AIETEUR Harmon says Tuesday Edition NEWS APNU+AFC was successful in a ‘fraudulent’ election More skullduggery as recount continues ...
K
May 26, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 21
Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly
p. 7
Price $80
Online readership yesterday 133,723
Mingo adds 60
votes to Coalition Guyana well
in Samatta Point 250
165
200
150
100
50
0
24 P P P / C
165
A P N U + A F C
Statements of Poll
24 P P P / C
A P N U + A F C
Statements of Recount
24 P P P / C
p. 3
advanced in “bringing gas to shore”
225
p. 9
- Energy Director
A P N U + A F C
GECOM Chair allowing frivolities to delay recount p. 7
-Coalition-controlled Task Force adds to hurdles - Ram
Await the p.9 elections declaration – Pres David Granger
Mingo’s Numbers
Palms records p. six more 18 COVID-19 cases
p. Moruca’s first Soesdkye man 18 Nandlall challenges thought he was Harmon's statement on COVID-19 case traced back to Lethem divorced, remarries elections credibility p. 12
- lands in court on bigamy charge
p. 18
- Says “he had to wear mask, he couldn't say it with a straight face”
- one dead, several in quarantine as a result
There is danger in allowing oil industry to regulate itself p. 7
- Ex T&T Minister urges Guyana to get over political impasse, address key issues with haste
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
PAGE 03
More skullduggery as recount continues...
Mingo adds 60 votes to Coalition in Samatta Point T By Kemol King
he National R e c o u n t continues to confirm reports that Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo presented declarations for that region's General and Regional Elections with results which were fraudulently skewed to favour the governing Coalition, APNU+AFC. The latest revelation is of a Samatta Point Nursery School ballot box, where the Mingo gifted the Coalition 60 votes, which electors did not cast. Kaieteur News' analysis now covers 24 ballot boxes all coming from East Bank of Demerara, showing that Mingo's tabulation subtracted 341 votes from PPP/C, and added 1,164 votes to APNU+AFC. This amounts to a total variance of 1,505 votes from the corresponding statements of poll, for those 24 boxes. For ballot box 4151, the statement of poll showed 24
Table showing Mingo's manipulation of figures from 24 statements of poll – New box in Bold
votes for PPP/C, and 165 votes for APNU+AFC. Mingo's tabulation added 60
votes to APNU+AFC, increasing the count to 225. The statement of recount
Region 5 recount completed - 82 ballot boxes counted on Day 19
showed the same result as the statement of poll. The 23 other boxes, detailed i n p r e v i o u s articles in this series, are taken from Head of the Organisation of American States (OAS) Electoral Observer Mission, Bruce Golding (four boxes) and
The Citizenship Initiative (TCI)'s Executive Member, Shaz Ally (24 boxes). Co-chair of the APNU+AFC cam p a i g n , J o s e p h H a r m o n yesterday doubted the accuracy of the PPP's statements of poll, even though the results of the
recount continue to prove them accurate. The PPP, on the other hand, said that with every passing day, the accuracy of its statements of poll is confirmed, and the “magnitude of fraud” committed by Mingo exposed.
Labourer given three years jail for marijuana cultivation
A
Table illustrating processed and outstanding ballot boxes
O
n the 19th day of the National R e c o u n t exercise, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) managed to complete the recount of 82 ballot boxes, including the final seven of the 158 ballot boxes for the district of Region Five. GECOM now moves on to count the ballots for Region Eight. This now raises the total
number of recounted ballot boxes to 1,206, with some 1,133 remaining to be counted in six days. GECOM's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward informed the media last evening that 18 boxes were counted for Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara); 21 for Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); seven for Region Five (Mahaica- Berbice); 18
for Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) and seven for Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni); five for Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni); and six for Region Nine (Upper Takaku- Upper Essequibo). She went on to say that of the total number of Statements of Recount 1,169 were tabulated for General Election, while 1,177 for Regional Election.
2 1 - y e a r- o l d labourer who was arrested at De Veldt Village, Upper Berbice River yesterday appeared at the Linden Magistrate Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune and was sentenced to three years imprisonment for cultivating a prohibited plant. Trelon Frank, of 41 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice appeared in court and heard the charge read to him via Zoom. He was charged with cultivating a prohibited plant, contrary to Section 8 (1) (a) (i) of the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic
Substance Control Act Chapter 10/10. Police on Thursday, May 21, 2020, conducted a narcotics eradication operation at Gaettroy and De Veldt in the Upper Berbice River and during the exercise found and destroyed approximately three acres of cultivated cannabis with more than thirteen thousand plants measuring between six inches and two feet in height. A nursery with about three thousand seedlings, fifteen pounds of dried cannabis and five camps were also found and destroyed by fire. Frank was arrested on one of the
marijuana fields.
Jailed: Trelon Frank
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Tuesday May 26, 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
Independence - what it should really mean
H
ere we are again on another anniversary of our Independence Day. It has been over a half century of proving and confirming repeatedly that we are NOT truly free. At the rate we are going as a nation, we may never be free of our own weaknesses and the fears that come from them. Democracy may come by hard-earned degrees, some limited movement achieved after much draining struggle and outcry, but there is still so much more that remains outside of our grasp, beyond the boundaries of our consciousness, outside the scope of our confining visions. In the continuing fooling of ourselves that we have found some measure of freedom, we keep holding on to the fetters that limit us, which hobble and weigh us down and, ultimately, imprison us. We do so when the very chains that we should have shaken off as far back as 1966, we use them thoughtlessly and heedlessly to wrap ourselves into the bondages that control us; when we use the same chains of freedom to whip ourselves into frenzies and lash out at hated others. We do so when we insist on going round and round in endless circles near the same racially rotted pillars on which we insensibly believe that we can build a nation, a diverse nation of six peoples and counting. It is of all the peoples, who all think and envision, to a greater or lesser degree, that they, too, have their place; and that they, too, must be reserved a place in the councils of governance that stand over this nation. In the simplest terms, we may think we are free, but our actions are not those of men and women freed of anything. The chains that trap us, and which make a mockery of the freedoms that should be of National Independence, are of the priorities of only two, one or the other, of the six and more races that make up the broad rainbow of this realm. It has never been of the other four and their dreams, merely of how they can be appealed to, used and misused, and marshaled and commandeered to do dark deeds for the dominant ones. But yet we say that we are a free nation and a free people. It is good that such a spark still seeps through the dense and dismal darkness that enshrouds this land. The reciprocal fears of one for the other, along with the inevitable byproducts that flow from such a toxic, draining and, finally, enslaving well. It is why we find great relish in, and we do our damnedest to, keep the next threatening group under the boot, to tie its members up in knots and on the margins of hat has been sacrificed for and paid for in the poured blood, sweat, and tears of our long gone ancestors, their ancestors, and not to forget ours either for one moment. And, so, we spin our wheels endlessly and untiringly through the revolutions of time and season that leave us still more pathetic and scorned before the gaze of condescending contemporaries. What is infinitely more inexplicable is that we continue to do so in the face of the self-condemnations that emerge from our own self-examinations, which merely serve to pronounce on the futility of all our bigotries and our wastages. Still worse yet, is the example we set before our children, those young and still unformed minds, who wonder why we rant, and before too long, learn to pick up the chants and passions that enslave the next generation. And so we go from one celebration, now the muted observation only, of Guyana’s Independence Day to the next. This is what we call freedom, from this we shape the racial choreographies that grace our dance steps. Like John the Baptist, when one group dances with victorious abandon in the high hallways of this society, some other group on the margins that are their dungeons, knows what it means to lose their collective heads. This is solution, this is satisfying, this is the noblest ideal to which we can aspire in this diverse, this hopelessly and dangerously, divided land. We do not know of a nation that could comfort itself
It is hoped that the stigma of the past is left permanently behind DEAR EDITOR, Today, May 26, marks the 54th anniversary since the attainment of political independence after some 150 years of British colonial rule. Regrettably, at the moment, the country has found itself in a tense political situation due to a combination of a long overdue declaration of election results and the current COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the difficulty also has to do with a social and demographic structure which we inherited from Britain. Guyana is described as an ‘implanted’ society made up of six ethnic groups all of whom, with the exception of the Amerindians came to the shores of the then colony of British Guiana to provide labour in the sugar plantation. To a large extent, our political, legal and public service institutions still mirror that of Britain despite the fact that we have attained political independence over five de-
cades ago. We have a political system that has evolved from a wholly constituency system in the pre-independence years to a hybrid system that is a mixture of the constituency system and proportional system. The British Government imposed the proportional representation system in an attempt, ostensibly to deal with the race problematic which was described by one British Governor as the ‘curse’ of Guyana. Regrettably, the imposition of the PR model failed to address the race problem which became exacerbated in the post-1961 period resulting in some of the worst political and racial disturbances that the country had ever seen. The imposition of the proportional representation system in our electoral politics was seen as a ploy to remove the PPP from office mainly out of ideological reasons. It is no secret that the British Government was pressured by the
United States to deny the country independence out of fear that the ‘leftist’ policies of the PPP was not consisitent with the governance norms that obtained in Britain and the colonies under her control. As it turned out, both the British and the US administrations miscalculated the extent to which the country would have degenerated to a point of being one of the worst in the Anglo- phone Caribbean from the standpoint of undemocratic and authoritarian rule. The country was reduced from one of the more prosperous country in the early 1960’s to the poorest in the western hemisphere. It was not until October 1992 that democracy finally returned to the country after an absence of some 28 years, thanks to the intervention of the United States, Britain and other western powers. It is in the above context that the concern by Britain, the European Union and the
United States for a free, fair and transparent elections in Guyana has to be seen. The failure of the PNC to abide by the norms of democracy and democratic governance had, in a fundamental way, undermined the very concept of a free and independent nation. We live in an increasingly interdependent and interconnected world and any aberration in the democratic norms in one country can impact the overall political and economic health of the global community as a whole.The argument advanced in some quarters about ‘outside interference’ belonged to a bygone era and holds no relevance in contemporary international relations. It is the hope and expectation of most Guyanese that the stigma of the past as an undemocratic state is left permanently behind and we advance with pride, dignity and confidence as a free, democratic, cohesive and prosperous nation. Hydar Ally
COVID-19 concerns and Carter Center blockage DEAR EDITOR, It is clear that the government has dug in its heels with respect to a return of the Carter Center team. And just as clearly, I sense that the bad blood that stained relations has thickened rather than lessened. I must again disagree with the latest developments coming out of the Coalition’s corner. I say this because in Guyana, anything less than the fullest transparencies is not enough, and especially when elections are involved. Why there is this knowing contributing to falling short on this ideal, this standard, on the Coalition’s part is perplexing to me. According to the government, concern about COVID19 exposures is the only reason why the Carter Center team has been barred from returning to Guyana to participate in efforts aimed at pronouncing upon the credibility of the Elections 2020 recount. I would like to give the government’s newest position every benefit of the doubt, but a few circumstances make a mockery of its
untenable position. To begin with, the Carter Center people are veterans on the international scene, with much experience gained from operating under different contexts, ranging from the political to the environmental to the social. In many instances, they do countless as well as thankless tasks under very demanding conditions, with the severest of challenges placed before team members, in the many programmes designed at helping nations, who have a long record of being unable to help themselves. Unwilling too. Therefore, I find it bewildering to believe that the Carter Center team would not be fully familiar, perhaps more familiar than we Guyanese, as to what preparations and precautions are absolutely necessary relative to COVID-19 in general, and with regard to Guyana’s requirements specifically. Thus, I state that the Guyana government’s objection to the team’s return is neither plausible nor authentic nor reasonable. It fails on every count.
for so long and cavort by itself so contentedly in the sun for so long in the implausibility of such a freedom. Below the surface, we think we detect the resignation that comes from surrendering to the Fates and the studied resistance to doing something to change circumstances and the realities that are powered by them. That is, to be bold enough to experiment with a different kind of nationhood, a still untried form of governance that includes all and rewards all, with at least some sense of belonging and participating and actually owning a share and having a say in the manifold directions towards the singular destination that is of our one destiny. Such is the addition and subtraction of this vaunted freedom of ours.
