Guyana Times -- Friday July 17, 2020

P14

Ballot Box Martyrs’ sacrifices still relevant today – PPP/C Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4349

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

Visa sanctions took immediate effect – US Ambassador

… "riggers" and families will be informed by Embassy

… hints more sanctions likely See story on page 3 Caricom Heads to Results must discuss Guyana’s be declared political crisis at specially-convened from recount meeting next week

figures – UK Foreign Secretary Int’l powers could freeze, confiscate assets if Govt, others persist in undermining democracy – Nandlall Page 11

Page 11

Page 9

Undemocratic behaviour warrants sanctions – Granger when Opposition Leader See story on page 7

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Int’l travel P17 could resume on August 28

Illegal Brazilian nationals being trafficked through the Iwokrama P17 Forest

Father of 3 shot dead at worksite P14

Armed bandits invade, rob P15 Chinese businessman of $3.5M in cash, other items

GCCI writes Top Cop about possible ''destabilisation'' of security situation P13

2 NEWS Guyana records 19th COVID-19 death, 1 new case FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– active cases now 133

G

uyana has recorded its 19th COVID-19 death on Wednesday afternoon at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The man has been identified as a 36-year-old male from the North West District in Region One (BarimaWaini). He was reportedly in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the time of his demise.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud told a media outlet

that males were more susceptible to the disease since they were not taking it seriously.

As such, he urged all to take the necessary precautions and to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines that were put in place.

As of Thursday, July 16, one case of the virus was detected. The total positive cases thus far have climbed to 314, but there were only 133 active cases.

During the COVID-19

briefing, it was revealed that 162 persons have since recovered while eight persons were in institutional quarantine. From the 3418 tests conducted, some 3104 returned negative. Five persons are still receiving treatment in the designated Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Deputy CMO, Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle noted that Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) still leads the list with 115 recorded cases.

This is followed by Region

Banks DIH mishap

2nd person succumbs to injuries

T

wenty-five-yearold Anthony Lowe, who was injured one week ago after a building collapsed at Banks DIH Limited, has succumbed to his injuries.

Lowe, who hailed from Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was admitted in an unconscious state to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

However, hospital sources confirmed that he died around 08:00h on Thursday.

According to information received, Lowe, after being admitted, never regained

Dead: Anthony Lowe

consciousness; he had suffered severe injuries to his brain and lungs.

He leaves to mourn his

wife, who is six months pregnant.

Lowe is the second construction worker who died following the incident which occurred around 13:00h on July 8. The other person was Jagmohan Bissessar, 61, of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD). He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital on the day the incident took place.

The two now dead employees and others were in the process of demolishing a building at Banks DIH Limited when the structure collapsed. They worked for a private construction firm.

One (Barima-Waini) with 95; Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) with 48 and Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) with 26 cases.

Other regions with reported cases include Regions Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) with 11 cases; Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) with 10 cases; Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) with three cases; and Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) with one each.

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) remains the only administrative region without a case of the coronavirus.

According to the DCMO, health officials are pleased with the recovery rate, representing 52 per cent of all cases.

Nevertheless, she said, “I wish to emphasise the Ministry’s deep concern about the increase in cases even as we appreciate the upward trend of our recoveries. As we have been pleading through our briefs, it is imperative for all of us to adhere to the guidelines outlined for our safety.”

Presently, Regions One and Seven are the target areas for intervention, owing

to the uncontrollable infection rate, but the general populace is asked to remain vigilant for any sign of the virus.

“We cannot allow the exponential increase in cases to continue and overwhelm our health workers. I am, therefore, relying on all – residents, Toshaos, whistleblowers, to respond positively and help us to reach those contacts that may be experiencing any COVIDrelated signs or symptoms or may have been in proximity with a COVID case.

“Further, restrict your movement in and out of these regions and remain vigilant concerning undocumented migrants from Brazil and Venezuela who may not have been quarantined. The COVID-19 pandemic in these bordering countries is still rampant,” Dr Gordon-Boyle insisted.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the total number of cases is 13,150,645 with 574,464 deaths.

Regionally, the number of cases is 6,884,151 with 290,674 deaths.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, July 17 – 02:00h-03:30h and 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, July 18 – 02:30h-04:00h and 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, July 17 –14:25h-15:55h and Saturday, July 18 – 15:20h-16:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions in the early morning hours will be followed by light to thundery showers from mid-morning into the early-evening hours.

Partly cloudy skies are expected thereafter.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 14:14h reaching a maximum height of 2.30 metres.

Low Tide: 07:44h and 20:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.84 metre and 0.92 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$43.37/barrel

-0.97

Rough Rice

$212.09 /ton

-0.40

London Sugar

$348.50/ton

-0.66

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1796.60

$1797.60

Low/High

$1793.60

$1812.60

Change

+0.60

+0.03%

Visa sanctions took immediate effect – US Ambassador

…"riggers" and families will be informed by Embassy …hints more sanctions likely

T

he ‘targeted’ visa sanctions imposed by the United States on Guyana Government and elections officials who have “undermined” the country’s democracy took immediate effect following the announcement on Wednesday.

“The visa restrictions took place immediately. People will be informed when they apply for a visa, or if they already have one and they plan to travel to the US. They will be informed that their visa has been revoked,” US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, said during a virtual media engagement on Thursday.

It was noted that the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown would inform those persons affected by the visa restriction.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Wednesday announced that visa restrictions have been imposed on top Guyana Government officials and all others who are involved in undermining Guyana’s democracy.

“Today I am announcing visa restrictions on individuals responsible for, or complicit in, the undermining of democracy in Guyana. The immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to restrictions,” Pompeo said during a State Department briefing.

