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Kaieteur News
Wednesday May 13, 2020
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
Nurses - lifelines in times of need
W
e need them more than ever now, when they are worth their weight in gold, in some instances, way more than that precious commodity could ever be valued. As they hold us close to their sights and attentions, many times to their hearts, we must reciprocate also in remembering them and holding them dear. As we remember them, we applaud them and hold them aloft for their untiring giving on our behalf when most needed. We see them quietly passing by in their starched whites and blues. Let us not take them for granted anymore, these who dedicate their lives to more than a career, but towards the lifetime of a calling. It is a special one that now attracts to an increasing degree more and more young men, which is another encouraging development. Though things are better than before, it is not the most rewarding or revered of professions in Guyana, which should be improved upon in both areas. The need is, also, for the presence of a broader cross-section of our population to cultivate the required interest to want to do something by living that professional life and making an important contribution. On the scale of importance, there are few things, if any, that can compete with or surpass in terms of one’s quality of life. The competence and great care of nurses make that possible during times of personal and family health crisis. A caring nurse makes for a lot of healing, much peace of mind when needed the most. We must cherish these presences, these comforting voices and the gentle ministrations that come along with them. We must think of these nightingales that float in the hazes of consciousness, the sharp pangs of our pains wracked by fevers diverse and machines mishandled by reckless men. They toil quietly in the heat of days, amidst the hotter angers that sometimes blaze from those cared for by hand and those who come demanding more than their share. It can be a thankless undertaking, in the many bloody, sickly, dirty tasks and responsibilities that go hand in hand with the cleaning and soothing and the giving of hope, when none may be left. It can be a dog’s life, too, that of a nurse, amidst the smells of the flesh, the overpowering wafts of disinfectants and the many other chemicals that must be administered or injected or fed at all hours on the clock. All of this has to be done amidst their own pains, own weaknesses, sometimes own fears. And at this time of incomparable and unmatched global fear, the tenseness can flare and render both caregiver and those in need of that urgent care unable to manage with what is in the lungs, hangs over the head, and literally takes the breath of life away. Through all of this they - the silently padding, rushing, attending army of nurses- must labour with the brightest of smiles, with patience that may not have, and with fortitude wherever they are, be it Jamaica Hospital Queens, or the Georgetown Hospital of Guyana, or all the other places of caring wherever they may be. There is a saying that in the army, it is the sergeants who run the show and make the differences that count. There is a similar sentiment that in the hospital, it is the nurses who deliver and make them run. Doctors come and go, sometimes before their presences could even register through the traumas that afflict, the chemicals intended to cure. But nurses are there all the time, be it waking or sleeping, in pain or in readying to say goodbye. It is a time that would be remembered for whatever is left in a lifetime, in the soft rustle of their soothing nearness, the touch of their fingers, the blessed reliefs that they bring when we cry out with our agonies that come from our hurts. We pray that God will bless the work of their hands and their hearts will always be about what is compassionate, noble, and life-giving. Yesterday, the world observed International Nurses Day, it should be more than one day, since every day is worthy of a celebration of their life-saving efforts.
The quintessential conflict of interest trick DEAR EDITOR, As the recount drama slowly unfolds on the election front, little attention is paid to the oil and gas sector, where a US $1.2 million contract was awarded to a law firm, Hunton Andrews Kurth, to rewrite our archaic oil exploration and production laws. Two weeks ago, Urgewald, a German environmental NGO wrote to the World Bank about violation of conflict of interest rules in “giving its blessings” to two well-known Exxon affiliates for contracts for improving “Guyana Petroleum Resource Governance and Management”. Urgewald is of the opinion that the bank, by approving the two Exxon-affiliated contractors, is “undermining governance in the country.”
This is brilliant logic! We have seen the resultant local content policy, with no preference for local contractors. With that in mind, we can envision what our petroleum laws might be in the hands of Hunton Andrews Kurth, company known to be working for forty years for Exxon, the most likely major benefactor of any discrepancies. Dr. Mark Bynoe, Head of the Energy Department has said that it is the “government that selects a contractor after which it is then sent to the Bank for no-objection.” Did Exxon influence the government to select what seems like its favorite law firm to rewrite our petroleum laws? I can understand the World Bank position - if a government cannot discern what is a conflict of interest to safeguard
the patrimony of its citizens, why should the World Bank make enemies by rejecting their choice? There seems to be a new narrative - “To be human is to err conveniently!” Dr. Bynoe did not answer yes or no on whether he knew the law firm had a 40-year connection to Exxon but assumed that the firm would have stated that since it was required that they state their work history. He then goes out of context about being “concerned when I see an NGO out of Germany, speaking for example, that Guyana should leave its resources as is.” Totally irrelevant! Bynoe is of the opinion that while the law firm “was contracted to draft laws, it was not its responsibility to set them.” He continued, “The
drafts would be subjected to a process of going through the Attorney Generals Chambers and then to the National Assembly.” Where is the opportunity for public scrutiny and input in relevance to Article 13 of the Constitution? This is the quintessential conflict of interest trick being played on the people. On a personal note, I don’t see how a law firm with 40 years of service in defence of Exxon’s environmental responsibilities or otherwiserewriting our petroleum laws, which will or will not impact Exxon’s operations the most, on account of its rights to the largest chunk of our proven oil reserves, does not constitute a conflict of interest. Yours truly, Rudolph Singh
The Granger administration may be facing both sanctions and military intervention DEAR EDITOR, It has now been over 71 days since general elections took place in Guyana and, despite the preliminary results pointing to the PPP/C opposition winning the elections, GECOM, the body responsible for overseeing the elections, have not yet declared the results. The declaration of fraudulent results of Region Four by the Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, as witnessed firsthand by Election Observers, including the Ambassadors of the US, UK, EU, CARICOM, The Carter Centre, the OAS and others, have led to a series of court battles and precipitated in an agreement between the de facto President Granger and Leader of the Opposition to agreeing a re-count of all ballots. The Chinese and Russian Ambassadors have sat quietly and not utter a word of condemnation of the results for Region four, neither have their governments in Peking or Moscow. Is there a quiet connivance between the Russian and Chinese governments wanting to ensure the fraudulent PNC /APNU/AFC administration returned to power by whatever means? According to the stateowned Guyana Chronicle newspaper the Chinese state and other Chinese companies are making heavy in-roads into Guyana in areas of telecommunications, military assistance and in other fields (The Chronicle 25th Sept 2018, and 22nd August 2019). CNOOC, China’s stateowned oil company owns a 25 per cent stake in Guyana s oil at the Stabroek. Are we witnessing the
formation of an axis of dictatorship between Guyana and Venezuela now developing in the northern part of South America and where Venezuela sits on the world’s largest oil reserves? The American ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch made a written diplomatic request for Granger to allow representatives of the Carter Center to reenter Guyana and observe the rest of the recount of ballots. To the consternation of the Ambassador, and other western countries, Granger flagrantly refused this request. Granger’s blatant denial to allow the Carter Center in Guyana to observe the recount is a slap in the face of the American ambassador and a bigger slap on the United States and other major democracies including the UK, Canada, and the EU. The message of Granger cannot be clearer. Granger does not want foreign observers, particularly the Carter Center, to scrutinise the re-
count of the ballots. This can only mean that the way is now clear for him to move into the final stages of the rigging process, having started his rigging since his illegal appointment of James Patt e r s o n , d i s r e specting the no confidence vote, used the courts to stymie the election process, supporting Mingo’s fraudulent declaration, and now creating formidable obstacles through his functionaries in GECOM to rig the recount and install himself as a dictator. The major question that arises is how would the western democracies particularly the United States, a champion of democracy, deal with a dictator in Guyana, aligned to China? Already the United States have signalled to the Granger administration that they will not tolerate a dictatorship in Guyana and, given Guyana’s geopolitical significance, have threatened sanctions. The time has now come
for the United States and Western democracies to spell out, in no uncertain terms, what these sanctions mean. Granger may very well feel confident that he will ride out any personal and economic sanctions on Guyana given the impending oil wealth and its deepening relations with China. But what will be Granger’s reaction if the United States and other Western countries threaten that they will not rule out military intervention to save Guyana from a dictatorship? Let Granger and Harmon know that the ‘eagled eye’ Americans are watching very closely. Granger must not lead Guyana down the path where sanctions from the West, whether economic or military, become inevitable, crippling an already impoverished state. Yours truly, Harry Beharry London UK
There would have to be a grand conspiracy for the dead and migrated to have voted DEAR EDITOR What the public does not know about voting on Election Day is that there is a document called a “folio” which has a picture of all the persons registered to vote at that polling station. That picture of the person in the folio is the same picture which appears on the person’s ID card. All the people manning the polling station on Election Day – which includes all rep-
resentatives of the political parties, called “polling agents” – have a copy of that folio for them to ascertain that the person about to vote matches the picture on the ID card and the folio. The claim that dead or migrated persons voted is simply absurd because it means that every single person in that polling station, including the respective party polling agents, would have had to act in a grand conspiracy to al-
low a person who does not match the picture on the ID card and the folio to vote. Even in the 28 consecutive years when the PNC rigged elections, the rigging did not happen under the watchful eyes of polling agents of the PPP. In those rigged elections, the ballot boxes would be taken away and stuffed. It is important that the public knows this. Yours respectfully Charles S. Ramson
Wednesday May 13, 2020
President Granger is leaving a scorched earth behind him DEAR EDITOR, Ian McDonald’s Sunday column entitled ‘Something rotten in the State’ is that the some in Guyana would “burn the country if only they could be the Kings of the Ashes”; in this, McDonald has glimpsed into the deviant minds of those clinging desperately to power. We are looking at a military strategy described as a ‘scorched-earth policy’ being waged against a hapless civilian population. The term ‘scorched earth’ comes from Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia. As the Russian army retreated, Tsar Alexander I, ordered the soldiers and citizens to “leave nothing of military or economic value but scorched earth” in the invaders’ path; in this instance, it is our nation’s economy and social fabric. It all began after Granger’s administration fell to a motion of no-confidence on the 21st December 2018. At that time, the economy was starting to feel the ill-effects of the hefty increase in taxation which was causing local businesses to slow or go under, but the inflow of oilrelated service companies was providing cushion and alternative employment. Foreign reserves stood at USD 580M, but the sugar industry closure was already hurting foreign currency inflows. As of 12th May 2020, our reserves are lower than our deficit (90B) for the first time in a decade. The bulwark against recession has been burned to the ground and then some. Guyana Goldfields announced the layoff of 85% of
its workforce due to failure to gain approval from Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency of their Revised Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) permit for underground mining. Exxon announced in April that production at the Payara project, its third development in Guyana, could be postponed due to delays in government approvals and then subsequently shelved it indefinitely. Olendorff has pulled out of Guyana costing 140 jobs, RUSAL is effectively out also and those 500 plus jobs are gone without much hope of return as the aluminum market has tanked. All of these industries were victims of slothful government and inaction. RUSAL executives visited Guyana in March 2019 to explain the precarious nature of the industry; a clear presentation was made and disregarded. Jobs lost are not easily regained and future investment has been made increasingly difficult; Guyana is now a high-risk environment based on the uncertain political climate. The earth has been scorched and the rebuilding made ever-more difficult in the global depression caused by the novel coronavirus. Granger’s intransigence has scorched our society by pitting us against each other: lawyers are finding it difficult to look judges in the eye, judges who could not ascertain the majority of 65; citizens have seen the weakness of the judiciary exposed and men of God have failed to pronounce on the immorality of attempting