Then, when I scan the two mainstream dailies, there is news of ExxonMobil being given repeated clearances to move its people in and out of Guyana, without delay or humbug. When I weigh that ExxonMobil has been given free rein to fly in troops of workers without so much as a concern or objection, I am dumbfounded at the inconsistency of application of whatever standard the government is using to enforce COVID-19 restrictions. I question, what is that standard? The numbers cleared for Exxon to bring to our shores are many multiples of the possibly low singledigit composition of the Carter Center team. Yet, there is no concern on this, no concern with a corporation that recently was penalized by New York courts for breaches in other areas. Something is missing; I detect that it is truth and genuineness on the part of the government. Why the different strokes for different folks? Or very specifically, some particular folks who have run afoul of coalition’s visions? Those who have collided head-on with the narratives presented by the Coalition. Some of those-narratives and agencies are no longer sustainable. I would like to give that benefit, but it has deserted me. Though, I have not been hesitant or silent with taking a stand against what I believe is too much-way too muchforeign involvement and influence in our efforts to sort
out the tricky knots in our guts. If that is too much of the nationalistic for some, I am unyielding, for the partisan on this and so many other things lead nowhere. The plasters of foreign hands on a continuing basis, and to the degrees observed recently, only extends our dependencies and our terminal states of mind and life. Nonetheless, with that said, I still think that it is wrong and throws a spanner in the works to stable the Carter Center horse in midstream. It raises more suspicions as to the purity of motives, the straightness of the road contemplated by the coalition. Whenever I take the time to listen to the local political wise men (so they see themselves), I appreciate the elasticities on which they string their arguments, positions, their very existences. Looks very frail, stringy they are, no matter how generous I try to be, and I have all but abandoned that norm also. When this recount process came to the table, I thought that a clean and credible elections result was paramount for the Coalition. Now I rethink, since a paramountcy of a different kind may be responsible for the blocking of the Carter Center. As much as I try, I am ill-equipped to assess things differently and to arrive at any other place. Of course, what I criticize and condemn, others are sure to rise up and claim as being part of a noble democratic (Continued on page 6)
Tuesday May 26, 2020
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Kaieteur News
54th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence ... Why is there only one real oil-man unfortunately our country is still immature in Guyana? through the auspices of the space and dollars are sacri-
DEAR EDITOR, Today, May 26, Guyana is celebrating its 54th anniversary of nationhood. Unfortunately, events for the past 18 months raise eyebrows prompting a few to ask the question whether it was a good move for this South American country to gain independence from Britain to manage its own affairs. A no confidence motion against the Coalition Government was passed in December 2018. It was challenged in the Courts, but the highest Court of the land ruled that the motion was properly passed. There should have been elections shortly after, but it was delayed for a long time over the appointment of a Chairman of GECOM, and numerous other issues. Elections were eventually held on March 2, and now after more than 10 long weeks, the results have not been officially announced. The reason being allegation of fraud by senior officials of GECOM and the failure of the Chairperson, retired Judge Claudette Singh, to effectively carry out her duties. It is unfortunate that the incumbent is delaying the recounting process by raising numerous issues, which are not relevant, prompted criticism from the Commonwealth Secretariat, the OAS, ABC countries and numerous international organizations. The prevention of the Carter Center from observing the recount is the latest criticism. The opposition pointed out that if the incumbent is claiming victory at the polls why it is preventing or delaying a proper and open recount. It is unbelievable that a country which gained independence more than 50 years ago cannot properly count half a million votes in a timely manner coming at the heels when top brass of the incumbent
does not acknowledge that 33 is the majority of 65 and for the Caribbean Court of Justice at great expense and loss of time had to make the determination. A lot has been achieved since the country attained republican status five decades ago. It was not an easy road; there have been numerous problems, in- fighting and other setbacks during the period. We have seen eight Presidents: Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan, Sam Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, and David Granger. In 1980, Burnham moved from Prime Minister to Executive President following his rigged controversial referendum which changed/ amended the Constitution giving the Head of Government sweeping powers. Appeals to the Privy Council were also abolished and as a result, there was only one appellate court- the Guyana Court of Appeal - for over 35 years - until the Caribbean Court of Appeal was inaugurated 14 years ago. British awards such as knighthood, CBE, OBE, MBE Queens Counsel were replaced by local honours - OR, CCH, AA, MS. Although the Constitution was severely criticized by the opposition at the time, when the PPP won the elections in 1992, no step was taken to amend the Constitution in order to remove some of the wide Presidential powers despite a personal request to Dr. Jagan by Eusi Kwayana, an elderly statesman who is respected by all. Credit should be given to Forbes Burnham for initiating CARIFTA, the forerunner of CARICOM — the Caribbean Community- CARIFESTA the festival of arts and culture. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was also the brain-
child of the Guyanese leader but came into fruition on 16th April 2005. On February 23, 1970, Guyana became the first cooperative republic and Trinidad and Tobago became a republic six years later. Dominica is known as the Commonwealth of Dominica and has a President as Head of State and not a Governor General. I had the honour to be among the few who journeyed to Magdalendenberg up the Canje Creek with the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham (now deceased) to the area where the national hero Cuffy struck the first blow of freedom in 1763 and was also in the Committee planning the republic celebrations in the Berbice area. Although the 1978 referendum was boycotted by 76 percent of the electorates, Burnham claimed that his party/government has copped more than 90 percent of the 91 percent of the electorates who voted in favour of the referendum, and he invoked the change, which gave the President wide ranging powers. The 1980 Constitution was referred to as the Burnham Constitution and the horse back rider, Forbes was installed as the Executive President at a lavish ceremony. Mashramani was then introduced. It started at Linden by the Jaycees under the chairmanship of Basil Butcher a former test cricketer. It is very unfortunate that the powers that be had/have not seen it fit to honour Butcher for his sterling contribution as a cricketer and the original (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, I do not agree with him, and I have told him so more than once in relation to his emphasis on Guyana’s oil. But I have to give it to him, Mr. Glenn Lall, walks the talk of oil. In Guyana, he is what the Texans would call a real oilman, and on this, he may be the only one in this country. In spite of repeated urgings that matters-developments, exposés, inclusive of the embarrassing and lopsided-regarding this nation’s oil wealth and relationships, and the abuses and injustices that have come from both, he insists on persisting with oil stories and oil truths. He stays the course with warnings about the dismal truths regarding our blessings, which may not turn out to be the benefits they have been touted to be in the long run. In fact, given the scandalous and eye-opening narratives, some mindboggling, this oil of ours could turn out to be more than a curse, it has the potential to make us die by a thousand cuts and either in our knees or flat on our faces, when we are forced to grovel in the ground. No other paper, or local news channel, has set aside the time, resources, and space to ventilate the stunting growing pains of our infant oil promise. That is sum of our oil hopes, only the promise that is encircled by those hopes and no more. The reality will prove the rightness or wrongness of the information pursued and shared nationally,
newspaper of which he is owner and publisher. While the nation is steadfastly focused on the priorities of the virus and the recount, though not necessarily in that same order, the man is current with intense coverage of both, but still finds the time, interest, and drive to feature countless issues giving prominence to Guyana’s oil weaknesses and the financial and social woes that would automatically accrue. He walks the oil talk daily. Whole pages of his paper are utilized to get across sharp, unsparing, and relentless messages to the Guyanese public, to ExxonMobil and company, and to whoever else cares to read or listen to the many injustices of the many unbelievable ‘back stories’ uncovered. That is money not earned, but spent, when advertising
ficed, when staff time is dedicated to getting the stories out in front of the public. There is the angering of and the distancing by those who find his untimely and inconvenient reminders to be so many bones in the throats and spurs in the behind. His competitors do not attach the same drive to what has become a cause for him. I do not blame them, since they have bigger fish, according to their calculations, to fry. He thinks the opposite in that there is no bigger fish around. I do not endorse fully the timing of the delivery of the embedded messages, as I think that the attention of the nation is committed elsewhere, hence loss of traction. Still, l have to appreciate his unswerving emphases on this oil of ours, which may turn out not to be ours at all. He (Continued on page 6)
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Vincent Alexander is needed to provide a crumb of common sense DEAR EDITOR, The only question I have for Mr. Stanley Ming is approximately how many Guyanese persons who migrated from Guyana were on the Official List of Electors (OLE) and how many dead Guyanese are estimated to be on the OLE. One can infer from Ming’s pronouncements on a radio programme, the details of which was subsequently published in a newspaper on May 24, 2020 under the caption “Bloated OLE was a recipe for disaster”, whereby the persons on the voters list who migrated from Guyana are not on the OLE nor are the names of dead Guyanese on the voters list. Of course, every final electoral list in the world has names of persons who have migrated to other countries and the names of dead people. Walking, then voting while dead are not considered realistic events; even if such phenomena were possible, the checks and balances at the voting stations would have stopped the ‘wannabee’ voters dead in their tracks. Mr. Ming’s numerical claims provide a challenge to untangle; suffice to say that he arrives at 586,000 (837,000 multiply by 70%) as the approximate number of persons who should be on the OLE. The OLE produced by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and used in the March 2, 2020 Elections, allowed for 661,028 electors.
Unraveling from Ming’s computation, the OLE is overstated by 75,000 (661,000 minus 586,000), with numbers being rounded to the thousandth. Using Ming’s math, APNU-AFC Coalition’s claim that the election list is bloated by over 200,000 - is an extreme distortion. The difference amounts to 125,000 (200,000 minus 75,000) representing the minimum amount overbloated by the Coalition and substantially exceeding the swollen numbers of 75,000 inferred by Mr. Ming. Here we have another member of the intelligentsia in Guyana, being creative with numbers and nullifying logic. In returning to reality, we only have to look at the ruling made by Chief Justice, Roxanne George-Wiltshire on August 14, 2019, when she stated that the “right to vote and the right to be registered to vote are sacrosanct, …residence requirements from citizens is no longer a qualification for registration”. Justice George-Wiltshire also highlighted that it is unconstitutional for qualified persons to be removed from the list, if they are not in the jurisdiction or not at their residence during the registration exercise and that only deceased persons and those otherwise disqualified under Article 159 (2), (3), or (4) are to be removed. Mr. Ming unstudiously overlooked the ruling by Madam Chief Justice and instead purposed his
GECOM is aiding and abetting the APNU de facto regime
DEAR EDITOR, In another letter, I advocated that the national recount of ballots cast on March 2, 2020 general and regional elections must be completed within a 14 x day period on a 2 x shift system. This timeframe could have been achieved as per breakdown: Total Ballot Boxes 2339 2339/14 days = 167 boxes per day 167 Ballot Boxes per day 167/15 work stations = 11 boxes per work station 11 Ballot Boxes a day per work station 11/2 shifts = 5-6 boxes per shift of 7 hours
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
In concluding, if GECOM from the outset had discharged its mandate in an independent and non-partisan way, the recount exercise (which is seen as a twopronged plan to facilitate the PNC-ANPU with more time to be in power to carry out their faulting finding mission with the recount exercise to deliberately cast doubts on the credibility of the elections that they all claimed to have won andwantedtoswear-inMr.Granger on two occasions) should have been completed by now and, a new and legitimate government being in place. Sincerely yours, Paul Ramrattan
COVID-19 concerns... From page 4 struggle. Clearly, lots of men and women in this country are not operating with a full deck. Year after year, on a constant 5-year rotational basis, there are these tiring and fruitless exercises that disgrace nationally. Sincerely, GHK Lall
one-eyed computation in a biased and partisan manner, quite like Mingo ignoring and amending numbers on the Statement of Polls (SOPs) for Region 4. In addition, Attorney-atLaw, Mr. Nigel Hughes, another member, if not leader of Guyana’s intelligentsia, claimed… “That the list that existed prior to elections was bloated.” The attorney noted that the court’s decision that migrants cannot be removed from the National Registrants Data Base (NRDB) was not in the best interest of Guyana. My question for the honourable Attorney-at-Law is whether GECOM should have ignored the Court’s decision. The recent mathematical observation by Mr. Hughes - that under certain conditions, 33 is not a majority of 65 - was in the best interest of APNU-AFC, if not in the best interest of Guyana. Indeed, we Guyanese now live in the epoch of the inexplicable, the incomprehensible and the paranormal; we certainly are not living in evidence or experience-based reality. The panel on the radio programme also included Commissioner Mr. Desmond Trotman. The Commissioner implied that Guyanese eligible to vote, who reside outside of Guyana and deceased Guyanese are- “impurities that exist on the present list.” I have little doubt that Mr. Trotman did not intend to refer to any number of Guyanese alive or dead, as impurities. Now more than ever, Vincent Alexander, Commissioner of GECOM, is needed to provide a crumb of common sense, tolerability and thread of logic to the utterances coming from APNU-AFC Commissioners and some other representatives of APNU-AFC. Nigel Hinds Chairman, Change Guyana
The mail must go through DEAR EDITOR, Can the Guyana Post Office Corporation and the National Insurance Scheme please provide some clarity regarding international mail acceptance/delivery and NIS Life Certificates for pensioners living overseas? I know international airports are in ‘lock-down’ mode but cargo flights are expected (among a few others). It is therefore more than a stretch to classify an international mail-bag as a commercial passenger. When a New York resident could not mail his Life Certificate, I contacted my local Post Office only to be clearly told
that there are no incoming or outgoing international mail operations. Not long after, I had an original document to be sent abroad and was informed by someone else to mail it from the GPO in Robb Street. That attempt was met by a huge crowd and I was further advised that any other Post Office they knew of in Georgetown will accept it. I had no problem mailing it from the Kitty Post Office for which I have a receipt. I note a relevant enquiry by another NIS pensioner (KN: May 19, ’20) wherein an Editor’s Note that as per the P.R. Dept. of the NIS, pensioners ‘can forward copies of their life
certificates…’ to email address ‘public_relations@nis.org.gy.’ Does this mean the person’s pension will be paid? Pardon me if I sound cynical but I know of another case where someone here submitted an overseas-based pensioner’s Life Certificate to the District NIS Office and retained a copy (along with receipt). Way past the expected payment date, a month-long royal run-a-round determined the original ‘lost’ at the NIS Head Office but the pensioner still had to do another Life Certificate which fortunately got here before the lockdown. Respectfully, NIS Pensioner
THAT HUG 54 YEARS AGO DEAR EDITOR, In times like these, many are recalling that hug 54 years ago. It was between arch-rivals Mr. Burnham and Dr. Jagan. It occurred just before midnight at the national park on the eve of May 26, 1966. The Union Jack was going to be lowered and the Golden Arrowhead hoisted in its place, signifying the granting of independence and self-rule by Her Majesty’s Government to the Guyanese people. I was there — as a volunteer usher. That hug has been romanticized for what it was not. Most recalling the event are sentimental and full of hope that it could have been the harbinger of the way things should have panned out. This was not to be as there was no love and reconcilia-
