friends. Nicknamed the “boom lady” after she did a video in Parliament in which she repeated that Jagdeo must “boom out”, Simona Brooms wants no declaration. She is urging the parties to go back to the table and negotiate. But her fellow PNC Central Committee colleague, James Bond, wants a declaration. He is asserting a PNC victory. Finally, David Hinds is now “cussing down” the Caribbean Court of Justice because the election appeal has ended up there. He wrote that the CCJ itself is on trial. Sadly, and tragically, this certain amount of madness will begin to expand as the denouement approaches in days’ time. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Monday June 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Monday June 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
Audiology Dept. spotlights hearing concerns as Rehab week concludes
Govt. Medical Officer, Dr. Alana Parris Government Medical Officer from the Audiology Department Dr. Alana Parris says that Rehabilitation Week, which concluded Saturday, allows staffers to celebrate their achievements as well as address their challenges. “There are 15 satellite clinics distributed throughout the 10 administrative regions, with the clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital, serving as the main, central clinic,” Dr. Parris said. She disclosed that the ear mould and electronic labs are
currently housed at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, where the repairing of and servicing of hearing aids take place. The daily services offered at the Audiology Department include ear screening for newborns, hearing tests for infants, children and adults. Dr. Parris explained that most patients are the elderly who suffer from age-induced hearing loss; children with congenital problems or perinatal issues; persons with sudden hearing loss due to acoustic trauma – i.e. noiseinduced hearing loss due to constant noise exposure such as working in factories, music in buses. “We also provide ear impressions, hearing aid fitting, servicing and followup clinics, as well as a review of patients, and counselling of parents and guardians. Additionally, sensitisation exercises and workshops are hosted for teachers, mainly preschool levels and nurses
Audiological Practitioner performing OAE screening on a nursery school child in Lethem. to promote ear and hearing care,’ she detailed. Impact of COVID-19 The Medical Officer said that an average of 1200
patients is served yearly. Among these, approximately 500 are new patients and the remainder is comprised of follow up visits and reviews of existent patients. “However, there was a noticeable decline in persons accessing the service during the period between March to June 2020, as a result of the on-going deadly pandemic,
COVID-19. Services to the public were scaled-down to contain the spread of the virus, Dr. Parris relayed. She explained that while services were initially scaleddown, the department is currently in the process of a phased reopening. Clinic visits will be spaced out to allow time for sanitising between patients. On arrival at the facilities, patients will undergo a secondary screening, apart from what they received at the gates of the facility. Patients’ hands will be sanitised at the door and companions will only be allowed to enter the testing room in extreme cases. “Our staff are coping well, as we have been exposed to a healthy number of educational talks and training on how to conduct ourselves during the pandemic. We are also equipped with adequate personal protective equipment which we have done on a daily, to serve the public,” Dr. Parris stated. History of Audiology Department Though rehab services in Guyana began 71 years ago, the Audiology Department is one of the more recent services that fall under this
Head of the Audiology, Dr. Ruth Quaicoe umbrella. Audiology services commenced in 1997 with a project called Ear Care 2000, launched by the Ministry of Health, in collaboration the Commonwealth Society of the Deaf (Sound Seekers), from the United Kingdom, Dr. Parris relayed. She recalled that, “Audiological scientists from London came to Guyana to set up a clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and to train local personnel. Two senior nurses and two technicians were trained in Guyana, whilst a doctor and two technicians were trained in the United Kingdom.” The technicians were trained in ear mould manufacturing and hearing Continued on page 14
Monday June 29, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Moruca group spreads COVID-19 education through flyers, video As the threat of COVID19 spreads throughout the Moruca sub-district, one man has joined in the fight against this global pandemic. Marti De Souza, an Education Officer from the Mabaruma sub-region, has taken it upon himself to educate the people of Moruca and by extension Guyana, on the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. Marti, a Morucan by birth, was motivated to do such after several members of his family tested positive for the virus. “For several days I studied the situation, thinking why it was that it (the virus) was spreading so rapidly? And what could I do from Mabaruma?”Marti said. The realisation that not enough information was being disseminated in Moruca soon drove Marti to come up with the simple message of “prevention is better than cure.” Marti expressed that the sub-district of Moruca has held a special place in his heart, having gone to school and lived there most of his life. “I was afraid for the safety of my family, many of whom are teachers. The night that my niece was diagnosed with COVID-19, I started designing simple flyers and posters that I made shareable through social media…” Many of Marti’s close friends and colleagues soon joined the bandwagon by sharing these posters and
flyers. The number of shares peaked to the thousands on social media platforms. Marti soon realized that he wasn’t the only one with the safety of Moruca in mind. He found a group of vibrant young people who all shared the same vision. Impressed by their willingness to support his cause, Marti immediately joined the group. The members, who call themselves the COVID-19 Research and Support Group (CRSG), operates under the hash tag #StaySafeMoruca. The CRSG recently produced a two-minute video highlighting proper hand washing techniques as well as promoting social distancing. It’s been viewed by over a thousand people in Guyana and overseas. “I consider myself part of
Marti De Sousa a larger group which is dedicated to the same fight: Spreading awareness and curbing the spread of Covid19 in Moruca and by extension the country.” Marti revealed that the group is currently working on
a second video, which will tell the story directly from those infected, with the hope that this will reach deep into the hearts of all viewers and COVID-19 will be given the serious attention it deserves. Marti noted that many members of the CRSG have been operating out of isolation and quarantine. He added that the group also comprises Ministry of Public Health officials and members of the media who have all been working diligently in spreading the message. Moruca, the largest Indigenous community in the country does not largely benefit from national radio and television. This means that residents are less likely to be exposed to information regarding the severity of the pandemic. Marti believes that this Continued on page 14
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Monday June 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
As police seek ‘Aunty Deyo’s’ killers…
Murders of five other elderly women remain unsolved over nine years later
Chandradai Bhudu, called ‘Aunty Deyo’: Will her murder also end up in the ‘unsolved cases’ file?
HAVE YOU SEEN HIM? Roger Brandt, prime suspect in the murder of Najidan Sadick, also known as Khirul Najidam
As police continue to seek the identity of the individuals who strangled 83year-old Chandradai Bhudu in her Tain, Berbice home, the unsolved killings of five other elderly women, between 2009 and 2011, appear to be all but forgotten. The victims were between the ages of 68 and 74, and like Chandradai Bhudu, they lived alone. Three were strangled and someone slit the throat of the third victim. Three lived on the East Coast of Demerara, some eleven miles from each other; a fourth lived on the West Bank of Demerara and the fifth in Greater Georgetown. On Friday, August 28, 2009, Bhemwattie Ram, a resident of La Grange, West Bank Demerara, realised that she had not seen her active and healthy 80-year-old grandmother, Kharpattie Shivnauth, for the day. Shivnauth, called ‘Ma’, lived alone in her Lot 66 Independence Street, La Grange home. Ma’ was an active individual who was usually up and about in her yard by 05:00 hrs. On Fridays, in particular, she would pick flowers and then pray in a small temple in her yard. The worried granddaughter contacted the elderly woman’s son, who lived a short distance away. At around 19:00 hrs, the son, Gopaul Nauth, accompanied by a few other
Rajkumarie Mahadeo residents, ventured into Shivnauth’s home. Not seeing her in the hallway, and getting no answer, they ventured into her bedroom. They found Kharpattie Shivnauth lying nude on her bed. Someone had tied her to the bed with strips of cloth. Another piece of cloth was tied around her mouth. It was later revealed that she was suffocated and sexually assaulted. The victim’s gold earrings, gold ring and gold bands were missing. Shivnauth’s twobedroom house was ransacked, and the son surmised that the killers made off with cash that his mother had stashed in her home. He speculated that his mother’s killers gained entry by climbing through an open eastern window, which had no panes.
