K
AIETEUR NEWS
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Recount Saturday Edition passes 100 p. 3
May 09, 2020 - Vol. 14 No. 18
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
ballot boxes mark
Price $80
- Major parties clash on process, time taken
Khemraj Ramjattan says...
Online readership yesterday 131,409
Non-approval of Carter Center rests in Pres. Granger’s hands Season of accidents…
p. 10
Despite supposedly decreased social activity during the curfew, there has been a marked increase of vehicular accidents over the past few weeks, some fatal. Last night, this white SUV ended up on its side under a house at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. There were fortunately no fatalities reported.
On Exxon-linked US law firm updating Guyana’s energy laws...
If there is conflict of interest, we have to address it - Energy Dept. Head p. 8
GECOM improves facilities for journalists p. covering 15 recount - But concerns about COVID-19 remain
Prisoners to p. be released 16 due to Covid-19 measures
Coalition on misinformation - ‘Stopped counts’, secret campaignmeetings and ‘dead voters’ - Ramjattan
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Kaieteur News
Saturday May 09, 2020
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 09, 2020
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Recount passes 100 ballot - Major parties clash boxes mark on process, time taken O
n the third day of the National Recount, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) managed to complete the recount for 43 ballot boxes, a figure which now takes the total boxes counted to 108. This number however represent only 5% of the total number of 2, 339 ballot boxes that are set to be recounted from the March 2, General and Regional Elections, with almost 1/8 of the allotted time gone. During yesterday's count, ten ballot boxes were counted from Region One; ten from Region Two; 11 from Region Three and 12 from Region Four. This marks an average rate of 36 boxes per day, meaning GECOM would have to work for 62 more days to complete the count at the current place. That would place the end date somewhere in early July, far beyond the allotted 25days. Nonetheless the recount kicked off its third day more smoothly than before. The first agent to speak to the press, APNU+AFC's David Patterson said that the recount started on time. “We're all getting better,” he told reporters, “Every
APNU +AFC representative, David Patterson
GECOM PRO, Yolanda Ward
PPP/C representative, Anil Nandlall
day, we work out more of the kinks in the system.” He said that it is slow and painstaking, but that that is not a deliberate delaying tactic as has been claimed by opposition members. Patterson addressed of the early stoppage of the recount process before the close of the poll by some workstations. This took place on the first two days as agents were seen walking out of the centre as early as 5:30pm when the recount is due to close at 7. He explained to reporters that the Coalition's position is that if a ballot box is
completed at about 5:30, it would not be sensible to open another box because it would not be completed before the closing time. Government-nominated Commissioner Vincent Alexander was asked about and he explained that it would be unreasonable to have the GECOM staffers working beyond the allotted time for closure, since they would have already been working for 11 hours, with many actually at the centre for 12 hours. Opposition-nominated Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, however see the early stoppage as inefficient due to
the fact that, in such a situation, a station would waste 90 minutes of a day, with no progress while the public hopes for a speedy resolution to the process. Former Attorney-General and PPP executive Anil Nandlall expressed opposition to the early stoppage and argued yesterday that the pace of the recount must improve. Patterson said that the Commission will have to examine that issue and determine the best way forward. Meanwhile, concerns were raised about a ballot box for which the numbers
THAG welcomes new Tourism Authority director
T
he Executive of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, along with its members, has extended congratulations to Carla JamesChandra on her appointment to the post of Director of Guyana Tourism Authority. “On more than one occasion,” the organization noted in a release, “Carla has been an integral part of tourism partnership initiatives and is the go-to person when addressing information needs. Her knowledge of the Guyana Tourism Authority, its work, and the industry will be an asset to her new position.” THAG said it envisions that the new director and her team will continue to be instrumental in the development of key programs benefitting community-based tourism, promotion of Birding in Guyana, Guyana Restaurant Week, and marketing Guyana at international trade events. “We takes this opportunity to thank Mr. Brian Mullis, the outgoing Director for his contributions to the improvement of Guyana as a premiere destination. He has redefined our approach to sustainable tourism and actions that will bolster community and niche tourism. We wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
New Tourism Authority head, Carla James-Chandra THAG said that it looks forward to working closely with James during these tentative times.
of ballots in a box were allegedly much more than the number of names marked on the voters' list. Patterson spoke about the issue early in the morning and said that it had to engage the attention of the Commissioners. He said specifically that 29 more votes were registered than names were crossed off on the list. APNU+AFC agent Ganesh Mahipaul also expressed concern about the implication for the credibility of the ballot box in question. Nandlall yesterday also expressed his frustration over what appears to be attacks by the governing coalition on the credibility of the general and regional elections. The coalition has been raising many objections during the national recount. It has also gone on a campaign of misinformation on social media (see story on page), with a “media centre” established on the lawns of the National Aquatic Centre, packed with members of the party, but no journalists. That tactic and the many objections raised during the recount process appear to be, according to Nandlall, an attack not just on the
elections' credibility but on GECOM itself. “Though they claim they have won those elections, one would have expected them to protect the integrity of those elections,” the PPP executive said. Nandlall said that the elections were deemed fair and credible by all parties and observers, and that GECOM should not allow APNU+AFC's tactics during the recount to claim that GECOM did not run a credible election process. At close of day, GECOM PRO Yolanda Ward related that the tabulation commenced promptly and continued unhindered to 06:30PM. At the end tabulation exercise for GECOM had processed general elections figures for 74 out of the 108 boxes completed, and 63 for the regional elections. Meanwhile, questions were raised about whether the 5PM- 06:30PM allocated to tabulate the ballots would be sufficient, with Ward responding that the Commission, in their m e e t i n g t o d a y, w i l l deliberate on a request to have the tabulation commence at 04:00PM, instead.
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Saturday May 09, 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
There are just too many escapes The reports keep filtering into the public’s consciousness of prisoner escapes from one holding facility or the other. These fearful circumstances only add to the tenseness and other discomforts that Guyanese face daily. It is psychologically wounding, spiritually uninspiring. From the coverages of KN, there was information about four from the makeshift Lusignan jail (KN April 21). Two of the four were being held for murder, the third for an armed felony, and the last one for possession. When these incidents happen, they remind of how shaky our sensitive institutions are, and how fragile is our individual and collective psyche. There is a question that comes to mind almost by rote now: does it have to be so often? Often may be regarded by the authorities as a stretch, but even when one of these escapes occur, it is one too much. And when the violent number among those jumping the fences, then only the worst could be surmised as to purposes and consequences of their seized freedom. In May, the news report that greeted was that “Juvenile prisoners overpower police, free colleagues” (KN May 7). According to this item, eleven juveniles forced their way to freedom, with five of them recaptured within 48 hours. Of great concern is that among those who escaped were some accused of murder. As is normal when such undesirable events occur, an investigation has been ordered and a full report should follow. Though now is the worst time to critique anyone on almost anything outside of elections and virus precautions, we take the bit in our teeth to ask some pertinent questions. It is our belief that they represent the positions of most worried citizens. To begin with: why are these disturbing escapes happening from time to time, with not much of an interval between them? With an eye to the limitations and circumstances surrounding these facilities, what else can be implemented that makes the thoughts and plans for these daring jailbreaks to fail to come to any degree of fruition? What is being done now that needs revising or outright scrapping? What more could be brought to bear to assure the full compliance of both the imprisoned population as well as attentions and efforts of their keepers? And for how much longer would this rickety facility that is the Lusignan penitentiary be allowed to continue in existence and menace the security of the immediate neighbourhoods and that of the nation at large? Investigations and reports, with the inevitable calls for accountability and feasibility and enhancement and all the tiring rest are, shall we say, nice and of some meager utility. But the citizenry wants more, much more. The peoples of this beleaguered society already live in daily fear of the feloniously minded crawling in the midst and at all hours under every cover, some virus related. They are most unsettled to learn of these situations where, yet another prison break is the endangering development. At this rate, the reasonable fear is that, at some time or the other and not too far into the future, there could be a huge collapse of the fences and forces and arrangements of the state that stand as safeguards. It is that they struggle futilely to hold a surging tide of inmates, which may prove to be too overwhelming, as occurred with those juveniles near midnight on Tuesday, May 5th. That such a restive time would include the extremely dangerous and the unmentionably forbidding. Given the terrifying extent of violent felonies in society, involved juveniles may have to be rehoused in more robust surroundings. We recognize that they receive outside help, which by itself is expected. What really undermines the confidence of ordinary Guyanese, however, is the belief that escapees may be aided and abetted by those on the official inside, who will sell anything for a promised dollar, including responsibilities sworn to be upheld and integrity to duty that should never be compromised. Except that in this Guyana of ours, there are strong convictions that the opposite is what exists at many tiers. This is what sabotages the safety of citizens, already stretched unbearably in different directions by the political confusions and conflicts that gravely wound.
Clutching at straws DEAR EDITOR, The APNU-AFC, from all indications, is proverbially clutching at straws. Like a drowning man, it is resorting to all manner of chicanery to convey the impression that the PPP/C is up to some ‘mischief’. How else can one explain the ridiculous assertion of some ‘private’ meeting between two representatives
of the PPP and a staff from GECOM’s Information Technology Department? The fact that the allegation was debunked by no other than the Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, Ms.Yolanda Ward, appeared not to have any sobering effect on the part of the APNU-AFC which continue to peddle this misinformation ad naseum.
This accusation would have been considered a joke were it not for the implications it can have on the integrity of those against whom the allegations were made. Even more surprising is the prominence given to it by the State media, namely the National Communications Network (NCN) and the Guyana Chronicle.
The good thing is that Guyanese are much more discerning than what they are given credit for by the APNU-AFC and their socalled spin-doctors. As the recount continues, the nation can look forward to much more episodes of this nature, regardless how frivolous or hilarious they may be. Hydar Ally
Economic philosophy and party polarization DEAR EDITOR, The Cooperative Republicans of Guy a n a (CRG) is not Capitalist, Socialist nor Communist. It is a Party that leverages the best practices of the various Economic Models depending on the best fit for the particular circumstances at the time. Thus having a vision that offers substantial flexibility while endearing itself to winwin partnerships across the spectrum. Hopefully many citizens
will consider CRG their party of choice in the near future. When reflecting on our current political impasse and the economic policies over the last 50 years, it is evident that the tension in Parliament is also a result o f o pposing economic policies. The traditional structure of communism, socialism and capitalism has restrained the economic growth of our country due to inflexibility in policy application. For this and many other
reasons CRG has taken a position that leverages best fit and best practice for particular circumstance to ensure future opportunities are not wasted, and that these opportunities continue to be in the long term best interest of our citizens. For this very reason CRG stands in a unique position of high flexibility which allows the Party to fill the gaps that other traditional economic postures and philosophies have created. These inflexible postures
have resulted in inherent weaknesses and the current pandemic is a great example of one size not fitting all circumstances. CRG looks forward to the opportunity to add value to our nation, while reducing the level of philosophical conflict that has historically plagued our nation’s economic development. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
If anyone thinks there are problems, just wait DEAR EDITOR, In 1983 the Police had a superhit titled, “I’ll be watching you” which is what I believe has come to capture the essences of Guyana’s March 2nd elections. I suspected that things would start out tough and then get increasingly rougher from that rocky beginning. I could not have been more wrong. For whenever I thought that thing could not get worse, they did. And they then continued that way in an unceasing downward spiral that still has a way to go. What is happening in these early days of the recount is beautifully summed up and conveyed by those stalking lyrics from the same song: “Every breath you take, every move you make…. I’ll be watching you.” I hate that I have to take this rather sweet song (a personal favourite) and degrade it with something as vulgar and scurrilous as some ugly Guyanese elections, with this one the ugliest of them all. But that is what matters have deteriorated to, haven’t they? I mean the two main political adversaries are watching the agents of each other like the most alert of unsleeping hawks, while expecting the absolute worse. I have come across some very nasty people and nastier situations in this life and in some real hellhole corners, which brings much shuddering just in the mere recollecting. But as I am privileged (or contaminated) to observe the proceedings in
the 2020 elections, I must admit that I have never (repeat: never) come across any set of people that exist in such profound darkness and operate with such a caveman’s mentality. It is where men and women surrender to the imperatives of the imbecilic, the barbaric, and the satanic. If this were not so serious and involved the destiny of over seven hundred thousand souls, I would find all of this most comical. I have never come across so-called big men who still have so much growing to do; or those who claim to have some learning but are dumber than wheelbarrows. I mean if these are the people who are going to be leading this nation, and take us deeper into the 21st century, then God help Guyana. Except that I believe he has had enough and has long ago moved on to other places with less demanding and draining people. People with some degree of decency left, some residual trust to invest, and some regard for something (other than elections) in this life. As much as I try, I am unable to come to any understanding relative to our helpful neighbours from Caricom and that, as they look on, they could have any modicum of respect left for Guyanese. If this is of neighbours from the region, then I refuse to say what I believe that those from greater distances, with less of a shared history, think of us.
