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AIETEUR NEWS
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Harmon makes Coalition case for electoral fraud but…
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May 31, 2020 Online: www.kaieteurnews.com
Price $140
p. 8
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Election Day process so impressive that it was - EU “impossible to cheat”Ambassador Palms’ resident : t is Guyana‘s 12th e i u COVID-19 fatality q l Al Revenge attack p. 49
p. 9
on woman leaves p. friend dead 10 Siblings fight over land leaves one dead and 48p. one arrested Three months ago, the ‘Ashmins’ building, High Street, was making the headlines because of the elections. Yesterday, there was little evidence of drama that took place there.
Sailor falls to 47p. death in E’bo River
Giftland denies owing p.3 GECOM secretariat City Hall more than $100M compromised - ANUG …believes Mayor’s statement p. Chair must face the press in taxes 50 Chair politically motivated
Guyana needs to investigate flaring on Liza Destiny
p. 45
- gas development advisor says EPA, ExxonMobil excuses have no solid basis
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 31, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 31, 2020
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL TEL:624-6456 Editor: Sharmain Grainger Tel: 225-8491, 225-8458, 225-8465 Fax: 225-8473 or 226-8210
Editorial A state of undeclared wars The mighty United States of America did so almost a century ago and continually draws up blueprints to fight two major wars simultaneously on different fronts, which for even such a resourceful world power is an uphill struggle. Guyana is not a power of any sort but, in contrast and incredibly, it is locked in existential battles in at least three tangible wars, with still one more threatening and hovering, and with the specter of more dispiriting and decimating conflicts occurring within this nation’s tormented borders and soul. This society and its peoples are poised on the edges of several slippery and shaky cliffs, with the far rock-spiked bottom waiting to welcome the unthinking and the reckless. There are knife edges all around. Some of our challenging battlefronts are obvious and familiar, but largely poohpoohed to the margins of concern by a still believed sensible and mature Guyanese. There is an electoral war (the trench warfare of a dirty guerilla undertaking), an aerial Coronavirus bombardment (an invisible one with countless conscientious objector citizens), and a one-sided oil war (with a rapacious foreign corporation as a partner that exploits political weaknesses and associated disruptive engagements). Guyana is in a terrible state and yet it continues to celebrate the draining away of its life blood with all the ignorance of the lost-at-sea, without rudder or compass, and leaking profusely throughout. And this is without considering deeply personal crises, those hard and formidable familial conflicts, that tear at the sinew and mind of this hurting society. There is the daily war engaged in by a growing number of the populace over how to feed self and family members; there is an ongoing war by businesses to stay open, stay in business, and still stay above water and be meaningful. And there is that other war that is saved for the last, which like acid reflux is overpowering the throat, but there is the public retching and bearing down, to bottle up and keep on the inside, as in down below. As in out of sight and out of contemplation and conversation. That largest of dooming wars, which even we shrink in presenting publicly, is the palpable presence of a looming race confrontation. We do not want to bring this up, given all the passions raging, but we have a duty to be brutally blunt, fearless too, since sweeping this Guyanese albatross under the carpet and pretending that all is well and all will be well is not part of our makeup nor our outlook. We wish that we could have said otherwise-the opposite, in fact-but we cannot and do not ascribe to any such national good feeling or societal hypocrisies. We must call matters as they seem, as they have solidified unbreakably. We look on alongside the rest of our fellow Guyanese citizens at what is happening and unfolding daily, if not hourly, at the nation’s electoral center. It is a brittle center. On every occasion that it is assumed some calm and continuity have come, hopes are dashed, emotions flare, and the worst of suspicions and frustrations are unleashed. It is the surreal slow-motion saga, the real-life disaster captured on phone and film as to the follies and farces of a nation at war with itself. It is the tragedy of a nation unraveling one cell and one limb at a time, and with no merciful end in sight. The simultaneously burning and sobering questions and issues that come before all citizens, whether interested or not and involved or not are reduced to these simplest of kernels: What are the prospects of going past any elections recount conclusion, whenever such is arrived at, with some degree of social tranquility? How strong and encouraging are the odds of some level of racial ambience within and across the respective racial dugouts? What is the promised likelihood for communal and national peace, as if nothing of the kind had occurred in parliament (December 21, 2018) and by whose hands? What about the build-ups and flare-ups pre- and post-March 2nd? How can the unyielding passions, and barely and poorly concealed rages, emanating from the Arthur Chung Convention Center not flush their radioactive spreads into the larger, wider society that is glued like never before to
every development and the attendant cascading disputes that are now automatic byproducts of this most partisan and bitterest of elections battles? We say again that, as much as we hope for the better and the quieter, the outlook is as grim as it is unrelentingly stark. At the pyrrhic end of it all, this electoral clash for racial supremacy, knotted and tortured Guyanese society is not simply going to be able or ready to close shop, turn off a light switch, and de-escalate and retreat. That is, de-escalate expectations, defuse rages, detoxify the venoms that have been nurtured and are now spiritedly, if not fervently, cherished. Examine our communities, analyze excitements, and let us have the honesty and courage to sift through consciences and visions that hold no space for the next group. At present, we exist on the edge in a state of undeclared war, with scant interest in a recession of stormy sentiments, a standing down of muted, but pent up, tensions. Our leaders in every section of the local political playing fields are irremovably focused on victory at all costs, and absolutely nothing else. Not the welfare or safety of the same citizens that they intrigue and titillate with always advancing rushes of hopes and anticipations, be they grounded or not. Not in the face of, or the remorselessly frightening pincers, of the COVID-19 pandemic that has battered all in its path before and now takes dead aim at a fragile, undermanned and unheeding Guyana. In this invisible war, save for the fallen (taken for granted) and the rising number of confirmed cases (shrugged off casually) and the alarming convergence of either potential, or proven, or intensifying hotspots (Region 9, the Palms, and internal worrying points, or other border entrance points), there is little by way of comprehensive confrontation at the highest national levels. The sometimes sterling efforts of the COVID-19 National Task Force we recognize, but the expectation is for a universal-in the domestic realm-political leadership attitude and effort that sets aside all other considerations and priorities and hunkers down to the grueling task of combating, as best as we can, the pandemic that rises
higher and quicker every single day. In this struggle, there should be no trace of the partisan, only the rallying at a time of greatest need. Yet, none of this is present in any cohesive component, in any warming detail. This, too, is what enrages and enslaves in our third war, our one-sided oil war. We are being overrun and overwhelmed, while we stumble and grumble over numbers. The string of inspiring and infuriating numbers are not at GECOM, but in the figures of financial costs (expenses) piled upon the blindfolded heads of enfeebled Guyanese, the environmental costs (reputation) heaped on the nation’s name, and the continuing stream of unknown future costs (hidden) that rob this country of its blessing and its blood. The ExxonMobil(s) of the oil world do not operate by any conventions that restrain, with the result that the atrocities bloom in full flower. There is no court that is going to call it to book for the corporate crimes committed against this country and its citizens, for the economic genocide that it has waged at will on a weak polity. This is the war, the third one in our bleak and dark world, that should give us fits, except that we are still consumed about which comrade and which group is fit and proper to carry us forward, to some place, at some time. At this time, our undeclared wars are about words-sharp, rattling, warning-with neither listening nor learning following. If we insist and persist on going down this scorched earth, then we set the stage to sow our own self-destruction; like the Carthaginians the acids and salts wait to be tasted. This, too, is expected to be not blinked at, but frowned over in heightened annoyance at the unwelcomed truth of it all. It is what we have. It is how we are. It is where we are. It is how we like to be. Perhaps, we will summon the wisdom to come to our senses and find a way to step back from the brinks of the promised tragedies that surround us and menace us. On these aspects, there are no exemptions, no provisions, no safe harbors for anyone. Our wars are killing us. All that is left is to start the counting of the casualties.
Sunday May 31, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Kaieteur M@ilbox
Stories of the COVID-19 threat among the Indigenous population need retelling
Only a national government would permit us to progress beyond this ugly impasse
Dear Editor, We have written on COVID-19 related matters to share information with your readers on issues of concern with this global pandemic. At the national level, we refer to the situation as a country specific epidemic. We usually turn to, and depend on, the media, particularly the newspapers, and their online versions, as the first, best and undisputed source of information. In that way, information about what to do in preparation prior to, during and after an outbreak, as well as both the positive and negative associated developmental issues, are somewhat allayed. A few years ago, in Guyana, the radio was probably the main source of information in many communities in the interior. Today, cellular communication and the internet have replaced the role of the radio in disseminating news that is either true and trustworthy, or indefensibly false. Indeed, we feel that stories of and threats from, COVID-19 amongst the Amerindian population need retelling and to be placed into perspective. The press reported on April 22, 2020 that Toshao Orin Fernandes, of the Indigenous village at Chinese Landing in Moruca, sub-district of Region 1, who, fearing the possible spread of COVID-19 in his community, sent a letter to the de facto Minister of Public Health, seeking his aid to put a halt to gold mining activities in that area. They were reportedly unable to stop the movement of outsiders to the village; mining being regarded as an essential service. What makes this even worse is that mining was being carried out on titled land in the village without any permission from the village council; permission was seemingly granted by an individual who claims he has jurisdiction over the land, but with whom the community has been in a longstanding dispute. In the letter he sent, ToshaoFernandes related that every day the community was forced to look “helplessly at people coming into the village, setting up shops and working dredges and pumps. There are no gates to the village and people from all walks of life continue to arrive in the village. He pointed out that the greatest threat for the residents was the limited medical personnel to administer emergency care”. He was of the
opinion that “the risk of someone in the village contracting COVID-19 is relatively high due to the free movement” and concluded that “on behalf of my people, I most urgently seek your immediate intervention into this situation.” He had every right to complain as the updated government emergency measures included a clause stipulating that where a Village Council had determined that a public health threat exists, in relation to any mining or forestry operation carried out as an essential service, it can recommend to the Minister that the operation be discontinued. Michael Mc Garrell, a specialist and Forest Policy Officer and representative of the Amerindian People’s Association’s (APA) Geographic Information System, warned that Guyana’s indigenous communities were at risk of potentially devastating consequences if COVID-19 makes its way into any one of them. He stated that the indigenous communities have limited access to medical supplies and care, including medical resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE) or equipment such as ventilators to respond to a potential outbreak and that “there were still high volumes of persons traveling and engaging in social activities that did not go hand in hand with social distancing”. He also pointed out that some communities have been doing screening but there was need from a policy level on what is to be done’. Those appeals from Moruca, were reported on April 22, 2020 and though not privy to the response to the request, we are now aware that on Independence Day, 26 May,2020, Moruca‘s first COVID-19 case was traced back to Lethem (Rupununi). As a result, one person had died, and several others are now in isolation/quarantine since Moruca, Region 1, North West District (NWD) recorded its first case. It was reported in the press that a 59 year old male, Mr. Vincent Torres, a former teacher and assistant returning officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, turned up at the district hospital with complaints of breathing problems, resembling those associated with COVID-19. His condition worsened before his results came back and he died suddenly while receiving treatment. Post-mortem results later officially confirmed that
Mr. Torres had died from coronavirus, increasing the number of deaths to 11 in the country. Dr. Derron Moonsammy, who is in charge of the Kumaka-Moruca District Hospital, reported that a mobile testing unit from Georgetown was expected to arrive in Moruca to conduct more testing but feared that it would 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. With the number of COVID19 cases and deaths now increasing daily in Brazil, and miners frequenting the Guyana/Brazil border using secret trails to enter Moruca unknown to authorities, he 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. Another report from Dr. Nial Uthman, Regional Health Officer, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) stated there were 2 new cases in that area known as the Rupununi. The number of cases is increasing daily, is now at 137 cases in the country with 11 deaths so far, of just over 1500 tested for the virus, but reports of the spread of the epidemic in the entire country, have only just begun. We are unaware if all of those were diagnosed using the goldstandard RT-PCR (Reverse Transcript-Polymerase Chain Reaction), given that there is some doubt as to the accuracy of the IgM and IgG tests. News reports now confirm that there are now 12 cases at the Palms Geriatric Home, of which the first case prompted us to contribute to the press. We understand that only 50% of the residents there have so far been tested. We have had weeks to plan for the disaster which began in Georgetown last March and is now unfolding in the interior of the country. An effective response depends on advanced planning. Without planning, to quote from ‘The public health consequences of disasters’ edited by Eric K.Noji, “in the midst of the crisis, a number of questions go unanswered. For example, what groups will respond to the acute needs of survivors? What training do they have or need? What (Continued on page 6)
DEAR EDITOR, In dribs and drabs, the individual positions and visions in support of some form of unified or national or shared governance arrangement have surfaced and eased away, only to reappear and linger. It is the most undesired and unwelcomed stepchild at this time. It is disowned, dismissed, and distanced from with the greatest of denunciations. It may have siblings, but currently it has only one feeble parent. The voices and scribes in favor of a national front government are largely black and pro-coalition (to some extent), with a smattering of Indian voices in the mix. The Indians, because of their perceived racial abandonment and racial treachery, are greeted with the sharpest scorn; they are seen as dilutive and distracting from the push for power. My own position made public two decades ago (and recently) is known and need not be repeated. Whether black or brown, or pro-coalition or simply of a nationalist patriotic bent, any calls for such a governance mechanism, even on a temporary basis, are seen as selfserving and seeking backdoor entry into the power apparatus. These calls are damned from their first syllable of utterance with every listening, non-receptive breath as unfair, undemocratic, and possessing of the
worst unsavoriness. Those doing the damning need no demographic identification, their political coloration hardened into rigid palettes. The passionate and verbally violent rejections of any introduction, any communication, any vision that a unified political architecture could help significantly with finding and embarking upon a way out of our political, racial, and social quagmire distills to this bleakest of states: It is of one hand clapping. And even then, with some fingers not joining wholeheartedly. It will be whatever it will be, since to essay any such is doomed. Notwithstanding all of the harsh unambiguous objections, I must be candid and say that is exactly what we look at -self-destruction. Recently, there were measured questions about the presence (or conspicuous absence) of the potential chief executive of this land. Despite the usual reflexive defensive efforts from partisans, I am glad it came up, and for several reasons. Though none of the questioners were out of order, their tempered public inquiries conceal much individual disbeliefs and dismay (disgust even) at such a prospect. If this is who and what we could be saddled with, then what future? If in this crucible, there is disappearing from, shielding from, and settling for retreating from the demands on the ground, then
what kind of president and commander-in-chief is this to be respected to any degree? If the de facto field general has to carry weight and is so concerned as to conceal limitations of the waiting expectant contestant, then what should be our concerns? The specific tribal confidences? The nation’s misgivings? In sum, it is today that when his voice should be the most inspiring, his constant presence the most reassuring, his environmental and national fellowship the most warming, he is nowhere. He is neither in the forefront of the charge, nor projecting a powerful personal stand on the present divisive issues. He is nowhere. Sure, he is out and about, but is that it? Is that all? I am asking this again: Do we have another hopeful leader content to be water carrier and baggage handler? I hope not. I hope not for several piercing reasons. From my observations, my examinations, and my conclusions, there is extremely limited tolerance for any thought of another leader returning, and this is regardless of what leadership sleight of hand arrangement is parlayed. Such is the sharp basis and heavy passions from which the stuff of resistance is made. It may have worked before with the former GS, but I sense that, considering the unparalleled temperatures at (Continued on page 7)
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Kaieteur News
Kaieteur M@ilbox Justice Singh is once again breaking historical ground DEAR EDITOR, This is the legacy of Justice Claudette Singh SC CCH, the most consequential judge in the history of Guyanas elections both at the judiciary and the administrative level of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Justice Singh may not have been accorded the honour of being appointed Chief Justice of Guyana even though she was due, eminently qualified and experienced to so do. She was denied not because another was better than her. Rather, she was denied because in presiding over the first elections petition ever filed in the history of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, she embraced the full tenets of her profession allowing Lady Justice to rule without fear or favour, breaking historical ground in our
judicial system, to vitiate an election declaring Janet Jagan President in 1997. Justice Singh in her January 2001 ruling has set judicial standards as to what free, fair and transparent elections are and should be. In 2020 she is once again setting a record. This time on credible elections, adjudicating the issue of arithmetic and corrupted processes. The end result will determine whether a corrupted process can yield credible results. Justice Singh is once again breaking historical ground as the first female to hold the chairmanship of GECOM after being acceptable as “fit and proper” defined in accordance with the laws governing said appointment. In her chairmanship of GECOM, she is once again setting precedents in facilitat-
ing the first national elections recount in the history of Guyana and therefore an administrative attempt to settle disputes outside of the framework of an elections petition. Justice Singh has the unenviable title today of presiding over the first elections where international and domestic interference have seen massive efforts to destabilise every effort of GECOM to operate consistent with the Laws of Guyana; undermining the integrity of GECOM officials. Hers is also the distinct opportunity to expose the weaknesses and discrepancies of the entire process that requires urgent address for credibility of future elections and avoidance of interference. The detractors of (Continued on page 7)
Kaieteur M@ilbox Things will only change when the dispossessed of both major parties realize they are being taken for a ride DEAR EDITOR, What we commemorated this past Tuesday, May 26th, 2020, was ‘formal independence’. A shell without any substance, what Ugandan revolutionary activist and writer, Chango Machyow’Obanda refers to as ‘sham independence’. In 1966, after years of struggle, we obtained our own flag and national anthem, but little else. Forbes Burnham, like Kwame Nkrumah before him, realized that flag-and-anthem independence, devoid of political and economic independence, was meaningless, and was determined to set Guyana on a different path. However, that vision died with Burnham, and to this day, our political system is manipulated and our economy is controlled by external forces. These external forces include
Stories of the COVID-19 threat among ... From page 5 are their specific responsibilities? What are the priorities for service delivery, in terms of laboratory equipment and supplies?” When we hear of eleven COVID related deaths in Guyana, our tendency is to casually dismiss their significance as we are not personally affected, and it is just another (small and insignificant) number. When we read of those who have survived the disease begging us to take it seriously, we are not moved by their pleas, it is somebody looking for attention. We only arise from our slumber when we know someone who is in the Intensive Care Unit and will either die or survive; or when someone is in quarantine as a result of exposure, worried and pensive, as they wait to hear if he or she was positive. We need to think of families, such as those of 59-yearold Vincent Torres and of those 10 other families, who clearly have different support needs from those in the general population. In addition to physical, economic, and emotional loss they suffer, they must also cope with the grief that attends the death of a loved one. A bereaved family member may feel guilty for causing or failing to prevent the death. When so much media attention is devoted to giving thoughts for those who survived and asserting how “it could have been so much worse”, for those who lose loved ones to COVID, it is already much worse in every respect. Though we haven’t
yet seen it appear on the market, don’t be surprised if we see people selling T-shirts proclaiming “I survived COVID-19”, which will only serve to remind us of the loss of one who did not survive. Lost in all of this are, and hardly ever emphasized, the psychological consequences of the critical part of disaster preparedness even when plans to deal with other issues are in place. A person’s efforts to resume a normal life are supported by the offer of assistance and information at a time and in a manner appropriate to his or her experience, education, ethnicity and for that matter, language. Planners and Task Force members need to emphasize the individual and community responses to crises are numerous and have been explored in a variety of ways by disaster researchers. Within the typical range of psychological responses soon after a disaster, indicators of stress can be noticed. These include fatigue, nausea, tremors, profuse sweating, chills, dizziness, and gastrointestinal upset. These can be compounded by changes in sleep and appetite, increased substance abuse, ritualistic behavior. There are also changes in gait, anxiety, depression, grief, irritability feeling overwhelmed and decision-making difficulties. Added to this we can find confusion, impaired concentration, and reduced attention span. Let us not forget, however, the workers who may show any or all of the more common stress
factors described above (trouble concentrating, fatigue, instability) but may also display several relatively unique symptoms of stress, such as an excessive unwillingness to disengage from the crisis or the helping role, exemplified by a refusal to stop work at the end of a duty or shift. We have seen the disease spread from Georgetown, south to the Rupununi, Region 9 and then back up north to Moruca, Region 1. While we have been concentrating in Georgetown, the much touted epicentre of the disease, we have not used the opportunity to plan, prevent the spread, and organize development of health provisions in the rest of the country, as requested by the Toshao, doctors and health workers in Regions 1 and 9. The National COVID-19 Task Force, we understand, is dealing with specific tasks such as deciding whether to install more tables for counting of votes at the Convention Centre instead of dealing with the epidemic which is spreading over the land. We gather that the task force supplied guidelines on April 21, 2020 for operations at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on its initial request for 10 workstations during the election recount. Coincidentally that was the day prior to Toshao Orin Fernandes’ request to the Minister of Public Health, who we gather is also a member of the National Corona Virus Task Force, for a closure of Region 1. We suggest that the National Task Force should be dealing with issues such as
those in Regions 1 (the Northwest) and 9 (in the South, Rupununi) already highlighted. It is our opinion that the Task Force should be concentrating on how many testing facilities have been established and how many tests are available, if they are PCR, how are they being maintained at the specific temperature and how they are being transported immediately to a specific laboratory for analysis? Where have those laboratories been established and are there greater needs? What are the plans for their establishment? It is necessary if not crucial that we have the right people on the Task Force. We cannot afford to have the “usual suspects” who would not, if it is not in their interest, challenge the status quo. The task force must include a few skeptics but not cynics, people who will challenge each other’s thinking but have an interest in satisfying its problem-solving role, which is to respond to COVID-19. We must do more now to contain the virus for if not, and whether the final count of the election results in a new/incumbent government, the harsh reality on the ground will remain the same. We are left with the sad impression that because of our political insularity (interest in only ideas of our specific group), we are waiting for foreigners to arrive, like magicians, to tell us how and what to do. Yours sincerely, Keith H. Carter, MD Raj. N. Mungol, MA Bhiro Harry, MD Pedro Pons, MD
the ABCE countries, and their Trojan horses such as the IMF/World Bank, USAID, and the International Republican Institute (IRI) to name a few. The same IRI that was behind the #VOTELIKEABOSS campaign in the 2015 elections. Then US Charge d’affaires, Bryan Hunt, worked along with the IRI and others, providing assistance, both covertly and overtly. This was clearly outside of his mandate as a diplomat. At the time, Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)condemned Bryan Hunt’s meddling in our domestic affairs. In fact, on July 12th, 2015, a letter I wrote, titled, Is Bryan Hunt overstepping the boundary of his role as a foreign diplomat in Guyana, was published in the Guyana Chronicle, The very next day, then editor of the Chronicle, Mark Ramotar, published a lengthy disclaimer, apologizing profusely for having published the letter. He told me he was severely reprimanded for carrying the letter and was ordered to carry the apology by a key figure in the APNU+AFC regime. At the time, no other political party or civic organization saw it fit and proper to condemn this confounded nonsense. During their first term in office, the victorious APNU+AFC regime continued to welcome ABCE interference in our national affairs, showing us that they were prepared to go to any lengths to please their masters. They even broke ranks with CARICOM and joined the renegade Lima Group, described by Christopher Black of the Center for Research on Globalization as “international outlaws and regime change conspirators”. They assumed that because they toed the line so diligently, they would remain Empire’s permanent friend, and in their bid to remain so, they sold us out at every turn. OVP has repeatedly denounced APNU+AFC’s surrender of Guyana’s sovereignty. Since I was 16 years of age I have consistently and publicly repudiated all outside interference in Guyana’s national affairs. I have fought the imperialists both at home and abroad, and I shall go to my grave doing so. I can assure the nation that if the PPP, with assistance from the ABCE countries, had in fact attempted to rig or in any way illegally alter the outcome of the March 2020 general and regional elections, I,
as leader of OVP would have been at the forefront of exposing and condemning such actions. Those pushing this false narrative should know better than to fly such nonsense in the face of seasoned anti-imperialists both at home and abroad. As the British political writer, Samuel Johnson said in 1775, “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel”. OVP was so intent on ensuring that a Jagdeo-led PPP did not return to office, that despite our major political and ideological differences with APNU+AFC we were prepared to give them critical support. However, the events following the March 2nd elections forced us to re-evaluate our position and denounce both major political parties as unfit to govern this nation. Although the ABCE countries frequently interfere in elections, especially when there is a frontrunner that is anti-Empire, for example, in the cases of Evo Morales’ political formation, Movement Toward Socialism in Bolivia, and Daniel Ortega’s Sandinista National Liberation Front in Nicaragua, this definitely was not the case in Guyana in March 2020. Truth is that the ABCE countries would be happy with either of these two major parties forming the next government. Neither APNU+AFC nor PPP pose any threat to the Empire. Long ago, under the leadership of Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, their antiimperialist positions raised eyebrows. But those days are gone. There is no doubt that in 2015, after the infamous ‘feral blast’ by then PPP Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, and a few rebellious foreign policy utterances, the PPP had fallen from grace. However, with the help of professional lobbyists in the US, they once again made their peace with the imperialists, reassuring them that the PPP does not intend to rock the boat. I can say with certainty that like APNU+AFC, the PPP will never renegotiate the ExxonMobil contract. The plain truth is that the leadership of both parties are prepared to sell out the Guyanese people in return for political power and all its accompanying privileges and opportunities for personal enrichment, and as such, the ABCE countries can happily live with either one of them. The PPP and APNU+AFC have clearly demonstrated that they are not prepared to (Continued on page 7)
Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur M@ilbox Let Recount Team finish its Work DEAR EDITOR, The Recount Team should be allowed to complete its work without disruptions. Allegations of improprieties can be noted but should not be entertained at this time and must not be used to slow down the recounting process. The process must be expedited to end quickly. The President has given his assurance that the recount will be taken to its conclusion. He will not break his word because Caricom and the international community are watching. He wants to be taken seriously as a man of his words. Thus, those in disagreement with the President and contemplating to use varied non-peaceful strategies to derail the recount process must rethink. They will not receive the support of the
President and his trusted aides like Harmon, Amna, etc. Chair Claudette Singh should not entertain allegations of voting improprieties at this time or allow herself to be swayed by threats. The recount is to determine the veracity of a count; it supplants a count and becomes the final count. She will follow the law. GECOM is equally divided 3-3 on the recount. So the Chair’s vote is critical to break a tie. Her duty is to declare the outcome based on the recount and follow the law. Claudette Singh’s poll numbers have been climbing ever since she gave an assurance in a sworn affidavit to the court two months ago to ignore the Mingo count and authorized the recount. People feel she should exercise greater authority and
agree with her that there should be additional work stations to expedite the recounting process. People feel GECOM should use the tabulation of the recount exercise to make a final declaration of the results of the election.The recount is about numbers, not voting procedures. It must be certified and a winner declared. People feel it is critical for the recount to be brought to a quick end so that party reps who feel election day improprieties would materially affect the outcome of an election can file an election petition in the court. And it is hoped the court would act on it quickly and not take five years as has happened in the election petition of 2015. Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram
Only a national government... From page 5 which this society boils since December 2018, such a leadership development will be challenged in the rawest ways possible. I have warned repeatedly that this country is not held in check by notions of democracy. Democracy means nothing for us, save as an occasional convenient and convincing crutch largely mangled and misused. I caution that it is collapsible; it has no disciplined standing, no allegiance, no regard. With the above in mind, I do not foresee-benefit of the doubt and all-how either man
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would be found acceptable by the most militant segment in this society. This is because of what one represented (the terrible memories, the aggrieved emotions) and what the newer one could be proxy and cover for in perpetuation of what went before. This country is in a bind, but those who say that they are of the thinking class refuse to face the stark realities embedded in the social fabric, and especially with a realistic appreciation for its racial underpinnings and undertones. I urge listening, I appeal for pragmatic understanding of the what and how
is this Guyana of ours is at its naked seething core. In closing I share this for whatever it is worth: I have no more interest in a personal presence in the affairs of this country. I wish it well and the same to all who serve it. But I would be severely irresponsible if I did not present my thinking as to where we are and what we need to do to manage. In my estimation, only a national government detail would permit us to progress beyond the ugly impasses of today and the hateful impulses they unleash. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Justice Singh is once again... From page 6 Claudette Singh are many. These are the persons who were and are likely to still be aggrieved by her decisionmaking when not in their favour. She also falls victim to those who orchestrate, spearhead and support the misinformation campaign in our society. The extremists who believe that it must be either their way or no way. They
believe they have the right to determine how society views reality and this should be done through their jaundiced lens. They know themselves and we know who they are. Though they pretend to care about democracy all we see is more effort to cover their skullduggery. Yours Respectfully, Lincoln Lewis
Things will only change when the... From page 6 put the nation in front of their narrow partisan interests, and that they will battle each other till the bitter end, even if it means taking the entire nation along a destructive and pointless trajectory.The truth can be very hard to hear and very painful, but we must confront it head on if we are to have any hope of moving
forward as a nation. Only when there is a national awakening, where the dispossessed and poverty stricken supporters of both political parties realize that they are being taken for a ride, will the game change. Gerald A. Perreira Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)
Kaieteur M@ilbox GECOM’s purported request effectively reverses the burden on GECOM to prove APNU-AFC’s unproven allegations DEAR EDITOR, At a press briefing outside the ACCC, Vincent Alexander announced that GECOM has purportedly written to the Chief Immigration Officer requesting information about the allegations submitted by the APNU-AFC that persons whose names were ticked-off as voted were not in the country on Elections day March 2nd, 2020. Assuming that Alexander is in possession of some special relationship-based information that Sase Gunraj, another GECOM Commissioner, has publicly disputed knowledge of any such decision taken by GECOM, this purported request would be antipodal to the previously stated position by the Chairman of GECOM i.e. “he who alleges must prove.” This purported request by GECOM effectively reverses the burden on GECOM to prove the unproven allegations by APNU-AFC. This would be a highly unusual course of action considering that GECOM has not requested the police to investigate Clairmont Mingo’s declaration despite the fact that his conduct pre-dates the unproven allegations by the APNU-AFC. Notwithstanding, I would submit that premised on the following reasons the purportedly requested information from the Chief Immigration Officer would be manifestly unreliable for the purpose of definitively determining whether the persons who voted were in the country on Elections day. First, many persons travel on the different passports issued to them by different countries, so their presence in the country may not be accurately recorded by immigration records. For instance, “John Singh” who has a passport issued to him by Guyana and another issued to him by the USA, departs Guyana using his passport issued by
Guyana but returns to Guyana on his passport issued by the USA; the immigration record would not accurately capture that it is the same “John Singh” who would have left the country on Guyana Passport number 123456 but returned on USA passport number 654321. I know many persons who travel in and out of the country on the various passports issued to them by different countries. Second, Guyanese sometimes use “backtrack” points so while their departure may be recorded, their arrival may not be recorded. For instance, “Tom Jones” travels to Suriname via Ogle airport and returns via the “backtrack” point in Corriverton. In this example, Tom Jones would be recorded in the immigration system as having departed the shores of Guyana, but not recorded as having returned even though would be in Guyana. Third, the ticking-off of voters on the voter’s lists (OLE) by the presiding officer is not a legal requirement and may not always be accurate. There is no legal requirement for voters to be ticked-off on the OLE when they would have voted; it is merely a practise which functions as a control mechanism. This reason is compounded by the fact that human beings are not machines, so we all make mistakes. Professionals of all kinds who would have trained and practised for decades are oftentimes found liable for negligence. The possibility of human error or negligence by presiding officers working for long hours on Elections day remains a reality unable to be avoided. Fourth, there has been no verification of the persons purportedly ticked-off on the OLE. On elections day, the OLE is given to all the political party polling agents scrutinizing the process. The polling agents also conduct their own control mechanism of
ticking-off voters on the OLE along with other GECOM staff. The information that specific persons purportedly voted did not go through a cross-referencing of the OLEs to verify whether a person on the OLE did indeed vote. In fact, there were several instances where the OLE was irregularly taken back from the polling agents by the presiding officer at the close of polls. Given everything we have seen over the last few months there can be no question of the importance of verification. Fifth, many persons may not know but under the Laws of Guyana, the Chief Immigration Officer is also the Commissioner of Police. The actions of the Guyana Police Force after elections day have raised many questions of its impartiality and even involvement in the attempt to rig the election on behalf of the political party which occupies the seat of government at the moment, i.e. the APNU-AFC, and ably assisted by a handful of persons in GECOM. This, in turn, raises serious questions of the role played by the Commissioner of Police, as the head of the Guyana Police Force, and how that would extend to the role he plays as the Chief Immigration Officer. Finally, given what we saw with the declaration for Region 4, can Guyana be satisfied that the integrity and veracity of any data in the hands of the government is insulated from political compromise by the APNU-AFC? We have seen the APNUAFC operate on the principle of “by any means necessary” in order to rig the election and unlawfully hold on to power so one would be foolhardy to think that they have suddenly aborted their diabolical mission. Yours respectfully Charles Ramson Jnr.
