K
AIETEUR Smoothest recount day so far…
No objections, no complaints - Nandlall
NEWS
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
Friday Edition May 22, 2020 -Vol. 22 No. 20
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80
p. 3
Online readership yesterday 185,839
Carter Center hits Govt. on commitment - says unable to transparencyto finish report p. 18
Murder of female guard in cemetery…
Region 7 registers marked increase of Venezuelans Suspect shot and captured after despite border closure attacking cops p. 18
p. 8
- police seek advice about murder charges for teens; taxi driver to be released
APNU+AFC's Craig doubles down onp. false 'migrant 3 voter' information The Puruni landing area in Region Seven is said to be a hot spot for night entertainment despite COVID-19 restrictions.
- couple said to be out of country had voted for Coalition
Captured cow 11p. thief turns out to be knife bandit
“Mingo’s fraud” found in 85 - PPP claims, says will recounted boxes release evidence p. 3
Grave environmental damage looms - German NGO warns - Exxon flares 9 billion cubic feet of gas
p. 2
- EPA gave approval for flaring during intervals for 20 yrs
Kaieteur News
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Friday May 22, 2020
Grave environmental damage looms -Exxon flares 9 billion cubic feet of gas - EPA gave approval for flaring during intervals for 20 yrs
- German NGO warns An image showing how flaring occurs on an FPSO
A
German NonGovernmental Organization (NGO) called Urgewald is of the firm opinion that grave environmental damage looms for Guyana as it pursues the exploitation of its oil and gas resources in the Stabroek Block. In its most recent statement, the NGO was particularly concerned about recent revelations by the local media that ExxonMobil was still flaring offshore Guyana. Flaring is a process that entails burning associated, unwanted or excess gases. As a result of this, harmful gases are released into the atmosphere, thereby contributing directly to global warming. When contacted yesterday, Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, confirmed that the company was found flaring nine billion cubic feet of gas as a result of issues with the gas compressor for the Liza Destiny FPSO. Dr. Adams said that this matter has been addressed while adding that it should come to an end this week. In spite of Dr. Adams’ remarks, environmental activists remain concerned about the revelation. I n t e r n a t i o n a l L a w y e r, Melinda Janki for example, told Urgewald if ExxonMobil cannot operate safely without flaring over two billion cubic feet of
Urgewald’s Senior Advisor for Multilateral Financial Institutions, Heike Mainhardt natural gas, then its operation in Guyana should be shut down immediately. Janki opined that flaring is utterly irresponsible, destructive and contrary to law. She also took a jab at the EPA, stating that its job is to protect the people and environment of Guyana, and not make excuses for ExxonMobil. U r g e w a l d ’s S e n i o r Advisor for Multilateral Financial Institutions, Heike Mainhardt, was also critical of ExxonMobil as well as the World Bank which is providing funding to Guyana to build its capacity for the oil sector. Thus far, part of the World Bank’s money has been going to ExxonMobil linked subcontractors with several transparency advocates sounding alarm bells over the issue. They have also called for the loan to be investigated for issues of conflict of interest.
EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams In her brief comment, Mainhardt said, “Instead of paying for ExxonMobil’s law firm (to review Guyana’s laws)..., the World Bank should have supported the adoption of a No Gas Flaring Law to actually support best standards...” During a taping of Kaieteur Radio’s programme, Guyana’s Oil and You in early January, Dr. Adams had revealed that ExxonMobil was flaring gas since December. He had said that this is allowed under the permit it received for the purposes of start up operations as well as for cases of emergency. At that time as well, Dr. Adams had said that the American oil giant was flaring longer than expected but noted that this was due to issues with the equipment that would allow for gas re-injection. Apart from the issue of flaring, Urgewald is concerned that the
development of the Stabroek Block which has found over eight billion barrels of oil equivalent resources, will turn Guyana from a carbon sink to a carbon bomb. Ÿ FLARING APPROVED According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that the EPA approved for Liza Phase One, flaring is permissible at various intervals until 2040. In the document that Kaieteur News perused, ExxonMobil notes that
flaring would actually be temporary and non-routine. In fact, its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) intends to re-inject all operationally-produced gas under routine conditions, except that which will be utilized for FPSO operations (e.g., fuel gas). It was further noted that a flare system will be provided for the collection and safe disposition of produced hydrocarbon gases resulting from unplanned, non-routine
relief and blowdown events. The EIA states that relief events occur to prevent overpressure scenarios in the process equipment. It further clarifies that blowdown events occur to depressure the facilities in a controlled manner as a result of emergency shutdown events. In addition, the EIA states that temporary, nonroutine flaring will occur during equipment maintenance, process upsets, and start-up.
GECOM Chair says, “He who asserts must prove” “He who asserts must prove,” is the view of the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice Claudette Singh, on the many claims being made during the recount, of anomalies in the 2020 Elections process. The Chair was, at the time, responding to a Kaieteur News article
quoting Commissioner Sase Gunraj, who said yesterday that the Chair is of the view that it is not GECOM’s role to probe the claims of anomalies being made by the governing coalition, APNU+AFC. While the Chair said that she is perturbed at Gunraj purporting to speak on her behalf, she did not refute the specific statements he made
about the discussion he claimed they had. She continued, “I am of the view that, he who asserts must prove”. Gunraj noted the contents of the press release issued by the hand of the G EC O M C h air, an d subsequently released a report. “Indeed, I am not authorized to speak for or on behalf of the Chairman. On the issue under review, I unwittingly erred. For that I apologize.”Furthermore, Singh noted that the Commission, with no current decision on the matter, is still in discussion on the allegations made in the observation reports, and that when such a decision is made, there would be an official communication of same to the political parties, media and other stakeholders.Meanwhile, representative of the APNU+AFC Cathy Hughes had informed the media that the Coalition still awaits word from GECOM with regards to what is done with the evidence that the party claims it is in possession of—which can confirm their allegations that dead and migrant Guyanese voted on E-Day.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 22, 2020
Smoothest recount day so far…
No objections, no complaints- Nandlall
Table illustrating processed and outstanding ballot boxes On the 16th day of the National Recount exercise, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) managed to record a smooth day without complaints and hiccups in the process, according to executive of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Anil Nandlall. This rather quiet day pushed GECOM to complete the recount of an additional 88 ballot boxes, the highest number since the recount commenced. This now raises the total number of recounted ballot boxes to 877, with some 1,462 remaining to be counted in nine days.
GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, informed members of the media last evening that 25 boxes were counted for Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara); 19 for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 17 for Region Five (Mahaica- Berbice); 18 for Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) and nine for Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni). She went on to say that of the total, 844 Statements of Recount were tabulated for the General Election, while some 820 were done for the Regional Election.
APNU+AFC’s Craig doubles down on false ‘migrant voter’ information By Shikema Dey Alliance For Change (AFC) Leonard Craig has added a new dimension to his party’s claims of possessing evidence that some persons who had migrated from Guyana were recorded as having voted in this year’s election. In this paper ’s Wednesday May 20 edition, a story was published in which a Berbice couple, Aubrey and Shirley Nicholson, had debunked Coalition agent Yonette Obermuller’s claim that they were out of the country on Election Day, March 2. The Nicholsons were listed, along with three other people, as having left Guyana at various times and purportedly not having returned to the country in time to vote, yet whose vote were recorded in ballot box 6 0 0 7 , S i s t e r s Vi l l a g e Primary School. One person on the list was recorded as having left Guyana as long ago as January 10, 2011 at the specific time of 9:36:27
“Mingo’s fraud” found 85 recounted boxes - PPP claims, says will release evidence By Kemol King The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is alleging that 85 of the 212 Region Four ballot boxes which have been recounted thus far, show distinct variations from the numbers presented by Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, d u r i n g t h a t d i s t r i c t ’s tabulation. PPP Executive, Anil Nandlall met with reporters yesterday at the National Recount Media Centre, to talk about what he termed “Mingo’s fraud”. Nandlall said that for those 85 boxes, Mingo has reduced the PPP’s votes by 686, and has increased APNU+AFC’s votes by 4,415. Nandlall also said “The boxes, as they are being completed, continue to confirm the accuracy of the statements of poll published by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in every material way.” It is evident, as Nandlall said, that the statements of recount continue to vindicate the statements of poll published by the PPP, save and except for slight variations attributed to previously rejected votes being considered as valid, and vice versa.
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APNU/AFC agent Leonard Craig
- couple said to be out of country had voted for Coalition
Aubrey and Shirley Nicholson AM. In an interview with Kaieteur News, Shirley Nicholson had confirmed that they were both in the country and voted early, spending the rest of the day with their grandchildren. Aubrey Nicholson also took part in an interview with a Berbice television station, footage of which this paper has seen. In a Facebook comment challenging Kaieteur ’s reporting as ‘propaganda’, Craig claimed “You did not provide any proof that these persons were here. There is something called exit and entry stamp at JFK let them send you that. Until then this article is hearsay.” When challenged that he was saying, without evidence, that the Nicholsons travelled to the
[from left] PPP Executive, Anil Nandlall and Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo However, Kaieteur News is yet to verify the accuracy of all of the figures the party claims Mingo presented, as it has not supplied audio/video evidence. Asked about the PPP’s method of recording Mingo’s figures, Nandlall said that the party made notes, and that it is also in possession of audio and video clippings. Nandlall said that the party will release those recordings for verification purposes. He also challenged GECOM to release Mingo’s s p r e a d s h e e t s . S o f a r, Kaieteur News has tabulated information for 21 ballot boxes. Four of these were taken from a preliminary report on Guyana’s General
and Regional Elections by Head of the Electoral Observer Mission of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Bruce Golding. Seventeen were taken from audio evidence published by one of The Citizenship Initiative’s Executive Members, Shaz Ally. Kaieteur News’ analysis s h o w s t h a t M i n g o ’s tabulation, for those 21 boxes, subtracted 331 votes from PPP/C, and added 978 votes to APNU+AFC. This amounts to a total variance of 1,309 votes from the corresponding statements of poll, for those boxes. This cluster of boxes all came from villages on the East Bank of Demerara.
The list submitted by the party agent
US, Craig said that he was speaking generally, adding “Reference to JFK is representative of any place where anybody may have travelled. They would have an entry stamp. I’m not advocating that they indeed travelled to JFK.” He was then asked to support the Coalition’s specific claims that the couple had left Guyana on July, 2019 at 10 AM and had not returned since, and which destination the Coalition was claiming the Nicholsons migrated to. In response, Craig said that the Coalition’s practice was to present departure date and time and then allege the persons never returned in time for the elections. He stated that it was up to GECOM to then investigate (Continued on page 18)
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Friday May 22, 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
Total lockdown – if mandatory, then cleanly and convincingly only Total lockdown! The whispers keep growing to the point where they now coalesce just short of a crescendo. The thinking and sense that a total lockdown is almost here is now like a public secret. Our position at this publication is that if this is what it has to be, then it must be based on the soundest reasons. We remind our readership that we had been in the vanguard of the early charge that called for a lockdown prompted at that time by spiralling concerns over the arrival and potential lethal assaults of the COVID-19 virus. There were heavy concerns over the state of preparations and readiness of Guyana’s health sector for what had promised to be a calamity of major national proportions. There is gratitude that, thus far, we have been spared the worst of the global onslaught, through the grace of divine providence (for those so believing) and the sterling efforts of our medical professionals at all levels of the health sector. Our concerns and anxieties have been stayed and managed, but they have not diminished to anywhere near the level that is desired, and which would lead to the long exhalation of broad-based and settled relief. Prudent counsels implemented, such as curfews in place, identification of the areas that are essential, imposing mandatory individual masking and social distancing standards, among other measures taken, have contributed to limiting our coronavirus statistics. This is comforting, but there is still the hovering sense that enough has not been done, and that there is more that must be delivered to reassure the Guyanese public. There are reports of what we will term ‘leakages’ in the contingencies employed, and at some of the more obvious hot spots. The Palms stands out as one of the places, which failed to register on the priority radar of those at the helm, with the result that they were not galvanized into immediate and comprehensive containing actions that the circumstances required. Some rearguard efforts have occurred with more being announced almost daily. This is encouraging, but the lesson from this is to be aware of the menaces and in front with the controlling steps necessary to contain this mortal enemy. There continue to be reports, complete with pictures, of wilful violations by individuals and groups, who cluster unheedingly in such popular, or necessary, places as bars and service centres and the municipal markets and private stores. Reckless citizens who display the swagger of not complying with restrictions and loudly profess to not caring, endanger the sensible who do care for the health and welfare of themselves and loved ones. And it is this place at which we arrive. We hope that it is not necessary for a total national lockdown to be imposed. But, if the situation is considered potentially catastrophic enough, then there is no choice, so it must be. The numbers, though not confidenceinducing from day one as to their authenticity and accuracy, keep climbing, with more reported cases confirmed. This is alarming, especially when Guyana had such a head start-with regard to time to take protective actions, lessons learned from mistakes made overseas, the steady guidance from recognized locally-based and foreign experts-to rachet up its barricades to a state of the highest alertness and do all within its grasp to guard the wellbeing of all citizens, from top to bottom and across the board. As much as we try, we think and feel that efforts have fallen short. This is with full consideration given to scarce resources and other limiting factors. As the numbers mount (we speak not of damning elections), there is the belief that the worst may be still ahead. We pray that on this we are terribly wrong. Therefore, it is with the greatest of misgivings that we await word and development of total lockdown. We trust that one thing would be completely and convincingly off the table in any such move. That one thing is politics. To elaborate on where we are: it is that recount disputes, broader elections calculations, and overall political visions will play absolutely no part in any decision to implement a national lockdown. Public safety, national health and wellbeing must be the only considerations.