Khirul Najidam Kharpattie Shivnauth was last seen alive the previous night (Thursday August 27), when she had attended a Mandir in the community. A hire car driver had dropped her home at around 20:00 hrs. She had reportedly rested briefly in a hammock under her house before going upstairs. Almost immediately, police began to focus on a man who lived a few houses from Shivnauth’s. Relatives alleged that the man was seen acting suspiciously outside the victim’s home on the night on which she was believed to have been slain. About two weeks before her death, the same man had reportedly tried to sell Shivnauth a gold chain. The elderly woman had ordered him off her property. Relatives described the individual as a drug addict who had recently moved into the area. Someone who knew the suspect also claimed that the man’s jersey and his cutlass were found in Shivnauth’s home. Despite these leads, police were unable to link him to Shivnauth’s death and eventually released him. No one else was ever detained. Gopaul Nauth, the victim’s son, said that despite her age, his mother was healthy and did all of her own chores. At the time, he appeared to be convinced that more than one individual killed his mother. “My mother was strong…is not only one person strangle her.” Like Kharpattie Shivnauth, 78-year-old Rajkumarie Mahadeo was also healthy and active. Unfortunately, she also lived alone in her Lusignan, East Coast Demerara abode. She habitually woke up early to tend to her cows. Most of the children she had raised single-handedly after her husband’s tragic murder. They had planned to give her an overseas Christmas
Sukhdai Ramkilaum vacation in December 2009. But at around 05:45 hrs on Christmas Eve 2009, Mahadeo was found dead on the parapet outside her yard. She was still wearing some of her jewellery when her body was found. A post mortem revealed that she had been strangled. It is alleged that Mahadeo had received some threatening phone calls a few months before she was slain. The individual was questioned but was never charged and no one else was detained. Mrs. Mahadeo’s children issued a reward for information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of her killers. To date, though, no one has come forward with
Prampattie Ramsundar any information that could result in charges. 3) In mid-February, 2011, some residents of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, were awakened by a woman’s screams. Those screams seemed to be coming from the Lot 88 Second Street home of 64-year-old Prampattie Ramsundar called ‘Aunty Daro.’ One neighbour peeped through her window and observed that Ramsundar’s front door was ajar. She called out to the elderly woman, but got no answer. When the neighbour peeped outside about an hour later, Ramsundar’s door was closed. Later in the day, Ramsundar was found dead Continued on page 20
Audiology Dept. spotlights... From page 12 aid repairs and servicing, whilst the doctor did a degree in Audiological medicine. The service was officially handed over to Ministry of Public Health, Guyana, in 1998, with Audiological Physician, Dr. Ruth Quaicoe, heading the department. As demand increased, Dr. Quaicoe composed a curriculum and training programme for audiological technicians that continues to date. These technicians return to their respective regions to manage the satellite clinics after completing their training. As the Rehabilitation Week comes to an end, Dr. Parris is encouraging the Guyanese population to take advantage of the services of the Audiology Department. She underscored the importance of early detection of hearing loss and intervention, particularly in young children and encouraged persons to contact the department at telephone number 226-1511 to book an appointment. (DPI)
Moruca group spreads... From page 13 lack of information has caused many of the residents to have a laid-back approach to precautionary measures. “Hopefully, our voices and the voices of those infected will be heard, even by the few non-believers who still remain,” the Education Officer added. The road to eradicating COVID-19 is no doubt a long and winding one. With limited resources and health personnel to their disposal, the Health Department of Moruca sub-region is facing what is now considered their greatest challenge. But Marti De Sousa pledged that he will “keep on fighting by producing and sharing these flyers and posters until the message is loud and clear and Covid19 is curbed. “
Monday June 29, 2020
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Kaieteur News
GUYANESE HORROR FICTION KAMARANG…
The name of the thing that is after Michael Jones By Michael Jordan His parents came for him just after the doctors had finished making their eight o’clock rounds. His mother sat with him, while he ate the hospital breakfast of beef soup and orange juice and took his medication. His father, meanwhile, went to collect the rest of his medication from the pharmacy. He ate slowly and with some discomfort. His tongue, for some reason, felt sore. He had thought that the bearded doctor would have been there, but it was a Cuban physician who checked him and said he was well enough to be discharged. Aside from the anaemia, the test results showed nothing abnormal. He was advised to eat, take his medication, and rest. He felt a pang of guilt as he glanced at his parents. None of them looked as if they had slept much. He nodded off in the car, leaning on his mother. She woke him when they arrived home, and, though he felt light-headed, he forced himself to exit the car and climb the stairs unaided. He had just taken off his boots and shirt, and was thinking of sleep, when there was a rap on the door and his father entered. He looked at Michael, then sat on the bed. His father cleared his throat. “You really gave us a scare, chap.” “I’m sorry,” he mumbled. Awkward silence again then: “Mike, what is bothering you boy? What is troubling you? Who is this woman that you are seeing?” He felt he could now tell the old man about Lucille, tell him how it started, tell him how he felt, and the old man would be upset, but would forgive him. But he couldn’t pull them into this, not after what he had seen in Lucille’s room... “Who is she, Michael?” “Somebody I knew a few weeks ago. But it’s over.” “Who is that man who dropped you home?” The unexpected question startled him. Again he was in the car, that smell, that sniffing sound. … He said nothing. “Michael…” his father said in an unusually gentle way, “I need you to know that you can talk to me. You can tell me anything. Anything. We all make mistakes.” He broke off, his voice hoarse. “Damn,” he said. “Damn.” Abruptly he rose and turned his back to Michael. He
sighed. “We will talk tonight, son,” he said, then hurried from the room. Afterwards, he heard murmuring in his parents’ room. Some minutes after, his mother entered. She looked in the direction of her bedroom, then turned back to Michael. “You satisfied, now?”