If there is a society like this, then get us out here as quickly as possible, please. If there are these leaders on the frontlines like these, then only the worse may be expected from their helpers and supporters. And that is what it has been, with those taking the spotlight, and the smoother struggling to comport themselves with some measure of sobriety and dignity. Any way I look at this and seek to describe what is happening in these first days of this recount, I feel that I am falling short with the images that come to mind about what has unfolded thus far and the responses from the opposite side of the political war rooms. Junkyard dogfight, rum-shop brawl, and gang warfare rolled into one, cannot hold a candle to what is going on at GECOM with the throes of the recount at such a fevered pitch and, as I remind one and all, this is only the beginning. If these are days 1 and 2, I can’t wait for how things will turn out
on days 21 and 22. That is, if the recount, already reduced to vaudeville, circus, and spectacle, will ever get that far. I am hopeful that things will settle down and hum along in a steady rhythm. Something tells me that I, too, am not learning. Guyana does that to even the sensible and civilized. It is part of the price of wanting to be here. As entertainment goes, this is intriguing, but in terms of hard national political reality, it is going to be nothing less than tragic. I already can envision how and where things will finalize, and it is not going to be on the positive side. For the disbelieving or those with convenient amnesia, I ask them to refer to and recall those pregnant words of Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley. I am fearful that it is not going to end well. That was well said. That is where I stand immovably. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Hopeful that the recount will produce the rightful winner DEAR EDITOR, The recount of the Elections has started. The media have been shutout of the premises to camp on the roadside. What a disgrace. The Commission and its PR Officer should hang their head
in perpetual shame. Full live video streaming of the process has been denied by the ruling of the Chairman, Claudette Singh. The flimsy excuse of concealing the faces of (Continued on page 5)
Saturday May 09, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Feroze’s contributions to country forever appreciated DEAR EDITOR, I join others in paying tribute to Feroze Mohammed, a stalwart in the struggle against colonialism (1960s) and against the dictatorship (1966 to 1992). He was hard working as a PPP activist and as Minister of government. Perhaps Ministry of Home Affairs was not ideal for him. His appointment attracted a lot of discussion with critics saying although he had a lot of power, he lacked the skills to effectuate it. Truthfully, he lacked the required resources to do better; Jagan was stingy on funds for security preferring to focus on human development. But Feroze tried his best with limited resources a most difficult ministry which was replete with corruption. He did try to clean it up and to deinstitutionalize thuggery end brutality against citizens. He had to transform personnel, re-training them to become professional, to obey laws, and follow democratic concepts. After his term ended in December 1997, he had enough and did not wish to serve in government again. Feroze brought infectious energy to his work. He was very modest, extremely honest, and caring putting other people before self. He was never arrogant, treating people right. And he was fair not judging people by party affiliation. He was a man of principles, uncompromising on opposing racism and championing issues pertaining to the working class. He was a socialist to
the point of perfection in the mould of Jagan and Janet determined to make Guyana a better place and championing the fight against poverty. But like Jagan, he apparently did not quite understand the implication of socialism in Guyana’s geo-politics and or the concept of realpolitik visà-vis the West. I will share two anecdotes below. I did not know Feroze as well as his other PPP comrades. But I interacted with him during the struggle against the dictatorship and for several years after the restoration of democracy. He was very modest and goodnatured. Unlike most other Ministers of government, he was a man of integrity, decency, and honesty. No rumour of corruption was ever uttered against his good name. He would do anything to fulfill requests of others except breaking laws. Unlike several other officials, he did not seek or accept bribes to approve gun licenses. I heard countless stories of people who revealed to me who they paid bribes to get approval for gun licenses pre and postFeroze. During the 1980s thru 1990s, whenever I had teaching holidays in New York, I would journey to Guyana to join the freedom struggle or engage in academic research, visiting Freedom House or Michael Forde bookshop to acquire materials. I used to notice Feroze (as well as other PPP stalwarts) but did not interact with him. However, for the 1992, 1997, and 2001 elections,
I engaged him quite a lot for research materials and that exercise continued thereafter but with less frequency. I believed he ran or played leading roles in those campaigns. He was very helpful directing me to Thunder, Mirror, various PPP publications, and the works of Jagan and Janet. Feroze himself wrote a few articles in PPP organs. I was on the picket line with him a few times and experienced first hand harassment and intimidation. And I faintly recall his coming to Port Mourant to offer support for the 1977 teachers and students strike of which I was a student leader. On his commitment to socialism, I remember an interaction I had with Feroze (December 1991 or early 1992). I had returned from a 1991 summer travel tour for research purposes of the former Soviet Union (Republics) and several east bloc countries, and interacted with Feroze about difficult living conditions in those countries. I met many foreign students in Moscow and near Lumumba University. It was hard to get basic foods, including in the rural areas, akin to the experience in Guyana during the 1980s. Feroze was very defensive about the Soviet Union blaming some of its problems on the West. In another anecdotal encounter in 1996, I was more interested in engaging him about the PPP administration and the coming elections in Guyana. He spent an inordinate
amount of time discussing the elections in Russia on how the communist candidate Gennady Zyuganov was cheated barely losing to Boris Yeltsin. Indeed the international press said there was fraud. Other left wing candidates, including the ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirnovsky, got some 32% of the votes. As Feroze pointed out, if the votes had not split, Zyuganov would have won. What bothered me was his obsession with communists and his focus on Russia. Of course as he noted, communists or socialists, including those in Guyana, were not a threat to the West or the business community and were only motivated by their commitment to fight for a better life for the working class. As those of us who study at universities in America can attest, Washington (or even London) fear socialists and don’t distinguish between good or bad intentioned ones. On his commitment to socialist ideals, I remember arriving at parliament building to hear his eulogy on Jagan laced with quotes from Marx and Lenin and even likening him with them. Those of us did graduate studies in political science and or history was required to study Marx, Lenin, and other outstanding communists in depth. It seemed that Feroze studied Marx and Lenin well although he never discussed Marxism/Leninism with me. Apparently, he did not recognize that socialism was the root cause of Guyana’s
OUR NATION’S CHOICES DETERMINE IT’S DESTINY!! DEAR EDITOR, May 5, 1995 - one of the darkest days in Guyana’s history! The day our then Parliament passed the damnable Termination of Pregnancy Bill into law, enabling the murder of the most vulnerable citizens of our nation - our unborn babies! And all in the Unlikely and Spurious Name of Wo m e n ’s Reproductive Rights!. That day, a portal of death was opened in the Spirit world and the doors were opened to Murder and Suicide. Indeed, our B e l o v e d n a t i o n became infamous as being the Suicide Capital of the world. We have since experienced much bloodshed, even massacres and of course Abortion on Demand concomitant with physical and psychological morbidity and even the death of mothers. And this in a nation with a negative growth rate! Our national psyche
has lost to a great extent, respect for the Sanctity of Human Life. The horrific and heinous murders, even beheadings, men killing wives/ partners, then committing suicide, children killing each other , their parents and even, themselves, friends killing each other after imbibing and the wanton road carnage, all attest to this. The Church spoke out vociferously, warning the government and nation of the curse that legalizing Abortion brings, but to no avail! To this day some politicians and other perpetrators that brought ungodly counsel to execute this evil, boast of the great “privilege” and “liberty” they gave to women,
the right to murder their own unborn offspring!!! God’s “Woe” still targets those that decree unrighteous decrees... Should we then wonder at God’s divine displeasure and judgement? He has commanded “Thou shalt not murder”. It is written “God hates hands that shed innocent blood” and “The voice of your (children’s) blood cry unto me for justice”. Guyana has received much warning through God”s prophets concerning our bloodguiltiness. Shouldn’t we rather mourn and lament and invoke Almighty God’s mercy and forgiveness and REVOKE the Abortion Law?? Today; Guyana is
positioned either for tremendous blessing or to go down in history as a failed state, a land of awesome potential that never really got off the ground. May we make the choice to turn back to the True and Living God and to cry out for forgiveness in Jesus’ Name and through His Blood for putting our unborn to the sword. May we choose righteousness that exalts a nation, rather than sin that brings reproach. After living for 25 years in a culture of Death, may we choose LIFE for our children and our beloved but beleaguered nation. Faithfully, In Jesus’ Service Bernice Walcott
political and socio-economic problem. I later found out how the Cheddi Jagan tribute was put together including inputs from an excommunicated member. Feroze was also at the Jagan cremation at Babu Jaan cheering his then close colleague Ralph Ramkarran who gave a magnificent stirring final farewell to Jagan. Not many are aware that Feroze, like several of his comrades in opposition to the PNC, suffered scarring physical abuse at the hands of the Burnham and Hoyte dictatorships. Feroze was held in high esteem among colleagues including by those who left (like Moses,
Khemraj, Joey, Ralph, among others) the PPP. Those he helped trained and with whom he worked spoke fondly of him while he was ailing. He was a very good parliamentarian. It was noted that he inspired the youths to serve the party with dedication. At one time, he held leadership position in the PPP’s youth organization. His death comes a month after that of his bosom friend Komal Chand who also served the party well. Feroze’s contributions to the country are enormous and will forever be appreciated. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
Hopeful that the... From page 4 GECOM personnel is specious. If any one of them attempts to sabotage the process it should be exposed. If they all perform professionally, they should have nothing to fear from the world witnessing their good work. The daily audio coverage of the recount by NCN is a joke. It’s selective. It only covers one station at a time and, so far, on each occasion that a problem has arisen at a station, NCN has switched the coverage. The Carter Center has been denied entry. David Granger should hang his head in shame as his government has done this. The CARICOM presence has been reduced to three persons to cover dozens of stations. All of this concealment from the public eye is the deliberate work of the combined vote of Chairman, Claudette Singh, and the APNU+AFC Commissioners. So much for a commitment to transparency. Of course, the recount forced upon the nation by the calculated action of Chairman Singh and the APNU+AFC Commissioners in support of the fraudulent behaviour of Clairmont Mingo and Keith Lowenfield, should never have happened. When Lowenfield embraced the fraudulent counting of Mingo in contempt of the Order of the Court, and submitted a
fraudulent result of the elections to Chairman Singh, instead of putting it before the Commission and properly using her vote to reject it and returning to the completion of the District 4 tabulation, she puts the Lowenfield Report in abeyance, keeping it alive while forcing a recount. Already, after two days, we have heard and seen disruptive behaviour on the part of APNU+AFC party agents, particularly by Carol Joseph, who, earlier, hurled insults in every direction when I was present as an Observer at the tabulation, and false allegations by AFC Executives of secret meetings which never took place. The recount, even without these calculated attempts to derail it, is painfully slow and, at this rate, would last many weeks longer than 25 days. We can only be eternally grateful to the International and Local Observers who, at present, risk their lives exposing themselves to possible infection of the COVID-19 virus to keep the recount honest, but, for how long? We can but now remain hopeful that the recount will produce the rightful winner of the elections and that David Granger will keep his promise and impose it on those in his party who would deny it, to accept the f i n d ings of a credible recount. Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento
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Another attempt to rig must not be allowed to pass DEAR EDITOR, A convincing case has been made out to the effect that what we experienced on March 4, 2020 was tantamount to a virtual coup by a group of ex-military men now in civilian clothes. The virtual coup was staged following the failure by PNC operatives embedded at GECOM to thwart the will of the electorate. The virtual coup has since been buttressed by the invocation of the Public Health Ordinance which gave sweeping emergency powers to a caretaker administration. Recently extended ‘till June 4, these extraordinary powers are not dissimilar from the measures inherent in a declaration of a State of Emergency under the Summary Jurisdiction Offences (Amendment) Act Ch.8:02 which has not been declared per sey, but elements of which are now effectively in place and administered by an unpopular elite clinging with their fingernails to state and government. Instead of professionalizing, the institutional bodies to confront COVID 19, the bureaucratic elite has weaponized and politicized its national response.
