9th COVID-19 K NEWS death recorded
Friday Edition
AIETEUR
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
May 01, 2020 -Vol. 22 No. 17
p. 8
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80
- curfew extended to June; Ocean View acquired by Govt.
Online readership yesterday 162,270
CARICOM high
p. 11
level team arrives today for recount NPTAB refuses TIMEHRI ARMY BASE EXPLOSION LEAVES to reveal details on evaluators for crude p. 2 p. marketing bids 3
3 DEAD, 2 INJURED
15 of 34 bidders to market Guyana’s crude linked to p.7 corrupt practices - Charges, convictions and fines range from bribery to unfair pricing practices
Dead: Lance Corporal Dead: Lance Corporal Kevon Nicholson Toohey Peneux
Dead: Private Shaquille DeHarte
Critical:Sergeant Quincy Threlfell
COVID-19 & Crashing Oil Prices...
ExxonMobil and others grabbing up emergency storage p. 14
Man dies in freak tree-cutting accident p. 2
Camp Stephenson where the explosion occurred
Occupants of ‘ganja boat’ in deadly Berbice collision remanded for narcotics p. 12
Kaieteur News
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Friday May 01, 2020
NPTAB refuses to reveal key details on evaluators of bidders for crude marketing deal By Kiana Wilburg T h e N a t i o n a l Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTAB) has refused to reveal key details on the evaluation process that will be employed for the selection of a credible trader for Guyana’s share of the Stabroek Block crude oil. On April 27, Kaieteur News had emailed NPTAB’s C h a i r, M r. B e r k l e y Wi c k h a m , a s k i n g f o r guidance on who would be advising NPTAB on this crude marketing deal as well as to provide information on the competence of the evaluators involved. There was no response to the email up to yesterday and all calls to reach Mr. Wickham via his mobile and office numbers were unsuccessful. Kaieteur News was advised to speak with other senior officials of NPTAB after those efforts to contact Wickham, proved futile. During a brief telephone interview, this newspaper asked Deputy Chairman of NPTAB, Mark Bender, to confirm if guidance would be provided by international consultants who have experience in detecting fraudulent or corrupt traders. Bender promptly told Kaieteur News that all questions regarding the contract should be addressed to the procuring entity which is the Energy Department. Pressed further, Bender
acknowledged that indeed, NPTAB would have selected evaluators for the bid but he declined to provide details on whether they are local or international, or any information on the experience of the individuals, making it clear that he would not be answering those questions. This newspaper had also sent an email to the Energy Department’s Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe via his press officers, asking for further details. An undertaking was provided to have the questions answered soonest but none came. In response to a reminder, the Director’s Press Officer, Ayodele Smith, asked for a little patience on the matter as the Department of Energy is finalizing preparations to host a press briefing in the new week and will soon dispatch the details to the media corps. BACKGROUND CHECKS In its pursuit of a Marketer for Guyana’s share of the Stabroek Block oil, the Energy Department had said that it would be doing a thorough background check on all bidders. When the Expression of Interest was first released in February by the Energy Department for applications to market Guyana’s crude, the procuring agency was keen to note that the applicant must demonstrate
NPTAB’s Deputy Chair, Mark Bender that it has at least five years of experience in crude oil marketing and trading, and p r o v id e co p ies o f its Certificate of Incorporation. Applicants were also required to provide details of their capabilities and the volume of crude oil trading and marketing done by geography, over the last five years. The Energy Department also said it wanted to see details of previous experience in introducing a new grade into the market as well as the applicant’s Code of Conduct Statement. Significantly, bidders were asked to make provisions to allow the Department of Energy to verify all claims made in submission, and also, to verify that the bidders’ organization is not in receivership, or the subject of any form of insolvency of bankruptcy proceedings or the subject of any form of
Energy Dept. Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe winding up petition or proceedings. A written statement confirming that the bidders do not have any director who has been convicted in any country for a criminal offence relating to fraud or any financial impropriety or criminal misrepresentation or falsification of facts relating to any matter also has to be provided. Accompanying that statement it said, should be details of any pending litigation the bidder may or may not have. Kaieteur News understands that the successful candidate will be
required to provide support to the Energy Department in all operating and back office responsibilities of managing crude sales and for each individual lift from the Liza Destiny, Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The successful crude marketing agent would also have to support the Energy Department in the first year of introduction of the Liza grade in multiple geographies and refinery systems, and work closely with the Department in understanding the behaviour and yields of the Liza Blend and how these affect pricing differentials. Of note is the fact that it will have to conduct training sessions for personnel attached to the department in matters relating to crude oil supply and trading fundamentals, and more specifically, those relevant to the Liza grade pricing. Kaieteur News understands that the crude marketing agent would have to use all reasonable efforts to provide relevant information, documentation
and/or training in a timely manner for Energy Department personnel. The contract is expected to last for 12 months. SOME ROTTEN ORANGES Based on extensive research, Kaieteur News has already found that many of the companies bidding to market Guyana’s oil have a troubling history of corruption. Companies including Gunvor, Shell, Petrobras, Sinochem, Vitol SA, Glencore PLC, and Mercuria Energy Group are just a few of the companies with a notoriously corrupt past that submitted bids to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. Public documents show for example that three of the world’s largest commodities trading firms – Vitol SA, Glencore PLC and Mercuria Energy Group have used intermediaries to funnel over US$31 million in bribes to corrupt Petrobras employees in order to win massive contracts, along with acquiring other benefits. Many other companies share similar troubling stories.
Man dies in freak tree-cutting accident Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Vibert Johnson, 56, a driver of Lot 386 Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara. The incident is reported to have occurred about 14:30 hrs on the 25th April last at De Kinderen Village, East Bank Berbice. Information is that Johnson and some relatives had travelled up to De Kinderen to clear some bushes off some land at a family property when tragedy struck. Reports are that while Johnson was cutting a tree, it fell on him and he was
knocked unconscious. He reportedly received injuries to his face and his left foot. Relatives and bystanders rushed to his aid and tried to render assistance, after which he was taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.The matter was reported and police visited the scene where photographs were taken and several persons were questioned and statements taken. Johnson’s body is presently at New Amsterdam Public Hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 01, 2020
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Timehri Army Base explosion leaves 3 dead, 2 injured - Second such incident in two months By Shikema Dey Less than three months after a similar incident resulting in the death of one officer and the injury of three others, the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) lost three of its own yesterday, after a massive pyrotechnics explosion occurred in the ammunition depot at Camp Stephenson, Timehri, with two other soldiers suffering injuries. Dead are Lance Corporal Kevon Nicholson, 23, of Levi Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam; Lance Corporal Toohey Peneux, 28,of Orealla Village, Corentyne River and Private Shaquille DeHarte, 20, of Paradise Village, West Coast Berbice. All three were killed instantly. Sergeant Quincy
An example of the ‘Active Galaxy’ firework with the stick at the bottom
Threlfell, 43, and Lance Corporal Paul Peters, 29, were also injured. Threlfell was air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he remains in a critical condition while Peters was treated for minor burns and other injuries at the base. According to sources, the fiery explosion occurred around 9am, sending persons nearby scattering for cover. Thick, black smoke enveloped the camp and fire tenders were immediately summoned on site. After the flames cleared, the ranks were greeted with a grim scene. From graphic images seen by this publication, the explosion blasted flesh from bone and left one rank with a gaping hole to his chest. The men’s faces were burnt beyond recognition and uniforms were burnt to a crisp. Chaos and confusion It was chaos and confusion at the Georgetown Public Hospital after families received the devastating news of their loved ones’ untimely demise. Loud crying and wailing were heard from relatives of the victims, and even strangers were crying as a result of the sad news. When contacted, Melissa DeHarte, mother of Private DeHarte was unable to hide her emotions as she described how she heard of the tragic news. “I think as the mother I was the last person to know that my son died. I got the news after ten [AM], after it was already put on social media. His picture was also there.” Private DeHarte was the eldest of his six siblings. According to Ms. DeHarte, after receiving the news of her son’s death she started to pray, asking the Lord to provide her with strength to
-Dead: Lance Corporal Kevon Nicholson
Dead: Lance Corporal Toohey Peneux
make it through. “He was the best child a mother could ask for,” Ms. DeHarte said, “He started working in the army about 3 years ago…I just can’t believe that he is gone. For the past three weeks he did not come home because he had to be in base.” Meanwhile, in an interview with Kaieteur News, Laddy Peneux, father of Lance-Corporal Peneux, stated that he was informed of his son’s tragic end by his son-in-law. “I spoke with him the night before he died,” Mr. Peneux told this paper”and the last thing he told me is that I should go and collect money because he sent a small piece for me. Toohey is my baby, he is my last child, seeing him go like this is sad. His mother is crying all the time.” No training nor protective gear An official release from the GDF stated that the deceased trio was involved in the preparation of “pyrotechnics for demolition” when tragedy took place, while information from what a source says is a preliminary report, indicates that carelessness during the exercise may have been the cause of the explosion. The report stated the
building where the explosion occurred is a flat concrete structure divided into two sections. One section houses the ammunition and explosive depot while the other is the firearms depot. According to that report, the dead ranks were a part of 4 Engineer Battalion, with the exercise being headed by Sgt Threlfell from 5 Service Battalion. The pyrotechnic they were involved in handling at the time of the explosion was ‘Active Galaxy’, a rocket -shaped firework. An online search for fireworks carrying the same brand showed it being produced and available online for sale by FireOne Fireworks FX, a pyrotechnics company operating out of Trincity,
Camp Stephenson where the explosion occurred
Dead: Private Shaquille DeHarte Trinidad and Tobago. Photographs of the firework featured on the company’s website showed a squat pyrotechnic with a short stick protruding from the bottom, meant to be stuck in the ground before ignition. The report said that “one of the ranks (Peneux) was using his feet to break off the stick of the rocket shaped firework device when an explosion occurred.” Questions arise about the safety procedures and precaution taken during the exercise. From pictures seen by this paper, there was no evidence of protective gear worn by the officers. Indeed, Laddy Peneux’ main concern is why his son or the other soldiers were not wearing protective gears,
Listed as critical: Sergeant Quincy Threlfell
even though his son is a member of the bomb squad. According to Melissa DeHarte, her son also apparently had no experience in handling explosives. “I don’t know why he was near to the explosives cause to the best of my knowledge he was not trained to deal with such,” she told this paper. It was unclear what existing procedures there are for the handling and demolition of pyrotechnics, and whether these were followed at the time of the incident. What was also unclear was the reason for demolition of the fireworks. This publication sought clarity from the Guyana (Continued on page 16)
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Friday May 01, 2020
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Labour Day - a rough holiday for Guyanese workers As we celebrate this Labour Day, there is remembrance of the great exploits and stirring sacrifices made by fellow workers in Guyana’s ungenerous industrial relations history. We salute them, including the just departed Komal Chand: may they find rest in a true worker’s paradise, that striven after fair and equitable ground in the trenches of toil and sweat that still prove to be so elusive, so hard to squeeze out of obstinate and exploitative employers, which, rather regrettably, must include the state. As we observe this workers’ holiday under national electoral storm clouds, we recall something else that is bandied about piously during good times but fails to materialize when needed the most. That time of most urgent need is right now. What we recall are these words, grouped together in the catchiest of phrases: our workers are our most valuable asset. Yet because they are breathing and moving, they are the first to be sent packing, as in layoffs or stay-at-home restrictions made necessary by the imprisoning COVID-19 virus, without a lifeline on which to grasp and manage somehow in these grim and grimmer days. The individual and familial financial pain is immense, it is wide, and it is spreading, the longer the lockdowns have to be enforced. Workers without income are quickly reduced to being without food and other basics of survival, into steep(er) debtor status, also. We will not insult our hurting comrades by telling them: we know the feeling. We do not since we have not been forced out from work lines into breadlines. We may think that we do-we warring political leaders, we seemingly empathetic employers, we supporting colleagues and citizens-but we do not have a clue as to what it is to be without any reserves of strength, which, sooner than later, compels us to be without hope. The majority of minimum wage earners have little by way of reserves since it is an ordeal to get by from week-toweek and month-to-month. It is an ordeal now compounded by the drying up of the steady trickle of assistance that used to come from caring and generous relations in other countries, especially the US. This is so, because they, too, are bottled up at home due to the virus and with little coming in, other than unemployment relief provided for through the usual safety nets of state government’s insurance and the extraordinary and timely stimulus package bundled into the federal government’s CARES Act. Oh! But if only our furloughed, rotated, and wounded workers were to have such a provision here at this moment of desperate need. We do not have any such thing, given our poor, struggling state, our barren and divided state. If only our insult-hurling political leaders were to prioritize the makings of some provision for any level of relief, through some time and interest spared to consider what could be done to ease their current financial burdens. If only those lusting after power could be moved to extend some degree of compassion to our suffering, hungering workers and their families, how different this Labour Day would be. Different with a little more sustenance in the pot, a bill paid here and there, and a lifeboat offered to assist them in managing to survive these storms, which could last for months for some. Any help would cushion the jarring emptiness-in stomach, in the frightening visions bowing down many Guyanese heads in this hardest of guava seasons. But our political leaders are too busy, they are too engaged in and consumed by the irresistible siren calls of power to pay heed to anything but what empowers them, to anyone, other than themselves and their self-serving ambitions. They will be the first ones, they will even join hands, these craven political leaders of ours, with Guyana’s corporate kingpins to voice solemnly and movingly about how precious workers are, yet not lift a single finger to inspire with a helping hand, when the chips are down. Many of those same corporate magnates-some local, some foreignexploit, intimidate, and injure grievously Guyanese toilers