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to rig an election. In every corner of our life cracks of division have opened up. We have all been singed since 21st December 2018. The Fiscal Management and Accountability Act prescribes a 1/12th budget allocation; it is anybody’s guess when monies to pay public servants will run out. Granger invented various super salaried jobs for dozens of his army cronies who are paid more than two million dollars per month; will they be given priority when the inevitable cash-crunch comes? Granger has created a loophole by usurping the powers of the Chief Medical Officer with issuance of the Public Health Ordinance which allows the COVID-19 Taskforce unlimited access to the contents of the Treasury. The longer Granger stays in office the more damage will be done. Even the most avid supporters must doubt that Granger can rebuild the economy given his destruction of the healthy one he inherited in 2015. Can Granger lead us over the land he scorched in retreat? I think not. Something is not only rotten in Guyana but Granger’s actions are downright contemptuous. These actions to destroy the Guyanese economy are not those of right-thinking. The lower-income families all across the nation are the hardest hit by the actions of the old soldiers; that many are APNU/AFC supporters is of no consequence to the military men. The term used is ‘collateral damage’. Respectfully Robin Singh
An appeal for Guyanese stranded outside to be allowed home DEAR EDITOR, I am appealing for the return of many stranded and frustrated mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children, loved ones, relatives and friends who are in Canada, London and elsewhere due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.The many people way over eighty in number
are not comfortable and as such they are very frustrated and desperate to return home even if they have to expend to purchase a new ticket. With the good and adequate service of the COVID-19 mobile testing stations at various locations, I am appealing to government to have at least one flight weekly coming from
the various countries where these people are stranded. We can have them tested on arrival and, based on the results, have them quarantined at home or at the recommended locations. Our people are desperate to return to the country of their birth. Yours truly, Concerned Citizen
Here is my suggestion for the West Indies squad against England DEAR EDITOR, Kindly allow me some space in your newspaper for this letter. After a long break, that seems like eternity, with no cricket in sight because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems at last that we might be able to see the West Indies/England three-match test series in England soon. It is my fervent wish that the series go ahead even with no crowd in the ground. At least West Indian cricket fans will be able to see live cricket in the comfort of their homes. Having said that, I would like to take this opportunity to name the fifteen-man squad that should go on this tour: 1) Jason Holder as Captain; 2) Shai Hope; 3) Shamar Brooks; 4) Daren Bravo; 5)
Shimron Hetmyer; 6) Nicolas Pooran; 7) Jermaine Blackwood; 8) Roston Chase; 9) Kyle Myers; 10) Keemo Paul; 11) Kemar Roach; 12) Alzarri Joseph; 13) Veerasammy Permaul; 14)Rakeem Cornwall; and 15) Shannon Gabriel,if he is fit. If not, Chemar Holder.I know this squad will raise a lot of eyebrows, but if this squad is selected by Roger Harper and his selection panel, I can guarantee West Indies will retain the Wisden Trophy. Kraig Brathwaite has been a consistent failure for the past ten test matches, averaging just 12. With Shai Hope and Pooran in the squad, there is no place for wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich. It is time Permaul be given
his just due for being the number one bowler in Regional cricket for a number of years now. Pooran is too good a talent to not be playing in all three formats of the game.And finally, you have to reward Blackwood, Myers and Chemar Holder, (if he is selected) for their outstanding performances in the last regional tournament as per the criteria set out by the selection panel. They deserve to be given a chance to showcase their talent at the highest stage of test cricket. I do hope Roger Harper and his fellow selectors pick this team and as I said earlier, we will definitely retain the Wisden Trophy. Yours Faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus
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It is time to remove elections campaign paraphernalia DEAR EDITOR Some two and one half months after elections it is time for the flags, billboards tacked onto posts, advertising boards, placards, posters, banners and other parties’ campaign paraphernalia be taken down and disposed of. These items once the pride and joy of the
respective parties and supporters when installed in communities and city streets are now an eyesore as they are now tattered and shattered and lay in ruin. Let us restore the aesthetics of our communities and city streets even as the election outcome remains elusive. Yours truly Shamshun Mohamed
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Reconsider abortion if you are thinking about it Dear Editor, My mother was a single parent with eight children and no money to feed them. Growing up, my mother constantly reminded my siblings and I how much she suffered to provide for us, and that she didn’t abort any of us. During my teenage years, I used to wish that my mother did abort me because I felt like I was nothing and had nothing. I had no hope, education, food, job, money, opportunities, home, and no father. I wished I was dead. I grew up in one of the poorest, most violent, and crime-ridden villages in Guyana and to add to this, I was a school dropout and illiterate. I was unemployed and unemployable. I felt life had dealt me a bad hand so when my mother would get angry with me and reminded me that she didn’t abort me, I would say to myself, I wished she did. Then I wouldn’t have to be here to suffer, live in poverty and in this God-forsaken world. At that time, I didn’t know
that God knew of me even before I was conceived. Years later, I found this in the Bible, “Before I shaped you in the womb, l knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nationsthats what I had in mind for you,” Jeremiah 1:5. How wonderful and comforting is it to know that God knew of me and had a plan for my life long before I knew that plan and even when l didn’t want to live. I want to say today that I am happy that my mother didn’t have an abortion. If she had had an abortion, I wouldnt have been able to go back to school and get an education and a successful career. I wouldnt have had a chance to visit so many countries around the world. I wouldn’t have able to have five wonderful and successful children, all university educated, and a wife. I wouldn’t have been given the opportunity to serve in the armed forces of the United States of America.
I wouldn’t have been able to serve the people of Iraq and Afghanistan by helping them to become a more democratic country. I wouldn’t have been able to make a difference in the lives of so many of the citizenry in Guyana. I wouldn’t have been around to enjoy “the good life.” If there is a woman reading this letter, who might be pregnant and might be thinking that there is no way that she can provide for the child, I want to say to her that she shouldn’t have an abortion. That child that she’s carrying may be the next president of Guyana. That child she is carrying may be the next Barack Obama. That child that you are carrying may be the next Dr. Martin Luther King. That child that she is carrying may be the next Mother Teresa. That child that she is carrying may be the next Princess Diana. We just never know how our circumstances will change for the better in the future. Therefore, our women should not have abortions. Yours truly Name Provided
Wednesday May 13, 2020
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US Congressional group urges return of Carter Centre Just one day after it was revealed that the President was directly responsible for blocking the re-entry of the Carter Centre Observers into Guyana, a group of bipartisan US Congressional representatives have released a public statement lobbying for their return. In a joint statement shared via a twitter account, Reps. Albio Sires (D-NJ), Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Francis Rooney (R-FL), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Jennifer GonzálezColón (R-PR) said that while they appreciate the recount and the role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the process, they still want the Carter Center and International Republican Institute (IRI) back in Guyana. “We appreciate the vital role that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has played in advancing democratic principles in Guyana. At the same time, we urge the Government of Guyana to allow the observation team from the Carter Center and technical advisory team from the International Republican Institute to return to the country to join CARICOM in observing the recount process. We remain dedicated to ensuring the Guyanese people are free to exercise
their right to vote, their votes are accurately counted and that they are able to shape a democratic and prosperous future for their nation,” the group said in its appeal. Former Attorney General of Guyana, Anil Nandlall, also added his voice to the issue. In a brief comment, Nandlall said too that the return of the Carter Centre observer mission should be facilitated. “The election is still ongoing; these organizations were accredited to observe the elections to the very end. If there is a revocation of those facilities then it must be done in writing and published in the gazette.” In addition to this, the US embassy in Guyana has been lobbying for the return of the Carter Center and IRI. The government has been shifting the blame as to who was responsible for blocking the approval of the Carter Center observer team to monitor the elections recount process for the past week. However, a recently leaked document evidenced that it was President David Granger who opposed the team’s re-entry. In a letter addressed to US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings,
US Democratic representative Albio Sires writing on behalf of the President, explained that the decision to oppose the team’s reentry into Guyana is premised on Government’s measures to protect its citizens from the spread of the COVID -19 disease. The correspondence dated May 6, 2020 was a direct response to a May 4 letter written to the President by Ambassador Lynch appealing directly to Mr. Granger, after the national COVID- 19 Task Force failed to respond to a previous request. In the letter, Dr. Cummings explained that while the President agreed that a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) would function within the framework of the Constitu-
Guyanese nurses hailed for unwavering... From page 3 foundation and are on the frontlines of the health care work force in our national effort to fight this pandemic. Our nurses, despite many challenges, continue to serve dutifully, diligently and with dedication even in the face of personal peril. I express thanks to nurses everywhere for their consistent and conscientious service to our country. I applaud our nurses as they continue to perform their duties with diligence. I encourage all Guyanese to join me in recognising the role nurses play in our communities as we observe international nurses day,” he said. Complementing the President’s message was one from Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence. The Public Health Minister too, lauded nurses for their contributions. She noted that this year’s theme “NURSES: A VOICE TO LEAD NURSING THE WORLD TO HEALTH,” is a significant and fitting slogan especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic where nurses worldwide and in Guyana, are at the frontline battling tenaciously and selflessly to save the lives of those who have contracted the dreadful disease. “May 12th, 2020 marks the International Day of the Nurse, coinciding with the 200th birth Anniversary of the
Lady with the Lamp, Florence Nightingale, pioneer of modern nursing. I wish to take this opportunity with the rest of the world to say Happy Nurses’ Day in recognition of this stalwart cadre of health care professionals, and more particularly to salute our workforce of nurses in Guyana expressing praise and thanks to you for the tremendous work you are doing for our nation.” In applauding the nation’s nurses, she said, “your tenacity and courage, at this critical time when the Coronavirus disease is deepening its fangs in our beloved country, are demonstrative of your care, consideration and commitment to health for all our people throughout the 10 administrative regions of our country. I salute you today on this International Nurses’ Day, and let me hasten to remind some of you, that hard work pays good dividends, what you do today for others will help in the fulfilment of your career dream tomorrow,” the Minister said. In the global context, Lawrence noted the Director General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhadnom’s affirmation (at the 72nd session of the World Health Assembly) that nurses and midwives are the backbone of every health system and that Governments and countries worldwide must invest in nurses and
midwives. She noted that since Nightingale’s time nurses and midwives have played a vital role in providing health services. “You are the people who devote your lives to caring for mothers and children; giving lifesaving immunizations and health advice; looking after the elderly and generally meeting everyday essential health needs.” As Guyana faces COVID19, Lawrence said, “We thank God for all our nurses and midwives in the workplace. You are often, the first and only point of care in your communities. This is the power that you possess as nurses! Yes, you are an ever-present force for good! As a ‘force’ for change, the value of your contribution has been recognized globally; this is the ‘power’ or ‘voice’ you possess to change the world. Notwithstanding this fact, we hasten to join our voices with our brothers and sisters in other lands to pay tribute to the nurses who have succumbed to COVID-19,” the Minister added. She continued by calling upon all nurses and midwives to remove barriers to care for the most vulnerable in society. “I’m talking about the elderly, the immune-compromised, those who are differently -abled, and those who choose to be different in their sexual orientation from us.”