For the sake of political expediency, the elite have established linkage between its COVID-19 response and the on-going election saga. It continues to resort to political pranks such as its call for 33,000 masks to be worn by persons engaged in the recount of the votes. Call them shenanigans or subterfuges, the point is the APNU+AFC’s actions have been persistently unconstitutional and contrary to the Representation of the People Act or both. In effect, all along, they have been acting illegally. Such illegal acts are not anathema to the elite, the record shows they were perpetrated soon after assuming office, and later, as a caretaker administration, so described, following passage of the NCM on December 21, 2019. C u m u l a t i v e l y, t h e s e authoritarian acts closely resemble those adopted by civilian authoritarian regimes in Albania, Equatorial Guinea, M y a n m a r, C h a d a n d Tajikistan just to mention a few where, according to the UN Human Rights
Commission, the regimes in those countries are known to have horrendous human rights track records. That aside, it is apposite to note that, the virtual coup we are witnessing is similar in many respects to an actual coup that took place in Guyana during colonial times. THE FIRST COUP: I refer to October 9, 1953, when a mere 4 ½ months after the PPP had won the elections, the Constitution was suspended, Emergency Orders introduced and an interim government established. Restriction Orders were served on several PPP leaders including Cheddi Jagan, Sydney King (now Eusi Kwayana), Martin Carter, Adjodha Singh, Eric H u n t l e y, J a n e t J a g a n , Ramsarran, Ram Karan and Rory Westmaas. In keeping with the spirit of resistance at the time, several PPP leaders broke their Restriction Orders and, as a consequence, were jailed. Colin A. Palmer in chapter one of his book; ‘Cheddi Jagan and the Politics of Power British G u i a n a ’s s t r u g g l e f o r Independence’ described the arrival of British troops in the colony as ‘The
Imperial Coup d’Etat’ to remove the PPP from office. THE SECOND COUP: Following the coup in 1953, three successive States of Emergency were declared in British Guiana between 1962 and 1964. These States of Emergency, laid the basis for a change in the electoral system from First past the Post to P r o p o r t i o n a l Representation. By December 14, 1964 an Order in Council had been issued authorizing the Governor to appoint a new Premier In effect, it was a constitutionally engineered coup that saw the removal of the PPP from office. THE THIRD COUP: At the close of poll following the July 16, 1973, general elections, the military intervened, seized the ballot boxes and took them to Camp Ayangana where they were kept for fifteen hours during which time, votes were switched in favour of the PNC. When the declaration of the result was made, it showed that the PNC gave themselves 71 per cent of the total votes cast with a two thirds majority in parliament. It was an army assisted
coup. THE FOURTH COUP: A political coup d’Etat took place following a referendum for a new constitution held on July 10, 1978. According to the New Nation of July 16, 1978; of 431,120 voters on a list of 602,225 electors, 419,936 or 97 per cent of the voters voted YES to a new constitution while 8,956 voted NO. All opposition parties boycotted had boycotted the referendum. THE FIFTH COUP: Following the December 15, 1977 elections, the PPP/C with Janet Jagan as its presidential candidate won 55.5 per cent of the total votes cast while the PNC won 42.3 per cent. For almost one year, a wave of violent street protests, wasted court actions and a boycott of the National Assembly took place. A partial State of Emergency was declared for the city of Georgetown only. This was in response to t h e t h r e a t t o national security that had arisen. The opposition PNC disregarded the State of Emergency declaring; “emergency or no emergency the protests will continue.”
The events culminated in a coup vis-a-vis the signing of the Herdsmanston Accord which saw the reduction of the Janet Jagan Presidency from five to three years and a slew of Constitutional amendments. THE SIXTH COUP: Guyanese witnessed the execution of a virtual coup staged on March 4, 202O when the Returning Officer for Elections District Four made a declaration signed by Volda Lawrence purporting to be the official results of the election. Sinister efforts are now afoot to consummate a virtual coup to a reality show. From all indications, the plot it seems, is to create confusion during the recount and, in the course of the confusion, engage in mischief at the counting stations to give the APNU+AFC the majority votes that will validate the Mingo/Lawrence ‘declaration’. The sixth coup would no longer be virtual, it would be a reality. The task ahead for the accredited observers is to monitor the recount with considerable vigour, care and interest. In other words, to watch the process like hawks. Another attempt to rig must not be allowed to pass. Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee
Being Overwhelmed during this time DEAR EDITOR, In my last letter I urged parents to think of the Lockdown as a Master ’s Programme in simply chilling. After my last letter, a friend extended thanks for the read, saying she was much less overwhelmed and it was at that moment, I realised, that’s what we are all feeling now, admittedly or not: overwhelmed! Life worldwide and moreso, in Guyana right now is so overwhelmingly uncertain... Emotionally we worry about family and friends getting Covid-19, going from cautious to nervous to panicked at rapid speed. The more you read … the harrowing photographs of Italian hospitals, America’s unpreparedness, what to do and not to do… possible treatments.… Local journalists and Banks DIH employees sharing stories... amidst the usual Elections ludicrousness going on for two months now…. Get on with it already! It’s demanding, emotional and terribly overwhelming. For me and many others, managing the threat of the virus is adding a new and significant dose of domestic and emotional stress to our lives. What makes this anxiety
much worse is its disruption of our daily routines combined with a deeper uncertainty as to how it will play out. How long will our children be out of school? How will we go to work, get job done and earn money to pay our several bills? Managing children and a house is work. The logistical anxieties are far more severe for parents who are also caring for an elderly parent. At the center of our anxiety sits all the unknowns, which are extremely difficult to reason through. For one, our understanding of the virus and how it functions is extremely limited, and there are new findings every day. Parents, I realise that we need to try to take breaks from the news, and put our family’s risk in perspective. This will be hard on this digital age but we need to try anyway. It is important for us as parents to protect our mental health, because children can be traumatised by a parent’s anxiety. While our children may be feeling nervous to some degree, those whose schools are cancelled are moreso likely to be unsettled. Children thrive on stability and routine and when those go away, it is
up to parents to model how to cope. To survive, we all need to both commit ourselves to some sense of order, and at the same time, yield to the chaos. Parents, I urge you to do what you need to do to lower your stress levels.... maybe ease up on your television and video game policy. Create some structure that you can realistically commit to and on most days, achieve, and importantly, make sure you are enjoying some parts of it. At our end, we are very lucky to have supplies, a garden and lots of activities and projects we kept meaning to tackle to keep us going. However, the thing we miss most by far is people ¯ My son is still too young to understand what’s happening and his interactions with others are now limited to video chats. He however clearly misses the ‘normalcy’ and asks to play with his cousins and stay with his grandparents. I leave you with a beautiful idea I read about which in turn I hope readers can try in their respective homes. I will certainly start this from tomorrow. A mom was talking about coping mechanisms with her active
children and said: “Every time we wish we could do something, go somewhere, treat ourselves, see someone we love, visit a new place, invite people to visit us, we’re going to write it down on a post it note and put it in a jar. When all this is over this will be our bucket list and we’ll work our way through the jar and be more grateful than ever for the little and lovely things in our lives. Until then we’ll enjoy watching the jar fill up with magical things to look forward to.” So to everyone who’s really feeling overwhelmed at the moment, hang in there and stay strong. Try the magic jar! It is all we really have right now ¯ hope that our loved ones will all be okay and that we will survive this and that one day soon we can see the people we love and do the things we love. That is what this is all about: documenting all of those precious things we take for granted and when we come to taking them back out of the jar, they will mean so much more to us. Stay well and safe parents! Sincerely, Mommy V
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 09, 2020
PAGE 07
Coalition on apparent misinformation campaign - Stopped counts', secret meetings, and 'dead voters'
T
he A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition has apparently embarked on a wellcoordinated misinformation campaign, targeting various aspects of the recount process currently being undertaken at the Arthur Chung Conference Center. Yesterday marked an escalation of a three-day three trend in which coalition representatives and party agents are using social media to disseminate false or misleading information which is then given an attempted credibility by the official campaign. At around 3 PM yesterday afternoon, almost identical messages began circulating by coalition members and executives with the claim that “Counting stopped” at Stations 5, 8 and 9 for a variety of reasons ranging from an absence of required stamps fixed to ballot papers, “likely evidence of dead or migrated voters” and “questionable ballots.” Styled as news reports, including prefaced by the term “BREAKING NEWS”, the circulated posts claimed that sources inside the ACCC were providing
information in support of the claims made For Station 5, for example, allegations were put forward that “eleven unsigned oaths of identity” were discovered in a Region 3 ballot box. The report said that “an elections expert says that this is a major red flag as it is likely an indication of fraud.” All the reports contained that “senior GECOM personnel” were alerted and that the process was halted. However, while the information was being circulated, Kaieteur News checked with persons participating in the recount who denied that the recount had stopped as was claimed, and GECOM's own feed was broadcasting the recount clearly in progress at the stations at which the count was said to be interrupted. Several persons reporting from inside the recount operations also publicly stated that the count was ongoing despite the claims being made. 'SECRET MEETING IN PUBLIC TABULATIONS CENTER' On Thursday, Day Two of the recount, GECOM Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward found herself having to refute allegations
made by APNU+AFC counting agent Daniel Seeram that there was a secret meeting between opposition party agents Frank Anthony and GECOM's IT technicians. Before Seeram spoke to the media supporting its claims, a post on the APNU/AFC public Facebook page stated that “GECOM has taken a decision to halt the running tabulation process at the Recount Centre after a secret early morning meeting between the PPP's agents Frank Anthony, Sasenarine Singh and two others and GECOM Information Technology Supervisor Akeal Giddings and his deputy was busted.” Seeram in an interview with the media Thursday morning insisted that the meeting was secret and claimed that as far as he knew only GECOM staffers and PPP members were in the room, receiving support in his account by AFC Executive and Minister of Public Works David Patterson. H o w e v e r, a s w i t h yesterday's posts, as quickly as the claims surfaced, they were shot down by several representatives of other parties and the opposition themselves who were present in the room. More
importantly, in an interview with the media that afternoon, Ward disputed Seeram's portrayal of the encounter, a position that was yesterday supported by coalition GECOM Commissioner, Desmond Trotman who iterated that the incident was considered by the Commission as being misrepresented. Still, since Thursday, Giddings has been the target of repeated online attacks by coalition members and activists online with security camera footage being shared alleging his 'clandestine' meeting with PPP officials, and him supposed having secretly shared GECOM live feed to a PRO-PPP media house.” The post on the APNU/AFC public Facebook page in verbatim said “GECOM has taken a decision to halt the running
tabulation process at the Recount Centre after a secret early morning meeting between the PPP's agents Frank Anthony, Sasenarine Singh and two others and GECOM Information Technology Supervisor Akeal Giddings and his deputy was busted.” The coalition also issued a formal call for Giddings to be removed from the tabulations center on the premise that he is allegedly compromised but another coalition Commissioner Vincent Alexander told reporters late yesterday that he didn't even know about the request to have Giddings removed, let alone consider it. DEAD VOTER – NOT AUTHENTICATED On Wednesday, the first day of the recount, again on social media, party agents posted a death certificate this
time, with the party claiming to have strong evidence that someone voted for the dead man at a region 2 polling station on March 2 polls. The certificate listed that an E. Williams died on June 10, 2019. However, the death certificate was only issued on February 2, 2020. Additionally, the name listed on the certificate was not the only voter in the region with that name, and there was no information presented that the E. Williams listed on the certificate even belonged to the region in the first place. However, despite saying that they have evidence to support the claim, no mention was made of whether the evidence was presented to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be addressed. GECOM's Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward had (continued on page 12)
Saturday May 09, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 08
On Exxon-linked US law firm updating Guyana's energy laws...