now. He sat again and his mother joined him. “Who is this woman?” she said, looking straight ahead. Again the word, woman. “Who is she?” He knew that his mother could be just as stubborn as he when she wanted to be. She would not leave the
“I believe I know how your ladyfriend killed that boy at Kamarang,” the doctor said. And I think I know how she, or something that she sent, is harming you...” He didn’t answer, didn’t meet her eyes. Just tired…scared…empty… “You know how much he worries about you…?” He felt so tired… “…while you gallivant— God knows where?” Tired… “Stand up.” “Mom…” “I said stand!” He slid off the bed and
stood. He felt his jeans, tight to the point of discomfort a month ago, slipping down his buttocks. He grabbed at his jeans and pulled them up. His mother looked at him, shaking her head. Now there were tears in her eyes. “Look at my son…look at him! Dropping out of his clothes!” She shook her head; her lips pursed angrily. “Are you using drugs, Michael?” He shook his head, angry
room until he said something. “She is trouble, Michael. She will bring us terrible, terrible trouble.” Now something like fear had replaced her anger. Her voice shook. “Michael…Michael…stay away from whoever she is!” For a moment, he felt that his mother somehow knew…knew even more than he did; knew, not from the
smell of the girl, or the scratches and love bites on his skin, but because of something else. The thought scared him. “It’s over, mommy,” he said, ashamed as a tear trickled down his cheek. He put an arm awkwardly around her. “It’s over.” But she shook her head, as if saying, No! It’s not over! He sensed that she wanted to say more. Instead, she rubbed at her eyes. “I have
some soup in the kitchen.” He nodded. Again, he sensed that she wanted to tell him something. But she sighed, rose, and left the room. He glanced across at the wardrobe mirror. A pale, hollow-cheeked, dishevelled stranger stared back at him, and now he could understand his mother’s alarm; at least some of it. Had she sensed something? Or was it just her strange knack of picking things up, out of the blue? The same knack they said his long-dead greatgrandmother had? His head was spinning. He undressed, lay on the bed, listened to his parents prepare for work. Before she left, his mother brought a bowl of calalloo and liver soup, with plantains and cassava mixed in, to his bedroom. “You will be okay?” “I will be okay,” he said. She stared at him for a moment, again appeared on the verge of saying something, but then left. He heard them heading downstairs, heard his father start the car. The soup made his mouth water; he dipped into it. Again, that unexpected soreness in his mouth. He put down the bowl, went to the mirror. His tongue, his gums, appeared to be drained of colour. … He stared at the haggard, red-eyed reflection for a moment longer, then returned to his meal. Afterwards, he took his medication, then lay on the bed. Before leaving the hospital, he had stolen a glance at Vibert Sealey’s bed. A smooth-skinned, dark woman was by the man’s bedside. And though he was too far away to be sure, he thought that the man’s leg looked even more swollen. He wished he could somehow rewind his life, like a cassette, to before he had stepped into that brothel ... back to when he was just jogging and going to the cinema and sleeping with Shonette, and hanging out with Braff, Smithy and Persaud… Maybe he could go back to that simple life. If he went to another physician, rather than Doctor Mootoo, then he wouldn’t have to know what had happened to the doctor’s old friend. But he had to know…and that meant he had to see Doctor Mootoo… ** He knew how much he’d changed when he entered the
Cover design and illustrations by Harold Bascom doctor ’s room. Doctor Mootoo greeted him with a smile that seemed to say: I should know you, but I can’t remember…then the smile faded, and Michael saw a brief flash of shock on the physician’s face. “Michael Jones?” Michael nodded. “Sit, young Jones.” There was a wariness in his voice. “The symptoms are back?” He gave the doctor the lab results from the Georgetown Hospital. “You were hospitalised?” “Yes.” Doctor Mootoo glanced at the lab results again. “Last Tuesday night?” “Yes.”
night.” “And then you had to be hospitalised.” Doctor Mootoo leaned forward. “You remember when this weakness first started?” “About a month ago.” “Did it start before or after you began to visit the young lady?” Reluctantly, he answered. “I think sometime after.” ”And after visiting me and resting, you began to feel better.” “Yes.” “And this weakness returned after you started visiting her again?” “Yes.” Doctor Mootoo looked at
“She is trouble, Michael. She will bring us terrible, terrible trouble.” Now something like fear had replaced His mother’s anger. Her voice shook. “Michael…Michael…stay away from whoever she is!” “The same night with my good friend, Mr. Sealey.” Now he looked even more troubled. “What happened to him?” “Something bit him on the leg…the same night he was going to the brothel to confront your lady friend.” The words hung there, implying…what? Michael shifted his eyes away from Doctor Mootoo’s questioning gaze. “How ill is he?” “Very ill. Very, very ill.” Now he glanced at Michal’s medical chart. “And from what I see here, you aren’t doing too well yourself. You are still visiting your ladyfriend?” “I visited her last Tuesday
him intently. “Has anything...strange been happening when you visit her?” That darkened room; Lucille and that thing by the mirror, then that creature touching her…touching him, and she said it hadn’t happened, and he could never, ever return… He felt goose-bumps break out on his arms, and he was surprised to find that his eyes were blurred by tears. I’m not going to cry like a flipping baby in front of him. But a tear spilled down his cheek. He brushed angrily at the tear, refusing to look at the doctor. After a moment of Continued on page 23
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Detained landlord’s son had argued... From page 17 landlord had recently travelled to the United States and could not return because of the Covid-19 restrictions. He had reportedly authorized his daughter to collect the rent in his absence. However, it is alleged that different persons claiming to be the man’s relatives would come to collect rent on his behalf. The suspected arson attack occurred at around 17:45 hrs on Sunday at E- Half Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara. Marvin Lewis, 46, his wife Beverly Miller, 40, and their son, Duwhaul Ifill, 14, perished when they were trapped in the heavily grilled building. A tenant and sister of Marvin Lewis said that she was sitting by her “stand” located outside of the property when she heard screams coming from her brother’s apartment. She rushed into the yard and noticed the building was on fire. She claimed that she fetched water from a
Monday June 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
nearby pipe to extinguish the blaze. But the fire spread quickly and the building started to collapse. Other tenants started running out of the building. She too was forced to rescue her children by passing some of them through a back fence. The woman and others attempted to rescue her brother, wife, and son, who were trapped behind a heavily grilled door. However, they were forced to retreat from the flames. Eyewitnesses said that another tenant was almost trapped when he tried to save his belongings. He managed to escape through a back gate. Eyewitnesses claimed that they were forced to listen to the screams of the trapped victims as the building came crashing down on them. Shortly after fire fighters arrived and eventually contained the blaze before combing through the rubble for the victims. Their charred remains were found. They appeared to have been clinging to each other.
Murders of five other... From page 14 in the bottom flat of her home. Her hands were bound and a telephone cord was wrapped around her neck. Ramsundar’s house was ransacked and there were ashes inside, indicating that her attackers were smoking in the house. A sister, who found the body, said that over $500,000 in cash was missing. According to the sister, there was no sign of forced entry to the victim’s house. She believed that this suggested that her slain sister knew her attacker and willingly opened her d o o r. L a t e r t h a t d a y, a police tracker dog led investigators to a house some two corners away from the slain woman’s house. The house was reportedly occupied by a man who was often abusive to Ramsundar. But police never unearthed any evidence to implicate him. 4) In early March of 2011, two schoolgirls found the body of 74-yearold Khirul Najidam, called Babloo Saddick, in a store room located in the lower flat of her 1215 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt Park residence. She was bound and gagged and her home was ransacked. Najidam was last seen alive around noon on the same day she was slain. The victim had operated a small confectionery stand. At around 15:00hrs that day, a group of schoolchildren went to the woman’s house to make a purchase. After calling and getting no response, two girls ventured further into the yard and found the woman’s body in the storeroom. One neighbour claimed to have seen three young boys running from the house some
time before 15:00hrs, but thought nothing of it, since some persons would often try to steal the woman’s fruits. Police say they are trying to locate Roger Brandt, who is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Najidan Sadick (Khirul Najidam). Brandt is of African ancestry, brown in complexion, and his last known address is Lot 169 Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown. Anyone with information that may lead to Roger Brandt’s arrest is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 226-7065, 225-8196, 227-1149, 911 or the nearest police station. The following month, the partly nude body of 68-yearold Sukhdai Ramkilaum, called ‘Mama Rose’ and ‘Rosaline,’ was found in a pool of blood in the bedroom of her Lot 80 Vryheid’s Lust North residence. Her throat had been slit and her home was ransacked. Like the other victims, Ramkilaum also lived alone. The dead woman’s nephew, who lived next door, said that the first sign that he and his wife got that something was amiss was when the woman didn’t respond to calls the afternoon before. His wife then observed blood dripping from the floor boards to the ground below. The nephew then contacted the police, who accompanied him to the house where they made the grisly discovery. At the time, a detective had speculated that individuals might have been targeting elderly women who lived alone. “Is a sadist seeking out old people who live alone? We can’t do away with this theory.”
