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Monday May 18, 2020
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: SHARMAIN GRAINGER Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
The president has spoken, his should be the last word A kind conclusion would be that it is a game of blind man’s bluff. A harsher one would be that it is indicative of the mindlessness of a mob bent on fostering mischief. Like the rest of Guyana, we are still wondering, which is it, when all these clashing and bewildering statements are deposited into the public domain. Guyanese are struggling to cope amidst much gloom with the great challenges of the day, only to have to face an almost daily assault on the senses of one contradiction after the other from various senior people in the Coalition relative to Elections 2020. Sometimes on the same platform on the same message and at the same time. It would be so much more helpful if they would spare time and effort to get their stories straight and so speak with a single voice on the same issues. They make fools of supporters (and any who listen to them anymore) and, in the process, make themselves look totally foolish. It might be better to have one spokesperson, or not to speak at all, if there is nothing uniform to offer. There is too much clutching at hairs, living on seesaws, and attempting unwisely to walk on water. We say unwisely, based on the embarrassing verbal acrobatics-unimpressive antics, that are delivered almost without interruption nearly daily. As we look on at this, it is as if the Coalition has to respond like a sensitive tensioned-spring jack-in-the box to say something. All too frequently, that has come across as simply saying anything for the sake of saying something, and no more. This is perplexing at first blush, and ridiculing looked at more critically. One would think that there would be a concerted effort on the inside of the group to deliberate upon and finalize a clear and convincing message(s) on any and every aspect of the elections and then let that be the continuous and unswerving message(s) that is articulated before press and people. Caretaker president, Mr. David Granger, has himself gone on record to share the simplest and most telling of statements. It is that whatever the results, as finalised by GECOM at the end of the current recount process, it will be accepted. On Sunday, he reiterated this stance that he will accept “any” declaration by GECOM. That is it: no long talk, no need for more running around to find interpreters and lip readers, regarding what he means. Though some may see ulterior motives in Mr. Granger’s visit to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Sunday morning, we take the position that he should be commended for an act of needed statesmanship, which shows solidarity with the workers and teams at the Recount Centre. That is, as they expose themselves and their families to potential health risks, notwithstanding precautionary measures implemented and adhered to, he joins with them for a moment of encouragement. We need more of that here, and not only on things elections. The president then went further when he voiced that “any” declaration will be accepted. That should be reassuring to all, be they political opponents, the GECOM staff, or the international community. It does not require any subtitles or any great insight and wisdom. When a party leader and the nation’s president has gone before the Guyanese public, and in front of the whole world for that matter, to commit to acceptance of wherever the GECOM recount process terminates and whatever good or not so good news that it delivers, then that is the end of the story, the last of all discussions. He speaks for all in his consortium of political parties. It is that and nothing else from no one else. The man, the leader, has placed the sanctity of his word and his honour into the hottest part of the furnace, without any fear, any flinching, and what we think is any intention of retreating. That is gold bond and blue ribbon all rolled into one. He has spoken, and that alone stands. All other messages from other members of the Coalition now pale into insignificance. What they have to say does not matter, does not count. The president’s word, as given, now speaks for them all.
SOMEWHAT REASSURING DEAR EDITOR, President David Granger, following a visit to the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, has reiterated an earlier committment that he will abide with the decision taken by GECOM following the conclusion of the recount exercise. This is somewhat reassuring especially when seen against the background of earlier comments made by former Attorney General Basil Williams and PNC General Secretary Amna Ally, both of whom had indicated that the recount processes have
allegedly unearthed a number of ‘irregularities’ which could impact the credibility of the results. Mr. Williams have gone on record as saying that the results of the recount would be ‘illegal’ from the standpoint of a second declaration, which has now been debunked by President Granger. It seems apparent that there are significant divergences, and at times conflicting positions taken by key leaders of the APNUAFC Coalition on the issue of how to treat with the final declaration having regard to
the multitude of ‘irregularities’ discovered so far. Putting aside the Observation Reports for the time being, the current trend in the recount exercise is consistent with those of the PPP/ C which when taken to finality will confirm a PPP/C victory. It is significant that the President made no mention in his briefing with the press about any observed ‘deficiencies’ as claimed by the Coalition’s scrutineers and repeated ad nauseam by leading Party officials. Instead President Granger reaffirmed in clear and unambigious
language that he will respect the final declaration based on the recount. There are some who are of the view that this assurance is an attempt by the President to deflect criticisms, which he is facing over his refusal to allow the Carter Center to reenter the country to observe the recount. Whether or not this is indeed the case remains to be seen but his most recent pronouncements do hold out some hope that the expressed will of the electorate could finally prevail. Hydar Ally
We must condemn these actions DEAR EDITOR, The failure of the Chairperson of GECOM to demonstrate her control and command of the recount process at the Conference Centre speaks volumes, and at the same time confirmed that GECOM has become a major battlefield for free, fair and credible elections. For the first time since 1992, GECOM officials have publicly displayed partiality in favour of the g o v e r n i n g p a r t y, a n d demonstrated in the present recount process
that it would not change, as we await mo r e p l o t s a n d s t r a t e g i e s to either engineer a false declaration once again or to derail the recount. GECOM is responsible for the current situation in Guyana. Since the successful passage of the no confidence motion, this autonomous electoral body is conveniently facilitating and tolerating the APNU/ AFC de facto government to hang o n t o p o w e r. G E C O M
allowed Mingo to fabricate false spreadsheets with inflated numbers, refusing to comply with the constitution in declaring the elections results . The recount exercise that is ongoing has already exposed the false results of Region Four declaration that was clearly inflated. For this reason, the APNU/AFC activists has started a campaign of propaganda trying to discredit the recount exercise. The refusal by David
Granger to facilitate the Carter Center and other international observers to returned is an indication that the APNU/AFC is planning a hijack of the elections recount exercise. Plans seem to be afoot, conveniently, to ensure that APNU/AFC hijack plans are implemented. As Guyanese, we must condemn these actions and guard against any action that would hijack the recount exercise. Regards, Zamal Hussain
A grave and serious insult and affront to the ABCE countries DEAR EDITOR, I write as a very concerned Guyanese regarding the very unintelligent and crass response and refusal by the Guyana GOVERNMENT, and its refusal of the return of the Carter Center Observers. It is an embarrassment of great magnitude, of which I personally apologise, and quite honestly, I very much doubt that this Government has even conceived the magnitude of damage that they have done. We have seen the misuse and theft of petrodollars in West Africa, and I am sure that the ABCE countries would not allow this to happen in Guyana. If we go back generations, the Americans built the Atkinson Field on lease, and then returned the airport to Guyana. There have been hundreds of millions of investments in Guyana, and recently with the present oil company, which they will protect at all costs. We are all aware of history during the last World War. The commander of the fleet that bombed scores of American warships in Pearl Harbour, said to his Officers after he completed the bombings, that WE HAVE
JUST AWAKENED A SLEEPING GIANT. It was not long after that, two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. That was the end of the war, and a complete surrender. One does not show disrespect to the most powerful nations on earth and would say Guyana has just stepped over the border. I am of the opinion in the vocabulary of the ABCE Countries, the word Sovereignty does not apply to countries where there are Dictators or Illegal Governments, as we have seen recently in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan. I think the Government of Guyana has forgotten that they are dealing with the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND GREAT…REPEAT GREAT BRITAIN. I am of the view that the ABCE countries are looking at severe penalties even in the interim period. I can see that all financial support being placed on hold until the outcome of the Political Situation, until the CREDIBLE AND D E M O C R A T I C GOVERNMENT IS IN PLACE. I have seen quite rightly the American Government
without any hesitation has insisted that irrespective of the whims of the present GOVERNMENT, there must be free, fair and credible results of the elections. THAT IS A MUST. In the event that the GOVERNMENT is working assiduously to rig and give a fraudulent result, the options that could be taken are very clear. I am sure the ABCE countries already have on their drawing board their plan of action. I am sure SANCTION IN TOTALITY is one. But, I am sure that the second option of the removal of a Dictator or Illegal Government is on the cards. That would involve a planned military intervention in order
to remove the Illegal Government, and put in place a Democratically Elected Government. That can be done in the shortest possible time. I am obviously in favour of the second option, since sanctions take time and would no doubt have a significant effect on the poor, who no doubt are presently suffering and increasingly so throughout the country. There are jobs being lost in the Sugar Industry, the Gold Production, the Bauxite Industry and the Private Sector where people are being laid off. The GOVERNMENT does not have any inputs to generate jobs. They have already stated that finding jobs for the (Continued on page 6)
Would claim be disavowed? DEAR EDITOR, Everyday it seems we are in for continued barrage of instances, to borrow a suitable description, ‘inanities’. The headline “ ‘Government’ congratulates Granger on ‘re-election’ “ (KN May 16) is one of those instances. Just like the U S
lobbying firm issue and OAS head observer team’s forthright comments would the ‘government’ and particularly the caretaker president be on the take and quick to shoot down this claim and disavow same? Silence is tantamount to acceptance. Shamshun Mohamed
Monday May 18, 2020