If there is conflict of interest, we have to address it By Kiana Wilburg
F
or the past few weeks, the government of Guyana has faced mounting criticism for allowing a law firm that enjoys a decadeslong old relationship with ExxonMobil to rewrite the nation's archaic laws. In early February it was announced that the American law firm Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP had been hired to update Guyana's outdated energy laws and regulations, most notably the 1986 Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act for US $1.2 million. The firm's local partner is the Ralph Ramkarran-helmed Cameron and Shepherd, one of the country's oldest and more prestigious firms. A month after the announcement a German environmental rights organization, Urgewald highlighted that Hunton Andrews Kurth enjoyed a long relationship with the Exxon, the principle private player in Guyana's fledging oil sector. According to a UK Guardian Article of March 8, “Hunton Andrews Kurth has acted for ExxonMobil for 40 years, including multiple cases involved in climate impacts, such as an action by native Americans in the Alaskan village of Kivalina who argued that the climate crisis was threatening their
- Energy Dept. Head
Energy Dept. Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe way of life.” This paper has since raised the issue in our reporting over the past several weeks but during an online press conference on Monday, Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe did not divulge whether a decision was taken to conduct a probe in light of the said concerns. WERE YOU AWARE? During the press briefing, Kaieteur News asked Dr. Bynoe to state if he or the department was aware that the law firm enjoys a 40year relationship with Exxon. Dr. Bynoe responded that all companies are asked to present information on the
history of their work while adding that the law firm would have done same. That said, Dr. Bynoe asserted that it is almost impossible to find any company worth their salt that would not have worked with one of the oil majors. The official said the important thing is to ascertain what that relationship entailed against what the firm is being asked to do for the government. He said that there were intrinsic safeguards in the contractual arrangements that would serve to counter any real conflicts. “Let me say here and now,” Bynoe said, “…this firm is partnering with one of our leading law firms in Guyana and as it is , our RFP , our Request for Proposal, as well as our draft contract, speaks to entities having conflicts of interest. So they are expected to identify if such conflicts arise. If you are asking me if an entity has a conflict, if I am concerned, I have to be concerned but this is something which we go through as part of the procurement process.” He also sought to remind that consultants do not determine what the government finally does, stressing that while the law firm was contracted to draft laws, it was not its responsibility to set them.
After it would have completed its assignment, he noted, the drafts would be subjected to a process of going through the Attorney General's Chambers and then to the National Assembly. While Dr. Bynoe holds this position, it should be noted that Guyana's Parliament has done nothing since the discovery of oil to boost its capacity so that the nation's parliamentarians would be equipped with the technical resources they need to support the review of such laws before they are voted on. THE WORLD BANK Also coming in for heavy criticism from Ungewald was the World Bank since the legal firm's fee is being funded as part of a US$20M loan to Guyana covering governance in the oil sector. Transparency advocates are saying that the matter needs to be immediately investigated on the grounds
that the Bank is showing utter disregard for its regulations on clear conflict of interest. With regard to this aspect of the controversy, Bynoe offered that it is government that selects a contractor after which, “It is then sent to the Bank for no-objection...once an entity has said 'No we don't have any conflict,' we try to do as much due diligence as we can but anything short of hiring some kind of PI (private investigation) firm to do due diligence on every Tom, Dick, Harry and Jane that comes in, we will not be able to ascertain who has a conflict and who doesn't.” Further to this, the official said that the issue of conflict of interest is a continuous one while adding that it has been the case with almost every consultant the department has hired. THE 'BIGGER PICTURE' He noted that Guyanese should be concerned about a much bigger picture that is emerging in the wake of such criticisms. “I am not here to defend that firm,” he offered, “If there is a conflict, yes, we have to address it because we want the best for Guyana. But I am a bit concerned when I see an NGO out of Germany, speaking for
example, that Guyana should leave its resources as is, because if it should go ahead, it would have per capita emissions greater than any other country in the world.” The Energy Department head noted that such an argument can only be seen as nonsensical as the real concern is about “global emissions.” Further to this, Dr. Bynoe said he is bothered by other statements from the said NGO and others that Guyana should essentially leave its oil in the ground. “Why is everyone saying to Guyana, leave these resources as they are when we have for the first time, an opportunity for self determination? Why isn't this being spoken to Norway, to the USA which has massive shale exploitation and is the only country to have opted out of the Paris agreement? This bothers me somewhat,” the official expressed. He also addressed the insinuations about impropriety contained in some criticisms of the contract. “It is almost insulting to the intelligence of Guyanese to say that somehow, once these laws are drafted, it becomes a quid pro quo. We have to be guarded against such an assumption,” the official said.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 09, 2020
PAGE 09
TIME IS NOT ON OUR SIDE C
ontact tracing is not rocket science. As such, the local health authorities' excuse about contact-tracing being affected because persons are not being honest is pitiful. Guyana may have avoided having so many cases in so short a period if there had been effective contact tracing. We may not have had 94 cases today, given that about only half a dozen of these are imported cases, had greater attention been paid to contact tracing. It is now widely accepted that early contact-tracing and testing was primarily responsible for the lower rates of infection and deaths from COVID -19 in countries such as Germany, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New Zealand when compared to elsewhere. New York State is now
contemplating hiring more than a thousand persons to do contact tracing. The State was so overwhelmed by the exponential spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) that it simply could not have paid the sort of attention to contact tracing then that it is doing now that the deaths, n e w c a s e s a n d hospitalizations have been falling. The first coronavirus case in New York City was confirmed on March 1. Within one week, there were more than 16 cases. And less than two weeks after more than 23,000 persons had been infected. Since then an additional 320,000 more New Yorkers have been infected and more than 26 have died. The situation in the state is improving but more than 200 persons are still dying and the daily new infections are still totally more than 3,000
per day. Guyana should have learnt from that experience. Contact tracing should have been employed to help isolate those persons who were in contact with confirmed cases. This would have aided the suppression of the virus. It is still not too late to start. But excuses are being made about persons not giving honest information. This is poppycock. The Ministry of Public Health is yet to report publicly how many persons are doing contact tracing. So how many persons are employed at present to contact trace the 94 confirmed cases? It is not hard to guess the reasons for the inadequate contact tracing. First, was the problem of inadequate testing kits. Testing was originally only being done on persons who were
Dem boys seh...
Social distancing causing problem in de recount
T
he Olympics postpone till next y e a r b u t GEGONE dun start playing gymnastics. De recount of the ballots start and one man complain how GEGONE literally tekkin' dis social distance thing too far. He seh how the last row of observers is almost 40 feet away from the counting table. Dem boys seh from dah distance, you gun need a binoculars fuh see wha going on at the counting table. People like de Gildarie bai who can't see properly without he specs would definitely need binoculars. Unless yuh like Soulja Bai who seh he is a see-far man. Dem boys not surprise. All the gymnastics was long expected. And it got more to come.
Dem boys hear how GEGONE put de media underneath a tent without any facilities. When dem media people ask” “Ah wah guh on hay?”, GEGONE seh dem practicing social distancing. So dem distancing de media from the recount. And that is not all. After de media complain, dem put a mobile toilet about fifty feet away. De problem is that de toilet next to the public road and in full view of everybody. Dem boys and gyals can see who go in, who dem go in with, when dem come out and how long dem stay. Dem boys and gyals even start fuh bet wha a particular r e p o r t a h w a s doing…Number 1 or 2. That is how GEGONE
eyepass de media. Is de same eyepass dem eyepass de man who like tun up everywhere. He get stop at the Arthur Chung gate. Dem boys find out he had two badges fo represent two different parties. De Joe-shanlin bai write GEGONE and tell dem don't allow Critic in because he is media. Is den some people jump in and claim that Critic is not media…he does only deh pun social media. Dem boys, however, get the real story. Dem boys feel de only reason why dem tek way he accreditation is because GECONE feel that he could count better than MingoBingo. Talk half and ask de Carter Centre fuh send in some binoculars fuh dem observers and de Critic.
displaying serious symptoms. Those who were confirmed were placed under institutional isolation. There are now more testing kits. Testing is being ramped- up. As more people are tested, more cases are going to be unearthed. It is important therefore that contact tracing be intensified now as a matter of priority before the numbers become unmanageable. S e c o n d l y, t h e r e obviously would have been problems with employing persons to do contact tracing because there is no budget in place. Yet, the government found money to rent a hotel at G$22M per month and to undertake its refurbishment for use as a COVID 19 sanatorium. When completed these works are expected to cost in excess of G$2B. Monies are also been squandered in unnecessary activities. There was a problem with the declarations of 400 out of the
more than 2, 300 statement of polls for elections. Common sense would have indicated that the best way for the Elections Commission to solve this problem would have been for it to cross-reference the disputed 400 odd declarations with those which are in possession of the Chief Elections Officer. Instead what is happening is that another billion dollar exercise has to be undertaken to recount ballots which have already been counted and for which statements of poll have been issued. All this wasted expenditure could have gone to hire 200 young persons to undertake continuous contact-tracing. Contact tracers do not have to be in physical contact with the infected. Contact tracing is an information-gathering exercise and this can be done via technology. You would be surprised the results that would be obtained from
taking a few qualified high school leavers, giving them access to a phone to do contact tracing. This is not a time for excuse-making. Solutions have to be found and can be found. But if those who are supposed to be developing those solutions are going to be concerned about putting a spin on the counting of ballots, they are going to lose control of this pandemic. And instead of counting ballots, we will end up having a problem with counting the number of confirmed cases of the virus and the number of deaths. It need not meet this stage. Increase the contact tracing now! Before it is too late! (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Saturday May 09, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Granger has been dethroned in the PNC: Four Incidents F
our incidents or four situations have proven that David Granger has lost power to make decisions for the government and the PNC. Leadership in Guyana has always existed within the framework of one man domination. From the time the PPP broke up with Forbes Burnham forming the PNC, leadership of political parties have the shape of a one-man hegemony. Whoever the party leader wants to have or wants removed, there can be no challenge. Cheddi Jagan conspiring with his wife removed or elevated whoever he wanted. At congressional voting, Jagan would decide who he wants to see in the hierarchy. Ironically, because of his pacifist temperament Jagan would face stiff confrontations and would not retaliate. But not Mrs.
Jagan. From the time Jagan died, his wife ruled the PPP with an iron fist that exceeded Burnham's role in the PNC. Smaller parties that came after the PPP and PNC were born into the culture of oneman control. From Peter D'Aguiar's United Force right through to the AFC, the leader decides everything for the party. Perhaps the largest manifestation of one-man dictatorship in the history of political parties was Desmond Hoyte. Bharrat Jagdeo is running second to Hoyte but factually, Jagdeo never attempted to do in the PPP what Hoyte did in the PNC. Hoyte took over the government and PNC after Burnham died and what he did is yet to be recorded either in book form or on video. It remains one of the strongest cases in the post-colonial
Third World where a party leader virtually dethroned his party's hierarchy. So extensive was Hoyte's purging that he succeeded in expelling the third most powerful PNC monarch after Burnham and Ptolemy Reid. Hoyte removed Hamilton Green who at the time had the most extensive contacts with ordinary PNC supporters. Hoyte's reach among PNC grass-root supporters were virtually non-existent yet he magically decapitated Green. There is a story yet to be told of how solid is one-man dictatorship in the culture of political parties in Guyana. After Hoyte invented “slo fyaah/mo fyaah,” the consensus in the PNC was that the PPP regime was under extensive strain that the PNC should push for inclusive governance and reject President Jagdeo's overture of what is now recorded as “The National Dialogue.” Hoyte felt that there was political mileage to be got from “The National Dialogue” and did not accept
the other configuration that the PNC wanted. One person in the PNC leadership actually plotted to remove Hoyte by violent means but Hoyte out manoeuvred him. I cannot name him. As I wrote countless time; I don't have time to defend foolish libel writs. The strongest clue I would offer is to say that he was very close to the violent man in the PNC- Andy Gouveia. It was Gouveia and this “gentleman” who arranged the fire-bombing of channel 69 building on Brickdam during “slo fyaah/mofyaah.” We come now to a phenomenal exception of one-man hegemony inside political parties from the fifties onwards - the fall of David Granger inside the PNC from March 2020. How did Hoyte manage to defeat the coup plotters inside the PNC while he was president and not Granger? F i r s t l y, H o y t e h a d international support for his IMF-backed programmes so he had an international base. S e c o n d l y, H o y t e h a d removed key plotters long
before he settled with Jimmy Carter so they were not around to plan their coup in 1991. Thirdly, Hoyte was an extremely popular president after his transformation and would have received solid support from the entire country if the coup plotters had moved against him. Fourthly, Hoyte spent decades in the PNC leadership so he had factions supporting him. Space has run out to make a comparison with Granger but what I would ask readers to do is to look at the four factors favouring Hoyte. They explain why Granger fell in the PNC because he didn't have those four fulcrums. I end with four incidents that reveal that the coup plotters have defeated Granger both in government and the PNC. One- Granger had no say in the removal of Carl Greenidge. Greenidge was targeted because of an incident and his ouster was
Frederick Kissoon demanded; Granger could not stop the demand. Twothe conspirators were livid that Granger arranged for a CARICOM presence in the recount. In fact, the conspirators accused Granger of not consulting the party's leadership. Three- Granger knew it was complete contempt for him when the JJ&B contract was initiated without his knowledge. He reacted furiously but he cannot banish the plotters. Finally, it was not President Granger that ordered the rejection of the Carter Centre return. Granger cannot reverse it despite American high level request. He is ordered not to. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Khemraj Ramjattan says...