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Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
Harmon makes Coalition case for electoral fraud but…
Some Statements of Recount contradict ‘evidence’ In his second pre-recorded press statement in a little over a week, former Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, doubled down on the APNU+AFC Coalition’s claims that the March 2nd elections were fraudulent as evidenced by GECOM’s own records, even as some of the numbers he provided turned out to be false. In his video presentation, and the transcript subsequently issued, Harmon claimed that: “Over the period 26th to the 28th of May, our agents have identified and from GECOM’s own records confirmed that there was massive voter fraud in District 7 and 8, and our election agent has written the Chairman of GECOM calling for urgent investigation and a response before the tabulated votes in the regions are announced.” He said that over that period, the Coalition identified from GECOM records over 83 cases of irregularities. Harmon is also the Election Agent and Campaign Manager for the incumbent APNU+AFC coalition. “From these examinations we have formed a clear impression that Districts 1, 7, 8 and 9 has been specifically targeted for special operations by the PPP. I will focus on Electoral Districts 7 and 8 today. For example, in Ballot Box 7079, 352 ballots were issued on Election Day, yet 377 were discovered in the box at the recount.”He also said that in Ballot Box 7024, fifty (50)
counterfoils were missing from the ballots issued. “This means that fifty (50) ballots have been casted elsewhere. Similar occurrences were found in Ballot Box 7003, where the wrong list of electors was found in the box. In Ballot Box 7060, the list of electors ticked off for another station was found in this box. Additionally, there were seven (7) extra ballots cast in excess of the list and any other procedure which would allow it. We noted the flagrant misuse of oaths of identity.” According to Harmon, this meant that there were persons who casted ballots without any identification and without evidence of an oath of identity. “There were 326 such cases identified in 27 Ballot Boxes and might I remind you viewers and listeners that these emanate from GECOM’s own record at the recount and for which we have written requesting an investigation.” Ballot Box 7079 Kaieteur News sought to independently verify Harmon’s claims. For Ballot Box 7079 – the box attached to Phillipai Primary School, Polling Division 72119(i), Region Seven – where Harmon claims that “352 ballots were issued on Election Day, yet 377 were discovered in the box at the recount”, the official Statement Of Recount (SOR) shows that the total number of valid votes cast was 223. The SOR for this box was signed off by all contesting parties, including
APNU+AFC agent, Sumanta Alleyne. In response to Harmon’s claims, PPP yesterday sent out a statement challenging the figures presented in general and specifically in relation to this box. The statement, in keeping with our findings, read: “First, he claimed that in Ballot Box 7079, a total of 352 ballots were issued, but 377 ballots were found in the Ballot Box. However, the Statement of Recount for Ballot Box 7079, Phillipai Primary School, make it clear that there were not 377 ballots in the Ballot Box; rather there were 227 votes cast – 223 being deemed valid and four being rejected ballots.” In response, however, the Coalition sent out another statement late last night, in which it clarified Harmon’s numbers. “The same ballot box checklist,” the statement read, “for Phillipai Primary School Box 7079 which sets out the contents of Box, recorded PE6 -Total Ballot Counterfoils (ordinary) 227 and PE 4 Total Ballots unused (ordinary) 150 resulting in a total of 377 ballots in Box 7079.” The observation report and the ballot box checklist provided by the Coalition support the claim that while 352 ballots were issued, the listed number of unused ballots and total ballots used amounted to 377, an excess of 25. Box 7003 The PPP also challenged
Harmon’s claims about Ballot Box 7003, Polling Division 71123(ii), Regina’s Shop, Comang. The party noted that “the Observation Report for Ballot Box 7003 explains that Ballot Box 7002 was brought out, instead of Ballot Box 7003 and this ‘resulted in a mix up’ that was corrected. The Observation Report also said, ‘No other error was found in this box.’” The Coalition in its response did not address this issue. Its agent, Alleyne, signed off on the SOR. Box 7060 For Ballot Box 7060 – attached to Jawalla Primary, Polling Division 72110(i) – Harmon claimed that there were seven extra ballots cast more than the electors on the list. The statement of recount for this box showed that there were a total number of 225 votes, of which 9 were invalid and 216 valid. While PD 72110 is divided into several subdivisions, even when this paper conservatively assigned only last names A-E to subdivision 72110(i), this showed a list of electors of 231, six more than the total number of valid votes cast, not seven
Coalition’s Campaign Co-Chair, Joseph Harmon
less as Harmon had claimed. This SOR was also signed off by Alleyne. Box 7024 Kaieteur News could not independently verify Harmon’s claims with regard to Ballot Box 7024, specifically his contention that 50 counterfoils were missing and hence this was evidence of 50 ballots cast elsewhere. The Official List of Electors for this box – representing Polling Division 722131,
St. Martin Primary School – numbered 184. The total number of votes cast, according to the SOR, was 106 of which 102 were valid. APNU+AFC agent Alleyne also signed off on the statement of recount for this box. A Pattern The incorrect claims on what has been presented as ‘evidence’ by the Coalition of specific discrepancies in ballot boxes have increased over (Continued on page 49)
Reject claims of unstamped Joint Services ballots - ANUG urges Timothy Jonas, Chairman of A New And United Guyana (ANUG), yesterday called on the Joint Forces to reject claims being made by the APNU+AFC Coalition that a vast majority of the 8,000 votes cast by those in the Joint Forces were deemed void because they did not carry the six digit stamp of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Jonas, whose party contested the elections for the first time on March 2nd, referenced a letter in one of the dailies, sent by President of the Guyana Veterans, Lt. Col. George Gomes who alleged that the ballots cast by the Disciplined Services were not counted in the ongoing National Recount because they “were unstamped”. To this, the ANUG Chair told the media that there is no evidence to substantiate the claims being made and that they must be “rejected and condemned.” He opined that the letter contained falsities and that “it was incendiary- it was designed to insight fear, distrust and to aggravate a section of society.” Jonas explained that of
the total 286,000 ballots recounted up to Friday evening, only 2,600 ballots were rejected, accounting for less than 1% of the votes cast on March 2nd. This, he noted, were for varying reasons other than them not carrying the six-digit stamp. “Now, from my time counting in there, there are many more instances where you are seeing two Xs, some people got Xs along all the party names or no Xs at all or you cannot identify from the location of the X who the person intended to vote for. There are many more ballots rejected for that reason, many more than because there was no stamp so of the 2,600 rejected ballots, only a small fraction is rejected because there is no stamp,” he told the media. The ANUG Chair added that there is no way to identify the ballots of the Joint Forces after they are intermixed on elections day. If such a situation were to occur, Jonas pointed out, it would be “an enormous issue”, one that is also logistically impossible. “If you pretend that 8,000 votes have been rejected,” he
said “because there is no stamp and the system is these ballots are intermingled, then you are saying that 200 places of poll had a corrupt group of people; APNU, PPP, GECOM and observers, who saw these ballot come in and are thrown into the box without being stamped.” Additionally, he called on the Joint Services to examine the facts and reject the claims being made. “We are giving incendiary false information to the Joint Services and if I was a member of the Joint Services and I saw that, I would be riled up. I would be angry so I want to say to the Joint Service that this is not true; look at the facts, look at what has come out so far,” he said. “It is not even a spin that makes any sense. It is just an outright lie.” Similar sentiments were shared by PPP Prime Ministerial Candidate, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who told the press that as a former army man, he would “like to know that the Discipline Services votes are counted.” Phillips noted that it is the responsibility of GECOM to discredit the allegations made.
Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
PAGE 9
Task Force reviews extending COVID-19 safety measures …no total lockdown at this time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Executive Secretariat of the National COVID19 Task Force (NCTF), Joseph Harmon, has dispelled rumours of a total lockdown. Yesterday, during a live statement, he said that “the National COVID-19 Task Force has not considered a national lockdown.” This rumour, he said, has resulted in persons “panic buying” which has created crowds in the country’s market places. Harmon explained that “the NCTF is considering an extension of the current measures beyond June 3, 2020, but not a complete lockdown.” He called on Guyanese to remain calm and continue to practice the guidelines set out by
the Ministry of Public Health. “We call on the general public to observe the guidelines for social distancing, washing of hands, wearing of masks and the definition of essential services as contained in the gazetted order covering these measures.” Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case in March and since then, the Government, through the NCTF has been working to flatten the curve. Working hours have been reduced, a curfew has been implemented and only essential services have been allowed to operate. To date, the country has recorded a total of 150 confirmed cases with twelve deaths.
Palms resident is Guyana‘s 12th COVID-19 fatality
Minister of Public Health, (MoPH) Volda Lawrence confirmed yesterday that Guyana has recorded its 12th death as a result of COVID19 complications. The deceased has been identified as an 87-year-old male, Daymon John of the Palms Geriatric Home. He died early yesterday morning. The death is recorded at a time when the elderly home struggles to contain the spread of the virus disease. Within a matter of days, the home recorded 12 COVID19 cases. Last week, the facility added six new patients, all
female to its COVID-19 ward. Director of Social Services at the Ministry of Social Protection, Whentworth Tanner confirmed that the additional patients who tested positive have been placed in isolation at the infirmary at the Palms. Tanner had 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, the Ministry of Public Health expressed deepest condolences to the family and friends of John and urges all Guyanese to continue observing all measures, particularly social distancing, thorough hand washing and the wearing of face masks.
Dem boys seh...
Mouth open, eye shut De more things change, the more it remain de same in Guyana. Dem boys can’t understand how a guvment gotta wait 7 weeks before dem enforce dem own lockdown. Instead de country opening up, it now gun lockdown more. Is de same thing with some people mouth. Is like if dem put crazy glue pun dem lips. Dem nah talk all along when de Bingo happening, starting at de Ashmin’s place. But Gun-Raj talk and dem suddenly open dem mouth. But when is time fuh open dem mouth, dem open something else. People does get trouble over hay fuh opening dem mouth. De Giftland man talk he mind and de next ting yuh know de May-Yar seh de man owe de Council money. Dem trying fuh shame de man.
Was de same ting with the bossman from de Waterfalls paper. When he used to criticize de PPPC, dem seh how he owe rates and taxes. De more things change, the more it remain de same. Bruce de Goldfish open he mouth too and seh how he never see a more transparent attempt to rig an election. No sooner he open he mouth, dem HAPNew +Hay-Eff-See people open dem mouth and start attack dem observers. Dem even ban de Carter Centre from coming back just like dem ban flour and seh it restricted.Now de Bingo virus spread. St. Kitts and Nevis decide dem nah wan no observer from the OAS fuh dem elections. The more things change, de more it remain de same. Talk half and hope Claw-dette open she eye before she open she mouth.
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Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
Publish provisional results quickly - EU countries urge Suriname elections body Facing a massive loss: Incumbent Suriname’s president, Desi Bouterse
The European delegation has urged Suriname to get on with it and publish as soon as possible the provisional results of last Monday’s elections. The urgings was contained in a social media statement on Friday issued by the Head of Mission of the Netherlands, exercising the local representation of the European Union in Suriname and the Head of Mission of France, in agreement with the Head of Mission of the European Union Delegation, and together with the Head of Mission of the United K i n g d o m . ’We have closely followed the elections in Suriname that were held on 25 May 2020 and the subsequent process of counting and tabulation of results. The Heads of Mission associate themselves with the
The ballot boxes were stored in a stadium in Parimaribo, Suriname.
observations in the preliminary reports of the OAS Election Observation Mission and of CARICOM and welcome the prolonged stay of the OAS observers.” The Heads of Mission said that they are expressing their hope that provisional results can be published as soon as possible. “The Suriname electorate is entitled to a process in which the competent authorities present the results in a transparent and timely manner. The Heads of Mission call on all parties to respect the democratic process, so that it can enroll peacefully and orderly.” Meanwhile, according to a report of the nltimes.nl yesterday, Dutch diplomats have been joined by their EU and British counterparts in calling on political parties in Suriname to respect the
democratic process after the country’s parliamentary elections were held on Monday.In a joint statement with its allies, Dutch representatives in the country’s capital of Paramaribo expressed hope that the results would be released swiftly and peacefully after four days of tabulating votes. The election represents a potential milestone for the
embattled South American democracy, with its autocratic president Desi Bouterse seeking a third term in office against the possibility of going to prison if he loses the race. According to the preliminary results, the opposition party led by Chan Santokhi appears positioned to seize an historic victory. According to the Dutch embassy, all stages of the election process have been
closely monitored, with representatives of the Organization of American States (OAS) expressing concern that the situation may take a turn for the worse. President Bouterse, embroiled in allegations of murder and wielding brute force to hold on to power, stated on Friday that he will order a recount of ballots if he loses the election. By the week’s end, the
president appeared to be trailing the opposition by a considerable margin, according to reports by several media outlets in Suriname, the Caribbean, public broadcaster NOS and Deutsche Welle. Representatives and observers have been camped out at a stadium in Parimaribo, Suriname where the ballots boxes of the votes are being kept.
Revenge attack on 707 boxes remaining; Region 8 completed woman leaves friend dead
Table illustrating processed and outstanding ballot boxes On Day 25 of the National Recount exercise, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) managed to complete an additional 84 ballot boxes. This now increases the total number of recounted ballot boxes to 1,632, with 707 still to be counted. GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, informed the media last evening that the distribution for boxes was 25 for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); 27 for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); the remaining six for Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni); 11 for Region Nine (Upper TakakuUpper Essequibo) and 15 for Region Ten (Upper Demerara- Berbice). According to Ward, of the total number of Statements of Recount, 1,593 were tabulated for the General Election and 1,597 for the Regional Election.
Notably, the recount for Regions One, Two, Three and Seven have also been completed, with Region Nine expected to be closed off today. Kaieteur News reported on Saturday that GECOM extended the date of the exercise to June 13, thereby providing an additional 14 days to complete the recount. This decision was triggered after the elections commission failed to complete the recount in the initial 25 days. In a Gazetted addendum, it stated that the recount shall be conducted continuously each day, including weekends and holidays, from 08:00hrs to 19:00hrs at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal on the East Coast. It additionally stated that the recount shall process with 12 workstations until its conclusion- an increase of two workstations from what was stated in the order.
Police are now tracking a suspect who allegedly launched an attack on a woman but ended up killing her male companion. The incident reportedly took place at Princeville Access Road, Mahdia, in Region Eight. The victim, identified only as John, was killed around 20:30hrs while accompanying the woman to her home. About half an hour prior to the incident, the woman whom he accompanied had allegedly stabbed another woman to her neck in a fight over a lover, at a popular drinking spot. After the injured woman
was rescued and taken away, the woman then decided to head home. But as she was about to leave, ‘John’ who was also drinking at the bar, decided to escort the woman to her house. However, as they were passing the injured woman’s house, the suspect, who is said to be a relative, came out and confronted the alleged stabber. The suspect then proceeded to lash the woman with a piece of wood and later turned his attention towards the victim who had intervened. The victim was dealt blows causing him to col-
The Princeville Access Road, Mahdia, where ‘John’ was murdered. (Stabroek News photo)
lapse. Fortunately, the woman’s life was spared after the suspect’s father rushed out of the house and managed to relieve him of the murder weapon. He was forcefully taken away from the scene. Police were later contacted. Ranks arrived the following day. They found the man’s body lying on the road, a short distance from the suspect’s home. An investigation was launched immediately and attempts were made to apprehend the alleged killer but he could not be found.
Sunday May 31, 2020
Nurse
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Kaieteur News
Gabrielle Spencer By Kiana Wilburg
N
o matter how difficult her days may get the fire that fuels Gabrielle Marisa Spencer, a young medical professional, never dims or flickers. For this 27-year-old, being a Registered Nurse is a distinguished honour. Even in these unprecedented times, her unwavering belief that the collective efforts of her country's exemplary cadre of medical officers will succeed in fighting COVID-19, is what inspires her daily to play her role in keeping her Guyanese brothers and sisters safe. For the past four years, Spencer has been working as a Registered Nurse at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital where COVID-19 testing can be done. Since commencing the journey into the medical profession, the West Coast Demerara resident said that it has been one of numerous trials but it only served to make her a stronger and more focused young woman. Today, Mercy Hospital has become a home away from home, she said, noting that everything that has happened along the way only proves that she was destined for this career path. But who would have thought; nursing was never really Spencer's first career choice. During an interview the former student of St. Joseph's High School revealed that her dream was to become a Veterinarian. It was her mom, the delightful Rosanna Spencer, who actually encouraged her to give it a try when plans for her dream job did not turn out as planned. Expounding further Spencer said, “I did not always want to be a nurse. When I finished High School, I wanted to be a Veterinarian but the only place that
is our Frontline Worker of the week
“
I am terrified about it (COVID-19). Just thinking of my parents going out there is stressful for me because there are over 100 confirmed cases and there are people who are walking around thinking this is just a political gimmick and are not protecting themselves. So when I think of the people who are being reckless it just bothers me.
”
was offering the training was the During that time, however, Guyana School of Agriculture. I Spencer, unfortunately got into an was told that you have to stay at accident and injured her ankle. She their dormitory, and I was not was scheduled for two surgeries comfortable with that arrangement and was concerned about the impact this would have on her and related same to my new journey. mom. I was not comfortable with the fact that I had to be away for a Gabrielle Spencer and long period of time from her mom Rosanna my family and that is when my mom put the idea to me to try nursing.” Fresh out of High School and eager to make a difference, Spencer wasted no time in finding all the information she needed about nursing programmes in Guyana. In this vein, she contacted a relative working at the Mercy Hospital on how to apply for their programme. At the time (2010), Spencer was awaiting her CXC results but still handed in her application. Much to her satisfaction, s h e w a s successful.
Gabrielle Spencer and her colleagues who started the training programme at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
The hardworking Ms. Gabrielle Spencer But fear of the unknown or the pain of her injury was not enough to stand in her way. When she was called for her first interview, Gabrielle turned up in her crutches, excited and ready, wrote her entrance exam, and was subsequently given the good news of her advancement to a second interview. By that time, h o w e v e r, s h e w a s scheduled for one of her surgeries. Her interview was therefore pushed back to the following year. When she recovered, the Merc y H o s p i t a l q u i c k l y accepted her as one of its 20 nursing students.
did the best they could to comfort her and provide updates when it was possible. These dreadful days of worrying about her mom being hospitalized were over by the time Spencer was ready to hit the second year of her programme. Spencer said that thanks to the power and mercy of the Creator as well as the care provided by doctors, her mother began the road to recovery and was soon able to return home. It was truly a period of great for relief for her. During her junior year, Spencer told this newspaper that she was assigned to mostly clinical rotations and attachments. She shared that Student Nurses were assigned to different facilities such as daycare centres, the Palms, etc. She explained that this was done to give them a feel of how to deal with different patients, from children to older folk.
JOINING THE PROGRAMME After recovering from her surgeries, it was time for Spencer to embark on a three- year nursing programme. It was no bed of roses for her. The Guyanese belle intimated that during her freshman year, her mother fell ill and was hospitalized at her place of study. In fact, Spencer shared that one of the toughest moments for her was being a Student Nurse in an ambulance for the first time, but with her mother as the patient. Even when her mom was hospitalized, a heartbroken Spencer was not allowed to work on the same floor where her mom was but her thoughtful batch mates at the time
THE FINISH LINE In her final year, Spencer shared that she and her colleagues were stationed at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where they observed the treatment of serious cases. After this period, she intimated that her final exam was completed in 2015 and the following year, it was time to officially cross the finish line with her graduation. At that point, Spencer said that she was overjoyed and proud to have her mom at her side. “It was such a moment of relief and I was happy because everyone doesn't make it to the finish line. We started with 20 and only 11 graduated and I (continued on page 49)
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Kaieteur News
Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
Felicia Ally
Sunday May 31, 2020
Meet the alluring Miss Super Globe Guyana 2018, Felicia Ally. She is a model, actress and children advocate for Anti-bullying. Felicia believes her fun, outgoing, and strong, independent spirit captures, attention everywhere she goes. She enjoys meeting new people and interacting in front of large audiences, as well as small ones.
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Kaieteur News
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Sunday May 31, 2020
From riches to rags…
A migrant's battle for survival By Shervin Belgrave
“Hello…Hello, is this the place I once called home? To think of what it has become to make me flee to paths unknown…” Those were the words of a migrant, a young Venezuelan, who opted to migrate to Guyana. He is 26-year-old Oscar Antonio Salazar Vlandin. Oscar is the second of two sons born to Oscar and Roraima Vlandin de Salazar on October 5, 1993. He is what Venezuelans consider to be a “revolutionary child” simply because he was born in the era when the late Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez Frias, begun his so-called “rebelde” revolution to overthrow the then President, Carlos Andres Perez. Unlike his parents, Oscar was born at a time when the poor and middle-class Venezuelans had just begun to reap the benefits of their country's oil wealth. Growing up in a neighbourhood on Spanish Avenue, Bolivar City, Oscar recalled his childhood days as one of the “greatest” periods of his life.
He revealed that even though his family was not classified as one of the wealthiest, he had never experienced poverty while growing up. As a child, Oscar said, “I had and enjoyed all the luxuries just like a rich kid.” His parents could have afforded him the best clothes, latest gadgets and the most expensive toys. He even studied at the best and highly respected private schools of the Bolivarian City. “The streets were safe, there was nothing to be afraid of; no
education at the Educative Academy of Joyful Faith, he was sent to pursue a degree in Chemistry at the National Experimental Sciences University of the armed forces.
A LIVING NIGHTMARE At the age of 20, Oscar graduated with outstanding grades and got a chemist job at a factory, preparing a wide range of cleaning detergents. But little did Oscar know that his dream-like life was
“
My bosses would often become annoyed at the fact that I did not understand a word they were saying. They would give me instructions and specific tasks to do but because of the language barrier I would do something totally contrary. This aggravated my superiors so much that they would give me a serious cussing sometimes.
thieves, no violent gangs and people had enough to eat. During my boyhood days I considered Venezuela to be a paradise, a place where many would not wish to leave,” he recalled. After completing his secondary
”
about to turn into a living nightmare. It all began with big companies filing for bankruptcy and the closure of major factories. In just a matter of months basic items started disappearing and millions of workers were laid off. Oscar's father and elder brother were among the first wave of thousands to be laid off. Still employed, he was forced to become the sole breadwinner for his family. But things were about to turn from bad to worse when a super inflation hit Venezuela and even more persons were left jobless. This time around Oscar wasn't spared. He was one among thousands of people dismissed from lucrative jobs. Without a source of income, life became extremely difficult for Oscar and his family. The young man and his brother were forced to do odd jobs in the streets just to survive. It was now a battle of survival and Oscar did everything he possibly could to earn a dollar. He used his skills to produce homemade detergents, but this was
The good times: Oscar the Chemist dressed for work in vain since no one had money to buy them. Despite his struggles, he continued to battle on. He soon found a job as a truck driver transporting heavy duty machineries. However, as the days went by his salary became so worthless that it couldn't even purchase a week's ration for his family. NO PLACE TO RAISE A CHILD He became frustrated, depressed and totally clueless of his next move. It was during one of these depressing moments that Oscar happened to be window shopping at a clothing store and met a young lady called Elizabeth Espana. Stricken by her beauty, Oscar decided to ask her out on a date. The two became friends and quickly fell in love. For Oscar, Elizabeth sparked a new ray of hope in his life. Elizabeth had plans of leaving Venezuela to seek greener pastures.
She shared her plan with Oscar. But Oscar was reluctant to leave; he loved his country and was very patriotic. In fact, he was quite fearful of leaving his parents behind and venturing out to some unknown place. Nevertheless, the couple continued their relationship and Elizabeth eventually became pregnant. With a child on the way, Oscar began to reconsider his decision about staying in Venezuela. His country's economy was dying daily; the once safe streets became a haven for violent criminals. Teenagers were forced to become thieves and killers, and children around the country were dying of starvation. This hell-like environment was not a place he wanted his child to be nurtured in. He desired the same luxurious life he once had for his unborn child. He soon gave in to Elizabeth's plan to flee their (continued on page 43)
Oscar is willing to do any task to make a dollar these days
With his wife and young son
Kaieteur News
Sunday May 31, 2020
PAGE 15
The signposts of dictatorship
I
f Guyana returns to political dictatorship u n d e r t h e APNU+AFC, my advice to all Guyanese is to try to get your children out of this country. All the oil in world is not going to ensure that they will ever enjoy a decent life here. Guyana has found itself in its present predicament because the older generation – the same ones who like to lecture young people about what is right and wrong – condoned political dictatorship because of ethnic loyalties. The economy shriveled under dictatorship, corruption was rampant and discrimination was the order of the day. A return to those days is not something anyone should welcome, regardless of which political party you support. It is important therefore that persons recognize the early-warning signs of dictatorship. It is important they understand how dictatorship incubates itself and the early symptoms which can point to the later emergence of this full-blown political disease. Walter Rodney in a speech-entitled “People's P o w e r, N o D i c t a t o r ” provided some pointers. Readers should ask themselves whether they see any of these symptoms emerging as yet. First is the cult of personality in which leaders are aloof as if they are superior beings. Rodney noted that Idi Amin considered himself a physical and intellectual giant. Amin even once challenged the great Muhammad Ali to a fight. Eric Gairy, a Caribbean dictator, dabbled in the
occult and harboured illusions of being an expert in science. Burnham created his own cult of personality. His loyalists spread the myth that he was a superb orator, before Eusi Kwayana exposed his mimicry of Churchillian pauses. Burnham's picture adorned the covers of exercise books which were distributed free to school children. Modern day dictators erect billboards. Dictators and would-be dictators are obsessed with p o m p a n d p a g e a n t r y. Burnham, for example, dressed himself, quite ridiculously, in a General's uniform, even though his military skills could hardly command a boys' scout. T h e s e c o n d characteristic of a dictator, according to Rodney, was that he was accountable and responsible to no one. The dictator sees himself as allpowerful, holding in his palm the existence of people. It is for this reason, Rodney argued, that civil rights are threatened under dictatorship, because nothing is given as a right but only as a favour of the supreme ruler. The third feature of dictatorship, according to Rodney, was arbitrary rule. The dictator is bound only by his interpretation of things; he makes his own rules and supersedes the rule of law with arbitrary decisions. Dictators are not worried about court rulings. They surmise their own interpretations of the law. They flout the law and when they are overruled by the courts, they change the law to make their actions legal. The fourth characteristic of a dictator is that they tend generally to surround
themselves with mediocrity, opportunists, lackeys, bootlickers and stooges. Burnham had many of these around him who, if he kicked them in the butt, would thank him for the compliment. It is said that one Christmas morning he sent for the head of a government corporation. When the man arrived, Burnham told him he had a headache and wanted him to get some painkillers. The fifth feature was abuse. Burnham had begun, the latter days of his rule, with contempt. Burnham would speak to you as he pleased and there was nothing you could do about it. He forced public servants, including senior executives, to go to Hope Estate and do menial work while he rode around on his horse like an emperor. It was said that if he saw a member of his staff whom he desired, he would simply tell his guards to bring them over to the Residence – his official office. One of the reasons why ASCRIA broke with him was over the sexual molestation in his government to which he turned a blind eye. The sixth characteristic of dictatorship, according to Rodney, was the employment of the art of manipulation. According to Rodney, there was nothing which was seen as outside of the reach of Burnham. This is why, argued Rodney, dictators tend to confuse the public treasury with their own private bank books. Dictators, he noted also, are prone to spite vendetta and the politics of grudge. Finally, he noted that dictators fall under the illusion of being efficient,
when in fact their rule stifles initiative and creativity. In the name of efficiency, they try to control everything and everyone. The dictator tries to dominate all political space by suppressing criticism and opposition and by involvement in trivial matters. Rodney's exposé of dictatorship provides the present generation with
signs by which they can judge dictatorial tendencies of political leaders. Dictators present themselves as supermen, they cultivate a cult of personality, are accountable to no one, are prone to unilateral decisions and actions, surround themselves with 'yes' men, are masters of manipulation and delude themselves and their subjects that things are
better than they seem. Do you see any early signs of such tendencies in our present leadership? If you do, get your children on the next plane out of Guyana. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Kaieteur News
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Sunday May 31, 2020
Salute the “CARICOM Three” for their sacrifice By Sir Ronald Sanders
H
ere are three heroes of democracy in the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM):
Cynthia Barrow-Giles (St Lucia/Barbados), John Jarvis (Antigua and Barbuda) and Sylvester King ( S t . Vi n c e n t a n d t h e Grenadines). Their names must not be forgotten.