“The Granger Government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” Pompeo further asserted.

In a subsequent tweet, Pompeo said the new visa restrictions imposed on persons involved in electoral fraud sends a clear message of the consequences of subverting democracy and the rule of law.

It is also highly likely that the Canadian and United Kingdom governments would take similar measures soon.

During Thursday’s engagement, Ambassador Lynch was pressed for details about those persons who were affected by the restriction, but give no further information. She explained that US privacy laws prevents the disclosure of any visa records.

“Visa records are confidential under U.S. law, so we are not able to identify the individuals or provide details on any individual visa case…and I’m not going to get into numbers. We reserve the right to review any actions that are occurring in Guyana at this time, and we will review various

cases and actions, and make determinations as necessary going further,” she stated.

According to the US diplomat, her administration will look at further targeted visa restrictions, if necessary, and she pointed out that only the Secretary of State has the authority to remove these visa sanctions.

Further questioned about what the next stage of sanctions from the US would look like if Guyana’s democracy continues to be undermined, Ambassador Lynch pointed out that the highest levels of the US Government would have to determine this, but she directed this publication to look at examples already out there.

She went on to defend the timing of Secretary Pompeo’s announcement, reminding that the US has, for “several weeks”, warned about the serious consequences that would be undertaken should democracy continue to be undermined here.

“So there is nothing coincidental about the date by which he made that statement,” Lynch posited, after being asked about possibly trying to influence ongoing legal proceedings.

The High Court is currently hearing a matter filed

by APNU/AFC supporter Misegna Jones, who is seeking to block the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from make a dec-

laration of the March 2 elections using the recount figures.

According to the US envoy, her country is not alone regarding the growing intolerance of the international community over attempts to undermine democracy in Guyana. She noted that the US is among more than 130 nations under the umbrella of global organisations that are all calling for a swift end to the electoral process based on the recount results. Among those nations are The Commonwealth, the European Union (EU), the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), and she said there are bilateral statements from most continents.

She outlined that the recount exercise was supervised by a Caricom observer team, along with other local and international observers, who have all concluded that the process was transparent and the results deriving from that process must be the basis of a declaration of the winner.

As such, Ambassador Lynch noted that the events that unfolded in Guyana since polling day more than four months ago are “highly disappointing”, and she stressed the need for the will of the Guyanese people to be respected.

“The international community has been clear that it stands with the Guyanese

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

people and that there would be consequences for individuals who seek to undermine democracy… The events following the March 2 elections, some of which I personally witnessed, indicate that there are forces that have repeatedly refused to accept the will of the people at the ballot box. Guyana’s non-democratic trajectory is dangerous for its citizens and for the hemisphere as a whole. I hope that Guyana’s leaders understand what is at stake if it continues down this path,” she stated.

With Guyana and the US partnering in the areas of security, governance and prosperity, the diplomat stressed that if the country continues to subvert democracy and the rule of law, then it will pose implicit dangers to the hemisphere. (G8)

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

Views Hinds’s falsification of history and of Rodney Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Corporate Social Responsibility

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very business seeks to maximise its profit, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) would seem to contradict this logic by taking away some of the company’s resources.

At its heart, Corporate Social Responsibility is about an organisation taking responsibility for the impacts of its decisions and activities on all aspects of society, the community, and the environment. Corporate Social Responsibility is more than just donating money; it’s about contributing to the health and welfare of society, operating transparently and ethically. More importantly, this way of operating should be embedded in the business, rather than an afterthought.

What many may not know is that Corporate Social Responsibility also helps to build a good corporate reputation.

In other words, companies agree to do more for society than simply create jobs and pay wages and taxes with the expectation of some reward— such as a good reputation or a competitive advantage in the local market.

Corporate philanthropy can serve to promote solidarity in a society where different groups agree on what is ethical and beneficial, according to the researchers. In societies built on this consensus model, CSR can smooth out the effects of economic inequality, and corporations voluntarily support public benefit projects to achieve this goal.

It can be understood that CSR helps in building a reputation as a responsible business and as a good citizen.

Keeping social responsibility front of mind encourages businesses to act ethically and to consider the social and environmental impacts of their business. In doing so, organisations can avoid or mitigate detrimental impacts of their business in the community. In some cases, organisations will find ways to make changes in their services or value chain that actually delivers benefits for the community, where they once didn’t.

In addition, CSR supports public value outcomes; put simply, public value is about the value that an organisation contributes to society. A sound, robust corporate social responsibility framework and organisational mind-set can genuinely help organisations deliver public value outcomes by focussing on how their services can make a difference in the community.

This might happen indirectly — where an organisation’s services enable others to contribute to the community— or directly through the organisation’s own activities, such as volunteerism and philanthropy.

Another benefit of a strong corporate social responsibility framework is essential to building and maintaining trust between the company and clients. It can strengthen ties, build alliances and foster strong working relationships with both existing and new clients. One way this can be achieved is by offering pro-bono or similar services where a company can partner with not-for-profit organisations to support their public value outcomes, where funds or resources may be limited.

In turn, this helps deliver public value outcomes that may not have been delivered otherwise. Studies have shown that a robust corporate social responsibility framework can also help a company become more attractive to potential future employees who are looking for workplaces with socially responsible practices, community mindedness, and sound ethics.

The era of the social enterprises is upon us. More so than ever before, the most successful, respected, and desirable businesses exist to do much more than make money; they exist to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

Study after study has shown that socially responsible businesses (aka social enterprises) not only provide sustainable business models, but also have improved marketing, employee recruitment, employee satisfaction, legal treatment, customer loyalty, brand perception, and richer partnerships.

