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March 07, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 10

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put GECOM Commissioner and others out of centre

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Online readership yesterday 282,963

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Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

PAGE 03

Don't swear in a new president under the present vote count - US, UK, Canada, EU Heads

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he Heads of Mission of the Embassy of the United States of America, Sarah-Ann Lynch, the British High Commission, Greg Quinn, the Canadian High Commission, Lilian Chatterjee, and the Delegation of the European Union, Fernando PonzCanto, express deep concern over credible allegations of electoral fraud which may influence the results of this election.

In a statement released to the press, the four diplomats called on all to ensure proper procedures are in place to yield a credible election result.

“A fair and free process is vital

for the maintenance and reinforcement of democracy in Guyana.

The ABCE diplomats therefore called on President David Granger to avoid a transition of Government, which we believe would be unconstitutional as it would be based on a vote tabulation process that lacked credibility and transparency.

Meanwhile the United Nations, (UN) resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka, issued a statement, which concerns the latest developments in Guyana.

Tanaka said that UN takes note of the statements issued by

international observers and Ambassadors accredited in Georgetown raising concerns regarding lack of compliance with national legal procedures and the need to resume the tabulation of results for Region Four.

“We encourage the relevant Guyanese authorities to finalise the process in a manner which leaves no doubts as to the credibility of the results that reflect the will of the Guyanese people.”

Further the United Nations calls upon all sides to act with calm, patience and in full respect of human rights, the rule of law and Guyana's constitutional order.

US Ambassador: Sarah Ann Lynch

European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

Canadian High Commission Lilian Chatterjee

Political parties urge calm

P

olitical parties that contested in the March 2, General and Regional Elections are calling for their supporters, and by extension Guyana, to remain calm, to be patient and to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner until the final verified election results are announced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

In press statements and during interviews, the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C); A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition; The Citizenship Initiative (TCI); and the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), appealed to the Guyanese people to be civil during this period which dwells in elevated tensions.

In a statement to the press, the PPP/C said, “While we understand the hurt, frustration and fear about electoral fraud being perpetrated against the Guyanese people, we have the solidarity of the international community…

“The PPP urges our supporters to ensure that none of their actions are in contradiction with the laws of Guyana; stay home and await further guidance from the Party.”

The opposition parties listed, except for the Coalition, referenced the

Presidential candidate of the coalition and PPP, David Granger and Irfaan Ali

TCI presidential candidate, Rondha Lam statements that emanated from the diplomatic community in Guyana; the international election observer missions; the US State Department; the representatives of the United States of America (USA)

LJP presidential candidate, Lennox Shuman Congress; British Parliamentarian, Barry Gardiner; The Elder, an international NGO founded

by Nelson Mandela, and other international organisations, as well as local stakeholders.

Except for the APNU+AFC, all of the other parties noted that these international and local bodies have all made it clear that as it stands, the results of the elections cannot be “credibly declared” and there can be no swearing in of a President since such an action would be illegal.

Further, these opposing parties agree with the international communities.

The parties also agree with the international community that there must be a return to the process of verifying the results of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections for Region Four, using the Statements of Polls, as required by law.

According to the parties, this is the only process that will deliver free and fair elections and ensure that the will of the Guyanese people is not subverted.

The APNU+AFC Coalition also urged Guyanese to conduct themselves in a peaceful and law-abiding manner as they go about their daily activities.

The APNU+AFC implored for citizens to remain calm and not to engage in any act whatsoever to disrupt national life or cause any strife or inconvenience.

Presidential candidate of the Liberty and Justice Party, Lennox Shuman stood in

conjunction with the above statements.

He noted that the LJP has “continuously” called for peace, calm and for the legitimate process to take its course.

“We caution that no political party should permit or endorse their supporters to descend this country into chaos.

That will most definitely exacerbate the situation and thus give Mr. Granger grounds to declare a state of emergency which will bring us to the precipice of martial law,” Shuman asserted to this publication.

Rondha Lam, the presidential candidate of the TCI related to this publication her dismay at yesterday's protests. She was keen to note that the unnecessary and unfortunate events of yesterday were ripple effects of the lack of transparency in the electoral process.

“I have seen multiple protests; I have seen multiple postings on social media that are distressing. The right to protest is engrained in the constitution, but the right to protest is done so in a spirit

of peacefulness,” Lam delivered.

She added, “You are encouraged to desist from calls of violence from violent acts and from spewing vile and discouraging things. This is not the pathway to democracy, and therefore I reject all and any calls for violence; I reject any calls that would lead to violence.

“I beg of you, I implore you, I plead with you to please allow the legal processes that have been initiated to work on behalf of protecting that democracy that we doubt.”

J a s o n C a r t e r, t h e Chairman the Carter Centre, applauded the contesting parties on their appeal for peace and patience and joins the calls for that.

Furthermore, he said that GECOM now has the opportunity to make the results right. Similarly, as recounts are being done in Regions Five and Six, the recount should be done in Region Four.

Political parties URP and the ANUG, shared the same sentiments as mentioned above.

PAGE 4

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

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

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Back away from the precipice A new government should have been in place at this time. We do not believe that this settles anything relative to the validity of the 2020 elections results. It is too unclear; it is too shrouded in uncertainty; it is too rife with all the heaving ingredients of the unsatisfactory.

It should have been a grand moment, this announcement of a new government and a new start, it is now anything but, and has succeeded in shattering any residual confidence, any lingering complacency, any forlorn hopes for continuity.

For how can we in this Guyana, continue like this? To what fresh new start? To deal comprehensively and authoritatively with our oil finds and oil responsibilities? To deal with anything related to meaningful, powerful, rightful governance.

Look around and pay even passing attention, and the stories of the reactions are, without fail, indistinguishable in the sameness of their content: this is gone about in the wrong way. This will not be able to stand, this cannot stand.

It will not be allowed to stand as it is rejected out of hand and almost universally.

Look and listen intently, again. The coalition government is losing friends fast; it runs the high risk of serious isolation, of being branded a pariah government, a rogue one at that, too.

The reins of power are not worth it; the welfare of Guyana should not be gambled away because of it. Neither the much-desired social ambience should be sacrificed for what is already hurting not the peace, but this new government itself.The influential and far reaching foreign presence has been quick to articulate its position in unambiguous terms.

It does not like, does not appreciate, the turn that things have taken.

That articulation and that posture should be particularly meaningful and should be recognised for what it is.The new government is not in a good place. It faces the specter of, at best, the stormiest of peace, the most hostile of receptions.

And that is precisely where it is, when the groundswell of unequivocally negative positions is examined, there is little of the supportive or the encouraging.

Which government could function like this, before such an onslaught of contentiousness, which is sure to last way into the future? It is from every corner within the seething local milieu, now raging and terribly fragmented along the usual divisive racial lines and, resonating from the core, in the sharp and unrelenting and ungiving voices for or against. There is the private sector with all of the implications of its financial muscle and reach. There is the Bar Association and the other professional agencies lined up in protest, in dismay, in barely concealed disgust.

Those hard voices and increasingly hardening hearts are sure to gather much loud and stalwart company in the days to come. As firmly entrenched as this government may believe it is right now, and with strong sentiments about its chances at longevity, the odds of its continuing existence and survival are not favourable.

It is why we at this paper appeal to the government and its leaders: rethink this thing. Rethink and restart how this has been gone about on Thursday and how it is going to manage with each passing day. We say again and again: do not go about competing first and preparing for governing in this manner. Whatever the thinking and vision, this momentous step is already running into one brick wall after another, with many more certain to line up behind each new established and discovered one.

Whatever sources, whatever rationales, were utilised to arrive at this point, they are not gaining any friendly support from any quarter, save for that of dyed in the wool believers and followers.

What has been done is wrong for the coalition as a political group, wrong for its adherents, wrong for this society in the entirety of its peoples. This can only be made right by undoing the wrong and doing so quickly and completely.We urge a revisiting to what was agreed upon late Wednesday evening as to process and approach. Let that count continue. Let those results hold.

Mr Mingo is seeking to confirm fantasy numbers instead of the actual votes DEAR EDITOR, The events of the last few days have brought Guyana to its knees. The dark days of elections violence and rigging had regrettable returned.

The right of the citizens to choose their leader has been hijacked by the Guyana Elections Commission. GECOM is refusing to conduct its tabulation of the voters in Region 4 in accordance with law.

Democracy can only survive if the will of the people is respected. In civilized societies this will is expressed at the ballot box. Every citi-

zen in a democracy ought to be free to choose their leaders. This is substance of a democracy.

We have to guard this right as being sacred. The expression of the will of the people must never be undermined.

The Court is no substitute for the will of the people.

No Court by employment of any rule or procedure ought to defeat the will of the voters. The obvious shortcoming by GECOM is doing and continues to undermine and ignore the will of the people

as expressed at the ballot box.

Their actions were unlawful, totally unacceptable, and a denial of the will do the people. The Court must correct this, it must not subvert it. The Court and it’s officers have been for the past year praising the new rules which govern litigation in the High Court.

The rules are such to guarantee fairness and the overriding objective of all court proceedings is now to resolve the real issues in dispute between litigants. Technical objections are no longer the

route by which legal rights are subverted.

I sincerely hope our Chief Justice who has taken control of the Court complaint whereby a litigant has complained that Mr Mingo is seeking to confirm fantasy numbers instead of the actual votes of the citizens. She must not allow the subversion of the will of the people. She must not participate in condoning the actions of GECOM which do not comply with statute and thereby defeat the will of the people.

Name withheld

No single party could govern anymore DEAR EDITOR, In a flash we went from what was about disagreeing to what is now the disbelieving. I don’t care how we got there, the fact is that we are here, and it is inflaming, distressing, and devastating. I don’t like it; I don’t agree with it; I don’t think what developed on Thursday could stand. I wish I could take a different tack, but I just can’t.

From one corner, there are shouts about winning; yet there is no celebrating. If this is winning, then we are better off without it. If this is about respect for the whole process, then the bottom has just fallen out from this society; it has no moorings, it has just lost its visions of what lies ahead.

Already I sense the stirrings of instability, of chronic wretchedness gathering for a full head of steam.

Now when one major group of voters has been publicly

and openly assured of victory, nothing and no one would be able to take that away from them, to erase that mindset, even to upset temporarily what is now settled gospel in their minds and hearts. There is no reasoning with this; nothing about democracy and democratic processes that would suffice to calm agitated souls.

For whatever any new approach and new count and new result brings, this one thing is fixed in stone: it would be scorned, damned, condemned, and totally rejected by those who see themselves as the only bona fide winner; that seed has been planted, whether as strategic chess move, or as political placeholder.

Yet an early recount there must be, which brings us to the other side of the bent coin that is this country. If or should that recount signal

The threat to close Giftland Mall DEAR EDITOR, As a retired employee of the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, I had to take Micro and Macro Economics course work at the University of Maryland. Try as I do, I cannot recall any lectures on the closure of ONE Mall impacting any country’s economy, to the extent this threat alluding to Georgetown or Guyana’s economic survival, is not dependent on the opening or closure of a single Mall.

Malls close across the U.S on almost a daily basis, and even though comparing the two economies is like comparing apples to oranges, cities are not shutdown due to these closures.

The temerity to even make this threat speaks of the assumed self-importance of the moneyed lot in Guyana.

To have the gall to even make this threat speaks

volumes and goes beyond patting oneself on the back, and points to the mindset of the upper crust in Guyana.

Even though the owner did not specifically make this claim, his pronouncement alluded to same. You better do as I say or else - an economic threat as clear as day… the nerve.

Now if he had pushed for what in his opinion was a need for greater transparency lacking in the present exercise, one could at least respect his view, though not fully agreeing with him. But to threaten economic consequences if his wishes are not followed, is what Guyanese describe as a certain kind of “eye pass”.

Go ahead and close your Mall, call your own bluff, let’s see if you have the fortitude to do so.

Respectfully Claudeston G. Massiah

victory for the opposition people, as they have insisted all along belongs to them, then the shoe of celebration transfers to the other foot, and the wall of rejection and hostility now stands in the coalition ranks.