US Democratic Representative Gregory W. Meeks
tion, and under the aegis of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the request for re-entry by the international observers does not hold the same weight. Rather, the Foreign Affairs Minister said that given the prevailing circumstances regarding the COVID-19 disease, Guyana‘s public health situation takes priority. She said, “The public health situation in Guyana has changed drastically since the Regional and General elections held on March 2, as you are aware.
US Republican Representative, Jennifer González Colon
The Government published an extraordinary issue of the Official Gazette on 16th March and promulgated COVID -19 emergency measures on 3rd April which included the imposition of curfew and states inter alia.” Citing the order, Cummings continued, “The Cheddi Jagan International and Eugene F. Correia International Airports shall remain closed to all international flights expect for outgoing flights, cargo flights , medical evacuation flights , technical
stops for fuels only and special authorised flights. The Government of Guyana requests that its measures to protect its citizens from the disease are respected.” Cummings’ letter contradicted comments made by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National COVID-19 Task Force, Joseph Harmon, who claimed that the Carter Center was denied the approval when they informed government ‘last minute’ that observers would be aboard the flight.
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Govt. has no say on Exxonmobil’s Guyana’s COVID-19 cases budget for Guyana climb to 113 -Region seven -This is an odd feature in Stabroek Block PSA - Int’l Lawyer When it comes to managing the oil industry the State needs to have reasonable control over the amount, nature, and location of activities that take place. According to International Energy Lawyer, J. Jay Park QC, Guyana’s Petroleum Act and Regulations, and even the Stabroek Block Petroleum Agreement do a good job where this is concerned. During his recent analysis of the country’s petroleum regime, he noted that the government has to give its approval for the development of plans of oil companies, extensions for the relevant contractual awards, and even for farm-in arrangements. Park noted however that there is a bit of an oddity in the Stabroek Block agreement with ExxonMobil, in so far as there is no legal requirement for the approval for annual work programmes and budgets. Considering this flaw, Park said he would give Guyana a B grade for the level of control it has on activities
within the industry while noting that it can be improved. Further to this, the International Lawyer was keen to note that one must bear in mind that Guyana is still an emerging producer; therefore, it is very common to find gaps in the petroleum regime. Park said that Guyana’s regime is still to address issues such as well abandonment, gas production, and the effective monetization of its resources while noting that initiatives are underway to do this. In this respect, he noted Guyana received a US$20M loan from the World Bank to improve its capacity to govern the oil industry. The loan agreement, which was signed in 2018, notes that the World Bank will provide support for Guyana to assess and conduct economic and fiscal modeling, allow the authorities to forecast oil and gas revenues, and also support Guyana in the areas of revenue administration and taxation. The agencies which stand
International Energy Lawyer, J. Jay Park QC to benefit from this support include the Department of Energy, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Petroleum Commission once established. Already, several contracts have been awarded using part of the US$20M loan but local and international transparency advocates are contesting same since the successful awardees are Exxon-linked contractors. There are currently calls for the World Bank loan to be halted until a full scale investigation can clear up all perceptions of conflict of interest.
Gang of four charged with series of Berbice robberies
Charged: Gavin Durant Four men on Monday appeared in the Whim Magistrate’s court to answer to charges of robbery under arms committed on several persons on the Corentyne. Appearing before Magistrate Renita Singh were John Simon, 34, a labourer of Lanchaster Village Corentyne Berbice; Gavin Durant called “Son Son”, 33, a labourer of Liverpool Village Corentyne Berbice; Garfield Gray called “Town Sheep”, 50, a cattle farmer of Alness Village Corentyne Berbice, and Samuel Fraser called “Charlie”, 30, a cattle farmer of Alness Village Corentyne Berbice. They were all arrested and charged with seven counts of robbery under arms committed on Daniel Sony, a
Charged: John Simon
Charged: Garfield Gray
business man of Lot 275 Bloomfield, Corentyne; Meena Comarie of Lot 7 13th Street Whim, Corentyne Berbice; Samrita Singh, a businesswoman of Lot 329 Bloomfield Village, Corentyne; Somwattie Rajopaul of Alness Village, Corentyne Berbice; Mandakie Chandan, of Lot 7 Public Road Nurney Corentyne Berbice; Patrisha Mohabhir of Lot 14 John’s Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice and Steven Rafiek, a business man of Lot 329 Bloomfield Village, Corentyne Berbice. The charge was laid under section 222 (c) of the Criminal Law Offence Act Chapter 8:01. They all pleaded not guilty and Garfield Gray and Samuel Fraser were placed on
$500,000 bail on each count while John Simon was placed on $950,000 bail. The case was postponed to June 27th for report. The accused men, a month ago, attacked, robbed and brutalized several persons on the Corentyne. They had stolen a quantity of cash and jewellery during the robberies. One of the victims, Somwattie Rajgopaul, had sustained injuries to her face and body during the ordeal. She had stated that the men were armed with guns and cutlasses. That said night they had also pounced on Mandakie Chandan along with other persons from different villages. Police acting on information had arrested the men sometime after.
The number of local COVID -19 cases continues to climb. Deputy Chief Medical Officer(DCMO), Dr. Karen Gordon-Boyle, announced yesterday that within the last 24 hours the cases have jumped four places, that is, from 109 -113 positive results. Dr. Gordon–Boyle stated that new cases were discovered as an additional 56 tests were done. “This brings the total number of persons tested to 986 with 873 persons testing negative. Total number of confirmed cases is now 113. Our COVID-19 deaths remain at 10. Thirty-nine persons have since recovered. There are six persons in our COVID19 ICU with one incubated, and 67 in institutional isolation,” she said. Added to this, the DCMO announced that all regions, except three have reported confirmed cases; Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Seven has now reported its first confirmed case. “This means that the Coronavirus is slowly making its way across our entire country. But you know what; you can help arrest and put an end to the spread of this disease. I simply ask you wash your hands, avoid
confirms first case
DCMO Dr. Karen Gordon- Boyle
touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth, practice physical distancing and adhere to the curfew.” As the Ministry’s response efforts continue, she stressed that the general behaviour patterns of the public need to change. “You continue to flout control measures and to put all at risk. Instead of our curve beginning to flatten, we still see an upward trajectory in positive coronavirus cases. We must seriously think about reducing the transmission of this disease and containing the spread of the virus so that we all can return to normalcy. Isn’t this our ultimate goal? Therefore, we ask you not only to abide by the rules but those of you who have been
in contact with positive cases, we ask you to come forward and provide information about your contacts as well so that you and your loved one can avoid the risk of contracting this disease and possibly losing your life,” Dr Gordon-Boyle appealed. Additionally, the DCMO lauded all nurses across Guyana on the occasion of International Nurses Day, 2020. “We do appreciate your outstanding contribution to our citizens and more so now, as you continue to battle COVID-19 rendering yeoman service to those affected by the coronavirus disease. We express a heartfelt thank you for your selfless efforts and join in solidarity with you to celebrate this day, “she said.
Labourer granted $200,000 bail for possession of narcotics
Granted bail: Akim Benn.
A
20-year old labourer of Ankerville, Port Mourant, Berbice was on Monday charged and placed on bail for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. In his possession was 230 grams of cannabis. Akim Benn was charged under section 5 (1) (a) (i) of the narcotics, drugs and psychologists substances control Act chapter 10:10. He appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Renita Singh who read the charge via Skype. Benn pleaded not guilty to the charge and bail was granted in the sum of
The cannabis that was found by police ranks. $200,000. The case was postponed to the 29th May for s t a t e m e n t s . According to the facts of the matter, police ranks, acting on information, swooped down on the home of Benn at Ankerville, Corentyne, Berbice and conducted a search for narcotics. In one
of the bedrooms, the ranks found a bulky parcel and 174 small-sized zip lock bags, all containing suspected cannabis that amounted to 230 grams. Benn and his reputed wife, who reside at the same home, were detained. The woman, however, has not been charged.
Wednesday May 13, 2020
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Kaieteur News
The public alone is not to be blamed
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lmost every day, on the daily COVID-19 update, the blame for the rising number of confirmed cases of the virus is laid solely at the feet of irresponsible members of the public. These persons are being accused of refusing to abide by the published regulations aimed at suppressing the spread of the virus. But the public alone should not have to shoulder all the blame. The government must also assume some responsibility for the increasing number of cases. It was the government which was at least one week late in implementing a partial lockdown. It is the government which has imposed social restrictions without any effective implementation measures. Right now the police are circumspect about arresting persons. And despite the local epidemic being the most serious health crisis the country has ever faced, the government has not seen it fit to ask the Guyana Defence Force to support the civil authorizes to enforce the restrictions. The government has its reasons for its reluctance to order a total lockdown or to be stricter in enforcing the present restrictions. People are suffering out there. Some people have to work in order to eat. They live day-to-day. Some people are finding it hard to put food on the table. The social restrictions have been in place for five weeks. These restrictions have imposed severe hardships on large sections of the population. Thousands of persons are not working, and those who are, are earning far less than usual. A financial crisis is
brewing. Businesses are facing bankruptcy. International help cannot be accessed because the international community is reluctant to put money in a de facto government’s hands. By now Guyana should have been transitioning out of the social restrictions. Instead, the situation is getting worse with this past week seeing a surge in local cases. The Public Health Ministry has been providing a useless scorecard each day to the public. The information provided is woefully inadequate. There is no regional breakdown of the total number of confirmed cases. Only some hotspots have been identified but no numbers given about how many from each of these areas were tested positive. Every day, the total number of tests done is announced. But the public is not told how many persons were tested overall, since it is possible for a person to be tested twice. This is the sort of data that would be more helpful There is no information as to the reproduction number of the virus. There is no assessment done as to how many of the local cases have been traced to imported cases. The public is being asked to report any contact they may have had with an infected person but if you do not know who is infected, how can you know that you have had contact with them. We have had reports of an outbreak at the Palms. The authorities have not said whether they have tested everyone there. This would be necessary given the spread of the virus in care homes in other countries of the world. We are told that the
Cuyuni- Mazaruni has its first case. But that is a big region and the number at risk would depend on which community that first case originated. Contact-tracing in the present scenario is important. The ministry should have long now been able to tell the public just how many of the local cases have been linked to how many of the imported cases. This would provide a measure of the effectiveness of the contact-tracing. More information would allow for more informed decisions. For example, if Georgetown is the epicenter and if there are no or only a small number of cases in some regions, would it not be best to adopt region-specific strategies rather than having one strategy for the entire country? The Ministry keeps imploring about the need to flatten the curve of total confirmed cases. How can you flatten the curve of total cases? The curve will rise with each new case. It cannot be flattened. It has to be bent. Right now the curve has too steep a gradient and it is reducing this gradient which should be the objective. This means efforts should be made to bend the curve more to the right rather than having it move along either the same slope or rise more to the left. This will mean that the second derivative - the growth of the cases is slowing. What has to be flattened is the number of new cases. When plotted it would be desirable for the average number of weekly cases to flatten. Experience has shown, however, in the United States that while that coun-
Dem boys seh ...