tion in it. To begin with, Dr. Jagan was boycotting most of the celebrations as a form of protest but made the flagraising ceremony an exception as it signified the achievement of independence for the country. If Alzheimer’s isn’t getting the better of me, this is how I recall the hug. Mr. Burnham was either going up or coming down the stairs. Dr. Jagan was standing in the seating area. As Mr. Burnham passed Dr. Jagan, he quickly bent over and hugged him. It was a momentary thing, fleeting and signifying nothing except for maybe a quick photo op. Mr. Burnham did not stop and they did not speak. It was over in a blink. Since I am on that historic night, editor, permit me to mention two other things, I
always remember. The first is specially brought in Radio Demerara commentator Dr. Robert Moore (deceased). Looking at the Golden Arrowhead hoisted high up, he spoke passionately, eruditely, and engagingly about its fluttering in the wind for well over an hour.The second thing is the arrival of Dr. Jagan. Mr. Burnham’s party was already there. When Dr. Jagan arrived, all the cameras and lighting moved away from Mr. Burnham’s area and were focused on Dr. Jagan. They remained focused on Dr. Jagan for a long time, leaving Mr. Burnham in almost total darkness. Who really is the star here tonight? I thought. Sincerely, P. D. Sharma Los Angeles, California
54th Anniversary of Guyana’s ... From page 5 organizer of Mashramani which is now a national event celebrated every year on February 23. Race plays an important role in Guyana’s politics since 1957 when the two leaders, Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham parted ways after opening the eyes of the populace about the disadvantages
Why is there only one... From page 5 perseveres against the dissenting counsels of well-wishers, the rage of those who have since consigned him into the ranks of an adversary that is well-equipped and well prepared to go the miles and to go to the limits on anything and everything related to oil. It just might be the dearest thing to his heart. There is no such thing as the right time to deliver oil news, good or bad; it has been almost all bad. He does not care about overkill, cautions to the contrary notwithstanding.Though we do not see eye to eye on more than a few matters of significance, on oil he has no equal in this country, and should be so recognized and hailed. Like I said, he might be the only real oilman in Guyana today. When the dust settles on elections disputes and coronavirus fears, he may come into his own for the tireless service-indeed commitment and sacrifices-that he has made for the protection of Guyana’s interests over its oil blessings. Sincerely, GHK Lall
of colonialism and the need for nationalization of the bauxite and sugar industries and controlling the commanding heights of the country. Burnham as Head of Government ensured that competent Guyanese are placed in key positions. He brought Shridath Ramphal from Jamaica to be Attorney General, and Kenneth Stoby from Barbados to be Chancellor of the Judiciary. Lionel Luckhoo was named as High Commissioner to the UK. The University of Guyana, which was the brainchild of Cheddi Jagan, was developed by Burnham, which laid the foundation for tertiary education and as a result there are thousands of graduates from UG. It is unfortunate that the country is still divided along racial lines especially at election time. Afro-Guyanese control the police force and the army as well as the public service and to some extent teachers while the Indos dominate agriculture, trade and commerce. The main economic activities are (production of rice and
sugar), bauxite and gold mining, shrimp, fishing and minerals. The country is hopeful to move from “rags to riches” since massive oil has been discovered and exploration is now underway by foreign oil companies, but there are complaints that Guyana will not get a fair share from the oil boom since the Guyana government has signed an agreement which is more favourable to the giant oil explorers ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC It is un-fortunate that the country is divided mainly on racial lines which can be used as a tool for exploitation. Guyana boasts of producing hundreds of intellectuals and professionals in numerous fields. Many of them held high positions in the field of medicine, engineering, law, accountancy, trade and commerce, university professors and other fields in all parts of the world. It is sad and worrying that the racial strife is undermining the country. Wake up countrymen ... unity is strength. Oscar Ramjeet
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
PAGE 07
Harmon says that APNU+AFC were successful in 'fraudulent' elections - Granger maintains silence on contradictory position A
PNU+AFC yesterday amplified its claims that even though the March 2020 elections were marred by what it claims to be widespread fraud, it is still the winner and should be declared so based on the ten pre-recount declarations. Building upon sentiments previously expressed by multiple coalition agents over the past two weeks, APNU+AFC campaign manager Joseph Harmon gave a lengthy prerecorded statement yesterday in which he claimed simultaneously that the elections were both fraudulent and that the Coalition had won. “With Regions One and Two complete,” Harmon stated, “and counting underway for Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, and Seven, our agents have noted an alarming number of discrepancies that lead us to conclude from our preliminary reports that results from the initially tall of votes are not credible.
- PPP calls pronouncements 'demented'
The declarations made and on record is that the majority of votes were cast in favour of the list of candidates for the APNU+AFC at the March 2, 2020 elections.” Harmon's focus on the previous declarations made in March – and temporarily set aside to facilitate the recount – as a basis for a 'legitimate' Coalition win is a theme that was previously pushed a week ago by fellow People's National Congress (PNC) executive and current Attorney-General Basil Williams, who had stated that the recount was illegal and hence the previous declarations were the only legal declarations. Harmon claimed that, “Evidence is emerging as c l e a r a s d a y. Our investigations have revealed that as at the 22nd day of May, 2020, the electoral theft and scheme is
unraveling and 86,367 cannot be explained or accounted. This directly goes to the credibility of these elections. These unaccounted votes are evidence of a fraudulent attempt to steal the elections, suppress the will of the majority of the Guyanese people who voted for APNU+AFC.” He stated that the Coalition had circulated a 'document' titled 'Qualitative Irregularities – Votes Lack Credibility'. What was in fact circulated over the weekend was a flyer with a simple table claiming a total amounting to the 86,367 “Votes lacking credibility” across Regions One, Three, Four and Five. The numbers in the table vary across three categories, namely: Votes Affected By Missing Polling Books; Votes Affected by Missing OLEs; and Votes
There is danger in allowing oil industry to regulate itself - Ex T&T Minister urges Guyana to get over political impasse, address key issues with haste
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ive years after the discovery oil, Guyana is without a modernized legislative and regulatory framework to properly manage the new industry. Taking this into account, Former Minister of Energy for Trinidad and Tobago, Kevin Ramnarine, says Guyana is walking a dangerous line if it does not overcome its electoral issues soon and address such key matters with haste. During his first appearance on Kaieteur Radio's show, Guyana's Oil and You, the business lecturer highlighted that along with the absence of updated laws, Guyana remains without a regulator which would be in the form of a Petroleum Commission. Ramnarine said, “The absence of this framework is a concern because what you have is an industry that is regulating itself and that shouldn't be. You should have a regulator. Once you have settled down and
Former TT Energy Minister, Kevin Ramnarine Guyana has a government in place, fixing the legislative and regulatory puzzle should be priority.” Ramnarine alluded to the fact that Guyana is practically doing itself an injustice by running an industry devoid of drilling standards and regulations for field development plans. Without the foregoing,
among other key pieces of oil related laws and regulations, Ramnarine said that the companies are setting their own rules while noting that there is great danger when this is allowed. He offered, “...At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself what you want as a country. You want a sector that is well regulated and one that subscribes to the best international standards of safety? Well then, legislation has to be built out for this. You want a sector that encourages adherence to best standards of reservoir management and waste management and health and safety? Again, the legislative framework has to be in place for this.” Ramnarine said that the authorities of the day need to understand that the nation is already behind the curve and should therefore make every effort to take the necessary steps to protect the newfound wealth.
Affected By Variance In Ticked By Officials On OLEs. Despite its insistence on providing what it claims to have been evidence of rigging in the election, none of which has been credibly verified so far and some of which have been proven to be false as covered by stories in the newspaper. The Coalition has engaged in a studied avoidance of the manipulation of the SOPs figures by Region Four's Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo. Kaieteur News' analysis of the Mingo declarations now covers 24 ballot boxes all coming from the East Bank of Demerara, showing that Mingo's tabulation subtracted 341 votes from PPP/C, and added 1,164 votes to APNU+AFC. This amounts to a total variance of 1,505 v o t e s f r o m t h e corresponding statements of poll, for those 24 boxes. Notably, Harmon's statement was pre-recorded from what appears to be a private office and then distributed, as opposed to being given live on location at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and fielding interview under the Recount Media Tent. In fact, yesterday marked the third day in a row since any member of the Coalition appeared to address the media, the last person
appearing on its behalf was another PNC executive, Aubrey Norton. Harmon's decision to pre-record and broadcast the statement follows a series of calamitous interviews at the media tent by various Coalition members. On May 11, Alliance For Change Executive member Leonard Craig was caught stumbling trying to reconcile the conflicting claims that the elections were credible, that GECOM's recount was showing anomalies and that Coalition had won based on its SOPs that were not revealed to the public. Following that, there was Attorney-General Basil Williams' claiming that the recount had no legal basis, a position he would deny making the next day after President David Granger had distanced himself from Williams' pronouncement. The last speaker to appear, Norton, found himself simultaneously making the Coalition's most direct attack on the credibility of the election and providing fictitious figures of a Berbice ballot box to support his claim that the Coalition had evidence of electoral fraud. The Coalition leadership's increasing refusal to face the media, even as its claims of the elections being fraudulent intensify, appears in keeping with the President's own
APNU+AFC campaign manager Joseph Harmon practice on engagement with the media and in answering specific questions with regard to the elections, the recount and their credibility. The party's position on whether the recount is credible has not been a consistent one, with the most apparent contradictions coming from Granger himself. While for example, he has insisted that CARICOM is a credible and trusted interlocutor in the elections impasse, his party's recent campaign declaring the elections not credible contradicts that since CARICOM has said, as recently as a little under two weeks ago, that the “irregularities occurred not in the system by which the Guyanese electorate cast their votes on March 2, but in the presentation of the count afterwards.” Granger has repeatedly (continued on page 16)
GECOM Chair allowing frivolities to delay Recount
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ttorney-at-Law Christopher Ram is of the view that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), particularly the Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, is allowing frivolities, including the input of the politically controlled COVID-19 Task Force, to delay the efficient progression of the National Recount of votes. In an interview with Kaieteur News, Ram said that the National Recount of votes is going at an inadequate pace, and that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is not treating with it in the
…Coalition-controlled Task Force adds to hurdles - Ram urgency that is required. He posited that this was first evidenced by the fact that the recount began on May 6, 2020 - 52 days after the aide memoire was signed on March 15, 2020. Even when it began, he said that there are indications that GECOM is ignoring its obligations, one of which is the fact that GECOM has failed to reassess the timeline of the recount, in accordance with the Order, which it gazetted to give the recount legal cover. That Order states that the
recount would proceed for a period of 25 days, subject to a review by the Commission in the first week. Almost three weeks later, there is no review, and the pace of the recount, as it is, will definitely take the recount beyond the 25-day timeline. GECOM had intended to review the timeline after the addition of extra recount stations, but two were added with the blessing of the National COVID-19 Task Force, and there is no review. The political opposition later (continued on page 15)
PAGE 08
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
PAGE 09
A failed strategy T
he Ministry of Public Health's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is raising concerns. By now, it should be clear that the Ministry's response has been far from effective. Unless corrective action is taken, there is going to be a serious loss of public confidence in the capacity of the Health Ministry to manage the medical aspects of this pandemic. Already some persons are questioning the authenticity of the number of confirmed cases. The public should not question those numbers. The persons who are undertaking the tests for the COVID-19
pandemic know what they are doing and while human error is possible and tests can produce false results at times, these persons are going to do their jobs professionally. When the Ministry announces that there are 137 confirmed cases in Guyana, this number should not be dismissed. The greater concern should be how many more confirmed cases have not yet been detected. The Ministry has not indicated whether any samples which have tested positive have been sent to a Reference laboratory for secondary confirmation. A small set of such results
should be sent as a means of assessing the accuracy of local testing. But the Ministry has been silent on whether this is happening. The government's strategy to repress the spread of the virus has been a failure. The partial lockdown has not worked and was never likely to work because you cannot expect any major impact by the curfew at that time when 80% of the population are indoors anyway. After more than six weeks, the number of confirmed cases continues to increase. Interestingly, the doubling rate of confirmed cases is not as rapid as in some other countries. But
Guyana well advanced in “bringing gas to shore” - Energy Director
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s Guyana's oil and gas sector continues to grow and diversify, Director of the Department of Energy Dr. Mark Bynoe has stated that it is important to explore potential downstream activities. The Energy Head was at the time appearing on t h e N a t i o n a l Communication Network's (NCN) Independence Forum on Monday. Dr. Bynoe noted that one of those activities currently being explored is “bringing
gas to shore.” This, he said is “well advanced.” “ We h a v e a d r a f t memorandum of understanding and a very cogent working group made up of critical players within the government. We hope to engage the private sector as well so that they can understand what the opportunities are.” He emphasised the need for private sector engagement as it is important to create an (continued on page 15)
D
going to be overcrowded and the situation will get dire. The President needs to launch an independent investigation into the conditions at that location so that the truth about the allegations and the quality of care being provided can be verified. The government will be under pressure to ease social restrictions. Thousands of workers have not been able to earn an income for almost two months now. But it would not be wise for the government to ease the lockdown if the number of confirmed cases continue to rise and if there remains serious concerns about the Ministry of Public Health's response to this pandemic. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
- Granger urges in Independence message
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Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe
Harmon had to hide he face with a mask million dollars a month rent. Dem suddenly decide dem gon buy de hotel. Is just like Exxon. Dem lease wan Floating Production and Storage and Offloading ship. Now dem decide dem want buy de vessel fuh billions of dollars. Dem boys wan know how come all de time dem nah know dem wan buy. How come dem lease all this time and now decide fuh buy? And guess who gat fuh foot dah bill? Yes, me and you…de taxpayers. Dat is on top of de 8 billion dollars field development costs which dem done hand we, and de pre-contract costs wha we still checking. Is sheer billion dollar bills dem sending. Dem boys wan know when Guyana gan mek its fuss billion.