It is a lose-lose situation for both groups and for this society ultimately. I say this because neither of the groups would be able to run the country.

From the opposition’s side, there is sure to multiply economic sloth and boycott, which could be severely crippling to the coalition’s governance efforts, with the ultimate impact felt nationally. In addition, there would be the reality of one court proceeding after another, in conjunction with massive street demonstrations, which snarls everyday commerce and the ability for government to function effectively.

Since this is the 21st century and not the 1970s, the international community would be compelled to re-

spond beyond moral suasion and polite disagreeing postures. Even if the Americans, for strategic considerations, were to drag their feet in this department (which would look terribly hypocritical), the EU could go its own way and take whatever action it deems appropriate to the situation.

When taken together, I am foreseeing a coalition government that is backed into the tiniest of corners by this combination of domestic and foreign pressures.

On the other hand, if the opposition were to emerge ahead in the last count, then the specter of relentless street presence, disrupted commerce, and intense social disorder and unrest converges to render the peoples and communities of this country economically comatose, for all intents and purposes.

I sense that the reality on the ground would be of ferocious nationwide resistance (Continued on page 6)

Too early for congratulations DEAR EDITOR, In reference to our Party’s congratulations to the new government, unfortunately we The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana regret that due to the controversy and clear consistent opinions of those involved as international observers and political participants from the non-governing parties, we will await the conclusion of the election count process.

It is our Party’s hope that the rule of law will be followed and all parties involved will set an example that holds fast to the agreed upon process that maintains the integrity of our electoral system. Hopefully, congratulations will be in order in the near future. The example and path we choose today is of utmost importance to the future integrity of our legal and electoral system.

If integrity of our electoral system is maintained when in government, it will guide those that govern, and when in opposition, it will protect those who are not as strong. For this very reason, all those who aspire to lead this nation must embrace ensuring that the integrity of our electoral process is never compromised.

Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana

Saturday March 07, 2020

A power grab…

DEAR EDITOR, It is abundantly clear that the 2nd March 2020 elections are being rigged.

As one Social Activist/Commentator puts it: it is not a grab for power per se. It is more a grab for the oil money.

This is because whoever is in power will be able to practice political patronage, whereby they will dole out money to their supporters and to those connected to them.

This is because of the ethnocentric developments that take place in Guyana. This Activist highlighted that once we stick to our ethnocentric development formula, there would be no need to hire who is best for the job.

Essentially, the party card system is with us.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

Recount and let’s see who the true and fair winners are DEAR EDITOR, Stabroek News has justifiably made an editorial on the clumsy attempt at rigging.

What must also be stated is that the PPP’s published Region 4 results are also a work of fiction. What those results are saying is that from 2015, there are 10,000 additional voters and, incredibly, PPP gained 10,000 more votes, and the Coalition a measly 300 (let me repeat for emphasis, this is Region 4 we are speaking of - APNU/AFC stronghold).

Let the Region 4 recount be done and let’s see who the true and fair winners are.

Yours faithfully, Trevor Charles

“No. Not in my name.”

DEAR EDITOR, Andaiye often said that silence could be construed as a political act. Silence has seemed the sensible course while we waited for the election results to be processed and announced.

Now that the process has been subverted, it is time to speak.

What has taken place in Guyana in the past 48 hours is the political equivalent of a toddler covering his face and believing that he cannot be seen.

It fools no one. There will be those who are prepared to accommodate or overlook the irregularities. I am not one of them.

To David Granger who is essentially claiming a second term, to the officials at GECOM who have departed from the verification of SOPs in Region 4, and to any others abetting these actions by their silence, I echo Andaiye’s statement many years ago and say, as one Guyanese: “No. Not in my name.”

Yours faithfully, Isabelle de Caires

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

An open letter to Mr. Granger and Mr. Jagdeo DEAR LEADERS, My history is as such, I fought the PNC dictatorship, I fought the PPP to help put the coalition in power. I lost my job and nearly lost my house. We as human beings are capable of sacrifices.

Can you, the two leaders of the two parties, please put Guyana first for a change?

The squabble, regardless of how it commenced, has re-

sulted in Guyana not fulfilling its potential; has resulted in a country with so much resources being the poorest in this hemisphere; has resulted in so much suffering of our people, both physically and mentally.

I recall in a letter to the press before the last elections, I called for the two parties to sit at the table to work out a solution. I am making

The people of Guyana expect and deserve nothing less DEAR EDITOR, The stance taken by the international community on the issue of free, fair and credible elections in Guyana is commendable.Gone are days when the PNC managed to get away with rigged elections.

The international environment has changed markedly since the days of the Cold War and Guyana is no longer viewed by the United States through the prism of ideology.

The winds of democracy are blowing across the hemisphere, and, for that matter, the world at large. Any party that obtains power by undemocratic means runs the risk of being ostracised and sanctioned by the international community.

I join with representatives from the international community and other concerned organisations in calling for a full and complete verification and tabulation of votes in Region Four based on signed Statements of Poll.

Any departure from this method of tabulation will engender perceptions of suspicions and mistrust which could impact on the credibility of the poll.

I urge the Chairman of GECOM to discharge her obligations to the electorate, and by extension the people of Guyana, without fear or favour. The people of Guyana expect and deserve nothing less.

Hydar Ally

Where did credible go?

DEAR EDITOR, The almost yearlong mantra GECOM must be able to conduct free, fair and credible elections has left us wondering where did credible go?

It is amazing and unbelievable the gains of Monday, March 2 could unravel so swiftly, killing in the democracy process and the rule of law as the world watched stunned.

Where do we go from here? That is the question on everyone’s lips.

Shamshun Mohamed

this call again. How about you President Granger calling upon Bharat Jagdeo, as he seems to be the leader of the PPP, to sit at the table and discuss some form of powersharing arrangement?

Give both parties equal seats, with a few going to the three small parties with the highest votes - 31 seats each with three going to small parties. Divide the Ministries. If you cannot agree, then put them all in a bag and pull.

Move quickly to do the following in good faith and putting country first: 1. Fast track the process to constitutional change.

2. Set up independent Judicial, Public Service, Integrity, Procurement and Ethnic Relations Commissions.

3. Put your heads together; utilise the diaspora and local experts and renegotiate the oil contracts.

4. Ensure unity in the face of Venezuelan threats.

5. Continuous joint appearances on all media calling for national reconciliation.

6. Commence playing our patriotic songs on all channels and teaching same in our

school system.

7. Joint effort in the preparation of our budget, by involving the Private sector, the church, Trade unions and other experts.

Please gentlemen, if you have one iota of care for this beautiful country and beautiful people, sit at the table and end this destructive battle for electoral victory. The vast majority of our people remain at subsistence level, but battle each other for victory of a set of leaders.

Constitutional change would then restructure the process, as I believe there must be an opposition for the purposes of checks and balances. Think about this!

Rajendra Bisessar

PAGE 6

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

We have decided to withdraw A dark day in Guyana’s history all support for APNU+AFC DEAR EDITOR, We in OVP are first and foremost truth warriors. We pledged from our inception to tell the people the truth – whether it is popular or not.

We have stated on many occasions that we would rather tell the truth and get 100 votes, than lie to the people to get 100,000 votes.

We cannot join forces with any persons or organisations that spread deception and lies. We are leaders, not duped followers, no matter what the cost.

While understanding the many flaws and contradictions in the electoral system, OVP decided to participate in what we were told would be free and fair elections, and to abide by the rules laid out by GECOM. We weathered the serious disadvantages experienced by small parties, and our members worked tirelessly to spread our message and campaign with very limited financial resources.

Despite everything being stacked in favour of the two major players, PPP/C and APNU+AFC, and despite the fact that the system is clearly rigged long before we even get to the polls, we took part in good faith.

Sadly, today our members and supporters are left feeling angry and disillusioned.

It is obvious for all to see that

while we abided by the rules of this game, we call ‘electoral democracy’; others did not.

We witnessed, first hand, the rules of the game being flagrantly violated.

Many of our members and supporters, especially young people who were voting for the first time, have informed us that they will never vote again, as it was a waste of time.

They no longer see elections as a viable means of bringing about political change.

This does not bode well for Guyana. We must remember the words of John F. Kennedy: “Those who make peaceful change impossible will make violent change inevitable”.

The 2020 elections were as usual reduced to an ‘ethnic contest’.

Racial division was dangerously and deceptively utilised by the political elites of both major political formations. Conveniently, this once again distracted the electorate from the real contradictions which exist; oppressor and oppressed, exploiter and exploited, haves and havenots.

When we reflect on our increasingly tragic political culture, it becomes clear that the trajectory that led us to this moment of crisis was inevitable.

Following the close of polls on March 2, OVP first appeared on the results table as having 155 votes in Region 1, a region we did not contest. This then quickly disappeared and was replaced with an allocation of 250 votes in the General Election, although we only contested at the regional level.

Finally, we were allocated an absurd and most definitely inaccurate 117 votes.

The count for Region 4 was halted in the presence of our observers, when only a tiny fraction of the region’s votes had been counted and verified. We join with all patriotic forces demanding that the count in Region 4 be resumed and completed using the verification process prescribed by law.

In the 2015 and 2020 elections, OVP urged the electorate to give APNU+AFC their presidential vote, while giving us their regional vote.

We pledged that an OVPcontrolled regional council would act as a voice for the people, to keep Central Government in check.

Despite serious political and ideological differences with the ruling Coalition, we offered them critical support to prevent the return of a Jagdeo-led PPP/C regime.

Following the events of Thursday, our National Directorate has now taken a decision to withdraw forthwith all support for APNU+AFC. Gerald A. Perreira Organization for the Victory of the People

DEAR EDITOR, The events of the last Thursday have placed our country into infamy and have served to darken the bright prospects that awaited the nation and its people.

For the FITUG, we have little doubt, that there is a clear plan to snatch away the will of our people. The plan which has unfolded over recent days has sorely undermined our democratic foundation which is cherished by all Guyanese.

The clear assault on the rule of law and long-standing principles cannot be countenanced or embraced by any right-thinking organisation and the democratic-loving peoples of our nation.

While we have recognised that several international and local bodies have condemned and criticised the manoeuvres over the last day, APNU+AFC, it appears to us, is unfazed. Clearly, if Mr. Granger’s remarks are anything to go by, there is a clear intent to disregard principles, practices and law. We have, indeed, sincere apprehension

that a tabulation of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) concerning Region Four would be accurate, given the apparent compromising of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

It has been several hours since those SOPs have been imprisoned away from the watchful eyes of the opposition political parties and the local and international observers. Indeed, it is our firm view, that manipulations could have been pursued to justify the unverified results.

March 05, 2020 will now be remembered as one of the darkest days in our country’s history.

It will be recalled as the day when the expressions of the Guyanese people, through their votes, were simply trampled upon. It will stand out as the notorious day when those who are charged with being impartial, without any regard or seeming remorse, have sold-out the will of the people. This occurs when the champions of decency and honesty celebrate and our nation weeps.

No single party could govern...

From page 4 to any government structure, other than that of the coalition.

Editor, the bottom line from my read of things is that both major groups were looked upon most disdainfully and most hostilely by supporters from the other side before December 21, 2018. To repeat: prior to the no confidence development of Decem-

ber 21, the peoples of this country literally hated the existence of their political opponents. The events since that fateful time have confirmed the intensification of those unmoving antagonisms and the absolute distastes that surround this so-called political and social democracy. Matters and passions are more compounded now.

Now we are past the stage

The current attempt to steal the General and Regional Elections is more cause for relief than worry DEAR EDITOR, The current attempt by the APNU/AFC party to steal the General and Regional Elections is more cause for relief than worry.

In the months before the elections, the topic of ‘rigging’ was a question often asked of me, and I have been vociferous in my defence of the integrity of the system, it works and it is watertight.

Those invested in an APNU/AFC victory were unable to execute a ‘rig’, every ploy to do so failed to breach the layers of scrutiny. Rigging deals in grey areas, stealing while in the harsh glare of international and local observers leaves no doubt as to the outcome of the election.