You Left Me Just When I Needed You Most DEAR EDITOR, Over the past two months Guyana have been caught in the web of two important issues, the recently held General Elections debacle and COVID-19 pandemic. Both issues are major concerns to every Guyanese at home and in the diaspora. It is now two months since Guyanese casted their votes for the political party of their choice yet to date there has been no official announcement of the results. Instead Guyana and the world continue to witness political bullyism perpetrated by a handful of miscreants, who are aided and abetted by their cohorts at GECOM. This situation has created fear, doubt and frustration in the minds and hearts of the populace, save and except those who are participants of this charade. The COVID-19 pandemic
has emerged into a global health crisis. Yet our illegal government administrators are yet to address this important health issue with any sense of urgency, clarity and resolution. Instead COVID-19 is being used as a political tool at the whims and fancy to stall the requested recount of ballots cast on March 2, 2020 by GECOM at the behest of the illegal David Granger cabal. Today is May 1, Labour Day. There will not be the traditional May Day parade and rally where workers across the country will march through the streets and later listen to the speeches of Union leaders and representatives from the Government and the Opposition. However, despite the political and health crisis that loom over our country it would seem that the Trade
Union leaders have gone into self- isolation at this critical time in our history. They have somewhat abandoned the cause that they usually chant about. Where is Lincoln Lewis, Coretta Mc Donald, Patrick Yard, Carvil Duncan and the acting President of GAWU. Have they fallen asleep or have the bestowed national awards muzzled awardees such as Lincoln Lewis. These two crisis will now and in the future have dire consequences on our labour force. Many workers have been sent home unsure if they will still have a job after all this would have passed. Government employees are worrying about the continued payments of salaries due to elections results debacle. Workers have families to take care of, bills to pay including utilities, hire purchases, loans and mortgages. One would
have felt that the trade union leaders would have sought to engage political leaders in seeking answers and a way forward. The sons and daughters of the Founding father Hubert Nathaniel like some of our politicians for reasons unknown have been afflicted with selective amnesia. They have not only abandoned the cause and the organization but the workers also. Today May 1, 2020 is a historical one. There will be no parades, no rallies, no speeches, no after rally parties, no singing of Solidarity Forever and The International. Instead there will the sound of silence and instead of singing Solidarity Forever, I suggest the workers sing You Left Me Just When I Needed You Most. Yours sincerely, Gillian Burton Persaud
Applauding NY Guyanese on the frontlines combating the coronavirus DEAR EDITOR, Guyanese have contributed significantly to help keep Americans healthy and or safe. Tens of thousands of Guyanese are employed on the frontlines in the greater New York area battling the Corona pandemic. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, other health care centers, in mass transit, in police departments and at supermarkets. Many Guyanese also volunteer at food pantries feeding the disadvantaged and poor. A very large percentage of the staff in hospitals in NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey are Guyanese, perhaps the highest percentage among all nationalities, and many have been stricken with the Covid virus; several died. The exact number of Covid cases among Guyanese in the US is not known. But the number of cases keep rising including among those employed on the frontlines. The virus affects people of all ages and ethnicities and in all areas where Guyanese have established cluster communities. Based on interactions I have had with many Guyanese, the active numbers run in the hundreds and deaths
somewhere pass 100 if not substantially h i g h e r. Almost everyone I interacted with since mid March knows of several individuals who had or have the virus and or who died from symptoms; the dead has to wait weeks for final rites as funeral homes are overwhelmed. Relatives as well as friends of mine passed away and at least dozens more are afflicted with the disease and others recovered from it. Some have hid their affliction ashamed to tell the public for fear of being ostracized. There is nothing to be shameful about in being a victim of Corona. The affliction rate among Guyanese is very high. There are over six hundred thousand Guyanese and their American born siblings in the US. The rate of infection of a country’s population varies between 0.3% to 3%. If just around one percent of the Guyanese American population is infected and or died, then at least 5,000 would have been stricken by the virus. The US has a death rate of 5% of infections. That would
seeking only honest reward for their honest labors. Today, the COVID-19 virus has swept away just about all the chips that strapped Guyanese breadwinners had going for them. Now they have none left: not job, not earnings, not spirit. For there is nothing on which to rely, nor is there anything coming to them from any source. This is what our hurting comrades endure this holiday. May there be better Labour Days ahead, starting next year.
translate to about 250 deaths among Guyanese alone. Trinis also have a high rate of infection and deaths. Some communities in the US have a higher infection and or death rates in the US. Immigrant communities and people of colour, because of lower incomes and inadequate habitable space in their living quarters, tend to cluster and infect one another. They can’t afford large living quarters like higher income earners to self isolate or quarantine themselves. A family has several members (on average five with some even larger) living in a small housing unit (a two bedroom apartment or a private house). There is limited room for self-isolation and separation from other members of the family. In one Guyanese household I know, for example, some twelve members (an extended family) have covid living on the first floor and basement plus five members of the tenant on the second floor. One member got covid from dialysis and infected everyone else in the building. Family members rise to the occasion and help one another; even neighbours help by preparing meals and leaving at the front door. Anyone who works or visits a health center or hospital or a senior nursing home or gets dialysis or even just go to work (using mass transit) is a high risk for covid. One female picked up the virus on the train and spreads it to five other members of her family. It is best to avoid other
family members if one has a high risk of exposure. When one member of a family is infected, he or she becomes a carrier and unknowingly spreads covid around. High income earners who work in high risk jobs don’t return home; they rent apartments or stay in a hotel. Guyanese or other immigrant low wage earners cannot afford to live in a second apartment away from other family members. Many, many Guyanese families have been infected by another family member. I know a case of a father attending to his adult married son, who instead of going home to his family, came to the father’s house and selfisolate in the basement. The father, attending to son, got infected spending twelve days on a ventilator; he and the son survive attended by Guyanese medical workers. Some family members don’t have a choice but to go to work to earn money for the rent or mortgage or just to feed the family; they are at risk. Illegal immigrants would not be paid unless they work and are at greater risks of covid. First responders Guyanese, in the tens of thousands, carry high risk of becoming victims. Medical staff are applauded nightly in NYC for attending to the victims. Guyanese health workers are applauded for their service to help save American lives and protecting others from the virus. I salute their service. They deserve bonus pay like all other health workers. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
Friday May 01, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Renewable energy and energy efficiency can provide tremendous benefits DEAR EDITOR, As all CARICOM Member States and Associate States now have confirmed COVID19 cases and, as predictions indicate that cases will continue to rise globally, humanity’s vulnerability and that of the systems we utilise, are again being highlighted. When we think of resilience in the Caribbean Community, we tend to think of the natural hazards we often face: tropical storms and hurricanes, earthquakes and threats of volcanic eruptions; indeed, the Caribbean is often referred to as the second most disaster-prone area, in the world. But no one in this generation has faced vulnerability and risk in the way we are currently, with a health pandemic of this order and magnitude. This time, we are not able to rely on the knowledge of our elders who often mention Hurricanes Janet and Gilbert as life changing experiences. This
experience is entirely different, though it may be exasperated by the swift approaching hurricane season. Many Caribbean borders have closed to visitors, and in some cases even nationals have been refused re-entry. COVID-19 is a grave concern for Caribbean governments and citizens, with rightful cause. Supply and logistics chains have so far been minimally affected by the pandemic (with the exception of some medical equipment being confiscated), and regional borders remain open to trade. Can we envision a region where trade is significantly compromised? This is not far-fetched, as we cannot assume that trade will remain unaffected if international restrictions persist. The impacts of trade constraints on our region, so highly dependent on imported food, fuel and supplies, would be
disastrous. CARICOM countries which can produce food and energy to supply the needs of its people, should do so now. Trade matters aside, COVID-19 presents a very real concern for the Caribbean’s energy sector. This becomes crucial when we consider that energy demands have changed with the advent of the crisis and, they will continue to change in unpredictable and unprecedented ways. Currently, commercial and industrial energy use are reduced as many businesses are closed or have reduced operations but, use at the household level has increased due to government mandates to stay at home. Utilities will therefore have to adapt to these changes since the amount of energy being consumed and the pattern of its consumption have changed considerably. If energy generation capabilities
I do hope there is space in the MFA bunker for all of us DEAR EDITOR, Absolute silence; that was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) response that it had severely compromised Guyana’s sovereignty by accepting funding for its G77 Chairmanship team. While MFA officials sealed themselves in the bunker; events deemed ‘passing strange’ before were being viewed in a different light and questions were being asked internationally about the G77 Chairman Rudolph TenPow’s address at the United Nation’s fifty-eight session of the Commission on Social Development on the 10th February. Locally, the discussion has centered around the demand by China that Guyana would not bring up the Guyana-Venezuela Border claim at the G77 in return for the slightly more than Six Million USD China will pay the handful of diplomats to ‘represent’ us. This mess of pottage stinks to the high heavens. When Ambassador TenPow delivered the twelfth paragraph, which said in its entirety “The Group expresses its full support to the comprehensive efforts made by the Government of China to contain the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, and recognizes China’s efforts in extending cooperation with the international community.” It sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community, never before had an entire paragraph of a G77 Chair’s
address been dedicated to the praise of one country. Guyana was boldly setting precedent and going against decades of practice and norms. Then the JJ&B Dossier fiasco erupted, which caused even more problems for Guyana, the MFA, and relations with China. Make no mistake, the Government of Guyana contracted and paid JJ&B LLC, Bart Fischer, Michael Granger, and others to concoct an alternate narrative to the truth of what transpired during the SOP verification exercise for Region Four; additionally, the service was contracted to create a wedge between the USA and the party democratically elected to govern Guyana, using a tale of a PPPC/China/Russia conspiracy. This move backfired spectacularly; China is no longer courting covert friendships and Beijing was not amused at the Granger administration’s characterization and in true fashion of one who pays the piper, they started calling the tune. President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, David Granger, was forced to deny his government played any part in the hiring of JJ&B LLC and the offensive dossier, but China did not stop there; Joe Harmon, the signatory on the JJ&B contract, was forced out of his all-powerful office of Director-General and was replaced by Mark Kirton. Here is where it gets very interesting, for Kirton was
also tapped to be the temporary head of the MFA when Karen Cummings was asked to resign. In the spirit of the prevailing anarchy, Cummings refused to resign and Kirton has been human flotsam since. Mark Kirton’s new job now allows him to repair relations with China; MFA has also been doing repair work. On the 25th April, an Information note emanating from MFA (since removed from its website), reaffirmed in glorious terms the decades of beneficial partnership, noted the visit of State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in 2018. The communiqué ended with both sides resolving to work towards the strengthening of “deep and robust relations that exists between the two states”. China is asserting its dominance over the Granger administration and is ensuring all and sundry are aware. Guyanese often speak of being ’put on the map’ by the exploits of its daughters and sons; we are firmly there now; in this Year of the Rat, Granger’s hand is in the Dragon’s mouth and he is feebly patting its head, the Bear is in hibernation and the Bald Eagle is watching with piercing eyes from on high. The maxim ’be careful what you wish for’ could not be more apt, I do hope there is space in the MFA bunker for all of us when the boots hit the ground. Respectfully Robin Singh
exceed the demand, utilities may also consider running the power plant at a reduced capacity, with possible negative financial implications and impacts on the quality of service provided. Importantly, as energy intersects with health, the ability to reliably power
essential medical equipment – like ventilators – becomes critical. Significant shifts in oil prices have also been predicted and are already emerging. Globally, there has been a steep decline in oil prices, due to decreased demand. These dynamics do
not augur well for our Member States who have recently found large deposits of oil. Conversely, an increase in prices is expected when the crisis recedes and commerce and industry are able to function in earnest again. In anticipation of this, the (Continued on page 6)