There must be more than cosmetic gender and ethnic inclusion in Guyanese politics DEAR EDITOR, What will it take for us to move forward? The world has resorted to legislating balance in boardrooms to ensure women participate in corporate governance. Similarly, efforts to bring about gender balance in politics were reflected in the Commonwealth’s recommendation of a onethird composition of women. However, the emphasis on gender over the years has been nothing more than cosmetic. Had it been more, we would have seen a number of the familiar and formidable female politicians (non-dual citizens of course) we have come to know, emerging as Presidential Candidates, having earned their place purely on merit. Suffice it to say, that on both sides of the political divide, are two men waiting to be sworn in, neither
of which has represent the best of their respective lists. In light of this, The New Movement (TNM) and The Citizenship Initiative (TCI) should be unreservedly commended. In practice, the matter of gender equity in Guyana is one of form over substance. If we live in a society where we have managed to effectively delude ourselves that the presence of women, in some fraction, is connected with some guarantee that the diversity of our society is at least closer to being better represented, then we must appreciate that there is another facet, equally aesthetic, that requires similar attention. While efforts at gender balance must not be discredited, especially in societies where there is disproportionate male presence within the ranks of power both in business and
government, ethnic balance must not be ignored. Unfortunately, in our country, our aim to achieve ethnic balance in governance is only manifested before and after elections - after elections, a characteristic vacuous plea is made by the ‘loser’, and before elections, impassioned promises from both sides. What remains common to both major parties is a total lack of will once in power. There is also a critical step which appears to be missing. If both parties are well aware that ethnic balance is a necessary mantra on the campaign trail, then why is there so little effort to have this balance reflected on their respective lists of candidates? The line of reasoning that women ought to feel assured of their place in the ranks of power by virtue of the placement of humans with
similar biological features, as unfortunate as it is, is neither lacking considerable support nor unique to women. It appears that unless we want a sizeable portion of the population to feel like they are represented, this must begin with optics, particularly in the list of candidates. Unless the optics on the campaign trail appeal to all of Guyana, and not just party “followers”, then a significant majority of the people will not break the habit of identifying with appearances, and shift their focus to policies. I would suggest to the next President of Guyana, that we start here: legislating ethnic balance at every level of governance. The road to building trust appears to be a long and arduous one, and must start with some very basic steps. Yours truly, Aruna Budhram
David Hinds’ contention that the Western powers are in collusion with the PPP is misconceived DEAR EDITOR, In a letter published in both SN and KN on May 20, 2020, authored by David Hinds, he accused the Western powers to “have openly chosen a side in the current standoff – they have taken the PPP’s side”. He graciously cites me as an authority for his supposition. “Speaking on a Globespan 24/ 7programme, on Monday, May 18, Anil Nandlall boasted that the PPP has all the Diplomatic Community, including CARICOM, on its side,” he, poignantly, wrote.
While I am humbled by the reference, I am impelled to posit that Mr. Hinds yanked that singular assertion of mine from a one-hour live-streamed discourse, without any reference, whatsoever, to the conversational context in which it was proffered, but situates it, conveniently, in support of a hypothesis which he narrates. In the result, he attributes to my statement, a purport which I never intended. In that discussion, immediately prior to the statement to which Hinds made refer-
The APNU+AFC needs to concede elections defeat and focus on being a robust opposition DEAR EDITOR, It is with great interest, I along with, I am sure most other Guyanese abroad and at home, are following the ever-changing developments in the political situation in Guyana. Firstly, I am not affiliated with any political party in Guyana, but I surely think there is a better way of settling our differences and living together as one regardless of race or beliefs. The recounting currently going on should be afforded full transparency. It is a recount that was not needed if all protocols were followed in our elections. Sadly, we are where we are now, and on top of that, we are also dealing with a global pandemic. To GECOM, I say you
have failed in your task to deliver fair and credible elections to the people of Guyana; however, it is not too late to get it right this time. This whole fiasco should have been avoided by using the lawful process of tabulation of SOPs for Region Four as was done in the other nine regions. It is not the Coalition’s or PPP’s fault – it is yours, own it. You may have had persons from various parties ask or coax you to veer from lawful practices to benefit them but that does not exempt you from the blame. The losers are not Mingo, or PPP or the Coalition! It is the people of Guyana and by extension the entire country (Continued on page 6)
ence, I said words to the effect: “This is not a fight of the PPP or a fight for the PPP. This is a fight for democracy, a fight for righteousness, a fight for the rule of law, a fight for the future of Guyana. In this fight, all of the Opposition parties, every major local organization, including, the private sector, the religious organizations, the labour movement, the diplomatic community and the governments that they represent, CARICOM, the Commonwealth and the OAS, are all on the same side.” So Mr. Hinds, when I said subsequently on the programme that...”they are all on the side with (not of) the PPP”, it is the aforesaid to which I was referring.
In the circumstances, to hijack that lone contention of mine from the conversational cradle in which it was birthed to aid your postulation that the Western powers are in collusion with the PPP, is as misconceived as the postulation itself. Mr. Hinds, at the risk of being presumptuous, perhaps a more beneficial use of your academic energy would be to analytically examine how and why, in the current electoral impasse, all of the local and international forces engaged, including, the political parties, are currently aligned on one side and only the APNU+AFC, in solitude, is on the other side. Yours truly, Mohabir Anil Nandlall
Trust needs to be rebuilt among the races DEAR EDITOR In a multiracial society, it is expected that people of different race and religion would gravitate in some way towards a group or mindset that appeals to them. Awareness of differences between people is unavoidable but opinions of race are formed through perception based on factual experiences that result in racial stereotyping and mistrust clearly evident in the Guyanese society. We have seen letters in the press where people express their opinions based on perception of racial profiling as in the case of Akola Thompson and her experience at Kissoon’s Furniture Store. Yet, without any concrete evi-
dence, others of similar race seize the opportunity to perpetuate this situation for political ends. I will not dwell on the extremists whose racial preference is spewed on a daily basis, which is their fundamental right, but as one writer succinctly puts it, they are nationalistic frauds and cannot be rehabilitated to even accept that 33 is the majority of 65. We need to build back trust among the races and return to normalcy through a fair and credible process that ensures whoever gets the majority will form the new government Yours truly, D. Singh
Friday May 22, 2020
Carter Center did not take part asobservers in the 2011 as claimed by Mark Benschop DEAR EDITOR, PLEASE permit me a space in your newspaper to respond to a statement made by Mr. Mark Benschop during his radio broadcast (1:41:40) on May 19, 2020, where he stated: “that in 2011, the very PPP and now Opposition Leader asked the Carter Center to leave and not to partake in any elections, especially under the PPP and it’s ironic that the very PPP and their supporters are now protesting, calling for the return of Carter, in my opinion [the] partisan observers to return to the country to participate again.” Editor, I wish to convey to readers that this is utterly untrue, and is a political gimmick to justify the actions of APNU+AFC, from their consistent refusal for the return of the Carter Center to observe the March 2 General and Regional Elections recount. Let me unequivocally
say that in 2011, the Carter Center was never invited nor accredited, in the first place, to observe the 2011 General and Regional Elections, under Section (3) of the General Elections (Observers) Act. Therefore, the lie that the PPP told the figment of Mr. Benschop’s imagination to leave and not partake must be repelled immediately. Mr. Benschop further accused the same Carter Center that deemed the 2015 General and Regional Elections as free, fair, and credible (for which the APNU+AFC was sworn the Government of Guyana) as being partisan. It is my opinion that anyone who dares to speak the truth against the daily atrocities of the APNU + AFC automatically becomes allied against the Government, hence it begs the question, why are we stuffing people’s mouth with cement? Also, another lie that
could be deciphered right from the demeaning statement is that the PPP vowed to never have the Carter Center return under their Government when clearly the Carter Center returned for the 2015 General and Regional Election, from an invitation by Mr. Ramotar, after consultation with the then GECOM Chairperson. Nevertheless, Editor, I must convey these words of Mr. Sanjeev Datadin to the Guyanese population that he said as a guest on Mr. Benschop radio and I hope they heed it sincerely, “[lies] will fall on fertile ears because there is some much distrust and hatred in Guyana, that people want to believe that and that they don’t want to accept the reality, and so you sell them a lie and they will go with that because it’s better than the reality.” Regards, Vejendra Datt
It is crucial that we complete the recount of Region Four before the 25-day timeline expires Dear Editor, Can we not take this into June? Can the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) make all the smart and necessary logistical decisions to try to ensure that the national recount exercise, currently ongoing at a snail’s pace, does not exceed the 25 days by a ludicrous number of days? We voted on March 2, 2020, and to date, a Government elected by the people is yet to be installed. The CARICOM observation team has not confirmed if they will extend their stay. What happens if they leave? Does it, therefore, means the process will be without the scrutiny of any international observers to help ensure our free and fair election day was
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Kaieteur News
not in vain. The smart thing to do right now is for GECOM to focus their attention on ensuring all the ballots in the Electoral District Number Four, which had not one, but two fraudulent declarations, that is currently being revealed by the 3 counting stations, as they make their way through the ballots. If you are still not convinced of this and if you cannot see what is wrong with Mingo’s numbers, then you are a phony champion of democracy. District Four, the most populous voting district, will ultimately determine the winner of the March 2 National and Regional elections. It is imperative to ensure it is completed soonest and then focus on the less populated regions. The two additional sta-
tions should be to speed up the counting of this district, especially since we are not sure if the CARICOM team will be here beyond the 25 days. GECOM is again trying to seek permission from the COVID-19 taskforce to now increase from 12 to 14 (Continued on page 6)
The PPP has proceeded on the worst form of political adventurism since the No-Confidence Vote DEAR EDITOR, Soon after it became apparent, following the No-Confidence Vote (NCV) in December 2018, that Guyana was headed to the polls, albeit not on the timeline demanded by the architects and supporters of the NCV, the PPP/C began to intensify its well-practised and hitherto very successful formula for reclaiming and holding on to political power, one which is largely twopronged. The first, or institutional, strategy targets the elections machinery and is aimed at dominating the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) by influencing senior appointments and policy-making. The second strategy is based on a comprehensive and diversionary public relations and political influence campaign which seeks to discredit and isolate, domestically and internationally, its main adversary by alleging widespread electoral malpractice (with or without international support) while pursuing the exact objectives clandestinely. The first strategy was put in motion from the moment the PPP/C demitted office in 2015 when it ruthlessly hounded the Chairman of GECOM (who had overseen PPP/C victories in 2 previous elections) out of office and advanced nominees for his replacement which the President was compelled to reject repeatedly.