Non-approval of Carter Center rests in Pres. Granger’s hands
M
inister of P u b l i c Security and Second Vice-President Khemraj Ramjattan, says that the responsibility for approval of the Carter Center's observers returning to Guyana is above the level of the National Covid-19 Task Force with responsibility falling to the Office of President David Granger. The Carter Center through the US Embassy had put in a request for flight into Guyana on May 4 to bring accredited observers for the National Recount which began on Wednesday, but approval was not granted with any reasoning for noapproval being offered. The Embassy mentioned that it sent a Diplomatic Note to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and it was accompanied by a request to
advance the issue to the COVID-19 Task Force. Speaking to journalist outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where the recount is currently taking place, Ramjattan noted that “As far as I am aware, there was a request, not to the Task Force but to the President.” The coalition Prime Ministerial Candidate, could not ascertain why the accredited observer mission was barred from returning to observe the recount of the March 2, 2020 polls. “I understand that there was a ruling in relation to flights coming into Guyana then there was an IRI issue. That is above me right now,” Ramjattan said. There have been repeated calls for the Carter Center Observer Mission to be present for the ongoing recount process by diplomats from the ABCE countries along with local observers in Guyana.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 09, 2020
PAGE 11
GWI acquires $160M rig - to drill 8 more wells in next 12 months
The $160M drill rig acquired by GWI. Eight more wells are planned for the next 12 months
T
he Guyana Water Incorporated ( G W I ) o n Thursday commissioned a drilling rig, which was acquired from Brazil to improve the nation's water access. Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako explained that the $160Million rig can drill to 1000 metres (3,000 feet). Shako said the rig was built from scratch in Brazil and fittings and spares are readily available in the c o u n t r y. It will be dispatched to various areas along the country's coast. This new equipment takes approximately six weeks to drill a well. According to Shako, GWI plans to drill eight wells between now and May, 2021. The first will be drilled in Central Georgetown and will be located on Mandela Avenue. “This will allow us to bring the Central Water Treatment Plant up to 24 hours. So, areas like Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Guyhoc Park, East and West Ruimveldt that are currently receiving 12 hours of water will then have a 24-hour
supply,� Shako explained. Following this, the company will proceed to drill wells in the FarmProspect area on the East Bank of Demerara in Region 4; Tuschen in Region 3; and Amelia's Ward in Region 10. Wells will also be drilled in Region 2 and 6. Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles stated that when the company's strategic plan was launched, it focused on the entity's capacity to improve groundwater production. He noted that 48 wells have been drilled on the coast and hinterland regions since 2015. While highlighting the critical importance of water during the pandemic, Dr. Van WestCharles shared that there has been a 20 percent increase in water consumption as a result of recent COVID-19 mitigation measures. According to Van WestCharles, once the Novel Coronavirus has been curtailed, the utility company is expecting equipment from Holland which will provide greater (continued on page 16)
Saturday May 09, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 12
Neaz Subhan confirms Covid-19 infection, - Urges Guyanese to take the treatment via Facebook pandemic very seriously
A
fter spending forty days in isolation and quarantine for COVID – 19, playwright and member of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) Neaz Subhan is appealing to the public to take the disease seriously. Sharing his experience after being diagnosed with the disease via his Facebook account, Subhan urged persons to heed the
guidelines to prevent contracting the dreadful disease. His message confirms what had previously just been speculation about his having contracted, and being isolated for, the virus. In a picture posted along with his message, Subhan looked relatively healthy but older with his usually closecropped beard being full grown and almost completely white.
According to him, yesterday, May 8, marked 40 days since he has been in quarantine/isolation after having been tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He said that having the disease continues to be extremely challenging, especially mentally. “As I try to cope,” his message said, “I am thankful it has been made easier by the grace of Allah, the support of my family and
friends, the prayers of hundreds who message me and the caring doctors, nurses and support staff at the GPHC.” The ERC official noted while he may have passed the worst, he has learnt from his experience. “I am most thankful for having improved and without symptoms over the past few weeks. Many lessons have been learnt which have humbled me. It's
Neaz Subhan
a long time and I am told that some people, me being an example, take longer than the expected 14 days to clear the virus. I have no idea how much longer it will take for me to be cleared,” Subhan said He added “I wouldn't want anyone to experience what befell me… I can therefore only urge that everyone heed all the precautions. This is serious
and the devastating effects are visible especially on the international scene. I can only hope, like all others, this will be over soon.” In a brief interview with Kaieteur News, Subhan said that his isolation has taken a toll on his family and that he hoped that by people seeing his message, more Guyanese can accept that the pandemic is real and affects real people.
Coalition on apparent... From page 7 told reporters that the Commission acknowledged the claim but are yet to authenticate it. ENDGAME Prime Ministerial Candidate of the APNU+AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan during a telephone interview with this paper was asked to comment on the string of reports emerging from his party. However, Ramjattan told Kaieteur News that “I am not a social media person so I have no comment to make.”
PNC Senior Member, James Bond who has been actively posting and resharing many of the allegations was also asked to comment on the string of posts being made. Bond told Kaieteur News that “The endgame of the APNU/AFC is to ensure that at the end of it all that the integrity of the Commission can be restored, that the electoral process that we have a bit flawed can be corrected, and that at the end of it all, we can see a return to normalcy for the Guyanese citizenry.”
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 09, 2020
PAGE 13
Govt. sends care packages for Guyanese students in Cuba
The care packages for Guyanese students in Cuba being loaded onto the Caribbean Airlines flight.
T
he Ministry of the Presidency's Department of Public Service sent off approximately 77 care packages to Guyanese students in Cuba early yesterday morning. The packages were transported to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and loaded on to a Caribbean Airline flight to Cuba in the presence of the Public Service Minister, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley. Minister Sarabo-Halley explained that the Government of Guyana first
sought clarity on the education situation in Cuba before a decision was made and as a result, there was a delay in sending the care packages. “Last Wednesday, the officials in Cuba announced that school was not closed completely; and that there are different ways they are dealing with it given the COVID-19 situation. We, therefore, realised that the students could not come home at this particular point and it would be best if the care packages could be
GPL says recent spate of outages a result of maintenance works
T
he Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) has said that the recent power outages experienced in sections of the country are as a result of planned maintenance works. GPL's Divisional Director for Operations Bharat Harjohn told DPI that these scheduled planned maintenance activities are part of the power utility company's maintenance strategy. Harjohn noted maintenance works decreased during and just after elections and with the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana, there were additional delays with the programme. With the approaching rainy season, the director said the programme needed to be put into effect. “It is a standard operating procedure that we enhance our maintenance activities by replacing defective line hardware and poles and also increase our vegetation management programme. This involves a tree trimming cycle and clearing of all other forms of vegetation along transmission and distribution lines to ensure the integrity of the network,”
GPL's Divisional Director for Operations, Bharat Harjohn Harjohn explained. Acknowledging that more people are working from home as a result of COVID-19, the Director apologised for the inconvenience the outages may cause as GPL continues to make its network more resilient. “We [GPL] are asking our customers to please bear with us. These outages are necessary for us to carry out maintenance to keep our network strong so that we can continue to provide an uninterrupted supply of power,” Harjohn said. (DPI)
sent,” Minister SaraboHalley remarked. It was pointed out that the academic course has not
been suspended as it is continuing under the modality of distance learning and will conclude in
July as foreseen. There will however be no academic activity in August. The Director of the
Educational Department of MINSAP, the Cuban Public Health Ministry, emphasised (continued on page 15)
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Saturday May 09, 2020
Kaieteur News
Hess suffers US$2.4B in losses in first quarter due to COVID-19
H
ess Corporation announced on Thursday that it suffered a net loss of US$2.4B in losses for the first quarter of 2020, including impairment and other after-tax charges of US$2.3B due to the effects of the novel coronavirus. The company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Hess said that the firm's priorities in this low price environment are to preserve cash, preserve capability and preserve the long term value of its assets. During Hess' 2020 first quarter earnings call yesterday, the official said that the company is in a strong position to manage through the market downturn and to prosper when oil prices recover with its low cost of supply and high return investments that will drive material cash flow
growth and increasing financial returns. In addition to this, it was noted by company officials that the corporation's first priority in the midst of the pandemic has been the health and safety of the Hess workforce and local communities. In this regard, it was s t a t e d t h a t a multidisciplinary Hess emergency response team has been overseeing plans and precautions to reduce the risks of COVID-19 in the work environment while maintaining business continuity based on the most current recommendations by government and public
health agencies. In response to the resulting sharp decline in oil prices, the corporation said that its focus is on preserving cash and capability and towards this end, it has further reduced its capital and exploratory budget for 2020 to US$1.9 billion, a 37 percent reduction from the original budget of $3.0 billion. Kaieteur News understands that this reduction will be achieved primarily by shifting from six rigs to one rig in the Bakken Project it has in the USA and deferring discretionary spending across the portfolio including a six to twelve month deferral in the development of the Payara Field and reduced 2020 drilling activity on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.
Traffic Chief wants bus and taxi drivers to wear masks
G
uyana Police Force, Traffic Chief, Linden Isles is urging public transportation operators to take every precaution to protect the health of their passengers during the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting that they wear masks. The National Covid-19 Task Force has mandated that minibus operators and hire car drivers carry half the number of passengers for which their vehicles are licensed but there has been no explicit requirement that drivers and conductors wear masks. Traffic Chief Isles believes that they should. “I noticed that the Mayor and City Council is saying that vendors can be fined $5,000 for not wearing masks,” he stated, “The bus drivers should also wear masks because they are interacting with the public.” Minibuses are the most used mode of public transportation. Checks at various minibus parks in Georgetown indicate that minibus operators are adhering to the new
One of the few minibus drivers who has opted to wear a mask regulations regarding the seating of passengers, but only a few are wearing masks. During a recent appearance on NCN's Covid-19 National Update Programme, Minister of P u b l i c Wo r k s D a v i d
Patterson had said that minibus operators and owners should ensure that their vehicles are regularly sanitized. The Ministry of Public health had also proposed that soliciting of passengers at bus parks be prohibited.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 09, 2020
PAGE 15
GECOM improves facilities for journalists covering recount - But COVID-19 concerns remain
A
fter much public outrage on social media and complaints from reporters, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has vastly improved the facilities for journalists covering the recount, with several welcome installations being made. However, media operatives are still trying to put arrangements in place to protect themselves from COVID-19 transmission. Just two tents on a patch of grass just outside of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre had been installed on the first day of the recount, while chairs were eventually provided during the day. This bare bones arranged sparked outcry from media personnel as well as private citizens with one business, Giftland Mall, offering to provide furniture, snacks and access to its toilet facilities. GECOM would end up providing meals for media later in the day. On the second day, electrical charging stations and light bulbs were installed so that media operatives could charge their cellular devices and other equipment, and get lighting when it gets dark. GECOM had said it made arrangements for restrooms
Facilities set up for media operatives at venue of National Recount
Media will not interview unmasked persons
at the National Aquatic Centre to be used by media operatives, but APNU+AFC agents verbally abused media operatives on Thursday when they tried to use those. Ye s t e r d a y t h e Commission provided a portable toilet on the grass a
short distance from the media tent as well plywood flooring under the tent itself, with the practice of providing meals continuing throughout the process. Still, concerns remain about maintaining recommended social distancing during the
coverage of the recount, as expressed by Nazima Raghubir, President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA.) During interviews, reporters and cameramen are often huddled close together to ensure that they get proper coverage. Raghubir communicated
to the Commission that better must be done, informing its Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward yesterday morning that the association will be seeking to establish protocols for the safe conducting of interviews during the recount that is now expected to last well
beyond the original 25 days it was scheduled for. One suggested measure of the protocol is if any official or agent attempts to approach the press without masks, the media is advised to refuse the interview. Reporters are also asked to use microphone stands so that they don't have to hold microphones close to the mouth of the interviewee. One media house indicated that it would source a multi-microphone holder, and Raghubir spoke to Ward about the setting up of a podium for interviewees. Media operatives are also being advised to regularly sanitize microphones and other equipment.