Meanwhile, there is concern that the murder of 83-year-old Chandradai Bhudu, may also be relegated to the police file of unsolved cases. On June 17, last, Bhudu, called ‘Aunty Deyo,’ was found bound, gagged and strangled in the two story home at Tain Settlement, Corentyne, Berbice, where she had lived alone. She was lying on her bedroom floor and her home was ransacked. Based on information police received, the slain woman’s caretaker, Lilowtie Samaroo, went to the pensioner’s home to deliver breakfast. On arrival, she observed that a door to the bottom flat was ajar. Upon entering the building, she saw Bhudu lying motionless on the floor in her bedroom in the lower flat. Her feet were bound with “a piece of burgundy cloth” and her hands were tied with strips of cloth. A strip from her bedsheet was tied around her mouth and nose. A section of the same strip of bedsheet was tied tightly around her neck. Police held four suspects but subsequently released them. They appear to have no further leads. In recent years, the Force has made some breakthroughs, through its Major Crimes Unit, in solving a number of cold cases, a notable one being the killing of Babita Sarjou. However, many of the ranks have since been removed from that Unit. Police had reportedly also set up a Cold Case Unit a few years ago. That unit is said to be understaffed and poorly equipped.
Nandlall calls out Dr. Alexis for alleged... From page 8 justice and forms part of that network of principles that protects and ensures judicial independence and fundamental justice. Dr. Alexis, in my respectful view, has egregiously violated these principles,” the lawyer said. He stated that not only does a conflict of interest exist but as a party involved in the matter, Dr. Alexis has unwisely commented on the outcome of a live matter, which is also a clear breach of the sub-judice rules. Dr. Alexis’ was recently quoted in another section of the press commenting extensively on the likelihood of a successful outcome of the case set for hearing next Wednesday. In response, Nandlall noted that not only has Dr. Alexis made a public statement but has expressed his legal opinion on how the case should be decided, exposing himself to the obvious accusation that he is attempting to prejudice the outcome of the proceedings. “A logical (consequence) of this principle is that they should not make any public statement, adopt any posture or commit any acts which may be viewed as influencing, or intending to influence, litigation pending before Judges whom they have appointed or has a responsibility to appoint.
“An ordinary citizen who violates the subjudice doctrine is likely to be hauled before the courts for contempt. Dr. Alexis is not an ordinary citizen, in this regard. “He has done much worse. The truth is he should never have appeared in the proceedings, in the Court of Appeal of Guyana, knowing of the likelihood of it journeying to the CCJ. His entire involvement in this case is highly reprehensible and must be condemned,” the lawyer added. “He said that if Dr. Alexis wishes to remain a respectable jurist, he must withdraw his remarks with an appropriately worded statement admitting this gross misadventure. “It is this type of conduct which fuels the fears of those Caribbean citizens who cling desperately to Her Majesty’s Privy Council.” Despite the infractions committed by Dr. Alexis, Nandlall expressed full confidence in the integrity and independence of the CCJ. He recalled that the fact that the CCJ had no difficulty in rejecting Dr. Alexis’s argument in the Guyana Court of Appeal, in the NoConfidence Motion cases, where he submitted that the term “majority” means “absolute majority” in Article 106 of the Constitution of Guyana.
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Dozens arrested as Hong Kongers protest planned national security laws
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HONG KONG - (Reuters) - Hong Kong police arrested at least 53 people yesterday after scuffles erupted during a relatively peaceful protest against planned national security legislation to be implemented by the mainland Chinese government. Armed riot police were present as a crowd of several hundred moved from Jordan to Mong Kok in the Kowloon district, staging what was intended as a “silent protest” against the planned law. However, chanting and slogans were shouted towards police and later scuffles broke out in Mong Kok, prompting police to use pepper spray to subdue parts of the crowd. Hong Kong Police said on Facebook that 53 people had been arrested and charged with unlawful assembly, adding that earlier some protesters tried to blockade roads in the area. The proposed national security law has raised concerns among Hong Kong democracy activists and some foreign governments that Beijing is further eroding the extensive autonomy promised when Britain handed the territory back to China in 1997. Yesterday’s event came a day after Hong Kong police refused permission for an annual march usually held on July 1 to mark the 1997 handover, citing a ban on large gatherings amid the coronavirus pandemic. China has said the new security law will target only a small group of troublemakers as it tackles separatism, sub-
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Pro-democracy protesters raise their hands up as a symbol of the “Five demands, not one less” during a march against the looming national security legislation in Hong Kong, China, yesterday. Reuters/Tyrone Siu version, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong. China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee reviewed a draft of the bill yesterday.
Chinese state media reported that lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the draft. The Chinese government has “unshakable determination to push ahead with
enactment of the security bill and safeguard national sovereignty and interest,” state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing a government spokesperson.
Monday June 29, 2020
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The name of the thing that is after... From page 19 embarrassing silence, Doctor Mootoo asked: “What happened?”“I-thought something—in the room...attacked me.” Something like what?” “A-a-something like—a – woman.” “Attacked you…how?” “It came to the bed…and—and touched me.” “And then?” “It—disappeared from the room.” Saying it aloud, it sounded crazy. Was he going crazy? Did the doctor think so?A pause, then: “Was there anything strange about this woman?”He gave a short, embarrassed laugh, though he felt like screaming. “Her feet were turned backwards.” The physician’s fingers tightened around the papers that Michael had given him. Now the brown eyes held something like dread and excitement. “You know what that thing you described is supposed to be?” He tried to laugh. “Something that the Amerindians call a bush dai dai. My great-grandmother used to tell me about it.” He half-expected the doctor to smile. Instead, the physician seemed more troubled. “You still having those nightmares?” “Yes,” he said.
“About this thing you saw in the room?” He nodded. “Chasing me…trying to eat me—” he broke off, embarrassed. “I know how crazy it sounds— ” “Any other dreams?” He felt his face growing hot. “About an old lady, uh— She…she—ah…touching me…” “Like sexually?” “Yes!” Again, he felt the hairs rise on his arms. “And how do you feel when you wake up?” He suddenly didn’t want to speak. Somehow, he felt that something was there, listening in on them. Doctor Mootoo glanced at a dim corner of the office, then back at him. “How do you feel, afterwards?” the doctor asked again. “Tired,” he said. “Andand—and like something just left my bed.” Again, he saw Doctor Mootoo’s eyes shift to the same dim corner. He saw the physician lick his lips. Now Doctor Mootoo stared down at the desk, as if in deep thought, before looking up again at Michael. “I’m going to say something I never thought I would say to a patient. I think you need urgent help, from another kind of physician—a specialist in these things.”