The questions that many local businesses need to consider are: Can Corporate Social Responsibility help your organisation? Do you see the benefits of CSR?

Dear Editor, The July 9, 2020 issue of Kaieteur News carried a letter by David Hinds, in which he falsified history and totally misrepresented the man he called his hero, Walter Rodney.

He did all of this to try to instigate African Guyanese to defend the crimes of the PNC and their attempt to steal the government by attempting to commit fraud in the March 2, 2020 elections in this country.

In his attempt, Hinds transported the race relations history of the US into our Guyanese society. He said that his interlocutor will “never be a George Floyd” because he is not Afro, but this is just designed to mislead in our Guyanese context.

The post-slavery history of the Caribbean is very different from the post-slavery history of the United States.

In the US, the form of relations was modified, and African-Americans continued to be confronted by racism. They had to resist segregation, and a lot of that kind of relationship lingers to this day.

In the post-colonial period in the Caribbean, AfroCaribbean people were not segregated in the societies.

They did face issues like the African-Americans did.

Indeed, from a race point of view, it was Afro-Caribbean people who played the most prominent role in the region.

In our own Guyana, the PNC emphasised race to support colonial domination, and engineered racial clashes to cause the delay of independence and install themselves in power. They have since used racism like a knee on the throats of the whole nation, stifling social and economic progress of all Guyanese.

Make no mistake about it, the PNC/APNU/AFC does not represent the interest of the African-Guyanese working people. Even the African-Guyanese business people are not represented by the PNC/APNU. The PNC/APNU represents a tiny cabal that has accumulated great wealth during the Burnham period and now. Race serves as a smokescreen to allow this cabal to exploit the Guyanese masses, including the vast majority of African-Guyanese workers and farmers.

However, by using the history of Black people in the US, and by integrating it with lies like PPP/Civic killed hundreds of Black people, the PNC/APNU have succeeded in creating a false consciousness among a great amount of the African masses in this country about a ‘coolie domination’.

Actually, Indians, more than any other group, have been the victims of PNC/ APNU racism. They were the ones that had to bear that cross, suffering both as working people and because of PNC use of racism.

But Hinds did not only mix up our history to justify his descent into the morass of racism, he criminally tried to ‘recruit’ Rodney in that diabolical attempt.

The same Walter Rodney who spent his short adult life fighting against racism and for working class unity here and abroad.

Hinds, in quoting Rodney, took him completely out of context, and even tried to turn Rodney into a PNC man.

This is unpardonable.

This is sick.

Rodney toiled tirelessly to show that Black Power analysis in the US and the Caribbean had to be seen differently. This is how he put it in one of his conversa-

tions, published in the book ‘Walter Rodney Speaks’. He said that while in Jamaica ‘…trying to formulate questions of struggle…. from time to time I did refer back to the Guyanese situation, trying to make it clear that the way in which one was using the word ‘Black’ in a West Indian context must of necessity embrace the majority of African and Indian populations. And the reason I did that was because I knew that the word ‘black’ could well be interpreted in a narrow sense to mean African, and hence anti-Indian…”.

He went on to refer to Stokely Carmichael’s visit to Guyana in the late 1960s/early 1970s. here is what he said: “…Brother Stokely Carmichael was in Guyana on one occasion – I wasn’t there at the time – and he didn’t help the situation very much by introducing what was essentially an alien, that is, a North American, conception of what race was about…”

Rodney was extremely clear and honest in his analysis, unlike David Hinds.

He never believed that PNC represented African Guyanese interests. Here is what he had to say more than forty years ago: “… African Guyanese who look around them today recognize that their material and social and political condition had not advanced.

Rather, in many cases, it may have declined in spite of the existence of this socalled African Government”.

It sounds as if he was speaking about the Granger regime today.

Unfortunately, Hinds is now one of the main defenders and promoters of the elite that has its knee on our throats. He falls squarely in this category that Rodney saw and expressed disgust

within. Here is how Walter put it in his own inimitable style: “…For a small nation, Guyana has produced a discouragingly large number of lackeys and stooges who hide in the shadow of the ‘Comrade Leader’…”. This is exactly where Doctor David Hinds is, one of the ‘lackies’, one of the tools that PNC/ APNU used to continue the rape of our nation.

I close with another important advice that Rodney left us, one that is of great relevance. “No ordinary Afro-Guyanese, no ordinary Indo-Guyanese can afford to be misled by the myth of race. Time and time again, it has been our undoing…”.

He uttered those words at a public meeting at the corner of Durban Street & Louisa Row in defending a PPP activist, Arnold Rampersaud.

Today, it is in the interest of all Guyanese to heed that message and stand up and defend Democracy; to defend free and fair elections; to live in a country that operates with laws, and where the Constitution is respected. Those are fundamental pillars for social and economic development of the state and its people.

Those are indispensable in moving towards a more just society.

We must frustrate the efforts of the likes of David Hinds, who seek to divide us and condemn us to perpetual poverty under the guise of ‘defending’ black people.

We must reject the imposition of another country’s history upon us, and must defend the stalwarts and heroes like Walter Rodney, and not allow their teachings to be taken out of context to achieve the opposite of what he, Rodney, stood for.

Dear Editor, The World Bank has undermined the rule of law in Guyana, and must accept some responsibility for the current constitutional crisis in which an unlawful government is trying to hold on to power fraudulently, as the Bank has lent money to a government that had no lawful authority to borrow.

The World Bank allowed an individual to sign the Financing Agreement as Minister of Finance, in direct violation of the Constitution.

That is direct political interference in Guyana by the World Bank.