These three persons have devoted 22 days of their lives so far to scrutineering a recount of the votes cast in the Guyana general elections of March 2. In a period of COVID-19 with exposure to
the perilous coronavirus and amid a curfew, they have done little else, from daybreak to nightfall, except to scrutineer an exhausting recount of the votes with all the challenges and demands that are being made by some political party agents. At the end of all this – whenever that comes – these three persons deserve a special award as Champions of CARICOM Democracy. And the Caribbean Community should bestow it upon them. They are not doing their jobs; this exercise is not their jobs; it is an act of self-sacrifice and dedication to democracy. Sadly, it appears far from over. Barrow-Giles is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies, John Jarvis is a Commissioner of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission and Mr. Sylvester King is the Deputy Supervisor of Elections of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Each of them left their homes and their families during the eruption and spread of COVID-19 to carry out this arduous task. What was expected to be a 25-day recount process, ending on May 30, has been stretched out by obfuscation and by dilatory tactics, not by any inefficiency of the persons doing the recount but by constraints imposed on the process. A big part of the constraints is the protocols demanded by the Guyana COVID-19 task
force which is, essentially, a political body headed by the caretaker Prime Minister left-over from the former government. The protocols, imposed by the COVID-19 task force, limit the number of counting stations and persons who can be present for a count. Whether such an obvious political body should have been charged with this responsibility is another matter that will feature in later analysis of the entire general elections. In any event, the task force's protocols have contributed to the delays, by not allowing more counting stations with appropriate protocols. At the end of Day 21 of the recount (May 27), only 55% of the 2,339 ballot boxes were recounted, leaving a balance of 1,049 boxes. While local observers of the recounting process from the private sector have given it high marks for transparency and a c c u r a c y, i n c l u d i n g revelations of huge discrepancies between the Statements of Poll at polling stations and poll tabulation results offered by the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, the recounting period has to be extended to accomplish the full recount. Eighty-seven days after it was held on March 2, Guyana's elections result remains shrouded in uncertainty and incredulity. The Guyanese people d e s e r v e e v e r y commendation for their
Sir Ronald Sanders patience and tolerance and for not being lured into strife that would further harm them and the country. The Chair of the Guyana Electoral Commission (GECOM) had proposed an extension of the recount period to June 16. A meeting of the Commission was held on May 28 to decide on a date, but at the time of writing no announcement had been made. If the recount is extended to June 16, the three overburdened CARICOM scrutineers, who are already in highly pressured circumstances away from their homes and families, will be in Guyana for 37 days altogether. All of this has damaged Guyana's standing in the global community. The public remarks of the diplomatic community accredited in Guyana, the statements made by the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organisation of American States, the European Union and high representatives of the United States and Canada, have all urged GECOM in particular to conduct a transparent recount that leads to a credible result that is acceptable to the Guyana society and the international community. In that way, Guyana, as a nation, can claim a legitimate place in (continued on page 45)
Sunday May 31, 2020
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Kaieteur News
---Hinds’ Sight by Dr. David Hinds---
Two parallel conversations: We talk past one another So, there are two parallel conversations emanating from the March 2 elections. First, there is the conversation about rigged elections and democracy which is coming from two directions—the PPP and its hardcore supporters and from a group of independent minded citizens who may or may not be PPP supporters. Then there is the other conversation which seeks to move beyond the elections impasse to speak to the underlying causes and potential consequences and what could be done to contain the situation. This conversation is confined to a small group of which I am a part. While both conversations are valid, my view is that until we could marry the two, we are not moving the larger discourse. At the moment we are either talking past or shouting at one another. Those who argue that the impasse is about electoral democracy are wittingly and unwittingly silencing the underlying ethnic competition for power that is driving the developments. The PPP continues to argue that the impasse has nothing to do with race; that it is purely about the PNC rigging the election. If one takes that position, then there is no need for reconciliation and shared governance. The logic is that the PPP, if it wins, can govern on its own.
The independents also play down the ethnic element; they take a position that democracy does not have a colour. However, what they all miss is that the PPP advocates and the independents are predominantly of one ethnicity. One just has to go through the letters section of Stabroek News, Kaieteur News and Guyana Times and take a look at the large percentage of letters which echo the PPP line. I am not arguing that they all take their que from the PPP, but there is a clear convergence of advocacy. In many regards, the advocacy against rigged elections and for the upholding of democracy have taken on an ethnic face. And by extension, the pro-rigging and antidemocracy forces are of another ethnicity. This exposes the myth that the discourse is purely about democracy. I am arguing that the anti-rigging and pro-democracy narrative is a mask for Indian Guyanese fear of being governed by the other and a desire to be governed by their own. It is why the independents; the foreign observers and the diplomatic community have found themselves in a bind. I think when they declared the PPP the winner of the election after the tabulation of the Region 4 votes, they thought that that would be the end of it. Now,
thirteen weeks later I think they have had enough time to reflect on the complexity of the situation before us. This is where the other conversation comes in. Those of us who venture there are basically contending that what we are witnessing is more than just a fight over an election; it is a fight over which of the two ethno-racial parties, and by extension the two major ethnicities, should govern Guyana on its own. It is a fight for ethno- political domination. So, those who innocently are championing the “democratic” cause are also unwittingly embracing ethnic domination by one group. It should be noted that those who are advocating for reconciliation and a sharing of the governance are also
mostly of one ethnicity— power sharing advocacy has an ethnic face. As someone who belongs to this tendency, I know that many Indian Guyanese independents support power sharing. But given the trajectory of the discourse thus far, it is almost impossible to talk about democracy and power sharing in one breath. For many of the democracy advocates, power sharing is now anti-democratic. In case we have not been paying attention, since March 2, we have become a viler people. The way we speak about the opposite ethnicity in public media is appalling. We justified what happened on March 6 by pretending it never happened. Hate has become normalized.
I, for example, have been accused of being against election and of supporting rigging. Many Indian Guyanese who once saw me as a fair commentator have now labeled me a racist. They threaten to boycott programmes on which I participate. I am characterized by all the stereotypes of the Blackman with ease and venom—loud, stupid, violent, ugly, uneducated. People are permitted to criticize and demonize me in two daily newspapers which deny me the right to reply by refusing to publish my letters. My only sin is that I have not attached my name to their narratives. But I have faith in Guyana. I still think we can work it out together and stay together as a country. That is
Dr David Hinds why in the face of venom and hate, I persevere. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) More of Dr. Hinds’ writings and commentaries can be found on his YouTube Channel Hinds’ Sight: Dr. David Hinds’ Guyana-Caribbean Politics and on his website www.guyanacaribbeanpolitics.news. Send comments to dhinds6106@aol.com
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Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
Remembering Neil Bovell: The terror of Stanleytown By Michael Jordan
T
ravel through Inner Stanleytown, on the West Bank of Demerara, and you’ll observe the canefields, the canals and the thick vegetation. It may then dawn on you that this area would be a good hiding place for a fugitive. One man found this terrain to his liking two decades ago. He knew it like the back of his hand, and he used this knowledge to abduct, rape, and kill… Back in 1992, no one would have given Neil Bovell a second glance. After all, he was just an ex-policeman who was living in Stanleytown. All that changed on December 22nd of that year. At that time, the then 25-year-old Bovell was ‘living home’ with a 19year-old woman named Shondell O’Brien. Bovell, according to reports, had never threatened or abused his reputed wife. But later that evening, he and O’Brien had a quarrel. He responded by punching out one of the woman’s front teeth. Bovell, reportedly motivated by jealousy, then stabbed O’Brien several times with a kitchen knife. In her bid to escape, the woman leapt from a window to the ground, where she collapsed from her wounds. Some said she was stabbed 21 times, but you know Guyanese love to exaggerate. Bovell went into hiding, but
was captured a few days later at Bartica. But the case against him fell apart when the prosecution failed to find any eyewitnesses to say that they had seen him actually stab Shondell O’Brien. After being released from prison, Bovell started a relationship with a young woman named Philippa Harrison. It is unclear whether she knew of his past. They lived in Stanleytown for some five years before problems developed in the relationship. In early September 2003, Harrison walked out of the home and went to stay at relatives in the East Ruimveldt area known as ‘Warlock’. Neil Bovell bided his time, and on Saturday, September 6, 2003, he drove to the house where Philippa Harrison was staying. According to reports, he had brought a barrel containing Harrison’s clothes and other belongings. Shortly after, a neighbour heard them arguing, but paid them no mind, since “it was a man and woman story.” Bovell then left. Later that evening, 31year-old Philippa Harrison went to a neighbour’s house to complain about an incident involving one of her children. She was speaking to a resident when Bovell, brandishing a knife, emerged from an alleyway and pounced on her. Screaming, “Murder! Mur-
Neil Bovell der!”, Harrison tried to flee, but Bovell cornered her in the alley and stabbed her repeatedly until she collapsed. Bovell then hurriedly left in his car. The following day, police recovered the suspect’s white station wagon in front of his father’s Stanleytown home. In the vehicle, police found the blade of the knife with which Bovell had killed his second reputed wife. But of the killer, there was no trace. All that changed on Friday, October 4, 2003. That day, Bovell sneaked into the Lot 139 Stanleytown home of 64-year-old mechanic Vernon Bernard. He killed the elderly man and then waited for Bernard’s daughter, Velda, to arrive. When she came home just before midnight, Bovell held her at knifepoint
and tied her up. He then placed the dead man’s body in the two-bedroom house, doused it with kerosene and set it alight. The killer then hoisted the diminutive Velda Bernard bodily and took her into the dense Canal Number Two backlands. While holding her in captivity, Bovell constantly ranted about the crimes he had committed and about the persons who had incurred his wrath. He blamed the woman’s father for causing him to be incarcerated for six months. Velda Bernard suspected that someone was supplying the fugitive with meals. Eventually, after two days in the mosquito-infested backlands, she managed to untie herself from a tree and flee while Bovell slept. She was taken to the Wales Police Station before being reunited with relieved family members. As the manhunt intensified, Bovell survived several close encounters with the police and villagers. In one case, he miraculously fled unscratched when heavilyarmed police ranks had apparently cornered him behind a Stanleytown house. An elderly man, 70-year-old Eustace Small, was accidentally killed after Bovell took cover behind the pensioner who was in his yard. The raids by police ap-
peared to incense Bovell. He vented his rage on villagers, sneaking out at night to abduct and rape young women. One of the victims was a 32year-old West Coast Demerara woman. She was grabbed at gunpoint from her boyfriend’s house on August 14, 2003. The outlaw held her hostage for hours before she managed to escape. Bovell seemed to be targeting fair-complexioned women, and females of mixed ancestry. Women of Stanleytown began to avoid walking in the community after sundown. Villagers who had information about his whereabouts were afraid to inform the police, since many felt that there were people in the community who were assisting the ex-policeman to avoid capture. One resident recalled passing Bovell smoking a cigarette on the street but said he was afraid to alert his female companion for fear that she might have looked back or screamed. In desperation, police employed aerial patrols to fly over the community and also torched the cane fields to flush the fugitive out. A special team was also set up to track down Bovell, and on October 2005, Police offered a $1M reward for information leading to his arrest. Then on December 27, 2006, police ranks received a call
from someone in the area that Bovell was at his father’s house at Lot 137 Stanleytown. A senior rank and a party of policemen responded in an unmarked car. When they arrived, Bovell was reportedly preparing to cook a meal in the backyard. On spotting the ranks, the fugitive made a dash for freedom, but by then the ranks had managed to surround the area. Dodging bullets, Bovell led the ranks on a chase through a muddy track. He managed to flee as far as a few lots away before going down in a hail of bullets, which ripped open his right shoulder and left gaping holes in his body. The heavily-muscled, dreadlocked fugitive bore little resemblance to bulletins, which police had posted of him. His healthy appearance confirmed reports that persons had been harbouring the killer, who had terrorised the community since 2003. If you have any information about other unusual cases, please contact Kaieteur News at our Lot 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown location. We can be reached on telephone numbers 2258458, 22-58465, 22-58473 or 22-58491. You can also contact Michael Jordan at his email address kamarangnight@gmail.com
Sunday May 31, 2020
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Kaieteur News
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
Untergang: The APNU+AFC 2015-2019 I
n analyzing why the APNU+AFC lost the 2020 election, the methodology used will be important because a wrong perspective will yield vast misconceptions. The argument here cannot be compressed into a newspaper column so what follows are brief notes. Given the fascistization process under the Jagdeoite hegemony, it was virtually impossible for the APNU+AFC to have lost the 2020 poll. Fascitization implies extensive autocracy and state abuse. How do you explain then a loss by three seats and almost 17, 000 votes by APNU+AFC? I refer to the methodology above. My paradigm uses the bifurcation of governance from 2015-2019 into the PNC performance and AFC output. It would be a flawed analysis if you take the perspective of dissecting the general power output of APNU+AFC as a unit. First, APNU+AFC could not have won the 2020 poll because the AFC literally destroyed Guyana’s faith in the post 2015 dispensation. Trotman and Ramjattan invoked memories of the magi-
cal twins in the fifties – Burnham and Jagan. The colonial subjects of British Guiana saw these two charismatic and emotionally driven fighters as people who would bring the ‘whiteman rule’ to an end. In 2010, Guyanese wanted a change. Indians felt that whereas Walter Rodney could have been trusted as a Blackman, they could also trust Trotman. Indians felt that Ramjattan was a better leader than any the PPP had. In Linden, Black people rooted for the AFC. Among Black Guyanese, the AFC was an alternative to the PNC even if Granger was a fresh face. The AFC came to power and Guyanese found out that the AFC leadership was not only devoid of democratic instincts but wanted power for power sake. In office, there weren’t even an infinitesimal link between the pre 2011 AFC and the post 2015 AFC. The honeymoon with the Guyanese people ended in disaster. The PPP, with a fox-like Jagdeo at its helm, knew that the demise of the post 2015 AFC was a goldmine for the PPP. The 2020 election results proved that.
In analyzing the horror show the AFC turned out to be, the historical record should be nice to Nigel Hughes. Hughes is essentially a Rodneyite influenced by the politics of the seventies and the role of his Jesuit teachers at St Stanislaus. One of the strong Rodneyite instincts of Hughes was on display when he argued that central powers should leave the 2016 local election to local players. Against this background, he supported an alternative to APNU+AFC in Bartica. Hughes saw the power intoxication and the tsunamic mis-directions of the AFC after 2015 and took his exit. The PNC was not as Draculean as the AFC, reason being they were longer around and were not fascinated by the trapping of ministerial power. But the PNC made two fatal mistakes that cost them the 2020 election. One was David Granger. Guyanese wanted a top-notch thinker and a visionary, democratic leader to take them into the future. They thought Granger fitted the bill. He never did and never will. Granger is instinctively an autocratic person. He has no
persuasive powers like Burnham and Jagan. He is not an innovative gambler like Desmond Hoyte. He is not a charismatic game changer like Walter Rodney. Unlike West Indian politicians, he doesn’t know how to ground, he does know how to practice grassroot politics. Even Manning in Trinidad could have outdone Granger in these compartments. Granger has no leadership qualities, lacks vision and has no intellectual cutting-edge. In office, he was a huge disappointment. African Guyanese were turned off. They wanted the PNC in power alright, but they wished they had someone better than Granger. Granger became the PNC leader and president because the PNC’s barrel was empty. The PNC in 2015 was not the PNC under Burnham and Hoyte. The mediocrity was overwhelming. African Guyanese knew it, but they were tolerant because the PNC spoke for Black people, so they had no alternative. If you examine the SOPs for all areas in Guyana, where PNC has support, the turnout was not massive. In Region 10, the
PPP collected 3,000 votes. I suspect a contributory factor to the PNC’s loss was an unacceptable level of abstention by Black people on March 2. The PNC and AFC had one thing in common from 2015 onwards – they lacked democratic instincts and were not interested in carving a future for Guyana that Guyanese anticipated in 2014 and 2015. Guyanese saw the APNU+AFC in 2019 as shades of difference with the PPP. The chagrin was so powerful that it lacerated the nation’s psyche. The PPP did not deserve to win in 2020, but neither did the
40
Frederick Kissoon APNU+AFC. Let’s accept the election result and move on to inclusive governance. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
GECOM owes it to Guyana and itself to take all necessary steps to deliver transparent, credible elections
S
ince the derailing of the March 2 election count process at the Ashmin Building, Hadfield Street, there has been one mantra coming out of the People’s Progressive Party, its recruited gang of small parties and some very overly engaged international observers for transparent, credible elections. Almost as if they had received some revelation from God himself, these merry folks set out to hang the governing party out to dry with blatant accusations of electoral fraud and irregularities. The PPP itself wasted no time putting its acquired assets to work spewing lies through its wide reaching television station, online news sites and other mediums acquired during their reign. This tyrant of a party who Guyana had just one election earlier washed its hands upon, sought to baptize itself to reborn in a cloak of morality and cleanliness to now champion the cause for transparent and credible elections. Transparent and credible elections was also be charged by the governing party. There was no time when the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) failed to champion the cause for credible elections. In fact, the Coalition’s support for a national recount was rooted in the desire for credible elections and even more so, an opportunity to recheck the entire count process. It is very satisfying at this point to see real transparency at work. With all the Commission has endured this last three months, it owes it to
Guyana and itself to take all necessary steps to deliver transparent, credible elections and ensure that repair is done to its name. And if it hasn’t been said before, it is becoming very clear now that this may very well be the first time that GECOM will need to perhaps give the most in-depth and critical review of general elections ever held in this country. With that said, and all that has been done since March 2, why would the PPP now object to investigating instances of dead voters, migrated voters, unidentified voters and missing books among other irregularities when this investigation goes to the heart of transparency and credibility. Although GECOM has clarified that spread sheets have been used in past elections and were even used for other regions in this very period, the PPP insists on invoking a “Mingo, Mingo rigging” theme song. The PPP has based their arguments of electoral fraud on accusations of this GECOM agent using a wrong document and was able to get GECOM to commence a recount process. We, the Coalition are now saying this recount has proved more than “wrong documents” being used. We found that the dead voted in the 2020 elections, that the foreign based voted, that unidentified persons with no oaths voted, that poll books and OLEs are missing, among other anomalies. Mingo as we say is “chicken feed” to this mess. These issues are real causes for investigation. We
are saying some 1,937 numerical irregularities were unearthed so far, thereby affecting 90,707 votes. The national recount is just over 50 percent complete; there is no telling what more would be found. One thing is for sure however, is that we can now appreciate why the PPP refused the House to House exercise, why they only wanted Region 4 to be recounted and why now, they are threaten to take GECOM to court should they investigate the many irregularities unearthed. Taking the body responsible for free and fair elections to court for doing its job is laughable. As GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander said, the view that is held by virtue of what’s in the Order that was agreed to by the GECOM Commission is that, “… we are not doing a mere numerical recount; that we in fact are going to have observation beyond the numbers…” Unless it were the PPP Commissioners who misunderstood what it meant to “go beyond the numbers” and failed to take the correct narrative back to Freedom House, one could only understand “beyond the numbers” meaning that the process and its legality would be observed; that the numbers actually came about using the processes GECOM said should be used. In the mind of the Coalition and all right thinking Guyanese, ensuring GECOM’s numbers are acquired based on the regulations set out by the Commission is the key to ensuring free, fair, transparent, credible elections. The PPP must remember that the Representation of the People Act alone did not allow for the recount being conducted by GECOM, but the very Constitution, by virtue of Article 162 which speaks to the power of GECOM in the registration of electors and the holding of elections. If the PPP agrees that GECOM could conduct a recount without an election petition as the body responsible for elections, they should also agree that GECOM is within its remit to investigate the authenticity of electors who claimed to have voted in the 2020 elections since they are the body responsible for the registration of electors and holding credible elections. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Sunday May 31, 2020
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Kaieteur News
Communication process between the internal auditor and management By John Seeram Introduction The month of May is designated International Internal Audit Awareness Month by the Institute of Internal Auditors Global (IIAG). The IIA Guyana Chapter (IIAGC), which is affiliated to the IIAG is participating, as with other Chapters globally this month with a programme of activities. One such activity is the writing of articles pertaining to the practice of this esteemed profession in Guyana. This article is focused on the
communication between the internal auditor and its executive management (client) in working towards its goal of adding value and improving organisatiion’s operations. The views expressed are based on my experience over the years as a practitioner. THE CURRENT COMMUNICATION PROCESS As part of the audit engagement, the auditor is required to submit a report which will contain, among others, the findings and recommendations to executive management. Internal audi-
tors are guided by the International Standards on the Quality of Communications which states that it must be accurate, objective, clear, constructive, complete and timely. The contentious issue is the tone of this report, taking into consideration that both parties are working to a common goal of adding value to the organisation’s operations. There are auditors who are seeking to make an impression, may tend to use excessively critical language,
with no regard for diplomacy. Generally, this approach does not foster constructive dialogue or prove to be helpful to management. In effect, auditors should be conscious of reporting accuracy, however they need to consider how their reports might impact on the recipient. From a management perspective, even when they work hard to manage risks as an example, internal auditors may still identify significant weakness or deficiencies in their area. In situations whereby reports are worded
carelessly, management may interpret the content as unfair or hurtful which will eventually elicit a defensive and negative response. Further, a critical report can have career damaging consequences on management personnel. From a management perspective, internal auditors may identify significant and justified weakness or deficiencies in the systems in operation. In a situation whereby management disagrees with the audit findings, there is the tendency for
John Seeram, Member IIAG it to respond in a defensive and/or negative tone, or no response whatsoever. Ultimately, management must (Continued on page 26)
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Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
Understanding Guyana’s complex and circuitous approach towards Independence (A review of David Granger’s The Independence Movement: 1946-1966.) David Granger’s The Inde- dependence in the context of pendence Movement: 1946- ethnic conflict and Harold 1966 reminds us that Guyana Lutchman chronicled this proachieved Independence only cess in his study of the after protracted agitation and country’s transition from coagony. The book compels the lonialism to statehood. David Granger’s The Indereader to look beyond the prominent personalities of pendence Movement: 1946the immediate pre-Indepen- 1966 provides an expansive dence period of the 1960s and but enlightening overview of to acknowledge the contribu- the antecedents of Indepentions of the often unrecog- dence, the political context of nized and unrewarded work- the struggle, the central role ers and their trade unions in of trade unions and the emergence of cut throat commuearlier years. The book is one of the few nal conflict. It highlights, devoted exclusively to also, the performance of some Guyana’s Independence of the principal political parMovement. Its publication ties and players. The book is enriches our understanding a valued source of informaof Guyana’s complex and cir- tion about a tumultuous pecuitous approach towards riod in the anti-colonial struggle. Independence. The recording and reviewSeveral academics have analysed Guyana’s path to ing of historical events are not political Independence. without their biases. Attempts Most, however, have done so at a dispassionate examinaas part of wider socio-eco- tion of historical events often succumb to pre-conceived nomic and political studies. Clem Seecharan, for ex- narratives. David Granger wrote this ample, looked at Independence as part of his study of book while he was the Leader the sugar industry; Andra of the Opposition in the NaThakur placed the microscope tional Assembly and Leader on Independence in his dis- of the People’s National Consertation on race and class; gress Reform (PNCR), the Ralph Premdas examined In- party which led Guyana into
Independence. He has managed, however, to suppress partisanship and the tendency to confirm or contradict the two principal narratives of the Independence Movement. The first narrative highlights the role of the original People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and its forerunner the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) in galvanizing the anticolonial struggle. This narrative traces the roots of Independence to the arrival in the colony of Dr. and Mrs. Cheddi Jagan. It projects Cheddi Jagan as the principal architect of Guyana’s Independence and dubs him as the ‘father’ of the nation. The second narrative portrays the achievement of Republican status as being preeminent over Independence. This perspective is viewed as an attempt to de-emphasize the role of the PPP in the attainment of Independence and to give prominence to the Republic celebrations. These two narratives have influenced the dual emphases being placed on commemorating both Independence and Republic anniversaries. The PNC administrations from 1970 to 1992 attached greater importance to
Republic anniversary observances than to Independence. The PPP administrations from 1993 to 2014 at-
ment; . State of emergency – analyses the circumstances which led to communal inse-
tached greater significance to Independence than to Republic anniversaries. The Independence Movement: 1946-1966 does not subscribe to either of these narratives. It is not written with an overbearing partisan political objective in mind. It attempts a dispassionate examination of a defining event in the country’s history. The book is assessed best to the extent to which it has been able to achieve an objective analysis of the Independence Movement. The book is divided, thematically and chronologically, into six sections: . Labour rebellion – identifies the labour unrest prevailing in the depressed conditions in the British West Indies between the two World Wars in the 1920s and 1930s as the primary antecedent of political Independence; . Political empowerment – connects the energizing of the anti-colonial struggle to the emergence and agitation of trade unions, political parties and ethnic associations; . Political violence –relate show civil violence within the colonial state galvanized opposition to colonial rule; . The Great Schism – discusses the impact of the split within the original PPP on the nationalist movement; . Self-government – interprets the impact of the introduction of a new constitution in British Guiana in 1961 and the colony’s unsteady steps towards limited self-govern-
curity, political instability and the decline into emergency rule and deployment of British troops; . Common Ground – examines the efforts to ensure a political solution to the most pernicious political problems of the day; . Constitutional impasse – describes the differences which arose between the political parties over the electoral system and efforts to resolve these differences; . The Disturbances – explores the origins of the civil violence which erupted from the first half of 1964; . The Advent of Independence – analyses the developments leading, eventually, to the inauguration of the independent state. The Independence Movement, therefore, covers considerable historical ground. It was researched deeply, as David Granger would. The text benefits from a wide variety of acknowledged sources and provides information on a panoply of political parties, trade unions and other social organizations and individuals who were part of the Independence struggles. As with all of David Granger’s books, it is succinct, simple and easy to read. The book is suited for all audiences, from primary school students to university professors. The book, however, will evoke criticisms arising from its uneven treatment and omissions of events, issues
and personalities. It provides only fleeting mention of the tragedy at Plantation Enmore when five sugar workers were killed on the 16th June 1948 by colonial police, an event which was viewed as adding combustion to the anti-colonial struggle. The perspective of the British Government’s notorious suspension of the Constitution in 1953 is highlighted without regard to the perspective of the elected ministers. An examination of the efforts of the United Kingdom and United States Governments in undermining the British Guiana Government in 1961 could have ensured greater balance in understanding the ‘Disturbances’. These deficiencies, however, do not detract from the profound and subliminal argument which the books makes – Guyana was a fractured nation upon the attainment of Independence. The task of healing this fracture and achieving greater ethnic and political unity remains the principal challenge facing the country. The book departs from conventional narratives by giving prominence to the role of workers in the Independence Movement. David Granger has demonstrated compelling the critical role which workers played in the Independence Movement, particularly during the ‘Labour Rebellion’ in the West Indies in the 1920s and 1930s.David Granger, since assuming the Presidency, has restored the celebration of Independence to its preeminent place in the country’s commemorative calendar. He was mindful to choose Independence Day, 26th May, for his ceremonial Inauguration after having been sworn-in as President ten days earlier on 16th May 2015. He had the honour, also, of being President when Guyana celebrated its 50th Independence anniversary in 2016 during which it hosted an emotive flag-raising ceremony which swelled national pride. David Granger, far from deemphasizing Independence celebrations, has re-invigorated its national importance, including through this delightful and informative publication. The book reaffirms his conviction and purpose in ensuring that the antecedents, causes and course of the Independence Movement will not become a footnote in his country’s history. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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COVID-19: The disease for which the health workers need you more than you need them By Dr Zulfikar Bux Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
I
live in fear daily know ing the possible con sequences of the COVID-19 outbreak in Guyana. While my understanding is boosted by being a doctor, there are many Guyanese who do not understand this disease and continue to be insensitive to this potential disaster for our country. It pains me to see how most are going about their
lives not knowing the dangers that lie ahead. We have not experienced such a devastation in our lifetime, and it has just started. My goal today, is to remind you of your importance in combating this disease, and urge that you encourage others to do the same. WHY STAYAT HOME? This virus needs us more than we know—It needs us to survive, spread and multiply. When we go out, we risk coming into contact with the virus and helping it to continue
its destruction. If we all stay at home, the virus will be slowly eliminated in a couple of months. We need to beat this virus by avoiding it. The best way to do that as of now, is to stay at home. WHY WEAR A MASK? There are responsible citizens that are donning their masks when they are out in the public domain. As I said previously, this virus has to spread from person to person to survive. It spreads from an infected person mainly through their
mouth and nostrils. If we all wear a mask that covers our mouth and nose when we go out for necessity, the virus cannot come out if we are infected. If the virus cannot come out, it cannot spread. THE CORONAVIRUS WILLCOME AND GO LIKE OTHER OUTBREAKS IN GUYANA We have experienced outbreaks before in Guyana. Most recently, we had the Zika and Chikungunya outbreaks that spread throughout the country. Some say that this is
just another outbreak and we will survive it like we did with others. This virus is different, it is more easily spread, stays longer and kills more. If we are extremely negligent with preventative measures, this virus has the potential to kill thousands of Guyanese. It will not go away as fast as others did until we have a vaccine. A vaccine against COVID-19 can take up to 18 months. During this time, the virus can continue to devastate us, unless we get strict with preventative measures.