The current Chairperson, who was the consensus nominee of both President and Opposition Leader, has consistently been vilified and threatened for her independence as have the leaders of the GECOM Secretariat as well as government-nominated Commissioners. The PPP/C, however, secured one obvious, and very significant, victory when it succeeded in frustrating every attempt to cleanse the Official List of Electors. Long before a date for elections had been announced, former President Ramotar had declared that “without doubt, the PNC has put its rigging machinery in full swing” and Freddie Kissoon was trumpeting that he saw a “tampered election coming up” based on his diagnosis of APNU+AFC possessing “a temperament of not wanting to give up power” evidenced by its refusal to resign following the passage of the NCV. He also claimed, in May 2019, to “believe the upcoming poll in Guyana will be tampered with by APNU+AFC” and that he foresaw “an improper general election where the West gets involved to bring about an APNU+AFC majority or APNU+AFC by itself rigs the poll”. Now a year later, Kissoon admits that his speculative analysis then has proven to be completely inaccurate and that he now sees “that the PPP rigged the election
through the instrumentality of the American firm, Mercury and the Russians”. He also details “the great fraud that the PPP saturated the March 2020 elections with” and this is supported by the avalanche of daily revelations of irregularities and illegalities, which suggest an obvious and indisputable conspiracy to steal an election and to overthrow the will of the people. The 2018 NCV was an initial attempt at the same objective, which brought no negative consequences and, perhaps, the support it received emboldened the PPP/C, and the minor parties which continue to support it, to embark on this w orst form of political adventurism which demand the most serious consequences. Sincerely Oscar Dolphin Editor ’s Note. Mr. Kissoon’s column of Tuesday, May 19 – referred to by Mr. Dolphin – was satirical.
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Friday May 22, 2020
Kaieteur News
APNU is playing a dangerous and self-destructive game of superpower defiance DEAR EDITOR Is APNU being guided by superpowers and does it think it has already outplayed the US? APNU’s game is now clear: annul the election, govern illegally in the ensuing vacuum and get superpower military assets on the ground a la Venezuela to counter the US. APNU cannot, I repeat, APNU absolutely, unequivocally, unconditionally, cannot hold onto illegal power without superpower backing. It just can’t. APNU is up against the West, and more critically against the US here, plain and simple. APNU cannot openly steal an election in a region the US has vowed to make democratic, defy and mock the US and jeopardize billions of US dollars of American investments. It must have some
superpower security and insurance against the US to survive the shock and awe of the US. There are good reasons to openly wonder whether APNU has already become a pawn on a chessboard controlled by superpower forces rivalling the West? First, Guyana is now an oil power. Where there is oil, there will be superpower subterfuge. Second, APNU has openly defied and mocked the West despite dire warnings from the US. Third, APNU has been warned by the US of both sanctions and military force. Nagamootoo explicitly said “But the impatience is giving way to threats of sanctions and an undeclared war of terror” in his My Turn column in the Chronicle, yet, APNU continues. Fourth, the US re-
cently seriously escalated military assets in the region and primarily just offshore Guyana and Venezuela. Yet, APNU continues. Fifth, the most powerful organizations on earth are condemning APNU including the UN, Commonwealth, Caricom, OAs, etc. Yet, APNU continues. Sixth, despite many opportunities, APNU has not sought any negotiated outcome to this madness. Its aim is absolute power. Seventh, APNU made some stark postelection rejections of Venezuela’s Guiado in contradiction to its Lima Group pledge. Those rejections were patent endorsements of Maduro and more importantly, his key superpower backers. Eight, APNU hired a small lobbying firm (JJ&B LLC) instead of a larger lobbying outfit to lobby the US
Great attention to and investment in electronic learning platforms are needed DEAR EDITOR, COVID-19 has affected many countries throughout the world in unprecedented ways. This coronavirus pandemic had led to a complete or partial lockdown in many countries. During epidemics, absenteeism of learners and educators tends to rise due to illness or precaution and could lead to forced closure of schools. There was no need for a ‘forced closure’ since most countries acted promptly by closing the doors of schools as a necessary precaution to keep children, teachers and families safe from this deadly disease.This closure has caused a vast number of children in the world having their education significantly interrupted. Many countries have crafted policies and have shifted to a ‘remote learning model’ trying to provide the best learning experience for their children through meaningful engagement and frequent learning opportunities. What is Guyana doing? I wish to enlighten readers on what the Ministry of Education has initiated. On April 19, 2020, the Ministry issued a press release as a consequence of the extended closure of schools, advising parents to visit the Ministry of Education’s website to access National Grade Six (NGSA) Practice Test Papers in the four core areas (English, Science, Social Studies and Mathematics) along with other educational websites to access textbooks and other resources. Parents were also advised to tune into various radio and television programmes.
In addition to those measures outlined, teachers at secondary and tertiary levels were advised under the guidance of the Chief Education Officer (CEO) to engage students via Zoom, Skype and other similar electronic means. It should be noted that secondary and tertiary teachers were ‘advised’ and not ‘instructed’ to engage students in online learning. It was further stated that there is a ‘Technical Team’ at the MoE who is continuously working to upgrade the support provided to teachers and students and they are engaged in discussion with international development partners to establish additional elearning platforms including e-testing for students. I must applaud the Ministry of Education for those steps they would have taken. However, teachers are now asked to prepare and submit a weekly report on what was done through virtual teaching. How can you prepare a report when the MoE has done NOTHING to establish any virtual teaching platform for its learners? That is, of course, preposterous. It is quite simple to distribute iPods or tablets to learners and teachers in areas where internet service is accessible so that they can establish virtual classrooms, then ask for a weekly report. In New York City, for example, some300,000 internet-enabled iPods were distributed to children so that they can participate in remote learning. How many iPods or tablets were distributed in Guyana? None, yet there has been request for a weekly report. One may question, is Guyana ready for virtual
teaching? Are we financially equipped to provide gadgets for our children to facilitate distance learning? According to New York-based stock market, NASDAQ, Guyana is listed as the fastest growing economy in the world with a projected growth rate of 16.3 percent from 2018-2021. Those projections are contained in a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which stated that Guyana’s real GDP is expected to grow by approximately 86 percent in 2020. With the fastest growing economy in the world, I think we can afford it. For students who are living in remote areas with limited or no internet access, I am recommending to the Ministry of Education to utilize our postal system to provide supplemental learning materials, such as workbooks and worksheets, to keep them engaged during this period. In addition to that, the MoE needs to have more educational programmes aired on radio and television so that children in the riverain areas can benefit. I strongly believe that if the Government of Guyana, particularly the Ministry of Education, has the nation’s children at heart they will provide the requisite resources needed so that they can participate in virtual classrooms and be meaningfully engaged, without worrying about the cost. I am optimistic that something will be done anytime soon so that our children can benefit through distance learning as we all battle against the coronavirus p a n d e m i c . Yours truly, Ashan Bacchus.
government. One of JJ&B LLC’s principals is Bart Fisher who is one of China’s most effective lobbying voices in Washington since the 1980s. Bart Fisher runs the China office of JJ&B LLC and represents Suriname where China has carved out a formidable presence under the Bouterse regime. Ninth, the military minds controlling APNU know the US is gravely concerned about loss of geopolitical and geostrategic Southern Hemisphere influence in America’s backyard including losing the strategic oil-rich northern face of South America (Venezuela, Suriname and Guyana) to superpower rivals. Yet, APNU continues. Tenth, APNU knows the US is worried about the risk of a Venezuela styled expulsion of US oil interests in Guyana if rival superpowers take control of Guyana under an APNU illegal administration. Yet, APNU continues. Eleven, the rejection of the Carter Center observers. That is outright rejection of the US itself. Twelve, Freddie Kissoon has argued that Granger is effectively ousted and that a cabal now controls APNU. That suggests that there are forces more powerful than APNU itself dominating APNU. Thirteen, APNU is clearly not worried about sanctions despite severe warnings. It has grown not
just bolder but outright bellicose since the election. Backing from powerful superpower friends who can easily circumvent sanctions can provide this kind of outrageous bravado. Fourteen, the APNU playbook resembles that of the playbook used in many parts of the world where superpowers have succeeded in thwarting the West. Despite some of these palpable factors and gravest of risks, APNU continues the illicit masquerade. This is why these factors inevitably lead to the question whether APNU, an illegitimate regime with very limited popular support) is now a pawn playing a hand handed to it by powerful puppet masters? What are the risks if this is indeed unfolding as we speak? Forgot sanctions, the biggest risk is explicit Western military force. The West knows sanctions are meaningless to superpowers with supreme ability to sidestep them. That means the use of force is now the preponderant consideration in Washington and London. Even if it succeeds to secure superpower backing to survive with its nonexistent legitimacy, APNU will have to surrender a lot for any superpower to support it. The balkanization of Guyana for starters. Essequibo (Venezuela), Corentyne (Suriname), Rupununi (Brazil) will become fair game to superpowers call-
ing the shots as well as neighboring powers with territorial opportunism. Venezuela will end up indirectly controlling this APNU regime on Essequibo. Guyana will not survive. Partition becomes a serious reality. Look at Crimea, Syria, Lybia, Yemen, etc. Further, APNU has nothing to really offer superpowers for a lifeline. APNU is working with dismal legitimacy, pathetic popular support, weak internal military structure incapable of even holding on for an hour against superior force, nothing of financial substance to exchange for superpowers to prop it up, tragicomic leadership and the heightened risk of the US ending this farce abruptly with 10 minutes of military reckoning. Syria, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela, Turkey, etc have large populations for meaningful trade with superpower backers, more advanced economies, oil they control, greater financial footings, developed militaries for significant military purchases from superpower friends and other elements that make sense for superpower support compared to this APNU regime. Even for superpowers, it would be difficult to see how any superpower backers will extend the life of this regime beyond a year. There is no (Continued on page 18)
The APNU+AFC needs to concede... From page 4 as a whole. APNU +AFC, you have lost the elections and you know it. It takes great planning and strategy to win, but sometimes with all the planning and strategizing, you still lose, and that is ok. The greatest businesses and organizations were built on countless failures; you need to accept and study the reasons for your loss so you can be stronger in 2025. Remember, Guyana – and as a matter of fact, any democratic country – functions better with a robust opposition. The further you drag this fiasco along, the more you lose support because people are seeing the wild accusations and assumptions for
what it is. It will be harder to garner support for 2025 if you deliberately delay the inevitable. Guyana does not need a party to remain in power in 2025 by default just because the opposition party (APNU +AFC in this case) damaged themselves so much that they cannot effectively function as a credible alternative. Imagine the power that scenario hands to the PPP. I have seen some of your prominent leaders speak out against your non-acceptance of defeat. Now is the time to accept facts and move on – the longer you resist the inevitable, the worst it will be for you to rebound. I understand President Granger is a fair individual: now is the time to
let truth prevail, President Granger – the buck stops with you. The smaller parties, the media, the observers and GECOM workers must not be forgotten. They toil every day to keep the wheels of democracy turning, I admire you. I see the media being blamed for taking sides or being one party or the other mouthpiece, I don’t doubt that there are instances but for the most part, the media have been doing an outstanding job. Keep it up. Remember before 2015, it was these same media houses that were accused of being in bed with the then opposition APNU+AFC. Yours truly, Name provided
It is crucial that we complete the... From page 5 workstations. Great move, more stations, but the only way to truly be productive and smart, is to have all new stations focus on District Four and not where stations 11 and 12 were assigned to count. It seems as though all the other electoral districts will be done before Four is concluded. However, if
CARICOM leaves, what guarantees are there that the level of transparency we have now will continue? It should be noted that tainted persons from the original tabulation process at Ashmin’s Building, are still part of this recount process The media is already beyond the fence of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. Will there be yet another to
alter the results or is that why there are slow teams and numerous objections without evidence? It is crucial for our democracy that District Four is done within the 25 days period. As it is, our democracy is hanging on by a thread. The future of Guyana depends on how long this will go on. Respectfully, Nutana Singh
Friday May 22, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Two more men test positive for COVID-19 - as cases increase to 127
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w o m o r e Guyanese men have tested positive for COVID-19 lending further credence to statistics that men by far outweigh women in being at risk for contracting and spreading the infectious disease. As such, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, Director of Primary Health Care Services was joined by Dr. Dennis Bassier, Men’s Health Coordinator to deliver the Ministry of Public Health’s live update on the virus and to further reinforce the message of exercising caution in the time of COVID-19 on the male population. During his presentation of the statistics, Dr. Bassier stressed that, “for our relatively small population, we have seen an alarming rise in the number of cases with the majority being men. As of yesterday, you were informed that the ratio stands at 71 males: 54 females. Of the 10 deaths, eight are males. These men are between 16 and 59 years old.” He noted that this clearly indicates that persons are not taking note of and putting into practice the strict
guidelines for the prevention of transmission of COVID19. “It is the general understanding that men have poor health-seeking behaviour; this is further emphasized by the current situation. But wait, the plot thickens… lots of males that have been positively diagnosed, are not single. As a result of this, their partners and children have to be tested due to them being exposed. There is no shame in wearing a facemask, in practising social distancing, or even in constantly sanitizing your hands. I am pleading with you, men, to think about your family, your communities and your country. Stay home, practice social-distancing and wear your facemasks,” added Dr. Bassier. Similarly, Dr. Hamilton called on the men folk to “put that pride aside and keep your families safe. “I also want to call on our faith-based leaders and other reputable persons in society to help us get this message across to our men. You have a vital role to play and it is imperative that our men hear this appeal from all quarters. We must protect the
family, particularly our children who have been away from school, whose play outside has been disrupted, who can potentially face discrimination just because the father didn’t comply with t h e g u i d e l i n e s , ” D r. Hamilton said. She noted that the situation in Guyana is developing with two new cases, both males, added yesterday taking the number of confirmed cases to 127. Further, she said that the Ministry is very concerned with the increased cases seen in Regions 1 (Barima-Waini) and 7 (Cuyuni- Mazaruni). “As of today, Region 1 now has two confirmed cases in two of their sub-districts. Region 7 has a total of seven cases. This is not good. My fellow Guyanese, this is the situation that we were working so hard to prevent. To date the total number of persons tested is 1,329 with the total number of negative cases being 1,202. We currently have 57 persons who have recovered, 60 active cases in institutional isolation, three patients in the COVID-19 ICU and the number of COVID deaths remains at 10,” said Dr. Hamilton.