The hot-and-cold approach of the administration toward workers rights DEAR EDITOR, On April 28 in another newspaper it was reported in an article titled ”Canadian silver miner buying Guyana Goldfields” that the Government of Guyana welcomed the sale of Guyana Goldfield Limited to Silvercorp Metals Inc. The newspaper also reported that the now de-facto Government, among other things, was very much concerned about the upholding of workers rights. The GAWU as well calls on the relevant actors to ensure that the workers rights are respected and that due process is followed as we saw elsewhere in the media the recognized union expressing concern over the sale. While we are heartened by the Government’s apparent concern regarding the workers of Guyana Goldfields, we cannot help but point to an uneven approach in the Administration’s attitude. Our Union, as the recognized bargaining agent of the workers of the Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) has for sometime been seeking to have the Company respect the workers right to Collective Bargaining. We have drawn this situation to the attention of the Government, through the Department of Labour, yet though the law is on the workers side there is apparent foot-dragging. This matter was also championed at the level of the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURCB) and while certain action was decided upon, again we must lament that there hasn’t been, seemingly, any alacrity to
meaningfully address the issue. Apart from that, our Union, during 2019, was certified as the recognized bargaining agent on behalf of the workers employed by the NICIL-owned Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI). Our attempts to engage the Company in discussions towards formalizing our relations have been stonewalled as the SEI is refusing to engage the GAWU. Again, we drew the Department of Labour and the TURCB’s attention and, so far the situation remains unchanged. Like in the instance of DTL, the law favours the workers and there is, apparently, little or no efforts to have the Company be respectful. We also are encountering a similar situation regarding our application for recognition at the MARDS. Several months have gone by and though a decision has been taken to consider our application, within the context of the law, we understand that hardly anything was done. This situation, of course, for the
workers is most frustrating as they are eagerly looking forward to our Union’s representation. In addition, while the Administration speaks about upholding workers rights, we also cannot forget it was the same Government that denied sugar workers their severance entitlements. Those injustices had to be corrected by the Courts after prolonged legal battles and saw the workers, for their pains suffered, being awarded damages. We find the hot-and-cold approach of the Administration toward workers rights most disturbing. We hasten to point out that rights are rights and they must be enforced without any fear or favour. The GAWU nevertheless, even at this late hour, looks forward to the de-facto Government enforcing workers rights across-theboard and that those who have been denied their rights at last receiving justice. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
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Friday May 01, 2020
Kaieteur News
Accepting and conceding are the cruxes of the matter DEAR EDITOR, If the preliminaries relative to recount procedures worked out and agreed-upon took so long, then I foresee much more time that will be required beyond that “25 days at least” to complete the actual recount and bring absolute closure to this sorry business. But I have some bad news for any optimists remaining: the recount, wherever it leads, would not end there. Anyone around, who thinks and calculates differently, should see a psychiatrist, maybe even a neurologist. I say this because any Guyanese, any interested foreign party, any foreign observer, who believes that a straight recount will be seamless and unsullied by accusations and counters, or lacking in ongoing controversies, does not really
know this town. There are several grounds in which I plant how I see and have evaluated matters, none of which furnish cause for encouragement. In no particular order, I start. Senior opposition watchers have already voiced serious concern, and still greater suspicion, over what they have positioned as GECOM top brass’ analyzing, angling, and arranging for still unknown skullduggeries. I translate this to mean that, when all is recounted and tabulated and declared, unless the final tally favours their group as being the victors, then all bets are off, and it is back to the same place. In a word: crookedness. To use another more familiar one within a telling phrase: rigging by means other than what have
played out before. Elections results, anyone? Final and settled and conceded, somebody? For its part, the coalition agents have signalled unmistakably where their party stands. I take the liberty of compressing in my own words: it is that the recount does not signify anything material relative to the official declaration of the arithmetical winner. I continue: it is that any recount finalized is but another step in not what has been the longest journey, but one without end. Accepting and conceding are the cruxes of the matter. I regret that the elements I had warned about since late last year have exhibited their monstrous heads since March 3rd. Not the count (now recount), but the aftermath. Second, that we
Renewable energy and energy... From page 5 Caribbean Community needs to be prepared and use this time to ramp-up renewable energy and energy efficiency capacity, where possible. The timing is right, as most CARICOM Member States desire an energy transition to achieve energy security. Householders can also prepare by reducing consumption now, as much as they are able. Pay attention to your electricity bill, track your usage and unplug appliances and devices when they aren’t in use. Amidst the hundreds of thousands who are now unemployed due to COVID-19, a spike in household electricity bills and other energy-related costs to be met by the most vulnerable can have an untold impact. Though high
unemployment rates have incredible impacts on economies, businesses and households, these unemployed individuals do now have the option of learning new skills, to place them at an increased advantage when the crisis has passed. In 2008 when oil prices rose above US140 per barrel, the region’s thrust toward renewable energy peaked. Subsequently, our renewable energy targets became very ambitious. Let us not wait until our backs are against the wall again, to see the necessity of energy resilience and selfsufficiency. We need to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy measures now throughout our operations, particularly in
high-energy use sectors such as tourism. Tourism industries can benefit from sustainable operations as they seek to rebuild the tourism product during this period of inactivity. Renewable energy and energy efficiency can provide tremendous benefits to Caribbean territories by minimizing costs and improving our environment. We can accomplish this and more with the long-term view of transforming the energy sector, for the benefit of Caribbean people. We can appreciate, it is not business as usual. Dr. Gary Jackson Executive Director Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy And Energy Efficiency (A Caricom Institution)
can’t count, which makes us the punching bag of friend and foe. Third, that the whole world, having little to occupy time, looks on at in sometimes bewildered, other times enthralled, relief at the mockeries that we have made ourselves. I now see why some overseas-based Guyanese used to say vehemently that they are not Guyanese. Fourth, and more pointedly, it would be that the underpinnings of the recount will be questioned, denounced, and disowned. In terms of the latter, wherever all efforts lead, the group that comes up short is going to go to the carpet. This would be notwithstanding Caricom, other international observers, GECOM’s attestations, and every other relation in that extended family of midwives and seeing-eye dogs (pardon me) for this blind and helpless nation. I would like to hear and read of a recount process that progresses and concludes in a straight line. Where and how, I ask? Not with these
lovely political folks with which Guyana has been blessed, I submit. I offer a sampling: sealed ballot boxes themselves may be persuasive to some. But in my now finished presence at a state agency, the reports were of sealed international consignments breached and skillfully resealed somehow passing official muster, and all interested parties declaring themselves innocent of any tampering. That would be the day! And it would be extraordinarily so in the instance of ballot boxes. Once that hurdle is passed, then there are those pieces of paper -hundreds of thousands of them. The questions are: do they legitimately belong? Should they be recounted (or have been counted in the first place)? Next, I remember the lists, with the issue being: do they align with official numbers for those polling areas? If they don’t, then what? How are such, shall I say, discrepancies resolved and reconciled? The key word would be for them to be
accepted. To be frank, these are what my limited knowledge of things electoral and Guyana can summon at this time. I am positive that the resident experts (PNC and PPP creative artists) would have more sophisticated shenanigans up their sleeve. Try as I may, and as much as I would like to invest some of the scant hope that I have left, I am unable and unwilling to so re a smoothly concluded recount process. I cannot foresee how this recount will lead to the light. The light of GECOM officially declaring and the losing political group conceding. The latter is the alpha and beginning of this forgettable electoral episode. One more thing: if, by some miracle, conceding does occur, then what will be the reactions-overt and covert-of internal party fanatics and their external equivalents? If these are not interesting times, then I don’t know what is. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Live streaming is the end game of transparency DEAR EDITOR, The ongoing election impasse stems from a break away from the orthodox verification process by Region 4 RO Mingo. Mingo’s figures, apart from showing the impossible - more persons voting than registered voters in some areas, generally did not match the SOPs that the parties reps and observers were verifying from, like was done in the other 9 regions. GECOM chair was conveniently missing in action after both of Mingo’s ludicrous declarations. The cries of foul from the observers and parties agents did not leave her or the process skating on “thin ice” when she conveniently resurfaced. Guyana electoral system, dictating the authentication by the signing of party agents and GECOM workers on numerous SOPs at each polling station after the counting of ballots was intended to leave a trail of evidence in the event of miscreants like Mingo obfuscating from the lawful process in the verification for Gecom to deliver the results. I cannot envisage 6 billion
dollars from our treasury being spent for Gecom’s CEO and chairwoman to have souvenir copies of SOPs for elections 2020 while those SOPs remain viable, authentic evidence of which party won the elections. Gecom’s CEO and chairwoman failure to publish Region 4 SOP’s in their possession ASAP, to restore the credibility of Gecom, after one of their own staff (Mingo) derailed the Region 4 declaration process, puts the duo in the realm of institutionalized treason against the state and people. SOPs in the CEO and chairwoman’s possession were intended for both individuals to know the results before declaring what comes through the system via the ROs. Key Gecom officials, out of necessity or curiosity, would have done the math and know who won the elections as soon as they got their SOPs, yet the results for the 10 regions were tabulated using Mingo’s fraudulent figures for Region 4, which give victory to the losing Coalition and sought the approval of a willing chairwoman, who did not
proceed only because of threats from the international community that they will not recognize a government sworn in on the basis of fraudulent results and sanctions will follow. Why should the chair propose a recount for all 10 regions when the results from the 9 outlying Regions were declared with no party making a request for a recount in these regions in the lawfully allotted 24 hours after declaration? This is seen as procrastinating in favour of the APNU/AFC. While the Chair finds it expedient to set aside the law for a request for recount in the specific time frame, she conveniently baptized one, (section 90) which speak of, in part, “maintain and not communicate any information obtained AT THE COUNT”, into meaning, OF THE COUNT - totally different scenarios to justify her refusal to live stream the recount. Lack of transparency is the reason we have not had a result for the elections in two months. Live streaming is the end game of transparency. Rudolph Singh
Friday May 01, 2020
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Kaieteur News
15 of 34 bidders to market Guyana’s crude linked to corrupt practices - Charges, convictions and fines range from bribery to unfair pricing practices W By Mikaila Prince
h e n t h e Department of Energy invited expressions of interest for a company to market Guyana’s share of oil from the Stabroek Block, it listed stringent conditions of accountability to which bidders had to adhere to be considered for qualification. A total of 34 companies applied, but as the following report details, almost half of those applicants - oil companies and commodity traders -come with histories of questionable corporate behaviour. The fact that the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), the body which is responsible for selecting the trader, has zero experience with electing one in this regard raises further concern. Against this backdrop Kaieteur News thought it necessary to also conduct a comprehensive investigation on these List of Applicants 1. Gunvor 2. Bonroy Tetchem Co Ltd & Guyana Crude Oil 3. China Offshore Oil Singapore Int’l PTE 4. Enteq Resources 5. MAB Oil Limited 6. Hartree Partners LP 7. Mercuria Energy Trading 8. Shell Western Supply and Trading 9. Sacoil Energy Equity Resources 10. Mercantile and Maritime 11. Unipec America 12. BP Products North America 13. ExxonMobil 14. PPT Energy Trading 15. BB Energy 16. Freepoint Commodities 17. Sinochem 18. Cathay Petroleum Int’l 19. Heritage Petroleum 20. Concord Energy 21. PetroCo Oil 22. Totsa Total Oil Trading 23. Lukoil Oil Trading and Litasco 24. Core Petroleum 25. AISAA Petroleum Shipping 26. Century Tamara Energy Services 27. PetroChina International Brazil 28. Gladius Commodities 29. Equinor 30. Vitol 31. Glencore 32. Petrobras Global Trading BV 33. Interchem PTE 34. Aramco Trading
traders, and found nothing shy of damning results. It was discovered that of the list of 34 oil companies and commodity traders who submitted bids to secure the title of marketer for Guyana’s light, sweet crude, 15 of them have been caught in scandals, foreign bribery, and widespread corruption. Resulting convictions and fines have ensnared senior executives of these companies while others are still under investigation. Public documents show for example that three of the world’s largest commodities trading firms – Vitol SA, Glencore PLC and Mercuria Energy Group have used intermediaries to funnel over US$31 million in bribes to corrupt Petrobras employees so that they may win big contracts, along with acquiring other benefits. One of the companies is China Offshore Oil International Pte Ltd. In 2015, this state-owned Chinese company had their former Deputy General Manager, Wu Zhenfang, under criminal investigation for accepting an undisclosed amount in bribes although it is unclear what the outcome of the case was. Another C h i n e s e c o m p a n y, Sinochem saw Du Keping, the former Vice President sentenced last December to 11 ½ years in prison for accepting USD $1.8M in bribes. Russian energy c o m p a n y, L u k o i l O i l Company & Litasco, is currently being criminally investigated by Geneva’s top prosecutor on suspicion of corruption of foreign officials and moneylaundering. Gunvor Group, one of the world’s top energy traders was found criminally liable for corruption in the Republic of Congo and the Ivory Coast, after failing to avert its employees and agents from bribing public