Komal Chand's body remains stuck in Cuba
Y
esterday marked one month since t h e l a t e President of Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Komal Chand, 75, passed away while he was receiving medical treatment in Cuba. According to the union, it is utterly disturbing that the official's body and his widow remain still in Havana where he passed away.
“Since his passing to now,” GAWU claimed in a release issued yesterday, “our union and the family have been in contact with several governmental officials seeking to have the return of Mr Chand's body. Despite assurances that they would do everything in their possibilities to assist, dishearteningly not much assistance has been forthcoming as the relatives of Mr Chand face what has to
Govt. sends care... From page 13 that the appropriate adaptations will be carried out and what can be achieved at the time the academic course concludes will be specified, as well as what must be moved to the next course. The Director also noted that the quality of work will be “an essential premise” for
graduation and promotion, and the independent work of students will be developed. Extracurricular work will be used as a way of partial evaluation.Students who conclude their studies and those who continue will be evaluated through a unique final exercise and training of specialists is expected to continue as well. (DPI)
be one of their most difficult periods in their lives.” The union said that it was Thursday that the family was informed that it is now charged with covering the cost of taking care of Chand's body in Cuba. “Previously, the family was assured that those costs would be taken care of and they hadn't any need to worry in that regard. Apart from that, the family together with the union and other colleagues of Mr Chand has been seeking to arrange for the transport of the body and his widow back to Guyana. A glimmer of hope emerged when it was learnt that the Government has arranged an aircraft to take packages to Guyanese in Cuba over the coming weekend.” The union said that requests were made for Chand's body and widow to be accommodated on the
Remains stuck in Cuba: The late Komal Chand return flight: “Those requests were not approved as the Government said it could not afford such a request. We understand that the request would not have been a princely sum but yet the family was told that the Government, astoundingly, would have to seek to raise
the required sum through donations from the society. It causes us to worry about how the ship of state is being steered. It seems to us, that cake shops are better managed.” Another reason for the apparent denial has been that it would open the door to other requests for citizens abroad to be repatriated back home. The union questioned whether anything is wrong with such requests as it has been seen that many other countries are doing the same for its citizens. “We believe,” it noted, “it would have been much more prudent of our scarce financial resources for the flight arranged to bring home Guyanese who wish to return from Cuba once they undergo the necessary tests and take appropriate precautions during the flight. But it seems warped thinking has enveloped the minds of
our decision-makers.” The release continued, “Our union has written President David Granger to appeal to him for some proactive action on the part of the Administration to alleviate, in some respect, the pain suffered by Mr Chand's relatives. We are hopeful that the President would consider our request and swiftly address them to bring closure to this sad chapter confronting the Chand family. Certainly, he is deserving of the assistance of the state recognizing that he has been a national leader for many years and worked tirelessly in the advancement of the rights of the downtrodden of this country he loved so dearly.” The GAWU said it remains most disheartened regarding the treatment meted out to the late union leader and his family.
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Saturday May 09, 2020
Kaieteur News
Diamond, Lusignan listed among Region Four COVID-19 hotspots - Public should be wary of asymptomatic cases - Chief Medical Officer
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Diamond, Lusignan, Plaisance and Timehri are among the communities along the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara for which COVID-19 cases have been identified according to the latest Ministry of Health information. In yesterday’s update on Guyana’s response to the virus, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud listed the communities among several in Region Four that have been affected by the spread of the disease. Dr. Persaud noted that Region Four continues to record the highest number of confirmed cases. According to him, a number of positive cases were reported in Atlantic Gardens, Friendship, Golden Grove, Good Hope, Lusignan, Plaisance and Strathsphey East Coast Demerara and on the East Bank, cases came from Diamond, Grove, Land of Canaan, Providence and Timehri. He noted too that while the Ministry of Public Health
(MoPH) only recorded one new case bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 94, an additional 49 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. Persaud stressed nonetheless that advisories must still be respected. “You are reminded that there may be persons infected with the disease but showing no symptoms,” the CMO warned, “These persons are considered to be asymptomatic carriers and can pose a threat to anyone they may encounter. So, celebrate with mom but with caution. You wouldn’t want to put her health in jeopardy. So, wear your masks, observe your hand hygiene practices especially on Mother’s Day weekend.” At the same time, the CMO said that MoPH’s team is working with the residents in the border communities to contain the spread of the virus. “I spoke to you about our neighbouring country Brazil. As of 7th May, 2020, I want
to draw your attention to Brazil where the numbers are escalating. From yesterday’s report, Brazil has confirmed another 6,925 new cases bringing the total to 114,715 and another 600 deaths bringing the total number to 7,921. Fellow Guyanese, maintaining vigilance at our bordering regions with Brazil is crucial to us keeping our number of cases under control. As such, once again, I wish to appeal to all residents especially to all of you in Region nine who continue to traverse the border, to desist from this practice and to adhere to the control measures implemented for your protection and safety,” Persaud added. Further reporting on Guyana‘s figures, the CMO said that so far the total number of persons tested is 785. He added that, “Our COVID-19 deaths remain at ten. Of all positive cases, children account for 5.4 percent, adults 82 percent and the elderly 12.6 percent.”
The CMO added that to date, the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) has had twenty six patients with seven deaths being registered. Thirteen persons have been transferred and three persons have recovered. “Congratulations to the thirty-five persons who have so far recovered. Six hundred and ninety two persons have tested negative and there are three persons in our COVID19 ICU, three in our institutional quarantine and fortynine in isolation,” he said
Guyana‘s prison population is set to decrease in the coming weeks with the release of fifty prisoners in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the inmate population. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan told Kaieteur News that the decision is part of steps taken to ease the overpopulation at the Georgetown, Lusignan and Mazaruni prisons, in keeping with the social dis-
tancing guidelines recommended by the health officials in the combat of the deadly pandemic. In fact, Ramjattan said that he has already approved the release of 50 inmates. “I plan to have some more released in the coming weeks. I’m singing off on the releases for parolees as we speak,” Ramjattan told this newspaper in a telephone interview yesterday. He explained, “We have to ease the prisons. So, what we have been doing is checking with the prisons to make sure that most of these prisoners that we decide to release have already served about a third of their sentence and were of good conduct while incarcerated.” According to Ramjattan, the former inmates were incarcerated for mostly, minor offences. “They were mostly incarcerated on charges related to narcotics. There were a few for assault, larceny and robbery,” he said. As it relates to the parolees, the minister said that the applications for parole had been under consideration for some time. “Those prisoners have been serving longer sentences and will be released with conditions. They will have to be supervised by the parole board and report to the
police stations regularly. So, it’s not a complete release for them.” Ramjattan said that about fourteen parolees will be released in a matter of days, as based on recommendations from the parole board. In a separate interview, Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels told Kaieteur News that staffers of the Georgetown Prisons implemented a shift system in a bid to ensure that the disease does not enter the prison. “The prison has been in line since February,” Samuels said, “However, given the COVID-19 situation, the administration has taken further steps to ensure that the prisons remain safe from the disease. We have accommodation in the compounds, so that our staff is not required to leave the facility daily. We also have a rotation and shift systems which are to help
minimize the movement in and out the prison.” Since March, the prisons have been limiting visitors to the prisons, as part of the new dispensation of social distancing. Last month, to compensate for the change in prison visit rules, the Ministry of Communications contributed thirty iPad tablets to be used by the prison service in facilitating communication between prisoners and their families and legal presentation. Sinks and sanitizers have also been installed for visitors, while the time they are allotted to see inmates have been reduced. The prisons are being regularly sanitized, and lauded the inmates for their cooperation: to support this initiative, Demerara Distilleries Limited (DDL) handed over a significant amount of sanitation supplies to the prison system.
Prisoners to be released due to Covid-19 measures - Ramjattan
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GWI acquires $160M... From page 11 capacity in maintaining the current 139 wells it manages across the country. He took the opportunity to stress government policy on water. “One of the initiatives this government has demonstrated is its commitment to provide service for its people and to ensure that they
are provided with the basic needs they require for sustainable livelihoods,” he noted. Dr. Van West-Charles assured that with better water production and strengthened capabilities, GWI will be in a much better position by the end of the year, to ensure the gaps in equities have been met.
Saturday May 09, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Olympics: Lowe aims high after clearing cancer
Chaunte Lowe of the U.S. celebrates her gold medal at women’s high jump final during the world indoor athletics championships at the Atakoy Athletics Arena in Istanbul March 10, 2012. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)
Saturday May 09, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Plans to work at home at least part of the time might be firming up for you, Aries. Your mind is very much on home and family right now TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Information about possible careers and investments might come to your attention today. You may give a lot of thought to these matters, especially since your thinking is changing along with the times. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Gemini, you're likely to be giving a lot of thought to your future. You're probably wondering how best to increase your financial standing. You may be thinking in terms of making some investments in land or property. CANCER(June21–July22) If communication has been difficult for you in the past, Cancer, today you may find things a bit different. You may have a deeper understanding of the motives of others.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're by nature a person who likes to look toward the future. Today is a very special day for you. You might wonder what the next few months hold, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)Today your spiritual and career goals may come together, Scorpio, enabling you to make a living without compromising your ideals. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You're looking forward to making a new start. Your intellect is working in harmony with your intuition. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The position of the planets could have you doing a lot of soul searching, Capricorn. You're looking deep within to discern your true goals. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you find.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Inside information may come your way today that starts you thinking about improving your financial standing, Leo.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you might take time out from all the recent excitement to take a good look at your working life, Aquarius. Is it satisfying? Is it contributing not only to your own well-being but also to that of the planet?
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You could meet new friends at a social gathering, Virgo, people who could become valuable business contacts. You might learn of new and different investment opportunities that reflect the changing times, and these could capture your imagination.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Increased communication between you and those around you, particularly the partner in your life, brings a new understanding between you. Your head and heart seem to be in better accord, so you're feeling especially optimistic right now.
(Reuters) - American high jump champion Chaunte Lowe is fuelled by a desire to show people that they can overcome any challenge as she trains for her fifth Olympic Games after being diagnosed with cancer last year. The 36-year-old was diagnosed in June with an aggressive form of breast cancer that required a double mastectomy and five months of gruelling chemotherapy sessions. The treatments “destroyed every cell” in her body but she continued to train and has since bounced back in ways she never thought possible. “Surprisingly, I feel great,” Lowe told Reuters from her home in Orlando. “I’m to the point where I’m running times that I haven’t run in years. I’m able to lift weights that I haven’t lifted in a long time. “I’m starting to feel like myself.” Lowe, an Olympic bronze medallist in 2008 who holds the outdoor and indoor U.S. records for women’s high jump, said she hopes her journey will inspire others facing adversity. “When I train every day, it’s not about myself,” she said. “It’s about letting women know that you can go through some tough dirt and still be able to pursue your goals. “We’re resilient. That’s what I hope women see when
Fury’s coach backs him... From page 23 great fight and a great matchup and it’s the only real match-up in the heavyweight division left for both guys, but I think Tyson wins in a similar fashion to what he did to Wilder.” Lee believes Wilder would be unwise to jump straight back into the ring with Fury because of the onesided nature of their February contest in Las Vegas. “Everything is in open play again, whatever fights were made before the lockdown kind of become null and void in that everything is up for renegotiation again,” Lee said. “If I was in Wilder’s team, I would say ‘take another fight, maybe Andy Ruiz or somebody else, and get a win, get your confidence back up and try to improve then come back and fight Tyson again for the trilogy’. “If they fight again, I can only see it going the same way, if not even more emphatic for Tyson.”
they see me compete for the U.S. team.” Lowe said she saved her own life by discovering the breast cancer during a selfexam and hopes to spread the message that women should routinely check themselves and seek help if they discover anything suspicious. Going through chemotherapy made her skin sensitive and she has subsequently partnered with skin care company Olay. UPSIDE TO OLYMPIC DELAY Lowe may be the rarest of things — an Olympic athlete who stands to benefit from the one-year postponement of the Tokyo Games, which were pushed back to the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “There’s no doubt about it,” she said when asked if the new timeline improves her chances of once again making Team USA.