Dr. Zulfikar Bux IT’S BEST I GET THE VIRUS AND GET OVER WITH IT This is what I have been hearing from some who do not really know the seriousness of (Continued on page 26)
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SUNDAY EXPOSÉ… US FIRM REVISING GUYANA’S OILLAWS REGISTERED AS EXXONMOBIL’S LOBBYIST The company that was chosen by the Energy Department to revise Guyana’s outdated oil laws is no ordinary creature. In the USA, Hunton, Andrews, Kurth LLP is a goliath which represents petroleum powerhouses like ExxonMobil. Last month, Kaieteur News published several articles indicating that the firm, formerly known as Hunton and Williams, enjoys a 40-year-old relationship with ExxonMobil. But more extensive research exposed just how intimate that relationship is. Kaieteur’s investigation found that on July 19, 2016, the law firm had filed a lobbying registration form to represent Exxon Mobil Corporation, effective June 6, 2016. The specific issues they would lobby for in ExxonMobil’s interest include Clean Air Act Regulatory Issues, Clean Water Act Regulatory Issues, Early Action Compact Legislation, Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard Deadline Harmonization Act, Clean Air Implementation Act of 2015, and the Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016. The lawyer who is listed on the document that is expected to represent the client is Charles H. Knauss. He is a partner at the firm. (See Link for registration form: h t t p s : / / disclosurespreview.house.gov/ ld/ldxmlrelease/2016/RR/ 300814978.xml) During that time, the company would have received approximately US$100M for working in ExxonMobil’s interest. In fact, Hunton, Andrews, Kurth LLP
Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
was working to protect the interest of the oil extraction company up to last year. Because of its work with ExxonMobil and other groups which seek more relaxed environmental laws, several transparency watchdogs such as The Washington Post, describe the law firm as one of the “nation’s premier challengers of federal air and water pollution standards.” RECOUNTED GROVE, PROVIDENCE BOXES EXPOSE MORE OF MINGO’S MANIPULATION The National Recount has unearthed more evidence of manipulation of Region Four numbers by Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo. Last Sunday’s Grove and Providence, East Bank boxes takes Kaieteur News’ analysis up to a total of 23 boxes which show that Mingo added 1,068 votes to APNU+AFC, and subtracted 341 votes from PPP/C. This amounts to a total variance of 1,409 votes from the corresponding statements of poll, for those 23 boxes. For ballot box #4127, the statement of poll showed 218 votes for PPP/C, and 37 votes for APNU+AFC. Mingo’s tabulation subtracted 10 votes from PPP/C, decreasing the count to 208, and added 40 votes to APNU+AFC, increasing the count to 77. The statement of recount showed the same result as the statement of poll. For ballot box #4164, the statement of poll showed 150 votes for PPP/C, and 54 votes for APNU+AFC. Mingo’s tabulation added 50 votes to APNU+AFC, increasing the count to 104. The statement of recount showed a decrease from the statement of poll, of one vote for PPP/C, to 149, likely due to a previously valid vote, now rejected at the recount. The other 21 ballot boxes,
detailed in previous articles in this series, are of data taken from The Citizenship Initiative (TCI)’s Executive Member, Shaz Ally (17 boxes) and from Head of Organisation of American States (OAS) Electoral Observer Mission, Bruce Golding (four boxes). Kaieteur News has verified, using the statements of recount, the numbers used by TCI and Golding. All of the boxes examined by this newspaper come from locations on the East Bank of Demerara. COALITION’S CLAIM ABOUT “DEAD VOTER” DEBUNKED Chitnandani Ramdass, a Region Two woman who died on June 6, 2015 and whom the APNU+AFC Coalition alleged to have been ticked off as having voted at the
March 2, 2020 polls has in fact not voted according to evidence seen and reviewed by Kaieteur News. The claim was initially made in a Guyana Chronicle article on May 20 with the headline “Coalition provides proof of dead persons voting”, where the party presented a death certificate of Chitnandani Ramdass, terming it ‘evidence’ of her having voted at the March 2 polls. APNU+AFC counting agent, Ganesh Mahipaul during an exclusive interview told the Chronicle “From ballot box 210, serial number 257 was registered as 81-yearold Chitnandani Ramdass, but the party has a death certificate confirming that Ramdass died on June 6, 2015.” PNC Executive Amna Ally had told the media that the
party “searched every nook and cranny” to gather information in order to compile their list with persons who migrated from Guyana and those who died. Mahipaul also confirmed that the Coalition through their ‘field operations’ receive second hand information which is used as the basis for their claims. Throughout the National Recount, ongoing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, the Coalition claimed to have in their possession ‘evidence’ to support the allegations made that ‘countless’ instances of dead persons being recorded as voting exclusively in People’s Progressive Party (PPP) strongholds and ‘countless’ instances of persons who have long migrated from Guyana and who were not in Guyana on Election Day being recorded as voting. Despite the string of allegations, no credible evidence was produced by Amna Ally to back up the claims by the party. MONDAY DUTCH COMPANY TO RECOVER FULL COST FOR LIZA DESTINY BY NEXT YEAR, OTHER GUYANA OIL SHIPS IN TWO YEARS SBM Offshore, the Dutch company which is building two more Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels to be used in the Stabroek Block, is expected to recover the full cost of its investments after two years of leading
operations for each unit. This was noted in the latest annual report for the company. In that document, the firm specifically stated that the investment in FPSOs Liza Destiny and Liza Unity are expected to be recovered through the sale of these vessels to the client, ExxonMobil. While the sale price remains unknown, public financial statements by SBM reveal that the Liza Destiny which is Guyana’s first Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel, will be leased for approximately US$1.2B while the second FPSO, the Liza Unity, will be leased for approximately US$1.6B. The FPSO Liza Destiny had arrived in Guyanese waters in August 2019 and, following receipt of its certificate acceptance from the client, joined SBM Offshore’s fleet on November 1, 2019. First oil was achieved on December 20, 2019. With respect to the Liza Unity, ExxonMobil had awarded the Liza Unity contracts to SBM Offshore on May 10, 2019. Under these contracts, the company will construct, install and thereafter lease and operate FPSO Liza Unity for a period of up to two years after which the ownership and operations will transfer to ExxonMobil. The FPSO Liza Unity design is based on the Fast4Ward® program as it incorporates the Company’s new-build, multi-purpose hull combined with several standardized topsides modules. On October 16, 2019 (Continued on page 25)
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From page 24 the Company had announced that it completed the project financing of FPSO Liza Unity for a total of US$1.14 billion. In November last year, the company was awarded contracts to perform front end engineering and design for a third FPSO called Prosperity which would be used for ExxonMobil’s Payara development project offshore Guyana. AS COVID-19 SPIRALS OUT OF CONTROL IN BRAZIL…TOTAL LOCKDOWN OF REG. 9 POSSIBLE IF SITUATION ESCALATES – RAMJATTAN With Brazil’s COVID -19 cases escalating at an alarming rate, the authorities in Guyana are examining a number of stringent measures to protect its citizens, particularly those closest to its southern neighbour. The most drastic is the possibility of a complete lockdown of Region Nine, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told Kaieteur News last Sunday. “If the situation in Roraima State [Boa vista, Brazil] continues to escalate to the point where it is definitely affecting our citizens in Lethem, we will be forced to consider a complete lockdown of the region.” The lockdown, Ramjattan said, will have to be approved by the National COVID -19 Task Force (NCTF). “We cannot afford to let what is happening in Brazil spill over here,” Ramjattan added as he noted that the NCTF continues to closely monitor the situation in Lethem. “As you know, the Guyana /Brazil border in Lethem is a large area to traverse. The Police have been doing their best to enforce the closure of the borders but it is also a responsibility of the residents to be on the lookout for any developments happening on the ground, so that we can address it quickly and prevent a catastrophe from taking place.” “The border has been closed. So for now we are not accepting any visitors from Brazil, Guyanese included. If a Guyanese want to come back, they must seek special approval from the taskforce. The situation in Brazil is too dire for us to have Guyanese or Brazilians frequenting the area.” Conceding that the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Brazil has prompted serious concerns from Government, Ramjattan said that community policing groups have been placed on the alert
for any suspicious nonnationals in the area. AMID CALLS FOR MORE TRANSPARENCY…EITI REMINDS GOVT. TO MAKE DATAFORALLOIL SALES PUBLIC The Government of Guyana has pre-sold to Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited, three cargoes of oil from the Stabroek Block. The first sale was in mid-February and Guyana had collected almost US$55M. Apart from how much was received and deposited into the Natural Resource Fund and who it was sold to, not much else has been said about the sale. In fact, the agreement itself has not been made public, which resulted in calls from civil society as well as the media for more transparency. Upon noting this, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has sought to remind Guyana of its obligations as a member that committed to observing its rules. The body noted that EITI implementing countries are to disclose sales agreements related to the State’s share of production or other revenues collected in kind. EITI said there is a clear opportunity for Guyana’s EITI chapter to play a role in shedding light on this issue, through collaboration with the EITI International Secretariat and its work on commodity trading transparency. It also sought to remind that the Energy Department had given a commitment to share data on oil production and trades for the preparation for the country’s second EITI Report. In the interest of accountability, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative said it is important that the data on these agreements are made public.
The international corruption watchdog also said that the public disclosure of information on the sale agreements such as the identity of the buyer, committed annual and monthly oil volumes to be bought and sold, the price to be paid and mechanisms for price adjustment, are critical to public oversight. Additionally, EITI said that open data is crucial to monitor revenues and how they are spent. Especially in times like these, when sharp declines in oil prices upend entire economies, the body said that the need for transparency is as salient as ever. TUESDAY MINGO ADDS 60 VOTES TO COALITION IN SAMATTA POINT The National Recount 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 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 showed the same result as the statement of poll. The 23 other boxes, detailed in previous 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 campaign, Joseph Harmon Monday 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. THERE IS DANGER INALLOWING OIL INDUSTRY TO REGULATE ITSELF – TT former Minister urges Guyana to get over political impasse, address key issues with haste Five 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 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.” HARMON SAYS THAT APNU+AFC WAS SUCCESSFUL IN A ‘FRAUDULENT’ ELECTIONS – PPP calls pronouncements ‘demented’ – Granger maintains silence on contradictory
position APNU+AFC Monday 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 pre-recorded statement Monday 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. 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 clear as day. Our investigations have revealed (Continued on page 32)
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Communication process... From page21 realize that along with the auditor it is working towards the organization’s goal of adding value and improving its operations. WAY FORWARD Instead of adopting a combative approach, internal auditors should at all times consider a balanced and constructive reporting style. They should strongly reserve critical language for situations where there is evidence of negligence or incompetence. Auditors must be mindful at all times of the consequences their words can have. Using harsh language, even if it is unintentional, can be counterproductive, and it may make management less
open to implementing the auditor’s recommendation. Yes, there are situations which will merit a highly critical report, however auditors need to consider whether the language used is indeed overcritical. CLOSING REMARKS If the internal auditor’s objective is to achieve beneficial change to the organisation, a balanced and constructive approach to the auditor’s findings and recommendations will offer the best options. Audit communications should be clear, honest, and timely, and the report should not shy away from legitimate and justified criticisms. They should be choosing their re-
porting language carefully, and in so doing, they should avoid language that may ultimately undermine their efforts. They must remain professional, objective and be independent at all times. Even when auditors are kind and positive, they should not abandon their fact-based conclusions in exchange for good cooperation from management. Management on the other hand, has to realize that a teamwork approach is necessary, hence an excellent working relationship is necessary. That being said, to both the internal auditor and management avoid being antagonistic in the communication process.
COVID-19: The disease for ... From page 23 this infection. The world is still baffled by this infection. This virus is playing games with us and is winning so far. We have not been able to come up with a definitive treatment plan that can guarantee good outcomes for those infected with the virus. There is no way to predict who will and will not survive the infection at this point. It has a way of beating you down to submission; some get sicker and weaker by the
day and make it through, while others are not so fortunate. For those that die from the infection, it’s a slow, suffocating and lonely death. They are in isolation and cannot get to see their loved ones as they slowly die. The best way to describe the suffocation, is similar to someone drowning slowly for hours to days. As a doctor, I’m scared of it. and you should be too. I’m am pleading with you all to help yourself, your loved
ones, and help us, the healthcare workers. We depend on you so much with this disease. We are fearful for our safety and that of our families. Yet, we still go to work knowing that you need us. Today I’m telling you that we need you more. Please, stay at home, wear your mask and practice good hygiene. If you do this and you do it well, we can win this and win it together. Save yourself, save the health workers and save Guyana!
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Inclusionary government mandated by Constitution not dependent on partisan trust
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nclusionary government is mandated by the Guyana Constitution not dependent on partisan trust. Those who seek to make this a partisan issue are clearly setting out to project themselves above the constitution with the authority to determine the rights of elected officials to participate in the various levels of decisionmaking/inclusion which the constitution provides for. How dare they? This is not a factor to be determined by any individual or any group. The fact is none should seek to or can deny the other the right to inclusion. The way some feel about trusting others is similarly felt by others who don't trust them. They must not be allowed to hold this nation hostage. Our concerns in this nation shouldn't be about who liking who but about the Rule of Law. The right to preference as to your friend or against who you like or don't like is respected. However, when elected to public office to serve Guyana that right cannot be upheld as it relates to governance and distribution of the nation's resources. As a nation we have to learn to trust each other and if we don't trust each other we must learn to trust the laws that are there to give direction as to how they govern. For it is this to which we must hold them accountable. Whereas some are of the view that President David Granger cannot be trusted to realise inclusionary democracy another section of society holds similar viewpoint that a president Irfaan Ali or the PPP under Bharrat Jagdeo's leadership cannot be trusted to do so either.
The argument is in the first three years, the Coalition Government headed by David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo held Local Government Elections (LGE) twice (2016 and 2018), satisfying the constitution requirement for de-centralised power from the Executive right down to the grassroots, i.e. the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). That record is unmatched by the PPP who for 21 years has failed to hold LGE and thus ensure the distribution of power among the people as provided for in the constitution. It is easy to make statements about who can be trusted and cannot. The evidence however rests in actual performance. There is a track record available for all those who seek truth and better understanding. It is the role of citizens of this country to hold all politicians accountable. Whereas the Coalition has five years, two of which were mired in disruption of smooth functioning of governance, the Opposition had 23 years to demonstrate an inclusionary posture. The fact remains in 2001 then President Jagdeo assented to Article 13 (inclusionary democracy). C l e a r l y, t h e P P P / C government had 14-plus years to give meaning to this article. They failed to do so hence their call today about the coalition not getting it done in this first term is sanctimonious hypocrisy on their part. As per Article 13, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by 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 wellbeing.” With this addition of our law, to the extent where same speak definitively to inclusionary democracy, it is not a choice of any government to exercise or not exercise. It is a constitutional mandate that the electorate must hold whichever party/group is in power accountable to. Anyone speaking now to inclusionary democracy as something to be used as a weapon and means of coercion of the other is demonstrating here that they have no intention towards good governance. Clearly, they don't understand what their constitutional role is and what are the rights of “others” in society. Both parties promised a more inclusive government in their manifestos. Whereas the Opposition had 23 years and delivered once (1994) on LGE, the coalition in its first term delivered two but fell short in similar manner as its
predecessor in not devolving more financial autonomy. The NDCs are up and running with the PPP in control of significant amount in all regions. The same can be said of the Regional Democratic Council where the Opposition controls six. There is no question that political power is decentralised, meaning it is shared. The nation is yet to see greater financial autonomy at all levels of distribution. Articles 75 and 76 of the Constitution speak to this but we have seen the failure on the part of the Executive and Legislature to enact the necessary legislation that parties only remember when they are in opposition. Though the coalition showed more promise of inclusion from the get-go it could always be argued they could have done more. In fact, the coalition has not had enough sittings and fallen short in making full use of the legislature to deepen and strengthen governance. The fact many are today aggrieved, anxious, suspicious of and are intolerant with each other is enough to turn our attention
to a system that portends to offer an environ ment where we can peacefully co-exist in mutual respect. Acceptance of this possibility does not ignore the potential for ethnic conflicts but recognises the pluses that could be derived from proceeding in this direction. Guyana can no longer be hamstrung by the absence of political will. We can no longer remain wedded to misunderstanding of the constitution, hatred for the instrument because of who it is associated with, gripped by fear of losing control or obsessed with hugging power. As per the constitution power is decentralised from the Executive right down to the NDCs- the grassroots. Underpinning this is recognition that whereas we are from diverse strains, diversity is not a wedge, but a strength, requiring the pooling of our resources for the development of the collective good. This presents opportunity to rise above historical conflicts under a political system that can guarantee the protection and well-being of all.
The electoral process is about competing for power and determining its distribution based on results/winnings. Competition is good for the body politics. There is no need to further share ministries. It is a ridiculous notion. The Executive is for the Government to run and the government must have in place their ministerial functionaries to do the job, not the opposition. The Opposition shares power at the level of the legislature where laws are made and oversight of the Executive is exercised by the Opposition. This is shared government at this nation's highest forum. The Opposition's role is to give oversight to the Government (protect the people from government excess). So to talk about sharing ministries is diluting the role of the Opposition and absorbing them in one force, diminishing their oversight capacity, role and function. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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g ts in s... re ure e t at n I re C
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Amazon River
Dolphin
he Amazon River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis), also known as the boto, bufeo or pink river dolphin, is a species of toothed whale classified in the family Iniidae. Three subspecies are currently recognized: I. g. geoffrensis (Amazon river dolphin), I. g. boliviensis (Bolivian river dolphin) and I. g. humboldtiana (Orinoco river dolphin) while position of Araguaian river dolphin (I. araguaiaensis) within the clade is still unclear. The three subspecies are distributed in the Amazon basin, the upper Madeira River in Bolivia, and the Orinoco basin, respectively. The Amazon river dolphin is the largest species of river dolphin, with adult males reaching 185 kilograms (408 lb) in weight, and 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) in length. Adults acquire a pink colour, more prominent in males, giving it its nickname "pink river dolphin". Sexual dimorphism is very evident, with males measuring 16% longer and weighing 55% more than females. Like
(Inia geoffrensis)
other toothed whales, they have a melon, an organ that is used for bio sonar. The dorsal fin, although short in height, is regarded as long, and the pectoral fins are also large. The fin size, unfused vertebrae, and its relative size allow for improved manoeuvrability when navigating flooded forests and capturing prey. They have one of the widest ranging diets among toothed whales, and feed on up to 53 different species of fish, such as croakers, catfish, tetras and piranhas. They also consume other animals such as river turtles and freshwater crabs. In 2008, this species was ranked by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as being data deficient, due to the uncertainty regarding its population trends and the impact of threats. While hunting is a major threat, in recent decades greater impacts on population have been due to the loss of habitat and inadvertent entanglement in fishing lines.
It is the only species of river dolphin kept in c a p t i v i t y, m a i n l y i n Venezuela and Europe; however, it is difficult to train and a high mortality is seen among captive individuals. The Amazon river dolphins are commonly seen singly or in twos, but may also occur in pods that rarely contain more than eight individuals. Pods as large as 37 individuals have been seen in the Amazon, but average is three. In the Orinoco, the largest observed groups number 30, but average is just above five. During prey time, as many as 35 pink dolphins work together to obtain their prey. Typically, social bonds occur between mother and child, but may also be seen in heterogeneous groups or bachelor groups. The largest congregations are seen in areas with abundant food, and at the mouths of rivers. There is significant segregation during the rainy season, with males occupying the river
channels, while females and their offspring are located in flooded areas. However, in the dry season, there is no such separation. Due to the high level of prey fish, larger group-sizes are seen in large sections that are directly influenced by whitewater (such as main rivers and lakes, especially during low water season) than in smaller sections influenced by blackwater (such as channels and smaller tributaries). In their freshwater habitat they are apex predators and gatherings depend more on food sources and habitat availability than in oceanic dolphins where protection
from larger predators is necessary. Captive studies have shown that the Amazon river dolphin is less shy than the bottlenose dolphin, but also less sociable. It is very curious and has a remarkable lack of fear of foreign objects. However, dolphins in captivity may not show the same behaviour that they do in their natural environment, where they have been reported to hold the oars of the fishermen, rub against the boat, pluck underwater plants, and play with sticks, logs, clay, turtles, snakes, and fish. They are slow swimmers; they commonly
travel at speeds of 1.5 to 3.2 kilometres per hour (0.93 to 1.99 mph) but have been recorded to swim at speeds up to 14 to 22 kilometres per hour (8.7 to 13.7 mph). When they surface, the tips of the snout, melon and dorsal fins appear simultaneously, the tail rarely showing before diving. They can also shake their fins, and pull their tail fin and head above the water to observe the environment. They occasionally jump out of the water, sometimes as high as a meter (3.14 ft). They are harder to train than most other species of dolphin. (Source: Wikipedia)
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K O O
B
Book: Gathering the Waters Author: Keisha-Gaye Anderson Critic: Glenville Ashby, PhD ‘Gathering the Waters' is a compendium of insightful writings, a hagiography, no less, to motherhood. Invariably, the past and the present are fused by ancestral bloodlines. IlleIfe- the Motherland is invoked. It is a trove of wisdom and resilience, a reservoir of pain and conflict, and the ground zero for healing and redemption. 'Gathering the Waters' is the womb, the Holy Grail, its vastness and potential unimaginable - God, or 'All that Is,' is defined in practical terms. Poet Keisha-Gaye Anderson is imbued with an
Sunday May 31, 2020
The Strength of
Femininity
indef atigable blueprint; she is a survivor, not unlike those before her. On personal and collective responsibility, she is unyielding. On filial piety she is ever mindful. There's a spiritual bond that spans the length of time, but there is also separation, so essential for independence and ultimately, individuation. Anderson's work speaks to the fruition of self and the infinite quality of time. She delivers her art with triadic, steeped-line, and syllabic verses that lend an atmosphere of solemnity, reverence and triumph; her every inflection intoned with sentience. Hers is an unmistakable ode to life, an enduring message on the unfailing nature of the feminine spirit. A combative spirit it is, hardened by adversity, but equally capable of immeasurable love. In 'Stones,' this message is palpable:
“But don't judge me for being rough my children because inside this tamarind heart is a churning volcano ready to erupt for you rain black earth into concrete so you can take root and grow yourself into a new rainbow Stand on the foundation of my soul, my children, and make me molten once more so I can explode into new worlds paint colours your eyes can't see. It's time for an avalanche of love to put ignorance out of its misery reveal the mystery in the seed of life...” In 'From Ile-Ife,' there is a profound sense of being that centres on the immutability and omnipresence of femininity. She writes, “But I am still here in my mother's skin Swaying through these streets to the rhythm of my beating heart a hymn to the one true reality
and carry always with me the majesty and mystery that is Great Mother I am still here in my mother's skin swaying through these streets to the rhythm of my beating heart a hymn to the one true reality and carry always with me the majesty and mystery that is the Great Mother...” 'I am the Caribbean' is steeped in existentialism. Enslavement and depersonalization cannot bend the will to meaning. In many ways, the human spirit is immortal. It adapts and refashions itself to survive victoriously like the fabled Phoenix. She pens, “From the belly of a ship named for supposed nobility I came this way I became the jigsaw puzzle floating on the archipelago... skipping from bata to tassa to nyabinghi weaving through me I came to be that diasporic medley calling me down to ride through life changing shape as I see fit and though we may forget the names of spirit we call them viscerally...” 'Mask' trumpets the resilience and strength of the feminine spirit. There is a dominion and sovereignty to sisterhood, so pristine and untapped, a resourcefulness unlimited. “Do not remove your mask here, my sister there is too much unraveling left to do so many becomings hinging on your every memory of you...” In 'Enough,' Anderson, exhales, exhausted by the avarice and spite that plague the world. Of God's existence, of his munificence and compassion, she enquires, “We've been on a mission kicking stones, for signs of life but they only hurl themselves, and their misgivings at the living to draw blood in search of answers to that question: What is God? Enough waking mothers and lull-a-bying sleepwalkers It's time for time to end and for Life to begin This is the final chance to find
the road map home.” In like vein, institutions fashioned by greed are in the crosshairs of Anderson. Withering are her words in 'The Academy.' The cadence quickens, her words ever curt. She chides our fleeting, fatuous indulgences; duped we are by a culture that shreds the authentic self. “What I have to say won't be filed in ivy walls places with protocols against spontaneous joy This heart/speech is saying has said needs repeating still These words roll bounce between the lips of the sisters who bend my locks into sculpture These ideas drip down the backs of unnamed builders, concrete churners who work always off the book This speech floats through the asylum and between lion cages called solitary confinement This is me today sees you cannot not see you know that you are dancing on my neck I must speak always speak with the inherited breath that carries me through this drudgery. In 'Fire Woman,' her appeal to lineage is never more present. The womb is untainted, never inclined to destroy itself. Anderson is the product of that unblemished source, primitive, yes! but not in the way we were taught. Here,
'primitive' takes on a supramundane feeling. It represents the Universal Mother Principle rooted in people and culture. An incontrovertible truth. We are admonished. “She is still here from Clarendon to Brooklyn call her Iris, Lilith call her Isis, Kali call her savvy She's got stamina for the marathon of creation sucks her teeth at your corset for jubilation blinders wrapper in the backs promises called pensions.” 'Maps,' 'Memory,' 'Sisters,' 'Enough,' and other writings follow in like vein, each cementing Anderson's enduring message of identity and self-actualization. The importance of 'Gathering the Waters' is already noted long before the curtain falls. As a piece de resistance, a grand symphony of truths that stirs the soul, Anderson's work is unmatched. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) F e e d b a c k : glenvilleashby@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter@glenvilleashby Gathering the Waters KeishaGaye Anderson Copyright 2020 Keisha-Gaye Anderson P u b l i s h e r : JamiiPublishing.com, San Bernardino, CA ISBN: 978-0-9912975-2-8 Available at Amazon Ratings: Highly recommended.
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Kaieteur News
The Yoruba Singers...