The attempt to steal the

While our country has indeed arrived at a crossroad, it is not time to be despondent or dejected. It is a time for our people, irrespective of their background, to stand up, to speak out and to let their voices be heard.

We must let those who seek to rollback our gains, violate our rights and disrespect our will. We must let them know that they will not succeed in their nefarious plans and ploys.

It is time for a new wave of struggles, a new wave of resistance and a new wave of unstinted activism, as we seek to protect our rights, to protect our people, to protect our nation, and, indeed, protect our future.

We of the FITUG stand with the Guyanese people to demand that democracy be upheld and that credible, verifiable and justifiable elections results are declared, in keeping with lawful practice, in the interest of the Guyanese nation.

Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)

election finally exposed APNU/AFC’s true character to the world; the façade of ‘honesty and decency’ fell like the robe of a courtesan on the sight of lucre.

In an act of grave folly, the Returning Officer for Region Four made a ‘declaration’ of numbers, given that the observer missions were present and able to refute the credibility of this ‘declaration’ instantly, left no doubt that this was not an attempt to ‘rig’ the numbers in APNU/AFC’s favour, but instead a brazen attempt to bypass the electoral system of checks, balances and intense scrutiny.

The District (Region) Four declaration is a failure for APNU/AFC, but it is a triumph for democracy and the

electoral system in Guyana.

Everyone now knows that APNU/AFC has lost the elections and cannot form a democratically elected government.

The situation and factors affecting our nation’s future are very fluid; APNU/AFC has floated a ‘declaration’ trial balloon, it has been brought down with alacrity by a barrage of condemnation; it would be interesting to see if any member of that party, including David Granger, is willing to climb onboard a vessel powered by such a discredited engine; it would be tantamount to personal endorsement and easily subject to personal sanction.

Respectfully Robin Singh

of the usual winner takes all mentality and resumption of and resignation towards life going on. Nothing is going on. Not today. Not anymore.

Not here. On Friday morning, the town was in a state of zombie-like numbness, with only a fraction of the population floating around listlessly. And this is only on the morning after the GECOM developments and the coalition’s triumphant announcement before its own.

The only way forward is for the two major parties to be brought together (a euphemism) to form an interim government to lift us out of the deadlock. An essential part of such an arrangement would be a sturdy third party presence, such as ANUG, which could lend sanity and credence to whatever methodology is employed and whatever mechanism is finalised. That temporary mechanism is to afford the time and space to re-engineer what we have electorally and constitutionally to extricate us from the quicksand that cripples. There is no other way out of our impasse. For the last time: neither of the two parties stands a chance to govern remotely successfully going forward.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

PAGE 07

There is no legal Commander removed after refusing requirement for order to put GECOM Commissioner verification of results and others out of centre - APNU+AFC candidate

A

ttorney-at-law Roysdale Forde is of the view that the law does not require the verification of the results as declared by the Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, on Thursday last.

In a video posted by A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) on Facebook, Forde, a candidate for the coalition in the 2020 general election, sought to clear up what he believes to be a misconception about the process needed to produce credible results.

He said that the Representation of the People Act, the law governing the process, does not state that a verification process is necessary. This is what the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is advocating f o r. M i n g o m a d e a declaration at GECOM's Command and Media Centre on Hadfield and High Streets, to noise and what later turned out to be protest by the PPP/C. Forde sought to explain that the verification of the results is an administrative process created by GECOM, and that it is just that – an administrative process.

Hence, he said, there can be no breach of the law when it comes to compliance with the

Attorney-at-Law and APNU+AFC candidate, Roysdale Forde verification process.

Furthermore, the lawyer said that the Returning Officer had initially started a verification process, but that it was brought to an end largely because of “abusive… disruptive” conduct by agents of the PPP/C. Of Mingo's declaration, Forde said that it was done publicly and broadcast for the public to see.

Forde urged the public to remain in their homes, and to remain calm as they await a swift resolution of the current controversy by the Guyana Elections Commission.

However, the issue is the figure declared for Region Four votes. The international community says that the result was not arrived in a transparent and credible manner.

A

ssistant Police Commissioner, Edgar Thomas, has been removed from his post as Commander of Division Four A, which covers Central Georgetown.

Kaieteur News understands that Thomas received this information verbally, yesterday, from officials from the Force's Administrative Department.

He was reportedly told he was being transferred because he had refused an order to remove GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, and others from the High Street media centre on Thursday night.

Kaieteur News understands that Thomas has said his decision to not remove Gunraj and others was “a judgment call.”

Assistant Police Commissioner Thomas was expected to receive his transferral letter yesterday.

PPP-nominated Commissioner Sase Gunraj told Kaieteur News that he was with other GECOM staffers around 19:00 hrs on Thursday, when Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, indicated

that she wanted everyone to vacate the building.

Gunraj said that he was speaking to Commander Thomas at the time.

According to Gunraj, he told Myers that he and Commander Thomas were discussing how to secure the room in which crucial documents related to the General and Regional Elections were stored.

He said that shortly after, four Tactical Services Unit (TSU) ranks approached.

One rank said that they had received orders for everyone to “clear the building.” Commander Thomas reportedly told the rank, identified as a Deputy Superintendent, that he was speaking with Gunraj regarding securing the building.

Assistant Police Commissioner Edgar Thomas He alleged that the ranks left, but returned some ten minutes later. The same Deputy Superintendent

again told Commander Thomas that he had received orders to “clear the building.”

Thomas reportedly informed the Deputy Superintendent that the rank was being disrespectful.

The junior rank was reportedly told that he had failed to report to Thomas, who was in charge of the area. Gunraj and others left the premises shortly after.

Assistant Police Commissioner Thomas is an Information Technology specialist. He was appointed Divisional Commander of Division Four A in November 2019.

This area extends to Agricola, East Bank Demerara and to Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

March 2 Elections results...

Elections officials served with request for total Illegal declarations will not recount of Region Four votes augur well for Guyana- GGDMA warns

C

alls have been pouring in for the G u y a n a Elections Commission (GECOM) to adhere to the rule of law in relation to declaring the final results for the 2020 elections.

Joining this call is the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) which in a statement, said that it has been “following the process and has read the statements issued by the international observers which state that the Region Four results declared yesterday lack credibility and verification and are considered illegal.”

The GGDMA has, moreover, echoed the call issued by the international community for “President Granger to avoid a transition of government which will be considered unconstitutional as it would be based on a vote tabulation process that lacked credibility and transparency.”

The body said that it urges all parties not to accept these results or governance, “even if it is in their favour” since “using unverified and illegal declarations will not augur well for Guyana.”

Added to this, the GGDMA in its statement said, “We remind the Leaders of all political parties, and more so President Granger, of their combined commitment to

credible, free, fair, and transparent elections and reiterate the need to maintain our fragile democracy.”

According to the miners' association, GECOM must follow the legally sanctioned process that would allow for the credible and transparent declaration of the results, and not allow a cloud of suspicion to continue to hang over the elections, the final result and any future government.

Moreover, the GGDMA said that it is calling on the GECOM Chairwoman, Justice Retired Claudette Singh, for an expression of integrity by publicly denouncing any illegal proceeding and return to an agreed process that fosters transparency. “ We f u r t h e r u r g e GECOM and all parties to complete the verification and tabulation process using the statement of polls and ensure that the final results are free from suspicion and doubt,” the Association added.

Further, the Association said that it is calling on the Chancellor (ag) of the J u d i c i a r y, Yo n e t t e Cummings-Edwards, and the Judiciary to uphold the rule of law and not participate in any illegal act in relation to the elections, that would tarnish their stellar reputation and stain their legacy for justice and democracy in Guyana.

The GGDMA said that it is calling on all law abiding Guyanese patriots to uphold the rule of law and demand that it be followed since it believes that there is still an opportunity for this election to regain credibility.

“All is not lost, a return to the legally prescribed process still has a chance to return credibility to the result and prevent Guyana from sliding down the abyss of a failed democracy,” the GGDMA said.

“We do not wish to see the land of our birth join the ranks of countries that are labelled undemocratic. We do not wish to see the future of our industry blacklisted from international trade; we do not wish to see the future of our children condemned to suffer the same fate as some of our South American neighbours.

“As Guyanese, we must accept the reality that an unconstitutional government will result in our nation being the subject of international sanctions on all trade and travel,” the Association said.

It continued, “We call on all party supporters to desist from being misled by noncredible declarations in relation to elections results and wait on the transparent and credible announcement

by GECOM that reflects the will of the Guyanese people.

We beg leaders and citizens to be responsible and calm.”

A

ttorney-at-Law, S a n j e e v D a t a d i n , informed members of the media yesterday that multiple Deputy Returning Officers have been served with official letters for a recount of the ballots for Region Four.

Kaieteur News understands that the People's Progressive Party (PPP) had up to 12: 00 PM yesterday to make the request. Datadin told members of the media that the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, was supposed to be issued, initially, with the request but since he could not be found, they were left with no choice but to serve several Deputy Returning Officers with the said letters for recount.

He was keen to note as

well that the law provides for this as well.

The candidate for the People's Progressive Party (PPP) said, “As it stands now, the order is public and everyone has it. Now there is a lot of misconception as to whether personal service is required on the Commission.

If we wanted to bring co n temp t p r o ceed in g s , personal service is required...”

He added, “But for an Order of court to be obeyed, personal service is not required, only knowledge of it is required. And it is widely circulated. Newspapers carried it so clearly, there is a fair inference that the order is known. Therefore, disobedience of the order is civil contempt.”

Datadin told Kaieteur

News that the PPP is not surprised that Mingo could not be found so that the request could be issued to him but the Party believes he is being kept away and is influenced.

Now that the request for a recount has been issued, Datadin said that the law says GECOM must put all the administrative systems in place for this to occur.

“These have been unusual times. We have seen a declaration without verification and we have an order of the court compelling compliance with the Representation of the People Act that has not been obeyed as far as we are aware.

“The contingency plan is more orders. Whether they will suffer the same fate, we don't know.”

Superbet says it has no political affiliation

T

he management of Guiana Holding Inc. marketed under the brand Superbet in a statement made it clear that it has no affiliation with any political party. This disclosure, according to the company, was triggered by recent activities and social media posts.

In clearing the air on this matter, Superbet said that it saw the need to inform the public that: 1. Time off was not given to employees based on race

or political preferences; 2. Employees are free to choose their political preference and are guaranteed to have no discrimination based on their choices from Superbet; 3. The management nor its employees encourage the practice of racism nor hurled racial slang at either its employees or customers in the past or during this election season; and 4. The company has not threatened any employee with dismissal nor any form of sanctions due to their

political affiliation.

In fact, Superbet said that it promotes and practices fair hiring practices, which is evident in its staff population. “ We i m p l o r e o u r employees, customers and the general public to refrain from sharing incorrect information and to make contact with the relevant bodies for clarity where required,” said the company which added that “Superbet stands with all Guyanese as One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

PAGE 09

Sanctions are likely to be applied against elections officials and the government

T

he APNU+AFC has managed to do something which has not been done for 28 years. They have managed to unite the country's opposition parties.

Six opposition parties – People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), The New Movement (TNM), the United Republican Party (URP), A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and Change Guyana (CG) – have joined forces to condemn the declaration of the Region Four's elections results.

It is very much like the situation in 1985 when the opposition parties linked up to form the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) to fight for democracy and free and fair elections following the rigging of the 1985 elections.

The PCD united the then opposition parties for close to seven years.

The six parties did not amalgamate prior to the elections. But they have now found a reason to come together in order to prevent the theft of the elections by the APNU+AFC. They have made it clear, according to a report in INEWS Guyana, that international sanctions would be instituted should

David Granger be sworn in as President.

The six parties have called for restrictions of movement and the freezing of overseas assets and oil revenues.

They want these to be kept in escrow until the problems with the votes tabulation is resolved.

One year ago, the United States imposed personal sanctions against electoral officials of the Democratic Republic of Congo. These officials were accused of obstructing and delaying the holding of credible elections.

The United States slapped sanctions against the men.

The United States government did the same thing two weeks ago against Iranian officials. These officials were complicit in blocking the participation of thousands of candidates for elections.