Public Health needs to explain why this was not done. It should be recalled that mobile centers were established at different locations across the country during this period and it would be inexcusable if the persons at the Palms were bypassed for testing while these mobile units were being established. Concerns have been expressed about the conditions at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where COVID-19 cases are subject to mandatory institutional isolation. Complaints have been raised about poor food and the intermingling of positive cases with persons who have had a first negative test. Some of the patients have also alleged that they are not being given any medication to boost their immunity. Rather they say that their 'vitals' are being checked. As more and more persons test positive, the limited isolation facilities are
Await the elections declaration
.......................................................... Dem boys seh... em boys wan tell Soulja Bai and Jagdeo dat nah matter how bright, talented, or rich a man is, it is how he treat people dat speak to he character. Without integrity, yuh character gan be like a float bake. Dem boys get upset when dem read how a regional hospital cost de guvment almost one billion dollars. With dat type of money, dem boys can build more than one hospital and still gat change leff over. Is just like de ting dem building by de East Coast seawall. By de time dem done renovate dah hotel, de COVID gan pass and gone and leff only de 19. Dem spending 2 billion dollars pon de project. And fuh wah? Fuh repair an old, bruk-a-down building wha dem pay more than 20
given the high death rate, relative to confirmed cases, each additional confirmed case should be cause for worry. In the United Kingdom, almost half of the deaths were at one time attributable to care homes. Care homes are among the most vulnerable and the greatest precaution has to be taken to insulate these homes from the virus. The Palms is a care home. The first case at that institution happened to be an elderly man who died on 5th May, three weeks ago. Given that the inmates of the Palms all sleep in open wards, it was to be expected that every single inmate at that institution should have been tested immediately. It is not clear whether this was done but it is shocking to now learn that six persons from the female ward of that institution have now tested positive. This raises concerns as to whether everyone was tested just after 5th May 2020. If not, then the Ministry of
By de time dem oil company done with we, we gon end up paying debt fuh de rest of we life. And dat is why dem boys wan know why Soulja Bai and Jagdeo fighting fuh tek over debt. Is best de two of dem join and buy de FPSO. And as if dat is not enuff fuh de people, dem boys had a good laff yesterday. Imagine, dem hear dat Anil de Chat-tree tell de reporters dat Joe-Shan-Lin, de camp-pain manager of de Coalition, could not be serious when he say dem win. He say dat Joe lock up heself inside a backroom with a camera phone, put on a mask and talk how he win with a straight face. Dat is what dem boys and gyals does call bare-face. Talk half and don't wish
s Guyana observes its 54th Independence Anniversary today, the incumbent President, David Granger, in his address, has urged citizens to await the declaration of the results of the elections. There have been questions whether the Coalition would accept the declarations of the recount, which enters its 20th day of a scheduled 25 today. The Independence celebrations have been whittled down to one which has barred the public from attending the flag-raising ceremonies. Granger, in his address, asked the country to observe the 54th Anniversary of Independence in a restrained manner. “The emergency measures imposed in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not permitted public celebrations. I urge you, also, to await the declaration of the results of the General and Regional Elections, which were held on 2nd March. The Elections Commission, which is the sole authority charged with administering the elections in accordance with our Constitution, has responded in an orderly and lawful manner to the challenges which have arisen,” he said. He pointed to his muchtouted 'Decade of
Development' plan for country which he said will be the most exciting and exhilarating era in the nation's history. “ We r e m e m b e r t h e militancy of the workers who were shot by the colonial police in the Ruimveldt Riots of 1905, an incident which led to the formation of our first trade union and the start of the labour movement. We recall that workers' rebellions, which erupted throughout the British West Indies in succeeding decades, forced the Imperial Government to ameliorate living and working conditions. Britain's response initiated a constitutional revolution and, eventually, led to Independence for its Caribbean colonies. British Guiana, as part of the labour movement and the Independence movement, achieved its Independence on 26th May 1966.” The president, who faces a one-term tenure if the recount proves that the Coalition lost, disclosed that Guyana, as a Sovereign State, established diplomatic relations with scores of other states on the principles of mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity a n d s o v e r e i g n t y, n o n interference in each other's internal affairs, respect for treaties and international law and the rejection of the use of
force to settle international disputes, among others. He said that workers and persons in difficult circumstances have started to benefit from increased wages and pensions, improved public services in the four new regional capital towns, improved education, more employment opportunities and enhanced empowerment through regular local government elections. “Guyanese can look forward to enjoying greater equality and a higher quality of life in an expanding economy over the next decade. We have become a 'petroleum state' in which the proceeds from the petroleum industry will contribute to transforming the economy. We are on a path towards becoming a 'green state' which will promote the preservation and protection of our environment and the adoption of renewable energy technologies.” Granger also touted his 'digital state', which entailed extending the use of information and communication technology to ensure connectivity in every region. “We are on a path towards becoming an 'education nation', aiming at universal primary and secondary schooling and free education at the University of Guyana.”
Kaieteur News
PAGE 10
Tuesday May 26, 2020
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
My marriage breakdown, crashed car, David Hinds, Adam Harris and $US25,000
I
wrote the other day that I have chalked up more than three decades in journalism. After that time, I should know how to write satire. But it looks like I cannot. But I have done several satirical pieces in my 32 years of journalism. Trouble, serious, deep trouble ran into me the other day. I wrote a comical piece about the Russians interfering with the 2020 election by producing 35,000 facial images up the Linden highway made from a chemical skin that resemble 30,000 dead persons and 5,000 migrants and local Guyanese went into the polling booth and voted for these people. There were more jokes saturated in the entire article
that I thought no sane person would believe. But thousands of people in and out of Guyana believed the jokes in the column. Can I do another satirical piece without getting into trouble? I want to try my hand at it again because I believe I can write satire. So here goes. In what is to follow below, I will indicate what is fictional and just jokes from what is serious. I crashed my new car. I don't know how it happened but things happen. Enter Adam Harris. I read something interesting that he wrote. He will name a well known anti-government critic who received US$25,000 for bashing the coalition government. Adam and I get along well so I am
telling Adam to expect a call from me. I have been critical of the APNU+AFC since 2015 because it went into macabre directions. I never received a cent, not one cent for my critiques. So if Adam can tell me who collected then, I want to get in because I crashed my car. That money will come in handy. If Adam is reading this, he has to help. How about collecting the US$25,000 from any side – the PPP to condemn the government or the APNU+AFC to ridicule the PPP? We'll see what advice Adam offers. Next is my friend David Hinds. David called me last week to ask me to join a panel on Globe Span with him, Clem Seecharan and
Baytoram Ramharack. I am quite willing to participate from Guyana but you have to do so via Skype on your computer. I told David my computer is very old. It was given to me by David's childhood Buxton friend, Anthony Sarjoo, who pioneered the computer industry in Guyana. Sarjoo was cleaning up, found the thing and gave it to me. It is old so it doesn't have webcam facilities through which Skype is possible. I then suggested to David that he buy a laptop and send it for me and I will do the Globe Span interview. He said I must ask Glenn Lall. I declined. I told him that there is a risk for a columnist asking his newspaper boss for such favours. He reacted saying that flights to Guyana are suspended. I told him cargo flights are still on, so he can still send the laptop. The laptop should be here at any moment at Laparkan.
How do you approach the contents of this column? Well let us separate the sheep from the goats. I will indicate what is fictional and just jokes from what is serious. First, my marriage hasn't broken down. I doubt it ever will. My wife is my permanent soul-mate. That is a joke. But seriously my wife is ragingly mad with me. I crashed our new car. Secondly, do you think I want to cash in on money that is being given to people to condemn the government or take money from the PPP? Not me. I don't want anything to do with an A P N U + A F C administration. I will keep far away from the PPP if it becomes the next government after the recounting. At this late stage in my life, I will sell my soul? But the car needs money to fix. David and I did chat about the laptop. That is no
Frederick Kissoon joke. Is David sending the laptop? I don't know if he will. But if he does, shall I take it? But seriously, why should I let David spend his hard-earned cash to buy me a laptop? Should I take David's advice and ask Glenn Lall? Surely, I am not that bad off that I cannot fund one for myself. So here ends my second attempt at satire in the space of a week. It is not satire because in satire, you write and leave the question hanging. Here I separated fact from fiction. Tomorrow, I have an appointment with Clairmont Mingo. He called me and said he wants to teach me mathematics. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Woman suspected to be infected with COVID detained at New Amsterdam Market
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woman was yesterday morning picked up by the Region Six COVID-19 Task Force at the New Amsterdam Market after a report of her being suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus was made to health officials in the region on Sunday. Regional Health Director Jevaughn Stephens told reporters at his office yesterday that a call was received via the COVID Hotline on Sunday stating that there was a "might be in Berbice". He explained that they received a picture of the suspected case yesterday morning with a message that the person was seen at the New Amsterdam Market. Stephens added that the Task
Force acted on the information immediately and swooped down at the location, there the individual was seen casually walking through the fish and the vegetable section of the market. A vendor at the market reportedly saw the individual coughing. "The patient at the time presented no resistance and co-operated fully with the team", Stephens said. While there are rumours circulating that the individual might be from a neighbouring country, Stephens did not confirm nor deny it. He, however, ruled out the individual that the Ministry of Public Health was seeking. The suspected COVID case has since been taken
into quarantine at an undisclosed location where a test is expected to be done. Stephens is calling on the public to "maintain safety and operate within the confines of the new laws". He also commended the person who reported the suspected case and appealed to other persons to do the same. The market has since been sanitized as a precautionary measure, Stephens said. Previously, the Ministry had announced that screening will be done on persons entering Berbice via the Berbice River Bridge and also screening for those l e a v i n g t h e c o u n t y. Screening is also being done at all other exit and entry ports in the county.