DEAR EDITOR, I have thought long and hard about writing this reflection and making it available. Nevertheless, here goes. Thanks to the PPP, and later the PPP/C, I have had the privilege of participating in Guyana’s electoral process beginning from the December 16, 1968 elections as a Polling Agent for the party. It was in that election that I witnessed rigging for the first time. Local government elections were held in June 29, 1970, I was assigned responsibility as the Election Agent for North Georgetown. Those elections were flagrantly rigged in favour of the PNC. For the elections held on July 16, 1973, I witnessed the army intervention in the elections held in that year. Three activists of the party were shot and killed at the close of poll in Berbice. I represented the PPP as a Polling Agent and a Counting Agent for those elections. The army facilitated the rigging results at its headquarters. That is history and irrespective of how hard Mr. Granger tries, he cannot convince citizen Rohee otherwise. Then came the referendum held on July 10, 1978 for a new constitution. That referendum was blatantly rigged. The opposition political parties boycotted the referendum. I was fully involved in monitoring the events of that day together with other party comrades as well with representatives of other opposition parties who had come together to form the Committee in Defence of Democracy (CDD). For the first time in our c o u n t r y ’s elections history, election observers came to Guyana to observe the conduct of the referendum. They were snubbed by the then President Burnham.The observers nevertheless remained in the country and completed their mission. Elections were held again on December 9, 1985 following the promulgation of the new constitution in December 15, 1980. President Burnham died on August 6, of 1985. Hoyte succeeded him. In time for the elections
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REFLECTIONS
At times, you got to feel sorry for Lindeners
to be held in that year, I was assigned by the party to serve on the Elections Commission, not yet called GECOM. The Commission at that time comprised of myself as the sole representative of the P P P, two representatives of the PNC, a government nominated retired judge as chairman and a handpicked Secretary. It was a grueling experience. The elections held on December 9, under President Hoyte were blatantly rigged. Overseas observers came to Guyana to observe those elections which were described to be ‘as crooked as barbed wire.’ Hoyte came under immense pressure from the Commonwealth, Caricom, a number of American Congressmen and Senators, UK and Canadian members of parliament and a host on international nong o v e r n m e n t a l organizations to hold free and fair elections. For the first time, the Carter Center formed part of the electoral front. They successfully brokered an agreement with Hoyte to institute a number of electoral reforms including, counting the votes at the place of poll, a reconstituted Elections Commission, a new voters’ list, overseas observers and access of opposition parties to state media. Elections were postponed for two years to
allow for the drawing up of a new voters’ list and for the passage of legislation in parliament to facilitate implementation of the reforms. Elections were finally held on October 5, of 1992. I participated in the campaign as a candidate o n t h e P P P / C ’s l i s t o f candidates having resigned from the Guyana Elections Commission in 1991. For the first time since 1968, the elections were free and fair. I was handed first, the responsibility of Minister without portfolio in the Office of the President and a mere few weeks later, the portfolio of Minister of Foreign Affairs. Between 1992 and 2015, elections were free and fair and endorsed by overseas bservers, though question still remain on the basis of an elections petition concerning the veracity of the results of the 2015 elections. At every election, won by the PPP/C since 1992, the PNC, later the PNC/R and much later the APNU in alliance with the AFC have been making protests, demonstrations over the conduct and results of the elections. True, there were challenges but not of the contrived nature of what faces the nation now ever since passage of the No Confidence Motion in December of 2018 and the eventual holding of the March 2, 202O election. As the PNC evolved ideologically, politically
and organizationally, so did its membership. A new breed of leaders calling themselves politicians have seized power in the PNC. Their behaviour is as mad as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. Greed, hunger and love for absolute power has so engulfed them that they can’t think straight. It is this new breed of leaders in alliance with a bunch of political opportunists in the leadership of the AFC who have taken Guyana down the path of destruction in their quest to hold on to power by all means. Never in my more than fifty years in active politics and my active participation in eleven elections held in my country have I ever experienced a more bizarre, unbelievable and surreal electoral process as this one in 2020. Maybe it has to do with the state of mind of the individuals who desperately cling to power not recognizing the shifting sands under their feet nor the wind of change blowing gustily from Point Playa to Moleson Creek. They seem hell bent on taking our country into a no man’s land where we have never been before but it is situations such as this that creates a breeding ground for movements who are prone to resort to extremist actions as a means to achieving their goals. Clement J. Rohee
DEAR EDITOR, At times, you got to feel sorry for Lindeners as they only have one source of information which is the PNC. The PNC had bankrupted Guyana in the past which is why Linden is a depressed community. With Lindeners continued support of the PNC, there is little hope that Linden will prosper. To prosper, we need human resources, mineral resources and capital all working together. While Linden have mineral resources and human resources, it lacks capital/
finance to be developed further. With the PNC in control of Linden, there is little that can be done to develop the town. To develop further, Lindeners need to get rid of the PNC. But I don’t believe that they will want to rid themselves of the Burnham party because they can’t bring themselves to support the PPP/C. Like I said at the beginning that you got to feel sorry for Lindeners; they are their own nemesis. Yours faithfully, Sean Ori
Charity begins at home DEAR EDITOR, Back in the day, when the PPP was the minority party, they hated everything American. Today, they are calling for the Carter Center Foundation to observe the Recount Process of the General Elections held in Guyana, last March. The founders of the Carter Center are Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and their political party in the USA is the Democratic Party. In 2016, it is believed the DNC rigged their Elections to ordain Hillary Clinton as their
candidate. In 2020, it is believed that the same was done to ensure Joe Biden is the candidate. Both times Bernie Sanders was their victim. Instead of trying to interfere in other Elections worldwide, the Carter Center Foundation should first monitor the Electoral Process/ Elections within Jimmy Carter’s DNC. Sort out their shenanigans and gerrymandering. Charity begins at home! Yours truly, B. Singh
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Pandemic Impact on Globalization and Human Emotions DEAR EDITOR, This COVID pandemic has shaken human behaviour in Guyana, the diaspora and globe. What was earlier so ‘normal’ is replaced by ‘a new normal’. Globalization and emotions are impacted. This virus has changed human dreams, aspirations and outlook, brought the world to its knees, and the result of just under 2 gms by weight of the virus from across the globe. The pandemic has inexorably underscored that humanity has become an organic whole ‘vasudhaiw kutumbakam’, the old Indian Sanskrit adage (world is one) pinprick causes pain felt by the whole. As observed, the virus has leveled mountains of status, people, countries, the haves and the have-nots. In January, when news f i l t e r e d o u t o f Wu h a n about a new highly contagious coronavirus, we felt secured, comforted in Guyana, America, Europe, India, elsewhere by its remoteness. Alas, within weeks, like wild fire, this virus had entered our lives melting disconnections, replacing it with palpable fear and u n c e r t a i n t y. T h e e n t i r e globe is affected. Trade, economy, emotional bonds are all affected showing we
are connected globally. Human value systems evolved across aeons that define perennial human emotions are changing. For example, tactile communication of love as a human value, long established as a norm, is changing given the highly contagious nature of this virus coupled with the emergence of unknown asymptomatic carriers who infect others. The emotional vacuum created by the virus is hard to fill. We have hardly even begun to understand the enormity of emotional shock resulting from the pandemic. Imagine that a funeral where mourners just drive by or troop past the bereaved family maintaining social distance or worse still, consider the plight of dear ones who cannot even accompany the coffin of a COVID deceased to final resting place. Siblings can’t hug loved ones returning from far off lands and who are quarantined. And then there is the reticence and stoicism with which neighbours greet you and worse if you are infected by or a survivor of the virus. That warmth, intimate hug to make you feel loved are gone. How will one live without these
tiny gestures of love and togetherness. What will be ‘the new norms’ of expression of human bonds and intimacy – a question that even the most anticipatory of futurologists have not yet enquired or visualized. The value loads that humans had so assiduously attached to events and things over the years and hooked up their aspirations and dreams to, have started to melt. Cherished dream of migrating foreign lands and the associated glamour has suddenly evaporated. In the past, it was from ‘local to global’. Now, the new mantra is ‘from global to local’ — become self-reliant which was once the mantra during decolonization period that itself was replaced by globalization! Goodbye to international jet setting tourneys. On a sombre note, that poor Guyanese migrant or visitor in America or elsewhere now yearns to return home and the intimacy of simple life. Alas, that is, if he survives,
the long harsh journey back home from wherever. Dreams have changed, with the aspiration ‘if I have to die let it be my own country or in my home town or village’. The virus has hit the economic system too that has been diligently evolved by humans. In fact, this system is responsible for exacerbating the hiatus among human beings. Whether it is status ascription, material affluence or power to affect the other, the ultimate source of it all can be traced to this entrenched economic system. Is it crumbling? Well, the ‘new normal’ is certainly not going to be as of yore. As it is, symbols of status, affluence, and power are fast depreciating and in the post COVID world likely to emerge in a totally different form and substance. Work culture has already changed from glamorous swank office spaces to work from home with seamless connectivity. Work itself is likely to get more efficient and less
A grave and... From page 4 unemployed is not a matter for the GOVERNMENT. I would like to thank the ABCE COUNTRIES for all your past efforts, in giving Guyana all your help and assistance, and I am quite assured that you will not
deny the people of Guyana their true rights and the propensity to live and work with full knowledge that the Government would be Democratic and legal with no Dictatorship or Illegal Government. Quinn Anderson
intrusive and bossy. Welcome changes, but for the less equipped without technological background, especially manual labourers and farmers, and those who are ingrained with b u r e a u c r a t i c underpinnings, change in work culture is likely to precipitate a catharsis. We b t r a ff i c i s o n t h e increase, with a major fallout being lesser traffic on the roads and lesser office space requirements relieving some of the pressures of urbanization. Lesser face-to-face contact would imply decision making without recourse to human contact element, thus radically altering work culture. With a new world today, needs and wants are not being driven by the background music of glamorous advertisements but by what humans actually need for survival.