Mechanic on bail for road death of female cyclist A mechanic yesterday appeared in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court where he was slapped with four charges. Sasenarine Jairam of 147 Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown and driver of motorcar PNN 3631 was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, failure to render assistance, failure to stop after an accident and breach of restrictions to home. He had struck down pedal cyclist, Raquel Edwards, from New Amsterdam. Before Magistrate Peter Hugh, he pleaded not guilty. He was placed on $300,000 bail for causing death and $15,000 each for the other offences. The case was postponed to 16th June, 2020 for report. Meanwhile, a post mortem examination conducted on the body of
Charged: Sasenarine Jairam Edwards of Levi Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam revealed that she died from multiple injuries to the body. Police had stated that motorcar driven by the mechanic was proceeding east along the northern carriageway, reportedly at a fast rate, when he struck down Edwards who was on her bicycle. Based on what the driver of the car told
Accident Victim: Raquel Edwards police, he and Edwards were heading in the same direction but while negotiating a right bend “the pedal cyclist suddenly turned right into his path”. As a result of the impact, Edwards sustained severe injuries about her body and was rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital in an unconscious state. She succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical attention.
Men’s Health Coordinator, Dr. Dennis Bassier
Director of Primary Health Care Services, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 22, 2020
Murder of female guard in cemetery…
Brother detained after Suspect shot and captured after Corentyne man’s body found attacking cops - police seek advice about murder charges for teens; taxi driver to be released
In what may be a major breakthrough in the heinous killing of security guard Margaret Dawson, police have shot and arrested an Albouyston man who was allegedly seen attacking Dawson in the Le Repentir Cemetery last Sunday. The suspect, known as ‘Lil Grumbs’, was shot in the leg at around 16:00 hrs yesterday, during a confrontation with police ranks near the Stabroek Market. Police were reportedly forced to open fire after he attacked ranks with a knife as they were about to arrest him. The suspect’s injury is not considered to be serious and he is likely to be released for further questioning. Still in custody are a 17-year-old and his 16-year-old friend. They were both found with gold rings and other items belonging to the slain woman. Police had received a lucky break after one of the youths sold one of the slain woman’s gold rings to an Albouystown resident. The resident contacted the police. Yesterday, investigators sought legal advice regarding possible murder charges against the two teens. However, police were advised to release the taxi driver who was initially considered to be a suspect after his car was found stuck in the cemetery on Monday. The detained 17-year old has claimed that he was riding a relative’s CG motorcycle on Sussex Street on Sunday evening when
Murdered: Margaret Dawson ‘Lil Grumbs’ asked for a ride. They then rode into Le Repentir Cemetery and he saw Mrs. Dawson walking. He alleged that as they were passing the woman, ‘Lil Grumbs’ asked him to stop. He complied, and ‘Lil Grumbs’ “pulled something from his waist” and confronted the female guard. On seeing his friend approaching, Mrs. Dawson reportedly said, “I don’t have any money; I now going to work.” But according to the teen, ‘Lil Grumbs’ began to strip the woman of her gold rings, and allegedly gave the teen some of her belongings “to hold.” But the teen claimed that he fled on the motorcycle after his acquaintance began to drag the woman further into the cemetery. Dawson’s body was discovered battered, half-naked and sprawled in a clump of bushes in the cemetery the following day.
Police in Berbice are probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a 52-year-old man whose body was found lifeless in the lower flat of his home at Lot 100 Number 49 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. Dead is 52-year old Shaheed Ishmael called “Rafeek”. According to the dead man’s sister, Bibi Singh, police arrested another brother who found Ishmael’s lifeless body yesterday morning. Regional Commander Calvin Brutus told reporters that based on preliminary investigations by CID ranks, an injury was noticed in the middle of the dead man’s forehead. He however noted that the man could have sustained the injury due to a fall. Meanwhile, Singh told
Dead: Shaheed Ishmael Kaieteur News that her brother who is presently in police custody had gone to Ishmael’s house to deliver some fish for him to cook around 8am yesterday. She said she was told that when he arrived and was making his way into the kitchen, he
saw his brother lying face down at the entrance of the kitchen in the lower flat of the two-storey building. The police were subsequently contacted. Singh disclosed that her brother lived alone but would often “make a lot of noise and curse up in the house in the nights”. She revealed too that loud pounding noises were emanating from the house Tuesday night. She also mentioned that due to an illness her brother had, some of his toes on one of his feet had to be amputated. According to the woman, police ranks have since informed that her arrested brother will remain in custody until a post-mortem examination is done on Ishmael’s remains.
Soldier dies in Vlissengen Road accident The Guyana Defence Force yesterday said it is mourning the death of one of its own in a road accident. According to the army, Private Kwasi Rodriguez died as a result of injuries he received yesterday in a motorcycle accident. It was disclosed that preliminary investigations have so far revealed that at approximately 10:10 hours, Private Rodriguez, who served at the Jaguar
Company of the 1st Infantry Battalion and resided at Albouystown, collided with a motorcar at the corner of Vlissengen Road and Eping Avenue, Georgetown. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Rodriguez enlisted in the Force in 2017. “The Chief of Staff, Officers and soldiers extend sincere condolences to the
Dead: Kwasi Rodriguez soldier ’s sister Kizzie Harlequin and other close relatives,” the GDF said.
Kaieteur News
Friday May 22, 2020
PAGE 09
In Defence of Men
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ou are bound to expect that whenever harsh criticisms are published about certain women, there will be a barrage of protests from women activists. Solidarity is strong within the female community. It matters not whether the criticism is based on the person’s gender. All it takes is criticism of a woman for a call to arms by female activists. A few weeks ago, some women reacted to criticisms which were being made about Justice Claudette Singh. They closed ranks and defend a fellow female from what they saw as a gender- based attack, which it was not. Justice Singh is not above criticism. No person, man or woman, should be above criticism. Not because you are a woman means you should not be criticized. What should not be condoned are criticisms based on a person’s sex. And sometimes, the criticisms can go beyond the pale and become too personal. But while women can look forward to being defended when their actions are subject to criticism, it is far different when it comes to men. Men do not enjoy the same degree of solidarity as their opposite numbers. Men too are constantly
been derided in the media. And it is surprising that no one comes to their defence, including when there is an obvious attack based on gender. It was very disturbing to listen, a few nights ago, to the nightly COVID-19 report. In the opinion of this columnist, men were derided, in that report, for their irresponsibility. They were unfairly singled out for judgment by a senior public health official. The official accused men of “deliberately” wanting to jeopardize the life of their family members by their reckless behaviour. It needs to be asked how this official arrived at the conclusion that some men were purposely placing their family members at risk. The official was extremely judgmental by accusing some men of being macho and thinking that wearing of a mask makes them less of a man. The decision to wear or not to wear a mask is not always about being macho. There are many reasons why some men do not wear masks. For one, they may not have access to a mask; it may be uncomfortable or they may not feel the need to don one. Women are also just as culpable as men when it comes to not wearing masks. There are just as many
women who can be seen not wearing masks as men. Reference was made to the fact that the ratio of infected males to females was 71:54. This ratio reflects a higher rate of infection for men when compared to women but, unfortunately, it does not amount, statistically, to a correlation between males and COVID19 infection. The Ministry of Public Health will be making a big mistake if it assumes that it is male irresponsibility alone which is driving the local epidemic. Citizens, male and female, are not the only ones at fault for the rising number of cases. Mistakes have also been made at the official level, including having to keep police ranks in barracks during this time. Mistakes have been made in not having stringent enforcement of the lockdown. Mistakes have been made in relation to how persons in institutional isolation are being treated. Singling out men for special condemnation can therefore be viewed as deflecting from official missteps. The second issue is unrelated to the above. But it concerns the health sector. It has been noticed that quite a few young doctors are occupying senior administrative positions within the health sector. It is
Dem boys seh...
All Guyanese can kack up dem foot and drink whiskey Some workers start to cry dis week when dem get dem knack-off letters from Guyana Goldfields. Dem boys sarry fuh dem who lose dem wuk but dem boys more sorry fuh de country and de people wha nah understand dat nobody in Guyana gat fuh wuk if dem don’t want to wuk. Dem boys remember one day when dem and de bossman of de Waterfalls paper been tekkin’ a drink at the Princess Hotel. De bossman seh he meet up one of Exxon man who seh he from farrin. De man at de time had too many drinks but he still been talking sense. De bossman buy two beer fuh he and he start talk more. He tell dem boys how he does wuk in the oil industry and from de amount of wealth he see out deh in de Atlantic, no Guyanese
suppose to wuk fuh de rest of dem life. He seh every Guyanese supposed to be living de high life like dem is sheiks in de Middle East. He tell de bossman Guyanese supposed to be kacking dem foot up high in de air and drinkin’ whiskey all day. Dem boys seh de man mek sense. He ask de bossman wha type of car he does drive. De bossman tell he is a Toyota. De man laugh. He seh dat de amount of wealth Guyana gat, everybody supposed to be drivin’ Mercedes Benz before a drop of oil come up. He seh he wish he was a Guy-a-Neez. Dat is why when dem boys read story ‘bout how 160 persons lose dem wuk at Guyana Goldfields, and dat people crying, dem boys know de country missing de
bigger picture. Dem boys seh de problem is not jobs, de problem is de deal de country sign. All dem crookish politicians does get excited every time a farrin investor come and seh dem hay fuh create jobs. Dem crookish politicians does den sign deal which sellout de people… and all fuh a few jobs. Dem boys seh if de deal de fit and prappa, Guyana would be collecting enough revenues fuh ensure dat none ah we woulda gat fuh wuk. We coulda stay home, kack up we foot, sip we whiskey and wait fuh GEECum fuh done count de votes. Talk half and dream about better politicians and de whiskey.