The European Union had imposed sanctions last October on 85 individuals in Zimbabwe.

This includes government officials for transgressions which include electoral offences.

Zimbabwean officials have been subject to international sanctions for more than 15 years and it is beginning to hurt many of them and their families.

Canada is part of a

number of countries, which have imposed economic sanctions against Venezuela and its government officials for human rights violations and for alleged problems with elections.

Canada has gone as far as spearheading a regional grouping, which included Guyana and is called the Lima Group, in order to isolate Venezuela within the Region and to bring pressure to bear on Maduro.

The United Kingdom has also imposed financial sanctions on individuals. It has done so over the illegitimate elections in Donbass in Ukraine. These sanctions have been in place for more than five years.

The sanctions often involve the freezing of assets, travel restrictions in the first instance.

These personal sanctions aimed at top officials are usually extended to apply further pressure on recalcitrant regimes to change for illegal regimes to step aside.

No one therefore is in any doubt that the Americans, British, Canadians and the European Union have fallback positions should there be any attempt to deem lawful the unverified Guyana elections results.

The ABC countries along with the European Union,

Dem boys seh...

Madness start, people dead

W

hat is play fuh li'l boys is death fuh crappo. Yesterday some people decide dat dem gon protest. Dem boys coulda tell dat somebody big set dem up because it had to find people who gon just get up and protest in so many places at de same time.

Dem had protest pon de East Coast; dem had protest in West Berbice, in Canje, and on de Corentyne. Dem even had protest pon de Essequibo Coast which is de most peaceful place in Guyana.

De Top Cop hear bout dem protest and he decide to send police. He believe all de ranks had to do was show up and people woulda frighten.

He had to think again. De people start by blocking de road. Dat new road wha cost millions of dollars people light big fire. Just now some big holes gon appear.

Dem boys see police run when de people start fuh pelt brick, bottle and wood.

Some of dem get beat up.

Dem had no regard fuh man and woman. De West Coast Berbice people beat a policewoman and couple senior officers.

Is then de police get serious. Dem decide dat dem got to end dis stupidness. Dat is how some of dem come out wid pellet guns. When de people start to pelt, dem shoot. In next to no time, de riot slow down.

But de sad part is one

man dead; a teenage girl deh in hospital. She get shoot too.

And all dis madness start because de people believe somebody fooling around wid de elections results. And dis is de first time people ever vote in such numbers.

Dem boys seh people come out like rice, or ants—whichever more nuff.

De next thing dem boys know is dat in every district dem party get more vote than dem ever get in dem history.

Is dat increase dat cause de trouble.

Dem boys hope dat de nonsense gon stop soon because dem counting over de votes right now.

Talk half and wait fuh de madness to end.

the Commonwealth, the Caribbean Community, the Carter Centre and the Organization of American States are in no doubt as to who won the 2020 general elections in Guyana.

They have come out and said so because they are pressing for the lawful procedures to be followed.

But you can bet that they know who won the elections.

If they discover that electoral officials were

complicit in elections fraud, they will have no other alternative but to impose sanctions on those persons.

They will be obligated to do the same if they assess that there is an illegitimate government.

It is difficult to see how, if David Granger is returned to office, as a result of discredited results, how the ABC countries and the European countries can refuse to impose financial

sanctions on his government and on election officials.

With the six opposition parties now forming a front to defend democracy, it is hard to see how the West can refuse to apply sanctions.

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

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10

Saturday March 07, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

David Granger should not be sworn in as Guyana's president until…

H

ere is what the heads of mission of the US, UK, EU and Canada had to say about the election results of the March 2020 poll.

I quote; “We call on all to ensure proper procedures are in place to yield a credible election result. A fair and free process is vital for the maintenance and

reinforcement of democracy in Guyana.

“We call on President Granger to avoid a transition of government which we believe would be unconstitutional as it would be based on a vote tabulation process that lacked credibility and transparency.”

I would suggest you read

three words in the last line. I repeat them; “it would be based.”

Those words had to be chosen carefully. Those words did not go like this, “it could be seen,” ”it may be seen.”

“Could be seen” or “may be seen” lack the strength and definitiveness of “would be seen.” In explanatory

terms, the ABC/EU diplomats are saying that if Mr. Granger becomes the next president based on the shape of the current election results, it would (note the word “would”) be an unconstitutional presidency since it would be based on a flawed tabulation process.

Here is what the Resident UN representative said; “We encourage the relevant Guyanese authorities to finalise the process in a manner which leaves no doubts as to the credibility of the results that reflect the will of the Guyanese people.”

The operative word here is “finalise.” If the UN Rep used that , it means she does not accept GECOM's final declaration which was made on Thursday by Returning Officer Mingo because her statement came out on Friday.

She could not have accepted Thursday's GECOM's declaration yet urged that the finalisation process come into reality.

Here is what the US State Department wrote; “No candidate should declare victory or be sworn in while serious questions remain about credibility of March 2 elections and whether procedures were followed.”

As in the position of the UN Rep, the US Government has not accepted Thursday's GECOM declaration.

Here is what a bi-partisan delegation of four US House of Representative lawmakers said; “We call on the Election Commission (GECOM) to return to the established procedure and not to declare a winner until a

credible vote tabulation process has been completed.”

Again, I repeat, the Thursday GECOM announcement has not been accepted by important international observers.

Let's do some logical thinking. Why would these international stakeholders embrace these positions if the APNU+AFC asserts victory and GECOM has made its final decision?

If we put that question to the leadership of APNU+AFC what answer can we anticipate? It could only be one of two. These international stakeholders are biased in the direction of the PPP or they are not in possession of the facts?

Let's discuss number two first. From the time of the close of poll until confusion rained down on GECOM operation in the Ashmin's building on Wednesday, the international and locally accredited observers have been actively involved in watching the different stages unfold.

My question is, “What facts do APNU+AFC have in its possession that the observers are not aware of?”

The first question is bias towards the PPP. The man who led the PPP government from 1999 and had a huge influence over the Ramotar presidency is Bharrat Jagdeo. But he never had a cozy relationship with western countries.

What is the relationship between the PPP and the ABC/EU states that would make them reject a GECOM declaration of the results of the elections? I can only give my opinion. I don't

Frederick Kissoon think there is anything special or has been anything special when Jagdeo was president.

Here is my answer as to why the global community has not accepted GECOM's final statistics. The observers, including all the ABC/EU diplomats, the Carter Center, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding, and former Barbados Prime Minister saw the tabulation process late Monday night and into the uncivilised hours of Tuesday morning. They have the results.

Mr. Gerry Gouveia in his capacity as Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) issued a press release on Tuesday afternoon stating that the PSC went at length to witness the tabulation and the PSC and is puzzled why the GECOM Chair had not made the declaration as yet (meaning Tuesday morning).

The ABC/EU diplomats did not get their information by second-hand means. They saw the tabulation of the statements of poll soon after the counting was done therefore they are in shock as to what took place on Wednesday.

I end with my opinion that I have a right to. I do not believe the APNU+AFC won the election. My belief is that the PPP did.

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

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 12

Man shot dead during protests, rioting - policemen, women and children in Regions 5 & 6 injured, vehicles damaged

By Malisa Playter Harry

I

t was absolute chaos in several parts of Region Five and Region Six as supporters of the People's Progressive Party/Civic descended onto the streets to protest for a

verification of Region Four Statements of Poll (SOP's) and a recount of the region as well.

Hundreds of visibly angry and frustrated persons attired lit wooden pallets, tyres, old abandoned cars and buses throughout the

public road from Experiment Village and throughout several other villages on the West Coast Berbice.

The protestors also blocked the roads with agriculture machinery parts, an old guard hut and tree branches while chanting

Anil Nandlall speaking to protestors at Lusignan “GRANGER MUST GO”.

“Everybody ah suffer, abay na want Granger, he is a crass”, a protestor told reporters.

Another protestor said, “This is too much advantage that is why we are doing. He is a shameless president, abay na get money fuh pay bill and all kind of ting dem ah do to we”.

Protestors were adamant that their party won the elections and that the APNU/AFC have not, “they lose the election and they must go”, an angry woman standing along the roadside said.

Another woman, Sandra questioned why GECOM took so long to release results from Region 4 and reasoned that, “Guyanese people are not stupid, Region 4 took too long to come out, why they took out these people from GECOM office that night and then after that they want to swear in Granger secretly.

That is unfair, Granger don't work and put money in anybody's pocket, what is fair is fair”.

The riot police who showed up at Bath Settlement and Experiment

Village when the situation was beginning to escalate were met with bottles, bricks and other objects hurled towards them.

One man was shot and killed at Cotton Tree, West Berbice. He was identified as Devon Subhan. According to reports, Subhan was shot by police and succumbed at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

He reportedly had eleven pellet shots dispersed about his body.

And a teenager girl, Annuradha Sukra, of Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, was shot and is now a patient at the Fort Wellington Hospital.

The scene was chaotic as Region Five Candidate for the PPP/C Harry Gill tried to calm his party supporters by telling them to “GO HOME”. Those pleas were ignored as the people refused to leave the public roads.

Many were brandishing placards that demanded a recount of Region Four and the verification of the SOPs in that region.

Others including young men, women and elders angrily ran through the streets armed with objects that were hurled

at policemen and women.

Two unarmed constables were saved by reporters driving back to Region Six after the protestors were chasing and pelting them with large bricks. They were taken to a safe location some villages away where other senior ranks were present.

Kaieteur News was informed that five ranks, including a female and a senior officer, were injured by the raging protestors who refused to leave the streets.

They are reportedly seeking medical attention at the Fort Wellington Hospital, a police source said.

Up to around 19:00 hrs, protestors were still on roads burning tyres and other objects to stop the flow of traffic. Bricks were hurled at passing vehicles, even those with children inside.

A David Granger school bus from Region Five had the back windscreen smashed in by the protestors armed with bricks, reportedly injuring children in the process. A police vehicle was also damaged by the bricks tossed from one end of the public road to the other.

By late into the afternoon, supporters from the APNU/AFC from Belladrum and other areas in Region Five had armed themselves with cutlasses and were boarding vehicles to confront the hundreds of protestors.

T h e r e w e r e confrontations, Kaieteur News understands, but the extent of injuries could not be confirmed. Persons were also arrested, a police source (continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

PAGE 13

President Granger briefs CARICOM, OAS observers

P

resident David Granger yesterday morning met with Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and representatives of the Organization of the American States (OAS) at the Ministry of the Presidency.

“President Granger, during his briefing, iterated that the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections were orderly, and

President David Granger meets with representatives of the Organisation of American States (OAS) at the Ministry of the Presidency

President David Granger meeting with diplomats of the ABC and EU countries on Thursday in full compliance with the law and the Constitution.”

The Head of State reminded that GECOM is a constitutional body and it is unlawful for the Executive to interfere in the operations of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The President said also that it is not the role of the Executive to interfere in the

work of the Commission.

The President has not acted unlawfully.

“We are awaiting the final declaration from GECOM,” President Granger said.

The President has briefed also Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland and Chairman of CARICOM, Rt

Hon. Mia Mottley via telephone.

Yesterday, the Head of State briefed diplomats from Britain, the United States of America, Canada and the European Union.

On Thursday, President Granger briefed diplomats from Britain, the United States of America, Canada and the European Union.

The Head of State, in his remarks, told the ABCE

Diplomats that at every step of the electoral process he has complied with the laws of Guyana.

The President said Monday's General and Regional Elections were orderly and were in full compliance with the law and the Constitution.

President Granger assured that at no time did he feel the Commission was incapable of conducting fair

elections.

He reminded that it is not the role of the executive to interfere in the work of the Commission.

Guyana held general and regional elections Monday with controversy and delays marring the announcements of the results which have not seen a final decision yet on which party or coalition will run the next government.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 19

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

“Save our DEMOCRACY!”

PPP supporters shot with pellets as riot erupts on East Coast

By Shikema Dey

P

andemonium broke loose yesterday on the East Coast Demerara Public road at Lusignan and Mon Repos after officers in riot gear were forced to retaliate against violent supporters of the Opposition People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C).