“But then at the same time you have to stay focused that much longer.” With gyms closed and tracks locked up, Lowe has been forced to take training matters into her own hands. She recently went to a local hardware store and is now building a high jump apron for her back yard, something she never thought she would be doing. “Yes, there will definitely be an Instagram,” the social media savvy Lowe said about the pending debut of her home-made equipment. “Never in a million years did I think this would be happening but I have to consider my health and wellbeing even after (lockdown orders are lifted),” she said. “I need to keep my immune system as healthy as it can be and I will probably have to stay home more than I’m used to when it comes to my training.”
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BCCI says India ready for two-week quarantine to make Australia tour happen ESPNcricinfo - A senior BCCI official has said that India would be willing to undertake a two-week quarantine period in Australia later this year if it meant the tour could proceed. India are due to play four Tests and three ODIs in December and January, a visit that could cost Cricket Australia A$300 million (USD196 million approx.) if it doesn’t go ahead due to the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, talks are already underway between CA and the federal government about the protocols that would need to be in place to allow India to visit, and travel exemptions should borders remain restricted. Earlier this week sports minister Richard Colbeck sounded a positive note on the chances of international sport later in the year. One possible scenario is that the Indian players would be required to lock themselves down for two weeks before matches could start. “There is no choice everyone will have to do that. You would want to resume the cricket,” Arun Singh Dhumal, the BCCI treasurer, told the Sydney Morning Herald. “Two weeks is not that long a lockdown. That would be ideal for any sportsman because when you are in quarantine for such a long period, then going to another country and having a twoweek lockdown it would be a good thing to do. We’ll have to see what the norms are post this lockdown.”
There has also been a suggestion that the series could be extended to five Tests, something which was already being discussed for the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme but may yet be brought forward if India are able to get to Australia. However, Dhumal indicated that extra limited-overs matches could be staged instead because of the revenue they generate. “That discussion [on five Tests] took place before the lockdown,” he said. “If there is a window available it would be up to the boards to decide whether they wanted to go for a Test match or maybe two ODIs or maybe two T20s. Given the revenue loss they will have on account of lockdown, post-lockdown they will want to have revenue and revenue most likely will come from ODIs or T20s much more than a Test match. “For any board for that matter, there has been a lot of revenue loss on account of this lockdown and Covid-19, so they would need to think about that.” Professional sport in Australia is set to resume at the end of May with the NRL and includes the Warriors team from New Zealand which has been allowed to travel across the Tasman. The first indication of how international cricket will function under Covid-19 protocols could come with the English season which the ECB hopes can start in July with plans to host six Tests against West Indies and Pakistan at a small number of bio-secure grounds.
GOA donates hampers in covid-19 fight On Thursday, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) ensured that it did its part in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic by handing over a total of 200 hampers that will be utilised by coaches, athletes and former athletes. In an invited comment with Kaieteur Sport, the head of the GOA K.A. JumanYassin, explained that the respective national sports
Saturday May 09, 2020
Kaieteur News
federations and associations were asked to make requests to determine how many persons needed assistance and the hampers were then put together. The various associations/ federations will not distribute to those persons. The GOA boss explained that his organisation will be looking to do another batch of hampers next weekend. In addition to hampers, the GOA have handed over boxes of respiratory masks and the association have asked that any athletes in need of additional masks to contact the association.
Coe says children will need more sport in post-pandemic world (Reuters) - Children will need more access to sport in the post-pandemic world and there is a pressing need to press authorities to stop school sports “withering on the vine”, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said yesterday. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the sporting calendar across all disciplines and levels from school to professional. Coe told Reuters he was planning to launch a campaign to protect the longterm future of athletics when the global lockdowns and cancellations end. “I want our sport to be a campaigning sport and if we are not about young people and access to the sport we might as well pack up and go home,” the 63-year-old said. “I am not going to be shy or pussy foot around this any longer. This has to be addressed and this has to be the longterm thinking when we come out of this.” A healthier population
IAAF president Sebastian Coe speaks at a press conference prior to the IAAF World Athletics Championships at Khalifa International Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) would be better placed to weather future storms like the coronavirus outbreak, Coe added. “We have got to hit this hard now. We have get into
education departments and we can’t let politicians talk a good game about this and not deliver,” Coe said. “The very fact that any child in the UK is 50% less
likely to be active between the age of eight and nine, and 12 and 13, is wrong. It just cannot be right. Whichever way you view that, that has to be wrong,” he added.
European Leagues president warns against ‘opportunist’ changes to football BERN (Reuters) - The coronavirus stoppage should not used as an excuse to end European football’s Financial Fair Play rules or make “opportunist” changes to the international calendar, the head of the European Leagues umbrella organisation said yesterday. As football begins to reawaken after the stoppage, which began in mid-March, European Leagues president LarsChrister Olsson, whose members include 27 topflight leagues, told Reuters he believed most clubs would survive. The Bundesliga is due to re-start on May 16 while l e a g u e s i n H u n g a r y, Croatia, Poland, Portugal and Serbia have also set dates for a resumption. Olsson said he was “sincerely worried” about the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, which bar clubs from spending more than the revenue they generate and were introduced to stop rich owners from pumping money into their clubs. Some clubs had asked for them to be dropped during recent discussions, Olsson said. “What is important is that the coronavirus doesn’t mean we abolish Financial
Chairman Lars-Christer Olsson addresses the media after a general assembly of the EPFL (European Professional Football Leagues), the umbrella organization representing Europe’s professional soccer leagues, at the airport in Zurich, Switzerland October 21, 2016. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann) Fair Play and club licensing rules because that will undermine the achievements so far,” he said in a phone interview from Sweden. He said that ending FFP would be “the opportunity for the richest clubs to widen the gap. This would
take us back to the time where the clubs had debts which continued to build ... and that would be detrimental.” Olsson said that, while FFP was introduced for European competition, some national leagues had subsequently adopted their own versions of it. “There should be more licensing, not less,” he said. He was also unimpressed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s suggestion that this could be the time to reform the calendar and by vicepresident Victor Montagliani’s proposal that Europe could switch to a calendar-year season. “It is opportunistic because it’s trying to change things by using the crisis as the reason and moving things in the direction of their own ideas, rather than having a proper decision-making process,” said Olsson. “They are also taking the opportunity to create r o o m f o r n e w F I FA competitions like the Club World Cup so we have to be cautious.” Despite the long stoppage, Olsson said he was optimistic that clubs would avoid the worst. “Generally speaking the
governments have accepted their responsibilities... for the future life of football clubs,” he said. “There is a good chance that almost all clubs will survive especially if we start (playing) now... commercial partners have taken their responsibility towards the clubs in a very good way so far.” Olsson said he was happy that football was starting again and that there had been an “exchange of best practices” between the leagues. “ We have been working for the last month or so, trying to convince all leagues that they should work on establishing protocols for conditions on restarting the season,” he said. “The main condition is that starting football should not increase the general health risk. There are some risks involved but this is a cautious and sensible way of playing matches.” He added: “Psychologically, it’s very important because football is important for a lot of people and it is a good sign for society in general that football can resume and be played in a secure way.”
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Kaieteur News
One of the best! Gavin Lewis says
More facilities and tournaments needed for Lawn Tennis By Sean Devers Gavin Lewis, who turns 25 on May 25th, is regarded by many in the local Lawn Tennis Fraternity as Guyana’s most talented male player presently. He has already played Davis Cup & Division One College Tennis in the United States of America. The racquet-wielder who attended the New Guyana Primary, Saint Stanislaus College & Coppin State University in the USA, said he fooled around with cricket when he was in primary school, but didn’t really like it. “I participated in track and field throughout High school after playing mostly Tennis since I was nine,” said the right-handed Lewis. Lewis remembered the strange manner in which he first developed an interest in Tennis. “Well...this so strange, but yet lucky the moment happened in 2005. “My mom was heading to the Supermarket and at that time, my dad was working. So she booked one of her regular Taxi drivers. He told mom that he had to pick up a woman and take her to the airport after he dropped her to the supermarket. The woman was Debbie Bunbury, the then Guyana National Tennis Coach. She told my mom about her job and about Tennis. When my mom came home she told me about her conversation and a week later, I joined her club and signed up for my first tennis lesson. And that’s how it all began,” explained Lewis. “My first tournament was about a year or maybe less after my first tennis lesson. In
Lewis & Afruica Gentle won the mixed doubles at the GBTI Open. 2006, I was on the National Team and competed at the Nickerie Tennis Club Tennis Tournament in Suriname as 10-year old. I have been hooked on Tennis since then,” said Lewis, a Communications Officer at the Department at Public Information (DPI). While Lewis can be aggressive he enjoys playing defence. “I like to chase after every ball as though it’s the final point of the match. My favourite shot is my backhand down the line, it
was my signature shot in college,” Lewis proudly stated. Lewis recapped some of his successful tournaments growing up. “Barbados in 2009 I was 12 years old and I won the U14 category; Trinidad in 2009 when I was 13 and I returned to Guyana with the best result where I finished in the top 10 of a total of 30 players. My doubles partner, Daniel Lopes and I, made it to the quarterfinals of the doubles category and Saint Vincent in 2010 as a 14 years old. I won the U-14 category,” informed
Lewis. In one of his recent tournaments, Lewis won triple crowns and dethroned seven times defending Champion Anthony Downes before beating Frenchman 25year-old Gregorie Vincent in Men’s Singles Final. Lewis also teamed up with Afruica Gentle to win the Mixed Doubles title and with Daniel Lopes to take the Men’s Doubles crown in the GBTI Open. “Well maybe 2009 in Trinidad - some of the coaches including mine, called me a “True West Indian.” Apparently the reference was connected to the fact that 90 percent of my matches in that tournament were three-set matches, where I was on the brink of losing terribly and somehow, I kept fighting and came back to win,” said Lewis, when asked what was his most memorable game for Guyana. Lewis feels that there are not enough tournaments at both Junior and Senior levels and added that there is so much more that can be done for Tennis in Guyana. “There are different clubs, different coaches and all showcase great players. But more local support is heavily needed. Guyana needs more tennis courts in one location; like a tennis facility. Often times younger players are robbed of opportunities because there’s not much being done for tennis. It’s saddening to say the least, because I know of athletes who are better than I was when I was their age and athletes who will be better than me when they are my age, both males and females,” lamented Lewis.
Lewis collects the men’s singles Trophy from a GBTI Rep in the GBTI open. “We definitely need facilities. Guyana needs more tennis courts. We also need more tournaments if we want athletes to succeed. The National team needs to be implemented again and feature different coaches for different aspects of the game. Physical, mental and technical,” Lewis suggested. Making Tennis a career is sometime the dynamic young man still dreams about. “I guess we will see what happens in the next few years,” He said. Lewis explained that before this pandemic he tried to train two to three times a week. “Now, I don’t train. I rarely workout or practice my strokes at home. I’m more focused on following all safety measures that have been initiated to keep myself and my family safe. I hope everyone is trying
their best to be safe and help in containing the spread of COVID-19. As for athletes, now is the time to put in that extra work. I haven’t been physically active for my own reasons, but I advise all athletes to train at home, eat healthily and to stay safe,” advised Lewis. “If I had one wish I would wish for a cure for COVID-19. It has taken so many lives and opportunities. I think anyone would wish for that,” added Lewis. Lewis informed that his parents have always been supportive. “My three coaches in college believed in me and helped me get to my current level. I also wouldn’t have been successful at the GBTI Championships with the support of Coach Dexter and the entire Roraima Tennis Club,”concluded Lewis.