A man cough and everybody scatter Dem observers use to get without de cats. copies of de statements of recount (SORs) every day. Suddenly GEE-CUM decide dat dem gun stop giving dem. Dem boys want know why. If GEE-CUM interested in transparency, why dem trying fuh hide statements of recount from dem observers? But is all part of the ‘fuffuckle’ wha tekking place and is eyepass against dem observers wha GEE-CUM accredit. Dem boys asking if is because GEE-CUM don’t want dem observers get de proof about who win de elections. Dem boys seh is sheer catfight tekkin’ place…but
Dem boys seh some ah dem parties scratching and lashing out at anybody dem find in dem way. Dem start by lashing out at dem embassies by sehing how dem hintterfering. Now dem lashing out at same observers wha dem invite.Dem boys seh even de guvment now trying fuh scratch and lash out at de media. Dem even try a ting pun dem boys. Dem boys know dat all de catfights doing is to try to hide tings. But dem boys gat fuh seh wah dem gah fuh seh and dem gat fuh do wah dem gat fuh do. No amount of pressure gun shut dem boys mouth. Dem boys hear how if yuh
breathing heavy, or sweating, or getting headache and coughing when yuh gat to answer question, dem health people gun send yuh fuh a COVID19 test.One man in a counting station at de Convention Centre cough yesterday and farted and before yuh could say “C” for COVID, de Coalition people start fuh scatter and dem call de health people. Dem boys want tell dem health people not to guh far…dat dem boys does get dem same symptoms…when dem boys’ wife checking dem cellphone and Whatsapp messages. Talk half and hope Clawdette start back giving dem observers de statements of recount.
try has passed through its peak of new deaths, the curve is plateauing rather than bending downwards. What this means is that social restrictions should not be relaxed very quickly. The reality, which must be faced, is that the Ministry of Public Health needs to be more forthcoming with the public. Its daily reports have become a scorecard rather than
an updated assessment of the spread of the virus. The Ministry needs help to be able to develop some statistica l b e n c h m a r k s which would influence their decision on easing social restrictions. As for the National COVID-19 Task Force and its newly-installed Secretariat, somebody should let the public know just what it is doing.
Apart from advising GECOM on social distancing. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Wednesday May 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
50 shades of David Hinds My good friend, David Hinds has introduced a plethora of dimensions into the discussions on the election impasse. Response to his letter on me in yesterday’s Kaieteur News, would take several columns to polemicize on the dimensions. Here is a brief enumeration. (1)- The West has its reasons for choosing the PPP over the PNC. (2) CARICOM leaders are not coming from the same ideological base as the West. (3) There is a disputed election not a rigged election. (4) African Guyanese have a historical
narrative and a historical trauma different from ethnic groups thus they do not see the election as a solution to Guyana’s endemic troubles. (5)- Which context you use determine how you arrive at what the election impose is about. (6) – Elections do not in themselves solve a country’s problems. (7) - The 2020 election should be scrapped and install an interim government. (8) Granger should lead the interim government. (9) Criticism of Eusi Kwayana’s positive position on Claudette Singh is equated with going after Kwayana.
With due respect, each of these postulations are not just bad arguments but each has profound analytical flaws all of which are misleading, subjective, unscientific and unacceptable. I will visit these 50 shades of my friend from time to time but for now I will select one shade only – what election means to David Hinds. A preface to my main point is in order. Many antiHinds critics have missed a motif in David’s consistent adumbrations – he has never written that the APNU+AFC won the election. There are
virtual clowns and racists in this country that have barefacedly argue that GECOM has made a declaration and it should be declared as legal and final. After what Mingo did, no one in this country should have even half a modicum of relationship with such depraved minds. What Mingo did was an open violation of moral codes, legal rules and human conscience. If science still governs life, then the scientific evidence is graphic. What Mingo put into his declaration is not in the boxes in the recount. It takes the ugli-
est of minds after the recount to support Lowenfield’s finality. Much to his credit, David has not accepted the GECOM document on the election results.In forthcoming pieces, I will examine more shades but this one looks directly at the role of David in the 2020 election campaign. I did not participate in the 2020 campaign because, like David, I believe in shared governance. I wanted to see a brake put on the jurisdiction on the PNC or PPP. I saw that padlock as coming from the assignment of parliamentary seats to the smaller parties. I voted for Lenox Shuman. David’s position for decades is that Guyana needs shared governance to eradicate ethnic insecurities. But David supported one of those race groups, joined its party, became a candidate and campaigned for the victory of that race. I know absolutely that David’s party lost. How are you going to convince decent, independent minds that your advocacy of scrapping the election and having ethnic representation in the exercise of power is because your party which exemplifies ethnic expressions lost the battle? If the PNC had won, then David was partly responsible for widening the race chasm because he campaigned for ethnic domination. I did not. I chose the Amerindian party which to my mind is a choice that has more historicity than David’s position. The question of existential action comes in here. Why did David not walk away from ethnic politics and struggle for power-sharing? If Guyana is sharply bifurcated along ethnic lines with each race
Frederick Kissoon group putting their fate in the hands of a party that they want to see dominate Guyana, then how can your participation in a victory for one side over the other square with your ideological doctrine of power-sharing as a solution to the intractable dilemma of ethnic insecurities? Of course, the other side is not going to be convinced by David’s exclamation of “eureka” which is pronounced in all his newspaper letters and columns. They will ask that if his discovery that elections have a harmful value and expose the fault lines of Guyana is not because his party ANPU lost? Personally, I am disappointed that someone like David, who is a Rodneyite, did not see the value of rooting for one of the smaller parties. That makes sense for people who feel that the power of the PNC as a government by itself and the power of the administration of the PPP by itself have to be tamed if we are going to get good governance. David why did you join one of the two ethnic monsters? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday May 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday May 13, 2020
Kaieteur News
COVID-19 positive man recaptured after escaping a result isolation facility -11 persons quarantined, 3 isolatedTheasLethem
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Eleven persons are now quarantined and another three isolated at the Lethem’s Hospital Isolation Facility after Hamlef Dasilva was tested positive for Covid-19. According to Region Nine Executive Officer, Carl Parker, the 11 persons quarantined are hospital staffers who came into contact with Da Silva before he was isolated and tested. The remaining three currently isolated, however, were hunted down by Police after the man escaped from the isolation facility Monday evening. It is believed that after Da Silva fled, these persons may have come into contact with him. Upon discovering that the Covid-19 patient had escaped, the Lethem authorities immediately secured permission to publish the man’s identity and issued an emergency warning. This led to the detention of Da Silva by Brazilian authorities late Tuesday at Bonfim, in neighbouring Brazil. The authorities wasted no time in transporting the man to the Bonfim hospital where he was isolated once again. Authorities in Lethem were immediately contacted and a decision was made to keep Da Silva under guard at
Regional Hospital
the Brazilian hospital prohibiting his return. Nevertheless, because Da Silva is a Guyanese national, this publication understands that treatment will be sent from Guyana to ensure his speedy recovery. Parker said, it is rumoured that after leaving the Lethem Hospital Da Silva swam across the Takatu River into neighbouring Brazil to evade authorities. But because of the fact that Da Silva is a well known businessman in the town of Lethem with an active social life, authorities are taking no chance in locating persons he might have infected.
Kaieteur News was told that Police were handed a list of names of people who might have met the businessman before and after his escape bid. All residents of Lethem are also being urged to be “brave” and come forward if they have had any physical contact with the Covid-19 patient. Before receiving his Coronavirus results Da Silva, currently a resident of Bonfim, fell ill recently and made his way down to the Bonfim Hospital for a malaria test. Realizing that his symptoms mimicked that of
Coronavirus, the Brazilian health professionals ordered that the man be tested for the disease as well. But his test sample had to be sent further to Boa Vista. This granted Da Silva the opportunity to leave the premises and crossed the border illegally into Lethem. On Saturday last he showed up at the Lethem Hospital requesting medical attention for malaria. After a consultation, it was noted once again that he possessed Coronavirus symptoms. He was immediately taken into isolation and tested, later that evening his results returned positive.
N/A Regional Hospital honours nurses on int’l Nurses Day -200 balloons released The New Amsterdam Regional Hospital yesterday joined with the rest of the world in recognizing nurses on International Nurses Day. International Nurses Day (IND) is an international day celebrated around the world on May 12 of each year to mark the contributions nurses make to society. The date represents the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale who is considered the founder of modern nursing. This year marks Nightingale’s 200th birth anniversary. Yesterday in New Amsterdam the nurses were recognised for working tirelessly and beyond the call of duty especially during this period as the world grapples with the Coronavirus disease, Covid-19. The simple, but impressive ceremony, which was attended by many nurses, was held at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Among the officials in attendance were the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Ms. Imogen Pydana; Regional Medical Superintendent, Dr. Vasana Henry; Matron Susette August and head of the New Amsterdam Nursing School; Sister Hicken. Also in attendance were Dr; Stamon Carr and Dr;
NA nurses were recognised for their tireless efforts. Lord. The event was chaired by Matron August and the other officials gave words of appreciation to the nurses. In addition to words of appreciation, tokens were also given to Drs. Carr and Lord and the nurses who make up the Covid-19 Task Force at the Hospital. All the nurses in attendance were also given a bag of goodies as tokens for their hard work.At the end of the activity, 200 balloons were released into the air in recognition of the 200 birth day of Florence Nightingale.
Balloons were released as part of the activities to honour N/A nurses.