A strange scenario when economies are going into recession because humans are not consuming redundancies to grow the economy and create jobs. The great pandemic paradox facing T&T and the world today is ‘Whether to open the economy to save it or to extend the lockdown to save humans’. The highfalutin lifestyles of the developed world and those aping them were unsustainable. But who was listening! The pandemic and nature have been given avid consumers time to ease up and listen. Nature is selfhealing and smiling. Rivers are running clean, environmental pollution almost zero, birds and other animals (especially in big cities) are visiting humans. Is it the END or a RESURRECTION? Sincerely, By Prof. Ram Shankar And Dr. Vishnu Bisram
Concerns of Farmers of Left Bank Abary DEAR EDITOR, The savannah lands of the Left bank of Abary were leased to 12 farmers for the main purpose of cattle rearing. These lands are separated by wired fence line since the third depth is being utilized for a Ranch. The Ranch purpose is to have the cows and calves in sections. However, over the past couple of weeks, the said land leased to us farmers were illegally ploughed by four (4) farmers for the purpose of rice cultivation. It must be noted that these lands were never leased to these four (4) farmers hence their actions are deemed unlawful. To date, forty-five (45) acres of land have been ploughed at the first depth and one hundred and fifty (150) acres of land ploughed in the second depth. The illegal farmers are now proceeding to plough lands at the third depth with the use of tractors and excavators. These illegal activities have to date resulted in the death of three (3) cows and threats on our lives which we (legal owners) are gravely concerned about. These lands are lands that would have been maintained with up-to-date payments to the MMA authorities for the lease. Hence, there is no outstanding payment to the MMA by any of us farmers for these lands. The MMA was formally informed by letter on this matter but to
date, no feedback has been provided by the MMA Authorities about this case. It is on this note that we, the farmers are concerned since at this time, we can’t safely say what is MMA’s position with these lands (Cattle rearing or rice cultivation?). All we are asking is for the MMA authority to confirm if the land that is leased to us farmers for cattle rearing or can now be utilized for rice cultivation. Even with this confirmation, farmers who have been paying the lease for years should be given first preference to engage in any agricultural activity seem fit. In 2013, one of the four (4) farmers and his son would have ploughed part of this said land of which a report was filed with the MMA authority. The Chairman and General Manager invited us [twelve (12)] farmers to a meeting and informed that the land issued to us is not for rice cultivation. Additionally, no farmer can take it upon himself to fence a land of which was not leased to by the MMA. With this said, we the farmers of Left Bank Abary summon MMA authorities to pronounce on the illegal activities of these four (4) farmers since their actions can result in affecting between 1300-1500 heads of cattle currently being reared in the savannah lands. Yours truly, A concerned farmer
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Despite gaping loopholes in Stabroek Block deal… Room still exists for Guyana to have a say on oil companies’ spending By Kiana Wilburg The Stabroek Block contract does not contain a single provision, which secures Guyana’s right to approve how much ExxonMobil and its partners intend to spend. In fact, Guyana can only check the oil companies’ bills to ensure the costs incurred were not inflated and that they are in keeping with international benchmarks. But even with such a gaping loophole in the Stabroek Block deal, Energy Expert and International Consultant, Anthony Paul, said Guyana still has a few good opportunities to increase its influence. Paul noted that ExxonMobil is moving at break neck speed to monetize its discoveries. In doing so, it will need approval from the government for its Field Development Plans. It is at this point, Paul noted, that Guyana can say, “In exchange for the approval, these are the conditions you have to comply with.” The Trinidadian Energy Strategist made these and other comments during a recent appearance on Kaieteur Radio’s Programme, Guyana’s Oil and You. There,
- TT Expert, Anthony Paul
TT Energy Expert, Anthony Paul Paul said the county has numerous opportunities to claw back some of the value lost in the lopsided ExxonMobil deal. He noted, however that this is only doable to the extent that the government has the ability of understanding what it wants and deserves and the confidence to ask for it. He said that at the end of the day, it really boils down to willpower. The international consultant said, “...If you haven’t got the will power to do it (then more value is lost). And we know when the contract was renegotiated in 2015 -2016; the opportunity
was there with different information to make some significant changes. How that occurred gives you a sense of the will to make changes...” Prior to the 2020 elections saga and the COVID-19 pandemic, ExxonMobil has been pushing for the approval of its Payara Field Development Plan. Once those two issues are behind them, ExxonMobil’s partner on the Stabroek Block, Hess Corporation, said that getting the approval for Payara will be their “number one, two and three priority.” Payara is a significant project for the Stabroek Block partners. According to documents provided to the Environmental Protection Agency, by ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exoploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), the Payara development will produce up to 180,000 to 220,000 barrels of oil per day and will be located in the eastern area of the Stabroek Block, which is approximately 190 km (118 miles) from Georgetown. During the early stage of
Over two months after…
Police still to give update on cop’s fatal shooting of bus driver It’s been over two months since a police sergeant accidentally shot and killed Mahdia bus driver Cleon Gomes, but officials are yet to give an update on the outcome of the probe. Kaieteur News understands that a report is with the Police Complaints Authority. Cleon Gomes, 36, of 111 Miles, Mahdia, Region 8, was shot to his left shoulder on February 27, 2020, during a dispute with another man at the Number 72 bus park. He succumbed shortly after. According to reports, the police sergeant said that he was drinking with Gomes and other bus drivers when a miner and Gomes got into an altercation.
Cleon Gomes He alleged that the miner was about to chop Gomes with a cutlass when he opened fire to wound the attacker.
Unfortunately, he shot Gomes instead, the policeman said. From reports reaching Kaieteur News, the rank was not subjected to a medical examination to ascertain how much alcohol he had consumed. Sources said that the detained miner claimed that he was armed with a length of wood, rather than a cutlass, during the altercation with Gomes. Investigators reportedly have no evidence to support the policeman’s claim that the miner had a cutlass. The rank was placed under close arrest while a team from the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) conducted the investigation.
production operations, the FPSO for Payara is anticipated to produce up to an average of approximately 5,700,000 to 6,600,000 barrels
of crude oil per month. These estimates are preliminary and are subject to change. The operator notes that oil production from Payara is expected to last at least 20 years with startup of the facilities expected to occur approximately in mid-2023.
Further to this, it was noted that the Project is expected to employ up to 600 persons during development well drilling, approximately 600 persons at the peak of the installation stage, and up to about 140 persons during production operations.
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WE ARE ALL INNOCENT HERE! A great deal of misinformation continues to be peddled about the 2020 General and Regional Elections. This happens when the narrative keeps shifting. Once you begin to stretch the truth, you have to continue doing so because one contradiction leads to another. It was the APNU+AFC which bragged that the Recount would confirm its victory. But no sooner had the Recount commenced that the narrative began to change. It is now claimed that the elections was rigged by the Opposition. That opposition must have been highly incompetent in its rigging to have handed the Coalition a victory. Now we are being told that every political party engages in bluff to their supporters. What is the difference between bluff and lies? Other false claims are being made. It is now being suggested that the Head of the Observer Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS), who gave a damning account of the declaration of District 4
results, had arrived at conclusions about the vote after only about 10% of the Recount had been completed. This is inaccurate. Bruce Golding arrived at his position about the District 4 Tabulation from what he and his fellow observers saw at the Ashmin’s Building during the declaration of the results. In his own words, he said it was the most transparent attempt to alter the results of an election. The Recount of the votes has provided, thus far, confirmation of that ‘transparent attempt’. It has validated the claims that those controversial results that were declared by Mingo were not consistent with the Statements of Polls and, now, with the ballots as cast in the elections. The OAS was one of the observer groups to the elections. These observers, including Caribbean Community, the Carter Center, the Commonwealth and the OAS observers did not come on their own. They were invited to come here by the Government. They received letters inviting them to come here. They were accredited by
the very Government, which is denying permission for the Carter Center to return. The Guyana Elections Commission was interested in observers for the recount. On April 27, this newspaper reported that GECOM was expected to begin to invite the other observers, apart from Caricom, to witness the recount. The government has shifted its narrative here. It first hinted that the reason for not granting permission for the Carter Center to return had to do with the changing health situation in the country. Then it said that the Center could reapply. When they did reapply, the excuse was two-fold, one the health situation in the country and, second, that Caricom was credible enough – the latter indicating that no additional observers was necessary. If GECOM is interested in having the observers, it would constitute interference in the mandate of GECOM for the government to decide about the most legitimate interlocutors. Caricom has never indicated that it considered itself the most
DEM BOYS SEH
‘Foot in mouth’ cum back Imagine in guvment de leff hand nah know wha de right hand doing. One set of persons seh one thing and de oder set of persons get up and seh something else. Is suh when dem gat ‘foot in mouth’ disease. You does put yuh foot in yuh mouth. Is dat mek Soulja Bai had to miss church and guh down to de counting center yesterday. He went to set de record straight. Basil de Willie did seh how de recount results nah legal. Dem had dem boys worried for Basil de Willie. Is like he lead a mutiny against he bossman. De man wha in line fuh get he wuk contradict he and seh it legal and final. Patto seh he check Mingo Bingo numbers and it correspond with de statements of poll he gat. Cat de Hues, de lady from HAY-Eff-See, seh de party nah yet compare de recount numbers with Mingo Bingo numbers. Dem boys got a name fuh dat. Yuh call dat confunkshun ‘foot in mouth’ disease. Dem boys de already know from long now dat Patto had a problem with he eye. But it look like de man also gat problem with he mouth. He struggling fuh talk and when de words come out dem reporter had to replay wha ee say in de air. Is suh long it tek
to cum. Dem nah understand wha he mean up to now. Is suh when yuh put yuh foot in yuh mouth. A man claim de Coalition win de election. De same man also claim dat de party wha win can still file elections petition challenging de results. De bullies and fraudsters did claim dem win. Now dem playing de victims. Is suh when yuh put yuh foot in yuh mouth. De COVID-19 Task Force
get suh confused dem fuget de difference between incoming and outgoing flights. De Americans want carry out some of dem people and de Task Force deny dem permission fuh de plane land. Is suh when yuh gat ‘foot in mouth disease’ Yuh does run mad and lash out at de people wha nah do yuh nuttin’. Talk half and leh we hope Soulja Bai still gat sense and he nah end up putting he foot in he mouth.
legitimate interlocutors. GECOM has never done so. But yet the government wants to determine who should observe a process being undertaken by GECOM. The media should request confirmation for the Chairman of Caricom, as to whether it is the regional body’s position that it considers itself the most legitimate interlocutors for the Guyana elections. What does the Government have to hide? Why does it not wish to have the Carter Center, complete its work? This column is not aware of any opinion poll which was conducted in Guyana to determine that a significant section of the population was unwelcoming to the return of the Carter Center. Those who are now attempting to make the international community a scapegoat for the blatant rigging of the tabulation exercise, should again be reminded that it was the same Carter Center whose findings
in the 2015 polls were welcomed by those who now do not wish to have them back. The mouthpieces of the government are becoming strangers to the truth. It is now being contended that there were dead people on the List of Electors and this was because the Court had ruled that names could not be removed from the list. The Court never ruled that dead people could not be purged from the list. In fact,
there is a process of removing those who are dead from the list and those not removed, initially, could be deleted via the Claims and Objections process. As for those who claim that there is “no guilty race”. Did they not know that we are all innocent here!
Brazilian dies after severing leg in freak accident A 65-year-old Brazilian miner was killed at around 08:00 hrs yesterday after severing one of his legs in a freak accident at Oku Backdam, Cuyuni/Mazaruni. Police said that Taburico Valeriano De Andrade tried to jump over a Jet four cylinder engine, which was operating at the time. Unfortunately, the spinning blade of the engine’s fan made contact with his right leg and severed it. His workers rushed to his assistance and managed to turn off the engine. They then took him to his camp. Andrade succumbed while awaiting transportation to a hospital. His body is currently at the Lyken’s Funeral Home.