GECOM Chair allowing... From page 7 advocated for an additional two, which the Commission considered and wrote to the Task Force for consideration on. GECOM awaits a response. Ram is of the view that GECOM need not wait on the Task Force to approve the additional stations, but that GECOM should decide to add the stations and ask the Task Force for advice on social distancing arrangements. Ram said that the aide memoire signed between the President, Opposition Leader and CARICOM Secretary General is a document between Guyana and its i n t e r n a t i o n a l p a r t n e r, CARICOM. As such, it has serious implications that GECOM is allowing so much “frivolity” to be entrenched into the execution of the process, Ram opined. Though that aide memoire states that the recount would take place “urgently”, Ram's view is that GECOM is allowing delaying tactics to frustrate the completion of the process in a fair and transparent manner. GECOM has made decisions, listed in an “Issues and Resolutions” document, which provide incremental improvements to the efficiency of the process, but the sloth is most likely to push the recount past the 25-day timeline. One of these issues, of particular concern to the People's Progressive Party
(PPP), is the tendency of APNU+AFC agents to make many objections during the recount, so many that some observation reports record objections for in excess of 30 serial numbers. The PPP's Susan Rodrigues said that GECOM had to just recently pass down a directive that it would only note objections to serial numbers that were ticked off on the Official List of Electors (indicating that that person had voted). Before the GECOM directive, some recount stations, according to PPP Executive Anil Nandlall, would note whatever numbers the agents called out, even if the person's number wasn't ticked off on the OLE. Ram believes that a lot of the tactics which frustrate the process, don't just come from the Coalition's agents, but from its allies who are staffers of GECOM. Political influence Ram expressed that President David Granger too, as a signee to the aide memoire, has a responsibility to advocate for urgency, but that the actions of the COVID-19 Task Force, the President himself, and his party all point to political infringement of the process. Ram is of the view that GECOM should not have to seek the approval of the Task Force. He noted as well that the Co-chair of the APNU+AFC elections campaign, Joseph Harmon is also the Chief Executive
Officer of the Task Force. It is Harmon who is now arguing for GECOM to fall back on the 10 declarations currently “in abeyance”. Ram said that this Task Force gives facile explanations for its decisions, which ultimately stymie the speedy conclusion of the National Recount. The lawyer also pointed to a statement by Granger that, “any declaration coming from the Chairman of GECOM will be accepted”. The President was asked about how he would treat with the outcome of the recount process, on May 17 last. His response, repeated several times, did not specify whether he would accept the results of the recount, but any declaration, which would appear to include the declarations “in abeyance”. Ram said that, by saying this, Granger seeks to invite GECOM to act outside of the aide memoire, which he signed for the urgent conduction of this recount, and which binds him to accept the outcome of a fair and transparent process for the recount. But it's not too late, Ram said. If the President, as a signee to the aide memoire is serious about his commitments made therein, he will advocate on the part of urgency and ensure GECOM is given the leeway to add the two stations, so it can complete the recount with good speed.
PAGE 15
Guyanese stuck overseas…
Don't try to come without - Foreign Govt. approval Ministry warns
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he Foreign Affairs Ministry yesterday warned that returning Guyanese will have to liaise with Government with regards to the arrangements. About 300 Guyanese, left stuck overseas since the sudden closures of the country's airports due to COVID-19 measures, have been granted permission by the National COVID-19 Task Force to return home. The Foreign Affairs Ministry notice was yesterday directed to Guyanese nationals whose permanent country of residence is Guyana and who have been unable to travel home due to the closure of international borders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “You are required,” the notice said, “to plan your return in coordination with and on approval from the Government of Guyana. This will enable control of the
spread of COVID-19 in Guyana and protect the health and safety of all citizens dwelling there, particularly those who are most vulnerable.” The Ministry also said that further, in the interest of public health and safety, approvals for re-entry will be phased in a manner deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Public Health, as the designated quarantine authority, and other key government agencies. “Guyanese nationals must complete the application for entry form,” it noted, “which can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as on those of Guyana's overseas missions — embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates — should you wish to return to Guyana. Subsequently, you will receive an e-mail confirming
receipt of your application and, afterwards, confirmation of the intended date of travel.” The Ministry said that Guyanese nationals should expect to be screened and possibly tested for the novel coronavirus on return to Guyana: “This is a condition of return and will be undertaken at the point of entry. It is anticipated that all persons entering Guyana will need to exercise patience as social distancing and health and safety protocols will be observed.” It said that completion of the application form confirms that the applicants have read, understood and agreed to comply with the requirements for re-entry to Guyana. “We would like to reiterate that you should not attempt to travel to Guyana without gaining prior approval from the Government,” the notice concluded.
Guyana well advanced in... From page 9 environment for investments to be made. This disclosure comes days after Guyana had its second one-million barrel of crude lifted from the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel onto oil tanker, Sonangol Namibe, a Bahamian flag carrier. Dr. Bynoe reiterated commitment to ensuring that
a “state of the art, contextually relevant industry best practice department” is established to manage the oil and gas sector. According to him, “We are beginning to build out that structure to allow us to not only have a state of the art department but at the same time to allow us to take advantage of the technological advances, the development and
articulation of a robust legislative framework and pursue avenues that will allow for greater cost efficiencies.” The Energy Department was established in 2018, one year before Guyana commenced oil production. Since then, it has worked assiduously in the best interest of the country's newest sector. (DPI)
PAGE 16
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
FIGHT FOR FREEDOM ON THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY
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DEAR EDITOR, Independence Day 2020 is reaching us at a time when the progressive and democratic forces are locked in serious struggles to defend freedom, decency and the integrity of our people and nation. The attempt of the PNCled APNU/AFC cabal to, barefacedly and openly steal the elections of March 2, 2020, if allowed to succeed will do very serious damage to every aspect of our country’s lives. It will drive us back to the darkest days of the PNC dictatorship and lead to the degradation of our socio-economic advancement. Cheddi Jagan, the foremost fighter for our independence, was never tired of stating the link between democracy and all-round progress. One of the constants throughout his long and illustrious career was to bring to the Guyanese people, the awareness that there can be no social and economic progress without political democracy. Guyana’s political history has proven that beyond the shadow of a doubt. In seven short years, from 1957 to 1964 the PPP transformed Guyana beyond recognition. Production in every area, bauxite, sugar, rice, coffee, cocoa, coconuts, timber, gold to name a few moved rapidly, many becoming important exports to all parts of the world. The PPP government at that time created institutions to ensure that the human capital necessary for nation building were in place. Hundreds of schools were built. Education began reaching people for the first time in the remote areas of Guyana. In order to give all Guyanese secondary education, the PPP had established an All Age Schools. Students moved seamlessly from primary to secondary classes. We were one of the most literate people in the world. We built the University of Guyana with great opposition from the PNC to give us the skills to administer Guyana and not to be totally dependent on foreign specialists. Health services too expanded and new hospitals were constructed in various parts of the country. The housing drive witnessed a marked improvement. Many of the houses in town and the countryside are still standing as a testimony of the untiring efforts of then PPP administration to give our people their own homes. The PPP took major steps in diversifying our agriculture. We produced so much coffee in the North West and Pomeroon areas that, despite colonial sabotages, were sent to Nestle’s in the US to be converted to Guyana Instant Coffee.
The fact today that we are self-sufficient in things like cabbage, peanuts, carrots, blackeye peas and red beans to name a few was because of our policy of broadening the base of the economy. In that period too, the government launched the ‘Guyanization’ drive. That programme was ensuring that qualified Guyanese were taking over the top administrative jobs from the colonial personnel before independence. Many outstanding Guyanese came to the fore, in that time. One that immediately comes to mind was Gavin Kennard who was the CEO of the new Guyana Industrial Corporation, the Chairman of the Board was Ashton Chase. Cheddi Jagan is on record of advocating for a Guyanese Governor when Sir Ralph Grey was recalled. Other institutions such as the Bank of Guyana and the Mon Repos School of Agriculture still stand to reflect the hope and the courage of our leaders. It was the work done by the PPP government, and Cheddi Jagan in particular, that we often boast our strong foreign service. In preparation for independence, Jagan established a department for foreign relations. Two of the persons recruited at that time were Rudy Insanally and Raleigh Jackson. Both of whom distinguished themselves as outstanding diplomats. With such great promise, why did we not achieve more in the post-independence period, one may well ask. There is no one answer. However, at the heart of all the reasons was the destruction of our democracy. Independent Guyana was born in very difficult times. After changing the voting system from the Constituency system to Proportional Representation, the only country in the Commonwealth at that time with such a system, a government was installed to protect the substance of colonialism under the flimsy excuse of fighting communism. Guyana is the only country that was granted independence with a State of Emergency in place. Leaders of the PPP were imprisoned and many, including Cedric Vernon Nunes, then Minister of Education under whose watch so much was done for education. PPP leaders remained there long after independence. As the dictatorship became entrenched, it got more intolerant and brutal that led to political assassinations, the most prominent was Walter Rodney whose ‘crime’ was to condemn the PNC dictatorship.
Those things pauperized us. We became the objects of pity from persons in the region as we tried to smuggle flour, bread and other basic necessities of life. That led to massive migration where today, there are probably more Guyanese living abroad than those of us here in Guyana. In the last 54 years, we had one period of great hope. That was when our people’s struggle and international solidarity led to a democratic renewal in October 1992. The PPP transformed Guyana from a Heavily Indebted, Poor Country (HIPIC) to becoming an Upper Middle-Income Developing Country.I recall, with some pride in the early 2015, I was invited to go to Rome to accept the recognition of the International Community as being one of two countries in the Caribbean that not only reduced poverty greatly, but also significantly improved the nutrition of our people. This was remarkable when we take into account that in 1992, Guyana had 80% of its people living in absolute poverty. Those were figures that SIMAP had worked out just before the PPP took office. Unfortunately, I could not go because of the Elections Campaign, but Cde. Sam Hinds did the honours for us. For those who may want to know which was the other country, it was St. Vincent. We made this achievement under difficult circumstances. The undemocratic cabal that leads the PNC opposed every single project that had the potential to advance our country and benefit our people. Coming to mind immediately are the Amaila Falls Hydro and Marriot Hotel projects. They also set about to deliberately to damage the financial sector, the heart of the economy by refusing to
support the Anti-Money Laundering Bill. The PNC had always been a party that wants power for power sake. It was never about transforming the country in the interest of the people. Now that we have reached that stage, we need to have a broad stage and serious discourse to identify those things that are retarding our developments and fix them. Simplistic suggestions that sound good can lead to even greater frustrations. I suggest that we look first of all at our Elections System. The evidence is there to show that the vast amount of country with this system have issues of racial and religious problems. The system encourages organizing on the basis of narrow interests, and not national interests. That to me is one colonial imposition that should be removed; after all, we are fifty-four years old. Today, as we celebrate this occasion all democratic and peace-loving Guyanese must call for the swift and transparent conclusion to the embarrassment that is going on at the Arthur Chung Conference Center. In concluding, I wish to salute the contribution of so many who came before and those who bore the brunt in the anti-colonial struggles. Of recent times, we have lost some giants whose contributions were immense and spanned the colonial times, the PPP time in the 1960s and later. They are Cyril Belgrave, Komal Chand and Feroze Mohamed, we remember them and all the others today. On this Independence Day, all progressive Guyanese must now stand-up and guard our Votes. Happy Birthday Guyana! Donald Ramotar
Harmon says that APNU+AFC ... From page 7 avoided the question of whether he believes the elections were not marred by fraud, insisting on using the words “free, fair and orderly”. He has also avoided any commitment to abiding by the outcome of the recount, saying instead, even as his juniors are insisting on reverting to the previous declarations, that he will abide by “any declaration” coming out of GECOM. This is a theme he returned to in his Independence Anniversary message today, saying, “I urge you, also, to await the declaration of the results of the General and Regional Elections which were held on 2nd March. The Elections Commission, which is the sole authority charged with administering the elec-
tions in accordance with our Constitution, has responded in an orderly and lawful manner to the challenges which have arisen.” When this paper messaged Granger's press and publicity officer, Arianna Gordon, to clarify the President's position on his party's campaign to undermine the credibility of the election as well as Harmon's claim that Granger should be sworn in on the existing ten declarations, she responded: “President David Granger has repeatedly said that he will regard as legitimate any declaration made by the Chairman of the Elections Commission. He said this as recent as last Sunday during his briefing with the media at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.”