The exercise started as a massive protest that quickly deteriorated into an unruly riot. Police were forced to block the road from Mon Repos in the west, and divert traffic to the Railway Embankment which remained the only thoroughfare for traffic to

flow in and out of the city.

When Kaieteur News arrived at the protest, the protest had not deteriorated.

Instead, hundreds of supporters lined the streets, many dressed in black and white but the mass clothed in red, held placards and screamed “Save our Democracy! Count our Votes!”

Slogans on many other placards ranged from “We don't want any dictatorship in our country, Guyana” to “Democracy must prevail” and “We need a recount!”

One protestor said, “We deserve our democratic right; we deserve it and we must get it!”

The protestors used a

Guyana Power and Light pole to block the main road.

Three elderly women planted themselves firmly, screaming to the cameras, “Granger must go!”

Further up, another pole was set alight. The supporters screamed that they were peaceful.

Democracy was the underlying drive for the assembly of the PPP supporters. Following the controversial Region Four results announcement, the supporters felt that their democratic right was trampled upon and decided to let their voices be heard.

Opposition member, Anil Nandlall later arrived at the protest scene to address

the massive crowd.

According to him, the people had a right to be out protesting but they were trying their best to get the crowd under control and off the public road.

According to him, “The tension here is unhealthy and can develop into a dangerous situation.”

He told the crowd “Guyanese, freedom loving Guyana, democratic-minded Guyanese are all offended right across this land.”

“But we also cannot contribute to a situation…I am asking you to remain calm, remove from the roadway please, let us build together.”

But this proved a difficult task as the supporters screamed back at Nandlall, standing firm in their position that they will not remove and unblock the road until the Guyana Elections Commission begins the recount of Region Four votes. “We are not moving!

We deserve our democratic right! Region Four votes must recount! It is not a party protest!”

“Remain calm” was the cry by Nandlall but this fell on deaf ears, resulting in riot

police being mobilised, sent to the area and a dangerous situation developed.

Protestors at the sight of the riot police became rowdy and advanced, forcing the police to dispel tear gas and fire rubber pellets into the large crowd.

Seven persons were shot about their bodies.

One man sustained a pellet wound to the head while another got shot to his legs and abdomen. They were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital and treated for their injuries.

On the West Coast While police focused their attention on the East C o a s t , t h e We s t s i d e protestors gathered in their numbers. From Windsor Forest, residents emerged with flags and assembled at the roadway, with placards in hand.

They were deemed peaceful and dispersed on their own accord. Protestors also assembled at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, but they too, later dispersed on their own.

But, according to police reports, areas including Canal No.2, Cornelia Ida,

and Belle West were chaotic.

Tyres were set alight to block the roadway, preventing the easy flow of traffic.

Kaieteur News made contact with the Regional Commander Superintendent Simon McBean who relayed that the situation was under control.

According to him, the protests started at the Claybrick Road, Canal Number Two just before noon, with protesters burning tyres on the r o a d w a y. T h e p o l i c e managed to disperse the crowd, which boarded vehicles and headed to the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

“However, we managed to intercept the crowd at Bagotsville, with roadblocks, and the turned back,” McBean said.

Commander McBean said that there were no arrests and none needed thus far. The police have set up roadblocks at the Demerara Harbour Bridge and other roadblocks at critical areas.

Persons are urged to remain calm during this period. (see photos on centre, and video link below https://youtu.be/r0p0gZ bftoY

Region Two protests against unverified Region Four declarations

A

midst the violent protests in Region Six, persons representing the People’s Progressive Party in Region Two also came out yesterday in protest of the unverified declarations made by GECOM’s returning officer in Region Four.

Unlike the protest in Berbice, however, party supporters on the Essequibo Coast went about their business quite peaceful.

Initially, just 30 persons gathered at the Three Friends Bridge, an area that is predominantly supported by the PPP/C. Within some 30 minutes, the crowd multiplied.

Kaieteur News understands that the protest was hastily organised, hence it is a late start at 5:00pm. By 07:00pm, there were over 200 persons at the location.

Man shot dead during protests, rioting...

From page 12 said.

Meanwhile, over in Region Six, protests erupted in East Canje, Black Bush Polder, Number 19 Village and Tain Village with reports and videos surfacing of ranks of the Guyana Police Force forming a human barricade with their shields to block the protestors. Roads, tyres and old machinery were also set alight in Black Bush Polder

while Number 19 Village burnt tyres and branches across the public road, halting traffic for some time until the police managed to get things under control.

A policeman was injured at Tain Village after an object was tossed at him while he was in the tray of the police vehicle.

He is said to be nursing minor injuries and seeking medical attention at the Port Mourant Hospital. (see photos on centre)

Saturday March 07, 2020

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Schools closed, businesses ramp up security Classrooms remain empty at several schools in the city

The shutters placed around Republic Bank Schools around the city have remained closed and businesses have ramped up security as political tensions rise across the country.

Several city schools were closed due to a low turnout from the student population for the week.

Teachers at various schools along Woolford Avenue told Kaieteur News yesterday that the numbers began to decline since Tuesday—the day after the Regional and General elections.

A teacher attached to North Georgetown

Secondary School said that fewer students started showing up for school as days went by. The teacher told Kaieteur News that Woolford Avenue —a primary (school district) in the city had become “a dead zone”.

Teachers attached to St. Joseph High School gave a similar report. For the week, the school population of 650 students had diminished to fewer than 200.

“On Tuesday, we had about 150 students but the numbers kept declining. We had about 45 students on the register by Wednesday and today none of the students came out. You

can see that all the 22 classrooms are empty.”

Similarly, at neighbouring Stella Maris Primary School, teachers said that the register of pupils have been declining rapidly since Tuesday.

The school which has a pupil population of over 700 has seen an attendance of approximately 500 since Tuesday.

“On Tuesday, some students came but they went home at midday. We realised that students that live on the East Coast and East Bank have stopped coming altogether.

“So, we just are doing revision work to

keep them occupied, no new topics are being taught right now because it would put those who are not here at a disadvantage.”

Meanwhile, several businesses located in the various wards of the city remained closed.

Stores, banks and shops along busy commercial districts like Regent Street had put up shutters. In some cases, businesses like Republic Bank erected plywood shutters around the buildings. Store owners told Kaieteur News that those measures were put in place to safeguard the property in case of a post-election violence.

PAGE 22

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

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With moves by the Caribbean Public Health Agency [CARPHA] to upgrade the novel coronarvirus risk in the Caribbean from low to moderate-high, owing to an increase in imported cases, Guyana has been looking to ramp up its response efforts.

High on the Ministry of Public Health’s agenda is the sensitisation of the population, a tactic that Chief Medical Officer [CMO], Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, has regarded as crucial.

In this regard, the Ministry has planned a coronavirus symposium billed for the National Cultural Centre, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown on Wednesday March 11, 2020 from 09:00 – 11:00 hours.

Announcing by way of a flyer that all are invited to the symposium, the Ministry hopes to use the forum to enlighten members of the public about facts about the virus. The forum will be facilitated by the Ministry’s technical team and partners.

Matters slated to be addressed, according to information released by the Ministry, are the global situation report; Guyana’s readiness to test for the virus; the national response plan to the threat; infection control and the preparation at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] and the prevention of the spread of

the disease.

The prevailing strain of the coronavirus, which has infected persons in some 50 countries, emerged in Wuhan, China, last year. It has since been classified by the World Health Organisation as COVID-19. More than 80,000 people have been infected with the virus and in excess of 2,000 deaths have been linked to it.

Guyana has thus far reported no case of the virus and in order to maintain this status as far as possible, the Ministry, Dr. Persaud said, has activated a contingency plan. “We always have a contingency plan; a national influenza preparedness and response plan [and] that has the basic elements...,” said Dr. Persaud.

He revealed that the main focus of the Ministry is on the country’s points of entry – the two main airports, seaports, the Moleson Creek crossing and the Lethem crossing. Even as consideration is given to the possibility of persons using other gateways, Dr. Persaud spoke of an increase of strategically placed port health officers.

“We have beefed that up with some additional medexes; we have a doctor at the Cheddi Jagan [International Airport], along with three medexes and they are screening all the persons who

Immigration flags,” said Dr. Persaud.

According to the CMO, too, “Our point of contact would be anyone who has travelled to China...and we have extended even for persons coming from that region.

A lot of times persons may go through, because of travel routes and airlines and so on, Korea or Japan or to Singapore; there are varying ways, so we track those also.”

These passengers are required to undergo health checks, including a temperature check, and a detailed questionnaire is completed with them as a means of acquiring necessary information about their travels.

Thus far, there have been about 53 persons who were flagged and screened upon entry, Dr. Persaud said. Preliminary testing for the virus can be done at the National Reference Lab and confirmed by other laboratories including the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

The coronavirus is transmitted from person to person in much the way a cold is transmitted, and manifests with symptoms ranging from cough to pneumonia.

According to Dr. Persaud, persons can help to safeguard themselves by embracing hygienic practices including frequent hand washing.

Saturday March 07, 2020

Media not allowed within 300ft of GECOM centre - despite holding accreditation The distance from which reporters stood from the GECOM Centre

By Mikaila Prince On Thursday, Kaieteur News reported that persons from the local media fraternity were denied entry into the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Command Centre at the Ashmin’s Building—despite being accredited by the Elections Commission.

As such, media operatives had to endure the scorching heat of the sun and the persistent rainfall without any shelter or seating area.

Amid the confusion and conflict regarding the declaration of results for Region Four, media personnel flocked the building and attempted to enter, seeing that all the ac-

tion came from indoors.

But as soon as they attempted to approach the entrance, they were stopped by police officers who formed a human barricade and began pushing those outwards.

To add insult to injury, overseas media establishments who were also given accreditation were allowed full access to the building, while the local reporters were forced to stand outside and approach officials as they entered and exited to get comments.

No proper explanation was given for this.

After publishing an article, Kaieteur News assumed that the uncomfortable situa-

tion would be rectified thereafter. But much to their surprise, when media operatives arrived at the centre at Hadfield and High Streets, they were further barred from the building.

As a matter of fact, the media were not allowed within 300 feet of the command centre.

Reporters and cameramen stood behind the barriers with civilians, staring at police officers on the other half, as they held weapons in their hands. No explanation was given as to why the media were not allowed beyond the barrier.

From the distance, (Continued on page 24)

Vagrant murder PI… Video evidence fails to play On Thursday, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan continued with the preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Andrew Benjamin who was found with stab wounds to his neck on November 11, 2019.

When the matter was called, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers, called on Detective Inspector, Junior Blair, to continue his evidence into the murder.

Earlier, several other witnesses including the mother and sister of the deceased were called upon to give evidence in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The defendant, 24-yearold Devon Johnson, of Cummings Street, Bourda, Georgetown, was deemed fit to stand trial last month for two counts of murder.

Detective Inspector Blair was scheduled to show video evidence to the court that was extracted from surveillance cameras at the scene of the murder.

However, due to technical difficulties, the video didn’t

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Kaieteur News

play and Blair only gave other aspects of his testimony.

Other video evidence into the murder was shown to the court on a previous court hearing.An unrepresented Johnson declined to crossexamine the Detective after his testimony.

The Chief Magistrate then adjourned the matter to March 10, 2020, when she is expected to rule on the oral statement that was given to the police by the defendant when he was arrested.

Johnson made his first court appearance on December 4, 2019, before the Chief Magistrate when the two indictable charges were read to him.

The first charge stated that on November 11, 2019, at Regent Street, Georgetown, he murdered Andrew Benjamin. The second charge alleges that on the same date, and at the same location, he murdered Raymond Samaroo.

However, according to advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), two separate preliminary in-

quiries should be conducted for the killing of Benjamin and Samaroo both of whom were killed just hours apart.

According to information, on the day in question, around 02:30hrs, Benjamin was asleep on the pavement when a male individual, who was armed with a knife, approached him and dealt him several stab wounds about his body before making good his escape.

Benjamin was discovered lying in a pool of blood at the junction of Regent and Light Streets, Georgetown.