PAGE 10
Monday May 18, 2020
Kaieteur News
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
A gargantuan fraud by the PPP that failed: Really? As of Sunday, when this column is being typed, less than a quarter of 2,339 ballot boxes have been touched. At the time of typing (Sunday), 528 ballot boxes have been cleaned. On Thursday, before the recount reached even 500 boxes, the APNU+AFC leaders declared that massive fraud has characterised the 2020 poll. Many of these leaders are leaning to the position that a recount finalising a winner will not be accepted as a legal declaration. The extrapolation from this statement by the APNU+AFC simply means that the 2020 election has been vitiated by humongous fraud because there are still 1,500 boxes to be looked at meaning, the fraud will spread faster than the coronavirus. Unless you are a complete idiot unfit to be part of society, then you have to admit that this explanation by APNU+AFC is so psychotic that the people who invented it should never be involved
in politics again much less rule a country in the 21st century. If dead people and immigrants in foreign lands have voted and we are yet to count 1,500 boxes, then how is it scientifically possible to rig an election on such a large scale and yet lose? The APNU+AFC has exclaimed since March 4 that it won the election. On Saturday, March 14, the groundwork was laid for David Granger to be sworn in. So, this gigantic fraud was perpetuated by the PPP and yet the APNU+AFC claimed victory. It means that if the PPP’s evil was so extensive then the over 2,000 party agents of the APNU+AFC, hundreds of GECOM officials, Roxanne Myers, Keith Lowenfield, Claudette Singh, three APNU+AFC GECOM commissioners and scores of international observers are either inherently unintelligent or deliberately turned their eyes to the PPP’s conspiracy. At this time, we must bear in mind that we may be
witnessing the most evilladen election in the history of the entire western hemisphere because, with the ugly discoveries made so far, think of the prodigious numbers of criminal acts that will be seen when those remaining 1,500 boxes are looked at. There are compelling questions to ask. If the PPP had this fantastic ability to clean the cemeteries of Guyana and get those large number of ‘jumbies’ to vote and bring back so many thousands from abroad to vote that had long gone, then why did it not pull off this magic in 2011 and 2015 thus staying in power forever? Let’s look at some more compelling questions. Henry Jeffrey in his columns keeps carping on the bloated list. But he is yet to describe for us how you can use those excessive numbers on the register to rig. First, those numbers can be massive duplicates. John Jones is listed three times. But John Jones cannot
Ministry shining spotlight on Elderly Homes nationwide in COVID-19 fight The Ministry of Public Health has put the microscope on elderly homes throughout the country to help stave off any outbreak of the contagious and deadly corona virus, said Dr. Melissa DeHaarte. DeHaarte, who is the MOPH Coordinator of Elderly Health, said the COVID-19 Mobile Unit of the Ministry, is undertaking the national exercise and so far the team has completed nine of the 18 homes officially documented in the Ministry’s registry in Region Four (Demerara/ Mahaica). The Mobile Unit team is expected to complete the current exercise in the most populated of the 10 Administrative Regions shortly, DeHaarte said. She said that as part of
Dr. Melissa DeHaarte the team’s duties, they will “interview workers, caregivers and occupants and take detailed history of their
travels and contacts,” to determine who will be tested for corona virus if perchance someone might have been in contact with any COVID-19 positive patient. The Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam, in Georgetown, under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Protection (MOSP), is the only one of the 21 Elderly Homes supported by the MOPH that has residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. In a press statement last Thursday, the MOSP said five residents – four males and one female – and a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) “have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus at the Palms Elderly Care Facility.” “Regrettably, one male resident has died,” the MOSP Continued on page 16
vote three times unless the finger ink is a waste of time bought from some shop in Timbuktu. Secondly, a huge list of electors does not mean that they are all going to vote. Thirdly, how many ‘jumbies’ and immigrants you are going to put inside the polling stations to tilt an election in your favour without being detected because to tilt it the fake votes have to be very large. Fourthly, how many frauds in the 10 Regions the PPP is going to perpetuate this? The task becomes nightmarish because you cannot do it satisfactorily in all the 10 Regions for in several of those 10 Regions, the PNC has a dominant presence; for example Region 10. Fifthly, all the GECOM polling officials had to be hypnotised by the PPP. A
simple demonstration can prove this. John goes into the station to vote for Oscar who is on the list but has migrated. But John has voted for himself already. How can he do that without any detection that on his ID card he does look like Oscar? How can the ink on his finger not be detected? Well, alright there is an explanation. The GECOM officials slipped. But remember there are 2,339 boxes and you have to perpetuate the fraud several times in those buildings for those fake votes to be counted. Do you mean to tell me that these massive frauds were committed in 2,339 boxes and GECOM merrily accepted the votes in nine Regions and began to count hundreds of boxes for Region 4? Is there no way, a APNU+AFC candidate
Frederick Kissoon couldn’t detect this in at least one of the 10 Regions and ask GECOM to investigate on March 3, the day after the poll closed? Does any person in this world accept this asininity of ‘jumbie’ voting that APNU+AFC has resorted to? Well there is, and that is why people love their pets more than humans. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Many COVID-19 deaths in Guyana were diabetics - says Director of Pharmacy Services as Diabetic Association makes timely donation to Public Health Ministry The Guyana Diabetic Association on Friday last donated 2,000 high efficacy insulin pen fills and 75,000 insulin syringes to the Public Health Ministry. The Director of Pharmacy Services, Oneil Atkins said the donation was made by President of the Diabetic Association Glenys Beaton who said the donation aimed to help reduce the daily insulin intake among the country’s diabetic patients. “Because of the efficacy, it is predicted that in some cases, their daily dosage will be reduced by some 50 percent,” Atkins said. The Pharmacy Director expressed the wish to have the best use made of the donation and urged the country’s diabetic patients to use the insulin pen fills responsibly. He noted that the donation was a timely one since diabetics are susceptible to the COVID-19 deadly disease because of their pre-existing condition. “All diabetics and those prone to the disease, have a tough task to control their glucose (sugar) level. Global trend analysis reveals that diabetics who contract COVID-19 have a not-sogood prognosis,” Atkins explained. According to research findings, COVID-19 worsens the chances of survival for persons with diabetic complications such as diabetic kidney disease. The new virus makes them weaker
Director of Pharmacy Services, Oneil Atkins and, in some instances, could cause acute cardiac (heart) injury with heart failure, leading to poor circulation of blood. Patients with diabetes require intensive attention to reduce the risk of dying. They “should follow the general prevention advice given by the authorities thoroughly to avoid infection with COVID19,” an online report counselled. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in Guyana in March, almost 1,100 persons have been tested with 117 confirmed cases and 10 deaths according to official government records. “Many of the COVID-19 deaths in Guyana were diabetics,” Atkins underscored. Latest census figures estimate that the bulk of
Guyana’s approximately 780,000 residents inhabit the narrow coastal strip. According to a local survey, about 15 percent of the descendants of former slaves from Africa and indentured immigrants from Asia and Europe are diabetics. This means that an estimated 117,000 Guyanese are suffering from some form of the debilitating ailment. Atkins said of this figure, 65 percent (76,000) have to use insulin regularly to help protect their eyes, kidneys, nerves and other body parts often ravaged by the disease. Diabetes also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke and often causes sexual problems. Three years ago, Guyana’s diabetes prevalence rate, according to an online report, was 11.6 percent. While Atkins encouraged health workers and the rest of the population to continue paying keen attention to COVID-19, the Pharmacy Director cautioned that this should not be at the expense of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). “Do not forget to use your medications for other NCD conditions,” he reminded. The Pharmacy Director said the Public Health Ministry is currently in talks with major global donors to help secure medication and other miscellaneous articles to benefit the country’s juvenile and other types of diabetics. (DPI)
Monday May 18, 2020
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
GUYANESE HORROR FICTION KAMARANG…
TAKEN TO THE DEATH WARD By Michael Jordan Lionel Jones, sitting with his wife at the living room window, watched the shiny black car enter his street, and stop outside his house. A hearse…Michael! Then his mind registered that the car was a Morris Oxford. The back door opened. “Oh God!” his wife cried out. “Is Michael!” as his son staggered out of the car— and Lionel broke for the stairs. * Laura Jones watched as the driver leaned back, pulled the door shut, looked up at her, then drove off. She watched as her son weaved
his way towards the gate, held onto it, then slowly collapsed just as his father reached him. * Lionel Jones could not recall going downstairs, and opening the gate, but there he was, by his son, as the dogs howled. He lifted his son into the patio, then into the house, and placed him in one of the living room chairs; his wife, hovering nearby, wringing her hands. “Turn on the light,” he said. She switched on the living room light.