Hero CPL to launch life stories films The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has worked with Trombone Productions and Sunset+Vine to create films that tell the stories of three of the most exciting Caribbean cricketers. The films focus on Oshane Thomas, Keemo Paul and Rovman Powell. In each film these talented young men travel back to their home towns and meet the people who helped them become the cricketers they are today. We also hear from some of the superstar cricketers who they have played with in their career, with the likes of Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Shoaib Malik giving us their thoughts on these players. Oshane Thomas visits the
Rovman Powell site of his brother’s murder, talks about how this impacted on his life and how he overcame this to become an international cricketer. Keemo
Paul grew up in a tiny fishing village on the Essequibo River. His house had no running water and no electricity. It is more than 30 miles from the nearest road. This is where he first learned to play cricket, and we go back to visit the community that made him the man he is today, and somewhere he still calls home. Rovman Powell takes us to meet his mother who raised him and his sister on her own, sometimes working three jobs to give him the start he needed to excel at cricket. Speaking about this films CPL’s Head of Production, Paul PritchettBrown, said: “When documenting sports people it is their on field talent that is
usually the focus, but behind every successful athlete is a story of where they came from, the people who made their careers possible and the defining moments in their lives that give them the drive and focus to become the best in the world at what they do. It was a privilege to be able to go to where these impressive young men came from and to tell their stories.” You can watch the first of these films featuring Oshane Thomas via this link. All three films will be available on the Caribbean Premier League YouTube and Facebook pages. They will be premiered on the following dates: Keemo Paul – 22 May 2020, Rovman Powell – 5 June 2020.
Oshane Thomas celebrates Babar Azam’s wicket © Getty Images
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Kaieteur News
NBPA president: NBA Giannis apologises to LeBron, Curry and Bryant family after Twitter hacking ‘bubble’ plan ‘incarceration’ Omnisport - Giannis Antetokounmpo said a hacker was behind a string of racist and insulting posts on his Twitter account, leaving him “disappointed and disgusted”. A series of controversial tweets from the NBA MVP’s official account targeted the Milwaukee Bucks and his team-mate Khris Middleton, as well as LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Insensitive comments were also published about Kobe Bryant, who died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in California in January. All of the incendiary posts have since been deleted. In a statement published on Twitter, Antetokounmpo said: “Hey everybody! I’m back and would like to address the social media incident from earlier today! I was hacked and the situation is currently being investigated. “The tweets and posts were extremely inappropriate and I am so disappointed and disgusted that somebody would say the terrible things that were said!
Giannis Antetokounmpo apologised to LeBron, Curry and Bryant family after Twitter hacking. “I feel terrible that the Bucks, Khris, LeBron and the Curry family were included in the malicious and untrue tweets. “I feel especially terrible for the Bryant family, during their time of grief they should not be subjected to this type of negativity and foul behaviour. “Thank you all for always supporting my family and I, and please stay safe!” A statement from the Bucks read: “Giannis Antetokounmpo’s social media accounts were hacked this afternoon and have been taken down. An investigation
is underway.” A n t e t o k o u n m p o ’s brother Kostas, who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, attempted to make followers aware the Bucks star was not behind the comments as they were published. He later added: “Giannis’ twitter, phone, email and bank accounts were hacked! “He genuinely apologises for everything that was tweeted and he will be back as soon as possible! “The things that were said by this hacker were extremely inappropriate and disgusting!”
Holyfield makes comeback at 57 for COVID-19 charity NEW YORK, United States (AFP) - Four-time heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield says he is making a ring comeback for charity at age 57, hoping to help first responders and children combat the coronavirus pandemic. And it could set the stage for a third fight against Mike Tyson more than 20 years after the originals. Holyfield said he would fight in exhibition matches to raise support for Unite4OurFight, which helps learning and emotional development projects aimed at children whose schooling was disrupted by the deadly virus outbreak. “Are you ready? The moment you’ve all been waiting for... The Champ is back!” Holyfield posted on Twitter. “I’d like to announce that I will be making a comeback to the ring. I will be fighting in exhibition
Isolating players to resume the NBA season sounds like a closed book if National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts is telling the story. In an interview with ESPN, Roberts said the conversations around bringing players back from a two-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic are evolving into risk mitigation discussions. A call with players is scheduled for Friday, the date the NBA approved certain markets for reopening practice facilities on a limited basis with only a tepid response. One plan floated in recent weeks was isolating players at a hotel or resort location — the Bahamas and Disney World were discussed, as was Las Vegas — as commissioner Adam Silver invited thoughts and ideas on the best way to get the 2019-20 season back on track. “Are we going to arm guards around the hotel?” Roberts asked ESPN. “That sounds like incarceration to me.” Silver has since decided that plan will not work based on response from players, Roberts said. Some owners aren’t even ready to open their practice facilities for individual workouts, including the Dallas Mavericks’ Mark Cuban. He said the inability to test all players and staff would prohibit the franchise from opening the facility
An NBA logo is seen on a chair at an NBA exhibition in Beijing, China October 8, 2019. (REUTERS/Jason Lee) anytime soon. “This is a world with the virus,” Roberts said. “And we have to figure out a way to work, play and live in a world with the virus. The questions have now evolved from, ‘Are we going to play again?’ to, ‘If we play, what are the risks going to look like?’” Among challenges Silver and Roberts face inching toward a return is managing individual and team concerns. The best risk-aversion weapon for the NBA is mass testing. But testing is a social issue, with political strings attached, that the NBA doesn’t want to wade into at the moment. The NBA could purchase tests in high volume but that would bring about
criticism from the general public, especially in areas where tests still aren’t readily available. Roberts is sensitive to the idea that the league and players association will make broad decisions but individual comfort with the resulting plan is not guaranteed. “It’s an issue employers everywhere are going to have to confront,” Roberts said. “Because I guarantee there’s going to be at least one player, if not many more than that, that are going to have genuine concerns about their safety. We have to figure out what the response is to that. It’s a tough one, and I don’t pretend that I have an answer to that one yet.” (Field Level Media)
Magic of playing in packed stadiums will be missed, says Kohli
Evander Holyfield matches for a great cause.” Holyfield’s move comes after Tyson, 53, was shown training and saying he wanted to make a charity comeback in exhibition bouts. Holyfield has not fought since stopping Danish fighter Brian Nielsen in the 10th round at Copenhagen in 2011, improving his record to 44-10 with two drawn. He last owned one of the three major
heavyweight crowns in early 2001 after beating John Ruiz for the World Boxing Association (WBA) title in August 2000. Holyfield stopped Mike Tyson in the 11th round in 1996 to win the WBA title and then won a 1997 rematch when Tyson was disqualified for biting. Two of Holyfield’s other biggest fights came in 1999 when he fought a controversial draw with Lennox Lewis in New York for the undisputed heavyweight crown, then lost to the British star by unanimous decision eight months later in Las Vegas.
(Reuters) - The magical atmosphere will be missing if the cricket season currently stalled by the COVID-19 pandemic resumes in empty stadiums, India captain Virat Kohli has said. The spread of the novel coronavirus has brought sport to a standstill and staging games without spectators has been suggested as one way to resume professional cricket. “Things will still go on, but I doubt that one will feel that magic happening inside because of the atmosphere that was created,” Kohli said on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected Show. “We will play sports how it is supposed to be played, but those magical moments will be difficult to come by.” India are set to visit Australia for four tests and three one-day internationals later this year, games which are likely to be played in empty stadiums. England all-rounder Ben Stokes said playing without fans in attendance would not dampen the competitive side of matches and Kohli agrees. “I know matches will be played at a very good intensity but that feeling of the crowd connecting with the players and the tension
India’s Virat Kohli reacts after losing his wicket during the ICC Cricket World Cup Semi Final - India v New Zealand at Old Trafford. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith) of the game where everyone goes through it in the stadium, those emotions are difficult to recreate,” he said.
Kaieteur News
Saturday May 09, 2020
PAGE 23
Five substitutions per team to be allowed on temporary basis
B
ERN (Reuters) Teams will be allowed up to five substitutions per match, instead of the usual three, as a temporary measure to help cope with potential fixture congestion in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus o u t b r e a k , F I FA s a i d yesterday. The change in the rules will be allowed in all competitions which are due to finish by the end of this year and it will be up to individual competition o rg a n i s e r s w h e t h e r t o implement it. FIFA also said that competitions currently using the video replay system (VAR) would be free to discontinue its use on restarting. Soccer’s rule-making body IFAB agreed to make the change to the rules “based on a proposal received from FIFA seeking to protect player welfare”, the statement added. FIFA added that, to avoid disruption to the game, each team would have to make their substitutions in a maximum of three slots plus the halftime interval.
Football has been at a standstill since mid-March but many leagues and federations are still hoping to complete the season. To do so they would have to cram fixtures into a shorter period than usual once games restart. “The temporary amendment comes into force with immediate effect, and has been made as matches may be played in a condensed period in different weather conditions, both of which could have impacts on player welfare,” FIFA said. “The IFAB and FIFA will determine at a later stage whether this temporary amendment would need to be extended further (e.g. for competitions due to be completed in 2021).” FIFA did not give further details on the decision regarding the use of VAR. I t a l y ’s r e f e r e e s ’ association said last month that it represented a potential health hazard as video assistant officials often worked from cramped conditions in vans or portable units where social distancing was impossible.
Liverpool’s Takumi Minamino comes on as a substitute to replace Roberto Firmino in the Champions League - Round of 16 Second Leg match Liverpool v Atletico Madrid at Anfield. (REUTERS/Phil Noble/file photo)
Brady, athletes demand probe Fury’s coach backs him to beat Joshua A over black jogger killing AFP - Tom Brady joined dozens of athletes yesterday in calling for a US federal investigation into the shooting death of an unarmed black jogger whose killing was captured on a video that triggered outrage. A letter by the NFL Players Coalition, established in 2017 to campaign for social and racial justice, was sent to Attorney General William Barr demanding action over the slaying of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery in February. Arbery was killed as he ran in broad daylight through a residential neighborhood in the town of Brunswick, Georgia. The white father and son who chased Arbery and shot him, Gregory and Travis McMichael, were arrested and charged with murder on Thursday after the emergence of cell phone footage which showed the killing. In its letter to Barr on Friday, the Players Coalition said a federal investigation was necessary to restore confidence in the justice system. Local authorities had been criticized for their failure to arrest or charge the McMichaels prior to the release of the damning video footage. “The local investigation into this case is marred by conflicts, inaction ... and the current prosecutor’s total failure to act until social media forced his hand,” Players Coalition co-founder Anquan Boldin wrote in the letter to Barr. “The local police force can never be independent, as the elder-McMichael used to work there ... If people are to have faith in the justice system, the Department of Justice
Six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. (Getty Images North America/AFP/File / Elsa) must act with the FBI leading the investigation.” Superstar quarterback Brady was among dozens of current and former NFL players who co-signed the letter along with several figures from the NBA, including Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. The Players Coalition letter comes after a furious outcry across the United States led by political figures, celebrities and athletes. “ We ’ r e l i t e r a l l y h u n t e d EVERYDAY/EVERYTIME we step foot outside the comfort of our homes!” basketball great LeBron James said on Instagram. “Can’t even go for a damn jogman! Like WTF are you kidding me?!?!” Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden also called for justice. “The video is clear: Ahmaud Arbery was killed in cold blood,” Biden wrote on Twitter. “My heart goes out to his family, who deserve justice and deserve it now.”
FP - Tyson Fury is mentally stronger than Anthony Joshua and would overcome his British rival in similarly commanding fashion to how he defeated Deontay Wilder, according to the WBC heavyweight champion’s coach Andy Lee. Fury got his hands on one of the four major world belts again when he ended Wilder’s long reign as champion, knocking the previously unbeaten American down twice on the way to a seventh-round stoppage in February. While he is contractually obliged to face Wilder for a third time and Joshua is scheduled to take on Kubrat Pulev next, the outbreak of coronavirus and subsequent suspension of major boxing shows has clouded the issue. Speculation is rife that a domestic bout could take priority but Lee can only see one outcome in a fight that would determine the undisputed world heavyweight champion. “I think (Joshua) is still an improving fighter,” Lee told Sky Sports. “A little bit of inexperience and mentally he’s not as strong as Tyson. “I think Tyson would beat him in eight rounds. I
like Anthony Joshua, I think he’s a great fighter, a great
champion. “I still think it’s a (Continued on page 19)
One of the best! Gavin Lewis says
More facilities and tournaments needed for Lawn Tennis
rt
Spo Keemo Paul (right) celebrates a CPL wicket.
Gavin Lewis in action.
Hero CPL to launch life stories films
K.A. Juman-Yassin (second left) takes a photo-op with reps from the various sports associations.
GOA donates hampers in covid-19 fight Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.