Later that day, about 21:30hrs, Samaroo was standing on the pavement by Household Plus when a man approached him, whipped out a knife and dealt him several stabs before making good his escape.When Johnson was revealed as the suspect, he was arrested; there were reports of him being mentally unsound. However, based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, the defendant was charged for murder.

Man sends construction worker to court on assault charge

E

on Henry on Wednesday had an as sault charge against him dismissed

by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty after his stepson told the court that he no longer wished to proceed with the matter.

Henry appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

When the charge was read to him and he pleaded guilty and offered to give an explanation.

It is alleged that on March 2, 2020, at

McDoom, Greater Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Jeremiah Hamilton.

Henry said, “We had an argument and he pulled a knife on me first and it turned into a fight…He don’t work, his mother don’t work and I have been with her for the past two years.”

After the defendant’s explanation, Hamilton told the court that he no longer wishes to continue with the matter against Henry and as such, Principal Magistrate McGusty dismissed the matter.

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Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

Steps were being put in place to swear in Granger – Harmon The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), according to Joseph Harmon, was putting steps in place to swear in incumbent President David Granger, to the post once again, using the not completely verified results from the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In a video statement to the public, Harmon, who currently serves as Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, said that the results released by GECOM,

place A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) in the lead.

Kaieteur News had reported nine statements by Returning Officers, save for Region Four’s Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

Those figures had put the PPP/C in a comfortable lead.

Now, Harmon has said that all regions’ results are in.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, later released results for both

the General and Regional Elections of Region Four, which altogether indicate that APNU+AFC is comfortably in the lead.

The caveat is that the Region Four results have not been verified.

The other contesting political parties and the international and local observers have called for a verification of the figures.

The parties have since approached the Guyana Elections Commission for a re-

count of the District Four votes. At the same time, the PPP/C has secured an injunction halting the process leading to the swearing in of David Granger as president.

Nevertheless, Harmon said that he had expected that Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, would have been the next to declare the results.

Then, he said, GECOM would have been holding a meeting to decide on the confirmation of the results.

After that, Harmon said

that the statement would be sent to the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette CummingsEdwards, who would preside at the swearing in of the new President.

Harmon explained that the Commission should have met today to discuss the swearing in of the President, as decided by the electorate, and the necessary processes to predate that.

However, the PPP/C filed an injunction in the court to block that and any declaration of unverified results. The next step should have b e e n a declaration by Lowenfield of the final result. But the declaration is going to be delayed.

Until the discharge of the injunction, GECOM will not confirm the results. But when it does, then the Chairman will send a statement to the Chancellor of the Judiciary to act to have the President sworn in.

Harmon had expected the Commission to meet today to conclude those processes.

Harmon said that the coalition’s attorneys believe that the filing has a few de-

fects.

Nevertheless, the Chair, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, decided to follow the court order on the injunction.

She decided that the procedure for the swearing in of the President would be put on hold until the parties go to Court to handle the injunction. It is expected to be discharged today, according to Harmon.

The Coalition hopes that after this, the Commission would issue a statement to clear the way for Granger to be sworn in, despite the international community, observers and political agents signaling their opposition.

Harmon said that the situation should be handled swiftly, as public security depends on the swearing in of the new government, so that it could ensure order.

He added that the PPP/C is the intellectual author of the unrest witnessed today, and that calm must prevail.

He called upon the PPP/C leadership to exercise integrity, and not to let the country degenerate into physical strife.

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

PAGE 25

Windsor Estates developer postpones Ogle project amid uncertainty

A

s Guyana continues to be in a state of uncertainty over Monday's elections, which have not seen a winner announced for a new government, a developer has said that it remains cautious and will not move ahead just yet.

“Due to an uncertain business environment, Windsor Estates/Navigant Builders, a US-based real estate developer will hereby be postponing its plans for the proposed Ogle project.

“We would also like to state that this decision is non-partisan in nature, and that we are prepared to move forward with this project once a democratic and credible resolution to the election has been reached,” a statement from Windsor Estates' principal, Danny

Sawh, said yesterday.

The statement was also carried on the developer's Facebook account.

“We urge all parties and the people of Guyana to remain calm during this time.” A number of businesses have been expressing worry over the political climate, which has brought the city to the standstill and patches of protests on the coastlands yesterday.

Banks and gas stations have been shuttering their windows. Police fired tear gas at Opposition-aligned supporters yesterday at Lusignan.

The ambitious secondphase development at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, would have cost the developers of Windsor Estates $900M for the lands alone.

The Windsor Estates flagship scheme on the East Bank Demerara.

The developer is planning to sink US$83M that will see a mixed-use urban village, consisting of high-end residential condos and townhomes and Class A offices and business suites on the 30-acre plot of land

International observer missions call on GECOM to complete tabulation of Region Four results - say elections not credible if process incomplete

T

he international o b s e r v e r missions from the Commonwealth, the Organization of American States (OAS), the European Union (EU), and the Carter Center have issued yet another statement calling for the complete tabulation of the Region Four elections results.

According to the observers, the tabulation of results for the elections in Region Four was interrupted and remains incomplete.

“The law requires that tabulation must be conducted in the presence of party agents and observers.

Until this transparent process takes place, the counting of votes recorded for Region Four remains incomplete.

“The transparent tabulation of results for Region Four must be resumed in order to proceed to the establishment of national results,” the statement added.

The observers noted too that a calm and conducive environment must be provided by the police, even as they pointed out, “We urge all political parties to adhere to the codes of conduct signed by them.”

The Heads of Mission said, therefore, that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) including the Chairperson, the Commissioners, the Chief Elections Officer, the Returning Officer and Deputy Returning Officers in Region Four, must be available and committed to

establish the results for Region Four in accordance with the law.

Until this occurs, the result of these elections cannot be credibly declared, the observers said.

Meanwhile at a meeting with Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and representatives of the Organization of the American States (OAS) at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday, President David Granger said that elections were lawful.

During his briefing, President Granger iterated that the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections were orderly, and in full compliance with the law and the Constitution.

Phagwah celebrations cancelled at National Stadium

T

he organisers of the annual Phagwah celebrations at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, have announced that there will be no event on Monday.

That East Bank Demerara location for the last number of years has been drawing bigger crowds annually.

In additions to sweetmeats and games, the crowds have become accustomed to sprinkler systems and artistes, including overseas-

based ones.

While Dr. Yog Mahadeo yesterday did not give a reason, it is believed that the cancellation is linked to the uncertainty over the delayed results of the general and regional elections held last Monday.

“It is with deep regret and tears in my eyes that I announce, on behalf of the team, the cancellation of this year's Phagwah Festival that was scheduled for March 9 at the Guyana National Stadium,” Dr. Mahadeo said.

which will be located not far from a planned bypass road.

Navigant is credited with building its flagship project, Windsor Estate, East Bank Demerara, a gated community true with Floridastyled home, palm-lined avenues and town houses.

The 30-acre lands at

Ogle were formerly under sugarcane. They were transferred to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Almost 800 acres between Ogle and Lusignan have been released for developments with at least

three brand name hotels, including AC Marriott and Hilton, expected to be constructed in the area not far from the Ogle airport.

Navigant was one of several companies expressing interest in 2017 when NICIL asked for submissions.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

Saturday March 07, 2020

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Kaieteur News

NBA roundup: Clippers win sixth straight Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points, Ivica Zubac and Montrezl Harrell posted double-doubles, and the visiting Los Angeles Clippers drubbed the Houston Rockets 120-105 on Thursday night.

The Clippers extended their winning streak to six consecutive games and, perhaps of greater significance, squared the season series with Houston at two games apiece. The Clippers own the superior record within the Western Conference should the teams finish tied in the standings.

Leonard added six rebounds, five assists and two steals in just 28 minutes while Zubac (17 points, 12 rebounds) and Harrell (19 points, 10 rebounds) pun-

ished the smaller Rockets inside. Paul George (13 points) and Marcus Morris Sr. (11 points) added to the Clippers onslaught.

Russell Westbrook paired 29 points with 15 rebounds while James Harden scored 16 points on 4-for-17 shooting for Houston.

Toronto Raptors 121 Golden State Warriors 113 Norman Powell stole the spotlight in Stephen Curry’s long-awaited return with a career-high 37 points, and Pascal Siakam hit a key hoop with 45.7 seconds remaining, helping Toronto outlast Golden State in a rematch of last June’s NBA Finals.

Curry had a team-high-tying 23 points in 27 minutes in his first action since breaking his left hand in the Warriors’

fourth game of the season in October. He missed 58 games.

Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, two key contributors when the Raptors ended Golden State’s bid for a threepeat with a 4-2 win in the Finals, each recorded a doubledouble, lifting the Raptors to a second straight win after three consecutive losses.

Denver Nuggets 114 Charlotte Hornets 112 Jamal Murray’s short jumper with 6 seconds remaining gave Denver a victory over host Charlotte in a dizzying finish.

Murray finished with a team-high 18 points as seven Denver players scored in double figures.

Charlotte’s Terry Rozier missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer. From the four-

Saturday March 07, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may be on a slow, steady track of discipline that embraces an older, more traditional way of looking at things, Aries. Suddenly, however, you're hit by an aggressive force urging you to do things differently.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) A radical force seems to be stirring up trouble and challenging your long-established beliefs about how things should be done and what you hold most dear, Taurus.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Things could get a bit tense for you, Gemini. One of your first reactions might be to look to your loved ones for support.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Parts of your life might seem like gladiatorial games out of ancient Rome. The good news is that if anyone can rise above this situation and see the truth in the matter, it's you, Cancer.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You're apt to go in circles if you only see the negative side of every situation, Leo. Your lack of perspective could keep you from seeing an answer right in front of you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're likely to be on a roll with new and innovative ideas about your goals in life, Virgo. Unfortunately, there are some obstacles.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Remember that even though there is tension and chaos all around, Libra, it doesn't have to affect you.

Your motto should be you're "in it but not of it."

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) While your brain may want to charge ahead with new and revolutionary ideas, there is something holding you back from setting these ideas into motion, Scorpio.

SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You could feel like you're walking a puppy that won't heel, Sagittarius. The puppy is curious and, at times, rather reckless. It doesn't know about the dangers of cars or a twisted leash.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Your mental processes may run into a snag as you discover that there are certain rules and guidelines by which you need to abide, Capricorn.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) In all the time spent trying to stabilize your emotions and achieve sensitivity, you may get too caught up in your feelings, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) he more you can apply to your own life the advice you give to others, the better off you'll be, Pisces. No one is going to follow a leader who doesn't abide by his or her own standards.

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Zubac (40) dunks the ball at Houston Leonard (2) dribbles the ball during the Rockets guard James Harden (13) third quarter against the Houston defends during the third quarter Rockets at Toyota Center. (Troy at Toyota Center. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) minute mark to the twominute mark, there were seven lead changes and a tie.

Philadelphia 76ers 125 Sacramento Kings 108 Tobias Harris scored 28 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, and Shake Milton added 20 points as shorthanded Philadelphia slowed down red-hot Sacramento.

De’Aaron Fox scored 23 points and Buddy Hield added 22 for the Kings, who saw their three-game overall winning streak come to an end as well as their six-game home winning streak.

Al Horford had 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Sixers, who led by as many as 19 in the third quarter only to see the Kings cut the deficit to six with less than three minutes remaining in the period. However, a quick 12-2 run built the Sixers’ lead back to 96-80 at the end of the third.

(Field Level Media)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

Saturday March 07, 2020

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Kaieteur News

F1 chiefs could not provide evidence of a Ferrari engine breach last season PA Sports - The FIA has defended its “extensive and thorough investigations” into the engine Ferrari raced with last season, insisting it was “impossible” to provide evidence of a breach.

On Wednesday, seven of Formula One’s 10 teams published a joint statement expressing surprise and shock at the FIA’s confidential agreement with Ferrari.

The teams – including Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren – are concerned that the FIA’s investigation does not establish whether Ferrari, who finished second in the 2019 constructors’ championship – bent the rules.

The FIA, however, maintain while “not fully satisfied” with Ferrari’s responses, reaching the agreement was in the best interests of F1 as to “avoid the negative consequences that a long litigation would entail”.