Lionel Jones heard himself mutter “Christ”, and heard his wife cry out. Michael’s eyes were slightly open, but his stare vacant. His breathing was shallow—rapid. His skin was an unpleasant grey; his lips had a bluish tinge. “Michael?” The boy’s lips moved, but no words came. “Michael! —Michael!” his mother called. Nothing—just that rapid breathing. Was he injured? Lionel pulled back the windbreaker and lifted Michael’s jersey. An overpowering woman-scent, and a fermented odour assailed him. A mass of red
bruises stood out stark on his son’s chest. The sight of them sent a tremor of fear and revulsion through him. Keep calm…..think! Remembering some vague first aid advice he had read somewhere, he placed two cushions under his son’s legs. He was unaware that his wife had left his side until she returned with a bottle of Limacol. She uncorked it, poured some in her hands and began to apply it to Michael’s face. The boy’s eyes cleared. He emitted a weak cough. He stared at them and tried to
rise, but slumped back, body slack, eyes shut, as if the effort had used up all his strength. He’s dying! He mustn’t panic. “Stay with him, Laura! I’m taking him to the hospital,” * He was lying on his back as two porters lifted him onto a gurney. They then wheeled him into the Georgetown Hospital’s Emergency Room, while his father spoke to a nurse at a table. Then someone wheeled him into another room filled with hospital smells, and lifted him onto a cot in a cubicle surrounded by green plastic curtains. Hospital sounds
came to him. A child’s hysterical screaming. Someone retching, accompanied by the combined stench of vomit and an unpleasant-smelling insecticide his dad had once used. Now his mother, anxious, hovered nearby. “You alright, boy?” Her voice seemed to come from a distance. His head still buzzed from the strange dizziness that had brought him here. “Yes.” Not meeting her eyes. She was about to say
something more, when his father, accompanied by a short, bearded man with a stethoscope, came to his cot. The doctor glanced at a medical form he held in one hand, then looked at Michael. “Michael…Jones?” “Yes.” “How are you feeling now? You think you can sit?” He tried to sit, but a wave of dizziness overcame him, and he collapsed back onto the cot. “First time this happened?” He nodded, eyes shut to blot out the nausea and the crazily spinning room. “He went to the doctor the other day for this same weakness,” his mother interjected. “He was supposed to be resting.” “You were tested for hookworms?” He nodded again. The doctor’s questions brought back the same dread he’d felt at Doctor Mootoo’s clinic. What is wrong with me? “You were tested for ulcers…piles?” He nodded again, then opened his eyes as someone touched his arm. A longhaired nurse, who sniffled as if she had a cold, stood by the cot with a syringe in her hand. She wrapped a rubber tube around his left bicep, and asked him to make a fist. He felt the prick of the needle as she pierced a vein and drew some blood. She gave him a cotton swab to press against the spot where she had pricked him, then moved away from the cot. “We should get the results back from the lab in about an hour,” the doctor said. “Meanwhile, we’ll set up a saline infusion for him.” He heard his mother’s cry of alarm. He felt a spasm of dread that made him forget his dizziness. He opened his eyes to his parents’ anxious faces. “It’s that serious?” his father asked. “The saline contains iron for his anaemic condition. He needs iron in his bloodstream fast.” He looked at Michael. “You have any history of asthma or allergies?” “No.” “You ever have had a reaction to any type of iron injection or infusion in the past?” “No.” “So, we’ll set up the infusion. He’ll have to stay overnight…just as a precaution,” he added, as his mother started to say something. “I will let someone take him to the ward in a while.” Michael watched the doctor head towards one of
Cover design and illustrations by Harold Bascom the cots from where he could still hear someone retching. His father said: “We’re going to bring your pyjamas and other things.” He tried to smile. “Hang in there until we get back.” He closed his eyes. He did not want to look at them, see the worry he had brought on them. He did not want them to read the confusion on his face; ask the questions that he himself had no answer to. His father was saying something else, but now that
Who is she, boy? This woman who has you like this? As he stood there, the sound of wailing broke out, somewhere outside the Emergency Unit. He watched two porters wheel out a body that was wrapped in a white sheet. “Poison case,” someone said. He turned to see the bearded doctor. “Just sixteen years old…” the doctor continued. “Has a father with one of the largest
He thought again about the array of love-bites on Michael’s chest. No…those weren’t marks of love…those were marks inflicted by some frenzied, voracious thing. He flinched as the image of a wide, sensuous and cruel mouth came to him. Who is she, boy? This woman who has you like this? blanket of weariness was upon him, pulling him into a deep, warm place… * Michael was still asleep when they returned. Now a saline needle was in his arm, one sleeve of the windbreaker rolled up to accommodate it. Lionel watched as his wife woke Michael to change into the pyjama trousers, watched the effort that it took him to put them on. He thought again about the array of love-bites on Michael’s chest. No…those weren’t marks of love…those were marks inflicted by some frenzied, voracious thing. He flinched as the image of a wide, sensuous and cruel mouth came to him.
rice farms at Mahaica, and drinks malathion over some damn girl.” The doctor turned and headed out of the ward. Lionel Jones hesitated, then followed him. He saw the doctor heading to a parking lot in the compound. The doctor, about to open the door of a blue Toyota, turned as he called out. “Hi Mr. Jones. I’m about to go off. Another doctor will look at your boy.” Lionel took a deep breath, then said: “How is he doing?” “We should be able to release him by tomorrow. I will prescribe some medication Continued on page 16
PAGE 16
Monday May 18, 2020
Kaieteur News
...TAKEN TO THE DEATH WARD
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From page 15 for him, but he must rest. He is very anaemic.” “And that is serious?” “It could be, if it becomes really severe and isn’t treated. He could go into shock.” He found himself shaking his head. “But I don’t understand. He eats well. He’s a health fanatic. He had no health problems whatsoever, until about two weeks ago.” “We will know later today, when we get the rest of his results. But as I said, he has to rest.” He smiled. “Your son seems to be quite the ladies man.” So, the doctor had noticed the love bites, and that smell...was it a week ago that he had smelt it on the boy? Michael had almost certainly sneaked out to meet a woman… …And collapsed after? That didn’t make sense. … Now the doctor opened his car door. “Ah doctor...which ward will you be taking him to?” The doctor gestured to the east at an ancient, two-storey building, with a tower-clock. “There.” He fought down a rush of panic. “That ward?” “Yes.” “Why that ward?” “It’s the Medical Ward.” He watched the doctor drive out of the compound. He turned to stare at the building, and even as he stared, two porters—he thought they might be the same porters that had taken the boy’s body out of the Emergency Unit—staggered down the stairs with another wrapped-up thing. He watched them dump the corpse onto a gurney, then wheel the squeaking gurney out of the compound. He stood watching them a moment, then stared again at the building with the towerclock, the building that they called the death ward, and if someone said you were under the clock, they meant that you were in this ward and you were dying, but he mustn’t panic, because he knew that this ward had gotten its bad name because most who died there were the
elderly, and it had once housed patients during the cholera outbreak; don’t panic, Michael is going to be alright... Mother had passed away there, he had never thought he would ever have to go back to this damn ward, but now his son was going there, his son, who was suddenly pale and thin; not Michael, not Michael, forgive me, merciful Father, forgive me my trespasses, or punish me and save my son; Loretta, I am so damn sorry. Lionel Jones went to his own Toyota, parked in the compound, and let the tears come. * Later, during the little sleep he got, she came again, clasping his left wrist, ever so gently, as if saying it’s okay, it’s okay, please don’t cry, it’s okay, not your fault, please, it’s okay… Then she mouthed, …must be strong… “I’m trying…” he whispered. No, your son…must be strong… And she showed him her hands, clenching and unclenching them, over and over and over on nothing.... * The nurse, sniffing as though she had a cold, gave him another injection. She helped him slip onto a gurney, then strapped him down. She sniffled, then smiled at him. “I don’t want you to fall off,” she said, her voice slightly nasal because of the cold. “I carrying you to the ward.” He wondered, vaguely, why they would have a nurse with a cold in the Emergency Ward. She began to push him towards the double-doors that led to the corridor. His parents, with the doctor, had their backs to them. “I carrying him to the warrrd,” she said again in that nasal voice. His father didn’t answer. His mother gave an indifferent “Okay,” but didn’t glance at them. The nurse pushed him out of the ward, then made a right turn that took them down a strangely, winding corridor. It was poorly
lit with ancient looking, fat round bulbs that reminded him of the house in Essequibo, where he had lived as a child. She paused again at another bend in the corridor. She slipped a sort of grey hood over her head—maybe for the cold, he thought—then stepped in front of the gurney and began to pull it. “Taking you to the waaad,” she said again. He could almost swear that she was laughing. From his strapped-in position on the gurney, he strained to see the end of the corridor. It seemed to him that the Emergency Unit was larger than he recalled it to be. He was just thinking that it was kind of strange that they hadn’t passed anyone else, when he saw two women approaching. Not walking, but gliding along the floor. They were both dressed in long grey gowns with blue edgings. Both wore veils. He could not see their faces, but he sensed that they were looking at him. He wondered if they were nuns from the nearby East Street convent, who visited the hospital to pray for the sick and the dying. At the same time, he seemed to hear the muffled tolling of a bell outside. Someone is dying, he thought. He hadn’t known that they tolled a bell when a patient died at the hospital. Now the two women were close to them. The nurse paused in the corridor. The two veiled women looked down on him. “I taking him to the waaaaad,” the nurse said, her voice seeming more thick and nasal. The women said nothing, but shook with laughter behind their veils; the nurse, sniffling and sniggering, joining in the secret joke. The nurse sniffled again and began to pull the gurney. As they passed, the woman nearest the gurney genuflected and made a mocking sign of the cross. “Bless this sinful child,” she said, reaching out and brushing his privates. (And this has happened to
me before, he thought) They moved on down the corridor, and, just when he was thinking that it had no end, they were in a sprawling, empty compound. The nurse wheeled him over cobblestones to an Lshaped, two storey building with a clock in a tower; the hands showing that it was midnight. Suddenly the nurse stopped in the centre of the compound. She stared at the old building. She sniffed, then bowed low. He’d thought at first that the building was deserted. But now he saw her. At the top storey. Standing still. The white woman, with skin so pale that he could see her green, pulsating veins. Those red, animal eyes stared into his, and he could feel a scream rising in him. The sniffing nurse began to drag him to an open door. “Where you taking me?” His voice a squeak. She said nothing. “Where you taking me?” he squeaked again. She stopped. He saw her shoulders stiffen. She turned to him, her voice so thick that the words were almost unintelligible. “I SHED I TEKAAIN YOU TO THE WAAAAADDD!” The hood had come askew. Her neck had somehow stretched so that her head was now inches away from his. He gave a childish squeal and tried to shrink back into the gurney. That face! That face! That face! (Taken from the Guyanese supernatural novel Kamarang by Michael Jordan. Book design and illustrations by Harold Bascom.) Copies of the illustrated edition of Kamarang are on sale at Austin’s Book Store and on Amazon in Kindle and paperback. The author can also be contacted for autographed copies on +592 645 2447 or by email: kmarangnight@gmail.com)
Ministry shining spotlight on Elderly Homes nationwide... From page 10 statement said noting that its nine-point plan has managed to thwart a “possible threat of an outbreak,” at the government-managed facility. “The Ministry of Social Protection assures the general public that (it) continues to be guided by the protocols established by the Ministry of Public Health and will continue to take steps necessary for the protection of residents, care personnel and staff at the Palms Elderly Care Facility,” the government statement assured. DeHaarte said she has received “no messages stating positive test results so far,” from the other 20 Elderly Care institutions. The gerontology specialist said the inspection team will scrutinise the remaining homes, all located in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), when they have completed examining the facilities in the capital and its environs. DeHaarte is appealing to all administrators of existing elderly homes, not in the government’s official records, to ensure their institution is regularised to benefit from existing support packages. She said the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is backing the 21 homes, which continues every month with support packages to help fight the corona virus. Recently, the CDC donated some 2,000 masks to the elderly institutions in their ongoing quest. “We are doubling our efforts to visit, demonstrate and provide explanation about the use of personal protective equipment (PPEs) including gloves and masks; how to sanitise surfaces and
surrounding environment correctly,” and how to treat unclean clothing to prevent their likely contamination spreading in the home, DeHaarte said. The Public Health Ministry has also teamed up with Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the fight against corona virus overwhelming the vulnerable residents of these institutions. Kaieteur News had reported in its Sunday edition that a male resident of the Palms is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for respiratory complications, which he developed as a result of COVID-19. He was among the batch of residents who recently tested positive for the virus. The staffer noted that at present, “the Palms has a separate dorm in which the other COVID-19 cases are being accommodated.” “Those residents have been isolated in a separate ward from the rest of persons living here. Most of them are in stable condition and they have a special set of staff that looks after them. There are also doctors who conduct regular checks with them.” The staffer told this newspaper that caregivers attached to the elderly home are taking special precaution with the residents. “We are concerned not only for the residents but for our own safety and so we have been trying our best to be extra careful so that the virus doesn’t spread.