Guyana’s longest surviving band celebrates 49 years of keeping authentic folklore music, African culture alive By Kiana Wilburg Since its genesis in May 1971, the Yoruba Singers has been nourishing the soul of Guyana’s music industry with its impressive vocals and unforgettable performances. It stands today as the only band whose body of work is an outstanding embodiment of what it means to keep the African culture alive with passion and honour. The leader of the band, Mr. Eze Rockcliffe, said he is indeed overjoyed for having attained such a feat. During an interview with Kaieteur News, Rockcliffe who is known for his exhilarating performances, said he is humbled by the fact that Yoruba Singers is Guyana’s longest surviving band while noting that he is proud of the legacy it is building with its current members, Joycelyn Rockcliffe (his wife), Herman Barnett, Kenneth Rockcliffe, Gordon Henry, Paul Barker, Peter Callender, Keron Richards, Earl Paul, and Xonephon Golliah. Further to this, Rockcliffe noted that the recent celebration of the band’s 49th anniversary is truly significant for him as the band has been able to project its African culture through music. The singer said he is thrilled that the group was able to share these rich cultural experiences with all the races of Guyana and even beyond these shores. In this regard, Rockcliffe noted that
the band performed at Madison Square Garden which he said is regarded as one of the epitomes of entertainment centres in the world. The Yoruba Singers lead singer said, “We were the only Guyanese group that ever performed at Madison Square Garden. In addition to that, we also attended three Carifestas: Jamaica-1976; Havanna, Cuba-1979; and Barbados-1981. We also took part in Carifestas in Guyana. One was in 1972 and the other was 2008.” Upon reflection on the band’s work over the years, Rockcliffe said the experiences have surely been rewarding. He was keen to note however that the band could have flourished even more than it had at this point if only there was more support offered by the powers that be. His criticism in this regard was directed mainly to the Department of Culture. “I could cite several instances where they showed that they lacked the presence of mind to project a cultural iconic masterpiece on more than one occasion. When we have our national celebrations, for example, most of the time, there is an exclusion of the Yoruba Singers. I don’t know if it is a lack of knowledge or oversight... But if they do their research, they would learn from stalwarts who used to control that Department and who ensured that
Three of the Yoruba Singers’ CDs which are available for purchase
Mr. Eze Rockcliffe, lead singer of the Yoruba Singers Guyana’s folklore music was kept alive and well and was always present at national events,” Rockcliffe stated. In this regard, he made reference to officials like Billy Pilgrim, Daphney Rogers, Francis Quamina Farrier, Vibert Cambridge, and Ken Cosby. These individuals he contended understood the power of culture as well as the importance of folklore music while noting that at the top of the list for such persons was the late L. F. S Burnham. The lead singer said that those who currently lead the Department of Culture do not have to look too far to understand how important it
The Yoruba Singers’ Eze Rockcliffe and his wife Joycelyn during one of their passion-filled performances
is for countries to support their own and how beneficial that turns out to be for the country in the long run. “Our neighbour Trinidad and Tobago is a glorious example of this, just look at how Machel Montano has been supported and was able to contribute tremendously along with his other colleagues to the economy...In Jamaica, there are numerous superstars contributing to their economy,” the musical savant stated. Taking this into consideration, Rockcliffe said that there needs to be way more effort on the part of the Department of culture in helping Guyanese artists. In providing recommendations in this regard, the band leader said that the Department of Culture can start by creating a cultural database and including in its annual budget, packages to assist artists so that they can record and promote their music. He said that the department can also assist with the distribution of the recordings as well as having cultural exchanges with other countries for Guyana’s benefit. He said that such bilateral talks on culture took place during the Burnham era. Those efforts, Mr. Rockcliffe shared, were instrumental in paving the way for a group called the Chronicle Atlantic Symphony to travel the world and promote the Guyanese sound and culture. In addition to this, he said that the Burnham era also saw the establishment of the People’s Culture Corps. Rockcliffe said that this was a group of artists who travelled the length and breadth of Guyana doing concerts and so forth. They were also paid by the
government for same. Further to this, the Yoruba Singers’ leader said that the lack of support for musicians today makes it even more difficult for many to survive. He confidently stated that should there be a change in this state of affairs where the country’s artists are given the right environment that aids their development, more talented Guyanese would join the industry. Rockcliffe said, “Right now, I would agree with sentiments that it feels like a thankless profession at times. The COVID-19 situation has highlighted that. Musicians are unable to make a living because of the travel restrictions and other measures in place. In such a circumstance, I think there should be some package, some kind of interim relief for our musicians and other members of the arts who are affected by this crisis. But they seem to be forgotten.” In spite of the daunting state of affairs, Rockcliffe said he is still grateful for the band’s resilience and its achievements over the years. He was keen to note, however, that its success was not attained without the unwavering support of its supporters. One of the band’s most faithful followers was the late Derry Etkins who recently passed away.
On this front, Rockcliffe was quick to state that Etkins was indeed an outstanding musician. Rockcliffe described him as a noble person who always cared for other musicians. “I would even say he was an auxiliary member of the Yoruba singers. He started very young as a member of the Graduate’s Band, then he served in a group called the Tell Stars. He was also in the Queen’s College Sincom Band which I believe was the first band he was part of.” Overall, Rockcliffe said Etkins was truly a highly qualified musician and an excellent music teacher who will not only be missed by the Yoruba Singers but the entire industry. Even though the COVID19 pandemic has affected its weekly work programme, the lead singer was keen to note that the band’s CDs such as Ojinga Zone, Fighting for Survival, A we like dem song dis, and a cover album called Songs we love to dance, are available for purchase. Persons desirous of filling their days with the hypnotizing and melodious sounds of the Yoruba Singers can uplift copies at Lot 90 Laluni Street, Georgetown. For more information you can make contact with Mr. Rockcliffe by calling 2257714.
The late Derry Etkins, a revered Guyanese musician was one of the Yoruba Singers’ most beloved supporters
PAGE 32
From page 25 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.” WEDNESDAY SUDAN, PAPUA NEW GUINEAGOAFTER EXLEADERS FOR CORRUPTION, STOLEN ASSETS – US$4B RECOVERED SO FAR Two oil producing nations have recently demonstrated to the world that when it comes to the fight against corruption, not even their exleaders will be spared. Just four days ago, Bloomberg reported that the authorities in Sudan were able to successfully confiscate assets valued at US$4 billion from former President Omar alBashir, his family members and associates. Salah Manaa, a spokesperson for the AntiCorruption and Regime Dismantling Committee, said that the assets confiscated included land, shares in different companies and buildings. The Committee was praised highly for successfully taking a significant bite out of Bashir’s wealth. The former leader, who was overthrown by the army a year ago amid mass protests against his three-decade rule, was jailed in December after being found guilty of illicitly possessing millions of dollars in foreign currencies, and has also been indicted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity committed in the western region of Darfur. Sudan’s anticorruption body was only set up only late last year and is trying desperately to purge remnants of the Bashir regime which left the country deeply entrenched in corruption. In Transparency International’s 2019 Corruption Perceptions Index, Sudan shares an infamous 173rd rank (out of 180) with Equatorial Guinea. Over in Papua New Guinea, Bloomberg reported that former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has been charged with misappropriation, official corruption and abuse of office. O’Neill, who denies the allegations, was arrested at Jackson’s International
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Kaieteur News
Airport in Port Moresby on Saturday last after flying back from Australia, where he’d been stranded due to the coronavirus lockdown. Police say the case against O’Neill relates to the purchase of two generators for more than A$20 million (US$13 million) from Israel when he was leading the country. Assistant Commissioner of Crimes Hodges Ette said in a statement that O’Neill directed payments for the purchase of the generators without due consideration for procurement processes, without approval of parliament and without a tender process. REGION OF THE AMERICAS IS EPICENTER OF COVID-19 – PAHO DIRECTOR …CALLS FOR INTENSIFIED EFFORTS TO PROTECT THOSE WITH UNDERLYING CONDITIONS The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Carissa F. Etienne, Tuesday said the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Region of the Americas must include chronic disease care. This is in light of the fact, the PAHO Director said, one in four people are at increased risk of poor outcomes from COVID19 due to underlying non communicable diseases (NCDs) This was contained in a PAHO released concluded that with more than 2.4 million cases and over 143,000 deaths the Americas is now the epicenter of the COVID19 pandemic. Dr. Etienne during a media briefing Tuesday said, “as cases continue to rise in our region, our efforts to protect those with underlying conditions must intensify.” In South America, “we are particularly concerned that the number of new cases reported last week in Brazil was the highest for a sevenday period, since the outbreak began. Both Peru and Chile are also reporting a high incidence,” she said. For most countries in the Americas, “now is not the time to relax restrictions or scale back preventive strategies. Now is the time to stay strong, remain vigilant and aggressively implement proven public health measures,” Dr. Etienne said. She added, “We have never seen such a deadly relationship between an infectious disease and NonCommunicable Diseases. Some of the data are truly alarming, especially for our region, where NCDs are pervasive,” she said. “We
need aggressive preventive measures to protect people with diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases from the new coronavirus.” GRANGER SAYS NOT AFRAID OF MEDIA – IN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH STATE TELEVISION BROADCASTER Incumbent President David Granger – in an exclusive interview with Chairman of the Board of Directors of the state broadcaster, National Communications Network Television, Enrico Woolford – stated that he was “not afraid of the media” and urged journalists to be more truthful in their reporting on the election recount and its attendant issues. “My only desire is that the media should be truthful,” Granger said, “and explain to the Guyanese people what has occurred since the second of March and I believe if the media were truthful, if political parties
were honest, we would be able to overcome some of the anxieties and apprehension. There has been a lot of misinformation, there have been fake reports and this has caused the confusion.” The President was responding to Woolford’s question about the increasing number of media outlets and the role of the social media in disseminating politically partisan false information. As Kaieteur News has been reporting there has been a marked increase in the incidence of such false information being pushed by political players, particularly during the past two weeks. The APNU+AFC page , for example, had posted that a coalition agent had found dozens of discrepancies in a Sophia ballot box that had not yet been opened to be recounted. Additionally, as reported in Kaieteur News, a Berbice couple, who had been included on a list of persons that the Granger-led coalition had claimed were marked as voting despite
having migrated, proved that they were in the country and claimed to have voted for the coalition. Most notably, on May 15th, the Granger government had issued a press release through the Department of Information congratulating the president on the 5th anniversary of his being sworn in and for his reelection. THURSDAY SHAREHOLDERS LAMBASTE EXXONMOBIL FOR INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE ExxonMobil’s poor response to the risks of climate change was one of the top issues raised Wednesday at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders. During the conference call, one of the shareholders actually deemed the company to be a slacker in this regard and moved a motion for the combined roles of Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer to be separated to ensure better action is taken in the future. Liz Gordon, Executive Director of Corporate Governance for the New York State Common Retirement Fund was the bold shareholder who confronted the company with this proposal. Gordon contended that having the two roles separated is a fundamental principle of corporate governance. She explained that a Board is led by its Chair and is responsible for protecting shareholders’ interests by providing oversight of management which is led by the CEO. She said there is an inherent conflict when a CEO is tasked with oversight of himself or herself. Furthermore, when the CEO and Chair positions are combined, Gordon said it results in excessive influence on the Board. The shareholder also expressed the belief that the combined positions are what resulted in (Continued on page 33)
Sunday May 31, 2020
From page 32 the company lagging behind its peers on financial performance, shareholder engagements and risk oversight, especially climate risks.In this regard, she said, “Exxon is a laggard in addressing climate risks. Our company has no enterprise-wide targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction from its own operations, does not even disclose the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of its products, much less articulate any ambition to reduce those emissions and (it) invests to grow its hydrocarbons production at a rate that is clearly inconsistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.” By contrast, Gordon said that peers such as British Petroleum and Shell have disclosed detailed plans for managing the low carbon transition that were developed in response to engagement with their investors. COALITION DOES NOT INTEND TO PROVIDE ACTUAL EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT MAJORITY OF ITS FRAUD CLAIMS – EXPECTS GECOM TO INVESTIGATEWHETHER ALLEGATIONSARE FACTUAL The APNU+AFC Coalition has no intention of
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Kaieteur News
proving a majority of its claims of elections irregularities, as it relates to people for which it claims votes were fraudulently cast while they were outside of the jurisdiction on Election Day. This particular grouping of ‘foreign voters’ accounts for 1,261 (or 65 percent) of the Coalition’s 1,937 claims of irregularities. PNCR Executive, Aubrey Norton indicated that the party expects GECOM to investigate to determine whether the claims are factual. Norton’s comments were made at the National Recount Media Centre Wednesday. The party had previously said that it would provide evidence, even saying that it has already started providing evidence to GECOM. However, when asked Wednesday what percentage of the evidence the Coalition has presented to GECOM to support any of their many claims of electoral fraud, Norton evaded the question. His response spoke to the presentation of death certificates: “Well, to provide the evidence, you would recognise, you have to get the death certificates. We have been doing that.” The claims of dead voters amount to 40, as of the last table posted by APNU+AFC
up to press time. This amounts to about two percent of all the party’s claims of irregularities. But on the issue of proving votes were cast for persons who were out of the jurisdiction on Election Day, Norton said, “We are also working on the list of persons who were on Election Day
outside the jurisdiction.” Norton was asked what evidence is being presented to prove these specific claims. He responded, AFTER FIVE YEARS, GRANGER RETURNS TO SHARED GOVERNANCE AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM RHETORIC
For the second time in two weeks, incumbent President David Granger has returned, if tangentially, to the rhetoric on shared governance and constitutional reform, central pillars of his presidential campaigns of 2011 and 2015. In an exclusive interview on Monday with Enrico Woolford, Chairman of the Board of the Directors of state broadcaster, National Communications Network Television, the President lamented the state of politics in Guyana “The politics process is what it is,” Granger said “Maybe sometime in the future, there could be a reexamination of the process and maybe a modification of the process if it is found to be inadequate…I don’t want to go too much into that, it is a subject for constitutional reform.” This reference to changing the political infrastructure of a country, which he has served as Executive President for over the past five years follows his broaching the topic during a May 18 radio interview with Coalition supporter Mark Benschop. In that interview, Granger cited former Education Minister and WPA executive Dr. Roopnaraine pointing out that the winnertake-all system could not continue. “The formula, as has been laid out by my colleague Rupert Roopnaraine,” Granger told Benschop, “people who win 51 per cent of the vote must not behave as if they won 100 per cent of the vote and people who only got 49 per cent of the vote must not be treated as if they got no per cent of the votes and, I live by that. I would like to see an inclusionary form of government.”
The two interviews would represent the first time Granger has significantly addressed the issue of power sharing, and constitutional reform towards that end, in the past five years. He has stayed away from the question of constitutional reform, leaving portfolio responsibility for it to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. FRIDAY NATIONAL COVID-19 TASK FORCE DENIES GECOM’S REQUEST FOR MORE RECOUNT WORKSTATIONS The National COVID-19 Task Force, through its Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) arm, has written to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to indicate that the request for two additional recount work stations has been denied. This denial was registered to the Chair of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, in a letter from the HEOC Coordinator, Dr. Colin James. The Task Force is chaired by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, while the Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat is Joseph Harmon. Dr. James noted previous reports the Task Force supplied to GECOM on safe guidelines for operations at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) during the National Recount, as grounds for the refusal. The first was given to the GECOM on April 21, 2020 after the Task Force’s first examination of the Centre, as of GECOM’s initial request for 10 workstations. The second was given on May 15, 2020, after the second visit of the Task Force to the Centre, (Continued on page 34)
PAGE 34
From page 33 as of GECOM’s first request for six additional work stations. The Task Force had only approved two. The May 15 letter had stated “In the conclusion, the HEOC (Health Emergency Operations Center) is of the view that the previous guidelines are not being adhered to and that the ACCC is congested enough and therefore our final recommendation is that we do not envisage more than two additional workstations as this will increase the probability of the spread of infection and is not in keeping with WHO/ PAHO and the HEOC established guidelines on containment and mitigation measures.” This time around, GECOM had hoped that the Task Force would reconsider its previous guidelines. But it didn’t. Attaching the reports to the letter, Dr. James stated that the Task Force cannot concede to the request, which would not only increase the number of stations but the number of persons at the Centre during the Recount. SHAREHOLDERS SAY “DARK MONEY” CAN CORRUPT DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS WITHOUT FULLTRANSPARENCY – CALL ON EXXONMOBIL TO PROVIDE MORE DETAILS ON POLITICAL, ELECTORAL CONTRIBUTIONS In acknowledgement of the fact that oil money can corrupt democratic institutions, shareholders
Sunday May 31, 2020
Kaieteur News
have challenged ExxonMobil’s hierarchy to make more detailed disclosures on the company’s political and electoral contributions. A proposal in this regard was proffered on Wednesday during ExxonMobil’s Annual Shareholders Meeting. Speaking on the proposal was Tim Brennan, Special Advisor on responsible investing at the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Brennan requested that the company report to shareholders on policies and procedures for making political contributions with corporate funds and on election related contributions and expenditures, including indirect funding of elections and trade associations. The Special Advisor said that one of the UUA’s seven principles calls for the upholding of the democratic process. In this regard, he said, “We are deeply concerned that excessive spending and dark money in elections can corrupt democratic institutions and undermine public trust, especially if it comes without full transparency. Furthermore, we believe that transparency and accountability and corporate spending to influence elections are in the best interest of shareholders.” Expounding further, the shareholder noted that the Center for Political Accountability Zicklin Index, benchmarks the political disclosure and accountability policies and practices of leading U.S. public companies. With a middling score of 61 out of 100 in 2019,
A five-car accident occurred at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara – luckily, there were no injuries (Sandra-dee Barker photos).
he said that Exxon showed some improvement but still scored poorly on disclosure of election spending that goes beyond the minimum mandated by law. Brennan said that these payments are often referred to as “dark money” because the connection between the donor, that is, the company and the candidates is hidden from public view.
In addition to this, Brennan said that the Zicklin Index report reveals that Exxon does not disclose entire categories of payments intended to influence elections, such as independent expenditures, indirect contributions through trade associations and payments to so called social welfare organizations. The shareholder said that
such admissions can make it appear that the company has something to hide. NO LEGALPATHWAY FOR GECOM TO ANNUL ELECTIONS – NANDLALL SAYS People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive, Anil Nandlall, Thursday evening said that there is no legal pathway for the annulment of the March 2, General and Regional Elections by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), before a declaration is made. In fact, Nandlall, who is an attorneyat-law, stated that only the High Court holds the power to exercise such. During an engagement with the press outside of the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC), he specifically stated that, “An election can only be annulled by the Court. GECOM is the institution holding the elections; GECOM can’t convert itself into a judge and jury and judge itself. You have a problem with how GECOM acted, you have to go to the Court and the Court annuls it. There is no provision in the law at all for GECOM to deal with disputes,” Nandlall said to the press Thursday evening. General Secretary of the PPP/C, Bharrat Jagdeo, had initially opined that the governing coalition is
attempting to get GECOM to annul the March 2 Elections, as the Coalition had begun to raise many objections during the Recount. Why would APNU+AFC want the elections annulled? Jagdeo believes it is because the coalition knows it lost the elections, and that it does not want the actual results to be considered and accepted by GECOM as official. It maybe puzzling to some that APNU+AFC would want to have the elections annulled, since the party has maintained that it won the elections. SATURDAY INVESTIGATION INTO APNU+AFC OBJECTIONS… GUNRAJ, ALEXANDER GIVE CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS OF CLAUDETTE SINGH’S ACTIONS Commissioners representing the major sides of the political divide are giving conflicting accounts about what is being done by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Justice Claudette Singh with regard to GECOM ‘s investigation into claims of irregularities being raised by the APNU+AFC Coalition. Commissioner Vincent Alexander said on Thursday that Singh wrote to the Chief (Continued on page 35)
Sunday May 31, 2020
From page 34 Immigration Officer to seek confirmation of a list of names provided by the Coalition of persons it claims to have been out of the jurisdiction on Election Day, when votes were fraudulently cast in their names. On the other hand, Commissioner Sase Gunraj said that the Commission has not made any decision on how it will deal with the allegations being brought forward by the Coalition, and that he is not aware of such a correspondence being sent out. Gunraj said that the Commission has not even received any such information from the Coalition – let alone, to act on it, even though the Commission met as late as noon Friday. On Thursday, when Alexander, a Governmentnominated Commissioner, approached the Media Centre outside of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, and told the press of a decision made to write to the Immigration Department. He said, “They [Coalition] have provided to us with names of persons who according to them, would have migrated and who would have been voted for.” He continued, “Those have been sent to the Chief Immigration Officer for verification. The Chief Immigration Officer under Regulation 40 of the National Registration Act has an obligation to periodically provide information to the Chief Registration Officer. So I think it is in that context that the CRO requested information from the CIO.” However, the National Registration Act only has 27 sections and it was not clear
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Kaieteur News
to the paper where the regulations Alexander referred to applied. When asked at another point in the interview, about who sent out the correspondence, Alexander responded, EXXONMOBIL ENCOUNTERS MORE ISSUES, NOW FLARING 15 MILLION CUBIC FEET OF GAS PER DAY – EPA HEAD Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams confirmed with Kaieteur News Friday night that ExxonMobil, despite its “best efforts”, has been unable to fix a troublesome gas processor, hence it is still flaring. The official explained that the company is now flaring 15 million cubic feet of gas per day instead of the 80 million cubic feet when it first started during start up last year on the Liza Destiny oil vessel. Dr. Adams said, “When they thought they were at the end,
they just encountered more issues but they are fixing those. The flaring rate went from about 80 million cubic feet per day and came down…So it is now up to 15 million cubic feet per day.” Dr. Adams said that the issues still pertain to the gas compressor and its seal. Asked to say if COVID-19 travel restrictions are affecting the pace at which ExxonMobil is expected to quickly address the matter or if there are other factors. This question was posed taking into account that Dr. Adams had given assurances that flaring would have been over since last week. In response, the EPA official said Kaieteur News should pose that question to the operator. He noted however that the EPA, the Department of Energy and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are working together with ExxonMobil on the matter. The official also stressed that there is nothing for Guyanese to be alarmed about where this matter is concerned. While the EPA Head holds
that view, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is convinced that Guyana’s authorities are perhaps failing to understand the true magnitude of what is taking place. In a recent statement to the press, the not-for-profit law firm noted that flaring releases greenhouse gases and toxins which threaten the global climate, the local environment and public health. CIEL which was founded in 1989 also noted that the almost sixmonth duration of the flaring by ExxonMobil suggests more than a one-time, technical glitch. RECOUNT EXTENDED TO 13TH JUNE -AS 82 BOXES COUNTED ON DAY 24 After failing to complete the National Recount within the 25 days initially allocated, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has extended the date of the exercise to June 13, thereby providing an additional 14 days to complete the recount. In a gazetted
addendum, it stated that the recount shall be conducted continuously e a c h d a y, i n c l u d i n g weekends and holidays, from 08:00hrs to 19:00hrs at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal on the East Coast. It additionally stated that the recount shall process with 12 workstations until its conclusion, an increase of two workstations from what was stated in the order. According to the order, the Commission shall, after deliberating on the report, determine whether it should request the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) to use the data compiled in accordance with paragraph 12 as the basis for the submission of a report under Section 96 of the Representation of the People Act Cap, provided that the Commission shall, no later than three days after receiving the report, make the declaration of the results of the credible count of the elections held on the March 2, 2020. Paragraph 12 of the order
stipulates that the matrices for the recount of the ten electoral districts shall then be tabulated by the Chief Elections Officer and shall be submitted in a report, together with a summary of the observation reports for each district to the Commission. Meanwhile, on what was Day 24 of the National Recount exercise, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) managed to complete the recount of an additional 82 ballot boxes. This now increases the total number of recounted ballot boxes to 1,548, with 791 to be counted. GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, informed the media Friday evening that the distribution for boxes was 25 for Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); 24 for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); nine for Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni); 11 for Region Nine (Upper Takaku-Upper Essequibo) and 13 for Region Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice).
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Sunday May 31, 2020
Sunday May 31, 2020
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Kaieteur News
NEW SHOW ALERT!
ENETWORKS ALL SET TO AIR “I MAY DESTROY YOU” SERIES NEXT MONTH For all the television fanatics in search of the next big hit, the Enetworks team has selected another promising series that you wouldn’t want to miss. It’s called, “I May Destroy You,” a sexual consent drama from rising British star Michaela Coel. Kaieteur Entertainment understands that it is set to debut on HBO on Sunday June 7 at 10:30pm. The series, which was previously known as January 22nd, explores the question of sexual consent in contemporary life and how, in the new landscape of dating and relationships, we make the distinction between liberation and exploitation. It was created by Chewing Gum creator and Black Earth Rising star Coel. It also stars Weruche Opia (Inside No9), Paapa Essiedu (Kiri) Aml Ameen (Yardie), Adam James (Belgravia), Sarah Niles (Catastrophe) and Ann Akin (Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams), Harriet Webb (Plebs), Ellie James (Giri/Haji), Franc Ashman (Peep Show), Karan Gill (Flesh & Blood), Natalie Walter (Horrible Histories) and newcomer Samson Ajewole. Make sure you mark your calendars for this one of a kind drama.
Enetworks to broadcast premiere of Veronica Mars on June 5
One of the mostly highly anticipated shows, Veronic Mars, is all set for a phenomenal debut on Sunday, June 5, at 9PM. According to the Enetworks team which will be airing the premiere, it is definitely a show, all home entertainment lovers would not want to miss. The mystery drama television series created by screenwriter Rob Thomas, is set in the fictional town of Neptune, California and stars Kristen Bell as the eponymous character. The character Veronica Mars is a highly-intelligent teenager/young woman who regularly assists her father, Keith Mars, in private-inves-
tigation work. Using the skills she learned to help her father, she often helps out her friends or is hired to help solve minor crimes/scandals. After her best friend Lilly Kane was murdered and her dad lost his job due to accus-
ing Lilly’s father, Jake Kane, Veronica became motivated to solve the mystery herself. In each episode, Veronica will also get to see her solve a different stand-alone case while working to solve a more complex mystery.
Home Entertainment tip...
Sangster’s Cream Liqueur recipes are sure to sweeten your weekend Sangster’s Original Jamaica Rum Cream Liqueur is a smooth, rich drink that is only a few decades old. Proudly distributed by Ansa McAL Limited , this liqueur was inspired by Bailey’s Irish Cream which was the first to combine the creaminess of dairy products with the tickling alcohol taste. If you want to sweeten your home entertainment activities this weekend, be sure to try these cocktail recipes listed below. Mudslide Ingredients: · 1 oz. of vodka. · 1 oz. of Kahlua. · 1 oz. of Jamaican rum cream. · 1 oz. of milk, cream, or vanilla ice cream. · Ice. Directions: place the ingredients into a blender and mix them until you can see a smooth texture and color. Then, pour the mix in a glass. You can also drizzle some chocolate syrup inside the glass to add some sweetness and a mudslide visual effect. Hummingbird Ingredients: · 2 oz. of vodka. · 1 oz. of Jamaican rum cream liqueur. ·½ oz. of Tia Maria or Kahlua. ·1 banana. · Milk. · Strawberry syrup. Directions: first, put all the ingredients in a blender and serve the drink with ice, as a smoothie. You can either blend the ice with the drink or drop a few cubes at the bottom of the glass. Banana Sandwich Ingredients: · ½ oz. of Kahlua. · 1/3 oz. of banana cream. · 1/6 oz. of Jamaican rum
cream. Directions: Shake the recipient well. Then, pour into a cocktail glass over a few ice cubes. Cherry Bomb Ingredients: · 1/3 oz. of Kahlua. · 1/3 oz. of Jamaican rum cream. · 1/6 oz. of banana cream. · 1/6 oz. of cherry brandy. Directions: This cocktail should be shaken well in the mixer and then served as quickly as possible, while still foaming at the top. SHOTS WITH JAMAICAN RUM CREAM
Cherry Blossom Ingredients: · 1/3 oz. of Swiss chocolate almond. · 1/3 oz. of Sherry. · 1/3 oz. of Jamaica rum cream. Directions: Layer the ingredients into a shot glass and serve immediately. DC-9 Ingredients: · 1/3 oz. of Kahlua. · 1/3 oz. of Sambuca. · 1/3 Oz. of Jamaican rum cream liqueur. Directions: This is another layered shooter drink that should be carefully prepared with cool ingredients.
727 Ingredients: · 1/3 oz. of Kahlua · 1/3 oz. of Amaretto · 1/3 oz. of Jamaica rum cream liqueur. Directions: simply layer all the ingredients in a shot glass and serve on the spot. All the ingredients should be refrigerated.
Desert Skies Ingredients: · 1/3 oz. of Kahlua. · 1/3 oz. of apricot brandy. · 1/3 oz. of Jamaica rum cream. Directions: take the cold ingredients and a cold shot glass, then layer them into the glass.
Kaieteur News
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Segregation, discrimination, Football! By Jade Barnes, aged 11 I shivered, in the cold, damp, eerie, weather. I was dressed in light blue shorts and white polo-neck. As I wrapped a scarf around my neck, it slithered like a snake. I pulled up my socks up to my knees, but they slid back down again. I started to run through the whistling wind. Suddenly, I looked up and saw a big ring fence, below the stadium. “Oi, you come here, you were meant to be playing 10 minutes ago,” I heard a man’s voice shout at me. I ran into the light blue stadium, on to the beautiful green grass. I stood in the middle of the pitch. The referee stood waiting for me and threw the football at the misty air. “Wait a minute,” the player opposite me said. I stood still in horror. The referee gestured as the player walked towards the ref.
I walked towards him as well. But he said: “Not you, you dirty piece of filth.” I stood drowned in depression, a tear dropping from my eye, when the manager told me that we need to talk. I turned and smiled at him
and followed him off the pitch. He told me not to worry about it, because I wouldn’t be playing any more. I knew why, it was because of my skin. The dark colour it is.
I had already been put down because of this before. I was used to it by now. But I wouldn’t let this bring me down. I went to the overgrown fields in the distance, and I set up my own football club. I painted the pitch lines after cutting the beautiful green grass. Then I gathered a group of people together. I didn’t care what colour skin they had, or if they had a disability. I didn’t care because we are all one. Now I still run the club. Sometimes we get the odd team that won’t play against us. But we don’t mind, we just think to ourselves, they don’t know the true meaning of football. They don’t know it unites us. So please, if this is happening to you, join a chat group, or even better a football club. And remember, the beautiful grass, is always greener on the other side.
The finished puzzle will contain a loop made of horizontal/vertical line segments that connects all the white and black circles. The line going thru a white circle must be straight. However, there must be at least one corner made on the dot immediate preceding or immediately following the white circle (or on both dots). The line going thru a black circle must turn a corner on the black circle. Both of the lines emanating from this corner need to go straight through the next dot before making any more turns.
One thing at a time Sometimes I find, when doing something, That I try to do another, Like when I am at homework, I want to play with my brother. I even know when I am at school, Doing some work for my teacher, I stop to chat with some friend, And then cannot finish ever. So I now see that whatever I am doing, I must put my whole mind to it; This is the only way I can do my best, And so make the most of any effort. This is also true of everything else, That I have to do each day, Whether eating, bathing, or any work at home, It is one thing at a time always.by Uncle Roy
Sunday May 31, 2020
Junior page
How to Make a Paper Circle Crab Craft Paper Circle Crab Craft red construction paper (or any other color you feel is crab worthy) blue paper for the base black marker two big googly eyes paper punch in 2 sizes or two circle shapes to trace around Step by Step Instructions Start by making the circles. If you have circle paper punches at your disposal, make circles with those, if not find round objects in different sizes – like a glass and a glass jar, and trace around them. You will need 1 big circle and 4 small oes. Fold all of the circles in half. Glue the bigger half circle on the base paper (lower half of the paper – in the middle). Make the claws – stick two smaller folded circles above the large one, forming a V shape. Do the same with the other pair of circles. Draw a set of legs with the black marker. Draw a line from the claws to the body of your paper crab. Stick two big googly eyes (or draw the
eyes) above the crab’s body. Draw a line from the eyes to the body with the black marker. All done! Your Paper Circle Crab Craft is complete.