“You mean a psychiatrist—” “No, no, no. I meant a specialist—you know, in spiritual matters.” He stared at the doctor; understanding, but not believing. “An obeah man?” “No no no. A piaiman. I know somebody…a friend of Mr. Sealey’s—” “You want me to see a piaiman?” “Yes…and I believe you must see him at all costs.” “A piaman…” “Young Jones, I believe I know how your lady-friend killed that boy at Kamarang. And I think I know how she, or something that she sent, is harming you.” The doctor was shaking his head, as if trying to reject his own thoughts. “How?” Michael said at last.(Taken from the Guyanese supernatural novel, KAMARANG by Michael Jordan. Cover design by Harold Bascom.) The illustrated edition of Kamarang is on sale at Austin’s Book Store. Kamarang is also available on Amazon (Kindle and paperback) You can also contact Michael Jordan for autographed copies on +592 645 2447, or on email a d d r e s s kamarangnight@gmail.com
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Cricket: Women’s game needs investment,
not ‘dubious’ innovations - Pandey NEW DELHI (Reuters) Women’s cricket needs better marketing and investment to grow, and not “dubious” innovations like a shorter pitch or smaller boundaries, said India pace bowler Shikha Pandey on Twitter. Her comments were a response to New Zealand captain Sophie Devine recommending a smaller ball and Pandey’s India team mate Jemimah Rodrigues suggesting a shorter pitch to pack more action into women’s cricket. Devine and Rodrigues spoke in an innovation webinar organised by the governing International Cricket Council earlier this
India’s Shikha Pandey at the Women’s Cricket World Cup Final - England vs India – London. (Action Images via Reuters/ Andrew Couldridge)
Monday June 29, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you might hear about opportunities to increase your income, Aries, either through your current employment, a new job, or perhaps a project of your own. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) All your relationships could be enhanced today by your increased sensitivity to the needs and feelings of others, Taurus. You may provide a sympathetic ear to melancholy friends, help someone resolve problems, or both. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Expect to find yourself ministering to the needs of colleagues and family members today, Gemini. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you might feel especially intellectually and creatively inspired, and you could discuss your ideas with others. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A close friend or member of your household could be having money problems, Leo, and want to draw on your good business sense in order to understand the situation and find ways to put it right. VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22) Heightened intuition and ESP could lead to some interesting conversations with others who are blown away by your insights into their thoughts, feelings, and desires.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A higher level of intuition and inspiration than is usual for you could enhance your artistic talents, Libra. A powerful drive to express the stories, pictures, or music that may be flooding your mind could result in your spending as much. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Moving ahead is today's key phrase, Scorpio. You should be feeling very optimistic and excited about goals that you've set for yourself. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Inspiration is the keyword for the day, Sagittarius. You may be feeling highly motivated to move on with what others consider impossible dreams. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) An increased understanding of distant cultures as well as curiosity about the people who live there could spur you on to further learning about those places, Capricorn. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The opportunity to increase your income could spur you to channel more energy and inspiration into career and business matters. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The desire for travel might hit you today, perhaps to visit a friend who lives far away, and you could set the wheels in motion to make it happen at some point in the future. Socializing could take up your evening, if possible.
month, but Pandey found most of their suggestions “superfluous”. “In Olympic 100m female sprinter doesn’t run 80m to win first place medal ... So the whole ‘decreasing the length of the pitch’ for whatever reasons seems dubious,” the 31year-old said in a series of tweets on Saturday. Pandey saw some merit in using a smaller ball but said it must weigh the same because a lighter ball would be tougher to grip and travel
more slowly. She resented, though, the idea of having smaller boundaries to encourage power-hitting. “We have surprised you with our power-hitting in recent times, so remember, this is only the beginning; we will get better. Please have patience.” The game would grow if women’s international matches were broadcast live along with the Decision Review System (DRS) compo-
nent, she said. “Growth can also be achieved by marketing the sport well. We don’t have to tinker with rules or the very fabric of the game to attract an audience,” she said. A record crowd attended the March 8 final of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup when Australia beat India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.“They saw something special in us, and here’s hoping you do too!” Pandey tweeted.
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Barcelona slip up in LaLiga title race as Bayern Munich lift Bundesliga trophy Lazio players celebrate Luis Alberto’s goal (Riccardo de Luca/AP)
Iago Aspas celebrates his equaliser (Lalo Villar/AP)
PA Sport - Barcelona edged back to the top of LaLiga on Saturday night but Iago Aspas’s 88th-minute equaliser for Celta Vigo cost them two crucial points as they were held to a 2-2 draw. Barca were looking to capitalise on playing first, with rivals Real Madrid not
in action until Sunday’s trip to Espanyol. A Luis Suarez brace, either side of Fedor Smolov’s 50thminute equaliser, had them on course to do so but Aspas’s late free-kick provided what could be a crucial twist in this tight title race. Elsewhere, goals from
Raul Garcia, Oihan Sancet and Asier Villalibre helped Athletic Bilbao to a 3-1 win over Mallorca in the afternoon match. Atletico Madrid strengthened their grip on third place with a 2-1 win over Alaves thanks to secondhalf goals from Saul Niguez
and Diego Costa, the latter a penalty. Joselu pulled a goal back for the visitors from the penalty spot in stoppage time. Enric Gallego struck in the sixth minute of time added on as Osasuna snatched a 2-1 victory over relegationthreatened Leganes. It was Gallego’s second of the night after Javier Aviles cancelled out his opener. Bayern Munich lifted the Bundesliga trophy in an empty stadium as they ended the campaign with a 4-0 win over Wolfsburg. Kingsley Coman, Mickael Cuisance, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller were all on the scoresheet for the newlycrowned champions. Chelsea-bound Timo Werner struck twice as RB Leipzig won 2-1 at Augsburg, moving them within three points of second-placed
Borussia Dortmund who suffered a shock 4-0 home defeat to Europa League-chasing Hoffenheim. Andrej Kramaric scored all four goals for the visitors, the last of them a 50th-minute penalty. B o r u s s i a Monchengladbach made certain of the final Champions League spot with a 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin as Jonas Hofmann and Breel Embolo got on the scoresheet. Werder Bremen thrashed Cologne 6-1 to avoid automatic relegation, a fate suffered by Fortuna Dusseldorf after they were beaten 3-0 by Union Berlin to join Paderborn in the second tier. Paderborn signed off with a 3-2 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt, while Bayer Leverkusen beat Mainz 1-0 and Freiburg were 4-0 winners over Schalke. Lazio cut the gap at the
top of Serie A pack to four points as they came from behind for 2-1 win over a Fiorentina side who finished with 10 men. Franck Ribery put the Viola ahead in the 25th minute, but Ciro Immobile equalised from the penalty spot in the 67th minute before Luis Alberto put Lazio ahead with eight minutes to go. Fiorentina had Dusan Vlahovic dismissed in stoppage time. Brescia remain rooted to the bottom of the table after blowing a 2-0 lead in a 2-2 draw with Genoa. Alfredo Donnarumma and Alessandro Semprini had Brescia 2-0 up inside 13 minutes, but the hosts then conceded two penalties, converted by Iago Falque and Andrea Pinamonti, as Genoa took a point. Cagliari moved up to 10th with a 4-2 win over Torino.
Holder wants racism to be treated like doping and fixing MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - West Indies captain Jason Holder wants racism to be treated as seriously as doping and matchfixing in cricket, the 28-yearold has said. Then Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was slapped with a four-match ban last year for a racist remark aimed at South Africa all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo. Earlier this month, former West Indies captains Darren Sammy and Chris Gayle said they have experienced racist abuse and threw their weight behind the Black Lives Matters campaign.