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Monday May 18, 2020
Coalition signs off Region One... From page 17 persons appear to have voted as well. None of these claims has been supported by proof to the public. It is unclear whether the Coalition has given any proof of these claims, as Amna Ally had said the party supplied proof to GECOM before Commissioner Sase Gunraj said that no such proof has been tendered. Furthermore, Norton claimed that 120 votes were “regained” by APNU+AFC during the recount, but his claim does not align with the numbers coming out of GECOM. Asked to clarify his claim, Norton said that the Coalition observed that 120 votes cast in favour of APNU+AFC were found in the PPP/C pile and had been counted as PPP/ C votes. He said that those were corrected during the recount. He said that he was referring to the General Election, not Regional. But both elections registered an increase of only four votes when the ballots were recounted.
The Regional Election declaration for Region One, available on GECOM’s website, shows a total of 3,839 votes cast in favour of APNU+AFC, while the recount certificate shows 3,843. The General Election declaration for Region One, available on GECOM’s website, shows a total of 3,905 votes cast in favour of APNU+AFC, while the recount certificate shows 3,909. Pointed to these facts, Norton responded, “When we did the calculation, I don’t know where you get the mathematics from. But when we did the calculation, our votes increased by 120.” Pointed to this again, Norton said, “The information which we have suggests that it is increased by 120.” Asked whether he looked at GECOM’s tabulation, Norton responded “No. I haven’t.” All of these issues raised by Norton are yet to be substantiated, though he claims that the cause for it is that the PPP/C has compromised some of GECOM’s staff.
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Kaieteur News
Russell is a winner for Williams in virtual Spanish Grand Prix Williams’ George Russell arriving to the circuit for the Australian Grand Prix. (REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo)
Monday May 18, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Do you think your body reflects who you are, Aries? If you're feeling that it doesn't, it's probably because something is a little off about your self-image. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Has it been difficult these past few days to communicate with those close to you? Are you a little skeptical about your charm? In fact, have you been feeling somewhat unsure of yourself in general? GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It has been fairly easy for you to detect the truth behind most situations lately. Today, however, your analytical abilities won't be so reliable. CANCER(June21–July22) How intense the past few days have been! You could spend months just reflecting on these recent experiences. But the mood isn't conducive to introspection right now. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) The day ahead may help you break away from the gloom and doom that so many people are experiencing right now. A more playful influence is trying to make its way into your relationships, especially your emotional commitments. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Sometimes you feel like you're navigating through a thick fog, but the obscurity will finally lift today. You can expect an invitation to step outside of yourself (while still sheltering in place, of course) or an offer to join a special group.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Was someone close to you rude without any provocation? Were you the target of unpleasant criticism? You take these slights to heart. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Having a personal opinion on any question isn't hard at all, Scorpio. More difficult is maintaining some respectful objectivity about the opinions of others. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Enough of thinking about yourself, Sagittarius! The hour has now arrived to draw some conclusions. You're at the end of the lengthy volume you were writing on your inner life. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Seduction through words is your real power, Capricorn. You have a great talent for anything involving words. So you're going to be able to attract even more virtual admirers today?the physical part will have to wait. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) With today's celestial energy, you'll feel like you're on vacation. This planetary configuration often gives people the feeling of a fresh mind and calm disposition. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Do you say yes every time someone asks for a favor, Pisces? Is it sometimes hard to find time for yourself because you're so busy coming to the rescue of a friend or family member? Today's celestial energy asks you to think about you.
LONDON (Reuters) George Russell, yet to score a point for his struggling Williams team in the real world of Formula One, celebrated a virtual Spanish Grand Prix victory from pole position yesterday. The Briton took his first F1 esports win ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who collected a three second penalty for exceeding track limits on the penultimate lap. That wiped out a similar sanction Russell had picked up. Mexican former F1 driver Esteban Gutierrez was third for Mercedes. The race also featured Manchester City’s Argentina soccer striker Sergio Aguero, Real Madrid’s Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Barcelona’s Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo as well as British golfer Ian Poulter. “I am feeling ecstatic. I’m not used to this winning thing,” said Russell after taking the chequered flag in a race broadcast around the world and on F1’s own platforms. “I’ve not done it for a long, long time so I dearly missed it,” added the 2018 Formula Two champion who had his F1 rookie season last
year. Former champions Williams have not won in the real world since Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado triumphed at the same circuit in 2012. “When I got past Charles and I knew I had that three second penalty I was pretty furious,” said Russell. “But when that radio message came in at the end and I heard he had a three second penalty I was almost wetting my pants.” Leclerc, who had won two of the previous four races, took the lead from the second lap as Russell plunged to fifth. Red Bull’s Alexander Albon moved up to second on lap four but then pitted on a risky two-stop strategy that was his undoing, with others opting for just one. The Thai finished fourth with the fastest lap. McLaren’s Lando Norris yet again suffered technical problems with the Briton out after just seven laps. In the soccer battle for
bragging rights, Courtois took 12th place for Alfa Romeo while Aguero finished 14th for Red Bull and Melo 19th with Haas. “It was fun racing with Sergio... he showed he’s really fast,” said Albon. “You can see with all the top athletes that they want to be the best they can be and they put so much effort in.” Aguero, who finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nicolas, said he would love to do it again. Yesterday would have been the day of the real Spanish Grand Prix but that was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has stalled the championship. The virtual series, with six current F1 drivers, has helped give fans some action. “It’s getting ever more competitive. I think it started out as a little bit of fun to fill the time and now it’s a real race and badge of honour,” said watching former grand prix racer turned pundit David Coulthard.
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Jordan memorabilia soars in Dire CWI finances stalls TTCB head value amid ‘Last Dance’ nostalgia coach search PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board has put on pause its interview process for a head coach, amidst fears Cricket West Indies’ funding for the Professional Cricket League could fall through. TTCB president Azim Bassarath, also a CWI director, said serious concerns had been raised about the regional governing body’s finances at a meeting two weeks ago. And following recent comments from president Ricky Skerritt that the organisation’s body finances were “in ICU”, it was even more imperative the TTCB proceeded with caution in filling the vacant high level post. Bassarath said the TTCB was hoping for assurances from CWI at a quarterly board meeting scheduled for later this month. “We at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board do not want to put ourselves in a position where if the funding for the PCL cannot come forward, [that we cannot pay the head coach], because the Cricket West Indies funding [is uncertain] as you may have seen [from media reports] where the president has said that the finances are in ICU,” Bassarath told i95FM Radio here. “We’re very concerned about that because the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board at this stage cannot pay a coach the quantum of money that is allocated for in the PCL. So we want to hold back on that process but be able to go through putting things in place …” He continued: “Once that meeting is completed and we get some assurance that the franchise cricket and the funding for that cricket will continue as usual, then we will proceed apace to make sure the coaches are appointed as quickly as possible. “We will not be able to go into the interview because of course the [applicants] will want to find out about remuneration and if [CWI] cannot give us any word as yet, we will not be able to
answer. “ We w a n t t o g o prepared going into the interview process to make sure that we have all the answers for the coaches when the interview is taking place.” Skerritt said recently that the COVID-19 pandemic which had forced the cessation of cricket g l o b a l l y, h a d p l u n g e d C W I ’s “ a l r e a d y p o o r financial state into ICU”. And he conceded that while the board has been engaging in “cost-saving” all along, the urgency of the situation now required “cost-cutting”. The vacant position of Red Force head coach has been wide-publicised and has attracted applications from as far as Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and South Africa. Incumbent Mervyn Dillon, a former T&T and West Indies fast bowler, led Red Force to a second place finish in the domestic first class championship – their highest ever position since the start of the professional era. Bassarath said the u n c e r t a i n t y i n C W I ’s finances would almost certainly lead to a disruption in the Red Force programme. “We won’t be able to go much longer without appointing a coach. The new PCL contracts start on July 1 and that’s why we want to make sure we will have the funding to pay the coach,” Bassarath pointed out. “It doesn’t make any sense we hire a coach and don’t have the money to pay him – we have to be very careful with what we’re doing at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board. We don’t want to put ourselves in a position where we cannot pay the coach … “We must sign a two or three-year contract with the coach when he is appointed.” Skerritt said recently that the upcoming meeting would have finance as its sole agenda item as CWI tries to stay afloat in the turbulent time triggered by the pandemic.
AFP - The immense global success of the documentary “The Last Dance” amid the coronavirus lockdown has boosted sales of collectibles related to NBA icon Michael Jordan, some of which are trading in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. “Timing is everything,” says Jordan Geller, a collector who yesterday will be richer by at least $240,000 thanks to the sale at Sotheby’s of a pair of Air Jordan 1 sneakers — the first model created especially by Nike for Michael Jordan, who made his NBA debut in 1984. The game-worn pair could set an auction record for sneakers set last year by Nike’s Moon Shoe, a pair of which sold for $437,500. The various Air Jordans have been popular with collectors for 30 years, along with jerseys and trading cards featuring Jordan — who won six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and is widely considered the greatest player in league history. Many specialists consider Jordan a key figure in creating the market for collectible sneakers, with only non-sports personalities such as Kanye West or Travis Scott able to compete with him today. But ESPN’s 10-part documentary “The Last Dance” which weaves details of Jordan’s entire career through the narrative of the Bulls’ pursuit of a sixth NBA title, has ramped up interest in all things Jordan. “I think this is a gamechanger,” Chris Ivy, director of sports collectibles at Heritage Auctions, said of the documentary series that was
carried globally by Netflix. Ivy predicted the interest fueled by “The Last Dance” will continue. - ‘Iconic, mythical’ On the StockX shoe resale platform, the Air Jordan 1 Chicago model now sells for up to $1,500, compared to $900 in March. The first episode of “The Last Dance” aired on April 19. “That could be largely attributable to the documentary because that’s a sneaker that’s been on the market for years,” says StockX economist Jesse Einhorn. Likewise, a 1986 Fleer collector ’s card sold for $96,000 in early May at Heritage, an item that was worth $20,000 to $30,000 at the beginning of the year. “A lot of people who had a sports cards collections as a kid have been frantically going through their attics to find those boxes and those binders,” laughs Geoff Wilson, founder of the Sports Card Investor platform. “I haven’t seen anything like this, where it’s well past his career,” Ivy said, noting Jordan retired in 2003. The excitement extends beyond Jordan himself. Sales of Bulls-branded items are up 400% in May compared to last year on the sports merchandise site Fanatics. “For a lot of people my age between 40 and 50 years old, Michael Jordan was the Babe Ruth of our generation,” Ivy said. “People in that age range are starting to get in a point in their lives where they’re starting to collect again.”