officials. The trader was subsequently ordered to pay almost USD $94 million to the Swiss Attorney General (AG) in October of last year. According to Reuters, the settlement includes a fine of $4M Swiss francs, out of a maximum of $5M million, as well as gross profit plus interest it gained from oil deals in the two West African countries from 2009 to 2011, worth hundreds of millions of dollars. E q u i n o r, f o r m e r l y known as Statoil, a Norwegian company was in 2018 fined ROK $20M for misconduct and extensive corruption in Iran in 2002/2003 attempting to secure lucrative oil contracts for the company in that country. The Director for International Operations, Richard John Hubbard was also ordered to pay NOK 200,000 in fines for his involvement in the case. This was mainly achieved by hiring the services of Horton Investments, an Iranian consultancy firm owned by Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani, son of former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani. Horton Investments was paid US$15.2 million by Statoil to influence important political figures in Iran to grant oil contracts to Statoil. French oil major, Totsa Total Oil Trading SA, was found guilty of corruption in the United Nations’ oil-forfood programme for Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s rule. In 2016 the Parisian Court of Appeal found the company guilty of corrupting foreign officials and was fined USD $820,863. According to the Commodity Future Trading Commission (CFTC), an independent government agency in the U.S, British Petroleum Products agreed to pay a total of $303M in sanctions to settle charges of manipulation and attempted
manipulation in the propane market in 2003 and 2004. Adding to the list of infringements, a BBC World Report exposed how BP agreed to pay billions for Petro-Tim, a West African oil company owned by Romanian businessman, Frank Timis. This West African corporation was found to be in the center of corruption in Senegal. Documents showed that BP knew about the suspicious payments, which totaled to millions to the Senegalese President’s brother, Aliou Sall, and it went ahead with the deal anyway. In 2015 Jiang Jiemin, the former chairman of PetroChina, International
Brazil Trading Limited, was sentenced to 16 years in prison for taking bribes and abuse of power. A report stated that authorities also confiscated about 1 million Yuan ($157,600) from Jiang, after he failed to explain where it came from. Later in 2017, the Chinese court found Liao Yongyuan, the former vice chairman guilty of corruption and sentenced him to 16 years imprisonment. According to Reuters Liao had abused his various positions in the energy industry between 1997 and 2014 for personal gain, and between 2003 and 2015 took 13.4 million Yuan ($1.95 million) in bribes, and was unable to account for the
origin of 21 million Yuan in assets. In 2011, Global Witness (GW) revealed how Shell Western Supplies & Trading Limited (Bahamas) participated in a vast bribery scheme for one of Africa’s most valuable oil blocks, known as OPL 245. GW reported that Shell and Italian Oil Company Eni paid over US$1.1 billion in a murky deal for this lucrative asset located off the coast of Nigeria. Following a lengthy investigation by the NGO it was able to access documents showing that this money did not go to benefit the Nigerian people. Instead, it went to convicted (Continued on page 13)
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 01, 2020
9th COVID-19 death recorded - curfew extended to June; Ocean View acquired by Govt. Government has taken compulsory acquisition of the Ocean View Hotel for National Sanatorium
M
inister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, yesterday confirmed the ninth death in Guyana as a result of COVID-19, while the Ministry expressed condolences to the family of the victim. The deceased is 67-yearold Samuel Morris who passed away at approximately 20:20hrs on Wednesday. Mr. Morris was an Intensive Care Unit patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and had suffered from other complication, including diabetes. Yesterday, the Ministry announced four new cases of the disease, taking Guyana’s current COVID-19 figure to 82. During a live update via Facebook, Minister Lawrence continued to plead with all Guyanese to intensify efforts to stop the spread of COVID-
19 by practising social distancing, staying at home, wearing face masks, and regularly and thoroughly washing hands. The Minister noted that Georgetown continues to be the epicenter of the COVID 19 infection in Guyana, listing several communities identified as hotspots for the spread of the virus: Kitty, Sophia, Turkeyen, Liliendaal, Cummings Lodge, Alberttown, and Cummingsburg Bourda South Ruimveldt Gardens, Lamaha Park, Thirst Park, Campbellville, East Ruimveldt , Guyhoc Park, Lodge, Albouystown and Laing Avenue. In her presentation, the Public Health Minister called on residents of those communities to take extra precaution. “My fellow Guyanese,” she exhorted, “I hope you have taken note of these areas and
Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence realize how close the coronavirus disease is to you. I am therefore appealing to you to change your behaviour pattern and adhere to the guidelines provided to enable us to stop the upward trajectory and help flatten the curve.” She stressed that “if not we will have a situation beyond our control.” At (Continued on page 16)
Kaieteur News
Friday May 01, 2020
PAGE 09
The lockdown is giving us lockjaw When this newspaper first made the call for a lockdown of the country there were 8 confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus cases and 1 death. Within one week, the number of cases skyrocketed to 18. It took a few more days before a partial lockdown was announced. By that time, the total number of confirmed cases had reached 23 with four dead.In that one week, the virus had spread rapidly throughout the country. It is now reaping its harvest. Three weeks into the lockdown, the country now has 78 cases and 9 deaths. Can we truly say that the lockdown has been effective? It has not. The first confirmed case of the coronavirus was recorded on the 10th March 2020. The patient died the following day. Three weeks
later - on the 31st March there were only 12 cases and 2 deaths. Compare that with what has happened in the 3 weeks since the lockdown. The total number of cases has increased by 60 and the total deaths by 7. One expects, of course, for the number of cases to increase over time. But to have the total deaths doubled and the total confirmed cases tripled in three weeks leaves little doubt as to the abysmal failure of the lockdown. This column had warned that the lockdown had commenced one week too late, and that there would be dire implications. It also has been pointing out that the curfew is during a period when 90% of persons are at home and asleep. It cannot therefore be expected to be effective, especially when the daytime social
restrictions are not being stringently enforced. B y n o w, t h e l o c a l coronavirus outbreak should have been smothered. It has not. The country should have been preparing to reopen th os e s ections of th e economy which were closed. Guyana will most likely have to continue with its social restrictions for at least another 6 weeks.The Cayman Islands, on the other hand, is preparing to have a phased reopening of its economy. They have a population of 64,000 and they have tested more than 1,500 persons to date. Guyana with a population nearing 750,000 has undertaken just around 500 persons to date. Former West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding did an interview recently, in which he related the social
Dem boys seh...
Dem companies give slack change from back pocket One of the biggest companies in Guyana behaving cheap, cheap, cheap and don’t have a conscience. Imagine dis company which does rake in billons of dollars every year ask dem staff fuh tek pay cut. Some of dem staff barely mekkin ends meet. Yet, dis rich, rich company asking dem own staff fuh put less food pun dem table. De company even get a union to support dem. But dem boys wan know if dem bin tell the union that the kantract dem gat with the guvment give dem a fixed rate of return. Wha dah mean is no matter wha happen, dem profits guarantee. Dem gun reclaim it from you, de cusstomer. So why dem wan dem poor worker fuh tek salary cut? Dem boys seh shame on dem. Is a fact that the company not losing money as people gat to use all the services. Dem boys also seh shame on one of dem big oil company wha tek out some slack
change from dem back pocket and give ah we fuh fight Coronavirus. Is the same company fly in a special plane to bring in and carry out dem supersalaried staff. Dem boys seh the guvment bend backwards to help dem but de same guvment nah do nuttin’ yet fuh dem poor Guyanese who stranded outside. But when yuh big, yuh tall. And when yuh small, yuh liable to fall. Den dem gat some bank, dem hand tighter than the man from Fine Ants. Dem boys seh, every year dem declaring billions in profit. Dem too does tek out some slack change and give ah we. Dem boys waiting fuh see how dem gun help dem small businesses wah suffering because of the lockdown. Talk half and watch dem big company and dem cheapness and tell dem we nah gun fudget dem.
restrictions in place in the Cayman Islands, including a night to morning curfew. He observed that entertainment places are closed, but that essential services such as supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies and banks are open. He however intimated that persons cannot move about as they please. To access the services provided by essential businesses, an alphabetical system is being used. Each person is only allowed to make purchases on select days of the weeks. If you are caught violating the restrictions, you will be subject to harsh fines and penalties. According to Holding, the restrictions are working. Guyana has made some tragic mistakes with this pandemic. For the past weeks, economic activity has slowed down and we have nothing to show for it. They imposed a partial lockdown, like the Cayman Islands, but with little enforcement. Lockdowns have to be measured in relation to certain metrics – to what extent has the number of confirmed cases grown, how
much has the virus reproduction rate been reduced, to what extent have new cases, hospital admissions and serious and critical cases been reduced. If no targets were set, and if the data which is being provided to the public is sparse, then no proper evaluation can take place. The data which is being provided to the public is not helpful in decision-making. It is merely a scorecard of cases, deaths and total tests. The health, economic and social response to the pandemic need to be put on a different footing. What is in place is not working and will not provide the solutions that are needed. Guyana, after 3 weeks, is no closer to ending or reducing the social restrictions in place or reducing the growth of new cases.Dozens of Guyanese are stranded overseas. They cannot come home because the airspace and borders are closed. They are not likely to open anytime soon. Most of the arrivals originate in the Caribbean and New York. The latter is now the epicentre of the virus. Brazil, which is right next door, is positioning
itself to take over that position after the US passes its peak. More than 80,000 Brazilians have tested positive for the coronavirus. Deaths in Brazil have already surpassed that of China where the pandemic started. Manaus, which is less than an 18-hour drive by bus from Lethem, is a hotspot for the virus. A mass grave had to be dug this week to deal with the number of deaths in that part of the country. People want t o e s c a p e t h e c i t y. Remember, they are only 18 hours away from the Guyana border Guyana needs to relook at its strategy for this virus. Right now the country appears clueless. Those in charge are playing a game of luck and chance. They are “trying a thing” and hoping that it works. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Friday May 01, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Michael Granger expanded the AFC’s strategy; it failed
I
n yesterday’s article, I argued that after Mingo tried barefaced methods to rig the election which were silly because all the important international observers saw what he was doing, the AFC adopted a stratagem that was bold and innovative. Realizing that the defeat of APNU+AFC could not be reversed, the AFC turned the election impasse into a
geopolitical drama. Cathy Hughes and Khemraj Ramjattan, using the campaign office of APNU instead of their own offices, (Railway Road in Kitty and C a m p b e l l Av e n u e i n Campbellville), conducted a press conference in which they accused the Russians of trying to interfere with the elections. In philosophy, something may be inherently
wrong, but could also be logical. What the AFC did was indeed logical. Victory was lost, so the AFC literally appealed to the Americans to a c c e p t A P N U + A F C ’s remaining in office, because a Russian team came to Guyana and tried to tamper with the process so the PPP could win. Any evidence of that would spell trouble. The Americans and the West,
once they found that accusation credible, would have done their own investigation. It didn’t work for the AFC, because the timing of the information was blatantly stupid. If Russians came here with electronic gadgets to rig the election and the government caught them and deported them, why were the nation and western embassies told this
the very next day after Mingo was openly seen trying to shape victory out of defeat for APNU+AFC? It was really an idiotic thing that the AFC tried and failed miserably to implement. First, that is sick intrusion by a foreign government that the world was entitled to know about. S e c o n d l y, b e c a u s e i t involved the Russians and not the Nigerians or Hondurans, then it was obligatory on the part of the intelligence agencies in Guyana to inform the US embassy. Guyana shares intelligence data with the Americans. Thirdly, the arrest and deportation of Russians trying to tamper with the elections is not something an incumbent government would not want to publicize. O b v i o u s l y, t h e r e i s enormous political mileage to gain from informing the world. The stratagem backfired because the Americans knew it was a con game. No Russians came. No Russians were deported. After weeks of shameful embarrassment, a section of the PNC, without informing President Granger (I firmly believe Granger did not know because if he did, he would not have allowed himself to be described as an American citizen), contacted Michael Granger (MG), the PNC’s point man in the US, to lobby American legislators, senators and high government officials into a c c e p t i n g t h e P N C ’s continuation in power. A caveat is in order. I chose not to say “to lobby these American personnel to accept that APNU+AFC won the election.” MG knew he could not have walked in that direction. The question of victory was not a live issue. That was dead like a door nail - killed by Mingo since March 4. MG knew that if the
Frederick Kissoon Americans were to depart from their stance of transparent election results, he had to do what the AFC was smart enough to do since March 4 – forget about the election results and convince the Americans that the PPP in office would put Guyana into the orbit of the Chinese and the Russians. MG did exactly that in his dossier. Read the dossier and you will see that it is essentially a paper on geopolitics. It is badly written, badly researched, and poor in polemical points. I suspect that MG had assistance from two sources – one is a PNC diaspora academic who once held a top position at UG and the other is another diaspora personality who wants us to think that he has access to the political world of Washington D.C. through his liaisons for Guyanese exporters. I chose not to call names, because I don’t have time to defend silly libel writs. David Granger has scuttled MG’s dossier. He cannot lobby Washington D.C., because MG no longer is authorized to submit the dossier to the Americans. The question that is likely to be asked is: if President Granger did not intervene, would MG’s geopolitics thesis have been accepted? The answer is no. That is because the research officers working for American legislators and senators would not have accepted the nonsense MG penned, but do their own research. Two facts would have emerged – one is; the dossier was to deflect one of the worst rigged elections in the 21st century. The other is that there is no evidence available to suggest that the foreign policy of the PPP and APNU+AFC when in government is any different. Even GECOM’s major players cannot keep APNU+AFC in power. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)