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Kaieteur News
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Wednesday May 13, 2020
Coalition says it observed GECOM explores increasing anomalies since elections night work stations to meet deadline
A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) recount supervisor Leonard Craig told reporters yesterday that the party observed many anomalies which have the potential to impact the credibility of the elections, and that the party made these observations since the night of the March 2 general and regional elections. Craig also held that these observations were being carefully noted so that the party could make a possible elections petition. Craig, who is a recount supervisor representing the coalition, spoke to reporters last night about this and the party’s concerns about the credibility of the elections. “These observations that we have now were made since elections night and I would admit also that while searching for information, because of objections that were made elections night, we would stumble upon more things,” were his exact words. He also said he could not understand attempts to do away with the observations, as they strike at the heart of the credibility of the elections. Speaking on how so many anomalies could have occurred with the presence of APNU+AFC agents in just about all polling stations, Craig said “it is very possible that not all of the GECOM staffers accepted the training and they could have let something slip. I am saying the same thing about our agents—maybe not all of them understood the training the same way and could have made mistakes.” At some point during his delivery, he said “if it was necessary to go to an election petition, then we would have presented all of this information.” Despite his utterance that the party was considering an elections petition, it had still been adamant that David Granger, its presidential candidate, should have been sworn in on the basis of the declarations GECOM had at
Was preparing for possible petition since then - Craig APNU+AFC Recount Supervisor, Leonard Craig
the time. Asked why it would allow its candidate to be sworn in on the basis of a result it was not sure was credible, Craig said “because we are law abiding. When GECOM makes a declaration you accept the declaration and then you use all the mountain of evidence you find to file an election petition.” This concern about the credibility of the election does not align with public statements made by the coalition and its members, from Election Day up until the recount began, one week ago. The coalition had maintained that the elections were free, fair and credible, despite now claiming that it was aware of the anomalies all along. Even the President, in a May 4 statement, stated “the General and Regional Elections were free, fair and orderly.” This statement recurred in his public statements since Election Day. Asked why the party would hail the election as free, fair and credible, when it had these concerns, Craig said that the party was just mak-
ing a “general statement”. In fact, Craig added that the party would file an elections petition once its investigation reveals information that is sufficient for such a petition. Asked whether it would have filed a petition against its own candidate, Craig refused to answer. But he said that the party believes it won the elections, and that an elections petition would only reveal that it won by an even bigger margin. Asked on what basis the party believes it won, he referred to the Mingo declarations. But when drawn to the numerous anomalies the party has raised, he changed his response to the question, arguing that the party believes it won on the basis of its statements of poll, even though many anomalies would also impact the numbers on the party’s statements of poll. Nevertheless, Craig refused calls for the release of the statements for public scrutiny, adding that that is not a decision the party has made.
APNU+AFC says it can provide personal ... address, your date of departure, your time,
From page 2 foundation for determining some of these things.” But then he brought up the immigration records again at another point in the interview, when asked if the party would release evidence to support its claims. “We did not discuss releasing that to the public, and I got some of that from the small parties, they are claiming that these are people’s private information, and to put it out there in the public because immigration records would include your full name, your
your flight number, even your destination. And we can’t just go and release that to the public. So we give it directly to the CEO or [his] Secretariat.”Asked how he would foresee the release of immigration records in the absence of a court order, he referred to a legal privilege of GECOM in the National Registration Act, which allows the electoral agency to obtain certain records. But he still would not say how or whether his party has access to the records he said it would produce.
-as end of Day 7 sees 48 ballot boxes counted The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has found that it may be necessary to increase the number of work stations being used for the National Recount of ballots cast at the March 2, 2020 polls with the aim of increasing its pace. GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, relayed to reporters yesterday that the Commission was expected to revise the 25-day timeline set for the recount; however, she explained that that revision will wait until after the possible additional stations are established. Currently, GECOM has 10 work stations operating daily but Ward could not state definitively the number of workstations that are likely to be added. That decision will be based on the advice from the National COVID-19 Task Force, headed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. Ward said that GECOM Chair, Ret’d Justice Claudette Singh will request that the National COVID-19 Task Force send a team to advice the Commission and make “on the spot” decisions on the placement of those additional stations. According to her, two Commissioners had a “quick look around” at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, the site of the recount to determine how many additional stations can be established.
GECOM PRO Yolanda Ward Ward explained that the 10 work stations are currently completing an estimated 45-55 ballots boxes daily, and with the addition of other stations, that number can be significantly increased to 70 or even 80 boxes. She reported that at the end of day seven, exactly one week since the recount commenced, GECOM completed a total of 48 ballots boxes bringing the total to 311. Ward said that 12 came from Region One; nine from Region Two, 12 from Region Three and the remaining 15 came from Region Four. Additionally, 288 Statements of Recount (SORs) were tabulated for General and 285 for Regional Elections. The PRO relayed to the press that the Commission will also decide on cutting down the number of documents being reviewed in each ballot box. Representatives from
several parties have complained that the unnecessary queries and checks are aiding the slow pace and so the Commission has decided to eliminate those from the process. ”It was an observation that we can look at the content being examined, how some of that time can be minimized and just to focus on the contents which are relevant to the process,” Ward stated. Among those documents to be ignored is the “folio”, a document containing images of each electorate. Additionally, GECOM the Observation Reports (Ors) will only contain anomalies that are discovered, excluding the objections made. A document containing 25 issues and their resolutions prepared by GECOM will also be made available to the party agents. That document will help to resolve reoccurring issues at each workstation.
Coronavirus: Fauci warns Senate of ‘serious consequences’ if US opens up too soon The US’s top infectious diseases doctor has warned senators the virus will spread if the country opens up too soon. Dr Anthony Fauci said if federal guidelines to reopen are not followed, “little spikes” will become outbreaks. He also said the real US death toll is probably higher than the official figure of 80,000. His message is at odds with the upbeat tone of President Trump who is keen to get the economy going again. Dr Fauci was speaking via video to a Republican-led committee of the US Senate. He was referring to the White House’s Opening Up America Again plan, which includes three 14-day phases that states should consider implementing as they allow schools and businesses to reopen. Several US states already restarting their economies have infection rates that are rising, not falling. He warned of the risk of triggering an outbreak that officials would not be able to
control, adding such an outbreak would set back economic recovery and could lead to “suffering and death”. Although the White House has laid out guidelines for reopening, it is ultimately up to state governors to make the decisions on how to ease the lockdown. Questioned about the possibility of a rebound in autumn of the “highly transmissible virus”, Dr Fauci said one is “entirely conceivable and possible”. “I hope that if we do have the threat of a second wave we will be able to deal with it very effectively to prevent it becoming an outbreak.” Dr Fauci also said there are multiple vaccines in development but “no guarantee” any will be effective, though based on his knowledge of other viruses, he is “cautiously optimistic”. “We have many candidates and hope to have multiple winners,” he said. “In other words it’s multiple shots on goal.” WITNESSES TESTIFY REMOTELY Witnesses appeared re-
motely, as did some senators on the Senate Committee on Health, Education Labor and Pensions. The three members of the White House coronavirus task force who testified are self-isolating after possible exposure to the illness, including Dr Fauci. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr Robert Redfield and Food and Drug Administration commissioner Stephen Hahn are also self-isolating. Dr Fauci has tested negative but will continue to work from home for the time being, and will be regularly tested. Anthony Fauci’s testimony before a congressional committee started as a genteel affair, with senators treating him as a long-serving public health official whose advice carries considerable authority and expertise. Then Senator Rand Paul spoke.When it comes to the coronavirus, the Republican from Kentucky said, public heath experts had made “wrong prediction after wrong prediction after wrong prediction”.
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Champions Cup final in Marseille set for October 17 AFP - The coronaviruspostponed Champions Cup final could now be held on October 17 in Marseille with the second-tier Challenge Cup fixture a day earlier, the organisers said yesterday. Both tournaments were suspended at the quarter-finals stage due to the coronavirus pandemic. The last-eight and semifinals of the competitions could take place from midSeptember onwards. The director general of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Vincent Gaillard told AFP: “This schedule has been coordinated with the three professional leagues in Europe but remains subject to external factors, be that health, medical or logistical.” “The month of October
remains a window traditionally kept for clubs and European Cups and we envisage making the most of it,” he added. Reports have claimed World Rugby want to play Test matches during October, and the English and French leagues wrote to the global governing body on Monday asking for further discussions about the use of the month. Gaillard said EPCR wants further talks between the parties and remains open about the dates. “Everyone knows compromises will have to be made. It’s very clear. Our opinion is not to say ‘we will play in October as if it was business as usual’. We have to consider all parties, not just the unions, and find a solution together,” he said.
“If this solution leads us to finding an alternative which would be not playing in October but another moment, then so be it,” he added. - ‘Counter-productive’ boycott Earlier on Monday, French newspaper Midi Olympique claimed Top 14 sides could refuse to feature in next season’s top-tier competition if an increase to eight clubs from the league cannot feature in the continental tournament. “The threats of a boycott were blown out of proportion. As far as I know, this threat had not been discussed formally by the French league or by the clubs,” Gaillard said. “If this boycott threat is proven, but I don’t think it will be, it would be totally counter-productive,” he added.Gaillard said the body
Saracens beat Leinster to win the 2019 Champions Cup. (AFP/File / Glyn Kirk)
could change the makeup of the Champions Cup due to the impact the virus outbreak has had on the end of domestic campaigns. “We have to find a format
that’s adaptable. A certain number of options are on the table... To consider the exceptional circumstances for the end of the season for each of our three leagues,” Gaillard
said.“We will adapt and we have a format for 24 clubs, which is very attractive if needed. In principle we should have a solution in June.”
Chris Gayle’s Tallawahs outburst could draw CPL ... Wednesday May 13, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today's planetary energy should compel you to commit whatever acts of self-affirmation are needed to define your territory and protect your rights.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Feeling adventurous, Libra? You're often motivated by your idealistic expectations, and today's planetary configurations will push you even further on your spiritual quest.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) - Today your brain is supercharged, Taurus. If you've been thinking about doing some writing or have put off analyzing an especially tricky problem, this is your moment to get started.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) The celestial energy signals a pleasant change for you today, Scorpio. Finally, the overpowering emotions that have been surging from your relationships will subside.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) With today's planetary energy, you'll find yourself a little more extraverted than usual, Gemini. You'll finally be able to say what you really think about things.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) This is a day to devote time and thought to spiritual pursuits, Sagittarius. Do something inspirational that instills a soul-deep sense of wonder.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today you're unstoppable! You're a very hard worker by nature, and the current planetary alignment will push you to accomplish even more than usual.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) A new phase in your life is beginning, Capricorn. The previous phase could be interpreted as having taught you to be serious and devoted to professional responsibilities.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Discard those items from the past for which you no longer have any real use. As much as you like to surround yourself with objects of sentimental value, there comes a moment when it's necessary to look to the future rather than dwell on the past
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today's aspects might clear up some rather sketchy ideas about your professional future, Aquarius. If you long for a change, such as daring to undertake a more artistic pursuit.
VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22) Intimacy will be in the air over the next few days. Loved ones wanttospendmoretimewithyou, and you'll want to invite friends over every night.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You have acquired some sound confidence in yourself, Pisces. Now it's time to show everyone else by actually putting tis new self-assurance to use in your life.