Tuesday May 26, 2020
PAGE 17
Kaieteur News
GAWU Independence Day Message 2020
PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS REFORM As we celebrate the 54th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes all Guyanese, both here at home and our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, on our achievement of yet another year as a politically independent people and country. The political developments of the past five years have opened new avenues for the forging of a new democratic culture so necessary for the achievement of real independence and social progress in our country. Our Party is confident that if as a nation we can build a truly, inclusive political culture in which all stakeholders are allowed to play a meaningful role and which can create an enabling environment for the orderly
development of the nation, we can look forward to a future that is politically successful, economically self-sustaining and culturally rewarding. As we celebrate this 54th Anniversary of Independence, the PNCR pledge to work with all responsible and reliable forces whose aim is to forge social cohesion and national unity. We believe that by working together, we can ameliorate the many known problems, which have bedeviled our country and stymied our development. The PNCR is proud of our record in government and the important role that our Party and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham played in our country’s struggle for Independence. Happy 54th Guyana!
PEOPLE’S PROGRESSIVE PARTY As our nation observes its 54th Independence anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends best wishes to all Guyanese, at home and abroad, on the commemoration of this significant national milestone. Fiftyfour years ago, on May 26, an independent Guyana was born when the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted for the first time breaking the shackles of colonialism, bringing forth freedom and instilling hope and expectations in our people by the dawn o f self-governance. Unfort u n a t e l y, t h e f r e e d o m from colonialism, which so many valiantly fought for, and the birth of self-governance did not realize the dreams and aspirations of our people because soon after independence, we endured another form of imposed rule, this time from within. For twenty- eight years thereafter, the PNC hijacked democracy and stole from the people of Guyana their right to vote and their freedom to elect a Government of their choice. It was not until 1992, that democratic elections were restored to our country and our people were offered an opportunity to elect a Government of its choice. Those twenty-eight years of dictato r s h i p b r o u g h t with it deep ethnic divisions, social decline, and economic stagnation. From October 5, 1992, Guyana was able to breathe freedom again and with it came social and economic progress and infrastructural rehabilitation across the length and breadth of the country. During this period, Guyana moved from the poorest country in the western hemisphere to a middle-income developing nationstate. It is not that there were
not challenges, there were many, but a legal Government, governing in accordance with the Constitution, backed by sound economic policies and driven by programmes and policies designed to positively affect the lives of every single Guyanese, irrespective of race, ethnicity or class, made monumental strides. In 2015, there was a change in government. The PNC returned to Office under the rubric of a coalition and with them returned violations of the rule of law, destruction of democratic credentials, violations of the Constitution, discrimination, corruption, and the worse forms of incompetent governance. As we enter this fiftyfourth year of independence, our country remains precariously perched on a precipice. The results of elections held since March 2, 2020, are still to be pronounced by the Guyana Elections Commission because of attempts to steal those elections by those who have lost but refuse to give up Government. These actions continue to undermine the great sacrifices, which so many Guyanese have made, before
and after independence, to create a better and united Guyana. In our recent elections campaign manifesto, we promised a package of policies and programmes which will improve the lives of Guyanese from every stratum and in every region. These include, but are not limited to, infrastructural development, job creation, and the establishment of a framework for proper management of our Oil and Gas resources, one that ensures transparency and accountability and secures benefits for all Guyanese. We promised to also engage in extensive consultations in order to formulate a new governance model and a better system for managing elections. On this solemn occasion, the PPP remains resolute and determined to continue this great struggle started by our ancestors to create a free, prosperous, and united Guyana where all Guyanese can achieve their full potential and share equitably in our nation’s resources. Once again, Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese.
Our people and nation, once again, pause to reflect on the our country’s proud achievement of independence, we of the GAWU take this opportunity to express to all Guyanese our best wishes on this significant milestone in our history. Indeed, the shedding of our colonial bonds 54 years ago is an accomplishment that is celebrated by all Guyanese. It is yet another reminder that we – the people – are collectively responsible for our destiny and the well-being of future generations. As we observe another anniversary of our independence, the GAWU recollects the many-sided struggles of our people that gave way to end of colonialism in our land. We are reminded too that those struggles involved Guyanese from all walks of life who were all committed to the common goal of political freedom and the desire for our nation and people to realize its full potential. Indeed, we hail those who played an active role in those struggles as they faced up to difficult circumstances and unstinted efforts to crush their resolve and to thwart their advancements. The realization of independence reminds us that together we are a formidable force capable and able to withstand great adversity and defeat the intrigues that are formed against us. As we observe 54 years as an independent state, we are reminded of the several achievements we have recorded. Undoubtedly, we have a proud record as we matured and developed as a nation. While we recognize that there were some setbacks, we remain heartened that, like in the independence struggle, an independent Guyana and Guyanese were able to overcome those adversities and went on to realize several laudable strides. Of course, as we observe our 54th Independence Anniversary, we see us on the cusp of great potential and even quantum advancement. Our nation has now joined the ranks of the oil-producing leagues, which holds out
PROTECTED AREAS COMMISSION Today Guyana marks 54 years as an Independent nation. In the face of the Global COVID-19 pandemic and the measures in place to hinder the spread of the virus, which also prevent massive public events, there is still much to celebrate, though perhaps not in the usual way. Our country gained Independence on 26th May 1966 and has over the years had much to celebrate and take pride in, especially our diversity of people, animals, plants and vast, beautiful landscapes. The Protected Areas Commission is so proud of our natural heritage and the
role, which the Commission plays in managing our National Protected Areas System which helps to maintain that heritage. We take seriously our role of managing, maintaining and promoting Guyana’s national heritage in the National Protected Areas and urban parks which are part of our National Protected Areas along with the array of animals and plants that dwell in these spaces. These areas represent Guyana’s natural capital and with continued effective management. They can continue to contribute to a green economy, improving lives and
helping with climate regulation. On this our country’s 54th Independence Anniversary, we encourage all Guyanese to take time to reflect on and take pride in our rich natural heritage and focus on how we can work together so that it can be preserved for present and future generations. The Commission also takes this opportunity to thank its hard-working staff, sister agencies and partners for the support shown over the years. Happy 54th Independence to all of Guyana!
great promise. It is yet another reminder of how endowed we are as a nation. At the same time, it stresses the need for our people, today and tomorrow, benefit from pragmatic programmes and policies to really benefit from our natural wealth while we safeguard our environment. It is against this background, that the GAWU must express its dismay, once again, regarding our arrangements with respect to our oil resources. Undoubtedly, there is a mountain of evidence, which confirms the sad conclusion. We see too our potential being threatened by those who seek to derail our democracy and take us down a road of fraudulent elections and dictatorship. We have experienced such painful times before and history has recorded the harm it brought to the well-being of our people and the stagnation and regression Guyana experienced. We do not wish to return to such an era where our freedoms were trampled upon and impoverishment became a defining feature. As the nation awaits the declaration of credible election results, we urge a hastening of the process as we recognize the consequences of a vacuum created by absence of a legitimate Government.
Apart from the democratic challenges, the public health crisis spawned by COVID-19 continues to afflict us and has made too many victims. We have seen the danger of the virus and again we urge everyone to take precautions and stay safe. We encourage the wearing of masks, washing of our hands, sanitization of our environment and engaging in social distancing. It is our collective efforts that will see us defeating the pandemic. The GAWU is also well aware of the economic challenges brought about by COVID-19 and it is yet another reason for a legitimate Government to be installed on the basis of an accurate and transparent reflection of the will of the people. As we celebrate Independence Day 2020, let us remember to continue to hold aloft the banner of freedom and democracy. Let us remember the road we have travelled and the journey that awaits us. On this Independence Day, the GAWU urges the collective Guyanese spirit to be consolidated as we face up to the challenges of today and the days ahead while we seek to build a prosperous Guyana for all. A Happy Independence to all Guyanese!
GUYANA TRADES UNION CONGRESS The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) brings anniversary greetings to Guyanese at home and in the Diaspora. Fifty-four years ago, Guyanese achieved a major milestone in our quest for self-determination. We set aside superficial differences to celebrate the hard-fought victory that began centuries ago and commit to chart a course as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” This year marks a nation on the cusp of economic greatness if we can properly harness the resources and revenues from oil and gas to the benefit of country and citizens. Simultaneously, we are waging the battle against the deadly coronavirus virus (COVID 19) and are in the midst of the process of completing the March 2 General and Regional Elections. History has shown ours have been a journey of struggles for what we have achieved. That we continue to overcome bears testimony to our resilience and will as a people to not only survive but live in dignity and respect. This election has brought to the fore, once again, the issue of governance. Whereas many viewed it as the ‘Mother of all Elections’ given who will likely secure the privilege to manage the affairs of state at this pivotal juncture, it has also exacerbated ethnic conflict borne out of insecurities and fears of
marginalisation. To this, all Guyana must turn their attention and resolve the situation as a matter of urgency.GTUC reiterates its call for meaning to be given to our political system of inclusionary democracy, consistent with Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution. Said Article mandates, “providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decisionmaking processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” We recognise and value the importance of this declaration because its aims to bring about peace and harmony among society’s diverse groups.As we move forward, Guyanese are reminded in true trades’ union spirit that we are stronger together. We are also reminded of the spirit that guided our great leaders of the past and which we must continue to work hard to achieve as Valerie Rodway wrote in the Hymn for Guyana’s Children: “Great is the task that Thou hast given: Thy will to show, Thy truth to find:To teach ourselves that we are one In thy great Universal mind But not in vain, we’ll strive to buildA new Guyana great and free; A land of glory and of hope,A land of love and unity”
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Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
Nandlall challenges Harmon's statement on elections credibility
Moruca’s first COVID-19 case traced back to Lethem
- Says “he had to wear mask, he couldn’t say it with a straight face”
- One dead, several in quarantine as a result
Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)Anil Nandlall Former Attorney-General and Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Anil Nandlall challenged the statement made by APNU+AFC Coalition’s Campaign Manager, Joseph Harmon and deemed it an absurdity. Nandlall was at the time addressing the press at the Recount Media Centre where he refuted the allegations made by Harmon of the ballot papers allegedly being “forged”. “Allegations that we have never heard before,” the former AG said, “he has brought to the fore. For the first time now, we are hearing that the ballots, the ballot papers themselves, have now been forged. Well, this is a new one, the country has been looking at this thing from the beginning and we never heard that one, that’s a brand new one…ballot papers are now alleged to be fraudulently printed somewhere.” Nandlall explained that each ballot carries a security marker to show “authenticity” and opined that it was impossible to recreate. He told the media, “I don’t
APNU+AFC Coalition’s Campaign Manager, Joseph Harmon
know how that is possible because if you go into the exercise you will see that the paper is projected on an instrument and there is a security mark that is shown to authenticate the veracity and authenticity of that ballot paper.” The former AG was quick to refute the APNU+AFC’s statement, stating that Harmon could not have made such utterances in public. “I believe he did that by himself,” Nandlall jabbed, “in a room by himself, because I doubt whether he could’ve uttered those statements in the presence of anyone. You had to be somebody special to mouth the allegations which he did on that telecast. He had to have been locked up in a room by himself, he can’t do that publicly, and in a room, he still had to wear mask because I don’t think he could’ve said those things with a straight face.” The PPP also issued an official response to the Coalition’s statement. “These allegations range from migrant and dead people voting, false ballots, unstamped ballots, missing
list of electors, missing poll books, and a host of other irregularities, all of which he dumps at the doorsteps of the PPP/C,” the statement said. Additionally, Harmon, according to the party, sought to accuse the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), along with the other political parties of being in cahoots with them, with the aim of rigging the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections but also in the same breath, proclaim that “the APNU+AFC has won those very Elections.” The PPP called on the elections body to “not remain silent” and the Chair, Justice Claudette Singh, to issue a response to Harmon’s statement, seen as a blatant attack on the Commission’s credibility. “Even the President endorsed election-day activities as free, fair, and orderly. The world knows that the only fraud committed at those elections was that of Mingo. Harmon’s accusation that the PPP/C stole 86,000 votes is another figment of Harmon’s warped imagination,” the party said.
Alleged drag race leaves one critical and another injured An alleged drag-race late last night ended abruptly after a Toyota Spacio slammed into the trailer of a container truck at the intersection of Sussex and Saffon Streets, leaving one critical and another severely injured. The driver of the Spacio PSS 1314 Stephan Pearson of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara was reportedly proceeding north along Saffon at a fast rate when the container truck intercepted his path. He did his best to stop the car but only managed to lose control of the automobile, clipping the rail of a bridge and then slamming into the trailer. When Kaieteur News arrived at the scene, Pearson was already out of car and was seen bleeding from injuries sustained to his shoulders, face
and back while another man whose name was given as Terry Danraj lied unconscious and trapped in the front seat.Nearby residents who rushed out to render assistance, immediately called 911, and after twenty minutes, two ambulances arrived and took both men away to the Georgetown Public Hospital. In a surprise development, a man on the scene, Abdul Alli, who told Kaieteur News that he was a friend to both men and owner of the crashed vehicle, ended up getting into his own vehicle and fleeing the scene after police on the scene learned that both he and Pearson were racing. The driver of the truck has been taken into custody and is currently assisting ranks with investigation.