Kaieteur News
Friday May 01, 2020
PAGE 11
CARICOM high level team arrives today for recount
CARICOM High Level Team: [from left] Senior Lecturer at University of the West Indies, Cynthia Barrow-Giles; Commissioner at Electoral Commission of Antigua and Barbuda, John Jarvis; and Supervisor of Electoral Commission of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sylvester King
T
he CARICOM high level team is expected to arrive in Guyana today for the recount, as confirmed by GECOM Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, yesterday. GECOM is now in a position to gazette an order for the recount to begin. Ward told reporters last night that three persons are expected. These are Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Cynthia BarrowGiles; Commissioner on Antigua and Barbuda’s
Electoral Commission, John Jarvis; and Supervisor of the Electoral Commission of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Sylvester King. The latter two formed part of observer missions f o r G u y a n a ’s 2 0 2 0 elections, Ward said. She could not confirm whether those three persons constituted the entire team. GECOM to brief political parties on recount tomorrow Chair of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice
Claudette Singh has invited representatives of political parties for a Saturday morning briefing on the recount, while 80 GECOM Secretariat staff members underwent a day of recount training yesterday. An email invitation was sent out yesterday afternoon to participating political parties, with an attached including a ‘final’ draft of the work plan GECOM intends to utilize to guide the count. The plan states that GECOM will be
GECOM Chair addresses staffers yesterday at Arthur Chung Conference Centre (Photo Credit: GECOM) supervising the recount in accordance with the processed delineated in sections 83, 84(6-11), 87, 89(1), 90 and any other provisions of the Representation of the People Act that the Commission may deem necessary. The methodology of the exercise is explained in the plan. It states that the 10 working stations will be allocated by region as follows: district one – two work stations, district two – two work stations, district
three – three work stations, and district four – three work stations. It states that an estimated total of 14 persons are expected to be present in each work station. This includes four GECOM staffers to conduct and supervise the recount, six party representatives, one person from the CARICOM team, two observers (local and international), and one police rank.The manner in which each ballot box will be dealt is also described. The numbered ballot boxes
GECOM Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward will be examined to ascertain the intactness of the seals. Then, all its contents are to be (Continued on page 16)
Kaieteur News
Friday May 01, 2020
PAGE 13
CDC distributes hampers to persons living with disabilities - over 700 individuals to benefit A partnership between the Civil D e f e n c e Commission (CDC) and the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) will see over 700 persons benefiting from relief hampers during the current COVID-19 epidemic. The Commission began its distribution exercise Thursday morning. Among the first to benefit from the significant outreach was the Guyana Society for the Blind, Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs, The Guyana Deaf Association and the Vocational Training Centre for Special Needs at S o p h i a . T h e Vi s u a l l y impaired Association of Guyana, Guyana Blind Cricket Association, and the New Amsterdam Special Needs School are listed among others to receive supplies. Supervising the operations, Director-General of the CDC, LieutenantColonel Kester Craig explained that the Commission has been in communication with the organisation for the past two weeks to identify and prioritise the various
beneficiaries.“Today we started a series of distribution to over 18 organisations that represent people living with disabilities. These supplies will ease some of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he remarked.Colonel Craig said in some instances the supplies will be distributed directly to the organisation but the Commission will also aid in the delivery to some communities with the assistance of the CDC staffs and volunteers. Programme coordinator of the GCOPD, Ganesh Singh, welcomed the donations. He told DPI that over 700 persons with disabilities who are affiliated with the council will receive the hampers. “This will be of great assistance because persons with disabilities (PWDs), like other Guyanese, were severely affected. Most of them are unemployed, so they are even more affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This is a great help!” Singh remarked. He pointed out that the organisation has received several calls from PWDs seeking assistance, but noted
CDC member delivering hampers
15 of 34 bidders to market... From page 7 money launderer and former Oil Minister, Dan Etete, who had awarded himself ownership of the block in 1998 via a company he secretly owned, Malabu Oil and Gas. GW stated that the money paid for the block equals more than the African nation’s 2016 health care budget. It is also one and a half times what the United Nations says is now needed to respond to the current famine crisis. The deal which allegedly paved the way for billions to be siphoned off to agents and middlemen in corrupt payments has also sparked law enforcement inquiries in six other countries. And then there is the case of major Stabroek Block p a r t n e r, E x x o n M o b i l . Another GW investigation
conducted in 2018 uncovered that the US oil giant was complicit in corruption in Liberia, with the US $120 million purchase of Block 13 of the country’s oil lands, a block the company allegedly was aware had been previously awarded through bribery. It also suspected the block was partially owned by former Liberian politicians who may have illegally granted it to themselves while holding office. But despite its concerns, Exxon went ahead with the deal. As has been covered by this paper, Exxon has also been linked to scandals in other countries, from the United States to Equatorial Guinea. In a subsequent report, we will be looking at the other companies with questionable histories that have applied to market our share of crude.
that currently only registered members can benefit from the hampers. “After this, we can look at registering more people and assistance can be given to them in the future,” Singh noted. According to Marcia Smith, Founder and Principal of Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs, the donations will be a blessing to her 24 students. “I thank the government of Guyana and the CDC for honouring my application…. It will benefit a lot.” (DPI)
Director-General (DG) of CDC Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig hands over hampers to Ganesh Singh, Programme Coordinator of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD).
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COVID-19 & Crashing Oil Prices...
ExxonMobil and others grabbing up emergency storage
A
s the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) continues to desecrate oil demand, the world’s leading exploration and production giants are left with no choice but to hold on to their crude for a little while longer. But there is only so much that they can hold during this period of hibernation. Industry analysts have long predicted that they will soon run tight on storage space for the surplus that keeps on accumulating. It therefore comes as no surprise to many market observers that the likes of ExxonMobil and many others are grabbing up emergency storage space. This was reported yesterday by Reuters which also disclosed that oil majors such as Chevron and Alon USA Inc. have agreed to rent space to store 23 million barrels
of crude in the U.S. emergency oil reserve. This move by ExxonMobil would be seen as essential since it continues to keep the taps running in key projects like the Stabroek Block. University of Houston Instructor, Tom Mitro had told Kaieteur News in an exclusive interview that despite market conditions, Guyana must continue pumping oil while noting that it makes less economic sense to do otherwise. Mitro had said that companies usually have contractual obligations to pay subcontractors and to defer same would result in the company having to pay penalties and demobilization costs as per their contracts. Mitro was keen to note however that the Government of Guyana will need to pay extra attention to the reported transfer price during this period of uncertainty.
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CARICOM high level team arrives today for ...
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VACANCY
From page 11 emptied for the staff to sort the presence of all of the materials with a checklist. At the end of the count, each ballot box is expected to be replaced, sealed and returned to the container for storage. The Team supervisor is expected to maintain the movement of ballot box logs that details the chain of custody of the boxes.Several times during the past few weeks, Commissioners had explained that the method to be implemented resembles the practice undertaken at the close of poll in a polling station. GECOM had before noted that the team sent by the Ministry of Public Health to assess the recount venue, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, had said that only eight of the 10 work stations should hold a maximum of 14 persons, while the other two should hold a maximum of 10. The latter two stations would not have the capacity to safely host six party representatives. The stations would also not have the capacity to host all 10 of the political parties that contested the region four elections. According to the docu-
ment, political party representatives, in addition to being present at the recount exercise, will be provided daily with information on the progress of the recount. Staff Training GECOM yesterday held a training session for about 80 of its staff, who will conduct the count. Listed in the plan are the roles of counting clerk, supervisor and tabulation clerk. GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward explained yesterday that the exercise is meant not only to discuss those procedures, but that the staffers will be apprised of the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the recount procedures, as directed by the Public Health team. Ward in response to a question about the availability of masks, said that GECOM is prepared to provide all that is necessary and that masks will be used. However, she also said that GECOM was not sure of the type of masks the Task Force insists GECOM use, and that GECOM will have to interrogate that. She also said that the matter of the frequency at which the masks are changed during the exer-
9th COVID-19 death ... April, 29 extending the nation-
Driver must be able to assist in workshop at Eccles.Age 2545.Car/Van Licence 642-9823. From page 8 present, the Public Health Female Cleaner office and Ministry has recorded 82 positive cases with the number of home.Call 642-9823. persons who have recovered Security Guards with or from the disease moving to 22; without personal firearm and 579 persons were tested with Handyman. Tel# 266-4427 497 testing negative. Two Maid to cook and clean for persons remain in the IntenEast Bank area. Call: 615-9132 sive Care Unit (ICU), 18 in quarantine and 51 in isolation. Vacancy exists for one female Meanwhile, given the jump in cashier & one driver (lorry lic) cases, the Government has @ Del Ice Co. Call# 231-1408/ signed an order, published in 642-9191 the Extraordinary Gazette of
wide 6:00 pm – 6:00 am curfew for another month—the curfew now has an expiry date of June 3, 2020. The gazette also outlined that the Government has taken compulsory acquisition of the Ocean View Hotel. The Hotel which was under rehabilitation by the government is expected to be converted into a National Sanatorium for COVID -19 patients and those with related illnesses.
cise is one that the Commission will have further deliberations on. Reports had surfaced previously that the Public Health team’s suggestion that all persons change their masks every 30-60 minutes meant that GECOM would have to provide about 33,000 masks for the 25-day duration of the recount. Cameras to be placed Ward also said that cameras will be placed at the centre by GECOM’s technical staff for the ballots to be shown to persons entitled to witness the count. She said that it is necessary for “all the
participants in the room to be able to see and be able to scrutinize the respective ballots”. However, Ward noted that the proposal to have the recount live streamed is still one that is being considered by the Chair; GECOM, she said, is still operating on the assumption of the Chair’s last decision on the recount, that it would not happen. She had said that GECOM would only provide periodic broadcasts of the progress of the recount. The work plan stated that GECOM will make good use of the media corps to disseminate progress updates.
Timehri Army Base explosion... From page 3 Defence Force in an email but up to press time, no reply was sent. Message of Condolence In a message released from his office, President David Granger, expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the relatives and friends of the three soldiers and wished the injured ranks a speedy recovery. It also noted that the Force has launched a Board of Inquiry (BoI) into the circumstances surrounding the incident. This has been the second deadly explosion for the Guyana Defense Force. On February 22nd, the Force lost Corporal Seon Rose in a similar incident. That explosion occurred at the Coast Guard Base wharf in Ruimveldt, while a 21-member team from the
GDF Artillery Unit was offloading fireworks from a pontoon onto a nearby truck, meant to be used during the Republic Anniversary fireworks display later that evening. While the men were unloading the explosives, a spontaneous ignition reportedly occurred, resulting in the massive explosion. Rose took the brunt of the blast and suffered severe burns to 90% of his body, along with trauma injuries. He also suffered a heart attack while receiving treatment, survived it, but passed away the next day. A BoI was conducted into that incident; however the findings are yet to be publicized. (Additional reporting by Stacy Peters)
Job restoration amid COVID-19…
High on agenda of economic recovery task force KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Nigel Clarke, says the newly established COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force will be working assiduously to ensure the restoration of jobs lost as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Dr. Clarke, who chairs the multisectoral group, said data, particularly from applications for assistance under the Government’s COVID Allocation of Resources for Employees (CARE) Programme, showed that “we have had tens and tens of thousands of Jamaicans who, unfortunately, have been laid off and, in some cases terminated, since our first COVID-19 case was confirmed on March 10”. He noted that 60,000 applications have been
Dr. Nigel Clarke received for the Supporting Employees with Transfer of Cash (SET Cash) component of the CARE Programme, which will provide grants to persons who earned taxable income of J$1.5 million (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.008 cents) or less, who have been laid off or have lost their jobs. The Minister said layoffs and job losses have occurred
in a number of sectors and subsectors, including tourism and attractions, the airline industry, entertainment, manufacturing, retail, security, entertainment, early childhood, and private education services. He pointed out that in the case of the latter, “we are seeing where some enterprises have resorted to laying off temporarily, as schools remain out”. Of note, Dr. Clarke said data from the SET Cash applications suggest that more than 75 per cent of the applicants are under age 40, pointing out that these are “persons who are starting out in life [and] have obligations”. He described this scenario as “very painful”, particularly in light of the significant level of job creation and reduction in unemployment occurring in recent years.