always good to see young people being given opportunities. But one has to ensure also that the selections would have been done through a competitive process. Also, those who were appointed to senior administrative positions must have the relevant experience and higher qualifications. When it comes to health, you want to ensure that you have the best persons in the right positions. You want to ensure that those persons have the experience to do the job and also have the knowhow. There was time long
ago when all new public appointments were announced and when the appointees’ qualifications and experience were made public. That was a long time ago. It is not always necessary for a doctor to fill a health administration position since non-medical skills are also needed that doctors may not always possess. Therefore, while it is encouraging to see young people assuming greater responsibility in the health sector, there is a need to ensure that those who occupy these positions are sufficiently qualified and
experienced. It would be useful to know how many of these young administrators had post graduate qualifications before they assumed their appointments. This is not a criticism, just a caution to ensure that our health sector is in the right hands. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
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Friday May 22, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Deadly triumvirate: COVID, Claudette and Lil Joe Long, long ago in one of these columns, I held the view that if Guyana was not an unknown, obscure country, many of the leading scholars in comparative politics at many of the w o r l d ’s t o p r e s e a r c h universities would have written consistently about it. One of the reasons being, that we have produced exceptional departures from traditional behaviour that make for fascinating research into political theory. When other countries generate political directions that are unheard of, tons of
books are written about them. This is because those countries are famous. Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia; just to name a few. But Guyana is a place rich and overflowing with political theories that are worth pursuing. The names, Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, come to mind. Nothing has been written about how they were different from traditional politicians around the world. Jagan defied political logic. He was a frenetic communist whose support came from
communities that worshipped business adventures. No one has explained how a charismatic, anticolonial fighter like Forbes Burnham almost lost his throne to a revolutionary academic, Walter Rodney, less than six years after Independence. That is unheard of in the postcolonial world although Bangladesh offers a similar situation. Desmond Hoyte has not found a place in the study of contemporary politics. Very few leaders underwent such a deep and
profound transformation as Hoyte did with the exception of Gorbachev. Guyana keeps producing unique situations for which scholars of political theory from top universities should write about. In which country, for almost three decades, the institution that administers the election affairs of a nation is run by party officials. It is unheard of in the 19th, 20th, 21st century. In Guyana, the PPP and the PNC are in charge of GECOM with a chairman, who if he/she is not professional and
independent, then hell is born. In Guyana, we have a most sordid way of appointing the head of the judiciary. The irony is no one can make such an appointment. In the US, Supreme Court judges are voted in by the Senate. In this country, the president nominates, the opposition leader has to agree with his choice. If not, there can be no confirmed head of the judiciary. Guyana went to the Caribbean Court of Justice to determine what constitutes a majority of 65 members in the national legislature. Now we have another unique situation. A deadly triumvirate has emerged and the vortex of diminishing logic continues. The COVID team is headed by two politicians. The CEO is Joe Harmon. The Chairman is the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo. Both are shameless defenders of the rigged 2020 national election. Both of them are facing political extinction should they accept electoral defeat. Even without an imposed government of APNU+AFC, Nagamooto is now a fleeting footnote in Guyana’s social structure. Joe Harmon wanted Granger to be sworn in the first week in March. To speed up the recount, the chairperson of GECOM, Claudette Singh, has to ask Lil Harmon and Moses Nagamootoo for permission to have more workstations so the final declaration can be made within the stipulated 25 days period. GECOM is an independent, constitutional body. Why Singh is asking politicians who lost an election for permission to speed up the recount is something that can only happen in Guyana. Here is the perfect
Frederick Kissoon analogy. A policeman has in his car, an arrested suspect who attempted to steal his wife’s necklace in a break-in which was captured on camera. The wife is about to board a plane at Timehri to leave and she is wearing the necklace and has in her possession the flash drive that captured the burglary. The policeman says he cannot go to the airport at this minute because he has an interview for promotion. But he offers the suspect a deal. He says fly up to the airport with a plane from Ogle, get the flash drive and the necklace before she leaves and I will use my power with the magistrate to put you on probation to behave yourself. “Go to Ogle, right now and catch that plane,” the officer said.” “Ah gone, sar, right away.” The accused went, had lunch, visited his sweet woman, then to Ogle only to find out the flight left for the interior, an hour ago. He belched from the beers he drank, and laughed so loudly that I heard him from where I lived in Turkeyen. Now why would the officer think for a fleeting moment that the accused is going to bring back evidence that will incriminate him? Guyana is facing a deadly trio COVID, Lil Joe who wants power, and Claudette, the joker. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
Friday May 22, 2020
PAGE 11
CDC to assist family Captured cow thief turns out affected by freak storm to be knife bandit “Moon does run till day light ketch am”. These were the words used by Bertie Murray after he learnt that the man held for stealing his cow had allegedly robbed him at knife point four years ago. This publication had reported that Tuesday night, ranks caught up with a group of men seen removing four c o w s f r o m M u r r a y ’s Prospect, East Bank Demerara Ranch. The thieves had scattered but one was apprehended and taken along with one of the cows to the Diamond Police Station. When Murray went to uplift his cow at the outpost Wednesday afternoon, he asked to see the alleged “cow thief”. As soon as Murray saw the alleged “cow thief”, he not only claimed that he recognized the individual but that he was the same person who had robbed him in broad daylight four years back. In fact, Murray disclosed that he had lived in the
Agricola neighbourhood with the man for some 10 years. Murray who is also a part-time truck driver recalled that sometime in November of 2016, he was hired by the man to uplift some materials at Hamid’s Hardware Store on Regent Street. While Murray waited in his truck outside of the store, the man allegedly pulled a knife from his waist and relieved him of $13,000. After the act, he exited the truck and made good his escape. Murray then drove to the Alberttown Police Station and lodged a complaint. On his way back from the station, Murray said that he paid a visit to the man’s home in Agricola and told his parents what had transpired. The man’s parents, however, failed to cooperate with police and so he was never arrested. Murray is convinced that the now captured man has been repeatedly returning to
The alleged cow thief his ranch over the past weeks to steal his cows. Police are now checking their records to see if the alleged “cow thief” is wanted for other crimes. He is expected to appear at the Providence Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
The stolen cow at the Diamond Police Outpost
Senior Response Officer of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Captain Salim October has disclosed that the agency is in discussions with Region Six officials on the provision of support for a family whose roof was damaged following a freak storm on Wednesday. This is according to a Department of Public Information report. October, in the report, disclosed that the CDC is engaging the regional officials for an assessment of the damage and exploring the appropriate support required.Heavy winds and
The Razacks’ damaged home.
rains at around 08:00 hours on Wednesday ripped off zinc sheets from the roofs of several homes in Number 36 Vi l l a g e E a s t B e r b i c e -
Corentyne leaving residents shaken.The Razak family suffered the brunt of the storm as their entire roof was (Continued on page 17 )
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Kaieteur News
Friday May 22, 2020
Friday May 22, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
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Friday May 08, 2020
M4 rifle, Tech 9 pistol, ganja Return goods under spotlight destined for Guyana seized as local online sales grow by Miami Customs
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Customs in Miami seized this M4 rifle destined for Guyana. MIAMI – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers had a busy week seizing guns, drugs and money attempted to be exported from the United States through Miami International Airport (MIA). Last week, CBP officers assigned to the Outbound Enforcement Team at MIA intercepted two weapons, over 38 pounds of marijuana and $48,000.00 in US c u r r e n c y, i n d i ff e r e n t outbound shipments of cargo. The shipments of contraband originated from the eastern region of the U.S.
and were destined to Guyana, Antigua and Costa Rica. On May 8, CBP officers seized four packages containing cereal boxes, cans of crackers, and an iced tea container concealing marijuana weighing over six pounds destined for Guyana. On May 8, CBP officers intercepted over 32 pounds of marijuana concealed in cereal and diaper boxes destined for Antigua. On May 13, CBP officers seized one M4 rifle, a Tech 9 pistol and ammunition magazine. The weapons were manifested as toys and
destined for Guyana. On May 15, officers seized $29,000.00 in US Currency. The cash was concealed within magazines and parcels destined for Costa Rica. On May 15, officers seized $19,000.00 in US Currency in a second shipment. The cash was concealed within magazines, book and documents also destined for Costa Rica. “The outbound cargo environment in Miami is the gateway to the Caribbean and South America, in which (Continued on page 16)
he Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) is advising suppliers that domestic online sales are subject to the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) 2011. “The impact of COVID-19 has seen the inevitable shift from in person sales to online sales; to encourage social distancing. The CCAC reminds suppliers that return and refund policies, warranties, and policies in regard to cancellations are still subject to the provisions of the Consumer Affairs Act,” the commission said. Several businesses, including supermarkets, are taking online orders. “Suppliers would still be held accountable for breaches of the Consumer Affairs Law. Considering our new modes of transactions, considerations would have to be put in place by the Commission for both consumers and suppliers so that no one is disadvantaged,” the commission warned. It was pointed out that consumers should still be afforded the period of seven working days to return an item for an exchange or for a refund if the consumer no longer wants the item. It is the responsibility of the consumer to ensure that the item is returned according to the stipulations of the Act: in its original package, and not used or damaged. “The supplier can charge up to 10% as a restocking fee and the return cost would have to be covered by the consumer in this case. If the item is defective, the cost of the return should be borne by the supplier upon establishing that the item was defective. If the payment was a layaway, the CAA speaks
to 75% refunds to consumers.” The Commission said it is also imploring suppliers to be scrupulous at this time to consumers who have booked events, which had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Suppliers are asked to offer consumers their correct refunds. “The Commission continues to appeal to suppliers to put your countrymen/people over excessive profit… it is morally wrong to take advantage of consumers during any national emergency, in this case, that of a public health crisis.” The CCAC was established in 2006 and became fully operational in 2010. The Commission functions objectively in executing the laws governing two acts, namely the Competition and Fair- Trading Act N0. 11, 2006 (CFTA) and the Consumer Affairs Act No. 13 2011 (CAA). The Commission is an agency of the Ministry of Business.
Friday May 22, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Friday May 22, 2020
Kaieteur News
Pedal cyclist killed in Crabwood Creek accident
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The car and cycle that were involved in the accident. A 57-year-old pedal cyclist is now dead after he was struck down from the bicycle he was riding by a car driven by a 25-year-old Crabwood Creek Resident. Dead is Marsha Adiana of Skeldon Riverside, Upper Corentyne, Berbice. Reports are that the incident took place on Wednesday around 11:30 hrs on the Princetown Public Road, Upper Corentyne, Berbice. The car, HC 8511 driven by the 25-year-old was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway reportedly at a fast rate while
Adiana was proceeding north along the western side of the road. Kaieteur News understands that the driver swerved west and collided with the cyclist and as a result of the impact Adiana fell off his bicycle and sustained injuries about his body. He was reportedly picked up in an unconscious state and taken to Skeldon Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver, whose alcohol consumption was below the prescribed limit, is in custody assisting with the investigation.
Marsha Adiana
Berbice health official preaches “zero tolerance” for home, health centre deliveries …as probe launched into latest maternal death
Region Six Health Officials have launched an investigation into the death of a 25-year-old woman who died hours after giving birth at the Fyrish Health Centre, Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice. TAXI SERVICE Kaieteur News GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: u n d e r s t a n d s t h a t t h e 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225- young woman, Hafeeza 7878 (24HRS) Shivbarran-Mohammed called Maria of Kilcoy, Corentyne was in the last stage of her pregnancy and had reportedly made arrangements with the midwife attached to the Fyrish Health Centre to deliver her when it was VEHICLE FOR SALE time. According to reports, after developing 1 Suzuki Escudo.Excellent contractions, the woman condition, Low Mileage (50,000Km).$3.4M Neg.Call was rushed to the health centre by her husband but #649-0956. after the delivery she experienced complications which caused her to lose an excessive amount of blood. The woman reportedly lost consciousness and was rushed to the Anamayah Memorial Hospital where she succumbed Sunday around 2:00am. Jevaughn Stephens, Regional Director of Health in
Dead: Hafeeza Shivbarran-Mohammed the region, during a press briefing Wednesday, told media operatives that the information gathered thus far have been forwarded to Chief Medical Officer within the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. Stephens stated that there is a “zero tolerance” for home and health centre deliveries and as such when officials became aware of the incident, a probe immediately took effect. He made it clear too that sanctions will be imposed on those found guilty. The maternal death represents the first for the Region for 2020. Meanwhile, attempts to solicit a comment from the husband about his wife’s demise were unsuccessful.
Regional Director of Health, Jevaughn Stephens He only confirmed that she was laid to rest on Wednesday. This publication was reliably informed that the
man, who married his wife in August of last year, may now have to care for his newborn child independently.