“I don’t think the penalty for doping or corruption should be any different for racism,” Holder told BBC Sport. “If we’ve got issues within our sport, we must deal with them equally.” Under the anti-racism code of the governing International Cricket Council (ICC), a third breach of the code by a player could lead to a life ban. The sanction for a first offence by a player can be up to a ban for four tests or eight limited-overs matches. Holder said teams should be briefed about race issues
before the start of any series. “In addition to having anti-doping briefings and anti-corruption briefings, maybe we should have an anti-racism feature before we start a series,” the all-rounder said.“My message is more education needs to go around it. “I’ve not experienced any racial abuse first hand but have heard or seen a few things around it. It’s something you just can’t stand for.”England will consider a joint anti-racism protest with West Indies during the threetest series between the sides next month.
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Olympics: Carlos leads U.S. call Barkley strike sends for scrapping of protest ban Chelsea into FA Cup semis (Reuters) - Eight-times FA Cup winners Chelsea reached the semi-finals yesterday as midfielder Ross Barkley came off the bench to secure a deserved 1-0 victory at faltering Leicester City. Barkley, one of the three changes manager Frank Lampard made at halftime, slid home the winner in the 63rd minute as the west London side joined Manchester United and Arsenal in last four. Leicester were the better side before the break and had the bulk of the chances against a lethargic Chelsea, but the visitors were a different proposition after the interval. Tammy Abraham had a goal ruled out for offside and then Barkley found space in the area to clip Willian’s measured cross past goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel just past the hour.
Leicester, without the creativity of attacking midfielder James Maddison who was missing with a hip problem, struggled to respond although they did mount some belated late pressure. Chelsea have been buoyant since the season resumed following the novel coronavirus stoppage, winning both of their Premier League games to consolidate fourth place and they now have a Cup semi-final to look forward to. Leicester on the other hand have struggled to rediscover their rhythm, drawing twice in the league, and while they are still third, other teams are breathing down their neck. “It was important to get the win and keep the momentum going,” Barkley said. “At halftime we said it’s not good enough and to be vocal on the pitch, and we improved.” It was the third of this
year’s FA Cup quarter-finals to be won by the away side and how Leicester could have done with the noisy support they usually receive at the King Power Stadium. They did start the game well with Harvey Barnes having half a chance and Jonny Evans just failing to connect with a header. Chelsea keeper Willy Caballero did not have much to do, although he did s c r a m b l e a w a y a Yo u r i Tielemans shot. Lampard was unhappy and could clearly be heard telling his team to “liven up” in the empty stadium. Young trio Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour and Reece James all came off at halftime with Barkley, Mateo Kovacic and Cesar Azpilicueta sent on to add some experience. Lampard was rewarded with a much-improved display.
John Carlos, participant of the 1968 Olympics, stands on the campus track at Palm Springs High School, where he is a teacher and counsellor in Palm Springs, California July 11, 2012. (REUTERS/Alex Gallard)
(Reuters) - John Carlos, one of the two American Olympians who famously gave the Black Power salute on the podium at the 1968 Mexico Games, is leading a call for rules banning athlete protests at the Olympics to be scrapped. The 75-year-old former sprinter on Saturday joined with active American athletes to send a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) calling for the abolition of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which bans political protests. “Athletes will no longer be silenced,” read the letter signed by Carlos and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s Athletes’ Advisory Council (USOPC AAC). “We are now at a crossroads. The IOC and IPC cannot continue on the path of punishing or removing ath-
letes who speak up for what they believe in, especially when those beliefs exemplify the goals of Olympism.” Many sports organisations have embraced the Black Lives Matters campaign in recent months with players kneeling before competition in sympathy with anti-racism protests. Under Rule 50, that would not be allowed at next year’s Tokyo Olympics. The IOC said earlier this month that it would consult with athletes to “explore different ways for athletes to express support for the principles enshrined in the Olympic charter in a dignified way”.Carlos, who had won bronze in the 200 metres, was expelled from the Mexico Olympics with gold medallist Tommie Smith after they raised their fists and lowered their heads during the play-
ing of the U.S. national anthem. “The Olympic and Paralympic movement simultaneously honours athletes like John Carlos and Tommie Smith ... while prohibiting current athletes from following in their footsteps,” the USPOC AAC letter continued. “Carlos and Smith risked everything to stand for human rights and what they believed in, and they continue to inspire generation after generation to do the same.” The letter called for the IOC to develop a “new structure” that allowed freedom of expression on human rights issues that align with Olympic principles. “Aligning with such principles will allow athletes to give the world hope beyond sport - hope that voices matter and are a powerful tool for change,” it said.
Murray withdraws from third-place match at Battle of the Brits Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta in action with Leicester City’s Demarai Gray, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Rui Vieira/Pool via REUTERS)
Foxy Ladies FC players receives GFF Covid-19 Relief Hampers Members of the Foxy Ladies Football Club based at Den Amstel on the West Coast of Demerara were yesterday recipients of a number of food hampers donated to the club by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) as part of their covid-19 relief for members. Ten members were presented with their hampers by Secretary of the Club, Denise Lovell at Dads Fish Shop, Den Amstel and they all expressed gratitude to the GFF for the timely gesture which comes at a challenging time for families.
”We at the Foxy Ladies FC would like to express our appreciation to President Wayne Forde and the Guyana Football Federation for their generosity at this time. All the members are appreciative and noted that the items will go a long way in assisting their families to ride the waves of this covid-19 pandemic that continues to rock the world,” Lovell stated. Members of the Den Amstel Football Club will also receive the hampers as well as other Regional Members Associations of the GFF.
(Reuters) - Andy Murray has withdrawn from his thirdplace playoff match against Cameron Norrie in the Battle of the Brits exhibition tournament, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) said yesterday. Former world number one Murray, 33, returned to action following a seven-month injury layoff at the charity event organised by his brother Jamie this week. The three-times Grand Slam champion played four matches in five days, beating Liam Broady and James Ward on the way to the semi-finals where he lost to Dan Evans on Saturday. Ward will take Murray’s place in the match against Norrie.
Britain’s Andy Murray reacts during his match against Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor. (REUTERS/Susana Vera/File Photo)
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Monday June 29, 2020
Kaieteur News
England will pick strongest XI for first West Indies Test despite rotation plans ESPNcricinfo - England’s bowlers have been told by the selectors that the team picked for the first Test against West Indies will be the strongest possible side, despite the acceptance that rotation will be a feature of the summer. The 30-man training group named ahead of the West Indies series includes 18 seamers, with the ECB’s performance director Mo Bobat telling ESPNcricinfo last month that “our depth will get challenged” by a “pretty brutal schedule”. England are set to play six Tests in a sevenweek window across the West Indies and Pakistan series, and the team’s management are expected to give opportunities to fringe players at some stage. That could mean that Stuart Broad misses a Test match in England for the first time since 2012, breaking a streak that currently stands at 51 consecutive appearances at home. Speaking from the bubble at the Ageas Bowl yesterday, Broad admitted that he was reluctant to miss any cricket, but accepted that there was a “bigger picture” for the support staff to consider. “We’ve been told as a
bowling group that the strongest team will be picked for the first Test. The aim is to get into that,” Broad said. “The last Test I missed in England was against West Indies in 2012, when I was named in the starting XI [before the toss] but it rained for the first two days and Andy Flower decided that a threeday Test match was one to take a rest from, over which we had an argument at the time. “I don’t like missing cricket. I feel fit at the moment - my fitness tests have been as strong as ever in this comeback-to-cricket period - but we all know how hard fast bowling is. One of my strengths over the years has been to play consistently, so the body has been used to the workload, and it has never had that period of stopping, to then have that shock of coming back. “That is the period we’re in now, and Ed Smith, James Taylor [England’s selectors] and Chris Silverwood [head coach] in the selection panel have been clear that, yes, we want to play our best team as often as possible, but we’re not going to put bodies at major risk.”