“Just a few years ago, unemployment was 16 or 17 per cent. Jamaica [experienced record low] unemployment… [ranging between 7.2 and 7.3 per cent] as measured in October 2019 and January 2020,” he outlined. Additionally, Dr. Clarke said cons e q u e n t o n t h e G o v e r n m e n t ’s p u r s u i n g economic policies that are “favourable” to investment and growth in employment, “we have seen over 100,000 jobs created between 2016 and January 2020”. “So, it is incredibly painful knowing where we have come from… to see that progress be interrupted in this way; progress that we have all taken great pride [in]… progress that has allowed p e o p l e t o expand their
horizons and take advantage of opportunities that they could not h a v e t a k e n advantage of before,” the Minister said. Against this background, Dr. Clarke said the collective attention of the Task Force and nation must focus on Jamaica’s economic recovery over the medium term, planning for which “has to begin now”. This, he added, is in order to ensure that “we can gradually revive economic activity in all of the affected sectors… and by reviving economic activity, we can restore the jobs that have been temporarily lost”. “These are Jamaican citizens who play their part in making our country function… and these are livelihoods.
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Happy Labour Day to all of Guyana! Below are some messages in commemoration of this auspicious day. Today Kaieteur News joins its fellow working class Guyanese to celebrate Labour Day 2020.
THE PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY The People’s Progressive Party takes this opportunity to extend warmest greetings to all workers and labour leaders throughout the nation on the occasion of International Workers’ Day. This significant day, which celebrates the important resource of human labour, allows for the recognition of invaluable contributions of the labour force, particularly the public service, in the development of our nation. Labour Day also offers an opportunity for reflection on the gains made, challenges encountered and on the advances that are needed to improve the welfare of all Guyanese workers.
This year’s observance of Labour Day is taking place in a challenging political environment where naked attempts are afoot to subvert the will of the Guyanese people, derail the electoral process, reverse the democratic gains made since 1992 and take our nation down a path of regression. At the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, Guyanese workers sent a clear signal to the Coalition and our Party wishes to assure that no effort will be spared in the fight to ensure that the will of the people prevails, particularly given that only a legitimate government can address the
concerns of our people. The political struggle and the struggle of workers are closely linked. The Party wishes to stress the need for support to households where many are struggling to feed their families and calls for action in this regard. Mindful of the difficulties our workers are now enduring, the People’s Progressive Party hopes that this Labour Day will bring a renewed sense of commitment to the current struggle – a fight to protect our democracy and the future progress and prosperity of all our people. The PPP will continue to stand in solidarity with all our workers, as it has for decades.
PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS REFORM The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins all Guyanese workers as well as those of our Region and the world at large in celebrating Labour Day. This is usually the occasion when the workers of the world and the organizations which represent them take stock of their situations and conditions and resolve to take strong and determined actions to ensure that their gains are preserved, and that the fight continues for a better future.
On this occasion, the PNCR recognizes the critical role that Trade Unions have played in the political, economic and social development of the country and asserts that such a role can only continue if the Trade Union Movement as a whole remains united and protect the interests of the workers of this country. The PNCR salutes the workers of this nation as we struggle to create a more cohesive and prosperous Guyana where all can achieve
the promised good life. The PNCR asserts that such a society can only come about if the Trade Union Movement as a whole is united and protect the interests of the workers of this country. The Party also admonishes the trade union movement to recognize that the current era demands that Trade Unions must make necessary adjustments to cope with the existing and emerging challenges, so that they can survive and remain relevant. Solidarity forever!
FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT TRADE UNIONS OF GUYANA The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and its affiliates the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) and the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) joins in extending fraternal greetings to the nation and especially the workers of Guyana on this occasion of May Day 2020. We, at this time too, send our best wishes to the workers and their organisations across the world as we extend our wishes of solidarity to those who are engaged in the varied struggles to protect their way of life, to bring about betterment, and to safeguard their national interests. We celebrate May Day 2020 also with some sense of sadness as we remember our dear comrade and outstanding leader, Komal Chand who passed on a few weeks ago. Brother Komal who, at the time of his passing, was the First Vice President of the Federation was indeed a committed comrade. During his lifetime, he tirelessly advocated on behalf of the working-class not only in Guyana but
across the world as a member of the Presidential Council of the World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). He was one of the Federation’s foremost speakers on May Day and was always willing when called upon. His addresses, we recall, were incisive and inspiring and for him it was a source of pride and for us all his addresses were enlightening as much as they were stimulating. Indeed, on this May Day, he is deeply missed as we recall fondly the times we spent with him. As we mourn the loss of this outstanding workers leader, we go forward stronger on the path he paved and the contributions he made. As we observe May Day 2020, we urge to let our voices be heard and heard loudly. We have a country to build and a struggle to win. We stand to lose though we have much to gain. Let us remember as workers we only have our chains to lose. Let us continue to hold high our banners of struggle and solidarity; let us continue to wage our justifiable struggles, and let us remain united in the face of those who seek to weaken our all-round thrust for betterment and improvement. Let us all go forward together!
Guyana Trade Union Congress General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis Brothers and Sisters of the Trade Union Movement, workers, fellow GuyaneseThe world is at war with the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and faces the threat of social, economic and political fallout that can have far reaching consequences on smaller countries and developing economies. To date over three million persons around the world have tested positive for Covid-19. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost and whereas these figures are of concern, the impact of this pandemic will be felt far beyond the deaths as millions are affected indirectly. Many homes have lost their breadwinners, children are orphaned and left to care of family, strangers and institutions. Joblessness has increased in those hard hit communities as the economic impact of COVID-19 unfolds. In the tiny nation of Guyana with less than a million persons there have been 82 positive cases and nine deaths. Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence has reminded persons that the local death rate is above the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) average. Whereas these numbers may sound low compared to the figures in
other parts of the world. Guyana can ill afford the effects of COVID-19 on any aspect of its resources and development. This virus has a non-discriminatory social and economic impact on various countries across the world. It has affected rich and poor alike, though statistics around the world is showing more persons of lower socioeconomic bracket make up the majority of those who sufferthe working poor. Workers of Guyana desire social, political and economic transformation- they want to see systems put in place now that would provide the assurance needed. We believe the time is now to conceptualise and develop an indigenous programme aimed at empowering every region and all their citizens. This programme must see the establishment of laws to strengthen the regional system and re-investment in each region from the revenue garnered from the exploitation of the unique resources of each region. Revenue from oil and gas must be targeted to improve our service sectors such as healthcare, education, internet, disaster preparedness, etc. Last year March, the Guyana Trades Union Congress laid before this nation and submitted to the
President and Leader of the Opposition a 19-point proposal, which points us in the direction of realising a more inclusionary form of government. We think this is critical to social cohesion, economic parity and national unity. Among the issues proposed were the parliamentary Opposition having a presence on state boards and constitutional commissions, the National Budget passed by no less than 60 percent vote of all the Members of the National Assembly, and passage of legislation to give meaning to our political system of inclusionary democracy. That is the shared governance the Guyana Constitution gave us and we demand implementation of. GTUC will continue to advocate for the realization of this for the benefit of Guyana and the working class. We urge every citizen to join us in doing so regardless of political persuasion and party loyalty. Let us put Guyana first now and post COVID-19 which in a most deadly way reminds us of our interdependence. GTUC encourage the workers of Guyana and their families to stay safe. Solidarity forever…the Union makes us strong!
Coronavirus: Eurozone economy shrinks at record rate (BBC) - The eurozone economy shrank at the sharpest pace on record in the first quarter as the Covid19 pandemic forced countries into lockdown. A first estimate of GDP between January and March showed a contraction of 3.8%, worse than during the financial crisis. Separate figures revealed a steep fall in economic activity in France and Spain over the same period. In Germany, unemployment has increased though it remains relatively low compared with other nations. On Wednesday, the US revealed that its economy had suffered its most severe contraction for more than a decade, after GDP shrank at an annual rate of 4.8% in the first quarter of the year. However, this “annualised” rate implies that the US economy actually
contracted by about 1.2% in the three-month period, a less severe contraction than in the eurozone. On Thursday, figures from the US Department of Labor showed that 3.8 million more Americans filed claims for unemployment benefits last week. That is the lowest weekly rise for a month, but still very high, bringing jobs lost during the pandemic to about 30 million. ‘Free-fall’ Andrew Kenningham of Capital Economics called the European news a blizzard of depressing economic data that “confirms that the eurozone economy was in free-fall”. In the case of France, the 5.8% decline in gross domestic product (GDP) was the largest the quarterly series has recorded since it began in 1949. Two other large
economies have published first estimates: Spain saw a contraction of 5.1% while Italy’s economy shrank by 4.7%. The figure for the eurozone as a whole was more moderate, but is still by any standards severe especially for a contraction over just three months. So far most individual European countries have not published national estimates. That applies to the largest of them, Germany. But new figures for the German labour market are beginning to show the impact of the pandemic, with the number of people out of work rising by 373,000 in April. However, the full impact is damped by the country’s system of financial help to people put onto shorter working hours, known as Kurzarbeit.
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Gina Holguin: Football’s magic unites us all The love for sports was the main reason that led Mexican Gina Holguin to pursue a career at TUDN. “My first segment was from the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City where the national team was playing against Panama. Watching El Tri made me passionate about football, when players represent your country is something unique and this sport has a magic that unites us all. All over the world we are equally passionate, it transcends borders and breaks barriers, it doesn’t matter if you are a woman or a
man.” Gina says that her life has been very versatile because she has worked in different fields including as an actress and model. However, since she was a child, she wanted to be closer to the sport, including participating in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Prior to joining a career in TV, she played professionally in six National Handball Olympics and two national basketball championships. “I started conducting TV segments and getting involved in sports, covering
competitions and being closer to players. Thanks to sports, I have traveled a lot and learned about many different cultures.” Gina has been the host of TD and TDN in shows like La Jugada and Tribuna Interactiva, as well as in the sports section of Foro TV’s Noticiero Expreso de la Mañana. For her, there is nothing like covering stories about the emotion that sport produces. “Part of my responsibilities are be around the people that attend the games and feel the special
Friday May 01, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The astral energy is encouraging you to open up more to your world, culture, and ways of thinking, Aries. You don't have to go off alone in the desert to reinvent everything.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today is no time for dreaming, Libra! Quite the contrary. You can expect to have to settle several minor technical problems involving communications or transmissions.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) How focused you are, Taurus! You're so calm and collected. Of course, the mood is especially hospitable to sobriety, cooperation, and hard work.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Are you getting hit with obstacles? Could it be that you simply need to factor in more time to complete the monumental tasks you take on? This might be difficult for you to tolerate.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today, you can at last express the secrets that have been troubling you. You may have previously been seething with anger inside and afraid to let it show for fear of permanently damaging a relationship. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your mind is in great turmoil right now, Cancer, so it isn't surprising that you can't pay much attention to anything. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The day will be fairly q u i e t f o r y o u . Yo u ' r e likely to yoke yourself to a task and continue working on it until evening. If someone tries to entice you into procrastination or distraction, you'll brush them off as easily as a mosquito buzzing in your ear. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You should use the day to ponder your professional future, Virgo. Many forces seem to be working together to clarify your ideas on the subject. You should use the day to ponder your professional future .