The Bank has so far provided a total of $55 million to Guyana, consisting of a $35 million development policy loan approved in 2018 to reform the country’s financial sector in anticipation of

the oil boom, and a $20 million technical assistance loan approved in 2019 to improve governance and management of Guyana’s oil and gas development.

The technical assistance loan includes support for an “update of Guyana’s legal and regulatory frameworks for the governance and oversight of the O&G [oil and gas] sector.” Guyanese groups are concerned this will dilute legal environmental protections in Guyana, which are considered a regional gold standard and inspired many elements of the Escazú Agreement.

Despite the Bank’s aims at improving governance in Guyana, the country has slipped into political chaos since agreeing World Bank support. Following criticism of the ruling APNU-AFC

Coalition and their handling of the petroleum contract for the Stabroek block, the coalition lost a vote of no confidence in December 2018, and became an unconstitutional government in September 2019 following their refusal to hold elections.

A subsequent election in March 2020 favoured the Opposition PPP/C party, but this has been contested by the incumbent APNU-AFC Coalition, despite them being unable to produce any evidence, in a move which has been widely condemned by all international observers.

More than 100 environmental and human rights organizations and eminent persons from around the world issued an urgent statement expressing solidarity with the people of Guyana in light of the country’s recent elections

saga, and calling for David Granger and the APNU/ AFC caretaker Government to step aside, and to uphold the integrity of the March 2 election outcomes according to applicable law, and for a peaceful transition now that the recount results and outcome are verified.

These statements also drew attention to the critical role of Guyana’s nascent oil industry in exacerbating the political crisis, and it called on Exxon and other oil companies to declare unequivocally that they will conduct business only with a lawfully installed government.

Following the discovery of oil off the coast of Guyana, major oil companies are racing to open up the country as the newest extractive frontier.

Donald Ramotar Former President

The World Bank has undermined the rule of law in Guyana

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Election rigging is serious business, and is neither tolerable nor accommodable Dear Editor, Fellow Guyanese: ladies and gentlemen of the jury, it is time to face facts, if not ourselves, and own up to harsh realities. Election rigging is serious business, and members of the international community will not tolerate or accommodate this business. They will not be a “partner in crime”, and no amount of tongue twisting will fool them.

They will provide the opportunity for redemption, but will ultimately draw the line and pull the plug. They are the big brother and sister to the oppressed and depressed.

Figures do not lie, like the tongues in the mouths of evil-minded people, destined to create chaos and confusion by deliberately twisting and mixing, mincing and switching words, with deceiving voices flowing from crooked throats.

We have unfortunately been the victims of so many white-collar crimes committed by personnel in the hierarchy posing as representatives of the people of Guyana. From secret arrangements to hidden agreements, from lavish payoffs to perks unimaginable, the selected few enjoying the privileges that allowed them to soar the sky and mix with the international and national corporate world, where wheels and deals are solicited over cocktails and

meeting rooms become the play fields and the wining and dining rooms.

A number of Guyanese have no stretch of an imagination as to what is involved in that arena, but can only express an opinion based on flimsy hearsay. But the well-read students, intelligent Guyanese, intellectuals, the experienced ones, others who have been there and done that, those in high society and those involved in running governmental affairs can acquiesce with this scenario.

Once acquiring a taste for finesse and magnitude, the finer things in life, the feel of power and importance, the limelight and spotlight, the centre of attraction, the media’s pursuit, it becomes extremely difficult to resist these extravaganzas, and the temptation to join forces with the devil in order to remain in prominence and retain these spin-offs becomes irresistible, if not impossible.

Not only do the stakes become too high, but the element of danger creeps in also, compounding the risk factor with reimbursements and insecurity. No brick is left unturned, nothing is overlooked, and taking chance is not inclusive in the formula to protect the integrity of the character and the maintenance of the position.

The individual will pursue any cause to defy any

opposition that dares deny the continuity of such benefits; and instill any form of incapacitation, whether legally or illegally, by foul or fair means, directly or indirectly, without fear or hesitation, and not worrying about cost or damage, nor the relationship of the opponent. Now the foot has sunk too deep in the mud; rooted, seeded, and can only bear sour fruits.

A bitter past has glaringly reflected the unpleasant transparency of an established paper trail of many such guilty individuals, all of them sporting an immunity and not brought to face the law because of a corrupted administration, the farcical policing, and the loopholes of the judicial system.

Truth and honesty remain as words only in the vocabulary, to be taunted with mimicry and tainted with lies and insincerity, defended by masked faces and denied by hypocrites, much to the impoverished helplessness of many a befooled diehard.

History, if recorded timely, completely and accurately by the authenticated authority, will showcase abominable atrocities that the keeper of logistics will clarify with innumerable statistics to document volumes in quality and quantity beyond the question of a doubt, but ones that future generations will find diffi-

cult to comprehend and impossible to accept the fact that such inappropriateness was allowed to transpire and accepted by those in control by turning a blind eye.

Fraud and deceits conjectured the order of the day and became the mantra for the villainous syndicate.

Who stands to gain, and who sits to lose in this merry-goround of time, money and opportunity? The rich always get richer and the poor never fail to succumb in getting poorer. The middleman sticks around to play the cards correctly, and either suffers or prospers; and others join the gravy train, but for short distances.

The game of politics and economics always effectively affects the sociological lives of the community, and leaves psychological scars that can prove to be quite detrimental to the physiology of many families and their home circles.

But greed for personal gain always satisfies the aims and objectives of the miscreants, addicted to a reputation for name and fame, regardless of the cost, at the expense of those handicapped in limitations and in denial of awareness. Many facts and diverse information are either diversified to the upper echelons only, or kept in abeyance for as long as possible, or discretely revealed on a perpetual basis slowly and in piecemeal. Its

Granger continues to splurge taxpayers’ money while Guyanese suffer

Dear Editor, President David Granger, I saw from media reports, had a celebration at the State House on the occasion of his 75th birthday.