A pair of Air Jordan 1 sold on the StockX platform. (AFP/Jeff Kowalsky) Even younger fans, weaned on the exploits of the late Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, are feeling the allure of Jordan. “The majority of our customers are millennials and Gen Z, many of whom were not necessarily alive when Jordan played,” Einhorn said. “It’s a testament to Jordan’s staying power as an iconic, almost like mythical, cultural figure.” And the market for basketball shoes is maturing, with support from a new generation of enthusiasts as evidenced by the emergence of trading platforms and the prices realized at auctions over the last three years. “Sneaker collecting and reselling used to be underground activities that were enjoyed by a few sneaker heads,” Geller said. “It’s much more mainstream now.” The change has not escaped the notice of
manufacturers, who have adapted their marketing and promotional strategies accordingly. “Sneaker brands are catering to sneaker collectors by releasing more and more limited edition sneakers, so with smaller quantities demand goes through the roof.” But in Geller’s opinion, nothing can compare to the original Air Jordans, especially those that can be linked to the great man himself. “I think the Game Worn Air Jordan 1s are the most iconic sneakers of all time,” Geller said. “The fact that these shoes were Game-Worn by Michael Jordan takes them to a whole other level.” Will we ever crack the $1 million mark? “I think so,” said Ivy. “I’m working towards a consignment in the future that I think has the potential to get to a million dollars.”
Guardiola destined to take charge of Brazil? Former assistant says Selecao would appeal to Man City boss Goal.com An opportunity to take charge of the Brazil national side would definitely appeal to Pep Guardiola, says Domenec Torrent, the Catalan coach’s former assistant. A productive and trophy-laden managerial career to date has been spent in club circles by one of the very best in the business. Having initially been entrusted with the task of taking the reins at Barcelona, Guardiola has gone on to sprinkle his magic dust over Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Success has been enjoyed in Spain, Germany and England, but the 49-
year-old has never stuck around long in any particular post. Questions are being asked of his current role at the Etihad Stadium, with no extension agreed to a contract due to expire in the summer of 2021. City have also been stung with a two-year ban from European competition, with it suggested that key men may look to move on if an appeal against that decision is thrown out. Guardiola has offered no indication that he is looking for another job, but To r r e n t b e l i e v e s a n international opening could entice a proven winner to South America at some stage.
“Pep could manage the Brazil team perfectly – and I am convinced he would improve it,” Torrent, who has worked alongside Guardiola at Barca, Bayern and C i t y, told Globoesporte. “If Pep is good at one thing, it is improving his teams. “He is interested in any top job related to football because he also knows that without good players you can achieve nothing. “Pep has a special feeling for Brazilian players. He has worked with Brazilians at Barcelona, Bayern and City. “In fact, he has a preference for Brazilians because they are very versatile and can adapt to any
type of football.” Former Barcelona star Dani Alves has claimed in the past that Guardiola expressed interest in taking charge of Brazil. He revealed in the wake of a home World Cup in 2014 that the opportunity to lead the Selecao in pursuit of global glory had been sought out by a man who was in charge of Bayern at the time. Alves told ESPN: “Pep said he wanted to make Brazil a World Cup champion and had an entire strategy to make us a world champion. “But they didn’t want it, because they said that they didn’t know if Brazil would accept a foreign coach.”
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GFF extends Guyana’s Sileena Arjune for FIBA’s condolences to family women’s programme of hinterland footballer The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Dat Nagalla Jnr., a former footballer from the Paramakatoi United Spartans Football Club who died last week at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. Nagalla was among a small group who serve as a guide to FIFA’s Director of Member Associations for Africa and the Caribbean, Véron Mosengo-Omba, when he visited North Pakaraimas in 2018 and witnessed the North Pakaraima Football Tournament. In an invited comment, Mosengo-Omba who said he remembered him as a “passionate advocate,” also expressed his condolences to his family and community and noted the following: “I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our friend and guide. I remember him very well and his passion for his community and football.” President Forde, for his part, said it is sad to lose a young and promising athlete: “From reports, Nagalla was a very good footballer and a promising
Dat Nagalla Jnr. referee and among the thousands of talented athletes from the hinterland who was not just passionate about his game but had the talent to propel him to the next level. This was exemplified during his participation in the North Pakaraima Football Tournament as well as the Indigenous Heritage Games. As a Goalkeeeper, his team depended on him. I’m sure he will surely be missed by both his team and his community. Condolences are therefore extended to both his family and the Region 8 community.”
Park triumphs in golf’s return to action in South Korea SEOUL (Reuters) - Park Hyun-kyung won the KLPGA Championship title yesterday as women’s golf in South Korea joined the country’s professional baseball and soccer leagues to restart amid the coronavirus pandemic. Park signed off with a second successive round of 67 to erase a three-shot deficit and triumph by one stroke in the tour’s first event since December. Overnight leader Lim Hee-jeong (71) and Bae Seon-woo (68) shared second place at 16-under 272 in the event played without spectators at the Lakewood Country Club in Yangju. An emotional Park hugged her father, who was caddying for her, after the winning putt and was showered with petals from her peers who also did elbow bumps in what is likely to be a new normal in sports. “I was so disappointed not to have been part of that winner’s group last year,” Park was quoted as saying by the
Yonhap news agency. “I am so happy that I got the first win out of the way in the first tournament of the year.” “I don’t think the next win will come easily for me. I have to keep trying.” Park pocketed $178,400 for her maiden KLPGA victory in her second year on the tour. It was an unusual experience for those at the Lakewood Country Club, which was open only to players, caddies, officials and media. Caddies wore masks, players dined separately and fist and elbow bumps replaced postround hugs and handshakes over the last four days. Next month’s men’s Korea Open, co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, was cancelled on Friday owing to the pandemic. South Korea yesterday reported five new domestic cases of coronavirus, raising fears of a fresh wave of contagion after weeks of nearly no new domestic cases.
The Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) Youth and Women’s leader, Sileena Arjune, has been selected to the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) Adelante (Women in Basketball) programme. In a release to the media from the GABF, they explained that the Adelante programme is geared towards strengthening and growing the capacity of each member federation of FIBA and topics have been selected based on the quality of speakers and a series of How To’s that will create a solid foundation for all participants. The correspondence revealed that the first year will be via Zoom meetings which provide flexibility to have elite keynote speakers. The first speaker for this series will be New Zealand’s First Female Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley. She will be speaking and
highlighting how to identify true allies, using real-life problems, and how to come out of these situations successfully. Together, with the GABF, Sileena has identified a special project for completion during Adelante. In addition to personal education from international keynote speakers, participants will learn skills and ideas for implementing the project of their choice. There will be quarterly phone calls and an on-going mentorship programme, with plans to have a culminating experience during the week of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Sydney, Australia (28 Sep. 3 Oct. 2022) for successful participants. Participants will spread their knowledge to future female leaders in their National Federation and the basketball community in their country. Arjune noted in her
application, “I am of the belief that the ADELANTE programme would equip me with the requisite knowledge, skills and guidance needed to create and implement plans to culminate active male and female participation in basketball at all levels in my country. More so, I am an avid lover of sports and I’m openminded and interested in partaking in opportunities which can enable me to better equip myself with skills which can transcend into everyday life and projects for betterment of one’s self and community.” Sileena’ s project will be the Incorporation of 3x3 and 5x5 basketball into the Secondary Schools’ Physical Education Curriculum, with provisions for coaches and mentors to liaison with the school’s educators to provide guidance on drills and skills and hosting of competitions by volunteering their services as officials.
With the engagement of players at a young age, this enables participation at the grassroot level. With the advent of basketball being actively played at all levels, this can increase the interest of sponsors and the establishment of a female league the release highlighted. GABF’s General Secretary, Patrick Haynes, posited that, “I’m pleased to have nominated Sileena for the FIBA’s Adelante Programme and the GABF has committed to support her throughout the duration of the programme as she will be our champion in promoting and growing women’s basketball for the next five years. Sileena has been a consistent advocate for women’s development, diversity and inclusion from her early high school years. She will add value to any forum and is an excellent contributor, communicator and leader.”
Premier League clubs set to vote on return to group training LONDON (Reuters) - The Premier League hopes “Project Restart” will move a step closer to becoming reality today when clubs hold an emergency meeting to vote on a return to group training amid the coronavirus pandemic. Should at least 14 of the 20 clubs agree that safety protocols are sufficient, players are likely to return to a limited first phase of group training tomorrow. Yesterday should have been the final day of the Premier League season but the coronavirus outbreak meant the league was suspended in March with 92 fixtures remaining. The Government last week opened the door for the return of elite sport, but several hurdles remain before the Premier League can resume behind closed doors. Clubs will have been encouraged, however, by the return of the Bundesliga this weekend — the first major soccer league in the world to resume after the lockdown. Today’s conference call is the first hurdle. Clubs need to agree the conditions for players to return to training under strict rules. Safety measures will include tents where temperature checks will be conducted, strict hygiene criteria, no canteens and no
General view outside the stadium at the time the final match of season between Arsenal and Watford was due to take place before it was postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (REUTERS/Peter Cziborra) showers. A maximum of five players will be allowed per pitch with tackling forbidden. Players will be tested twice per week and are being asked to provide written approval that they have received and understood the club’s COVID-19 policy. The prospect of clubs playing their remaining matches at neutral venues has receded with more than half speaking out against such a proposal. Project Restart was originally looking at a June 12 resumption date but should the clubs agree and, if there is no rise in infections in the country, a return date of June 19 or June 26 appears the most
likely. With Britain’s virus death toll still rising by hundreds each day — the latest figure is 34,466 — the return of the Premier League has divided opinion. Although the majority of players are said to be supportive, there have been dissenting voices, including Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, Tottenham Hotspur’s Danny Rose and Watford’s Troy Deeney. Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Willian said: “Honestly, from what I can see, a lot of players — the majority, I’d say — are uncomfortable with the idea of returning right now.