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Are you having some problems with authority? Are you having a hard time making yourself understood? If so, have you thought about explaining your projects in detail to the people that you hope will follow you in your adventure? CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Yes, your projects have taken some time to get set up. This is because you haven't been concentrating hard enough. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You don't have to create everything alone, Aquarius. Life isn't a one-person show. To live life fully, you must participate, help others, and when needed, ask for their help in return. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) When we think we have found our path, we naturally want to start to walk down it. Don't be afraid if you haven't fully mastered your craft yet, or aren't a top expert in your field. Mastery and expertise come with taking things one step and one day at a time.
vibe of fans, listen to them singing and enjoying the excitement before a match. At the beginning the fans are always with that illusion of seeing their teams and they sing and shout, you see the unity. Football makes us feel a unique passion, it is an explosion of feelings.” Gina is very satisfied with her work not only because of the special feeling that sport generates in people but for what it means to play as a team. “When you learn to play as a team it helps you in other activities, there is not a single job that depends on a single person. You can always apply this to your life, recognize your partner, his virtues, tolerate him and collaborate together so that the team wins.” One of the experiences that the host of TU Tribuna in TUDN has recently enjoyed is the official draw for the Concacaf 2020 Men’s Olympic Qualifiers, at the Akron Stadium, in Guadalajara, Mexico. “I was very excited to be on stage in Guadalajara to contribute to the draw and to see how each of the coaches of the participating teams reacted when they learned who will be their opponent.” Another event she remembers is the Copa America Centenario USA 2016, organized jointly by Concacaf and Conmebol. “I had the opportunity to visit Chile for the Copa America Centenario and it was beautiful to feel how in other parts of the world Mexicans and our national football team are appreciated.” For Gina, who dreams of covering a FIFA World Cup, there are several things that have helped her achieve success professionally. “Consistency, being brave, making my dreams outweigh the circumstances and getting up after each fall, without giving in. Loving what you do is important.” Gina, who participates in TUDN segments such as + Deporte, believes that women should position themselves even stronger in areas that are perceived as male dominated. “Little by little we have discovered that the doors are opening only by wanting to be part of a sports environment and being willing to receive constructive criticism, to transform the negative into positive and with a desire to pursuing your dreams.” Her tips for women who are interested in following a sports career are self-
Gina Holguin discipline and following your dreams with perseverance. “Following dreams makes you happy, there will be thousands of people who say no, but you have to trust yourself, believe that you can achieve it, have self-
discipline and not giving up. You need to remember the players who are now captains, have tenacity, and love and enjoy what you do because with each step you can achieve a dream.” (Concacaf)
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Player agents, executives call for GABBFF establish coping NBA to cancel season: report mechanism to help athletes flex with challenges of Covid-19
Reuters - National Basketball Association executives and player agents are calling on the league to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season due to health concerns over the novel coronavirus outbreak, CNBC reported yesterday. Even as many states in the U.S. begin to ease stay-athome restrictions and open up the economy, cracks are beginning to show in the NBA’s resolve to complete the campaign and crown a champion, according to CNBC. Talking to executives and agents, CNBC said team owners are concerned with liability issues and are conflicted about whether or not to give up on the current season. The NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBAPA) has agreed to withhold 25% of players’ pay starting next month. With that issue resolved CNBC reported that many owners have no desire to return because other sources of revenue are down and despite a massive media rights deal, teams are still reporting losses. One person told CNBC a western conference team has already lost roughly $50
million this season and doesn’t have much incentive to restart the campaign. “What (owners) are saying is, ‘If we return, where is the revenue that is going to justify the additional cost of returning?’,” one team executive said. “They are looking at the cost side versus the revenue side. What revenue comes in now?” Despite the reservations, the NBA has given every indication it plans to complete the current campaign. The league announced this week it would soon unveil rule changes that will allow teams to open their practice facilities for players to take part in treatment and limited workouts. There is no
set date for when facilities can open, though the league advised teams that it is targeting no earlier than May 8. Los Angeles Lakers’ Lebron James made it clear he is not yet ready to give up on the season, saying he and his team mates are ready to go whenever it is safe to do so. “Saw some reports about execs and agents wanting to cancel season??? That’s absolutely not true,” James said on Twitter. “Nobody I know saying anything like that. “As soon as it’s safe we would like to finish our season. I’m ready and our team is ready. Nobody should be cancelling anything.” The NBA was the first of North America’s major sports to suspend play after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus on March 11. The decision created a domino effect with many league and sports quickly following the NBA lead and cancelling or postponing seasons. A number of scenarios of how the NBA might be able to restart have been floated, including centralizing teams in Las Vegas or the Bahamas and playing games in empty arenas.
The Hundred postponed until 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic
- Hosting a virtual competition under consideration By Franklin Wilson Given the continued shut down of all activities especially from a sports standpoint around the world, the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) has been over the past couple of weeks, contemplating ways and means of keep their athletes active in some way, shape or form. President of the Federation, Keavon Bess informed that they have been working on providing coping mechanisms for the athletes to successfully ride the waves of the coronavorus which has brought virtually everything to a standstill. “From a sports psychological point of view we want the athletes, even though they are not competing to have that feeling of camaraderie; so in light of that, we would have established a WhatsApp group where the athletes on a daily basis can post different stuff and have conversations on varying issues from body building to general sports just to give them that coping mechanism, a medium to express themselves amongst their peers.” Bess who had some weeks ago informed that their Intermediate competition which should have come off in tandem with the reintroduction of the Mr. Berbice competition had to be postponed. The senior nationals too have suffered as a result of the coronavirus and there
Keavon Bess might very well not be any body building competition until eth end of the year. If the situation does not improve, Bess did publicly state that seniors might be put off until next year, point out also that procuring sponsorship at the end of this all would be another major challenge for the Federation. To circumvent these realities, the GABBFF President informed that they are currently exploring the possibility of hosting a virtual competition. “We haven’t yet worked out the logistics as to how the competition would be done or which social media platform would host same. It’s not a competition for athletes top add to their CVs; it’s basically a competition to help the athletes with camaraderie and give them something to cheer for in these very difficult and
sad times. It is also to give the fans something to cheer about and remind the fans that the bodybuilders are still active and still putting together the best package possible to showcase to them whenever that time arises. So this is something we’re working on, it’s quite doable.” Bess indicated that the GABBFF would be approaching long time corporate partner Fitness Express whose Manager/ Owner Mr. Jamie McDonald would be written to shortly inviting him to support the event which he is confident would be a hit among the athletes and fans. The Federation Bess also indicated would be touching base with all active athletes during the course of the coming days to offer words of encouragement during these testing times.
Fauci: Not ready for sports, leagues must ‘bite bullet, cancel A host of England players including Joe Root, Heather Knight, Ben Stokes and Anya Shrubsole were set to play in the inaugural season of The Hundred BBCsport - The Hundred - the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new city-based tournament - has been postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 100-ball competition, involving eight teams in s e p a r a t e m e n ’s a n d w o m e n ’s t o u r n a m e n t s , was due to begin on 17 July and end on 15
August. An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) m e e t i n g o n We d n e s d a y concluded it was not possible for The Hundred to be staged this year. “Of course today’s decision is tinged with disappointment but we do recognise the country is going through something unprecedented,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison
told BBC Sport. “All sectors of society are redeploying their thinking to how we help the country get out of this, rather than fulfilling the ambitions we might have for our certain sports. “In our case, the sacrifices we are making at the moment seem very small in comparison to what is happening in the big picture.”
Field Level Media Canceling seasons will not be easy but could very well be necessary, Dr. Anthony Fauci told the New York Times on Wednesday. The country’s top infectious diseases expert, Fauci said there are leagues that might have to “bite the bullet” and cancel their 2020 seasons. “Safety, for the players and for the fans, trumps everything,” Fauci told The Times. “If you can’t guarantee safety, then unfortunately you’re going to have to bite the bullet and say, ‘We may have to go without this sport for this season.’” Among requirements Fauci said would be
necessary for leagues to reopen are quick and accurate testing for all essential players and staff. In April, Fauci took the position that sports could be back this summer as long as fans weren’t gathering and leagues took precautions to minimize the amount of exposure players and officials had. Fauci said Wednesday that even when sports return, players will not be able to be active members of society and some type of quarantine will be required. “I would love to be able to have all sports back,” he said. “But as a health official and a physician and a
scientist, I have to say, right now, when you look at the country, we’re just not ready for that yet.” The NBA plans to open practice facilities for individual workouts on May 8 — one week from today — with heavy restrictions regarding social distancing and hygiene. Major League Baseball was scheduled to open March 26. Opening Day could be moved to mid-June or July, according to reports Tuesday. PGA and NASCAR events are planned in May without fans in attendance. The NHL still is evaluating its options per resuming its season.
Friday May 01, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Ramnaresh Sarwan sets the record straight Christopher Gayle’s outburst disseminated via a YouTube video a few days ago, is quite unfortunate. In that video, he has leveled false allegations and tarnished the good name and reputation of a series of persons. I was the focus of most of the onslaughts. I reply, not because I feel that Gayle’s rantings are worthy of it, but because I feel that the public’s record must be set straight and also, to protect the character and careers of so many people, whose image he sought to besmirch. No doubt, Gayle’s utterances has done immeasurable damage to the “gentleman’s game” of cricket, in particular, West Indian cricket. As a former International Cricketer, who had the privilege of donning West Indian colours, I feel compelled to speak in defence of this great sport which has unified the Caribbean more than anything else over the past 50 years. It is my sincere hope that Gayle’s damnation has not caused irreparably damage to the unity and brotherhood which cricket has forged across the West Indies. Let me make it abundantly clear, I have played with Gayle from the inception of my
Ramnaresh Sarwan (right) and Chris Gayle international career and I have always respected him as an extraordinary talent, a colleague and most importantly, a close friend. Hence, my utter shock by these scandalous allegations. He was welcomed in and is loved by, my immediate family and has hurt them terribly. Fans will recall, that when Ian Chappell called for Gayle to be banned from international cricket because of remarks he made to a female journalist, I issued a public call for fans to rally around Gayle. I stood up for him on every such occasion. But this missive is not about that.
Gayle refers to an incident as far back as 24 years ago, he claimed that I caused him to be sent home from Barbados during a tour, because he was watching television all night in the room which I shared with him. This is a total fabrication, no competent management would remove him from a series, a player of Chris’s caliber on such a trivial allegation. I categorically deny any involvement in the decision or the decision-making process, which led to Gayle’s non-selection to represent the Jamaica Tallawahs in the
2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Tournament. In fact, the management of the franchise itself has issued a public statement that, “the truth is that this decision was made collectively by the Ownership and Management team which did not include Mr. Ramnaresh Sarwan and based purely on business and cricketing reasoning.” I have been officially attached to the Jamaica Tallawahs since 2018. I was first offered to play for the side. I refused, because I felt that young and upcoming Jamaican and regional talents
Archery Guyana pegged back by Covid-19 Head Coach of Archery Guyana Nicholas Hing informed Kaieteur Sport yesterday that Archery has been affected by the global crisis. Hing revealed that in addition to a few tournaments that would’ve already shot off for the year, key developmental initiatives have been placed on hold. Since World Archery; the Governing body of the sport, rightfully cancelled all events for the year last month the Archery fraternity is coming to grips with the fact that they will have to work on their game individually if they wish to maintain their current level or even get better. Hing explained that there was an indoor tournament set on the Elections’ weekend in March that had to be postponed but since then, things have gone from bad to worse with the spread of the coronavirus globally and locally, preventing that tournament from coming off. In addition, Guyana Archery had on their 2020 schedule an outdoor tournament slated for Easter weekend. In the region, the local archers were invited to the fourth Caribbean
Beginners & Developmental Tournament in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) last month. At last year’s developmental tournament that was held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Robert Singh, in Guyana’s debut at the tournament finished with a total of three medals, two silver and one bronze. Hing further disclosed that their sport association’s promising schools’ outreach programme has also been put on pause. Last November, a club was formed in Queens College (QC) that was very enthused to get involved in the sport but everything has been at a standstill since. “The Isa Islamic Academy in East Street and a few other schools that show interest in getting involved in Archery were set to benefit from our outreach programmes and whenever we overcome this pandemic, working with schools will be one of our main priorities as we aim to expand our archers’ pool”, Hing posited. The level one judging seminar planned for this year has also been pushed over to 2021. Hing concluded that,
as well as overseas players, ought to be given that opportunity. I was then offered the position of Head Coach but deferred to Mark O’Donnell, who was with the team several years prior. Instead, I accepted the position of Assistant Coach. In 2019, I was appointed Head Coach. I reached out to Chris and discussed with him, the selection of a team. I did so out of respect for him. In my conversation with Gayle about the team, he informed me that Donovan Miller, a Jamaican and a very close friend of Chris, should be appointed Head Coach as he would better understand the culture of the Jamaican players. I conveyed Gayle’s view to the CEO, informing the CEO that I would be happy to step aside for Miller’s appointment, given that Chris feels strongly about his appointment. My priority was what would be in the best interest of the team. Gayle is fully aware of the background, yet he accuses me of fighting to be Head Coach. I accept full responsibility for my recommendation, that the team management consider imposing a curfew on players prior to matches, I stand by that decision. Such restrictions are standard operational procedures in almost every international sport, so that
when it is time for performance on the field, the players are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges. In any event, the curfew was never implemented, so I do not understand why Gayle has made this an issue. I absolutely reject Gayle’s allegation that I encouraged foreign players to disrespect him, I really do not understand how he came to such a conclusion and this simply is not true. My deep concern, is that young and upcoming players who regard Gayle as a role model, may think that this is an acceptable way of addressing problems which may befall them in their careers. To the cricketing world and fans everywhere, more particularly West Indian cricket fans, all of whom I love and respect dearly an especially those in my home country of Guyana and Jamaica, who have always supported me throughout my career. I express my deep regret on this unfortunate saga and I hope that it will lower neither Gayle’s nor I, in their estimation. I thank all those who have conveyed their support to me and rallied around me during this unfortunate turn of events, I take this opportunity to wish Chris all the best with his new team in the upcoming CPL. Respectfully, Ramnaresh Sarwan
Racic, Slovenia’s 1948...