It seemed Mr Granger, as usual, had a jolly good time.

From the pictures that appeared, Mr Granger had cake, glee and well-wishers. I saw him take on the role of musical conductor as he seemingly danced away while his audience watched on.

His celebration, howev-

er, is yet another tangible demonstration of how he and his administration are really pulling away from the plight of the ordinary man and woman. While Granger and clique enjoyed themselves on the sweat of the taxpayers, we have quite a number of Guyanese who stare at empty cupboards and bare kitchens, and face hard times.

There has been an upsurge in petty crime as Guyanese have nowhere else to turn while Granger

and company dine in style.

While they have wine, some don’t even have water.

While Mr Granger receives gifts, Guyanese are made to punish under his administration.

Is this Mr Granger’s ‘Good Life?’

But, as we all know, the Creator doesn’t come, but He sends. And He didn’t forget Mr Granger on his special day. The President received several others gifts, presents I don’t think he expected or wanted. Indeed,

his tyrannical rule has not gone unnoticed. For his birthday, the most powerful nations in the world have told him and colleagues they are no longer welcome, and he should heed his own advice and do the decent and honest thing and step aside.

It reminds me that when your ears hard you do feel, and Mr Granger is certainly feeling it.

Yours faithfully, Liebert Alleyne

The World Bank has undermined...

However, the oil rush has contributed to threats to human rights and democracy, and threatens to reward corruption and repression, with the fraught elections’ results being the most recent example. The turmoil of recent days bears all the hallmarks of the oil curse that has plagued countries and peoples around the world, as the promise of oil wealth turns government into a prize to be captured rather than a duty to be fulfilled. For the vast major-

ity of people in these countries, oil extraction brings not greater development, but greater threats to their freedom, their rights, and their environment. Right now, this false promise is putting democracy and the safety of people across Guyana at risk.” For this reason, we call on oil companies and those financing the oil boom in Guyana to join the international community in the call for legitimate electoral process and results, and for all involved

to heed those calls and ensure a safe, peaceful transition of power.”

Finally, the statement highlighted the role of the financial sector, including the World Bank and the InterAmerican Development Bank, in financing Guyana’s conversion from a net carbon sink into a fossil-dependent economy and a significant source of global emissions. With its involvement in Guyana’s oil and gas development, the World Bank has contributed to the

FROM PAGE 4

critical situation we now see after the election.

Under the World Bank’s assistance, contracts were made between the oil companies and a government that – after a vote of no confidence – should have left office a year ago. Rather than striving for ‘good governance,’ the World Bank has created more instability in an already precarious political situation Sincerely, David Adams

significance is either lost or it’s too late to strategically counter with enquiries and appropriate actions.

As this saga plays out in Guyana, the drama continues to spill on the election opera stage, where the actors are leading the managers into a trauma and the audience is in a dilemma, prolonging a recount result in a panorama punctuated with many a comma.

The original script was written in a dogma that carried a punch line knocking you out to fall in a coma, dancing to the whims of a Madonna and some begging this mamma to spare them anymore diarrhoea, to allow the proceedings of a court aura to unfold, before it will be too late to visit Africa, India, Europe, America or Canada; and then there will be time left only to realize nirvana. Many will be praying for the intervention of Allah, Krishna, Christ, Rama, Buddha and Dalai Lama to persuade the administrators to follow the principles of Obama, who was influenced by the concepts of Gandhi and Martin Luther King and the teachings of the Bible, Quran and the Gita. Before you can change into a nightgown or pajama, there surfaces another melodrama that seriously questions the necessi-

ty for a psychodrama.

Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” was released on Dec. 15th,1993, starring Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley, winning 7 Academy Awards.

On Wednesday, as the clouds momentarily cleared, the Eagles landed softly and suddenly to present the “Swindler’s List” to the birthday party “Swashbuckler’s List.” Mind you, “the good” are on the Schindler’s List; “the bad” are on the “Swashbuckler’s List”, and “the ugly” are on the “Swindler’s List.” What list are you on?

The necessary groundwork has been laid, and it is now up to the concerned party to wake up, take a moment, make the call to comment if they will repent, make a statement in abatement, or indicate in an acknowledgement if they remain a client to represent the caretaker president in any of his delinquent engagement. With the free compliment of the US Embassy, unlike GECOM’s detriment, your argument will receive fair treatment, judgement will be given a quick and credible assessment, because it is independent and transparent.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

WI made us all proud Dear Editor Please permit me to use this medium to congratulate the West Indies Cricket Team on their recent outstanding defeat of England.

Under the captaincy of the world’s number one Test all-rounder Jason Holder, they defied the COVID-19 challenges and hammered England in England’s own backyard.

It was so pleasing to see the resumption of Test cricket after one hundred and seventeen days, and more so the Caribbean team, with the words “Black Lives Matter” boldly inscribed on their collars, giving a knee at the Ageas Bowl.

It has been a long time since the West Indies Team defeated a team ranked above them in a Test match away from home. Also, it was the first time since 2000 that the West Indies defeated their opponent in the first Test match of a series in England.

The team from the Caribbean dominated the match, apart from two brief periods, when they batted the second time and were 2 for 7 and 3 for 21. Gabrael, Blackwood and Holder were outstanding, although several others chipped in with valuable contributions with both bat and ball at diverse

stages of the match.