A statement from the governing body read: “The FIA has conducted detailed technical analysis on the Scuderia Ferrari Power Unit as it is entitled to do for any competitor in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

“The extensive and thorough investigations under-

F1 chiefs could not provide evidence of a Ferrari engine breach last season taken during the 2019 season raised suspicions that the Scuderia Ferrari PU could be considered as not operating within the limits of the FIA regulations at all times.

“The Scuderia Ferrari firmly opposed the suspicions and reiterated that its PU always operated in compliance with the regulations.

“The FIA was not fully satisfied, but decided that further action would not necessarily result in a conclusive case due to the complexity of the matter and the material impossibility to provide the unequivocal evidence of a breach.

“To avoid the negative consequences that a long litigation would entail especially in light of the uncertainty of the outcome of such litigations and in the best interest of the Championship and of

its stakeholders, the FIA, in compliance with Article 4 (ii) of its Judicial and Disciplinary Rules (JDR), decided to enter into an effective and dissuasive settlement agreement with Ferrari to terminate the proceedings.”

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc won two races last season, while Sebastian Vettel took the chequered flag once.

Should the Scuderia have been thrown out, the eight teams finishing behind them would be rewarded with a hefty increase in prize money.

Suspicions were raised Ferrari had exploited a grey area in the rules to increase their fuel flow and boost performance. Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has always denied any wrongdoing.

The FIA closed the potential engine loophole ahead of the United States Grand Prix

Bangladesh whitewash Zimbabwe in ODI series as Liton breaks record AFP - Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe by 123 runs in their second one-day international to complete a 3-0 sweep in the three-match series in Sylhet yesterday as Liton Das hammered their highest individual ODI score.

Opener Liton struck 176 off 143 balls to beat the mark set by Tamim Iqbal, who hit an unbeaten 128 on Friday, just three days ago, to guide Bangladesh to 322-3 in 43 overs in the rain-hit match.

Set a revised target of 342 in 43 overs under the DLS method, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 218 in 37.2 overs.Mohammad Saifuddin claimed 4-41 for Bangladesh, with Sikandar Raza making 61.

The two teams will now play in a two-match Twenty20 international series, with the matches scheduled at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on March 9 and 11.

Das smashed eight sixes in his 176. (AFP / STR)

Scores: Bangladesh 322 for 3 (Das 176, Iqbal 128*, Mumba 3-69) beat Zimba-

bwe 218 (Raza 61, Saifuddin 4-41) by 123 runs (D/L method).

in November, before which Ferrari had recorded six consecutive pole positions and amassed three victories.

Ferrari were subsequently off the pace at the Austin race, and the remaining final two rounds of last year in Brazil and Abu Dhabi. They also appeared to be down on power during pre-season testing.

In response to criticism of the confidential settlement, the FIA said the agreement

Mercedes posted this statement on Instagram. was a “legal tool recognised as an essential component of any disciplinary system and is used by many public authorities and other sport federations in the handling of disputes.”

In conclusion, the governing body added: “The FIA will take all necessary action to protect the sport and its role and reputation as regulator of the FIA Formula One World Championship.”

Basketball: Baltimore university bans spectators from games over coronavirus (Reuters) - Johns Hopkins University has barred spectators from attending the NCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament it is hosting this week because of recently confirmed cases of coronavirus in Maryland, it said yesterday.

The Baltimore-based university is hosting the first two rounds of the tournament but decided spectators would not be permitted based on guidance from the Centers for Dis-

ease Control and Prevention about large gatherings.

“We have determined that it is prudent to hold this tournament without spectators,” the university said on its athletics website.

“We are not making any determination about other JHU events at this time; while we await further guidance from public health authorities, we will be assessing large events on a case-by-case basis.”

The university also said all three games being played at Johns Hopkins will be streamed live and individuals who purchased tickets will receive a refund.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will host its high-profile March Madness competition between Division I schools later this month and tournament officials have said they are monitoring the threat of coronavirus.

PAGE 30

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

Fit-again Russell seals series for Windies KANDY, Sri Lanka, CMC – All-rounder Andre Russell put to rest any lingering fears over his fitness with an exhilarating Man-of-the-Match performance as West Indies swept their Twenty20 International series with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second match here yesterday.

Asked to chase a modest 156 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, West Indies stormed to their target with three overs to spare, to also send a stern warning to rivals ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

While Shimron Hetmyer stroked a measured 43 off 42 balls and opener Brandon King dazzled with 43 off 21 balls, it was Russell who really grabbed the attention with stunning 14-ball un-

beaten 40 which took the World champions over the line.

The 31-year-old traded only in sixes, crunching halfdozen of them, and coming on the heels of a similar effort in the opening match on Wednesday when he slammed a 14-ball 35, the effort was enough to earn him Man-of-the-Series honours.

Prior to the series, the Jamaican had not featured in a single T20 International in nearly two years and after hobbling out of last year’s 50over World Cup after just four matches with a bad knee which required surgery, his international future appeared bleak.

There were no such concerns, however, as he eviscerated the Sri Lankan attack to hand West Indies their first

T20 series win in their last six tours.Russell arrived at the crease in the 13th over when Rovman Powell holed out to a stunning catch on the deep backward square boundary

by Shehan Jayasuriya off seamer Dasun Shanaka, and quickly dominated an unbroken 55-run, fourth wicket stand with Hetmyer off just 26 deliveries.

He took a single from the first ball he faced but then bludgeoned leg-side sixes off the next two balls he faced at the end of the 14th over from pacer Lahiru Kumara.

Hetmyer, who struck just three fours, was then reduced to the role of spectator as Russell belted sixes in every over. His final one – a cracking pull over mid-wicket of medium pacer Angelo Mathews – sealed West

F1 governing body defends secret Ferrari engine agreement NBC Sports - PARIS — Formula One’s governing body has defiantly defended its decision to reach a confidential settlement with Ferrari following an investigation into the team’s engine last season.

Reaffirming its position as the sole rule-maker in the racing series, the FIA insists it followed the correct procedure to establish if Ferrari’s engine exceeded its maximum permitted fuel flow.

“This type of agreement is a legal tool recognized as an essential component of any disciplinary system and is used by many public authorities and other sport federations in the handling of disputes,” the FIA said in a statement on Thursday, con-

cluding, “The FIA will take all necessary action to protect the sport and its role and reputation as regulator.”

Seven F1 teams co-signed a statement on Wednesday opposing the settlement with Ferrari, angry that no details were given when the FIA published its verdict last week.

McLaren, Mercedes, Racing Point, Red Bull, Renault, Alpha Tauri and Williams want full and proper disclosure over the months-long investigation and reserve the right to pursue the matter legally.

Questions were raised by teams and drivers last season as to whether Ferrari’s fuelflow meter was bypassing the regulatory amount of 100 kilograms per hour. They ar-

gued that this may have been influencing Ferrari’s notably superior speed on long straights, and its run of six straight pole positions.

“The extensive and thorough investigations undertaken during the 2019 season raised suspicions that the Scuderia Ferrari PU could be considered as not operating within the limits,” the FIA continued in its statement on Thursday.

“The Scuderia Ferrari firmly opposed the suspicions and reiterated that its (engine) always operated in compliance with the regulations. The FIA was not fully satisfied but decided that further action would not necessarily result in a conclusive (Continued on page 28)

Indies’ win in style.

A disjointed batting performance had earlier left Sri Lanka with a disappointing 155 for six after they were sent in, with Shanaka top-scoring with an unbeaten 31 off 24 balls batting at number six.

Mathews chipped in with 23 and Thisara Perera, 21 not out, but the hosts struggled with momentum throughout their innings and also failed to find acceleration at the back end.

West Indies were clinical up front, fast bowler Oshane Thomas bowling Avishka Fernando for nine in the third over with 16 on the board, and left-arm spinner Fabian Allen (2-24) – who shared the new ball – removing Jayasuriya (16) and Kusal Perera (15) in successive deliveries in the seventh over with the score on 48.

Mathews and Kusal Mendis (11) attempted a rebuild with a 33-run fourth wicket stand and when both fell within 15 balls of each other as three wickets went down for 28 runs, Shanaka struck three fours and a six in a 46-run, unbroken seventh wicket stand with Thisara Perera, to bolster the innings.

In reply, the Windies lost Lendl Simmons cheaply for nine in the third over with the score on 23 but an unusually restrained Hetmyer put on 46 for the second wicket with King and a further 34 for the third wicket with Powell to ensure there was no implosion.

King counted half-dozen fours and a couple of sixes before top-edging a short one from Kumara in the eighth over and after Powell also perished, Russell took charge.

Chance gearing to end NCAA indoor season on a high

U

nited States based student-athlete Arinze Chance will conclude the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Indoor season next weekend when the ‘Nationals’ will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The South Carolina Senior has qualified for the 4x400m final for the ‘Gamecocks’ and during an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, Chance shared that he will the looking to end the season on a high with pro-competition next on his radar.

This is the second time the National indoor 400m record holder will be competing at ‘Nationals’ but the first instance that he will not be competing in his pet event,

the 400m individual race. Although Chance missed out on qualification, he is optimistic and noted that the his school’s 4x400m is what the team is looking at breaking; a realistic feat based on the times they have been posting this season.

Following the NCAA indoor season, Chance will be bidding to go pro and will miss the NCAA outdoor season since his eligibility will be over.

On his road to pro, the Global Studies major; specialising in leadership and economic development, posited that, “I’m just focusing on getting the right training regimen that works for me. I’m developing in a lot of areas and my coach and I had to

make several changes thus far. I’m excited and I know that God has a plan for me.”

“My go to scripture is Romans 8:28 ‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose’ so I’m not worrying about becoming pro. I’m just focusing on fixing the smaller things and getting ready to compete among the best athletes this world has to offer,” Chance added.

In conclusion the former Bishops’ High School student shared that he will be trying to get, “As much international exposure I can get at world class meets because I will be better prepared to be the best version of me.”

Saturday March 07, 2020

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Milo schools’ football matches postponed this weekend

CWI’s Regional First-Class tourney

Singh falls short of his ton as Cornwall & Louis take 4 each

By Sean Devers

Omari Glasgow (right) in action for Annandale against East Ruimveldt last weekend.

The promoters of the 2020 Milo schools’ football tournament; Petra Organisation, in a release to the media has noted the games scheduled for today and tomorrow has been rescheduled.

The correspondence read, “Please be informed that due to recent development of unrest at different locations, we have decided to postpone all games slated for today and tomorrow. We will advise you in due time when the tournament will resume.”

A total of six games were scheduled with three each today and tomorrow.

This year’s tournament is sponsored by

Beepats and the competing schools are Bishops’ High, South Ruimveldt, New Central, Cummings Lodge, Carmel, Golden Grove, St. Stanislaus College, Christ Church, St. John’s College, Marian Academy, Charlestown, East Ruimveldt, St. Joseph, Canje, Christianburg/ Wismar, Annandale, President’s College, Golden Grove, Ann’s Grove, Uitvlugt, Vergenoegen and Friendship.

The first prize of $400,000 will go towards a school project, while the second, third and fourth-placed schools will collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively, also towards a school project.

All Tokyo 2020 venues completed on schedule

In sunny conditions at Providence, Jaguars progressed from their overnight score of 115-4 to 261 just before Tea and by the close of the second day of their seventh round CWI Regional First-Class four-day tournament yesterday the visitors were 73-2 trailing by 188, Montcin Hodge (21) and Amir Jangoo (22).

Guyana’s total was built around a couple of half-century partnership involving Vishaul Singh who began the day on 51.

Singh, who hit six boundaries in 90 from 229 balls and 273 minutes before he was sixth out, added 93 for the fifth wicket with Raymon Reifer who was on four overnight.

Reifer on-drove Terrence Ward for four and followed it up with well-timed straight drive while Singh used his feet and danced into Ward for an imperious four past cover.

Reifer latched onto Kian Pemberton and square drove his four before cover-driving when he pitched up sweetly through the covers for a second boundary in the over.