From page 20 although CPL is an independent league, CWI did have a “watching interest” in how the league dealt with the Gayle episode. “If he was on contract with Cricket West Indies, and to a certain extent it is by being in the CPL, so we kind of have a watching interest. But we’ll wait and see what happens. “Look, am not condoning Chris, am not judging Chris. Chris clearly has a number of concerns on his mind and he decided to go public. Personally I think that was unfortunate, but the process will have to take its course and that process will get triggered because he is a contracted player in the CPL within the West Indies league.” The main reason behind Gayle’s outburst was that he had rejoined the Tallawahs in 2019 on a three-year contract with the intention of finishing his career in his home country, Jamaica. Skerritt hoped
Gayle’s career would not end abruptly on a controversial note. “I hope it doesn’t become a world matter in terms of the career of Mr Gayle because it’s been a very outstanding career and I really wouldn’t want to see it being brought to an end by this event.”Incidentally, back in the 1990s when Gayle and Sarwan were just starting their careers, Skerritt had watched them closely as West Indies’ team manager. “What has happened most recently is obviously something that to me does not reflect the Chris Gayle that I have known for many, many years. I happened to have been fortunate to be around Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Wavell Hinds, Ronnie Sarwan when they were just starting out their careers. These are guys who are all great lovers of cricket. They really loved the idea of putting on the maroon colours and along the way things have happened.
“I am not a psychologist nor am I a historian, all I can tell you (it is) very disappointing to see players who were such great team-mates, who had played so well together at times, carried the West Indies pride on their back that these kind of exchanges have taken place.”
Swiss attorney general faces... From page 24 told falsehoods and breached a code of conduct while handling the investigation into alleged corruption around FIFA. He held undocumented meetings with FIFA Secretary General Gianni Infantino during the corruption investigation, misallocated resources and tried to block the ABBA’s inquiry into the affair, AB-BA said. As punishment it cut Lauber’s nearly 300,000 Swiss franc ($309,000) salary by 8% for one year. Lauber’s office said the AB-BA decision did not “represent a conclusive finding and must stand up to judicial review.” But some anti-corruption campaigners say his position is untenable. “The only question is how will he go. The clock is ticking,” said University of Basel law professor Mark Pieth.Ursula Schneider Schuettel, a member of the judiciary committee meeting today, said proceedings were likely go to a parliamentary vote before Lauber could be dismissed. “I will support any motion for possible impeachment proceedings, but eventually it would be better for everyone if Mr Lauber resigned,” she said.
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Revised Vuelta a España route has the toughest first week of any post-war Grand Tour Cycling News - Three major summit finishes, four mountainous stages, one very hilly stage, and a finish on the Tourmalet in late October. Put it all together and the revised 2020 Vuelta a España route, bereft of its three stages in the Netherlands, now looks set to become Grand Tour racing’s hardest-ever first week since World War II. It’s impossible to consider cycling’s projected 2020 season without adding in the huge caveat of an ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the risks of a second outbreak and the possible impact of public-health measures in France and Spain. All three of these factors could yet play havoc with the revised race calendar. Assuming the season plays out as planned, the Vuelta has been reduced to 18 stages and will kick off on Tuesday, October 20 in Spain’s frontier town of Irun in the Basque Country. The first six days suddenly look even harder than recent previous editions of the race. None of which, with multiple steep little summit finishes and the odd ascent of Sierra Nevada or similarly tough
challenges, have been easy. Further afield, prime candidates for the unofficial ‘hardest first week’ of a Grand Tour include the Giro d’Italia in 1989, when it had an ascent of Mount Etna on stage 2, and 2017, when it tackled the Sicilian monster climb on stage 4. But in neither case did the Giro’s first six days contain as many mountain challenges as this year’s first six stages of the Vuelta. In 2017, the Giro had started with a relatively gentle three-day stint in Sardinia, and in 1989, while the Giro later tackled the Gran Sasso and had a team time trial that week, the other days were not nearly so difficult. As for the Tour de France, even in this year’s exceptionally tough first week, after six days of racing the Tour will ‘only’ have had two summit finishes. One will be at the comparatively easy Orcières Merlette ski station in the Alps, while the second will be a long, grinding ascent through the Massif Central to Mont Aigoual. Even if you add in the Pyrenees, which come at the start of the second week, the Tour route is not excessively difficult. In comparison, by day six
of racing and at the end of its first ‘week’, the 2020 Vuelta will have had three major summit finishes. These include its toughest stage by far: the short but fearsome run through the French Pyrenees, over the first-category Portalet, the hors-catégorie Aubisque and Col du Tourmalet summit finish, as well as the unclassified Soulor in between. That’s just the last day of the Vuelta’s short, ultra-intense first week. Bereft of its first three stages in the Netherlands, the 2020 Vuelta a España will now start on Tuesday with a very hilly stage, finishing on the Basque Country’s Mount Arrate. Densely wooded and steep-sided, not to mention being a valued nature sanctuary to the rare Azpi Gorri or Basque shaggy goat, Arrate is traditionally the finale for the most decisive stage of the Itzulia Basque Country in April. This year at the Vuelta, it will be immediately preceded by another second-category climb and two third-category ascents. Added to the prestige of winning on one of the Basque Country’s most emblematic climbs in cycling will, of
course, be the attraction of a guaranteed spell in the Vuelta’s race lead. Riders will be in top form and fresh for racing, given this is the opening stage. Last used at the Vuelta a España eight years ago in 2012, Arrate was the scene of a memorable victory for Alejandro Valverde, and he won there again in the Vuelta al País Vasco in 2017. Should he take part, as planned, Valverde – who was the runner-up of the 2019 Vuelta at 39 – could well be a major favourite for an early
spell in the lead. Things do not get any easier on stage 2 of the Vuelta, with a late ascent of the firstcategory Aralar – a viciously steep climb in north-west Navarre where an out-andout climber like Fabio Aru won in 2014, prior to a fast, technical descent. Featuring 14 per cent ramps and with cement sections on its upper slopes, Aralar will be the second opportunity in 24 hours for an important GC weedout. As if that wasn’t enough,
stage 3 concludes with the first-category ascent of the Laguna Negra de Vinuesa. Unprecedented for the Vuelta, and nearly eight kilometres long, assuming they use the harder of two approach roads up the climb, Vinuesa’s toughest segment is halfway up, with a kilometre averaging out at 11 per cent. Either way, riders will face what is the Vuelta’s second summit finish, and third incursion into the hills or mountains, in three days. Assuming there are no echelons, the sprinters will finally get a look-in on the stage 4 flat, probably very windswept, run across eastern Spain to Ejea de los Caballeros. Then, while stage 5 doesn’t look nearly so hard as the opening trio of stages on paper, its densely hilly finale could spring a few surprises. The most difficult of the climbs on stage 5 is the last – Petralba – which is rated as second-category and nine kilometres long, and just 15 kilometres from the finish. Averaging nine per cent, it is toughest at the bottom, but with a long section through a tunnel near the top. Petralba could see a dark-horse GC contender on the attack prior to Sunday’s set-piece Pyrenean showdown on the Tourmalet.
Chris Gayle’s Tallawahs outburst could Shakib Al Hasan on the lesson his draw CPL sanction ban has taught him ESPNcricinfo - Chris Gayle’s disparaging remarks against his former franchise Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is likely to earn him some sort of sanction. Such a sanction, Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt hinted, would be in order because Gayle probably brought “disrepute” to the league, which a contracted player cannot do. Although the Tallawahs management released a statement that denied calling Gayle’s release as purely a business move, the CPL has remained quiet. On Tuesday, the CPL was asked for a comment by ESPNcricinfo on whether it was deliberating on penalising Gayle, but there was no response. Last month Gayle had expressed his dismay at the Tallawahs releasing him without having informed him in an outburst on YouTube. In the video, split across four segments, Gayle singled out the franchise chief executive Jeff Miller and owner Krish Persaud for “playing a game”. He also hauled up former West Indies team-mate Ramnaresh Sarwan, who is Tallawahs’ assistant coach, for being responsible for his release. Calling Sarwan a “snake” and “very deceitful and very disrespectful”, Gayle told the Guyanese he was “no friends” anymore with him. Sarwan called Gayle’s allegations both “false” and “scandalous” and said he had no hand to play in the Jamaican being released by the Tallawahs. Skerritt viewed the entire controversy as “interpersonal battles” between individuals being played out publicly. “It cannot be good for West Indies cricket obviously. It is certainly not something that I enjoyed reading
Chris Gayle spent the 2019 CPL with Jamaica Tallawahs. (Ashley Allen - CPL T20/Getty) about,” Skerritt told i955fm, a Trinidad-based radio station, last week. However Skerritt said Gayle was answerable to the CPL only because he had a contract which clearly stated a player cannot bring the league into disrepute. Gayle, Skerritt said, would have been spared were he a retired player, voicing criticism as an outsider. “If however, a player is contracted to a club or a franchise or to Cricket West Indies, then (due to) the contract they have signed, that kind of behaviour brings that contract to some level of disrepute. So I would expect that this most recent matter is not over. “But my point is I think Chris is going to face…I’m sure there’s some kind of discussion taking place at the moment between Chris and the CPL because Chris is signed into a franchise team.”Skerritt pointed out that (Continued on page 21)
ESPNcricinfo - Bangladesh allrounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is serving a two-year ban (one year suspended) for not reporting a corrupt approach, says not taking things lightly due to “ignorance” is the biggest lesson he has learnt from this whole episode. Shakib was banned by the ICC in October last after he accepted three charges of breaching the global body’s anti-corruption code. He will be free to resume international cricket on October 29 this year. “I have realised that there are certain things that you just cannot take lightly due to ignorance, and probably that is the biggest lesson I learnt during this time,” Shakib, who is currently in the USA, told DW Bangla. “It is a very difficult time for me because at the back of the mind you always think that I am not playing or not being able to play. The good thing is that I was able to stay with my wife during the birth of our second child. “I could not do that when my first daughter was born and I am trying to be with them in the lockdown. For me making sure that I am not depressed is extremely important as I am locked down in my house.”Shakib was in sublime touch with the bat before the ban brought him down, having scored 606 runs at 86.57 at the 2019 World Cup. Once he’s back, Shakib hopes to pick up again from where he left off. “First of all, I want to return to the game. I will return to the game after four-five months. No other decision [will be taken] before that. The biggest challenge is to be able to start again from where I had stopped, that is what I’m expecting from myself. “Wish I can start from where I ended up.
Shakib Al Hasan looks on. (Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images) That is the challenge for me, nothing else.” Shakib was sensational at No. 3 at the World Cup, and he said South Africa’s AB de Villiers inspired him to bat in that position. “I was talking to de Villiers during the BPL before the World Cup. It was just a normal conversation. He told me that at times he has batted late [in an innings]. If he had batted at No. 3 then he could have contributed more to the team and scored more runs. “Thinking about the team, he always had to play at four, five, six. His theory was to play in the middle order and score 70-80, which sometimes gives the advantage to the team and sometimes it doesn’t work. But had he batted at three, then he could have scored 100-120 and might have won more.”