Kaieteur News
Sunday May 31, 2020
Improve your Study habits and get the best results
PAGE 39
TEEN TIME
In this current period, when students are at home and must rely on themselves to keep working at their studies, it is important that all students should be trying to ensure that they do not waste time and energy in making the best of the time in which they study. Some people do not plan well on how and when to study and so, although they work hard at it, most times do not seem to be making much progress. Others who plan well to avoid distractions, and use various methods in helping them to absorb and remember what they need to learn, always do much better, even though they may not be working as hard. To help in this all-important effort, we give some tips below on how to organise yourself to be most efficient in your studies. Plan ahead and work to your plan, and you
will discover how much more pleasant and productive your study periods can be. 1. Get started when your schedule says so, and do not put it off, except for emergencies. Plan your study time - what you will do first, second, third, etc. 2. Study in a quiet room, sitting up straight at a desk or table. Try to ensure that others will not disturb you unnecessarily by asking them to leave anything not important for later when you
are not studying. 3. Be sure to have enough light. The whole room should be lighted so that there is no glare on your study material. At the same time, make sure that the light is not too glaring as to affect your sight. 4. Open a window, as you can study better when the air is fresh. Your brain will function so much more e ff i c i e n t l y w i t h f r e s h oxygen. 5. Concentrate on the work at hand. Force your
Kakuro
attention back whenever you get distracted or daydream. When you place all your energy to the work at hand, you will be able to do much better at it. 6. Take a break, say, every hour. A few minutes to stretch and walk around will help you to relax and concentrate better. Rest will serve to improve all the faculties that you need in studying – mental and physical. 7. Ask yourself questions as you read. Summarise what you are studying in your own words. Use the reference resources that you have to clarify all the material that you have to deal with, and try to obtain those that you don’t. Keep referring to these tips along the way so that you keep making the best of the time available for studying.
The Cell-phone Craze (by Oswald Gunraj) I am a cellular phone, Coming in various sizes, shapes and tones, I’m a modern top-class invention, Made for personal wireless communication; But ‘m very expensive, you see, Check it out and you’ll surely agree. I am a fancy cell-phone, Making different sounds and overtones; You will cool and exquisite, Placing me at your neck, waist or pocket; So get hungry, talk like you mad, As for me, I will eat up your phone card. I am a cell – a real attraction, Geared for your amusement and satisfaction, I am sure to make you happy, If you could only afford to own me; But remember, I like to be useful, And not just t make you look fanciful. I am a handy cell-phone, Use me in and out of your home; Go! Talk to some faces, Or let us together go places; Up, down, in or out, Whisper to me softly, don’t you shout. I am a fussy cellular, And I can be very peculiar, I need for you to keep me full of money, Or I will behave very funny; So keep me topped up all the time, And I will serve you rain or shine; Yes, I am a great cell-phone, But only if and when you keep control.
Kakuro puzzles are like a cross between a crossword and a Sudoku puzzle. Instead of letters, each block contains the digits 1 through 9. The same digit will never repeat within a word. If you add the digits in a word, the sum will be the number shown in the clue. Clues are shown on the left and right As in everything we do, distractions will sides of “across” words, and on the top and bottom sides of “down” serve to waste the effort we put into it. words.
This is most seen in our studies.
Solutions to last week’s
Crossword
Kaieteur News
Ways to Use Aloe Vera as a Beauty Product Makeup Remover: As a smokey eye fiend, I know firsthand how getting it off at the end of the night is a pain. Many makeup removers can be harsh on the delicate skin around the eye and dry it out. A quick trick? Take Aloe vera gel (either store-bought or straight from the plant) on a cotton pad and swipe away before hitting the sack. Sensitive Skin Facial Mask: You can soothe finicky skin with only three ingredients . Mix 1 Tbsp Aloe vera with 1 tsp coconut oil and 1 tsp of juiced lemon in a small bowl. After washing the skin, apply and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. (Obviously don’t apply to cuts or chapped skin — that lemon will burn if you do!) Overnight Firming Mask: You’ll need a blender needed for this overnight mask: take aloe juice and blend with half a cucumber and one egg white. Apply to your face and then head to bed. Word to the wise, use a pillowcase you aren’t in love with that night. Brow Gel: For a healthy and effective brow gel, simply dip a clean mascara wand in Aloe vera gel and brush over brows to keep them in place, sans sticky gel. Acne Fighter: Just because you have acne doesn’t mean you don’t need moisture! Apply pure Aloe vera straight from the plant to your blemishes and allow it to absorb; the soothing properties help inflammation while bacteria is eradicated. By the end of the day, your zits will have shrank considerably. Exfoliating Scrub: Aloe vera is an excellent addition to a homemade scrub – not only do you get all the benefits of the plant, but you also have the perfect base to carry other ingredients. Simply mix a palmful of brown sugar (or you can use baking soda) with aloe and rub into the skin in a circular motion. Voila! Smooth, radiant skin for pennies. Moisturizer: If you have oily skin, or if it’s the middle of summer and everything is too sticky and heavy, use straight Aloe vera as your moisturizer. It absorbs super fast and actually plumps fine lines. If you suffer from rosacea, you might also find relief in applying pure Aloe to affected areas. Aloe Vera For The Body: Boo Boo Aid: Aloe vera is great to have on hand for insect bites, stings, sunburns and other minor inflammations. A great trick is to fill an ice cube tray with Aloe vera gel and freeze. It’s an amazing source of relief, should the need arise. Shaving: Some beauty pros swear by using Aloe vera gel as a shaving cream. Simply apply to legs, bikini area, underarms and get to shaving! (Make sure you wash your razor afterwards, though.) You’ll find it also does double duty as a soothing aftershave. Moisturizer For Dry, Cracked Heels: Aloe vera applied directly on the heels plus socks overnight will do wonders! You can also use a foot mask with ½ cup of oatmeal, ¼ cup Aloe vera gel and ½ cup of your favorite body lotion and apply to your feet for super smooth feet. Add a few drops of tea tree oil for a fresh scent. DIY Hand Sanitizer & Hand Treatment: Every hand sanitizer out there now has Aloe included so you don’t dry out your hands. But did you know you could make your own? Take a ½ cup Aloe vera gel, ¼ cup alcohol and a few drops of your favorite essential oil to scent. The mixture works best in a spritz bottle; spray on hands and rub together. For an anti-aging hand treatment, take 1 Tbsp of raw Aloe and combine with 1 tsp of raw coconut oil. Warm on hands, massage into the skin, then rinse. All-Natural Mouthwash: Aloe benefits the gums immensely with antioxidants, antibacterial agents and antiviral properties, so it comes as no surprise that you can also rid yourself of bad breath with a quick AV swish. Simply mix 1 cup Aloe vera with ½ cup distilled water, 2 tps baking soda and 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Be careful not to swallow. Soothe an Upset Tummy: Aloe vera juice helps aid digestion, can soothe an upset stomach and has been proven to relieve heartburn. Too much, however, can have a laxative effect (if that’s what you’re going for, though …). Aloe Vera For Hair: Dry, Damaged Hair Mask: An Aloe vera hair mask can do wonders for straw-like overprocessed hair. Apply raw Aloe to the scalp; leave on for 30 minutes and then rinse. It helps strengthen growing hair as well as calm an irritated, itchy scalp. This treatment has major benefits for those of us who bleach our locks on a regular basis. https://www.youbeauty.com/beauty/16-waysto-use-aloe-vera-as-a-beauty-product/gel
Sunday May 31, 2020
Sunday May 31, 2020
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BENEFITS OF DRAGON FRUIT: 12 REASONS TO EAT MORE OF THIS EXOTIC FRUIT Dragon fruit — also known as cactus fruit, pitahaya or pitaya, dragon pearl fruit, strawberry pear, moonlovers, belle of the night or night blooming cereus — is a delicious, tropical superfood that comes with a wealth of health benefits. Originating in Central America, though also grown and exported in several Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, hylocereus undatus, is actually part of the cactus family, which totally makes sense because of its spiky outer layer. Dragon fruit comes in three different types: * red skin with red flesh * red skin with white flesh * yellow skin with white flesh Depending on the shape, size and species they can be sweet or sour and when you open it, its texture looks like that of a kiwi with the meat being filled with small black seeds that are known to improve digestion. Dragon fruit is a low-calorie food that is rich in antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, fiber and minerals and it is believed that the dragon fruit contains phytonutrients that prevent several diseases. Here is the nutritional profile of a dragon fruit. NutrientAmount per 100 g % Daily Value Calories Water 87 g Protein 1.1 g 2.1 % Fat 0.4 g Carbohydrates 11.0 g 3.4 %Fiber 3 g 12 % Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.04 mg 2.7 % Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.05 mg 2.9 % Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.16 mg 0.8 % Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 20.5 mg 34.2 % Calcium (Ca) 8.5 mg 0.9 % Iron (Fe) 1.9 mg 10.6 % Phosphorus (P) 22.5 mg 2.3 % The mythical fruit is so legendary, it comes with its own legend attached to it. To make dragon fruit more appealing, Asian vendors made up a fictitious tale that dragons created this fruit while breathing fire during battle and whoever eats the flesh of this fruit will possess dragonlike powers. Some of the impressive benefits of dragon fruit include supporting weight loss and bone health, improving digestion, slowing down the aging process, boosting our metabolic rate and fighting microbial and fungal infections. Let’s have a closer look at the benefits of dragon fruit
and the reasons why everybody should eat more of this exotic fruit. #1 Boosts Immune System Dragon fruit is loaded with flavonoids as well as flufighting vitamin C, which makes it the perfect combination for boosting our immune system. Fact is, this exotic fruit contains more vitamin C than a carrot, which makes it one of the top food sources of vitamin C. Additionally, dragon fruit is packed with antioxidants that help to fight free radicals and it even comes with vitamins B1, B2 and B3 as well as several minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, iron, and niacin as well as a healthy does of protein and fiber to keep our immune system running smoothly. #2 Aids Digestion Fiber aids digestion and the best way to get more fiber is through fruits and veggies. Dragon fruit comes with 3 grams of fiber per 100g serving, which can help to get rid of constipation and IBS issues and if you add it to your breakfast oatmeal, it helps with morning bowel movement. Dragon fruit also contains oligosaccharides, which work as a prebiotic and with that improve digestion and gut health. And on top of that, dragon fruit has a high water content, which can help to keep our digestive system work flawlessly. #3 Slows Down Aging Process One of the major reasons why our skin ages fast are free radicals. While there are many commercial products that claim to stop the aging process of the skin, these artificial creations can do more harm than good. Dragon fruit is a natural way to slow down the aging process because of its high antioxidant content, which stops the anti-aging effect of free radicals. You can either eat the dragon fruit or apply it on your skin to get a more youthful looking skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. #4 Heart Health It is estimated that approximately 175 million people die each year from heart problems, so it is essential that we do everything we can to keep our heart strong and healthy. A recent study showed that dragon fruit has the ability to lower bad cholesterol while at the same time increasing good cholesterol, which makes dragon fruit an awesome choice as a cholesterollowering food. Additionally,
dragon fruit comes with monounsaturated fats that keep our heart healthy. And let’s not forget, the little black seeds inside a dragon fruit provide omega-3 as well as omega-6 fatty acids, which can drop triglyceride levels. #5 Supports Bones Health and Density
After the age of 25 our bones start to lose their strength and density. This is particularly true for women. However, dragon fruit is a great source of phosphorus and calcium, a winning combination when it comes to retaining bone strength. Several studies show that people who consume dragon fruit on a regular basis are able to reduce the effects of osteoporosis and keep their bones healthy, strong and dense. #6 Improves Metabolic Rate If you are looking to increase your metabolic rate, the combination of protein and fiber makes a good team. Dragon fruit will help our body to absorb nutrients at a
much higher capacity and according to several studies, this exotic fruit can help to eliminate toxins more efficiently and clean our system effectively. Keep in mind, if you can increase your metabolic rate, you will be more successful in your weight loss efforts, which brings us to the
next point. #7 Aids Weight Loss If you want to add some spark to your weight loss efforts, add dragon fruit to your diet. Besides being delicious and nutritious, dragon fruit is a low-calorie food with only 52 calories in every 100 grams, which makes it a perfect replacement for your regular fruit. Change is the spice of life and in order to stick to a weight loss program, we have to change the taste of our meals on a regular basis so we won’t feel deprived of anything. Additionally, dragon fruit is high in fiber and water, which makes us feel full longer and prevents us from overeating. And apart from helping you to lose
weight, dragon fruit strengthens your body from within and tastes like it just fell out of a fairy tale. #8 Lowers Blood Sugar Diabetes is on the rise and keeping blood sugar levels in check is detrimental. Thankfully, there are several studies that show that dragon fruit can actually help to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetes. The reason why is that dragon fruit is rich in carotenoids, polyphenols, tocopherols, thiols, and glucosinolates, all of which aid in lowering our blood sugar level. Additionally, dragon fruit is high in fiber, which helps to prevent a blood sugar high should you have a high glycemic meal. Another study showed that dragon fruit has also a positive effect on oxidative stress, which is very common in people who suffer from diabetes. #9 Prevents Cancer Cancer prevention may sound a little far-fetched, however, studies show that dragon fruit has the ability to prevent the multiplication of dangerous cancer cells because it is rich in the enzyme lycopene as well as vitamin C and carotene, which is believed to have anti-carcinogenic properties. Together, these nutrients help to prevent a tumor from forming. #10 Contains Antibacterial Properties Dragon fruit has been found to have antibacterial and anti fungal properties. These properties help to increase the white blood cell count in our body and with
that our body is able to defend itself against toxins as well as inhibit the entrance or growth of bacterial or fungal infections in our organs. On top of that, dragon fruit stimulates cell regeneration and with that speeds up healing, which means that bruises and wounds will heal at an accelerated rate. #11 Boosts Cognition If you want to have a brain that works like Einstein’s, dragon fruit may be your answer. Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C and contains good amounts of B vitamins, which helps to keep our cell membranes healthy. This helps to prevent the occurrence of cognitive disorders and keeps your brain functioning at its best. Additionally, dragon fruit contains essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy nerve function and with that gives a further boost to our brain. #12 Improves Respiration If you suffer from a respiratory disorder such as asthma, adding more dragon fruit to your diet can help you treat your lung problems. This is due to the high vitamin C content of dragon fruit, which finally lets you take in the smell of roses. There are no known risks of dragon fruit, so you can enjoy this delicious superfood in your smoothie, salad, salsa, oatmeal or simply eat it on its own. It’s a great addition to your diet if you are looking for a low-fat, low-calorie option that offers numerous nutrients and comes with a multitude of health benefits.
Kaieteur News
THE
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Sunday May 31, 2020
STORY Lockdown WITHIN THE
and Recount By Leonard Gildarie
T
here appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. The standoff…the stalemate…the pain and suffering of the people finally, it seems, will have some respite. June 16th has been named as the latest day for the declarations. It is the 90th day today since the defining March 2nd elections…defining because it has glaringly exposed our frailties and our leaders. I have been harsh and there will be no change…Guyana has taken a back burner in the battle that has ensued for democracy. The crassness, the racist commentaries, the uncaring attitude and general lack of leadership have all left a bitter taste in the mouths of the people. Day after day, it was one twist after another. From drama at Ashmins, to court steps, the people were regaled with the latest of narratives. Only this time, it was no laughing matter. The trauma since December 21st, 2018 has made weary a people who should rightly now be arguing about the oil deal with ExxonMobil. Instead, as if the medicine was not bad enough, the people were saddled with COVID-19. Suriname is currently facing delays in the tabulation process of its own elections held last Monday. Its former military strongman, Desi Bouterse, is set to lose big time with his presidency under significant threat, unless he can persuade the Opposition to select him when Parliament meets in August. That neigbouring country is expected to finalise the results this weekend. St Kitts and Nevis is in the news also after the incumbent government there rejected the coming of the Organisation of American States to observe their elections scheduled to be held in a few days time. Guyana, it seems, is not alone in the struggles. Have we started a trend? I have heard snide comments that the developments in Guyana will set a dangerous trend for the region. Are the events in Suriname and St. Kitts and Nevis enough to make conclusions and could they
have taken a cue from Guyana? I hope not. We will have to be strong. If the elections proceedings continue, God forbids, beyond June 16th, it will not be good for the weary people of Guyana. We have to install a new government in place, quickly or find ourselves in a constitutional mess. As we speak, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague us. Moruca, a Region One sub-region, has ordered a twoweek lockdown after nine cases, including one death was reported. The shops and taxi services will not be allowed to operate during the lockdown in that Region One area. The country has more than 150 cases, with the Palms worryingly recording a number of positives. The steadily rise in number will starkly drive home how much of a difficulty Guyana has with its borders and capacity. We look to Trinidad and Tobago and they are thinking of partial opening of their ports. No one is in institutional lockdown, it has been reported in that Twin Island Republic. On the other hand, Brazil has recorded a staggering 468,338 cases with 27,944 deaths, the second most affected country in the world. Over 8,000 persons are said to be in critical conditions with the neighbouring country forced to find new burial spots for mass graves. We have to be deeply worried. Our borders with Brazil, in Region Nine, are open and difficult to monitor. The San Martin and other border areas with Venezuela is also a major cause of concern because of a fluid situation of illegal and other activities there. We look to Vietnam, a country of 97 million people. CNN reported Friday that Vietnam has not recorded a single Coronavirus-related death. In fact, it had just 328 confirmed cases, despite its long border with China and the millions of Chinese visitors it receives each year. According to CNN, this is most striking as Vietnam is a low-middle income country with a much less-advanced healthcare system than others in the region. It has an
Leonard Gildarie average of eight doctors for every 10,000 people, a third of the ratio in South Korea, according to the World Bank. After a three-week nationwide lockdown, Vi e t n a m l i f t e d s o c i a l distancing rules in late April. CNN said it hasn't reported any local infections for more than 40 days. Businesses and schools have reopened, and life is gradually returning to normal. Truly remarkable because traffic congestion in that c o u n t r y, i s b e y o n d believable. So how did Vietnam do it? Vietnam, according to CNN, started its preparation for the outbreak weeks before its first case was detected. According to the report, this came even as the Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) said there were no immediate linkages for human-tohuman transmission. Vietnam was not taking any chances. By early January, temperature screening was already in place for passengers arriving from Wuhan at Hanoi's international airport. In fact, persons with a fever were isolated and closely monitored. In late January, state agencies started to take measures after two cases were confirmed. Flights to and from Wuhan were the suspended with medical quarantine at border gates, airports and seaports. As the country celebrated the Lunar New Year holiday, its Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc declared war on the Coronavirus on January 27. The country established a national steering committee to control the outbreak- the same day the WHO declared the Coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern. On February 1, Vietnam declared a national epidemic. We started our partial closures in March. Do we understand why we need the elections to be behind us? (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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A migrant's battle for survival From page 14 homeland. But where would they run to? To his surprise Elizabeth already had a place already in mind. She dreamt of joining a relative who had migrated earlier to a neighbouring country called Guyana. Elizabeth had never visited Guyana before but managed to give a vivid description of this “heavenlike” country convincing Oscar that it was the perfect place to go. ESCAPING THE CRISIS Oscar soon started saving every extra cent he earned towards his and Elizabeth's migration plan. On December 28, 2018 Elizabeth gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and by early January of the following year Oscar had raised enough money to escape his country's economic crisis. Before Oscar began his journey to the unknown country, he told his parents that he was going to a “land flowing with milk, honey and dollars”. He also promised that he'd support them with “verdes” (referring to US currency). Before he left home his mother gave him her blessings and wished him luck as part of a cultural Catholic tradition practiced by almost all Venezuelans. Oscar and his family travelled two days by bus to a small Amerindian Village called San Martin. He then crossed over the Cuyuni River with his wife and newborn son to Eteringbang, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). There they spent the night at a hotel and on the following day were able to obtain documents granting them an initial three- month stay in Guyana. The very next day, with documents in hand, they boarded a Trans Guyana Flight at the Eteringbang airstrip to Georgetown. With open arms, Elizabeth's relative welcomed them when they landed at the E u g e n e F. C o r r e i a International Airport at Ogle. The relative transported them to her residence at Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
But the first few hours in Guyana started to frustrate Oscar. He did not understand a word spoken to him. His mind became filled with tons of negative questions. “Will I ever be able to adapt? How will I find a job being unable to understand or speak English?” Nevertheless, with help from Elizabeth's relative, Oscar was able to find a job as a labourer with a local construction company. Without any experience in construction work, and also being unable to speak the language, the first few months were understandably challenging for Oscar. “My bosses would often become annoyed at the fact that I did not understand a word they were saying. They would give me instructions and specific tasks to do but because of the language
priority to master the English language. ANSWERED PRAYER As fate would have it, back then this writer was also employed at the same construction company and was given the opportunity to work alongside Oscar building a boat house for an organisation. When Oscar learnt that a bilingual individual would accompany him on the project, he was overjoyed. In fact, Oscar confided, “it was if God had answered my prayer directly by sending me an English teacher.” Not only was I able to teach Oscar “sufficient English” but I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the day-to-day struggles of a migrant fighting to survive in a
A teenage Oscar in the company of his brother and father
planks. His fear of heights was quite noticeable. Nevertheless, he kept on going and would often say “Hermano (brother), if I fall and die please assist me by watching over my family.” Giggling I'd reply, “bro I will do my best, but I'm sure you won't die just yet”.
Oscar and colleagues during his university days
barrier I would do something t o t a l l y c o n t r a r y. T h i s aggravated my superiors so much that they would give me a serious cussing sometimes,” Oscar shared. Sometimes giving up would cross Oscar's mind, but he could not afford to give up just yet. After all, he had a son and a wife depending on him in a strange land. He had also promised to send home some “US” to his parents. He was left with no other option but to battle on and made it his
foreign country. There were times when Oscar sat alone with tears in his eyes during lunch breaks. Out of curiosity I would go over and ask him to share his thoughts. Oscar would often say “bro I am home-sick, and I miss my parents”. On other occasions he would just sit and reminisce on the good times, the times when Venezuela was not povertystricken. Each day as we toiled under the heat of the sun, carrying heavy planks and
performing dangerous acrobatic stunts on seemingly thin rafters, stretching across the Demerara River, Oscar would share something different of about his life. His stories intrigued me daily. But what I admire most about him was his ability to remain calm under pressure even when harsh words were hurled his way for simple errors. There were days when his feet would tremble while walking along narrow
INABILITY TO WASTE He thought me many lessons, some indirectly, during the short period we shared, but the most memorable, was never to waste food. Oscar would become extremely angry with colleagues when they would nibble a portion of their meal and discard the rest. In fact, one day I even witnessed Oscar becoming very emotional after he opened his lunch bowl and discovered that his meal had spoiled. Sobbing over this, at first, seemed humorous but it was his response that made me realize how fortunate and blessed many of us are. Oscar explained to me that there were days and nights when he had nothing to eat. Trying to sleep with hunger, Oscar said, is an experience worse than being tortured. As such, for him, to waste food, even when spoiled, is a painful act. He noted too that many of his countrymen would kill each other just for a small portion
of discarded food. Oscar didn't ask for the hand that life dealt him, but nowadays he certainly has an appreciation for the maxim “who feels it, knows it”. Despite not being able to buy new clothes, shoes or other things that many tend to waste money on, Oscar continues to work six days a week as a labourer from sunrise to sundown just to provide for his wife, son, and parents left behind in a country drowning in poverty. His life is a perfect example of someone falling from grace-- an educated young man who once dressed for work in lab coats and fancy tuxedoes, but now travels daily in rags to various construction sites across Guyana slaving to make ends meet. This is just one of the many stories told by the thousands who have fled Venezuela just to escape the jaws of poverty. Each day thousands more seek to cross the borders into neighbouring countries seeking just enough wherewithal to aid their survival. Many are unable to find decent jobs and instead turn to prostitution, drugs and even crime. It's a daily battle for these unlucky migrants, many of whom, like Oscar, once had it all.
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Sunday May 31, 2020
COVID-19 has increased the Value of your Computer By Mike Mohan
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he value of computers at homes have escalated significantly across the world since the start of COVID-19. Humans have always been accustomed to socializing and interacting with one another. Home isolation has increased the need to communicate, socialize and satisfy economic needs in new ways. Since computers have become the most effective tool to satisfy these needs in real-time, its value has far exceeded its selling price. Since the start of this disruption, there has been a rush by the Public and Private sectors worldwide to acquire computers for their employees to work from homes. In addition, developed countries such as the US have begun purchasing laptops in large quantities for home schooling students. With many computer manufacturing facilities simultaneously shutting down their Production Plants to protect their employees, massive PC shortages have occurred. Exponential demands, along with shortages amongst internal parts have further driven up the price across their various supply channels. Therefore, computers have become the most valuable device in the current home space. Today, as we face the realities of balancing Lives vs. Livelihood, we find that this can only be done with the effective management of big data
either available to us or computed by us. It must be done from the safety of our homes with a computer which is the best tool to take charge of our data and decision making. Our data is powerful because it allows us to be results-driven, find out what works under what conditions, and using that information to make resource allocation decisions more effectively and to improve our programmes and organizations. Because computers are highly interactive and used daily, it often requires technical support for hardware, software, connectivity, virus management, etc. on a regular basis. Therefore, warranty services or Service Contracts are generally encouraged for users based on level of usage – whether consumer or business. Over the years, Guyanese experienced many one-time transaction dealers who offered up to five years warranty on equipment who thereafter disappeared shortly after sale. Thereafter, customers were often left to suffer the consequences of bad transactions with no support whatsoever. Another common mistake often made by many Institutions is to purchase their equipment directly from overseas US Suppliers. It is important to understand that most US suppliers warranty their products only for US domestic users. Therefore, warranty is lost immediately after purchasing these units that are bought and exported
from the USA. A third common mistake is purchasing refurbished or reconditioned systems from unscrupulous vendors who remove the source identity label and resells it as new equipment. Many new dealers and brokers are expected to start popping up in Guyana to target this market demand and unfortunately many citizens are going to be hurt in the process of acquiring computers through these shady merchants. For first time buyers, the most important consideration is to ensure that the company you are buying from, is credible, and could provide manufacturer’s warranty with their product sales. Before COVID-19, computers were being challenged by tablets, phablets and Smartphones. Even Smart Televisions were taking a bite from the capabilities of a computer. The justification was to be able to use your device anywhere, anyhow, anytime, on any platform using any operating system. Today, laptop and desktop devices have resumed their dominant role in your home to navigate work responsibilities, a c a d e m i c a l s t u d y, h o m e entertainment, and a host of other content access. When Government and Corporations purchase its technology equipment from legally established local partners, they are helping to create local employment and boosting the local economy. It also boosts the local Authorized Service Centers for branded
Mike Mohan, President, STARR COMPUTER Inc. technology equipment to earn revenue from International Suppliers for repair services rendered on their brands during warranty period. This adds revenue to the local economy and enhance the cost of ownership for equipment purchased. While Guyana is poised to become one of the wealthiest countries per capita in the Southern hemisphere due to its small population and massive oil reserves, this COVID-19 disruption has occurred before the country’s first oil revenue receipt. Most Guyanese are still struggling with computer ownership, internet access, or technology skills, and are therefore
left behind in this digital divided world. Therefore, more needs to be done through public/private partnership for funding hardware, software, internet, training, and support, to help bridge this human challenge. STARR COMPUTER Inc. has been operating in Guyana for almost three decades and is an Authorized Distributor and Partner for HP, Lenovo, APC, Epson, Samsung, and many other major brands it resells in Guyana. Most importantly, by leveraging on volume, STARR has been able to bring hardware at affordable pricing level to the Guyanese market while providing constantly free tech seminars for the last 15 years.
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Guyana needs to investigate flaring - gas development advisor says EPA, on Liza Destiny ExxonMobil excuses have no solid basis H By Kiana Wilburg
ead of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams, had told Kaieteur News on numerous occasions that the flaring by ExxonMobil on the Liza Destiny oil vessel was due to mechanical issues experienced with a gas compressor. As a result of the difficulties encountered, over nine billion cubic feet of gas was flared. Dr. Adams had given assurances that the burning of the associated gas which releases harmful toxins into the environment would have come to an end since Friday last. But up to two days ago, the American oil giant was still burning the gas that was supposed to be re-injected. According to the EPA Head, ExxonMobil is still experiencing issues with the compressor. He was happy to report, nonetheless, that the amount of gas being flared has been reduced significantly. Adams said that the company was burning about 80 million cubic feet of gas per day but now it is down to 15. He assured that ExxonMobil is working to address the issues being experienced while noting that it could all be over in a matter of weeks. W h i l e D r. A d a m s appears unalarmed by ExxonMobil's flaring activities, there are other industry experts who are convinced the Guyanese populace is being told halftruths. One such person is senior gas development advisor, Millan A. Einstein, who has over 40 years experience
What flaring on an FPSO looks like
Senior Gas Development Advisor, Millan A. Einstein working in the industry. During an exclusive interview, the international expert who has worked in Venezuela, Mexico and Kuwait, categorically stated that the excuse offered by Dr. Adams for flaring has no solid basis. “...Every sensitive equipment leaving a manufacturing plant goes through a rigorous quality check. There are various levels of quality control in place. So if they claim the equipment they received was malfunctioning then whoever they are dealing with for offshore projects like Liza Phase One may not be established.” Assuming the equipment came with issues, Einstein, who has worked on numerous Venezuelan gas assets, said that there is always a period prior to commissioning of the offshore project which allows for testing. “...Normally all equipment offshore is c h e c k e d w i t h environmentally friendly fluid...This is done to make sure the equipment installed has the mechanical integrity
EPA Head, Dr. Vincent Adams
place and the Guyanese people have a right to know the whole truth. This is their resource and they are not being told the full story,” the advisor concluded.