M4 rifle, Tech 9 pistol... From page 14 criminal enterprises attempt to use transportation routes traffic drugs, guns and money,” said Christopher D. Matson, CBP Port Director at Miami International Airport. “CBP’s Outbound Enforcement Team continues to conduct outbound sweeps of cargo resulting in significant seizures that disrupt dangerous criminal networks.” CBP officers screen international travellers and cargo
and search for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, counterfeit consumer goods, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products that could potentially harm the American public, U.S. businesses, and the nation’s safety and economic vitality. CBP seized an average of 3,707 pounds of illicit narcotics and $207,356.00 every day during 2019 across the United States.
Friday May 22, 2020
Kaieteur News
CDC to assist family affected by freak... From page 11 ripped off and the kitchen situated in the lower flat was left inundated resulting in damage to their appliances and furniture. Several family members also suffered minor injuries as they tried to find safety. Speaking with media operatives Wednesday afternoon, Dian Razak, 31, and a mother of two recalled she was in a hammock in the lower flat of their two-storey wooden and concrete building when her son ran inside shouting.
Realising that her 10-yearold was trying to show her something important, the woman decided to investigate. She saw some zinc sheets being ripped off of her house. The woman said she told her son to run as she picked up her two-year-old and ran to the front of the house where she covered her two children until the storm passed. However, while running to safety the 10-year-old was struck behind the neck and had to seek medical attention
while his mother was struck on the leg. During the ordeal, Mr. Razak, who was asleep, was awoken by the noise and sought shelter with his family. Meanwhile, at least three other homes in the street also lost zinc sheets from their roofs during the freak storm, which they described as a “circle breeze with rain�. By Wednesday afternoon, most of the affected families were able to repair their damaged roofs.
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Friday May 22, 2020
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Carter Center hits Govt. on commitment to transparency - says unable to finish report After three weeks of intensifying attempts for its observers to return to Guyana to participate in the elections recount observation, the Carter Center appears to have given up. In a statement released yesterday, it expressed deep disappointment in the Granger administrations rejection of its requests, saying that the rejection illustrated the governments lack of commitment to transparency. The Center reiterated its previous position that the conduct of the elections was transparent and credible up until and except for the Region Four tabulation process. The full release is as follows: “The Carter Center is deeply disappointed by the Government of Guyanas decision not to approve its recent requests to allow two accredited international observers to return to Guyana
to observe the ongoing recount and the remainder of Guyanas electoral process. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has consistently confirmed that the accreditation of The Carter Center and other international observation groups remains valid, that the electoral process is not complete, and that international observers are welcome. The Center acknowledges the important role being played during the recount by the three-person CARICOM team, as well as that of Guyanese national observers, political party scrutineers, the Organization of American States, and the Commonwealths technical advisor, all of whom also are accredited by GECOM. While noting the positive contribution that each of these actors is making to foster transparency, the Center
is disappointed that the Government of Guyana chose not to demonstrate a genuine commitment to transparency by ensuring that all duly accredited organizations, including The Carter Center, be allowed to conduct their work. The Center fully respects Guyanas national sovereignty and its efforts to strictly implement its COVID19 emergency measures as a matter of utmost urgency. Indeed, the Center has indicated in its formal requests that it would abide by all of the governments COVID-19 protocols, including those applied to the CARICOM team, such as that any observers who return must test negative for COVID-19 on a WHOcertified polymer chain reaction test in advance of travel to Guyana. The Carter Center was honoured to be invited by the government to provide a neu-
Region 7 registers marked increase of Venezuelans despite border closure
O
ver the years, goldrich Region Seven has been getting the rush. Hundreds of mining operations are scattered across the region with the country’s largest mining operations- Aurora Gold Mine and Troy Resourceslocated in the area. However, there is a growing threat despite the closing of the country’s borders with Brazil and Venezuela.Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) is experiencing a significant influx of especially Venezuelans with deep worrygrowing worry- over the COVID-19 threat. According to officials, prostitution and trafficking in persons are hard to track in particularly the mining areas at this point in time where safety comes first for the authorities.“We have been seeing an increasing presence. Fresh faces. People who were not there before. We know they are crossing the borders,” one miner who
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is worried said. He would be one of few worried. With vast, difficult terrains, checks by authorities are few and far in between.Miners stuck for months in the backdam are glad for places like the popular Puruni, a river crossing area, for a welcome break to daily toil. They throw caution to the wind with little attention to masks and washing hands. Police visits and other checks are not denting the entertainment life. “We even have strip tease and blatant advertising of such in these area,” this publication was told. It would have been no big deal had it not been for COVID-19. The country has recorded 127 cases with 10 deaths.In Region Nine, which borders with Brazil, there have been cases of COVID-19 with more than 30 persons on mandatory home isolation. With Brazil described as a growing worry with thousands dead, Guyana’s borders too have come under
scrutiny.Guyana would be concerned as hundreds of Brazilian miners are in Guyana.“The fact is they are moving around in Region Seven and in (other parts of) Guyana. The presence of the Brazilians is nothing new. However, they are moving back and forth across the border. They come and go as they please,” a Region Seven official said this week. Officials like Region Nine chairman, Bryan Allicock, had expressed worry, noting the open borders with Brazil of over 1,000 miles. The Venezuelans are said to be coming through Region One via the San Martin area to Guyana. They then travel through the Pomeroon River and Essequibo Coast, Region Two before going to Region Seven.“It is a cause for concern. We see them and we know somebody is allowing the movement. Somebody is facilitating in these times where COVID-19 measures are not being respected,” a policeman disclosed. It is estimated that the Region Seven area alone has over 2,000 Venezuelans working, not only in mining but in bars and shops too… places that are easy to transmit the Coronavirus. Guyana has been taking a soft stance on Venezuelans who have fallen on hard times with their country in economic and political turmoil. Guyana has been allowing them in.
tral and independent assessment of Guyanas electoral process. The Center assesses elections based on national laws and international standards for democratic elections. To date, it has issued public statements with preliminary findings providing assessments of the electoral process through Election Day and the first few days postelection. While the Center and other international observers indicated in public statements that preparations for elections were conducted satisfactorily and that voting procedures on Election Day met international standards, it found that the tabulation process lacked transparency in Region 4 and therefore the tabulation process was not credible and did not meet international standards. The Center found that
tabulation in March was conducted well in Guyanas nine other regions. The Centers overall assessment of Guyanas electoral process cannot be complete until the votes cast on March 2 have been counted, tabulated, and announced and any subsequent disputeresolution process completed. An accurate and honest counting of votes is essential to ensuring that the election reflects the will of the people. Even if pre-election and election day processes go well, a flawed vote count or vote tabulation can fatally undermine the integrity and credibility of the electoral process and decrease public confidence and public acceptance of the results. The electoral disputeresolution process and the extent to which citizens, voters, candidates, and other stakeholders have the right to
an effective remedy is also a critical element of any electoral process. The Center is hopeful that the recount and tabulation process currently underway will be completed with full transparency so that it yields a result that can be recognized as credible and reflecting the will of the people as expressed on March 2. The Carter Center remains committed to its mandate to observe Guyanas electoral process and extends its hope that Guyanese can work together in the days ahead to build a future that benefits all citizens. Regardless of the outcome of the election, the Center reiterates the view that Guyanas winner-takes-all system needs to be reformed and encourages all parties to commit to national reconciliation and to completing key constitutional reforms in the near future.”
APNU+AFC’s Craig doubles down ... From page 3 those claims of which he said the Coalition was in receipt of “thousands”. The issue of GECOM’s responsibility to investigate objections and allegations made during the recount process has been an issue on contention during the past week. While GECOM Chair, Claudette Singh, yesterday confirmed in a release that her fundamental position was “He who asserts must prove”, her accompanying observation that “there are considerable deliberations and decisions at the Commission in relation to claims of anomalies; the outcome
would be officially communicated to the political parties and other stakeholders” appears to open up a pathway for the collective claims to be considered a factor in the Commission’s deliberations, without any qualifying standard of burden of proof. Meanwhile, Kaieteur News again contacted the Nicholsons for their response to the assertion that their denial of being out of the country was merely, as Craig asserted, “hearsay”. The couple provided to Kaieteur News scanned images of their passports which contained immigration stamps confirming that they left for Suriname in August
and returned that same month, as they had claimed. The passports did not contain US visas or stamps from the JFK International airport. Craig did not respond to further questions with regard to the inaccuracies contained in Obermuller’s submission of ‘evidence’ to GECOM. Repeated questions were also posed to APNU+AFC supervisor, Darren Wade, on the veracity of the information contained in the document but there was no response. When asked if they were willing to share who they voted for on March 2, the Nicholsons said that they both voted for the Coalition.
APNU is playing a dangerous and... From page 5 economic, security or even geopolitical benefit given APNU’s fundamental weaknesses and the catastrophic fallout, which it will create. In addition, those superpowers will quickly switch allegiance to the far more populist PPP. It is no wonder the US is backing the democratically victorious and far more populist PPP. That is instant legitimacy, which APNU does not possess. Then there is the real risk of outright civil war. This is not Guyana of the PNC rule. The complete loss of oil assets through sanctions (Exxon already has physical control of our wells and the US will seize the money from sales) and I can’t see how APNU survives a year before being ditched by its superpower fulcrums. APNU and its superpower friends will not see a cent. The US will feed that money to the opposition.
That is a bleak financial reality even for superpower backers. All that hard work to gain power illegally could end up in brutal demise a short time thereafter. The question about whether APNU and its possible backers have outplayed the US stems from what is now a known wimpish Trump foreign policy in responding to aggression from rival superpowers (see South China Sea, the Mideast, Baltic region, Venezuela, etc). APNU may be guided to think that this heist could be pulled off because of this typical Trump weakness coupled with the fact that the US may be distracted with an election and the coronavirus outbreak. However, in this instance, I think APNU has badly miscalculated. Guyana is a very soft target, and there is universal disgust for APNU’s antics, Trump needs a wag the dog outlet to boost his base with
his re-election chances in trouble due to the economy and Covid-19, nothing sends a better message to Venezuela right now than force next door and this geopolitical game is cutting really close geopolitically and geo-strategically to the US home turf. APNU could be doing all this hard dirty work for its own short-term demise. And that demise will be brutal if history of superpower rejection is any guide. Plus, playing with fire with the US is just that; literally playing with fire and brimstone. The PNC has always been a sordid tale of macabre incompetence driven by depraved reckless bullyism and a despotic orientation that has always catastrophically backfired. This time it is likely playing a game from which it may not survive. Yours faithfully, M. Maxwell
Friday May 22, 2020
GFF’s Women’s programme featured on FIFA’S... From page 21 storyvia link: https:// www. f i f a . c o m / w o m e n s football/news/gu yana-reaprich-rewards-forinvestment ?fbclid=IwAR0ui5A r 1 G J G _ 2 o 3 WBZ1RLhLAjsaDD76TAGQXKtN5 AGZ9aFRbz1hRQ3VICY “It is a great feeling of accomplishment for the entire GFF team and our football fraternity,” President Wayne Forde said in an invited comment. “To have the nation’s football being featured across the entire globe for all the right reasons is truly amazing. As a football nation, we have earned the
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respect and admiration of the global football community, which is an encouraging affirmation.The GFF has achieved much over these past couple of years but there is yet much more work to be done. What is most important is that the evidence clearly suggest that we are on the right path,” Forde added. Meanwhile, King, who is a National U13 footballer and participated in the F4F programme in 2018 as a young Journalist, was invited by the organization to be part of the “Good News Editorial Office team.” This involves him being an international
correspondent and sharing good news happening in his country as part of a weekly online show hosted by F4F. According to a correspondence from F4F, the show is hosted by “ more than 30 correspondents from different countries…all young Journalists from previous seasons of F4F.” It features “Good News from cultural and sports areas from (the various) regions/continents” with a preference for “news not directly connected with the virus, some good news that people might have missed because of the pandemic.”
IOC chief Bach says...
Friday May 22, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You can cut through to the truth quite easily today, Aries, so don't hesitate to do it. If you're behind the wheel at an intersection where no one seems to know who should go next, take the initiative and go. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You want to keep your ship on an even keel today, Taurus, but no matter how hard you try, this simply might not be possible. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) This is your day to shine in many respects. The action you take is right on target, so draw back your arrow as far as you can before letting it fly. There is a quiet strength to your being that comes out occasionally. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may wonder why everyone is so serious and emotional all of a sudden, although you're likely feeling it, too. Take this as a reminder that there are many different walks of life.