Nicholas Hing (right) and Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton “I’m trying to get some practice at home and I am encouraging my players to do the same. It will not be at full distance but it is still better than not doing anything. You
don’t have to have a field or large space to practice and you can work on your technique and form which is very important as well.” (Calvin Chapman)
From page 23 data from his rich statistical collection, invaluable in the time before the internet. The bulletin, ‘Our Olympians’, and other important collections that chronicle the history of Slovenian sport would be very incomplete without his contribution - and probably filled with many inaccuracies as well. In 1997 he was awarded a Golden Pin by European Athletics, the first for a Slovenian, and in 2003 he became an honorary member of the Slovenian Athletics Federation ( AZS). In 2008 he was recognised by the International Olympic Committee for his promotion of Olympism. On his 100th birthday, the Slovenian Athletics Federation once again thanked him much for the immeasurable mark he has left in Slovenian athletics and wished him all the best. By coincidence, Slovenian athletics is also celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and hopes that Racic will be
Marko Racic of Slovenia at the 1948 Olympic Games (Marko Racic) © Copyright among the special guests at the gala celebration that is being prepared for October. (WorldAthletics)
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Friday May 01, 2020
Kaieteur News
League leaders Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned champions of Ligue 1 Mailonline - Paris SaintGermain have been crowned champions of France despite the season being ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic. France’s top-flight season was called to a halt on Tuesday and after a meeting on Thursday, Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) CEO Didier Quillot confirmed that the Parisiens have been handed the title on the basis of points-per-game. Lorient, top of Ligue 2 when football came to a halt in March because of the coronavirus, have been promoted as champions. Quillot added that he hoped that cup competitions in France could be completed in August behind closed doors, subject to approval from UEFA, with Europa League places being allocated to the winners. As it stands Lille have been awarded a Europa League spot, however it is unclear who might join them. PSG play Saint Etienne Coupe de France and Lyon in the Coupe de la Ligue. If those games are able to go ahead and PSG win both, the spots will go to Nice and Reims via league position. Lyon and Saint Etienne will qualify if they beat the newlycrowned champions in either final. If the games do not go ahead then it is expected that Nice and Reims will be awarded the spots. ‘We were genuinely ready to finish the season like the Germans & Spanish,’ Quillot said, while also confirming the goal is to start the new season by August 22. ‘But there were government
decisions made which we respect.’ It was also confirmed that two teams will be relegated from Ligue 1 and two promoted, meaning Lens will come up along with Lorient, while Amiens and Toulouse will drop down to Ligue 2. The decision is likely to have massive ramifications and could lead to a string of appeals from clubs to have missed out on promotion or to have been relegated. In finishing the season, Paris Saint-Germain, Marseille and Rennes have qualified for next season’s Champions League. Marseille will appear in the competition for the first time since 2013/14, while Rennes will make their debut. Third-bottom Nimes, although in the relegation zone, will keep their place in the top flight, given there will be no Ligue 2 play-offs and a chance for a third team to earn promotion from the second tier. L’Equipe reported that of the three governing bodies within the organisation, the first voted yesterday morning, the second yesterday afternoon, and the third will vote in early May. The season’s last round of fixtures were played on March 7 and 8, and the final standings see PSG sitting 12 points clear of second-placed Marseille with a game in hand. The decision means PSG have won their thirdconsecutive league trophy, and the ninth title in their history. On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced by France’s Prime Minister Edouard
Paris Saint-Germain have now been awarded the Ligue 1 title for the 2019-20 season. Philippe that the return of games will not be authorised before September, even behind closed doors, as part of the next stage of the country’s lockdown plans. In a statement, Philippe said: ‘The big sporting affairs cannot occur before September. The 2019-20 football season cannot return.’ A week prior to the announcement, the league had announced plans to resume on June 17, but that was curtailed by the French government. Meanwhile, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and general secretary Theodore Theodoridis have spoken to leagues in Europe,
including Ligue 1 and the Premier League, and asked them for a detailed plan on how they will finish the campaign. A statement from European football’s governing body said: ‘National Associations and/ or Leagues should be in a position to communicate to UEFA by May 25, 2020, the planned restart of their domestic competitions — including the date of restart and the competition format.’ Elsewhere in Europe, the Bundesliga in Germany had announced plans to return to action on May 9 behind closed doors, but that date has now been shifted.
Conversely the Eredivisie has been cancelled with major events in Holland banned until September due to the coronavirus outbreak. But the Belgian leagues have delayed a further vote on cancelling their season despite being the first country to announce they would end the campaign. France’s decision to end the season prematurely and give PSG the title has raised further questions over what the Premier League plan to do if they cannot finish their own campaign. While the plan in the English top flight is still to press on when possible to conclude the season, it
appears likely that Liverpool will be handed the title if fixtures are unable to be finished in the coming months. Of course, perhaps more interesting will be the decision made on relegation, with Norwich, Aston Villa and Bournemouth currently occupying the bottom three places. Ligue 1 appear set to relegate the bottom two teams, and if the English top flight were to follow suit it would hand a reprieve to Eddie Howe’s Cherries, while Villa and Norwich would return to the Championship without having even completed a full campaign in the Premier League.
CWI issues RFP for Caribbean Radio Production and Broadcast rights for 2020/21 St. John’s, AntiguaCricket West Indies (CWI) is inviting Caribbean radio production and broadcast partners to submit proposals to produce and broadcast
high quality radio commentary for all West Indies Men’s and Women’s International Home Series from 2020 to 2021. CWI has issued a
Request for Proposal (RFP) document which also includes radio rights for the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup in both 2020 and 2021 as well a s t h e We s t I n d i e s C h a m p i o n s h i p tournaments starting in December 2020 and December 2021. CWI’s RFP document outlines the scope of the radio production and broadcast rights and invites potential partners to submit proposals that will cover both radio and online commentary across the Caribbean. In addition to these rights, successful partner(s) will benefit from the right to be “Official Radio Station(s) of the We s t I n d i e s ( c r i c k e t
teams)” and potentially also be the official radio stations for the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup and the West Indies C h a m p i o n s h i p tournaments. It also provides the opportunity for partners to create additional content and programming around international and regional games. CWI President and Chairman of the Communications and Commercial Affairs Committee, Ricky Skerritt, said “We respect the fact that local Caribbean Radio has played a significant role in the history of West Indies cricket, creating some of the great sports commentary moments for West Indies fans to enjoy and remember. For some, radio remains the
most affordable and accessible means to follow West Indies cricket whilst getting immersed into the action through the voices and stories from radio commentators. I commend all those commentators, journalists, and arm-chair enthusiasts who help keep the history, and ongoing story of West Indies cricket, alive via radio.” Dominic Wa r n e , Commercial and Marketing Director for CWI said, “We know how important live radio commentary is for fans to connect with the We s t I n d i e s t e a m s a n d C W I ’s tournaments. Although the broadcast communications market has changed dramatically over recent years, this RFP is a strong indicator of CWI’s commitment to keep local
radio integrated into a modern and sustainable West Indies Cricket broadcast system. We are looking forward to receiving proposals which broaden the reach of radio commentary for avid fans and refresh its presentation to appeal to new followers of our wonderful game.” Potential partners can access the RFP document from the www.windiescricket.com website, via the Cricket West Indies section of the w e b s i te and the CWI corporate “News” section. This can be found by clicking here https://bit.ly/ CWIRadioRFP. The deadline for the submission of proposals to CWI is May 25, 2020.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 01, 2020
Concacaf to launch Caribbean Professional League Working Group
T
he Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) has announced the formation and membership of a Caribbean Professional League Working Group, with the support of world football’s governing body, FIFA. The new group will be a subgroup of the Concacaf Competitions Committee and will carry out a comprehensive study of Caribbean professional club football. It will include the Chairman of the Concacaf Competitions Committee, the CFU President, experts with experience in football and other sectors from across the Caribbean and a FIFA representative. The terms of reference for the Working Group have been approved by the Concacaf Council and its work will begin when the current public health situation allows. The membership of the group comprises: Concacaf Competitions Committee Chairman, Yon de Luisa (Chairman), Concacaf Vicepresident & Caribbean Football Union President, Randolph Harris (Deputy Chairman), Representative of Trinidad and Tobago, Brent Sancho (Member), Representative of Jamaica, Christopher Samuda
Randolph Harris
Yon de Luisa
(Member), Representative of Haiti, Patrick Massenat (Member), Representative of the Dominican Republic, Manuel Estrella (Member), Representative of Curaçao, Valdemar Florentino Marcha ( M e m b e r ) , F I FA representative. Administrative support for the group will be provided by the Confederation’s Competitions and Development Departments, and its Jamaica office. “The feasibility of a Caribbean professional league has previously been explored by regional stakeholders. However, for a combination of reasons, those attempts did not get beyond the point of an early draft, with little substance and no progress made on the matter. “, said Concacaf President Victor Montagliani. “The time is right for the Caribbean and Concacaf, with the support of FIFA, to
lead the way to develop a comprehensive study which has the sole aim of the development of football in the Caribbean and the region as a whole. “This is not about a league in isolation but also a b o u t t h e professionalization of football and its players, coaches and administrators in the region. This newly created group, with strong representation from the Caribbean, will take a football first approach and will be given sufficient time to consider a range of potential formats and structures. “The insights of experts from the Concacaf Competitions Committee, the CFU, Concacaf Member Associations and local leagues and clubs will be crucial as the group diligently studies future options for Caribbean professional football.” (Concacaf)
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Racic, Slovenia’s 1948 Olympian, celebrates 100th birthday Marko Racic, Slovenia’s oldest living Olympian and one of the oldest living Olympians in the world, celebrated his 100th birthday last Saturday (25). Due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions in place in Slovenia, the celebration was modest, a back yard gathering limited to close family at his house in the country’s southeastern Bela Krajina region where he was born in 1920. But he planned to talk to as many well-wishers as he could. “My granddaughter Maruša will help me answer the phone, which can become very hot after so many calls, literally,” he said during an hour-long conversation two days before his birthday when journalists visited to take some photos to illustrate their stories about his jubilee birthday. Racic says that despite his years he still very much lives a normal life - with the help of his daughter Mojca. “They say you have to be at home these days,” he says. “I still walk for 30-45 minutes every day, but because of the current situation I cannot go and pick up lunch. Also, I used to go for a coffee at a nearby senior citizens’ home, but now that is not possible. Strange times. “But I can watch
Slovenia’s 1948 Olympian Marko Racic (Peter Kastelic) © Copyright television, solve a crossword puzzle and Sudoku, read books. I am not bored at all. I still prepare breakfast myself, but I must praise my daughter who looks after me.” 1948 400m semifinalist - Racic represented the former Yugoslavia at the 1948 Summer Olympic Games in London, where he reached the semifinals in the 400m. He has also participated in two editions of the European Championships, in Oslo in 1946 and in Brussels four years later. Upon retirement, Racic became an athletics coach, c o m p l e t i n g h i s specialization studies in Oslo in 1953. From 1960 and 1968 he was the selector for the Yugoslav women’s athletics team, which included
European champion and 800m world record-holder Vera Nikolic. Racic has had a great impact on the development of athletics in Slovenia, first as an athlete, then as a coach a n d n a t i o n a l s e l e c t o r, technical director, competition referee, and organiser of domestic and international events. In 1984 for instance, he was responsible for the preparation of bulletins at the Winter Olympic Games in Sarajevo. His career has also included endeavors as an editor of numerous athletic publications, notably as a coauthor of the publication of the 85th anniversary of Slovenian athletics in 2005. He also spent decades writing and drawing upon (Continued on page 21)
Athletes on stage at Lichas Hall in Linden before the start of the 2020 edition of Novices held on February 15.
rt Spo
GABBFF establish coping mechanism to help athletes flex with challenges of Covid-19 - Hosting a virtual competition under consideration
Archery Guyana pegged back by Covid-19
Ramnaresh Sarwan Š Associated Press
Robert Singh
Concacaf to launch Caribbean Professional League Working Group
Ramnaresh Sarwan sets the record straight
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