ExxonMobil's Public Relations Advisor, Janelle Persaud that is needed. It is therefore unbelievable that the equipment is now experiencing manufacturing issues. And it is even more unbelievable that this is going on for close to six months…” The international oil and gas advisor said there is absolutely no excuse for what is taking place offshore Guyana besides the fact that it was ExxonMobil's clear intention to engage in flaring all along. “...Either way, there needs to be an investigation into why flaring is taking
RE-INJECTION STARTED Yesterday, Kaieteur News contacted ExxonMobil's Public Relations Advisor, Janelle Persaud, with regards to the issues being experienced with the gas compressor. While she avoided providing the details asked for, the official did note that the design for the Liza Phase One operations does not utilize routine flaring. Persaud said that start-up for Liza Phase One involves temporary, non-routine flaring to fully commission the gas compression and injection systems for safe operations as outlined in the company's approved environmental impact assessment and permit.
Salute the “CARICOM Three”... From page 16 the world and in international institutions that will have to make determinations that could hurt or harm the country. Therefore, it should be clear that the “CARICOM Three”, scrutineering the elections with only the support of the resident representative of the OAS, are striving not only to uphold CARICOM's commitment to democracy, but Guyana's as well.
R e p e a t e d l y, t h e governments of CARICOM countries, with Guyana included, have expressed, through various public instruments, “their commitment to democracy and popular participation”, and they have “pledged to work together to maintain and strengthen the institutions and processes essential to democratic government”, including “respect for the will of the people, as expressed through
free and fair elections on a regular basis”. The “CARICOM Three” are striving to ensure that those commitments mean what they say to the people of CARICOM and to the world. Neither they, nor CARICOM governments, could ignore their obligations to the reputation and values of CARICOM, Guyana included. The contribution of the “CARICOM Three” must be acknowledged and appropriately honoured.
(The writer is Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and at Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own) Responses and previous c o m m e n t a r i e s : www.sirronaldsanders.com
Further to this, Persaud said that the Liza Phase One project design eliminates the need for routine flaring by using produced gas to power the Liza Destiny FPSO vessel. Kaieteur News understands that the design also allows for re-injecting gas into the reservoir to conserve the gas and to improve oil recovery, thereby reducing emissions compared with traditional methods. “We have successfully started up the gas handling system and begun gas injection into the reservoir. We continue to safely c o m p l e t e f i n a l commissioning of the system. This process is operationally necessary,
standard in the industry and consistent with related Guyanese laws.” Asked to say when ExxonMobil foresees bringing the flaring to an end, Persaud said, “...As soon as it's safely possible.” INT'L LAW FIRM SPEAKS OUT Like Einstein, there are other transparency a d v o c a t e s a n d environmentalists who are of the firm opinion that the EPA does not fully understand the magnitude of what is taking place. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is one such body. In a recent statement to the press, the not-for(continued on page 47)
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Sunday May 31, 2020
MYO distributes another 400 food hampers The food hampers that were distributed by MYO
Bro. Jason, a representative of MYO (left), hands over one of the hampers to Leroy Phillips, a member of the Visually Impaired and Persons with Disabilities Society.
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he Muslim Youth Organization ( M Y O ) o f Guyana, located in Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, has once again embarked in the distribution of another 400 food hampers to the poor, needy and vulnerable in Guyana. “As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak,
people are becoming more and more in need of assistance to cope with the struggles of their daily lives. Under these circumstances and as Muslims, we are commanded by Allah (God Almighty) to render assistance to those in need,” MYO explained. Recently, during the holy month of Ramadan, 500 food hampers were distributed to
various communities throughout Guyana. The MYO said that it is continuing to work tirelessly to bring much needed aid to families across Guyana. “The MYO wishes to express its profound gratitude to the many donors, supporters and volunteers who willingly contributed to this food hamper distribution initiative.”
Sunday May 31, 2020
STANDARD IN FOCUS Consider Applying The Environmental Management System Standard To Preserving Our Biodiversity World Environment Day 2020 will be celebrated on Friday, June 05th with the focus on “Biodiversity.” UN Environment Programme (UNEP) announced that Colombia will be hosting World Environment Day 2020 in partnership with Germany. As we bring Biodiversity into the spotlight this year, we cannot overlook the fact that the requirements of the ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems (EMS) – requirements with guidance for use could be applied to preserving our environment and its biodiversity globally. Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Biodiversity forms the foundation of the vast array of ecosystem services that critically contribute to human well-being. The ISO 14001 Standard specifies the requirements for an environmental management system which organisations can use to enhance their environmental performance. Many organisations that are seeking to manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner which contributes to the environmental sustainability are users of this standard. It allows
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users to achieve a balance between the environment, society and the economy. In addition, the standard helps to address societal expectations for sustainable development, transparency and accountability, increased stringent legislation, growing pressures on the environment from pollution, inefficient use of resources, improper waste management, climate change, degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. The standard provides guidance on actions to address risks and opportunities, environmental aspects and compliance obligations. These guidelines are useful in determining an organisation’s environmental impact and significant aspects to prevent or reduce their undesired effects, and help to meet compliance obligation. Biodiversity can be preserved when organisations strive to conform to these requirements. Meeting environmental objectives, providing adequate resources, ensuring competence, and maintaining awareness through the requisite communication methods are essential for the implementation of an effective environmental management system. As organisations make these available, they are better able to deal with their internal and external environments. Surrounding ecosystems can be protected
through the management of resources and information. Mining companies, large manufacturing establishments that can significantly impact Biodiversity, and those directly working to preserve a country’s Biodiversity can have good operation planning and control and emergency preparedness and response through conformance to EMS requirements. As we commemorate World Environment Day 2020, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) encourages every Guyanese to take actions to mitigate his/her impact on the environment. The GNBS encourages every citizen to take action to maintain the ‘balance of nature’ and the preservation of species making up our local biodiversity. Where possible, a key action that should be taken is conformance to environmental standards and guidelines. World Environment Day 2020 is widely celebrated in more than 143 countries. It is popularly being called “People’s Day” to show their care and support for the Earth and their environment. Knowing the ways to protect the environment is really important, as it not only provides us with a healthy space but one for the future generations. For further information, please contact the GNBS on Tel: 219- 0066 or visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org or like us on facebook: gnbsgy
GWI to drill additional wells in 2020 - Fyrish, Port Kaituma, among areas to benefit The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) says it is seeking to establish additional wells in several communities across Guyana, as it accelerates efforts to ensure that every Guyanese has access to water. According to the water utility company’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles, this year GWI with support from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be adding two wells at Farm on the East Bank of Demerara. In a radio program Friday, the Managing Director added that with the new drilling rig recently commissioned, and as soon as the required pipes can be transported from neighbouring Brazil, another well will be drilled at Fyrish on the Corentyne. Additionally, persons residing in the community of Port Kaituma in the BarimaWaini Region will benefit from the establishment of a rig, as GWI continues to expand its services.“We are moving apace and working to ensure all of our citizens would indeed have access not only from a COVID standpoint but from a sustainable livelihood perspective,” Dr. Van West-Charles stated. To date, some 48 wells were successfully drilled in the last five years. Pointing to the benefits, Dr. Van West-Charles relayed that if these projects were not
GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles accomplished, today, Guyana would have been in a difficult state, since water is needed excessively for the washing of hands, due to COVID-19. “This is good foresight brought together by the administration as we move forward,” the Managing Director opined.
Sailor falls to death in E’bo River The stone quarry area where the incident is said to have happened yesterday.
A 38-year old sailor, Damion Mc Almont, is dead after a tragic incident at a Region Seven quarry. Mc Almont of New Amsterdam, Berbice, reportedly fell off his employer’s barge yesterday morning and died at the Toolsie Persaud Quarry, St Mary, Essequibo River, Region Seven. Police said that the incident occurred at around 02:30hrs while the company’s tug and barge was approaching the wharf. Another sailor told police that he was pulling the bow rope when he saw Mc Almont moving rapidly
towards the right side of the barge and falling overboard. He immediately dropped the rope and plunged behind his colleague in an attempt to save him, but was unsuccessful. Police were then notified about the incident and they arrived shortly after. At around 06:00hrs, ranks were able to retrieve Mc Almont’s submerged body, not far from the barge. An investigation has since been launched by police to determine the circumstances of the mishap. The news of Mc Almont’s death came as a shock to his family and friends who described him as a “cool guy”.
Dead: Damion Mc Almont
Guyana needs to investigate flaring on Liza Destiny From page 45 profit law firm was keen to note that flaring releases greenhouse gases and toxins which threaten the global climate, the local environment and public health. CIEL, which was founded in 1989, also noted that the almost six-month duration of the flaring by ExxonMobil suggests more than a one-time, technical glitch. In fact, the law firm said that the estimated nine billion cubic feet of gas, which Exxon said it flared, puts Guyana among the top 10 gas flaring countries in the world even though Guyana has only been producing oil for close to six months. CIEL said that the carbon dioxide emissions from that flaring are approximately equivalent to the amount generated by Guyana's entire population over three months. Adding to the law firm's position, the Director of CIEL's Climate and Energy Programme, Nikki Reisch, opined that ExxonMobil had not taken adequate mea-
sures to prevent this harmful and unnecessary practice in the first place. “…Exxon claims the flaring was temporary and exceptional, due to failures of equipment designed to re-inject the gas into the ground. If so, that bodes poorly for the company's capacity or willingness to mitigate other foreseeable environmental impacts, not to mention any potential disasters that could accompany deepwater operations.” CIEL's Senior Attorney, Erika Lennon is also concerned about the flaring in Guyana. In fact, Lennon is convinced that ExxonMobil's whole plan to develop oil in Guyana threatens to transform the country into a carbon bomb. “Wasteful and harmful gas flaring is just one more way that is happening,” the attorney concluded. FLARING APPROVED According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that the EPA approved for Liza Phase One, flaring is permissible at various inter-
vals until 2040. In the document that Kaieteur News perused, ExxonMobil notes that flaring would actually be temporary and non-routine. In fact, its subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) intends to re-inject all operationally, produced gas under routine conditions, except that which will be utilised for FPSO operations (e.g., fuel gas). It was further noted that a flare system will be provided for the collection and safe disposition of produced hydrocarbon gases resulting from unplanned, non-routine relief and blow-down events. The EIA states that relief events occur to prevent overpressure scenarios in the process equipment. It further clarifies that blowdown events occur to depressure the facilities in a controlled manner as a result of emergency shutdown events. In addition, the EIA states that temporary, non-routine flaring will occur during equipment maintenance, process upsets, and start-up.
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Kaieteur News
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By Pat Dial May is the month in which many of the most important anniversaries of the world are celebrated. One of the most notable is International Nurses Day which is commemorated every year on May 12th. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “A Voice to Lead - Nursing the World to Health”. May 12th was chosen as the date of International Nurses Day as it is the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This year also celebrates her 200th birth anniversary. Until Florence Nightingale’s work during the Crimean War of the mid-19th century, nursing was not regarded as a systematized profession. For thousands of years, men and women of compassion used whatever medications were available, often improvising their own treatments to treat the sick. Although older systems of medicine had evolved in the ancient civilizations such as the Egyptian and Greek, the only one of these which has survived and is still used is the Ayurvedic. Indeed, many Ayurvedic medications and techniques have been adopted by modern medicine. The doctors practising these ancient systems also did the work which today is assigned to nurses. Up to mid-19th century, almost all who practised healing were men. In the mid-nineteenth century when Britain was the world’s greatest power, she was fighting a war in the Crimea in Russia and the
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wounded were placed in a field hospital where the conditions were little better than if they were left on the battlefield as the wounded were left at Solferino. It was the sight of the sufferings of the wounded soldiers on the battlefield at Solferino that awakened Henri Dunant’s compassion and led to the founding of the Red Cross. In respect of Crimea, a number of patriotic young women volunteered to go and nurse the wounded soldiers and among these was Florence Nightingale. Florence Nightingale took charge of the hospital, established a strict code of discipline, enforced proper hygiene, used rational techniques of treatment and revolutionized the hospital in a short time. The soldiers were so grateful to her that when she went through the wards at night, the soldiers would kiss her shadow. Her methods created modern nursing and nursing as a profession. In the 1840’s, the colonial authorities had established a Seaman’s Hospital on the site of the present Georgetown Public Hospital which quickly evolved into the Georgetown Hospital in the 1850’s and soon adopted many of the disciplines and techniques of Florence Nightingale. The matrons were usually recruited in England while the nurses were locally recruited and trained. Until the beginning of the 20th century, nurs-
ing was regarded as a prestigious profession and it attracted young women from the middle classes. Guyanese nursing thus began with the highest standards. There were two government hospitals in Guyana until independence and patients from the countryside had to travel to Georgetown or New Amsterdam for medical help. In the villages and the sugar plantations, there grew up a body of nurses who consisted of nurses who had worked and trained at the government hospitals, a few who had returned from the United States driven back home by the Great Depression and a number who were selftrained. On the sugar estates mostly, were a number of Indian women known as ‘chamaines’ who delivered babies and dealt with ailments like gastroenteritis, diarrhea, “narra” and since they knew of the bone and muscle structure practised as de facto physiotherapists. These village nurses were known countrywide and were sought after more than doctors since they had earned a reputation of being able to successfully treat all common ailments such as colds, fevers, constipation, whooping cough, measels, chicken pox and so on. With the growth of the colony’s health system, more nurses were recruited and trained but all nurses, whether they worked in the
hospitals or practiced privately in the villages or elsewhere regarded themselves as being members of the profession. It was in this spirit and led by the older nurses, that they established the Nurses Association in 1928. This was the first Nurses Association in the Caribbean and one of the early ones in the world. Today, nurses form 50% of the health professionals employed by the state and these together with the nurses employed by the private hospitals do give nurses a majority of the health professionals in the country. The onslaught of the COVID-19 Pandemic has forcefully brought to the fore the value of nurses to the society and their compassion and great courage are widely recognized and appreciated. They risk their lives every day and the comfort and well-being of their families since they are in the front line in the fight against the Coronavirus. The public have become more conscious than formerly of the comparatively poor pay and conditions under which nurses serve and there is growing support that their conditions of work and remuneration be improved and that training opportunities be widened and made more available. The leaders of the country have pledged themselves to improving the conditions of nurses and it is expected when the country returns to normalcy, this will be done.
Siblings fight over land leaves one dead and one arrested A quiet day in Shieldstown Village, West Coast Berbice turned bloody after two brothers were engaged in a heated argument. It resulted in one stabbing the other to death. The dead person has been identified as Sarananand Bisnath, a 45-year-old labourer of Shieldstown Village.His brother, Khemlall “Bai Son” Bisnath, 44, also of the same village, has since been arrested, Region 5 Commander, Yonette Stephens, confirmed.According to Stephens, the men, who are brothers, were imbibing at separate locations in the village when Khemlall ventured over to where his brother was at their father’s home. The two began to argue. The argument escalated and Khemlall whipped out a ‘Rambo’ knife and dealt his brother two stabs- one in the vicinity of his heart and another to his arm. The victim collapsed and succumbed minutes later. The two were reportedly arguing over a plot of land that belonged to their father, S t e p h e n s
Sarananand Bisnath was pronounced dead at the Fort Wellington Hospital.
disclosed.Meanwhile, an eyewitness told the media that the incident occurred just around 11:30 am yesterday. Kaieteur News understands that the victim lived with his father, a farmer, while the suspect stayed at a different location. After the stabbing, the police were immediately contacted by the neighbours. The injured man was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital by a villager. He was pronounced dead on arrival. It was reported that the father was working in the
Accused of killing brother: Khemlall Bisnath backdam when the incident occurred.The suspect is said to be cooperating with police in custody.
Sunday May 31, 2020
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Election Day process so impressive that it was “impossible “It was safeguard after safeguard after to cheat” – EU Ambassador safeguard. It was impossible to cheat”
EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando PonzCantó, is of the view that the systems put in place during Guyana’s March 2 General and Regional Elections were so robust that it was impossible to cheat. In fact, Ponz- Cantó pointed to the real credibility issue being the Region Four tabulation. He made these and other comments in a recent interview with TVG Channel 28. Describing the Election Day process, the Ambassador said: “It was quite impressive because when you are in one of those voting stations, you could see the agents from the different parties. You could see the presiding officers. You could see the members of the voting committee tables. And they were all ex-
tremely conscientious.” The Ambassador even said that some of what were in place at the polling stations in Guyana weren’t available in his home country of Spain. “One person came to vote. He or she has to identify himself, but then also, he has to be seen on the list and there are pictures, which in my country, we never had pictures. So I was quite positively impressed. And everybody could see everything. And at the end of the vote, he has to dip his finger in ink, which in my country, we never did. So I mean, it was safeguard after safeguard after safeguard. It was impossible to cheat.” He said that though he is personally not a professional observer, it is important to note that the observer mis-
sions, including the EU observer mission, were unanimous in their judgment on the Election Day process. “And those guys are professionals. They know when things are going right or not,” he said.But he pointed to issues arising out of the Region Four tabulation. “We said it very clearly. This tabulation process for Region Four was not credible. It was not reflecting the will of the people. It had clearly followed a process which was not the right process. I saw it personally. I was there. I was in the tabulation centre (at Ashmins building).” His comments echo a statement from Permanent Representative of Barbados to the OAS, Ambassador Noel Lynch on behalf of the CARICOM Group during a
Some Statements of Recount contradict ... From page 8 the past few weeks. One week ago, Harmon’s fellow PNC executive, Aubrey Norton, almost made a claim about a Region Six ballot box. “I want to point out,” Norton had told the media, “that in Box 5083 at Bush Lot, Region Five, the official list of electors had 199 persons.” The ballot box in question came from Bush Lot Nursery School. In seeking to illustrate an example of what he claimed to be numerous anomalies, Norton then stated that in that box the PPP/C got 199 votes, while APNU+AFC got four votes. This was evidence, he asserted, of an irregularity wherein the total number of voters, 203, exceeded the total number of eligible voters – the 199 he claimed – attached to the OLE for that box. Kaieteur News examined
the OLE for the sub-division number associated with that ballot box, 52213C (ii), which lists voters with last names NW. This subdivision accounted for electors with serial numbers 262 (Nabby, C) to 518 (Williams, P), a total of 257 eligible voters, not the 199 Norton had claimed. The same day Norton had made the Bush Lot ballot box allegation, the Coalition had made an even more extreme assertion. On its official Facebook page, it had claimed:“Breaking news: Sophia Nursery School, at the lower level polling station LZ 41333Ciii, our agent found 61 unstamped ballots (INVALID). Presiding Officer failed to stamp.” However, at the time that the post was made the ballot box for that subdivision, Box 4549, had not yet been opened to be recounted.
As of yesterday, a week after the claim was first made, Region Four ballot boxes had still not yet breached the Box 4500 mark.“My fellow Guyanese,” Harmon stated in his address yesterday, “as you can see our intervention with GECOM has been based on evidence and we require the Election Commission to act in a timely manner on these investigations as the cumulative impact of these irregularities and fraud has a bearing on the validity of all votes.”Harmon, President David Granger’s longtime second-in-command, exhorted the Guyana Elections Commission to be more proactive in dealing with the ‘evidence’ he presented: “Come on GECOM wake up! Get your act together! There is electoral fraud which your own records is now making even more glaring.”
Nurse Gabrielle Spencer is our Frontline ... From page 11 was proud to have made it. I have no regret. I am completely happy, fulfilled with this career choice. At this point of my life, making others feel better, for me my life is filled with purpose,” Spencer stated. The Registered Nurse told Kaieteur News that the course was one which undoubtedly widened her view on life while reinforcing the importance of being the embodiment of professionalism, care and compassion. THE DREADED COVID-19 Working at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital since her graduation in 2016 has been a most gratifying experience thus far for Spencer. But the COVID-19 pandemic has surly brought its fair share of difficulties for Spencer especially as it relates to her parents.
“I am terrified about it (COVID-19). Just thinking of my parents going out there is stressful for me because there are over 100 confirmed cases and there are people who are walking around thinking this is just a political gimmick and are not protecting themselves. So when I think of the people who are being reckless it just bothers me,” the concerned Nurse shared. She also shared her experience of having to self-quarantine when the virus first hit Guyana and the impact that had on her. In this regard, Spencer noted that she had been in Washington for some time and returned to Guyana on March 13, last. The following day, she was contacted by officials who said that she had to selfisolate for two weeks. The nurse said, “I called my job
and informed them that I had to stay home. For those two weeks, it was full paranoia. I had two panic attacks because of all the information that was on the internet about how rapidly the virus was spreading.” Nurse Spencer added, “I worried about if I coughed or sneezed, what does it mean...Luckily, I was in the comfort of my home for that. I don't think anyone wants to experience what it would feel like in a hospital facility where you have no contact with your loved ones.” Taking this into consideration, Spencer said she is urging her Guyanese brothers and sisters to not take the pandemic lightly and to wear masks, wash their hands properly and practice social distancing.
meeting of the OAS Permanent Council. Lynch had said: “We are mindful, Mr. Chairman, that irregularities occurred not in the system by which the Guyanese electorate cast their votes on March 2nd, but in the presentation of the count afterwards.” The EU ambassador said, in this regard, that “it is a mistake to underestimate the intelligence of people, and of the people of Guyana as well.”“I’m tempted to say that we all know what happened. But I really don’t want to focus on pointing fingers or saying who did what and why.”But now the recount is happening, the EU Ambassador is confident that Guyana’s political leaders will respect and accept fully, the results of the recount they committed to. The Ambassador pointed out that the leaders committed themselves to the recount- Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger, with the par-
EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz-Cantó ticipation of CARICOM. “We are very happy about that, and I believe that your leaders were serious and that they will respect fully, what they committed to, which is the recount,” he said. The Ambassador emphasized the simple, quantitative nature of the recount. “As long as the recount is done properly, I think that this may – this should not be an obstacle for the results to be finally tabulated and pro-
claimed. In the end, if the recount was excellent, then the quantitative results are also accurate and then they have to be recognized. What this exercise, we understand, is about is about counting. It’s not so difficult. It’s very tedious. It’s a lot of work. But ultimately, it’s not rocket science. It’s just counting the votes. It’s just whoever wins wins. Whoever loses loses.” There are concerns coming from the governing coalition about the credibility of the elections. The Coalition has made objections to the process, and have claimed that the issues point to electoral fraud, which calls over 90,000 votes into question. But the EU ambassador said that, while it is fair to make objections, a time will come for that. “I think that there are mechanisms to address those questions in due course. It’s very legitimate that anybody can raise any objections, of course. But there are legal and sure means to deal with those objections in due course.”
Caribbean leaders to participate in OACPS inter-sessional summit BRUSSELS - CMC – Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados is one of two Caribbean leaders who will address the first-ever InterSessional Summit of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) on transcending the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The OACP said that the summit on Wednesday, to be held virtually, will also be addressed by Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “The virtual Summit, which is hosted by the OACPS, aims to assess the current global COVID-19 situation, and in particular, the effects and consequences to the members of the OACPS. In addition, members will identify opportunities for global solidarity and action.” The one-day event will be held under the theme “Transcending the COVID-19 Pandemic: Building Resilience through Global Solidarity” and will consist of a dialogue by the Heads of State and Government of the OACPS. The summit will be based on three pillars namely “building resilience; keeping economies functioning and rebooting for a strong recovery, and boosting global solidarity and deepening partnerships.The OACPS summit will be followed by a high-level exchange with global strategic and development
Prime Ministers Mia Mottley and Andrew Holness partners, who will be key to work with global health leadachieving the objectives iden- ers, partners and governtified by the Heads at the ments, to ensure that the gloSummit including the heads bal response to COVID-19 of governments of Germany, includes lessons learned from Japan, Norway, India, Canada, other epidemics and commuAustralia and the United nicable diseases, particularly Kingdom. as it concerns the protection “The members of the of vulnerable populations,” OACPS share several unique the Brussels-based OACPS challenges which have been Secretariat said. intensified by the COVID-19 “The COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The pandemic threat- calls for global action and ens recent advances in health solidarity. Together we can and progress towards attain- combat this virus and its dire ing global sustainable devel- socio-economic conseopment goals. Members of quences, and secure the wellthe OACPS figure among being of our citizens. Now is some of the poorest countries the time to work on innovain the world and are, as a re- tive solutions that will also sult, more at risk to the dev- ensure global preparedness astating socio-economic con- for the future,” said OACPS sequences of the pandemic. Secretary-General, Georges “It is expected that Rebelo Pinto Chikoti. COVID-19 cases will overAt the conclusion of the whelm health facilities, lead- Summit, the OACPS leaders ing ultimately to increased are expected to endorse a morbidity and mortality. There communiqué based on the is therefore an urgent need to three pillars.
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Commissioner Alexander stands by his ‘word’ Commissioner Vincent Alexander told reporters yesterday that he stands by the statements he made, when he said that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) received information from the APNU+AFC Coalition about ‘migrant voters’ and that the Chair wrote to the Chief Immigration Officer to verify that information. Alexander had reason to double down on his statements after Commissioner Sase Gunraj on Friday told reporters that he was not aware that GECOM received any information from the Coalition or that any information was sent to the Chief Immigration Officer. Though Commissioner Sase Gunraj had claimed ignorance about GECOM having received information from the Coalition, and about that information being forwarded to the Chief Immigration Officer, Alexander said that the full Commission was present when Justice Singh notified them that she had received the information from the Coalition, and that she had sent it off for verification. ANUG Chairman, Timothy Jonas yesterday pointed to the contradicting reports from the Commissioners, making it clear that the GECOM Chair should come forward and clarify the commission’s stance on any probe of the APNU+AFC’s allegations of voter fraud. The ANUG Chair questioned: “How are they [the Secretariat] doing this investigation that Mr. Alexander feels comfortable to tell you about, but nobody else in GECOM knows about it? How does it know and why does
he try to pretend to give it some stamp of authenticity by coming here to tell you about it—and it is done without the sanction of GECOM which is the body responsible? Is he part of the problem? Does he know something that we don’t? That is something that we need to be worried about.” Jonas appealed to the GECOM Chair to inform Guyana about the election commission’s stance regarding their decision to probe the voter fraud allegations, which being put forward by the governing Coalition. “It is time for the Chairman of GECOM, now that Mr. Alexander has made that statement, to inform Guyana regarding GECOM’s position on it; whether GECOM has given these instructions; whether GECOM is going to undertake this process to inquire with an immigration officer so that he could give his evidence,” Jonas said in his appeal. Alexander told reporters that what he said on Thursday was a matter of fact, and that he challenges anybody to question the fact that GECOM has received information from APNU+AFC and that information has been passed on to the Chief Immigration Officer. He also challenged anyone to question “that the Chairperson of GECOM, in a meeting of GECOM made it known to all of us [the Commission] that she had written the Chief Immigration Officer. She made it known to all of us, and so anybody who suggests otherwise is a stranger to the truth.” “She made it unequivocally known that she’d re-
… GECOM Chair must face the press – ANUG Chair
GECOM Chair, Claudette Singh
Commissioner Sase Gunraj
Commissioner Vincent Alexander
ceived information and if I’m not mistaken, even when she’d made it known, a particular Commissioner asked and saw a copy of the letter which she had sent to the Chief Immigration Officer,” Alexander stated. He said that one letter was sent early in the week before the last, to the Chief Immigration Officer. Commissioner Gunraj had specifically taken issue with any insinuation that the Chair would have made a move to probe the claims being made by the Coalition, without a decision being made at the level of the Commission. Of this, Alexander said that the Chair simply indicated to the Commission that she received information and that she had sent it off for verification. Asked whether any Commissioners dissented to her decision, Alexander said that there were some “negative comments”. Pointed to the fact that at
least one other Commissioner claimed ignorance about this matter, Alexander said “Well, I can only consider them to be strangers to the truth.” He said that what he reported is a matter of fact. “I stand on my word.” Kaieteur News contacted Commissioner Gunraj last night, who said that he has made a request to the Chair to see all the correspondents she received and that she has sent in relation to the matter. He said that he has not received anything, since he made that request yesterday morning. When asked about Alexander’s statement that the full Commission was informed of the matter, Gunraj only offered that he stands by his comments. But he would not say further, saying that he had not listened to Alexander’s report, and that he would prefer not to comment. On the matter of claims
being made by the Coalition, Alexander said yesterday that he has seen other letters sent by the APNU+AFC Coalition, asking for explanations or determination on a number of issues. He said that he has also seen, in addition to the first list of purported ‘foreign voters’ from the Coalition, subsequent lists “unrelated to the one which was sent.” “So, I don’t know, others may be sent,” Alexander said. Asked about getting definitive answers from the Chair or the Public Relations Officer, Alexander could not say when or if at all the GECOM Chair and the Commissioners will be meeting with the media. The Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward has not conducted briefings with the media for close to two weeks. To justify her absence, Ward had explained that she would not conduct briefings unless concrete decisions are made
at the level of the Commission. Alexander told reporters that interactions of Commissioners, particularly himself, with the media is a continuation of what emerged at GECOM’s High Street office, where the press visited and sought the comments of Commissioners, or the comments of whoever was available, on what had been happening during the Region Four tabulation process. “And it is in that context that I have continued to speak to the press, expressing my view about things and making information available that is factual in terms of what has occurred in the Commission. That’s my disposition, to make factual information available and on occasions, I will give an opinion and I have always been careful when I’m giving an opinion, to say to the press that this is my personal view in expressing. I’ve never attempted to be the person officially speaking on behalf of GECOM. But I’ve been responsive to your estate… by availing myself at your request, in the first instance to be interviewed,” Alexander explained last evening. Asked whether the Commission would be granting a press conference at any time, Alexander said “I cannot speak for the Commission in that regard and I’d rather say this to you. The Commission is as fractured as you should have realized that I don’t see how a fractured Commission collectively will speak to the press.”