It was truly a great team effort. However, there were too many dropped catches; missed run-out chances; poor communication in running between the wickets by the tallest man in the team, Jason Holder, and the shortest person, Jermain Blackwood; too many batsmen got good starts but did not move on to bigger scores; and a few tactical blunders were made by the skipper himself.

Conversely, the victors gained from several dropped catches, run-out opportunities, and a few no- balls that could have resulted in the loss of a wicket.

As we jubilate, we must remember that England will come back at us with blood in their eyes in the upcoming Tests. There is a saying that England would prefer to lose a battleship than to lose a Test match. They will also posit that one swallow does not mean that it is summer. However, it is always nice to be first among equals. As we move towards a ‘blackwash’, we must remember that there is hope.

Best regards, Clinton Conway Former Assistant Commissioner of Police

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish CXC English and Mathematics questions with specimen answers.

CXC QUESTIONS

MATHS

ENGLISH

B

The Tempest

By William Shakespeare

Act 1 Scene 2

Enter PROSPERO and MIRANDA

MIRANDA: If by your art, my dearest father, you have Put the wild waters in this roar, allay them.

The sky, it seems, would pour down stinking pitch, But that the sea, mounting to th' welkin’s cheek, Dashes the fire out. Oh, I have suffered With those that I saw suffer. A brave vessel Who had, no doubt, some noble creature in her Dashed all to pieces. Oh, the cry did knock Against my very heart! Poor souls, they perished.

Had I been any god of power, I would Have sunk the sea within the earth or ere It should the good ship so have swallowed and The fraughting souls within her.

PROSPERO: Be collected.

No more amazement. Tell your piteous heart There’s no harm done.

MIRANDA: Oh, woe the day!

PROSPERO: No harm.

I have done nothing but in care of thee, Of thee, my dear one—thee my daughter, who Art ignorant of what thou art, naught knowing Of whence I am, nor that I am more better Than Prospero, master of a full poor cell And thy no greater father.

MIRANDA: More to know Did never meddle with my thoughts.

PROSPERO: 'Tis time I should inform thee farther. Lend thy hand And pluck my magic garment from me.

MIRANDA helps PROSPERO remove his mantle So, Lie there, my art.—Wipe thou thine eyes. Have comfort.

The direful spectacle of the wrack, which touched The very virtue of compassion in thee, I have with such provision in mine art So safely ordered that there is no soul— No, not so much perdition as an hair Betid to any creature in the vessel— Which thou heard’st cry, which thou sawst sink. Sit down.

For thou must now know farther. (to the cloak) So, lie there, my magic. (to MIRANDA) Wipe your eyes. Take comfort. I arranged the horrible sight of this shipwreck, which moved you to such pity, so carefully that not a single person was hurt—no, not so much as a hair on anyone’s head was destroyed in the ship that you saw sink.

Sit down. It’s time for you to know more. (they sit) MIRANDA: You have often Begun to tell me what I am, but stopped And left me to a bootless inquisition, Concluding, “Stay. Not yet.”

PROSPERO: The hour’s now come.

The very minute bids thee ope thine ear.

Obey and be attentive. Canst thou remember A time before we came unto this cell?

40I do not think thou canst, for then thou wast not Out three years old.

MIRANDA: Certainly, sir, I can.

PROSPERO: By what? By any other house or person?

Of anything the image tell me that Hath kept with thy remembrance.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Threats to GECOM Chair

US Ambassador shocked, appalled at attacks – PNC activist in custody

US Ambassador Lynch

U

Sarah-Ann

nited States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, has denounced recent attacks on Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh, and has called for her to be allowed to bring an end to the protracted electoral process.

During a virtual press conference on Thursday, Ambassador Lynch said, “I am shocked and appalled at the dangerous state-

ments and actions that I have seen directed at the Chairwoman.”

As the post-elections events unfolded, there have been increased attacks – mostly via social media – against the GECOM Chair.

In fact, back in April, Justice Singh had reported a death threat on her life to the Guyana Police Force.

She subsequently told reporters, “They have a bounty on my head from Friday [April, 17, 2020] night.”

More recently, however, the attacks have escalated, and the Police on Tuesday night arrested an APNU/ AFC activist from Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) who had threatened to kill the GECOM Chair in a Facebook post on Monday.

The post, which was made under a fake profile and traced back to the person, says, “IF YOU CLAUDETTE SINGH THINK YOU WILL DECLARE FRAUDULENT VOTES SO THAT THE PPP WILL WIN, WELL THINK AGAIN BCUZ YOU AND EVERYBODY IN UR HOUSE WILL F**** DEAD. #DEATHUPONYOU”.

Meanwhile, even more disturbing is a video on so-

cial media showing persons conducting a makeshift funeral with a doll which they claim represents the GECOM Chair.

To this end, the US Ambassador on Thursday called for these acts and attacks against Justice Singh to be condemned.

“Chairwoman Singh is a person of the utmost integrity, and a distinguished ju-

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

rist who has given decades of her life in service to her country. I hope that all

Guyanese will speak out on her behalf and allow her to continue her work and bring this electoral process to closure,” the US diplomat stated.

The GECOM Chair on Wednesday give an undertaking to the High Court to pause all engagements at the level of the seven-member Elections Commission pending the outcome of the legal proceedings filed

by APNU/AFC supporter Misegna Jones, who is seeking to block the declaration of the March 2 elections based on the National Recount results.

This comes after Justice Singh was forced to discard several reports submitted

by Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, after he continuously failed to adhere to her directions to use the figures from the recount exercise to compile his report.

According to the US Ambassador during Thursday’s virtual press conference, the events unfolding in Guyana since the 2020 elections, held more than four months ago, are “highly disappointing”.

Nevertheless, she noted that the US contin-

ues to hope that the will of Guyanese people is respected, and further pledged her country’s support to ensure this.