Stories are suggested by the F4F team or can be developed independently by the young Journalist. In the edition featuring King, he shared about his football coach providing sessions for him to complete at home due to the absence of football. “I was very excited to have been asked to be part of the F4F Good News Editorial Team,” said King in an invited comment. “This provided the perfect opportunity for me to spread some positive news with the world during the pandemic,” he added. The programme can be viewed at the following link… https:// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / FootballForFriendship/ videos/3132729293453196/
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Other people might have a hard time navigating through the day, thanks to intensity, corruption, or the impersonal cruelties of COVID-19. You have nothing to worry about. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Secure your bunker and make sure it's fully stocked with heavy artillery, because there is bound to be a battle, Scorpio. Trust that you need to be fully prepared if you enter the fight today. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You tend to get quite emotional about things, Sagittarius, even though you don't always show it to the outside world. The difference today is that more people are likely to openly act on their emotions. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If situations get too hot and heavy, Capricorn, your first instinct is to exit the conversation or jump to the next subject before anyone notices you're avoiding the serious ones.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't put up with anyone's shenanigans. You'd rather not waste your precious time and energy on those who see you as a fairweather friend or emotional crutch. Concentrate on your own problems.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your actions today could take an investigative approach. You're able to probe much more deeply than usual as you analyze people's motivations for the answers you seek.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You may have the intellectual side of the equation completely set in your head. You've collected all the facts and have all the data worked out in such a way that it's impossible for anyone to fault your calculations.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your courageous strength and desire to take a leadership role may be threatening to others today. Don't automatically assume the dominant position before learning what other people feel about the situation.
From page 20 Minister Shinzo Abe has said the multi-sports event cannot take place in 2021 unless the virus is contained and Bach said he understood his position. The novel coronavirus has infected more than 17,100 people in Japan, causing 797 deaths. “Quite frankly, I have some understanding for this, because you can’t forever employ 3,000 or 5,000 people in an Organising Committee,” Bach told the BBC. “You can’t every year change the entire sports schedule worldwide of all the major f e d e r a t i o n s . Yo u c a n ’t have the athletes being in uncertainty.” Bach said the IOC was committed to holding the Games next year though it had to be prepared for various scenarios including quarantining athletes. “What could this mean for the life in an Olympic Village?” he said. “All these different scenarios are under consideration and this is w h y I ’ m s a y i n g i t ’s a mammoth task, because there are so many different options that it’s not easy to address them (now). “When we have a clear view on how the world will look on July 23, 2021, then (we will) take the appropriate decisions.”
Yearly lockdown... From page 22 beneficial. Life is such a hustle, and you never get the time to spend with your family and connect with them. “Now it’s an opportunity to do so. It takes me back to when I was a young kid and I didn’t travel so much then.” Wi t h p r o f e s s i o n a l tennis unlikely to return before early August, at t h e e a r l i e s t , Ts i t s i p a s says the hardest thing has been training without an end goal. “I practise every day, of course I don’t put 100% in but at the same time I’m planning on gradually getting better,” the 21year-old said. “It’s a process, it’s tricky — you have so much time in front of you and you don’t know when things are going to get back to normal. Right now, I am taking it easy, I’m not pushing myself to the limit and I’m not resting. “There is a good contrast in
between the two.” It was at last year’s French Open that Tsitsipas was tipped to make his Grand Slam breakthrough but lost out in an epic battle with former champion Stan Wawrinka in the last 16. Tsitsipas said that defeat still plays on his mind. “I felt heartbroken. It was difficult one to get over and I felt I was really close,” he said. Tsitsipas admired American great Pete Sampras, who also had Greek parentage. “Pete Sampras was one of my idols. My dad used to watch all of his matches and he was a big fan,” he said. “I got to meet him at Indian Wells a few years ago which was an astonishing experience. His game style was unique, amazing serve and volley game and he also has a Greek heritage of course. “He was a great athlete and the guy I believe revolutionised the onehanded backhand.”
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Friday May 22, 2020
Kaieteur News
Former ‘Golden Jaguar’ Dwain Jacobs enjoying life at Dynamic FC Former Guyana National Men’s Football starlet, Dwain Jacobs who played at the club level for Alpha United, Pele and Buxton United Football Clubs has revealed that in a bid to give back to his community, he has discovered a passion for coaching with his recently formed Dynamic Football Club. Dynamic FC, based in Golden Grove on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) was formed in January 2019 and Jacobs, who is the founder, is proud of what the club has achieved so far; he noted during an interview with this publication that he always intended to be involved in football in his community in the twilight of his career. Jacobs claimed that forming Dynamic wasn’t his first option but after some personal issues with the executive of Golden Stars FC based in Golden Grove, which saw several requests by himself being turned down to rejoin, he then looked to form a second football club in the community. The former Golden Stars forward explained that up to date, Dynamic FC’s roster
almost has 50 players and he is most proud of the team’s performance in last year’s Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/KFC Nationwide Under-20 competition where his side lost 3-1 to Santos in the final. He noted that he felt, “Proud of the players because they had put in the work. They came every day and trained, even when it had rained. I was happy to see some good results in such a short time and it was a very proud moment for me because of the vision I have for the club (Dynamic FC).” Coaching Dynamic FC Under-20 with former Pele FC and ‘Golden Jaguar’ teammate Philbert Moffatt was an exhilarating experience, Jacobs shared, and although he wasn’t even a licenced Coach, he mentioned that it felt like a right fit for him. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the striker noted that he missed his Concacaf D Licence Coaching certification course that was supposed to be held last March. Jacobs’ main target with Dynamic FC is to create
Dynamic FC U-20 team ended as the first runner-up in the GFF/KFC Nationwide Under-20 tournament in 2019. a proper grassroots programme while providing the necessary guidance with partners to help youngsters reach their full potential in the sport, something which was missing during his formative
playing days. The coach has not hung up his playing shoes yet, and at 33 years-old, he believes he has a year or two left which he is devoted primarily to helping Dynamic’s senior side
Report: NBA leaning heavily toward Disney World Field Level Media Disney World has emerged as the frontrunner to host NBA teams and games if the 2020 season resumes, The Athletic reported Wednesday. “The NBA has Orlando/Disney World as a clear frontrunner for return-to-play site for resuming 2019-2020 season. Orlando has gained significant seriousness among other cities such as Las Vegas,” Shams Charania reported via Twitter. Commissioner Adam Silver said on May 12 he wanted to decide within “two to four weeks” whether the NBA would attempt to resume the season halted on March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Silver and owners reached agreement on the preference of a “campus environment” for the health and safety of the players and teams, as well as the general public, according to ESPN. On the most recent Board of Governors call, owners and executives were encouraged
Guests walk through Disney World. New York Times about the league’s steps toward returning safely amid the coronavirus pandemic and about positive conversations with the National Basketball Players Association, per ESPN. The concept of a resort setting — the type of location that would allow all NBA teams to be housed in a
controlled environment — was floated first in late March when Silver called upon teams to submit all ideas for an eventual return. The Bahamas and Las Vegas are also on the table. The report added that Silver emphasized that in order for a return to occur, all parties would need to accept
that a single positive test for COVID-19 would not derail the season. If a positive test would “shut us down, we probably shouldn’t go down this path,” Silver said, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The league suspended play after All-Star Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus.
IOC chief Bach says Games would be cancelled if not held in 2021 Reuters - International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach says the Tokyo Games would have to be scrapped if the event cannot be held next year due to the COVID-19 crisis. In March, the IOC and
Japanese government took the unprecedented decision to delay the Games, which had been due to start in July, for a year due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. However, Japanese Prime (Continued on page 19)
Thomas Bach
as they continue to build their squad. The Kashif & Shanghai one-time MVP concluded, “When the team has so well rounded players that I feel will
be capable of moving them forward, I will step aside and let the youngsters take over. For now, we are still building and I will continue to play.” (Calvin Chapman)
Compound Archer, Winnette Lawrence represents Guyana in ‘Online Archery Competition’ Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, Archers from around the world recently got together and competed in a novel Virtual Online Archery Competition. In the 7th stage held on Sunday 17th May, 2020, Archery Guyana member, Ms. Winnette Lawrence, competed as the first Compound Archer to represent our country internationally in Archery. This Competition includes participation by over 1200 participants in various categories from all around the world. The competition spanned over three sessions because of the space limitation and also to allow for the time differences in the 22 countries participating in the Compound Archery Category which included representation from countries such as Belgium, Russia, France, USA, Pakistan, Finland, Trinidad, Australia, Philippines, Ireland, BVI, Indonesia, Rep. of South Africa, Great Britain, Brazil, Spain, Greece and Norway. Ms. Lawrence was
among 17 competitors in Session 3. Competing from a remote location in the United States Virgin Islands, Ms. Lawrence placed 9th out of 13 in the 30 meters contest; scoring 652 out of 720. Ms. Lawrence indicated that registration was done online with athletes choosing which sessions and distance they wanted to shoot. “Because of lockdown, some persons had to scale down their target face to suit a distance. For inspection of the bows we had to take a picture of it as well as the target face and send online. They also sent a QR code for you to log on and send scores, after every end we had to send pictures of arrows in target for scoring. I shoot a 2019 Hoyt prevail compound bow 40-50 lbs. with 600 spine McKinney 11 arrows.” The competition is ongoing and now entering its 8th stage. Archery Guyana congratulates and wishes Winnette Lawrence all the best and to stay safe and well.
Friday May 22, 2020
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Kaieteur News
IAAF Mobil Grand Prix - 35th anniversary of the start of the professional era World Athletics - On 25 May 1985, the IAAF Mobil Grand Prix, the world’s first professional global track and field circuit, administered by and operating with the authorisation of the then ‘International Amateur Athletic Federation’, today’s World Athletics, began in San Jose, California with the Bruce Jenner Classic. While a similar Grand Prix series sponsored by Mobil had been operating since 1982 on the U.S. indoor circuit, “the IAAF Mobil Grand Prix for the first time brought together in a coherent competitive structure of the world’s greatest one-day invitational meetings in the USA and Europe.” (1.) “Mobil Athletics Focus”, the dedicated newsletter that the IAAF published to promote the new series, described the Grand Prix as, “a new concept in athletics. It puts athletes to the truest test of excellence: consistency at the highest level of competition.” Seven world records - In the first season, 632 athletes from 42 countries competed in 15 meetings in 13 countries over a three-and-a-half-month period, and seven world records were set. In Nice on 16 July, Steve Cram fended off Said Aouita in an epic world record battle over 1500m (3:29.67 to 3:29.71). Later that month in Oslo (27 July), Cram was back to break the mile record (3:46.32). In a night of three world records, Aouita improved the 5000m mark (13:00.40) and Ingrid Kristiansen, in front of her adoring home crowd improved the women’s
10,000m (30:59.42). On 4 August in Budapest, Cram ran his third world record in 19 days to break John Walker’s 2000m world record with 4:51.39. In Zurich on 21 August, Mary Slaney set the women’s mile record (4:16.71). Just two days later in Berlin, Aouita with a 3:29.46 1500m run became the first man since Sandor Iharos in 1955 to hold both the 1500m and 5000m world records. Ed Moses, double Olympic 400m hurdles champion, reflecting at the end of the first season, said, “The IAAF Mobil Grand Prix unquestionably has elevated track and field’s visibility and provides an ongoing showcase to the American and European public.” Shamateurism - The IAAF Grand Prix series was the first time in the IAAF’s history that it had offered prize money at any of its competitions. There was an overall purse of US$524,000 which was shared out at the series’ final. Overnight it seemed track and field athletics had gone from amateurism to professionalism. The reality was quite different. Athletics like most sports had been living a lie for most of its modern existence. The IAAF, founded in 1912, had until the 1980s governed the sport of athletics with a strict set of amateur rules. This patrician view of sport had permitted a limited group of athletes to achieve high level performances by virtue of a privileged social and financial situation. Throughout this period “the world’s very best athletes
could expect to receive money ‘under the table’ from meeting promoters. In a limited number of cases these ‘offenders’ of the amateur ideal were eventually disqualified.” (2.) The most publicised cases, which David Miller in “The End of Amateurism” (3.) aptly described as amateurism’s “sacrificial lambs”, were Paavo Nurmi of Finland, Jules Ladoumègue of France, and Gunder Hägg, Arne Andersson and Henry Kälarne of Sweden, who were suspended by the IAAF from amateur ranks. By the late 1970s money started to flow openly into the world of track and field through TV and sponsorship deals. After thriving in hypocrisy for decades it was impossible for the IAAF not to acknowledge that athletes should be able to receive financial reward for their efforts. Trust funds - In 1982, a new, more realistic definition of amateurism was agreed for IAAF Rule 51. The previous wording was that “An amateur is a person who competes for the love of sport and as a means of recreation, without any motive of securing any material gain from such competition.” This was replaced with “An amateur is one who abides by the eligibility rules of the IAAF”. At the 34th IAAF Congress which was held in Los Angeles on 31 July and 1 August 1984, ‘Athletic Funds’ were approved. These were trust funds for individual athletes, administered by their national federation, into which the earnings of the
Steve Cram en route to the world 1500m record in Nice on 16 July 1985 (Getty Images) © Copyright athlete from prize money and sponsorship were paid. The athlete was only to have access to the fund after retirement and until then was “not to assign, charge or mortgage the Athletic Fund or in any way borrow against it (Rule 17).” Along with the trust funds, the LA Congress also approved the start of the IAAF Mobil Grand Prix series in 1985 and agreed to introduce prize money. While it was another decade before prize money was paid at the World Athletics Championships and not until 2001 that the IAAF ditched the word ‘amateur’ from its name, the professional era of track & field had officially dawned. By the millennium, the prize money for the circuit final had reached US$3 million. Even earlier trust funds had been consigned to history, “an interim phase towards full professionalism.”