Despite his admission that he would rather not miss a Test, Broad conceded that the risk of injury will be heightened this summer. There have already been parallels drawn with football, where the Bundesliga and the Premier League have seen a spike in injury rates, and Broad used the example of James Anderson’s injury at Newlands to illustrate the problem. “We all wear these GPS devices now, and the stats that Phil Scott [England’s strength and conditioning coach] pulls together are quite interesting. He can almost predict when an injury might happen. If you bowl 25 or 30 overs in a day, you won’t get injured the next day - it’s a bounce of two weeks when the height of risk of injury comes, which is why rest and recuperation comes into it. “If you’re in the team on July 8 and you do your job and bowl well and you bowl the team out by only bowling 20 overs in the Test then I’m assuming you’re going to play in the next game. That has got to be your aim, and I’d love the opportunity to start. It’s always going to be
hard and frustrating if you’re told you’re not playing in a Test, but there is a bigger picture for them looking after us. “We can see [from when] Jimmy came back on Boxing Day - we had a bit of illness, so he bowled loads on Boxing Day and then got injured ten days later. We want to avoid those sorts of things with our bodies not feeling as tough, as cricket-hardened as they would be in a normal summer.” If England do choose to rotate, they will not have any shortage of options to choose from. Players on the fringes of selection like Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton and Ollie Robinson will push for inclusion in the final squad for this series in a three-day warm-up match starting on Wednesday, while England have already used as many as eight frontline seamers in Test cricket in the past 12 months. “You have 30 people trying to get in 11 spots, so training has been nicely intense,” Broad said. “The coaches have been telling us to make sure we control our intensity a little, because obviously if we come in and spike our workloads and get up to too
Broad had an argument with Andy Flower when he last missed a home Test in 2012. (PA Images via Getty Images) high an intensity, we risk injury. “There is certainly no panic over the strength in depth of English fast bowling. We’ve all come here fit and fresh, which is rare for a fastbowling group. The dream ticket is to board a flight for Brisbane [ahead of the 2021-
22 Ashes] and having this lot of fast bowlers all ready to go. “Can we have Olly Stone, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, these sort of pace guys, Woakes, Curran, Broad, Anderson, all fit, fresh and ready to go? If we can, we’ve got a chance of winning there.”
Ceballos stoppage-time strike sends Arsenal into semis
Arsenal’s Dani Ceballos scores their second goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (REUTERS Andrew Boyers /Pool)
SHEFFIELD, England (Reuters) - Substitute Daniel Ceballos fired Arsenal into the FA Cup semifinals with a stoppage-time goal that sealed a 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane yesterday. Arsenal, record 13-times winners of the trophy, went ahead after 23 minutes when Chris Basham fouled Alexandre Lacazette in the penalty area and Pepe rattled home the spot-kick. Arsenal struggled in the second half as Sheffield United fired long balls into the penalty area aimed at the head of striker Oliver McBurnie.United keeper Dean Henderson almost scored with a wind-assisted kick that bounced and narrowly cleared the Arsenal crossbar, to the relief of his opposite number Emiliano Martinez. With their defence under pressure, Arsenal lost David Luiz to injury and the game looked to be heading for extra time when David McGoldrick equalised in the 87th minute, hooking home a volley after the visitors failed to clear a cornerBut Ceballos popped up to slot home the winner and lift Arsenal, who are ninth in the Premier League table, one place below Sheffield United.“Today we didn’t give up, even when they got the equaliser because you have to prepare for the extra time anyway. We believed until the end and we got rewarded,” Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi told BT Sport. Arsenal joined Manchester United in the last four. Leicester City face Chelsea and Newcastle United meet Manchester City later on Sunday in the last two quarter-finals.
Monday June 29, 2020
Dovizioso suffers broken collarbone in motocross crash ahead of MotoGP season start
Andrea Dovizioso has broken his left collarbone in a motocross crash. Autosport - Ducati MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso has broken his left collarbone in a motocross crash yesterday in Italy and was down to undergo surgery last evening. Dovizioso was taking part in a motocross race in the Emilia Romagna regional championship in Italy yesterday when he crashed and landed on heavily on his left shoulder, according to eye witnesses. He was taken to a nearby hospital in Forli to undergo scans on a possible broken collarbone. Ducati has since confirmed that the three-time MotoGP world championship runner-up has broken his left collarbone, and will undergo an operation yesterday
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evening in Modena to correct this. A spokesperson for the team confirmed that ordinarily an injury like this would be left to heal on its own, but Ducati and Dovizioso have taken the decision to have the operation in order to be ready for the opening round of the 2020 season at Jerez on 19 July. However, with only 13 rounds scheduled so far, any missed race through this injury will prove disastrous to his title ambitions. Ducati granted Dovizioso permission to take part in the race, with the Italian rider a keen motocross rider as part of his MotoGP training regime.This decision also comes in the wake of ongoing contract negotiations be-
tween both parties, with a deal yet to be reached over a dispute over money. Late last year reigning world champion Marc Marquez underwent surgery on a partially dislocated right shoulder he suffered in a heavy crash during the Malaysian GP weekend, and which he aggravated further in a tumble in November’s Jerez test. It followed a similar injury woe on his left shoulder, which dogged him throughout the 2018 season and required a lengthy winter of rehabilitation ahead of last season.The coronavirus-delayed 2020 season kicks off with back-to-back races at Jerez, with an official test taking place at the circuit on Wednesday 15 July.
Keys holds off Aussie Open champ Kenin in Charleston Madison Keys, seen here at Brisbane in January 2020, was a winner over Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin at the women’s exhibition tennis tournament in Charleston, South Carolina (AFP Photo/ Patrick Hamilton)
Washington (AFP) Madison Keys made it through another tense finish on Saturday, letting one match point slip before finishing off Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 6-3, 57 10-2 in the women’s tennis event in Charleston, South Carolina. Keys, who would have been defending her 2019 Charleston WTA title earlier this year if the coronavirus pandemic hadn’t halted play on the women’s tennis tour, had overcome a late lapse on Thursday in a 6-1, 6-7 (6/8), 10-4 victory over fellow American Caroline Dolehide. She said the tight finishes in the 16-player team event, being played with strict social distancing protocols and with no spectators, would
stand her in good stead when the WTA resumes in Palermo on August 3. She was up two breaks at 4-0 in the second set, and held a match point against Kenin’s serve in the ninth game that she couldn’t convert. Keys dropped her next two service games but regrouped in the 10-point tiebreaker, saying she was “kind of giving myself a little bit of grace, knowing that I don’t have those big points under my belt right now. “I know that these matches come in handy later, once the tour comes back and (I’m) just using that as an opportunity and not being too hard on myself.” The match pitted the topranked players to feature in the team event, which is be-
ing played on the same green clay courts that host the annual WTA Charleston event. Kenin, who won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, is ranked fourth in the world while Keys is ranked 13th. “When you play someone like (Kenin) you know that she is going to up her levels, especially when it matters,” Keys said. “She definitely did that at the end of the second set. “A few of those points were me, but I thought I had a pretty clean tiebreaker.” In the evening matches, Jennifer Brady beat fellow American Sloane Stephens 63, 7-6 (7/4) while the contest between Bethanie MattekSands and Shelby Rogers was halted by rain.