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Samba-style China bank on Brazilians in World Cup push Shanghai (AFP) Fernando skips down the wing and crosses for Ricardo Goulart, who tees up Elkeson to smash the ball into the top corner. Alan and Aloisio join in some Samba-style celebrations as a goal made in Brazil propels China to the 2022 World Cup. It is the stuff of make-believe, but the world’s most populous nation will soon be able to field a team with a distinctly Brazilian flavour. Despite making Elkeson the first Brazilian-born player to represent their national team last year, China’s hopes of reaching only a second World Cup hang in the balance after a lacklustre qualifying campaign so far. However, naturalised forwards Elkeson and Aloisio are both in coach Li Tie’s current squad while Goulart, Alan and Fernando are reportedly close to call-ups having finalised or nearly finalised the paperwork to play for China.All five were born in Brazil, are offensive players and, according to transfermarkt.com, are contracted to Fabio Cannavaro’s Chinese Super League (CSL) champions Guangzhou
Evergrande. Another Evergrande player, the former England youth defender Tyias Browning, could also represent China this year. It accelerates a strategy, started under ex-coach Marcello Lippi, to bring in naturalised players to bolster a squad that remains thin on talent. “Since 2019, Guangzhou Evergrande has helped (these) six players... get their Chinese ID cards and their household registration in Guangzhou,” the state-run Guangzhou Daily said. “At the same time, Guangzhou Evergrande and the Chinese Football Association have been actively promoting these naturalised players to qualify for the Chinese men’s national football team.” - World Cup dreams Evergrande spent 870 million yuan ($122 million) in transfer fees, wages and other costs on the six players, Soccer News said, citing the club’s annual report. Soccer News said that seven naturalised players could pull on China’s red shirts this year as the country attempts to qualify for the
Guangzhou Evergrande’s Brazilian-born forward Ricardo Goulart is reportedly close to a China call-up (AFP Photo/STR) Qatar World Cup. The seventh is Beijing Guoan’s London-born Nico Yennaris, who became China’s first naturalised footballer when he made his debut last year and is now known as Li Ke. The 26-year-old former Arsenal and England youth midfielder, whose mother is
Chinese, was named alongside Elkeson and debutant Aloisio in the squad that is now in Shanghai for a training camp. It is the first time in Chinese football history that three naturalised players have been called up. The squad will be limited to practice matches because
Cardboard fans, piped applause: football looks to liven up empty stands BERN (Reuters) - When B o r u s s i a Moenchengladbach met neighbours Cologne in the Bundesliga’s first-ever game without fans back in March, even the referee missed the crowd. “Football has lost half its value,” said Deniz Aytekin - despite being spared the customary abuse from the stands. Since then, it has become increasingly clear that football will have to be played behind closed doors until a major change in the course of the coronavirus pandemic - and that some creativity will be needed to provide a little atmosphere. From cardboard cut-outs of real fans to an app allowing supporters to influence the volume of noise piped into stadiums, people are developing ideas for how to put some matchday atmosphere back into the stadiums — though whether their ideas are accepted is a different matter. In Belarus, the only European league to plough on through the global health crisis, Dinamo Brest filled the stands with mannequins sporting cut-out portraits of real supporters. Moenchengladbach will
follow suit when the Bundesliga becomes the first of Europe’s major leagues to restart on Saturday. For 19 euros, the club offers to put a “cardboard you” in the stands - and visiting teams’ fans can book cut-outs for the away end. The club said more than 12,000 such effigies have been ordered so far. “The campaign organisers are regularly overrun with orders,” said Gladbach fan representative Thomas Weinmann. But for many, the real problem of “ghost matches” is the lack of noise and eerie atmosphere with the shouts of players and coaching staff echoing around deserted arenas. Cologne coach Markus Gisdol suggested this could even lead to frayed tempers. “Everyone on the sidelines was a little more irritable than usual because you could hear more of what the opposing bench were saying and what the officials were saying to each other,” he said after the Moenchengladbach game. On the other hand, he said the lack of crowd noise would take players “back to their roots.”
“Without fans, the players have to squeeze out of themselves the same qualities that turned them into Bundesliga professionals.” One company though Munich-based hack-CARE has developed an app which it says produces piped crowd noise based on the reactions of supporters watching on their sofas. Fans who download its Myapplause app choose which club to support and which match to watch, and then get four options: cheer, clap, sing or whistle. The app can support up to 350,000 users per match and, depending on the number of clicks and sound distribution, piped crowd noise is produced both at users’ homes and in the stadium. “We tested it in two Bundesliga stadiums, we were live and it went really well,” Viktor Mraz, one of the developers, told Reuters. “You press a button and the whole stadium is cheering.” He said talks were underway with all of Germany’s big clubs. “Everybody is talking to us, even other sports,” he said. “A lot of people need to agree - the players need to agree, the referees.. - so I guess we will start without
any sounds in the stadium,” he said. Mraz added that different sounds could be played in different parts of the stadium and sound levels adjusted to recreate the impression of having home and away support. “The songs for one team come over the left loudspeaker, the songs for the other come over the right loudspeaker, so you have the separation of blocks like you would usually have in the stadium,” he said. Still, issues remain. Some years ago, Swiss broadcaster SRF apologised for adding fake crowd noise to the highlights of an FC Zurich-Grasshoppers derby where fans boycotted the start of the game over ticket prices. And the last word may rest with the German Football League, which said it remains “strongly opposed” to the idea of piped noise. “Our fans can’t be replaced by any virtual audience, therefore we strongly discourage our clubs from using any artificial crowd noise,” a spokeswoman told Reuters. “We can’t force the clubs not to use it - but we think they got the point.”
Li Ke (L) and Brazilian-born Elkeson are both naturalised players now representing China (AFP Photo/STR) international games — among them World Cup qualifiers — are suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although football success, including hosting and even winning the World Cup, is a stated ambition of President Xi Jinping, China’s hopes of reaching Qatar 2022 are in real jeopardy. Italian World Cup winner Lippi quit for a second time in November after China lost 21 to Syria, despite the presence of Elkeson — Chinese name Ai Kesen — and Yennaris.The defeat left China trailing the Group A leaders by eight points, albeit with a game in hand. The top team in each group automatically reaches the next stage of qualifying, along with the four best runners-up. - ‘Sense of belonging to China’ Recruiting foreign-born players is not unique to China but it is a new approach for the country and some experts, fans and former players have voiced concern about the quick-fix policy. Chinese state media has
generally taken the line that as long as they improve the national side and win their places on merit, they deserve to play. China are desperate to get to the World Cup again having made it only once, in 2002, when they were dumped out after failing to score a goal or win a point. That the Brazilians are all attacking players reflects how badly China have struggled for goals in recent years. China’s approach also mirrors a trend seen at Chinese clubs, including Guangzhou Evergrande whose eight national titles and two Asian Champions League wins have relied heavily on South American talent. Ahead of giving the 31year-old Aloisio his call-up, Li signalled that he will take a pragmatic approach. “Undoubtedly, naturalised players can make the national team stronger,” he said.“As long as you have the ability, a sense of belonging to China and a sense of collective honour, you can be selected for the squad.”
FIFA reschedules women’s U-17, U-20 World Cups to 2021 (Reuters) - The women’s Under-20 World Cup tournament in Costa Rica and Panama, postponed from AugustSeptember due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been rescheduled for Jan. 20-Feb. 6 of next year, world governing body FIFA said yesterday. The women’s Under-17 World Cup in India, originally planned for November, has also been rescheduled for Feb. 17-March 7, 2021. Dates were confirmed after taking into account the time needed to complete qualification tournaments. FIFA also confirmed the Futsal World Cup, originally scheduled for September-October this year in Lithuania, was pushed to Sept. 12-Oct. 3, 2021. Meanwhile, the 70th FIFA Congress, which was originally due to take place in Addis Ababa, will be held as an online event on Sept. 18.
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International athletics season announced for August to October 2020 Sara Kolak in action in the javelin in Ostrava (AFP / Getty Images)
World Athletics - An international athletics season of one-day meetings is taking shape between August and October this year following the commitment of most Continental Tour Gold and Wanda Diamond League meeting directors to organise their events on rescheduled dates in 2020.A small number of countries will be able to stage meetings through June and July (Oslo’s Bislett Games will go ahead in an altered format called The Impossible Games on 11 June), but the international season is likely to commence in earnest directly after the National Championships window of 8-9 August. The first World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting of the year, the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku, Finland, will be held on 11 August.Eight of the ten Continental Tour Gold meetings originally scheduled for 2020 have been confirmed for this year, although many have been rescheduled to fall between August and October. The Nairobi meeting, originally planned to open the tour in May, has been rescheduled for 26 September, and the Nanjing and Tokyo meetings are considering dates in September-October, but these have yet to be finalised.A total prize money purse of at least US$200,000 will be offered for each Gold meeting Some Continental Tour Silver and Bronze meetings will also be able to go ahead, primarily as domestic competitions, starting from the Memorial Josefa Odlozila in Prague on 8 June. As the Wanda Diamond League has announced today, its schedule of one-day meetings will begin with the Monaco meeting on 14 August and continue through until mid-October. Due to the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic, the Diamond League organisers have announced that these will be in-
dividual meetings and will not include a series point score, so there will be no overall league winners this year and the final in Zurich will not be held.The format of each Diamond League meeting and the disciplines included will be announced by each meeting organiser two months in advance. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe has praised the cooperative efforts of the meeting organisers to work with World Athletics to put together a substantial competition season for the sport’s top athletes.“As we have worked through the challenges posed by the pandemic and the disruption it has caused to our sport, as well as the wider community, our first priority was the health and safety of our athletes. And the next priority has been to find a way to get our professional athletes back into international competition this year as their incomes rely on this. “I’m delighted that it now looks like we will be able to offer them a solid international season between August and October where they can earn prize money and assess their training progress in preparation for next year’s Olympic Games, although we know this will not be easy for everyone.“Inevitably international travel restrictions will affect the ability of some athletes to attend some meetings, but we hope that there will be a wide enough range of meetings available for most elite athletes to access some competition before the end of the year.” Of the World Athletics Series events that were scheduled for 2020, only the World Half Marathon Championships will go ahead this year, on 17 October in Gdynia, Poland.The World Indoor Championships will be held in Nanjing, 19-21 March, 2021, but the World U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, and the
World Race Walking Team Championships in Minsk, Belarus are still being rescheduled. 2020 international competition calendar: August 11 Turku – Continental Tour Gold 14 Monaco – Wanda Diamond League 16 Gateshead – Wanda Diamond League 20 Szekesfehervar – Continental Tour Gold 23 Stockholm – Wanda Diamond League September 2 Lausanne – Wanda Diamond League 4 Brussels – Wanda Diamond League 6 Paris (tbc) – Wanda Diamond League 6 Silesia – Continental Tour Gold 8 Ostrava – Continental Tour Gold 15 Zagreb – Continental Tour Gold 17 Rome/Naples – Wanda Diamond League 19 Shanghai – Wanda Diamond League 26 Nairobi – Continental Tour Gold October 4 Eugene – Wanda Diamond League 9 Doha – Wanda Diamond League 17 World Athletics Half Marathon Championships 17 China (venue tba) – Wanda Diamond League Note: dates for the Continental Tour Gold meetings in Tokyo and Nanjing are still to be finalised. A number of marathons and road races have also been rescheduled from earlier this year to later in the year which will provide the road running community with a range of competition opportunities.