Goalkeeper Eve pens new deal at Spennymoor Town London, CMC – Bermuda goalkeeper Dale Eve has signed a permanent deal at English National League North club Spennymoor Town after joining the County Durham outfit until the end of the season in February. The 25-year-old, 6ft 4in Eve, who starred during Bermuda’s run in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League last year, made a lasting impression, despite playing in only one league match for Spennymoor Town – a convincing 4-0 win over Hereford. Eve also impressed in the Durham Challenge Cup. “I’m pleased to re-sign with the Moors,” Eve, whose terms were undisclosed, told the club’s official website. “For me, playing football isn’t
just a job. I look at all the time and energy I’m going to put in at a club and I want to feel comfortable about where I sign. The Spennymoor family did that for me. I felt like it was an environment that I could really grow and showcase my potential.” “The manager (Jason Ainsley) as well as the team have welcomed me and made me feel like a part of the family. I’m looking forward to what next season will bring for us,” he added Eve began the 2019-20 season at Bermuda club Robin Hood before returning to England to relaunch a professional career that had previous stops at Derby County, Stoke City and Forest Green Rovers. “Dale was exceptional
(4.) Points make prizes - The IAAF Mobil Grand Prix series, whose creation under the presidency of Primo Nebiolo owes much to the West Nally marketing agency of Patrick Nally and BBC television presenter Peter West, included a selected number of event disciplines, 16 in total per season. In 1985, these were: Men: 200m, 400m, 1500m, 5000m, 110mh, Pole Vault, Triple Jump, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw Women: 100m, 800m, 3000m, 400mh, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put. The remaining standard Olympic events were included in the second season of the series, with events continuing that rotation of inclusion over a two-year period. From San Jose to most of the great capitals of Europe, athletes vied against each other for awards with the series
culminating in a Grand Prix Final in Rome on 7 September. Athletes scored points on a 9-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis with an extra six points for breaking a world record or three for tying one. The top eight athletes in each event, based on scoring from their best five meetings, were invited to the series final, where the points scored were doubled. At the conclusion of the final, the top six individuals in each event earned prizes “to be paid into their trust funds: $10,000, $7000, $3000, $2000 and $1000. In addition, the top four men and top four women over all events received bonuses of $25,000, $15,000, $10,000, and $5000. For example, since both the 100 metres and the long jump were Grand Prix events for women in the first year, the system allowed athletes to combine points earned from each event and apply them to the overall standings.
GFF’s Women’s programme featured on FIFA’S website - Youth footballer Josiah King is Football For Friendship’s young journalist
Dale Eve when he came into training and had to be patient to get his first league start,” Ainsley said. “He is a very big presence in and around his 18-yard box and showed in the Hereford game that he has all the attributes and qualities to play a lot higher.
“We are delighted that he has signed for us despite competition from other clubs.” Spennymoor Town were in sixth place in the league when the season was abandoned because of the global Coronavirus pandemic.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) was featured on two international platforms on Thursday with an article on w o m e n ’s football development appearing on FIFA’s website and social platforms, and youth footballer, Josiah King, being featured as a young journalist on the international social programme, Football For Friendship (F4F), “Good News” show.
The FIFA article, titled “Guyana Reap Rich Rewards For Investment,” highlighted, among others, the recent success of the N a t i o n a l U 2 0 Wo m e n ’s team in the Concacaf U20 Women’s Championship as well as the deliberate investments made by the GFF to advance the women’s programme over the last four years. It also s p e a k s to the future ambitions of the GFF. See (Continued on page 19)
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Friday May 22, 2020
Kaieteur News
CWI to face legal action unless Cameron is given copy of report Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – Lawyers for controversial former Cricket West Indies president, Dave Cameron, have demanded a copy of the board’s recent audit report or say they will take legal action against the regional governing body. Veteran counsel Tony Astaphan, a member of Cameron’s legal team, rubbished some of the findings of the report as “seriously lacking credibility” and said the Jamaican administrator was entitled to a copy so he could defend himself. CWI president Ricky Skerritt said in a statement last Sunday that a review of the body’s financial management systems
conducted last year by the accounting and management consulting firm Pannell Kerr Foster (PKF), had “uncovered some illustrations of questionable executive standards and practices”. “Mr Cameron and other directors, some of whom are still sitting on the board, have spoken to me and indicated to me certain matters that have raised the concern and pushed us to the forefront of writing Cricket West Indies to demand a copy of the report within some period of time and give us the opportunity to respond,” Astaphan told the Mason and Guest show here. “I will address the issue of credibility and response to whether the findings and the
allegations were justifiable when I see the report and I see what it is that the auditors relied on. “The president tells us that [PKF] uncovered these things, do you understand the implication of this word ‘uncovered’? It means it was hidden from all of the directors including the president and vice-president when they sat there when they voted at meetings and I want to know what was that word meant to mean.” He continued: “I’ve heard talk about questionable practices … I’ve heard talk about money-laundering and I just want to make the record very clear … I’m not accepting that the findings of this report are credible or true …
Yearly lockdown would be good for planet, says Tsitsipas Reuters The coronavirus pandemic has stalled young Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas’s burgeoning career but he remains philosophical about the current tennis shutdown. The world number six would have been preparing for the French Open that was originally scheduled to start this weekend but was postponed to September. While he is missing life on Tour, Tsitsipas believes the lockdown has given the planet a breath. “I actually think they should put us in lockdown once a year — it’s good for nature, it’s good for our planet,” Tsitsipas said in an
Stefanos Tsitsipas
“I have grave suspicions based on what I was told by directors and the only way to resolve this issue is for CWI to give us a copy of the report and the opportunity t o review it within the context of the minutes and the other aspects that would’ve been critical in coming to a conclusion.” The report was first brought to light by international television broadcaster Michael Holding who obtained a copy and quoted from sections on a Youtube cricket show, querying why CWI had chosen not to make the findings public. However, Skerritt subsequently pointed out that the report had been for internal use only but now it had been leaked, CWI would consider a public release of the document, especially since the board had taken no decision to “to hide, conceal, withhold or hold-back the PKF report”. The Antigua-based legal firm Thomas John and Company which is also representing Cameron, said in a letter to CWI that the report needed to be provided in 24 hours and Cameron given 21 days to respond. Further, the letter warned that if CWI sought to make
Ricky Skerritt (left) and Dave Cameron public the findings before Cameron was issued with the report, legal action would ensue. “In the circumstances, and having regard to the basic principles of fairness and the right of our client to protect his reputation, our client demands, without prejudice to any rights he may now have, a full copy of this report within 48 hours, and the right to respond fully to all of the questions, comments or allegations made by PKF, and
statements made by Mr. Holding and the President within 21 days,” Cameron’s lawyers wrote. “Should CWI whether by way of the Board or management or otherwise seek in the meantime to publish the report, or refuse to meet our client’s demands for a copy of the report and time to respond, our client will have no alternative but to seek the appropriate orders and remedies from the High Court.”
Sir Clive expresses reservations about England tour Instagram Live conversation for ‘At Home With Babsi’ on Eurosport’s Instagram page.
“I think it will be environmentally very (Continued on page 19)
Bridgetown, Barbados, CMC – West Indies cricket legend Sir Clive Lloyd thinks it may not be wise for the Caribbean side to go ahead with the tour of England, given the spread of COVID19 in what is one of the nations hardest hit by the pandemic. Sir Clive, who is currently in England, expressed those reservations as he stressed that the health of players and everyone involved should be a priority. “It all depends on the safety. A lot of people are still dying here, you know, and I don’t think it would be wise if your health is at stake,” the former Windies skipper said on the Mason and Guest radio show here on Tuesday night, in response to a question about whether he felt the tour should go ahead. As of Thursday (yesterday), at least 36,042 deaths were recorded in the United Kingdom from almost 251,000 cases reported. Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are still in negotiations over a possible July date, after the three-Test tour, which was to begin on June 4, was
Legendary West Indies captain Sir Clive Lloyd postponed due to the COVID-19 threat. The ideas on the table for the tour to come off safely, include hosting the matches in bio-secure venues and implementing strict quarantine and social distancing protocols. As far as Sir Clive is concerned, with the COVID-19 pandemic still not under control there is much to take into consideration. “You have to take all the precautions. You have to wait and see what the medical people are saying…. They say things are getting better but until that happens, I don’t think we can make any particular decision,” he said.
Earlier this week, West Indies captain Jason Holder told BBC Radio 5 that no player would be forced to take part in the Test series. “Each player has to be comfortable in making the step,” he said. “Certainly, from my perspective, I won’t be forcing anyone to go anywhere. We’ve been given assurances from Cricket West Indies that we’d only go over to England if they deem it safe for us to play.” CWI has already selected a provisional squad of 30 players from which 25 are to be selected if the series comes off, but CWI chief executive Johnny Grave says no final decision has been made.
Friday May 22, 2020
Kaieteur News
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World No. 1 Rory McIlroy got back on the golf course when he teamed up with Dustin Johnson to with the Driving Relief two-on-two charity skins match against Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff. There were no fans and the players carried their own clubs and were without caddies. AFP
Players sanitise their hands as the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the National Rugby League (NRL) train amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Redfern Oval in Sydney, Australia. Reuters
Photos: Sports world restart with empty stands Golf News - As countries ease out of lockdown, sports leagues resume play with empty stands as well as testing and social distancing for athletes, staff and media.
Members of the media get a COVID-19 coronavirus antibody test before UFC 249 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. USA TODAY Sports
Jockeys ride their horses on the track past an empty stand in Hanover Germany during the first race meeting in Germany. AFP
Leverkusen’s German midfielder Kai Havertz (C) scores the opening goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match Werder Bremen v Bayer 04 Leverkusen on May 18, 2020 in Bremen, northern Germany as the season resumed following a two-month absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AFP
Cardboard cut-outs with portraits of Borussia Moenchegladbach’s supporters are seen at the Borussia Park football stadium in Moenchengladbach, Germany. AFP
FC Bayern Munich players Serge Gnabry and Joshua Kimmich demonstrate social distancing rule to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. FC BAYERN via REUTERS
The Female National Under-20 Team
Josiah King
rt o p S
GFF’s Women’s programme featured on FIFA’S website P. 21
Youth footballer Josiah King is Football For Friendship’s young journalist Dwayne Jacobs
Winnette Lawrence
Compound Former ‘Golden Archer, Winnette Lawrence Jaguar’ Dwain represents Guyana in ‘Online Jacobs enjoying Archery Competition’ life at Dynamic FC P. 20
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