O
ne person is now dead and several others quarantined since Moruca, Region One, North West District (NWD) recorded its first Covid-19 positive case last Wednesday. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Public Health, Terrence Esseboom had told this media house that Moruca’s first positive case was discovered as a result of contact-tracing. Doctor in charge of the Moruca-Kumaka District Hospital, Derron Moonsammy later revealed that the infected person, a male had travelled from Lethem to Georgetown and then to Moruca. Moonsammy told Kaieteur News that the man entered Moruca last month and was placed in mandatory quarantine as was instructed by the relevant heads of the district but the man showed no symptoms of the infectious disease and was subsequently released and allowed to go home. However, Health Officials had been tracing the man’s movement and had only managed to locate him recently. After learning that the man might have been in contact with an infected person, health personnel rushed to his house and whisked him away to the Kumaka District’s Hospital. He was immediately placed in institutional isolation and tested for the novel
coronavirus. His results returned positive and health workers began scouring the area for persons whom he might have infected. Not long after, a former teacher and assistant returning officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, Vincent Torres age 59, turned up at the district hospital with complaints of breathing problems. Noting that his symptoms resembled that of COVID-19, he was admitted, tested and also placed in isolation. Unfortunately, his condition worsened before his results came back and he died suddenly on Friday night while receiving treatment. It was only yesterday that they were officially able to confirm that Torres had died from coronavirus, taking Guyana’s death toll to 11. Kaieteur News understands that since Moruca’s first case, several persons have been quarantined and authorities are currently seeking to quarantine more since Torres’ death in an attempt to contain a possible outbreak. Moonsammy related yesterday that three more test samples have also been taken and five more samples are to follow immediately. He also told reporters that a mobile testing unit from Georgetown is expected to arrive in Moruca today to conduct more testing. The doctor, however, expressed the fear that it will be a great challenge to contain the disease in his district. He
explained that Moruca is a relatively large district consisting of many villages miles apart and with many secret trails leading to the Lethem/ Brazil Border. Considering that cases in Brazil are now spiraling out of control, Moonsammy fears that miners frequenting the Guyana/Brazil border can use these secret trails to enter Moruca unknown to authorities. Moonsammy said that they had already received information that a group of miners had already left the border area and are on their way to Moruca through one of these trails. “Authorities are currently trying their best to intercept them in the path,” said Moonsammy. Nevertheless, the doctor said health officials will do their best to ensure that the spread of disease is stopped as quickly as possible. Recently, Guyana has seen a spike in the number of persons tested positive for COVID-19. In yesterday’s update, the Ministry of Public Health notified the public that two more persons have tested positive taking the toll to 137. In a subsequent press release, it was highlighted that three out the four hinterland regions have now been affected by the novel coronavirus. It was also noted most of the cases tested positive in these regions are specifically from the mining areas.
Palms records six more COVID-19 cases Within a matter of weeks, six more residents have been added to the Palms Geriatric Home’s record of COVID-19 cases. The six new patients, all female, have taken the cases at the Palms to 12. This is inclusive of one death. Director of Social Services at the Ministry of Social Protection, Wentworth Tanner confirmed that the additional patients who tested positive have been placed in isolation at the infirmary at the Palms. Tanner confirmed too that several staffers of the facility had been placed in home quarantine. According to Tanner, the situation at the Palms is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. “We have to be extremely careful with these cases because as you know, the elderly are most vulnerable to the disease.
This is a situation that we hope, we could have avoided but we have to do our best given the circumstances to equip our staff and residents,” he said. The Palms recorded its first case of COVID-19 last month. Meanwhile, on a national level, the Ministry of Public Health MoPH recorded another death bringing the total number of deaths to eleven. Dr. Nial Uthman, Regional Health Officer, Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo(Region Nine) noted that of the 32 tests done yesterday, there were two new cases. “So, the number of confirmed cases is now 137. To date, the total number of persons tested is 1,489 with the total number of negative cases being 1,352. We currently have 62 persons who have recovered; 64 active cases in institutional isolation; two patients in the
COVID-ICU and two persons in institutional quarantine,” he said. He cautioned citizens to take the precaution even as Guyana marks yet another Independence Anniversary. “Fellow Guyanese, today, we are on the eve of another Independence celebration; as we look through those lenses on 54 years of development, let us use this opportunity to reflect on our strengths and let this guide the path we take as we move this nation forward. Health wise, let us come together as a resilient nation to win this fight against COVID-19. Tomorrow [today] is a holiday; let us remember that celebration now has a new meaning. It now means spending quality time with our families at home and avoiding the outdoor gatherings that we once engaged in,” Dr. Uthman said.
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Tuesday May 26, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Young pretender Haaland takes on master Lewandowski for first time AFP - One of world football’s fastest-rising young stars goes head-tohead with one of its most accomplished goalscorers today as Erling Braut Haaland and Robert Lewandowski face off for the first time. Borussia Dortmund host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in a top-of-the-table clash which will see 19-yearold Haaland and the man 12 years his senior both try to maintain remarkable runs of form. Both players have scored exactly 41 goals in 35 matches in all competitions this season, although Haaland only joined Dortmund in January from Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg. Bayern coach Hansi Flick, whose side are four points clear of Dortmund, believes
close comparisons between the two are premature, but acknowledged Haaland’s obvious ability. “Haaland is in his first season... Robert has been evolving for several years at the top level,” he said. “But Haaland has huge talent.” Before the Champions League was suspended in March due to the coronavirus, Haaland was second only to Lewandowski in the competition’s goalscoring charts, one behind the Pole’s tally of 11. Lewandowski’s haul included four goals in just 14 second-half minutes during a 6-0 group-stage rout of Red Star Belgrade last November, bringing back memories of his astonishing five goals in nine minutes against Wolfsburg in 2015.
Lewandowski (L) and Haaland (R) will face each other for the first time today. (AFP/File / Christof Stache, Ina Fassbender)
Tuesday May 26, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) It's time to review your dreams and fantasies, Aries. It could be that you've been neglecting them lately. Perhaps things you've been working toward haven't panned out the way you'd hoped.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Shake off the dust of the past few weeks and put the confusion behind you, Libra. Your tremendous imagination and creative ability have been dormant because you couldn't figure out how best to channel them.
TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Things that have been out of whack in your life should begin coming back into balance, Taurus. The bad news is that it may take a while for the pendulum to return to the optimal point.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Long-term projects that you've been working on are apt to shift into forward gear today, Scorpio. This change may be subtle, but it's quite powerful and extremely helpful to whatever you're trying to accomplish.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The tide will start to ebb today just after it reaches its highest point. There is a pause now, Gemini, and you'll find that things are about to pick up considerably again.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Parts of your life that recently took a backward turn are now on track again, Sagittarius. Large projects involving electricity, gadgets, or mechanical parts will finally be favored now.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may have been fighting a battle with the facts lately, Cancer. It's a different world out there, thanks to COVID-19, and perhaps new information has forced you to take a step back and rethink your game plan.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The good news is that the tide is turning. Issues involving fashion, magazines, and the spoken or written word will slowly begin turning in a positive direction today, Capricorn.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) YGoals that seemed unreachable in the recent past are finally coming into focus, Leo. VIRGO(Aug.23–Sept.22) You may have had a hard time launching long-term personal projects lately, Virgo. Today marks a critical starting point toward attaining your goals.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Have you been losing faith in your dreams and fantasies lately, Aquarius? PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Recent opposition standing in the way of long-term goals is apt to ease a bit today, Pisces. Situations surrounding these issues should become clearer, and you should have a better idea of exactly what you're up against.
Haaland scored eight goals for Salzburg in the group stage and two for Dortmund in their last-16 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain. Lewandowski has netted 27 goals in 25 Bundesliga matches and is on track to be crowned the league’s topscorer for the fifth time in 10 seasons. Haaland has netted 10 league goals in as many games but his ratio — a goal every 69 minutes — is even better than Lewandowski’s 82 minutes. - Discreet off the pitch Both Haaland and Lewandowski are discreet about their lives off the pitch and appear happier to let their goalscoring feats speak for themselves. “He’s one of those guys who’s really into training,” Dortmund defender Mats Hummels said of Haaland, who has a habit of giving short answers in interviews. “I like the way he approaches work at his age,” Hummels added. Lewandowski is known for
Haaland scored his 10th Bundesliga goal in a win over Schalke when the league resumed 10 days ago. (Pool/AFP/File / Martin Meissner) preferring to spend time in the gym rather than on the red carpet. “In his head, he thinks about the right food, sleep and training: 24 hours a day,” former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said. “He is always there, never injured, because he focuses on these things.” That focus perhaps allows the pair to be so ruthless in front of goal. In January, Haaland became the first player to score a hat-trick as a substitute on their Bundesliga debut, and was also the third-youngest player, behind Wayne Rooney and Raul, to score a Champions League treble, aged 19 years and 58 days, last September. Lewandowski is also remembered for some jaw-dropping individual performances among a career built on consistent goalscoring. He set multiple records with his remarkable burst against Wolfsburg five years ago and also scored four goals when a Dortmund
player in the 2013 Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid. Like Haaland, Lewandowski’s first major European club was Dortmund, who he joined as a raw 20-year-old in 2010 from Polish side Lech Poznan for a fee of 4.5 million euros ($4.9 million). He also wasted little time in breaking into the side and helped Dortmund win the 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga titles under Jurgen Klopp. He memorably scored a hat-trick against future employers Bayern in a 5-2 German Cup final thrashing in 2012. Haaland has taken to life in Dortmund even more quickly than Lewandowski, though, scoring 13 goals in his first 13 games for the club, including the first goal of the resumed season in a 4-0 win against Schalke. In contrast, Lewandowski could only manage nine goals in 43 appearances in his debut season in 2010/11. The teenager has plenty still to do to emulate his older counterpart, though, as the Bayern star has since scored 326 club goals across the following nine campaigns. But Lewandowski himself thinks Haaland could keep up his incredible form. “Haaland has huge potential, but also time,” he said. “If he works hard, he can become a better player and reach the top level.”
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Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
German FA chief calls for player salary cap to help keep fans
China’s football team ‘more united’ under coronavirus China coach Li Tie has named three naturalised players in his squad. (AFP / STR)
President of the German football federation (DFB) Fritz Keller and DFB secretary general Friedrich Curtius arrive for a general assembly of the German Football League (Deutsche Fußball Liga - DFL) in Frankfurt, Germany March 16, 2020, to decide on COVID-19 related measures for soccer in Germany. (Arne Dedert/Pool via REUTERS) BERLIN (Reuters) - Soccer must learn long-term lessons from the coronavirus crisis, with better financial controls and player salary caps, to keep fans on board, German Football Association President Fritz Keller said. Germany’s Bundesliga was shut for more than two months in response to the coronavirus pandemic before becoming the first major soccer league to resume action last week. “We have to learn from our mistakes, because the crisis is an opportunity to restructure football,” Keller said in a virtual address to the DFB’s extraordinary meeting yesterday.
“We need to bring professional football to the people, to their everyday world. So we need an improved financial control system and, yes, a salary cap,” he added. Some German clubs were close to financial collapse after the first month of suspension, the league had warned as it pushed for a restart, which has been criticised by some as too early. The DFB meeting also approved the restart on May 30 of Germany’s third division, with the last match day scheduled on July 4, despite opposition by some of its members who had called for the season to be abandoned.In a vote, 222 were in favour of a resump-
tion of the division, with 12 voting against and 16 abstaining.Germany has reported some 178,570, positive coronavirus cases, while the death toll rose by 10 on Monday to 8,257.Keller said that soccer needs to think longterm.“Commissions for agents and immense transfer figure irritate society and estrange them from our beloved sport. Football has to offer satisfactory answers to these issues.” “We do not only need new rules but also an new attitude,” Keller said, adding: “Not to think just from season to season as we painfully found out. Football as a whole has to live on long-term perspectives.”