“We’re really keen to return, we really miss playing and doing what we love. But it needs to be safe for us to do so.” Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce said that while clubs are likely to agree to the first phase of group training to begin this week, June 12 was too early to start matches. “We need enough preparation time to get these players into shape or they are just going to fall down like a pack of cards. Most of the managers have the same concerns,” Bruce told the Sunday Telegraph. “We would need at least six weeks.”
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Cologne waste two-goal lead in draw with Mainz
FC Cologne’s Florian Kainz celebrates scoring their second goal with Dominick Drexler, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Lars Baron/Pool via REUTERS) COLOGNE, Germany (Reuters) Cologne squandered a two-goal lead and had to sweat to rescue a point in their 2-2 draw with visitors Mainz 05 yesterday in their first Bundesliga game back after a two-month suspension due to the
COVID-19 virus. Cologne, looking for their fourth straight league win, thought they had wrapped up the match played without spectators after early goals in each half. Despite the lack of fans, Cologne had some support as
about 1,300 season-ticket holders sent in their favourite club items — team shirts, scarves or stuffed animals — which were draped over the empty seats. Mark Uth converted a sixth-minute penalty he won himself and Florian Kainz headed in a perfect Dominick
Mainz 05’s Jerry St Juste in action with FC Cologne’s Benno Schmitz and John Cordoba, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Lars Baron/Pool via REUTERS) Drexler cross at the far post in the 52nd minute. But Mainz, led by former Cologne coach Achim Beierlorzer, cut the deficit through Taiwo Awoniyi in the 61st and levelled 11 minutes later thanks to Kunde Malong’s 30-metre solo run and fine finish from inside the box. They also went close to
scoring a third in the final minutes. Cologne remained 10th in the standings on 33 points while Mainz moved four points above the relegation playoff spot. Leaders Bayern Munich, top on 55 points, beat Union Berlin 2-0 later on yesterday. Borussia Dortmund were a point behind after Saturday’s
4-0 victory over Schalke 04. The Bundesliga on Saturday became the first major league in the world to restart amid the pandemic. A set of strict health regulations are governing the matches, including a ban on spectators in or around the stadiums to minimise the risk of infection.
New York to reopen auto, horse racing tracks without fans
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (42) leads the field during a re-start during the GoBowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo) NEW YORK (Reuters) New York’s Watkins Glen International auto race circuit and several horse racing tracks in the state can reopen without fans from June 1, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Saturday. NASCAR, which returns from a two-month, novel coronavirus-enforced hiatus on Sunday for a fanless event
in South Carolina, had previously scheduled a Cup Series race at Watkins Glen for August. The New York Racing Association (NYRA), which operates three major horse racing tracks, including Belmont Park, the home of the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, applauded the move. “This is a reasoned and
responsible decision by Governor Cuomo that will enable horse racing to resume in a way that prioritizes health and safety,” said NYRA CEO and President Dave O’Rourke. Last month the NYRA postponed Belmont Park’s spring and summer season but had not yet made a decision on the running of the Belmont
Jockey Joel Rosario celebrates the win of Sir Winston in the 151st running of the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park. (Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports at Belmont Park/File Photo) Stakes, which was set for June 6. The first jewel of the Triple Crown series, the Kentucky Derby, was postponed for only the second time ever when it was moved from May 2 to Sept. 5. The Preakness Stakes will be run Oct. 3, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced on Saturday.
“We look forward to the resumption of live racing at Belmont Park with all appropriate health and safety protocols in place,” said O’Rourke. “NYRA will announce race dates and a corresponding stakes schedule for the 2020 spring/ summer meet at Belmont Park in the very near future.” Cuomo, who on Friday
began the phased reopening of New York in certain regions, said there would be guidelines for participants in any of the races and added that he supported the resumption of sports without fans where possible, including baseball. “If you can have economic activity without a crowd, that’s great,” said Cuomo.
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What cricket means to West Indians
Bangladesh make clean sweep of make shift Windies In July of 2009 Bangladesh came to the Caribbean and after a strike by the senior players, a make shift side was assembled. Led by Floyd Reifer, West Indies lost by 95 runs in Jamaica and by four wickets in Grenada in the next Test. Guyanese Travis Dowlin fell six short of a maiden Test century. This was the first time that a team ranked lower that the West Indies had achieved a clean sweep in a series against them. The West Indies, back to full strength, travelled to Australia and lost the 1st Test by an innings and 65 runs in November 2009. Dowlin, one of the players who kept his place from the Bangladesh series, stroked a first innings half-century, while Adrian Barath scored a century on debut in the second innings. The second Test was drawn as Bravo scored a century and Nash, an Australian by birth, made a solid 92 in the first innings before Gayle hit a magnificent 165 in the second innings. West Indies ended 2009 on a losing note as they lost the final Test by 35 runs and with it the 3-Test series 2-nil. Gayle first innings hundred and fifties from Narsingh Deonarine and Nash in the 2nd failed to prevent Caribbean team from defeat. South Africa came to the West Indies and won the first Test inside four days in Trinidad by 163 runs despite a fighting 73 by Gayle. The 2nd Test in St. Kitts was drawn after three South Africans reached triple
Shiv Chanderpaul – (DigicelCricket.com - Brooks La Touche Photography) figures and Chanderpaul (166) and Nash (144) faced 505 balls between them in one of the most boring but important partnerships in Test cricket. In Barbados in the final Test South Africa won by seven wickets despite an unbeaten 71 from Chanderpaul as Guyanese pacer Brandon Bess was summoned from the breakfast table at the High Performance Centre (HPC) to make his Test debut after injury to two key fast bowlers during warn up sessions. But for the second time in the series, the game was completed inside four days. This would be the only Test match Bess would play much like fellow Guyanese Ryan Ramdass had done five years earlier in Sri Lanka. The Caribbean fans were getting increasingly frustrated in their team’s performance as the West Indies travelled to Sri Lanka in November 2010. Gayle presented them with an early Christmas gift with commanding 333 as the hosts were made to followon in the drawn encounter. The next Test was drawn
Tino Best ended 2012 with 6-40 against Bangladesh.
Daren Bravo along with Chanderpaul and Samuels scored tons in the same innings against Bangladesh in 2012.
after the entire fourth day was washed out in Colombo with Roach taking 5-100 in the first innings, while the final Test was also drawn after days three and five were both washed out as the West Indies ended 2010 with rain helping them to draw the series. When Man-of-theMatch Darren Sammy scattered the stumps of Saeed Ajmal at 1:28PM on May 15, 2011 at Providence to claim his fourth fivewicket haul (5-29) and first as West Indies Captain, his team had won its first Test since beating England in Jamaica, 17 Tests ago in February 2009. The emphatic 40-run win, with almost a day and a session to spare, was also the first win by the West Indies against Pakistan in 53 years in five Tests in Guyana and included a World Record 20 LBW decisions, surpassing the 17 in Trinidad in 1993 between the same teams. This was also the first Test victory for West Indies in Guyana since they beat England in 1998 at Bourda. Misbah-ul-Haq was the only batman for either team to reach a half-century on a treacherous track. Guyana’s leg spinner Devendra Bishoo was given his Test debut on home soil. West Indies just needed to avoid defeat in St Kitts in the next Test to win only their fourth Test series since 2003 when they beat Sri Lanka. West Indies began the final Test confident of the series win but an all too familiar collapse from the home team resulted in them crashing to a 193-run defeat inside three days. The hosts began the 2011 home series against India in Jamaica with a 63 –loss inside four days before 73 from Darren Bravo in the second earned West Indies a draw in the next Test. The third and final Test was played in the Nature Isle of Dominica and Shiv Chanderpaul became the first player to reach a Test ton on the Island for which he was rewarded by being given Honorary Citizenship of Dominica. Kirk Edwards scored a century on debut as West Indies entertained a capacity
Marlon Samuels scored 260 against Bangladesh in 2012. crowd which turned out for the Nation’s first ever Test match with a draw as the Indians surprisingly opted not hunt down the victory target. West Indies journeyed to Bangladesh in October and aided by a wash out of days two and three drew the first Test of the two-match series. The second Test in Dhaka saw the visitors romping to an emphatic 229run win with Darren Bravo making 195 in the second innings after Kirk Edwards had scored his second Test ton in the first innings. Edwards’ unrelated name sake Fidel captured 5-63. Chanderpaul’s defiant first innings 118 was not enough to prevent West Indies from a five-wicket loss in the first of a three Test series against India in November as the West Indies, who played 10 Tests in 2011, continued to struggle at the highest level. India’s victory at Eden Gardens was even more convincing; winning by an innings and 15 runs as Sehwag, Laxman and Dhoni all scored first innings hundreds. Darren Bravo’s 136 in the second innings made little difference to the outcome of the contest which ended in four days. Darren Bravo racked up back-to-back centuries in the drawn final Test as West Indies finished 2011 with a 2-nil series loss. West Indies played another 10 Tests in 2012, losing four of their first five but finished the year on a high with consecutive victories in their last four. Australia won the first Test in Barbados in April by three wickets despite an undefeated century from Chanderpaul but West Indies drew the second match as
Chanderpaul fell six short of another Test century in Trinidad. In the third Test in Dominica Chanderpaul registered fifties in both innings but the home team lost the match by 75 runs and the series 2-nil. In May, West Indies toured England and although Chanderpaul made two halfcenturies England won by five wickets at Lords, while in the second Test the home team won by nine wickets as Samuels made a century and Sammy got his first Test hundred. The final Test was drawn as rain, which washed out three days of the contest, a fighting century from Ramdin and a world record 95 by last man Tino Best helped the West Indies cause. Kieran Powell and Gayle both scored tons in a 254-run opening stand, while Sunil Narine (1st innings) and Roach (2nd innings) took five-wicket hauls as New Zealand were beaten by nine wickets in the first Test in
Antigua in July 2012. New Zealand lost the second Test by five wickets in Jamaica after Samuels scored an elegant century and followed it up with a classy fifty in the second innings, and West Indies had finally won a series. In November, Bangladesh hosted the West Indies and lost the first Test by 77 runs as Chanderpaul with an unbeaten double century, Powell (who scored tons in both innings) and Ramdin all scored centuries in the same innings. Best crowned a fine performance by the Caribbean side with a five-wicket haul. West Indies completed back-to-back series wins when they defeated Bangladesh in the 2nd and final Test by 10 wickets. Samuels (260), Chanderpaul (150*) and Darren Bravo (127) registered centuries in the same innings, while Tino Best bagged 6-40 as West Indies ended their best year in recent times. (Sean Devers) Daren Bravo along with Chanderpaul and Samuels scored tons in the same innings against Bangladesh in 2012.
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