Only on Wednesday, the US announced visa restrictions for individuals and their immediate family members responsible for, or complicit in, the undermining of democracy in Guyana.

While Ambassador Lynch says that no details regarding those who were sanctioned can be disclosed, she noted that those affected by the restrictions will be informed by the Consular Affairs Section. (G8)

Undemocratic behaviour warrants sanctions – Granger when Opposition Leader

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aretaker President David Granger, during his tenure as Opposition Leader, had embraced the threats of sanctions against the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government, while noting that sanctions are needed to change a Government’s undemocratic behaviour.

In fact, Granger, at the time, had made a vociferous call for sanctions to be applied against the then Donald Ramotar-led PPP/C Government over the prorogation of the country’s Parliament back in late 2014 and in the lead-up to the May 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Granger had said that it would be in the Government’s own interest to avoid sanctions at all cost, since such actions could have a serious impact on the country’s economy and its ability to secure international funding for crucial development projects.

However, in his push for sanctions at that time, Granger had expressed the view that such action was necessary, and had said he hoped that it would have resulted in the then PPP/C Government “changing its behaviour”.

“We will all suffer once there is sanctions, the question is: Who will suffer most, and whether that period of

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali

suffering…is going to have the effect of bringing about a change in Government’s behaviour. I do believe so,” Granger had said.

In making his case, Granger, as Leader of the APNU/AFC Coalition, had explained that sanctions were slapped on countries in the Commonwealth such as Fiji, Pakistan and Zimbabwe, over a breach of democracy; and he expressed hope that the then PPP/C Government would have been “wise enough to act so that the sanctions are not prolonged”.

“It is in the interest of Guyana to avoid these sanctions, because these sanctions could have a serious effect on the economy and, of course, the way Guyana is perceived in other countries.

“Guyana wants to attract foreign direct investment, Guyana wants tourists to come, Guyana wants to be able to access donor funding around the world. But when it is perceived widely that Guyana is a pariah state, Guyana is an outcast, there will be less willingness on the part of donor countries to pump money into what is becoming a failed state, to pump money into a country which does not practise democratic behaviour,” Granger had expressed.

However, now that top leaders and supporters of Granger’s APNU/AFC Coalition are facing the wrath of the international community over their undemocratic behaviour following their refusal to accept the results of the March 2 General and Regional Elections, Granger is now accusing persons who are making such calls for sanctions of being anti-national.

Granger’s top advisor, Joseph Harmon, was quoted recently as saying: “I think that’s very anti-national, and I don’t see any country in the world that actually wants to invite that level of sanction on its country, knowing fully well the developmental path in which we are.”

International powers are mounting pressure on Granger and his APNU/ AFC Coalition to concede de-

Caretaker President David Granger

feat and “step aside”, so that the duly elected government could take its place.

The National Recount has shown that the Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C has won the elections with 233,336 votes. But Granger and a few of his top aides, with the help of elements within the electoral machinery, are refusing to give up power.

In fact, the coalition administration has been given multiple warnings that their failure to respect the will of the people would be met with consequences.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, announced that visa sanctions have been imposed on top Government and elections officials, and all others who are involved in undermining Guyana’s democracy.

“Today I am announcing visa restrictions on individuals responsible for, or complicit in, the undermining of democracy in Guyana.

The immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to restrictions,” Pompeo said during a State Department briefing on Wednesday.

“The Granger Government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” Pompeo asserted.

In a subsequent tweet, Pompeo said that the new visa restrictions imposed on persons involved in electoral fraud sends a clear message of the consequences of subverting democracy and

the rule of law.

Canada, on Wednesday, also issued a statement calling for the rule of law and democratic processes to be respected and a declaration of the March 2, polls be announced “without further delay”.

In a statement, Global Affairs Canada demanded a “swift and transparent” conclusion to the electoral process, and pledged to hold accountable all those persons who prevent it.

The United Kingdom authorities have also begun discussions on imposing sanctions on government and elections officials who are undermining Guyana’s democracy. (G2)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Duo arraigned for illegal gun, ammo

T

wo men were on Tuesday arraigned for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition when they appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

Thirty-five-year-old Brenton Charles, also known as ‘Tattooman’, of Vergenoegen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and of D’Urban and Camp Streets, Georgetown; along with 26-year-old Raheem Benn, a mechanic/bond clerk of 11th Avenue, Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), denied the charge when it was read to them by Magistrate Alisha George.

It was reported that on

The weapon and live rounds found

July 9, 2020, Police ranks intercepted a motor car after it had sped away upon

seeing a Police patrol vehicle.

As the ranks approached

the vehicle, they observed a male who was seated in the front passenger seat tossing an object through the window.

Upon checking, the weapon and several live rounds were recovered. Both the driver and the male passenger were detained.

Magistrate George granted the duo bail in the sum of $100,000 each with the stipulation that they report to Sparendaam Police Station on the 15 day of every month until the determination of the matter.

They were also instructed to lodge their passports.

The matter was adjourned to December 8, 2020.

Former murder accused arraigned for attempted murder

F

ormer murder accused Kevin France was on Wednesday slapped with an attempted murder charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

Thirty-two-year-old France of East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The charge, which was read to him via Zoom, stated that on February 28, 2020, at Blue Martini Club, he attempted to murder Neil Dutchin.

According to informa-

tion, on the day in question, Dutchin was at the night club with some friends when he and France got into a heated argument over a seating arrangement.

France left, but later returned in the company of two men who were armed with handguns. The men then approached Dutchin and shot him once to his abdomen and once to his right leg, after which they relieved him of his valuables and left the scene.