AFP - Coronavirus has indefinitely postponed the Chinese Super League (CSL) season but it has given the national team time to bond under coach Li Tie, the side’s goalkeeper Yan Junling said yesterday. China are approaching the end of a twoweek training camp in Shanghai and today will face CSL side Shanghai Shenhua behind closed doors, having defeated former champions Shanghai SIPG 4-1 in another warm-up match. The CSL is on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic but the national side have been together on and off for several weeks this year, both at home and abroad. “I think actually for our team, because of the epidemic, we’ve had a longer time to train together and become more familiar with each other,” said Shanghai SIPG stopper Yan. “We can also get to fully understand what the coach wants and in fact the team has become more united.” China’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance.They are second in their qualifying group, with only the top team guaranteed to reach the next stage on the road to Qatar 2022. China’s next qualifier, against the Maldives, has been postponed because of the
pandemic but could now take place this autumn.The players emerged from their team bus wearing face masks on Monday before former Everton midfielder Li put them through their paces in humid conditions — minus masks.Yan said that Li, who took over from Marcello Lippi when the Italian World Cupwinning coach quit following defeat to Syria in November, has made clear that the friendlies against SIPG and Shenhua are essential to their preparations. “One of the requirements that the head coach has been saying is that we have to take this training and these two games as getting in rhythm for the World Cup qualifiers,” said the 29-year-old Yan. “There is no way out for us — we must win these two games.”Li has named three naturalised players in his squad, the first time that has happened in Chinese football history.They are London-born midfielder Nico Yennaris and Brazilian-born strikers Elkeson and Aloisio.China hopes they can boost a team that has reached the World Cup only once, in 2002, and sits 76th in the FIFA rankings, sandwiched between Bolivia and Uganda.
Organiser promises big splash for Carnival Rugby 2021 Last Sunday would’ve been the third edition of the Hornets rugby club’s Guyana Carnival 7s tournament, which was well on course of being one of the most popular club rugby tournament in the Caribbean before the coronavirus pandemic hit. 2019 Champions, Panthers rugby club wrestled their way past their local peers and Trinidad’s Northern rugby club to dethrone Hornets and claim the top prize of US$1400; the second highest first prize money in any 7s tournament in the region, according to organiser Rawle Toney, during an interview with Kaieteur Sport yesterday. This year, Toney shared, the Guyana Carnival Rugby 7s had earmarked a winning prize purse worth GY$1million or US$5000, which would have placed Guyana’s showpiece on par with the Barbados World 7s festival as the
Organiser of Guyana Carnival Rugby; Rawle Toney most lucrative rugby tournament in the Caribbean in terms of first place cash. Toney further revealed that this year’s edition would’ve been more competitive with an added regional club from Jamaica confirming to join T&T’s Northern but he pledged that next year, once the coronavirus is under control, the Guyana Carnival Rugby tourney will be bigger
and better with more regional teams competing for the US$5000 top prize. The organiser, who is a vice-president of Hornets rugby club, explained that it is important that the 2021 Carnival Rugby extravaganza be competitive because 2021 is an important year for the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) that sanctioned the event and its men’s team; the Green Machine. The third edition of the competition would be used as a method to gauge the preparedness of regular starters on the Green Machine while some budding talents would have the opportunity to break onto the scene by impressing the selectors with good performances. Toney concluded the interview by urging the rugby fraternity to stay safe and to follow the guidelines of health officials. (Calvin Chapman)
Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
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Tiger Woods & Peyton Manning beat Tom Brady & Phil Mickelson in $20m charity match BBC Sport - Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning beat Phil Mickelson and Tom Brady in Sunday’s charity golf match which raised $20m (£16.4m) for coronavirus relief efforts in the United States. Legendary NFL quarterback Brady hit the shot of the day, holing out from the fairway on the seventh. “I take my hat off to Tom and Peyton,” said Woods. “This is our arena, this is what we do for a living. “I couldn’t imagine going on the field and do what they do,” he added. The event was played between four of the United States’ biggest sports stars at a rainy Medalist Golf Club in Florida - Woods’ home course - with no caddies and players driving their own golf buggies. It follows Rory McIlroy’s £4m skins event last week involving fellow golfers Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff also in aid of
charity. The 18-hole match included on-course challenges for charitable funds - and plenty of trash talk. Six-time Superbowl winner Brady had been getting a hard time from NBA great and commentator Charles Barkley just before he hit a 100-yard wedge shot into the hole on the seventh. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” joked Brady. Then, after giving a short speech, Brady - who joined Tampa Bay in March after 20 years with New England - bent down and split his trousers as he picked the ball up from the cup.The event comes two-and-a-half weeks before the PGA Tour plans to resume its season on 11 June. Woods, 44, who last competed in February and then withdrew from a number of tournaments with a back injury, said he is healthy and ready to play when the Tour resumes.
The match finished in near-darkness after rain delays. (Getty Images)
Atletico’s Felix sprains knee in La Liga restart preparation AFP - With Atletico Madrid ramping up their training for a potential La Liga restart their Portugal attacker Joao Felix has twisted his left knee, his club said yesterday. The 20-year-old forward was one of Atletico’s key players as they reached the last eight of the Champions League, eliminating defending champions Liverpool on the way.The Spanish topflight is targeting a June 11
restart but the news of Felix’s injury would rule him out of that, with his team in sixth position with 11 matches to play. An Atletico statement said Felix “has suffered a low grade medial collateral ligament left knee sprain, as confirmed by tests he underwent at the Clinica Universidad de Navarra.”The playmaker would at any rate have missed their first match against Athletic Bilbao due to suspen-
Tiger Woods and Peyton Manning beat Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson by one shot in the $20m charity golf match. (Getty Images) sion, but could be in the reckoning for the game after against Osasuna. While Felix has scored six goals in his 28 games since joining Atletico from Benfica he has also been injured twice missing a total of ten matches with injuries to his right ankle.
Atletico Madrid’s Portugal forward Joao Felix in training last week. (Atletico Madrid/AFP/File / Handout)
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Tuesday May 26, 2020
Kaieteur News
Multi-tasking national Powerlifting champion Vijai ‘Antsman’ Rahim shares his success story in these challenging times By Franklin Wilson The challenges are many at this juncture of the world as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It is no secret and well documented how the sports world has buckled the world over; and while there have been many distressing stories, there have also been some encouraging ones too. And, even in the face of the lockdown, reigning Equipped Overall National Champion, Vijai ‘Antsman’ Rahim has been able to keep himself active and is fit as a fiddle as he strives to stay in shape.The Fitness Express sponsored Rahim who started powerlifting at 13 years-old and first competed at14 years-old and has been a consistent performer ever since setting and breaking records along the way. Rahim, who hails from Rosignol (Reg. #5) also owns a Gym which has been a huge positive for him during these times of social distancing. Kaieteur Sport relished the opportunity to chat with Rahim on how he has been able to maneuverer during this unprecedented period. KS - How difficult has it been for you during these challenging times? VR- It has been very difficult but I’m able to find a way out because I’m employed at Guysuco and I also have my own Gym. KS - As a champion athlete, how have you been able to stay fit and focused? VR – I haven’t missed a session of training because I’m a bit fortunate to have my
Vijai ‘Antsman’ Rahim in action.
Vijai ‘Antsman’ Rahim in two previous action comparisons then and now own gym, it’s a life time investment but it was worth it. KS – Share a bit with us about the job you do? VR - Well I’m a big believer in hard work so I never get anyway with laziness. I’m a Constable at the Blairmont Sugar Estate. I’m also a Gym Instructor, Personal Trainer, Farmer, Husband and a father of two. I work eight (8) hours at the Estate, two (2) in garden, three (3) for me to train, sometimes six (6) to ten (10) for personal training and instructing; the remaining time is for home and rest. KS - How have you been able to take care of your nutrition in order to be able to manage so many things successfully?
VR - My nutrition is intact and I must say a special thank you to Mr. Jamie McDonald, the Manager/ Owner of Fitness Express for his continued support and sponsorship. Besides all of the problems with the Covid19 and elections, I still get my monthly sponsorship of a protein powder of my choice from Fitness Express. That apart, I go strictly organic as I grow most of my vegetables. I don’t live very far away from the market so I get all of my fruits, meats and fish, fresh. KS - You are a father and husband, how are you managing to take care of family, work and still train? VR - I’m able to manage everything because I have a
very steady job and a gym and my wife trains too, so when I’m in the gym she takes care of the kids and when she’s in the gym, I take care of the kids ...she’s also a Fitness Instructor. So with team work we are able to get it done. KS - How often do you train? VR - I do various types of training; full body training as well as off season to develop my muscles where I train seven (7) days and when I’m preparing for a competition I do powerlifting training where I do a split style training, three (3) times per week. KS - Have you missed the fact that all competitions have been put on hold or called off? VR - I’m at a point in my life where it doesn’t matter if there’s a competition or not
because my competition is with myself. Besides, I was very disappointed with the results from my last competition. I did 700 lbs deadlift at 159 lbs bodyweight which is history being the first person to do 4.4 times my bodyweight and the lightest lifter to deadlift 700 lbs also the first person from Berbice to deadlift 700 lbs. KS - Are you looking forward to getting back on stage? VR - As I said my competition is myself...if there’s competition I will compete but if there’s not it won’t matter. The last time I competed in 2019 I took part as a 74 kg Open lifter, I weighed in at 159 lbs and I achieved a 633.5lbs squat, 402.5 lbs bench press which was a new bench record. I also achieved a700 lbs deadlift which is also a national record along with a
new Total record of 1636 lbs, all records being in the Equipped division. KS - What would be your advice to other athletes in terms of remaining focused? VR - We as athletes in fitness are aware that it’s a daily grind, it’s a lifestyle it’s not about doing it for a period of time and you are done; just hard consistent and committed work. My advice is if a person wants something bad enough you will find a way to get it; consistency, discipline and dedication makes the difference. So even in these challenging times, you need to find a way to keep fit physically, mentally and spiritually, it is very important so that you can be relevant when we get over this phase of the covid-19. With equipment or not, you must find a way to get it done.
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Kaieteur News
Tuesday May 26, 2020
Fitness critical as Simmons eyes England tour P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad, CMC – West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has identified fitness as a key component during the ongoing lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is hopeful the Test squad will be at an acceptable standard of readiness if the proposed tour of England goes ahead. According to Simmons, players had been undergoing fitness regimes – mostly at home – over the last month, and some had even stepped up outdoor preparation as their respective territories had eased curfew restrictions. “For the past four weeks or a little bit more than that, guys have been given different programmes and have been asked to even though they are locked away – because some territories had locked down very early – [to] find a room in their house or in their backyard to do work and keep themselves at a certain level of fitness,” the former West Indies player told i95FM Sport here. “As places have opened up, guys have been in some places been able to run on the beach and in other places go run outside but the training itself has been stepped up. “And even now it (Caribbean) has opened up a little more, you have a few guys who can go out and bowl on a pitch somewhere just to get their rhythm back so that’s how you have to progress.” He continued: “I don’t think that at this stage they’re enough facilities open where you can go and practice but they’re a few
grounds where bowlers themselves can go and bowl. “There are no batsmen, only spot bowling, and we hope that this develops and develops and by the time if the tour comes off and we’re ready to leave, everybody would’ve done something at home.” While the tour is yet to be confirmed, Cricket West Indies chief executive said recently negotiations were at an advanced stage and he was “increasingly confident” the three-Test series would be played in July. If the matches come off, they will be played under strict social distancing and medical protocols, and at venues considered “biosecure” facilities. Further, arriving players will be subjected to a twoweek quarantine before moving to secure stadia where they will have no contact with the public. And even though matches will also be played without spectators present, the England-based Simmons believes there will be high pubic anticipation surrounding the series. “I think a lot of sport for a while is going to go ahead in front closed doors and I think the expectancy here is high because I think people want some kind of sport to go on,” he explained. “Sport is a part of life in England and even in the [football] Premiership, there’s a lot of talk about if it’s going to start back soon or not. But people are looking forward to sport coming back because the one thing that you’re missing here on the TV everyday is
[live sport]. “There’s a lot of old games being shown and people are enjoying that but they’re looking forward to live sport so there’s a lot of hope it happens but that depends on how things are put together.” The series will be the first international tour undertaken since world cricket was abruptly halted nearly three months ago due to the outbreak of the virus which has already caused
nearly 5-½ million infections and 345 000 deaths globally. And despite the challenges facing the tour, Simmons said he was hopeful it could be played. “I’m hopeful it can happen but knowing the only way it can happen is if it’s properly safe for all the participants on both teams – players, coaches, umpires, commentators,” he stressed. “Everybody has to be safe and I think that’s the
first thing they’re trying to make sure and that’s everyone is safe.”
West Indies head coach, Phil Simmons.
Organiser promises big splash for Carnival Rugby 2021
Champions Panthers and T&T’s Northern (possession) during last year’s Guyana Carnival Rugby 7s final at the GFC ground, Bourda. (Orlando Charles photo)
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Vijai ‘Antsman’ Rahim
Multi-tasking national Powerlifting champion Vijai ‘Antsman’ Rahim shares his success story in these challenging times Fitness critical as Sim mons eyes England tour Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8452, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.