CWI should think carefully before deciding on English tour Says Sean Devers On Friday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the England Cricket Board (ECB) are scheduled to set up a conference call to discuss pertinent issues of the West Indies tour of the United Kingdom (UK) with the possibility of playing a Three-Test series set to start in July. Due the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the Caribbean Islands and Guyana on the South American mainland have closed their airports and, in the case of Guyana, their Borders with Brazil, Venezuela and their Eastern Maritime Border with Suriname. Guyana will consider lifting its lock on June 3 but with the ‘Known’ cases moving from 73 to triple figures in just three days, the lifting of the lockdown and the Curfew from the 6AM to 6PM could be extended. UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Government has planned a strategy to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic by announcing that some sporting events could take place behind closed-doors for broadcast only and will begin from June 1. The plans will be reviewed often and postponed if there is a growth in the virus infection rate. “Allowing cultural and sporting events behind closed doors for broadcast... would provide a muchneeded boost to national morale,” said Prime Minister Johnson who was infected by the Virus. Maybe encouraged by the PM’s remarks, the ECB
has come with a plan to play matches at grounds that have Hotels and with no spectators, while the West Indies players, officials and Media will have to participate in a 14day quarantine. The ECB reiterates that international cricket remains its priority in the fast-shrinking global cricket window and the best place to play game is in a bio-secure environment, behind closed doors. Tours to England usually earn CWI more financial remuneration than to any other Country but CWI should think carefully before deciding on the English tour and weigh the balance between Money and safety of the players with UK still seeing more COVID-19 cases every day. At Friday’s teleconference, CWI President Ricky Skerritt and hopefully West Indies Captain Jason Holder should discus some important aspects of this arrangement, since if the shoe was on the other foot, England would never send its team into an environment of uncertainty with a global pandemic still spreading. The Caribbean Islands are all sovereign Countries and will not open their airports at the same time, while the‘stay at home’ policy will not allow any practice on a pitch for the players.Before a team departs for an overseas assignment the players usually participate in a training Camp in Antigua.Due to this Pandemic, these thing will not happen so players will not be
able to perform to their full capacity, while being forced to remain indoors on their arrival in England could see an under prepared team having to compete in English conditions.The English side will have some extra time to prepare while the West Indians are under quarantine. What if some senior players, who put their good health above the money, refuse to put themselves at physical and mental risk; would they be dropped from future teams and would the CWI send a depleted team? The ECB and CWI had a conference call recently to discuss the viability of going ahead with the Test series. Also present on the call were West Indies Captain Jason Holder, Head Coach Phil Simmons, director of cricket Jimmy Adams along with CWI chief executive Johnny Grave. It is understood that there has been no confirmation of anything and both that Boards have had medical and cricket discussions. Holder said that he would not want to be rushed into any decision without having addressed all necessary precautions needed in order to travel to England. “This pandemic has been really, really serious, as we all know, and has claimed quite a few lives throughout the world, and that’s the last thing any of us would really want,” Holder said. “I think we’ve got to play the safety card first before we can even think about resuming our normal lives,” Holder said.
Swiss attorney general faces possible impeachment over handling of FIFA corruption probe ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber faces the start of proceedings today that could lead to his impeachment after criticism of his handling of an investigation into alleged corruption surrounding soccer’s governing body FIFA. Lauber has been accused by anti-corruption campaigners of botching a fraud trial over payments linked to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The five-year statute of limitations in the case expired last month before the Federal Criminal Court could rule, increasing calls for Lauber to resign. An independent watchdog has also sharply criticised his conduct of the investigation into allegations of corruption at FIFA, whose headquarters are in Zurich. A committee of 17 lawmakers will consider whether there are reasonable grounds to suspect Lauber broke rules or was grossly negligent. They can summon him for questioning next week before deciding whether to open formal proceedings.Lauber, who would be the first national official impeached since the federal state of Switzerland was established in 1848, has defended his handling of the case,
saying FIFA itself was not a target of the inquiry, and has appealed to the Swiss administrative court against the watchdog’s findings. Lauber issued no new comment on the eve of Wednesday’s proceedings. “If we decide to carry out this procedure, we have to do it correctly, beyond reproach, to safeguard our institutions,” Andrea Caroni, chairman of the parliamentary judicial committee, told Reuters. “The attorney general and his office have a huge responsibility for the Swiss criminal justice system and our international standing ... This office – and its independence - are very important for the national and international reputation of Switzerland as a country of rule of law.” WATCHDOG’S CRITICISM Lauber’s office has handled high-profile money laundering and corruption cases linked to Brazilian state oil firm Petrobras, Malaysian state development fund 1MDB and FIFA, but has brought few charges in matters that brought convictions in other countries. AB-BA, an independent oversight authority, said this year that Lauber had repeatedly (Continued on page 21)
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Guyana Amazon Warriors retain stars for 2020 season GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Guyana Amazon Warriors have retained top players from their 2019 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) squad for this year’s season which is set to start in August unless the COVID-19 pandemic forces it to be rescheduled or cancelled. Wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran who was signed by Amazon Warriors as their marquee player last season, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Anthony Bramble, Brandon King and Odean Smith have all returned for another season, according to the list of retained local and regional players released by the CPL yesterday. Guyanese Kevin Sinclair, an Emerging West Indies player, was the only new sign. “ We a r e e x t r e m e l y delighted that we were able to retain the majority of our local and regional players, including Nicholas Pooran and Brandon King, both of whom have been hailed by the cricket pundits as potential future stars of West Indies cricket and who were members of our team last year,” Guyana Amazon Warriors Team Operations Manager, Omar Khan said. He added that the
Sherfane Rutherford played a match-winning knock.
Kevin Sinclair thinks he has Anthony Bramble LBW during a practice at Providence. franchise remains committed to the continued development of local and regional players. “From the inception of the CPL we included young Guyanese players in our squad as part of the franchise’s mandate to provide opportunities to young aspiring Guyanese cricketers to assist in their overall development as professional cricketers,” Khan added, noting that Hetmyer, Paul and Rutherford had all benefitted from such opportunities before becoming full-fledged members of the team. This year, the six CPL franchise teams were
allowed to retain as many players from their 2019 squads as they wished, transfer players to other teams and sign emerging players. The retentions and signings of international players have not yet been announced. The CPL said they will be made public at a later date. The CPL is scheduled to take place between August 19 and September 26 but tournament organisers are liaising with medical advisors and governments, given the COVID-19 situation, to decide whether it can proceed as planned, or at a different time.
The following are the Local and Regional players retained and signed by the franchise for CPL 2020: Nicholas Pooran (Trinidad & Tobago) Shimron Hetmyer (Guyana) Brandon King (Jamaica) Keemo Paul (Guyana) Sherfane Rutherford (Guyana) Romario Shepherd (Guyana) Chandrapaul Hemraj (Guyana) Kevin Sinclair (Guyana)* O d e a n S m i t h (Jamaica) Anthony Bramble (Guyana)
(* Emerging player)
Kevin Sinclair hit a cameo 28 before taking 4-20 as the WI Emerging Players won the Super50 tournament last night at the QPO.
Vettel to leave Ferrari at end of 2020 F1 season LONDON (Reuters) Four-times Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 season, with the German facing an uncertain future in racing. The sport’s oldest, most glamorous and successful team announced the move in a statement yesterday after talks on a new contract ended without a deal. “This is a decision taken jointly by ourselves and Sebastian, one which both parties feel is for the best,” said Ferrari principal Mattia Binotto. “It was not an easy decision to reach, given Sebastian’s worth as a driver and as a person.” Vettel joined in 2015 with the dream of emulating boyhood hero and seven times champion Michael Schumacher in winning
titles in the famous red cars. Where the 32-year-old will go, whether he will remain in a sport whose delayed season has yet to start, and who might replace him are the big questions now. “In order to get the best possible results in this sport, it’s vital for all parties to work in perfect harmony,” said Vettel. “The team and I have realised that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season. “Financial matters have played no part in this joint decision. That’s not the way I think when it comes to making certain choices and it never will be.” “What’s been happening in these past few months has led many of us to reflect on what are our real priorities in life,” added the father of
Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel during Media day for the Australian Grand Prix at the - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit. (REUTERS/Edgar Su) three, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic that has sent countries around the world into lockdown. Vettel said he would now take time “to reflect on what really matters when it comes to my future”. TIME TO SPLIT
German media, who flagged up the departure on Monday night, reported that he had rejected the terms being offered. They suggested Vettel, who won 14 races with the team and is their third-most successful driver, had been
offered only a one-year extension with a salary reduction.Ferrari had said the German, who won his titles with Red Bull from 2010-13, was their first choice to partner Charles Leclerc in 2021. Binotto said there was no one reason for the split “apart from the common and amicable belief that the time had come to go our separate ways in order to reach our respective objectives”. Leclerc, who won two races last year and is only 22, has a contract until 2024 and is seen as the future of a team that last won a driver’s title with Kimi Raikkonen in 2007. The Monegasque outperformed Vettel last year in his first season at Ferrari, finishing ahead of him overall and taking more points, poles, podiums and
wins.“It’s been a huge honor for me to be your team mate,” Leclerc said on Twitter.“We’ve had some tense moments on tracks, some very good ones and some others that didn’t end as we both wanted, but there was always respect, even though it wasn’t perceived this way from the outside. “I’ve never learnt so much as I did with you as my teammate. Thank you for everything Seb.” Australian Daniel Ricciardo, at Renault, and McLaren’s Spaniard Carlos Sainz have been installed as the leading candidates to take one of the most coveted seats on the grid. Six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton has also been linked with Ferrari but has repeatedly indicated he intends to stay with Mercedes.
Guyana Amazon Warriors retain stars for 2020 season
Chandrapaul Hemraj hooks.
Swiss attorney general faces possible impeachment over handling of FIFA corruption probe
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Kemo Paul exults after getting the wicket of Chris Gayle. (Getty Images)
Regional umpires have been impacted by the cessation of cricket.
Nicholas Pooran and Sherfane Rutherford are among the retained players.
CWI should think carefully before deciding on English tour England captain Joe Root and West Indies captain Jason Holder. (Alamy)
Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber gives a statementafter his re-election in the Swiss Federal Assembly in Bern, Switzerland, September 25, 2019. (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse)
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