But just when Reifer seemed set for a fifty he fell to Jerimiah Louis for 43 from 125 balls with six fours and the five times defending champions were 192-5.

Louis, bowling with good control from the northern end, induced the 31-year-old Singh with three Tests to his name in 2017, to edge one that left him for ‘Keeper Jahmar Hamilton to take the offering as Guyana slipped to 197-6.

Things got progressively worse for the home team when Kevin Sinclair had his stumps knocked out for a second-ball duck as the impressive Louis struck again without addition to the score.

Anthony Bramble and Permaul carried the score to 219 before fell to Louis for 23 from 28 balls with four boundaries.

Permaul who ended unbeaten on 24 from 61 balls with two fours, found a useful partner in Gudakesh Motie (15) and the pair added 36 important runs to see the 250 posted before Motie was removed by former West Indies U-19 pacer Pemberton who bowled Nial Smith for one six runs later to capture his first two wickets in First-

Class cricket to end the innings.Cornwall who took the first four wickets on Thursday ended with 4-96 from 39 overs, while Louis (448) and Pemberton (2-53) supported well for the Hurricanes who reached 10 without loss

by Tea. Watched by five fans in the Red Stand after the break, Powell, his team’s leading run-scorer with 376 runs, punched Smith gloriously across the sluggish outfield and into the point boundary.

Powell and Montcin Hodge took the Leewards, who have lost four of their six matches, to 26 before Permaul bowled the left-handed Powell for 13 to claim his 46th wicket for the season.

Ross Powell (6) was LBW to off-spinner Sinclair at 40-2 before Hodge and Trinidadian Amir Jangoo saw their team safely to the close.

Today is the third day and play starts at 09:30hrs.

Scores: JAGUARS 261 (Vishaul Singh 90, Raymon Reifer 43, Leon Johnson 35; Jeremiah Louis 4-49, Rahkeem Cornwall 4-95).

HURRICANES 73 for two (Amir Jangoo Jangoo 22 not out).

CSA going forward with India tour after medical advice

A man wearing a protective face mask, following an outbreak of the coronavirus, walks in front of the Giant Olympic rings at the waterfront area at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo, Japan, March 6, 2020. (REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov) TOKYO (Reuters) - Tokyo 2020 organizers said yesterday that work on the Aquatics Centre was finished in February meaning that all the venues built for this year’s Olympics have been completed on time.

The Aquatics Centre, which will host swimming and diving events at Tokyo 2020, was one of eight new venues built for the Summer Olympics, in addition to the athletes’ village.

The National Stadium, which will form the centerpiece of the Games and host

the opening ceremony on July 24, was completed ahead of schedule in November 2019.

A total of 43 venues, including 25 existing facilities and 10 temporary venues, will be used at the Tokyo 2020 Games.This news comes at a time when the coronavirus outbreak has raised questions about whether the Games will be postponed or canceled, although the government has been insistent in recent days that the competition will begin as scheduled.

International Olympic

Committee President Thomas Bach has said that cancellation is not even being discussed.

The flu-like coronavirus, which can be transmitted from person to person, originated in China late last year and has spread to more than 60 countries. Almost 91,000 have been infected and over 3,000 have died, most of them in China.

Earlier this week, Japan confirmed coronavirus infections rose above 1,000, most of them from a quarantined cruise liner. Twelve people have died in the country.

ESPNcricinfo - South Africa’s ODI tour of India for three ODIs will go ahead after the organisation completed a risk assessment regarding the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) across the world. While South Africa reported its first confirmed case of the virus on Thursday, India’s health ministry has estimated infections are affecting around 30 people. But a team of experts have deemed the country and the team’s transit routes safe for travel. CSA’s chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra will make the trip with the team.

South Africa depart their home country on Sunday morning and will travel to India via Dubai. They will then spend a day in Delhi, before heading to Dharamsala, the venue of the first ODI, which will be played on March 12. Two more fixtures in Lucknow and Kolkata follow on March 15 and March 18. None of the venues have reported any cases of COVID19. The team will also travel on chartered flights to reduce risk, which CSA has put at a low level, even in Dubai where football matches are being played behind closed doors, the UAE Cycling Tour has been cancelled and schools have been shut.

“While the risk remains low, precautionary measures are necessary because of the highly infectious nature of the disease. The team has been appraised of hygiene precautions, avoidance measures, and symptom recognition in addition to being provided with travel kits,” a CSA statement read.

Though South Africa’s tour will last for only a total of 11 days, some members of the team will remain in India for the IPL, which

Virat Kohli and Quinton de Kock have a chat on their way to the coin toss. (BCCI) starts on March 29 and runs to May 24 and has been given the green light albeit with precautions. Other major cricket, such as the series between England and Sri Lanka will also go-ahead, with the teams agreeing to exchange fist bumps instead of handshakes to reduce the transmission of germs.

The assignment in India is the last of South Africa’s 2019/20 summer, which began in the same country last September. South Africa drew the T20I series and lost the Tests 3-0.

They returned home to administrative overhaul and a new coaching regime but went on to lose a Test and T20I series to England while drawing the one-day rubber and lost a T20I series to Australia. They have managed to win one trophy, the ODI series against Australia, and currently hold an unassailable 2-0 lead with the final match to be played on Saturday.

PAGE 32

Saturday March 07, 2020

Kaieteur News

Wellman Masters claim Mike’s Pharmacy softball title

Alex Singh

Imtiaz Mohamed

The victorious Wellman Masters team

Shaheed Gittens (right) and Mustapha Azimullah Wellman Masters defeated Park Rangers by 78 runs to emerge champions of the Mike’s Pharmacy 15-over softball tournament which was contested on Sunday last at Malteenoes Sports Club.

In the final game of the round robin competition, Wellman Masters batted first and managed 189-5 from their allocation of 15 overs. Troy Lewis made 59, Suresh Ramdeen scored 49 and Rawl

Reid 48 not out. Oslyn Batson took 2-24.

Park Rangers were bowled out for 111 in reply. Dennis Mangru made 17 and Shaheed Gittens 15; Reid captured 3-17 and Imtiaz Mohamed 2-24. Reid was named man-of-the-match.

Earlier, Wellman Masters beat Success Masters by 54 runs. Wellman Masters took first strike and posted 176-4.

Reid blasted one four and nine sixes in a top score of 75

while Wayne Jones scored 71 not out with five fours and six sixes. The duo added 140 for the fifth wicket; Tami Baljit took 2-25.

Success Masters responded with 122 all out in 15 overs. Baljit struck four fours and three sixes in a top score of 47 while Alex Singh made 18; Imtiaz Mohamed grabbed 4-15 while Sheldon Perch had 2-18 and Lakhram Singh had 2-32. Park Rangers defeated Success Masters by

49 runs. Park Rangers scored 103-8, taking first strike. Peter Persaud made 36 not out with two fours and two sixes, while Ron Ramnauth scored 18 and Danny Mohanram 16 not out.

Alex Singh had 3-14, Vickey Jaikissoon 2-13 and Seekumar Budram 2-22.

Success Masters were sent packing for 54 in 12.3 overs, in reply. Shazim Khan made 15 as Shaheed Gittens bagged 5-11 and Mustapha Azimullah 3-13.

Wayne Jones (left) and Rawl Reid

Chulai XI overcome Henry XI by one wicket in U15 fixture

Sachin Chulai

Wayne Gookool

Despite a fine half century from Wayne Gookool, Sachin Chulai XI defeated Gladwin Henry XI by one wicket when the teams collided in an U15 25-over fixture recently at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.

Batting first, Henry XI managed 126 for 8. Gookool struck four fours and one six and added 78 for the fifth wicket with Gopaul Nandkishore after they had lost some early scalps.

The victorious Sachin Chulai XI Gookool remained unbeaten on 50 while Nandkishore made 20 with a solitary four. Chulai grabbed 5 for 19 while Shahid Mohamed and Nazam Mohamed had one each.

Chulai XI responded with 127 for nine in 23 overs. The suffered an early scare in the chase, before Tekeshwar Nandkoo and Chulai kept their team in the hunt with a fourth wicket stand of 51. After Chulai who hit two fours was dismissed for

21 and Nandkoo retired hurt on 15, Chulai XI lost some quick wickets before Nandkoo resumed his innings, and along with Shahid Mohamed, who made three not out, saw their team to victory. Nandkoo ended unbeaten on 21 with two fours while Nazam Mohamed contributed 11. Mohan Ali captured three wickets while Marod London and Nandkishore took one wicket each.

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

Saturday March 07, 2020

Sports Extra Inter Village Football Five-star soccer Matildas hand Woven Texture Barber Vietnam first leg thrashing

Shop lines up support

A

young and b u d d i n g e n t r e p r e n e u r, Tyrese Jeffrey, Manager/Owner of Woven Texture Barber Shop located at 3rd Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara has come on board with sponsorship for the staging of the inaugural Sports Extra Inter Village Football c o m p e t i t i o n .

Jeffrey, in handing over sponsorship to Director of Sports Extra, Franklin Wilson at the Barber Shop, said that he was very happy to be approached to come on board as a sponsor even though his business is still v e r y y o u n g . ”Woven Texture Barber Shop is happy to support this tournament which will bring together teams along the East Bank corridor and the Linden Soesdyke Highway.

Sports have a way of uniting people and I am happy to be part and parcel of this venture.

As I know, many players would be afforded the chance to play for their village and this in itself will bring out the pride as they would want to show who is better in a positive way.”

Jeffery went on to say that he has no doubt that the members of the various

Manager/Owner of Woven Texture Barber Shop Tyrese Jeffrey hands over sponsorship to Franklin Wilson. communities would ensure that they go out and support their respective teams.

Wilson in response thanked Jeffrey and Woven Texture Barber Shop for supporting the tournament which he promised would be very competitive.

Each Village would be required to register a total of 25 players and 3 officials and only players living in the respective Villages would be

allowed to play for the Team.

Registration will close on M a r c h 1 1 t h .

The winning village will walk away with $400,000, losing finalist $200,000, third place $120,000 and 4th place, $50,000.

The top individual players, Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer and Most Valuable Player would also be rewarded with cash and a trophy.

(Reuters) - Australia took a huge stride towards securing a spot at the women’s soccer tournament at this year’s Olympic Games as Ante Milicic’s side handed Vietnam a 5-0 thrashing in the first leg of their final eliminator for the tournament in Tokyo.

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr gave the Matildas the perfect start 10 minutes into the game in Newcastle in Australia.

Goals from Chloe Logarzo, Emily van Egmond and Clare Polkinghorn before Kerr’s late penalty, earned the Australians a significant advantage ahead of the return leg in Vietnam on March 11.

Kerr put Australia ahead when she powered a header beyond Tran Thi Kim Thanh after an inviting cross from the right by Ellie Carpenter and soon after the Vietnamese squandered a chance to level the scores when Pham Thi Tuoi slid her

close-range effort wide of the post.

Three minutes before the half-hour mark, Logarzo doubled the home side’s lead when she slotted the ball between Kim Thanh’s legs after van Egmond’s header looped into her path.

With seven minutes left in the half, Van Egmond made it 3-0 with a deflected

header that left Vietnam seeking to limit the damage as much as possible ahead of the second leg.

However, Polkinghorn i n c r e a s e d A u s t r a l i a ’s advantage midway through the second half when she smashed the ball into the roof of the net after a quickly taken corner caught out the (Continued on page 28)

t r o Sp

Fit-again Russell seals series for Windies Fabian Allen celebrates a wicket,Sri Lanka v West Indies, 2nd T20I, Pallekele, March 6, 2020 © Associated Press

It rained sixes with Andre Russell at his destructive best, Sri Lanka v West Indies, 2nd T20I, Pallekele, March 6, 2020 © Associated Press

Chance gearing to end NCAA indoor season on a high

CWI’s Regional First-Class tourney

Singh falls short of his ton as Cornwall & Louis take 4 each

Vishaul Singh batted well yesterday at Providence for a half-century.

Arinze Chance will conclude the NCAA Indoor season next weekend.

Wellman Masters claim Mike’s Pharmacy softball title Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8452, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.