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Poirier outlasts Hooker in highlight bout at UFC Fight Night
Dustin Poirier (left) celebrates after defeating Dan Hooker of New Zealand (right) during UFC Fight Night at the UFC APEX. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports)
D
ustin Poirier absorbed several heavy blows but delivered a few more Saturday night, ultimately outlasting Dan Hooker for a unanimous decision victory in a “fight of the year” candidate in the main event at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Poirier (26-6) and Hooker (20-9) boxed at an incredible pace throughout the first two rounds, both remaining standing despite being rocked multiple times. Hooker nearly ended it late in Round 2, after both fighters had already been bloodied, but Poirier slowly took control down the stretch. He showed his conditioning in an impressive final round to claim scores of 48-47 from two judges and
48-46 from the third. It was Poirier’s first bout since he lost via rear-naked choke to Khabib Nurmagomedov in a lightweight championship bout in September of 2019, the longest time between fights in his career. In October, he had hip surgery that kept him from bearing weight on his leg for eight weeks. But the 31-year-old proved he had the stamina to go the distance, saying afterward that he “had a few more rounds left in me.” “It was a tough one man,” Poirier said. “Dan came to fight. He’s a tough guy on the rise.” Hooker, a 6-foot, 30-year-old from New Zealand, caught the 5-foot9 Poirier with a knee to the head late
Dustin Poirier (right) punches Dan Hooker of New Zealand (left) during UFC Fight Night at the UFC APEX. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via USA TODAY Sports)
in the second round and followed with a series of punches to the head of his shaken opponent. Poirier, who somehow remained standing, said afterward that the knee caused him to “flash out for a second,” and that he “came to” while being hit and didn’t know how much time was left in the round. The horn sounded just seconds later, perhaps saving him from a technical knockout. In Rounds 3 and 4, Hooker managed takedowns and did some damage, but Poirier fought back with near-misses on a few submission attempts, including guillotine chokes and an arm bar. He also landed sharp elbows in Round 3 and punches from behind
while controlling Hooker’s back in Round 4. By Round 5, Hooker clearly had less gas in his tank and was unable to convert his takedown attempts. Poirier ultimately landed 222 of 291 strikes, including 196 of 262 to the head. In the co-main event, Mike Perry (14-6) handled Mickey Gall (6-3) by unanimous decision in a welterweight bout to snap a two-fight losing streak. Perry, who fought with only his girlfriend in his corner, was cut above the eye just two minutes in. But he then took control both as a boxer and on the ground, nearly ending it with heavy elbows from a full mount just before the second-round horn
sounded. Earlier Saturday, Maurice Greene (9-5) submitted fellow heavyweight Gian Villante (17-12) with a rare arm triangle in the third round. Villante had dropped Greene with a heavy punch moments earlier, but Greene quickly turned the tables to win while on his back. In other main-card bouts, Brendan Allen (15-3) beat fellow middleweight Kyle Daukaus (9-1) via unanimous decision; Japan’s Takashi Sato (16-3) TKO’d Jason Witt (17-6) via punches in a welterweight fight; and Julian Erosa (24-9) submitted Sean Woodson (7-1) via D’Arce choke in the third round of a catchweight bout. (Field Level Media)
Tents, awnings to replace F1 motorhomes in Austrian GP paddock Tents to replace motorhomes in Austrian GP paddock.
Autosport - Formula 1’s paddock will look completely different at its first races back with tents and awnings replacing motorhomes, and team trucks further away from garages. As part of a move to limit the number of staff needing to attend, F1 has agreed with teams that the usual motorhomes that are a feature for European races will no longer be brought along. The building and transportation of F1’s super-structure motorhomes required a lot of staff and it was felt that it would be better for teams to use circuit facilities instead. The absence of the motorhomes means that there is now space for a paddock rejig, with plans having been agreed for team trucks - which are normally close to the pit garage doors - being moved further away.
Teams will then build tents and awnings at the back of the pits, which they can use as overspill space from the garage to help with any social distancing requirements. In a video explaining how Mercedes was coping with the challenge of the coronavirus races, Karl Fanson, head of its race team logistics, explained how different things will be. “It won’t be the same setup as a normal European race because we won’t have any motorhomes,” he said. “In agreement with F1, what we’ve managed to do is we’re going to move the race trucks further away from the garages, and we’ll be supplying our own tents and awnings. “[This will] give us more working space within the garage. It’s easier to social distance and work comfortably.”
F1 teams are also going to have to change their procedures of dealing with outside suppliers in the paddock, in a bid to make sure there is minimal risk of infection. Fanson explained that deliveries of items from the factory will now have to be collected away from the paddock, while there will be a different approach to getting fuel and tyres.“Normally we would have our fuel delivered to the garage and then we would send people to Pirelli to collect the tyres,” he said. “Now, there will be drop off point and collection point for the fuel, and also the tyres will be taken to a drop off point. Our lads will go to the collection point and collect the tyres, and then vice versa. “Once we’re finished with the tyres we’ll take them back, and Pirelli will pick them up once we’re clear of the area.”
Kaieteur News
Monday June 29, 2020
Wanda Diamond League announces updates to 2020 calendar T
h e Wa n d a Diamond League announced on Friday some further alterations to its provisional 2020 calendar, with the cancellation of two meetings and a further event pushed back until September. The Meeting de Paris, provisionally scheduled for September 6, will not take place this season. Following the latest government announcements on the organisation of major events in France, meeting organisers concluded that there is not enough time to organise a world-class international event in the French capital this year. Paris’s well-loved Wanda Diamond League meeting will return in August 2021, at a time when it is able to once again mobilise volunteers and welcome international stars. In Eugene, the 2020 Prefontaine Classic has also been cancelled. The state of Oregon currently has a ban on large gatherings - including sporting events - and that restriction will be in place until at least the end of
S e p t e m b e r. T h e b a n , combined with the expected long term restrictions on international travel, make it impossible to host a world class track & field meet in front of the Hayward Field faithful on October 4. The Prefontaine Classic is to return in 2021 and provide the opportunity for the University of Oregon to properly introduce the new Hayward Field to track & field fans around the world. Discussions are still ongoing in relation to the Muller Grand Prix Gateshead which is no longer scheduled for August 16. September 12 has been identified as a possible alternative date, however final confirmation cannot be given at this time due to UK Government guidelines and restrictions. T h e 2 0 2 0 Wa n d a Diamond League will not be a structured series of events leading to a final as is usually the case. Athletes will therefore not earn Diamond League points this season, and there will not be a single, 24discipline final in Zurich as originally planned.
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Wanda Diamond League changes its 2020 calendar once more.
Two more meetings have been cancelled in the Wanda Diamond league 2020.
Ceballos stoppage-time England will pick strike sends Arsenal strongest XI for into semis p.28
Sheffield United’s David McGoldrick scores their first goal, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Oli Scarff/Pool via REUTERS)
first West Indies Test despite rotation plans England look set to rotate their fast bowlers at some point this summer. (Getty Images)
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t r o p S Members of the Foxy Ladies Football Club of Den Amstel displaying their hampers after receiving same yesterday at the Dads Fish Shop, Den Amstel, WCD.
Foxy Ladies FC players receives GFF ReliefHampers Hampers GFFCovid-19 Covid-19 Relief p. 27
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