GECOM secretariat compromised - ANUG Chairman of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Timothy Jonas believes that the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is heavily compromised. Jonas engaged the press on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Center, the site for the national recount of ballots cast at the March 2nd poll, where he made those remarks. GECOM’s Secretariat is headed by Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield. “The whole of Guyana knows that GECOM has been compromised, one only has to look for Mingo and ask his whereabouts today to agree with me- GECOM has been compromised,” the ANUG Chair told the media. He was referring to Region Four’s Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, whose handling of the tabulation derailed the declaration process, triggering the recount currently underway.
Deputy Chief Elections Officer, GECOM’s Chief Elections ANUG Chairman, Roxanne Myers Officer, Keith Lowenfield Timothy Jonas Jonas noted that the continued: “So it is well and tainted, Jonas stated, noting down is Roxanne Myers, next courts have made it pellucid good to say that they are that he has no confidence in one down is (Duarte) that that GECOM is autonomous and them. “Right now it is my fear Hetsberger. I don’t know autonomous and independent, they must do and it is my belief that the these people personally but independent and must do its their job but you hire some people we’ve hired to do this we have seen their actions, job properly. “Now, that is a people and you don’t hire job are compromised,” Jonas we’ve seen their conduct. I wonderful principle, one that other people and you have stated. “I have no confidence think we can all agree none of in the Secretariat, we know them have voted PPP.” I subscribe to and one that good reason for it.” While requests have been any professional body would Those very people hired who their members are –the adhere to.” However, he to carry out the job, are CEO is Lowenfield, next one made for the removal of
Lowenfield, there have also been calls by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) for the removal of the Deputy CEO, Roxanne Myers, from the recount process. The party had argued that Myers has been trying to stymie the recount process and undermine its transparency. A direct complaint was also made to the Chair of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh for her direct removal. Additionally, calls were also made to remove controversial Mingo from the recount, by the PPP which believed that integrity of the process would be severely compromised if he was present. This was heeded to by the GECOM Chair.Through analysis done by this newspaper, Mingo would have used inflated votes to give APNU+AFC Coalition a victory. He made two declaration, both of which were challenged in court by the Opposition, leading to the recount.
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British competitive sports given green light for June 1 restart
Leeds Uniteds Luke Ayling celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates. (Action Images/Ed Sykes File Photo)
CWI slashes staff, player...
Sunday May 31, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Emotionally speaking, you're a bit vulnerable today, Aries, and it may be hard to find shelter from the storm. It's drafty under your umbrella, and water seems to be leaking in from the top. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Explore your innovative, irrational side today, Taurus. Go deep. Your emotions might rebel to this departure from the norm. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you have the ability to make an important breakthrough in something you've been working on. Try not to get bogged down by emotions, which may leave you feeling heavy and stale. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You may not feel like you're clicking with anything today. For any kind of resolution, adjustments are needed, either by you or by the people you're dealing with. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Examine your emotions, and trust your instincts. Unexpected forces may disrupt your preferred flow of things. Know that you'll have no problem keeping the situation under control as long as you stay solid and focused. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) This is one of those days in which you might not be fully appreciated for the wonderful breath of fresh air you bring to the group. It may seem that the old and the stale are seeking revenge on anyone attempting change.
LONDON (Reuters) After a near three-month shutdown, all competitive sport in Britain can resume from June 1 behind closed doors provided strict conditions are met, the government said yesterday. The first major live event is expected to be the 2000 Guineas Stakes horse race at Newmarket on June 6. No competitive top-level sport has taken place in Britain since March as the country deals with the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 38,000 people in the UK. In a document published on Saturday by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden outlined the strict criteria that must be met to allow elite athletes and professional sportsmen to
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't be surprised if things don't go exactly according to plan today, Libra. Unexpected events are likely to pop up and disturb the course of action. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Emotionally speaking, you're a bit vulnerable today, Scorpio, and it may be hard to find shelter from the storm. It's drafty under your umbrella, and water seems to be leaking in from the top. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Unexpected events may crop up and nudge you painfully, Sagittarius. You could get the feeling that these thorns are poking out of nowhere simply to annoy you. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Examine your emotions, and trust your instincts. Unexpected forces may disrupt your preferred flow of things. Know that you'll have no problem keeping the situation under control as long as you stay solid and focused. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may feel like you're rubbing against sandpaper today. It's probably a result of deep issues within yourself, possibly aggravated by the constant tension between old and new energies clashing within your world. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may feel like you're walking on burning coals today, Pisces. Someone has also tossed you a flaming ball, and you need to figure out what to do with it.
From page 53 expired last December and a new one is yet to be negotiated. With the outbreak of COVID-19 forcing a halt to cricket globally, CWI face the prospect of having to postpone home tours by South Africa and New Zealand, both of which were expected to be a boon to the organisation’s finances. Having kept staff, players, coaches and other officials on full pay since the start of the pandemic, chief executive Johnny Grave said the “temporary reduction” in pay was a means of helping to navigate the current crisis. “The effects of this pandemic have been distressing for everyone – the worst crisis of our lifetime – and at present, we cannot be certain when the situation will be rectified,” Grave pointed out. “We recognize that this will cause financial pain for all our staff, players, coaches and umpires across the Caribbean, but having kept everyone on full-pay since the outbreak in March we have no choice but to take decisive action from next month onwards. “CWI’s greatest asset is our people and players and everyone sharing equally in the temporary reduction, we believe is the best way for us to ensure we get through this crisis and protect our organisation and all the jobs in the system. “We will be reviewing the situation regularly with the hope that we can return to normal operations at the earliest opportunity.”
resume. “The wait is over. Live British sport will shortly be back on in safe and carefully controlled environments,” he said. “This guidance provides the safe framework for sports to resume competitions behind closed doors. It is now up to individual sports to confirm they can meet these protocols and decide when it’s right for them to restart.” Dowden also confirmed that preparations were being finalised for the Premier League and English Football League to return to action in June. Premier League shareholders this week agreed a return to contact training with a provisional restart date for of June 17, provided all safety
requirements are in place. “The Premier League welcomes the government’s announcement today,” a statement from the Premier League said. “All major sports, including the Premier League, have been working with DCMS to produce the stage three protocol. “We have provisionally planned to restart the Premier League on June 17, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of all involved.” The government’s stage three guidance for staging competitive sporting events includes conditions such as players traveling alone to venues, being screened for coronavirus symptoms and maintaining social distancing where possible.
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2017 Tour de France samples re-tested England want ICC to allow coronavirus for unnamed substance - report (Reuters) - Samples from the 2017 Tour de France are being re-tested as authorities look for a previously undetectable performanceenhancing substance, Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad reported yesterday. “On the basis of additional information... we have identified the relevant samples and carried out the first analyses,” a spokesperson for the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) was quoted as saying by Het Nieuwsblad. The newspaper reported that the re-testing operation is part of an inquiry into the Aderlass doping affair, which first came to light when Austrian police raided the
substitutes
The peloton passes through the Grand Palais during the 104th Tour de France cycling race 103-km Stage 21. Picture taken July 23, 2017. (REUTERS/Charles Platiau) Nordic skiing world championships in 2019. Eight professional riders have since been implicated in that scandal.
Last November, the International Cycling Union (UCI) said it had asked the CADF to analyze samples from the 2016 and 2017
seasons amid the Aderlass affair. UCI officials were not immediately reachable for comment yesterday.
Austrian health minister gives OK to crowd-free Formula 1 ZURICH (Reuters) Austria’s health ministry yesterday gave the green light to two Formula One motor races on July 5 and 12 the delayed season-openers - to be held without spectators in line with plans aimed at halting the spread of COVID19. The races are due to be held in the village of Spielberg, about 200 kilometres (124 miles) southwest of the capital Vienna. Formula One organizers earlier this year announced plans to re-launch its delayed season in Austria without crowds and end it in Abu Dhabi in December after races in Asia and the Americas. Austria is among
LONDON (Reuters) - The England and Wales Cricket Board is in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) about allowing coronavirus player substitutions in its upcoming planned test series against West Indies and Pakistan, an ECB official said. ECB director of events Steve Elworthy was quoted in British media on Friday saying he hoped an agreement would be reached in time for those test matches, which the ECB plans to hold in “bio-secure” venues in July. The ICC currently only allows a player to be replaced during a match because of concussion. Under the proposed change, a late substitution would also be allowed on coronavirus grounds. Media reports did not specify how the procedure would work, including whether it would involve testing players.
“I know there are still some considerations from an ICC perspective about a Covid-19 replacement,” Elworthy told British media. “That still needs to be agreed.” “This is specifically for test cricket, and we would hope that would be in place well before the test series starts in July.” Keeping players’ wellbeing in mind, the ICC Cricket Committee has already recommended banning the use of saliva to shine the ball in order to generate swing. Cricket West Indies (CWI) gave its approval in principle on Friday for the series in England which was originally scheduled in June. While cricket in England remains suspended until July 1, a group of 55 cricketers have been asked to return to training to prepare for the start of the English summer season.
Rowley open to discussions to host CPL Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in action during the Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring Circuit. (REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger) countries moving ahead with easing restrictions as new coronavirus infections wane. Formula One’s 10 teams will be limited to a maximum 80 people each at the races when the delayed season g e t s g o i n g i n J u l y, t h e
governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) had said on Thursday. The Austrian event organizers presented a comprehensive, professional security concept to prevent infections, the country’s
health ministry said on its website. “The concept calls for strict hygienic measures as well as regular tests and health checks for the teams and their employees,” Health Minister Rudolf Anschober said.
Bremen boost survival hopes with 1-0 win at Schalke GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (Reuters) - Former German champions Werder Bremen boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from the Bundesliga when a spectacular goal from Leonardo Bittencourt gave them a lifeline 1-0 win at Schalke 04 yesterday. The result left Werder in 17th place on 25 points from 28 games, two points behind 16th-placed Fortuna Duesseldorf, who occupy the relegation playoff spot and played leaders Bayern Munich in the late afternoon kickoff. A lacklustre first half failed to produce any fireworks before Bittencourt, who was substituted at halftime, grabbed a potentially vital winner for
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley (Newsday)
Schalke 04’s Alexander Nubel in action, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). (Bernd Thissen/Pool via REUTERS)
T&T Newsday - THE Prime Minister said Government is open to having discussions to host the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in Trinidad, but covid19 safety measures must be put in place before that becomes a possibility. Rumours have been circulating for the past few days that the entire CPL will be held in TT to limit the number of travelling for players and fans. At a media briefing, yesterday, Dr Rowley said, “We don’t have a proper handle yet, but we are cautiously optimistic, if the
CPL authorities would like to host the tournament in Trinidad. We have heard from unofficial sources that there are conservations that a tournament, all components of it, can be held in Trinidad. If that comes to us from the official sources we have cleared the pathway for that conversation and we would facilitate as we are able to under the confines of the guidance of the CMO (Chief Medical Officer).” Rowley said all the safety measures will have to be examined. The organisers are hopeful the tournament would bowl off on August 19.
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Educated guesses, part of GFF Estwick hails players commitment Working Group remit as plans for smooth to fitness period created by the curfew had been a blessing in post Covid-19 transition underway disguise in some ways. BRIDGETOWN, Even as the level of anxiety among sportsmen and women continues to build with all looking for normalcy to return, President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde has disclosed that any move in that regard must be done in a responsible manner based on the advice of the relevant bodies. It has been about three months now since all sports has come to a standstill as a result of the global pandemic, COVID-19 which has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and millions infected. The GFF has put together a Working Group that would be crystallizing all the avenues towards a responsible return to competitive on field action. Like everyone else, Forde said he is keenly anticipating the restart of the game here. “We are all very eager to get back to the playing of football but it is absolutely important that we remain focused on the real reason the entire world has paused over these past few months and that reason is to minimize the loss of human life to COVID19. I am always mindful of the signals I send out to the fraternity in my public utterances during these difficult times. Yes - football is very important to our players, fans and the wider stakeholder community. However, what is most important is the preservation of the precious gift of human
Wayne Forde life hence, we have to be responsible.” With specific regards to football resumption plans, Forde disclosed that, “We have been creating a playbook with different scenarios for the restart of organised football on a national scale.” Towards this end he noted that a number of goals and plans are being drawn up as follows: 1. Play a National Senior Men’s tournament that will involve all 9 RMAs and the Elite League Clubs, which would be possible to be completed in 2020. 2. Play the Year End GFF Super 16 Cup. 3. Play an IntraAssociation Women’s tournament. 4. Play short compact Intra-Association, U15, 17 & 20 Boys tournaments, either
at the Association level or as part of the Inter Academy Training Centers competition programme. Affixing dates to these plans he posited are the biggest challenge due primarily to the unpredictable shifting in the cases of COVID-19 and other public posturing of the Health Ministry. “We are essentially making educated guesses with the information available to us, as to when we can expect the return to some semblance of normal life. This is obvious not a best practice but it is the most that we can do under these u n p r e c e d e n t e d circumstances. I wish once again, encourage the entire football fraternity and all of Guyana to be responsible and remain safe.”
CWI slashes staff, player incomes ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Cricket West Indies have slashed staff and player incomes in half, in an attempt to remain viable amidst mounting financial troubles due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Describing the move as a “temporary measure”, the board said in a statement Friday that it “deeply regretted” having to make the cuts but was left with little choice “in the face of debilitating economic challenges which have resulted from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic”. The measures, adopted following “close consultation with all stakeholders”, will also extend to the funding for territorial boards, territorial board franchises along with the players association, WIPA. Retainers and allowances for directors and
executive management are also being slashed by half. CWI approved the measures during a board of directors meeting held by teleconference on Thursday, acting on recommendations put forward by its Financial Strategy Advisory Committee established last month and chaired by Jamaica Cricket Association president, Wilford “Billy” Heaven. The board said it did not envisage the measures lasting beyond “three to six months”. CWI president Ricky Skerritt said the current environment had required a “huge sacrifice” from the entire West Indies cricket fraternity. “Cricket is the beating heart of our region for many individuals, communities, and economies,” said Skerritt, who recently likened CWI’s finances to a patient in intensive care.
“This pandemic is hurting every West Indian and this decision to cut staff and player incomes has been a very difficult one to make; one that will impact so many members of the cricketing family around the Caribbean. “This business continuity plan unfortunately requires all stakeholders to make a huge sacrifice, but I am confident that it won’t be long before CWI will be in a position to ensure that the sport we love can restart and be enjoyed once again by the thousands of cricket fans across the region and diaspora.” CWI’s finances had been ailing for a while, a situation repeatedly highlighted by Skerritt since coming to office last year April. The board’s international broadcasting deal, a major source of its revenue, (Continued on page 51)
Barbados, CMC – West Indies assistant coach, Roddy Estwick, has praised the level of commitment to fitness exhibited by players during the lockdown period triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. He said the Barbadian contingent had returned to their first outdoor training this week since the country came under curfew nearly two months ago, and appeared in good physical and mental shape. Test captain Jason Holder, along with 12 other players named in a 30-man provisional squad for the proposed threeTest tour of England, kicked off net sessions and fielding drills this week at Kensington Oval here. “It’s good to see how they’ve come back [to training]. Obviously, they’ve been following the programme set out by Ronald Rogers (West Indies trainer) and the medical team so they’ve come back and they’re really not that far off [full fitness],” Estwick said here. “They just needed to bowl a few balls, hit a few balls – you can do all the fitness but you still need to get into the nets, you need to still get match situations so that was very important that we could
West Indies assistant coach, Roddy Estwick. get out as early as possible. “And really we’ve got to thank the Barbados government for giving us the opportunity to come out and get started.” Competitive cricket ground to a halt in the Caribbean last March when Cricket West Indies was forced to abort the regional first class championship with two rounds left, following the outbreak of COVID-19. Barbados was subsequently put under a 24hour curfew from the start of April with all outdoor activities prohibited. The country has so far recorded 92 cases of the coronavirus along with seven deaths. Earlier this month, the government began to ease some restrictions but while most outdoor team sports remain banned, players were given special permission to train behind closed doors at the Oval. Estwick said the down
“Sometimes you can look at disadvantages but I look at the positives,” the Barbadian pointed out. “Players would’ve gotten a decent rest, those who were carrying niggles could’ve sorted them out – you can [look] at Shannon Gabriel who was injured … he’s had the operation and now that [break] would give him a chance to heal, to get fitter, to get stronger to come back. “We’ve had a nice break and now we should be fresh and ready to go.” Players have been training in small groups on allotted days to minimise contact and under Estwick’s supervision, have undergone solid net sessions and fielding drills. Estwick said the weeklong sessions had been productive and praised the attitude of players. “We’re doing more oneon-one skills and that is very important in these times,” he explained. “Players are coming in at different times so you’re getting a chance to deal with individuals and deal with individual skills and work on changing techniques and things like that so we’re quite happy with the way things have gone so far.” The tour of England is scheduled to bowl off in July.
‘I wrote in my school book I will... From page 54 “When I first played for Berbice I was always an allrounder, from club cricket. I took on the role of opening the batting and bowling. I batted where I was needed at the time given the situation,” said Smartt, Coach of the Guyana U-19 Girls team. She started playing for Young Strikers Female Club, but after few years the club fell away because there was no female cricket being played in Berbice. “I was living a few villages from Albion cricket club so I decided, for the love of game, I would run to Albion ground and back. To keep my cricket skills going I would train with the Albion boys team….I was the only girl. Training with the likes of the Deonarines, Chattergoons, Bishoos. Tucber Park Cricket Club had a female team so I went to play there. During my time at Tucber Park, I felt the need to help to find female cricketers from the Corentyne to form a team. With the aim of helping to find and develop female cricket I would go to the
different villages. I borrowed my neighbour’s bicycle and rode around to encourage females to play cricket. I would talk to the girls in school. We had a Windball team in school that would take part in Windball competition organised by Alistair Monroe every year. I was successful in getting about two teams,” Smartt noted. She went to Rose Hall Town Club to get these girls in a club and when she was satisfied that the team was up and running she returned to Tucber Park Club where she is today, explained Smartt. Smartt played with the male team and was at Tucber Park in the Second and First division tournaments and was provided opportunity to improve her cricket. “I was in the Berbice team that travelled to Georgetown for the inter-county. I did my best by taking wickets and scoring runs and we were invited for trials matches. I performed well again and after the match the Guyana team was announced,” Smartt noted. “My most memorable moment was playing for West
Indies when I took a fourwicket haul in the 2013 World Cup against New Zealand to help my team to reach final. Another memorable moment for me was wining 2016 World Cup. My most memorable moments playing for Guyana was during my second year in the team. I scored a half century against Trinidad, and in 2013 put in a good all round performance to help Guyana beat Trinidad. I made 47 and took 3 wickets to help Guyana to victory in the 50 overs game in a semi-final match,” informed Smartt who now lives at Kilcoy Chesney, Corentyne. “When not playing cricket I would do gardening, flower pots making, do art and craft, plant flowers in my yard, listening to music, dancing, reading books, playing dominoes, watching TV, going fishing and helping others in my spare time. I recently donated foodstuff to the children homes,” Smartt disclosed. (to be continued) In Part 2 Smartt talks as player and Coach about the Women’s game.
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‘I wrote in my school book I will become a Cricketer’ - Says Guyana & Windies player Tremayne Smartt By Sean Devers Thirty-four-year-old fast bowling all-rounder Guyanese Tremayne Dequette Smartt has played 57 ODIs and 58 T20 games for the West Indies Women’s Team but none since March 2018 when the Regional side toured New Zealand. Smartt made her ODI debut on October 23, 2009 before playing her first T20 games for the West Indies two days later against hosts South Africa. The Berbician has 37 ODI wickets with a best of 5-24 at an Average 35.97. However, Smartt has enjoyed more success in the shortest form in International cricket taking 38 wickets from 52 innings with a best of 3-9 and an average of 20.26, while she has batted 26 times in the T20 format; making a highest score of 62 at a strike rate of 104.24. Smartt and Stacy-Ann King hold the record for the highest fourth-wicket partnership in a Women’s Twenty20 International with a stand of 124 runs. A senior member of the Guyana Women’s team, Smartt never played for Guyana at U-19 level and made her National debut for the U-23 side after some good performances for the Berbice senior team under the Presidency of Attorney-atLaw Emily Dodson who headed the Guyana Women’s Cricket Board. In 2011 she made her highest score of 62 in a T20, while in 2013/14 season she captured 14 wickets in 14 T20 matches for West Indies.
In 2015, Smartt and allrounder Deandra Dottin led Windies to an eight-wicket win against Pakistan in Grenada with incisive bowling. In 2016 Smartt was a member of the Windies team which won the Women’s World Cup in India but missed the home series against Sri Lanka before replacing injured Shakera Selman, for the 2018 tour of New Zealand. In February 2020, Shabika Gajnabi made an unbeaten 90 to lead Rose Hall Town Metro (149-6 in 20 overs) to a 96-run win over New Amsterdam/ Canje (53 all out) to win the BCB/ Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club/ Nand Persaud Company Limited female final. Smartt had 2-14 for New Amsterdam/Canje. In March 2020, Smartt (64) shared in an unfinished 176run stand with Gajnabi (215) against the National U-19 Girls team as Berbice won the GCB Women’s Inter-County tournament for the fourth consecutive time. Smartt was born on September 17, 1985 at Alverston Village Corentyne to Aubrey Smartt and Elizabeth Hunte-Smartt and attended Alness Primary. “I grow up at Big Alness Village Corentyne before moving to Number One Road Corentyne. Growing up as little girl I was the simple one. Living in the country area we live as one and look out for each other. I played softball and Tapeball cricket in streets from a small age with all the boys, I climbed trees, played
marbles, went fishing, bush cook. I always in the company of the boys in both villages. I loved playing cricket. We would play ‘get the ball bowl out man bat’ so those boys were ruff and you had to be tuff to jump overboard (into Canals) to get balls and bowl to get batting so you had to work harder when playing with those boys. We played a little football, raced each other in street races,” Smartt explained. “We would go fishing; catching fish and throw cast nets if we had, but it was more catching fish by hand, just to take home to cook a meal for the family or we would share with elders in village on our way home. I took part in athletics championships every year I would take part in nationals. I did cycling and high jumps, ran 100 and 200 relays. I have medals for second in cycling and high jumps in National’s School’s championship. I had no cycle but my village boys would lend me theirs to take part. In Berbice only one person would beat me in cycling, she was from my school too. At the end of my last year in school I finally beat her in a race. I never trained for those events, I would just turn up and give of my best and I get results. I also played a little basketball in school with boys for fun, they did not have problem giving me the ball because I would help them score points from any angle. It was natural for me, I never train in those sports like I for
Smartt runs out England’s Sophie Devine in St Vincent in 2014. (Smartt Facebook page) do cricket,” Smartt said as she remembered her school days. “It is normal for girls in Berbice to play cricket and football, sport in general. Taking part in sports, the better are their chances of not getting involved in ills of society. But it depends on what they want from the sports and maybe most of them follow the dream of being that great footballer or cricketer, but most girls in Berbice take up football and athletics, maybe because they have better programmes in those sports in the school’s system,” said Smart. “I got interested in cricket from a small age, playing softball in the street with the boys. I fell in love with cricket and one day I was in my class and just like, a thought came to my mind that I wanted to be a cricketer. I wrote it at back of my book. My friends and
Coach Smartt (left) with the Regional U-19 Champions Guyana.
family laughed at me. My father never wanted me to play cricket and wanted me to join the Army or Police force but I said to myself I will follow my dreams no matter what it takes. I would get really bad licks for always playing cricket in the streets with boys. That did not stop me. I was determined to be that cricketer. At that time there was no female cricketers in sight but I still had that hope of becoming one. The dream came through for me in 2005 when I made the Guyana U-23 female team to Trinidad. Then I went on to make West Indies in 2009. It was not an easy road. Living in country area the elders would ask you to go to shops or do chores for them and without you asking they would give a little something and of course I saved that to help get to training. My neighbours give me a
lovely green track pants which I used often by washing it every day just to get to training and follow that dream and listen to the words I wrote in that book that day,” Smartt added. It was myself-motivation and discipline. I would put a piece of wood and bowl to it and run get that ball all the time, practice catching by hitting the ball in the air, drop the bat run after it. Batting; I would drop the ball and hit and go after it, that’s how I started before any coaching was done,” informed Smartt. Smartt moved to Number One Road and completed Primary school at Courtland Primary before attending Port Mourant Secondary and then Lower Corentyne Secondary which produced most of good cricketers from Berbice like Devendra Bishoo, Zamal khan, Ravindra Ivan, Delbert Hicks and Esuan Crandon. (Continued on page 53)
Smartt bowls for the West Indies Women. (Smartt Facebook page)
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Club members preparing the items for distribution.
One of the hampers being given out during the distribution programme held last week.
Albion Community Center Cricket Club distributes food hampers to several families The Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) will continue to do as much as possible to assist members and others in the community affected by the Covid19 pandemic. The club recently distributed food hampers to
families of its needy members and senior citizens of the Albion community. According to a release from the Club, the distribution was done in the Albion Community Centre’s Main Hall. The funding for the
project was made possible through contributions from the Club’s International and national cricketers including the likes of Devendra Bishoo, Adrian Permaul, Anthony Bramble and Gudakesh Motie among others. Also contributing
were executive members and sponsors such as Permaul’s Trading and Distribution and Mr. Ajit Mootoo. Over 60 hampers were distributed and more is to be done. The club had earlier distributed face masks to its members. The ACCCC, which is
among the top cricket clubs in Guyana, is encouraging all to take the necessary precautions in light of the unwanted situation. It is
praying that the almighty brings an end to the situation in our country and other affected countries. (Samuel Whyte)
Paul ready to go wherever duty calls
I
t was announced last Thursday that Cricket West Indies (CWI) has approved next month’s tour of England where they will play three Tests in a “bio-secure” environment. The series, if it gets the nod of the UK government, will mark a resumption of international cricket which has been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECB has proposed two venues for the Test series starting July 8, Hampshire’s Ageas Bowl and Lancashire’s Old Trafford, both of which have on-site hotels, including seeking permission from the various National Governments to facilitate the movement of players and support staff using private charter planes and conducting medical screening for all members of the touring party due to COVID-19. Guyana and West Indies fast bowling all-rounder Kemo Paul told Kaieteur Sports that he is ready to go where duty calls. “Well yes I’m willing to go whenever duty calls. I am ready to go, obviously measures must be put in place and we must follow the guidelines.
I think once the tour goes ahead it will be a competitive series. We won back here in the Caribbean so no doubt they will be playing extra hard but we will be up to the challenge,” said the 22-yearold Essequibian. Paul, who hails from the Island of Saxacally in the Essequibo River but moved to the Island of Wakanaam to attend the Essequibo Secondary School, informed that, he has been doing his own training at home during the Pandemic break. “The trainer from the West Indies sent me a programme and I have been working with that, also I have been focusing much more on my diet in this time,” informed Paul who scored 47 runs and took six wickets since making his debut against Bangladesh in Jamaica in July 2018. The talented and level headed Paul disclosed that he had a ‘50 percent spot bowling’ session at the Providence Stadium on Thursday. “After a month and a half I have finally gotten to go onto a cricket field and do some work so I am very grateful for that. Once the tour goes ahead and I am selected I am ready to
perform. I am excited to play cricket again,” added Paul who 87 wickets from 21 First-Class games with three five-wicket hauls and 663 runs including a century and two fifties. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season is scheduled to take place from 19 August to 26 September 2020 and at present, the CPL team are planning for the tournament to take place as scheduled whilst also looking at alternative plans should they be needed. Among the contingency plans is to play the T20 tournament at one venue (Queens Park Oval T&T) behind closed doors with no spectators. Paul, who has 51 wickets from 50 T20 games, gives his views on playing the ‘biggest Party in Sports’ with no spectators watching from the stands. “Well I don’t think it’s a bad idea given the situation, it’s for everyone’s safety and just the thought of playing CPL gets me excited so with or without spectators I would love for it to go ahead,” said Paul who informed that West Indies Test cricket is his priority. Paul played his first year
at Regional U-15 level as a Wicket-Keeper/ batsman and his second year at that level as batsman who bowled spin before former Guyana off-spinner Gavin Nedd, now a Coach, changed him to batting all-rounder who bowled fast. Paul has played for West Indies, Delhi Capitals, Delhi Daredevils, Guyana, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Guyana Under-19s, Montreal Tigers, Quetta Gladiators, UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI, West Indies A and West Indies Under19s. However, at the International level he is viewed as a bowling allrounder but Paul who was a part of the West Indies’ U-19 2016 World Cup winning team when he became infamous for his ‘mankad’ run out against Zimbabwe, is confident he has the ability become a genuine allrounder. “I want to be more consistent in my batting and
Kemo Paul is ready to go wherever duty calls. become the World’s best allrounder,” concluded the hard working Paul, who has a
highest score of 46 and 23 wickets from 19 ODIs. (Sean Devers)
West Indies players are facing a 50 per cent cut in income from CWI.
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CWI slashes staff, player incomes Educated guesses, part of GFF Working Group remit as plans for smooth post Covid-19 transition underway
Fruta Conquerors’ Nicholas McArthur battles with Western Tigers’ Andrew Murray at the GFF National Training Facility. (file photo) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.