Dutchin was later picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was admitted.

The matter was report-

ed the following day, and an investigation was launched.

France was arrested and charged for attempted murder. another man, 31-yearold Nicholas Chow, a taxi driver of 254 Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, was charged for armed robbery committed on the victim.

Chief Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecution’s submission, placed France on $200,000 bail.

In 2014, France was accused of killing Patsan Trading salesman Bharrat Ramcharan, but the charge was dismissed in August 2015 after the court found

Charged: Kevin France

that there was insufficient evidence to commit him to stand trial in the High Court.

Police seek public’s help to identify body found at Rosignol

T

he Guyana Police Force is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the body of a male which was found on the Rosignol Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WBC) on June 26, 2020.

The body is that of a man of East Indian ancestry who was about 40 years old and measured about 5feet 5inches tall. The body is clad in a pair of blue long jeans and black short sleeved jersey.

The man’s body is presently at Bailey’s Funeral Home, West Coast Berbice, awaiting identification and a Post Mortem Examination (PME) to ascertain the cause of death.

Anyone with information leading to the identification of this body is asked to contact the Guyana Police Force on telephone numbers 232-0313, 2320291, 911, or the nearest police station.

The body of a male that was found on the Rosignol Public Road

The end is nigh...

D

…upon Granger avid Granger professes to be a man of the Good Book.

It wasn’t always like that. After Fat Boy took him as a mediocre Upper Sixer from QC -he was better at marching up and down in the sun as a Cadet than burning the midnight oil - and sent him off to Mons for his six-month course, he returned, insisting that he had nothing but contempt for the High Anglicans among whom his Policeman father broke bread. Fat Boy, of course, was courting the Evangelicals, bereft of those centuries of tradition-resisting tyranny!!

Anyhow, back to the “Sanctimonious Gangster” and his Eucharistic pretensions!! After Pompeo - who’s West Point graduate class of ‘86 he should remember - dropped the lash on him and his fellow riggers, he should’ve known that “the end was nigh upon him”. Which means, in case he forgot his Bible, just what Chuck Jackson belted out when he (Granger) was in the Fifth Form - “Any Day now…I can hear you say…

Goodbye, you old Rigger!!”

But you know what, dear reader?? David Granger won’t listen…he’s way past the time of advice and warnings.

Pompeo should be told about that old Guyanese advice that’s very apropos right now: “Who na hear, guh feel!” Meaning, with fellas like Granger, actions will have to go way beyond cancelling visas and such like. He’d be more persuaded, for instance, if he’s made to understand in no uncertain terms by Pompeo that orange jump suits are being fitted for him and his rigging crew.

And on what grounds would Granger be threatened with arrest? Well, for the same reason Evo Morales had to flee the jurisdiction in his native Bolivia last year. He fiddled with the electoral system to make his party that was behind - suddenly leap from over his opponents into an incontestable lead. Isn’t this the identical stunt Mingo did for Granger at Ashmins, and then with that dirty bed sheet over in the GECOM yard??

Nasty!!

Granger was trailing the PPP after nine of the ten regions had been counted, and was going down for the count in Reg 4, the last one to go, when voila!! - Mingo put in his thumb and pulled out a plum for Granger!! Matters not that Granger wasn’t anywhere around when Mingo did the dirty. Was Morales over at elections headquarters when his numbers spiked miraculously?? Point is, Granger was the beneficiary of the electoral fraud, and is now proven to have been behind every subsequent attempt to frustrate the will of the people as expressed through their ballots.

Make sure there are silver bracelets to go with the jump suit! Granger will look so cute!!

It’s his birthday, after all!! …for abettors also The persons in the Courts and GECOM and other institutions involved in the election’s shenanigans should pay keen attention to the words of Pompeo when he announced the visa sanctions; which, let your Eyewitness assure all and sundry, is only the beginning of the turning screws!! They’re coming after EVERYONE “who have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Guyana.” Everyone!!

That would include the perpetrators in the line as well as the beneficiaries in Granger’s government. Not to mention all the financiers of the riggers, who’ve been busy signing contracts to siphon off the wealth of Guyana on top of tables while passing satchels of cash under to the riggers. And the “complicit” aren’t just Mingo or Lowenfield - think all the way up the food chain. Especially this Government’s commissioners who’ve been running interference for Lowenfield.

Then, of course, there’s the shyster-lawyers who’ve subverted the judicial system. But most of all, those judicial officers, who misapprehend the metaphor “Justice is Blind”.

Not to justice!! …for exhaling Sadly, your Eyewitness thinks the PNC will hold out at least to Aug 1st. They’ll be working up their supporters into a frenzy over “the new Masses.”

Including the Reparations Chair, Sir Hillary Beckles!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Int’l powers could freeze, confiscate assets if Govt, others persist in undermining democracy – Nandlall

PPP/C Executive Anil Nandlall

I

f the travel restrictions imposed on Guyana’s top Government and electoral officials do not result in meaningful changes, it is more than likely that international powers will step up the level of sanctions needed to compel those officials to abide by the rule of law and ensure that the will of the people is respected.

This is according to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member and Attorney-atLaw Anil Nandall during a talk show on Wednesday evening who related that the sanctions imposed on President David Granger and his top officials did not come as a surprise as they were

“long overdue”.

Nandlall bemoaned the fact that the Granger Government and others involved in the administration of the elections were given the necessary warnings before of the growing intolerance of the international community as it relates to electoral fraud in Guyana.

“They were warned, look at the length of time that they were given, and they still persisted,” Nandlall posited during a virtual interview programme titled “Government in Transition” on Wednesday.

“We have been saying all the time: we live in a global village, that the world has changed; authoritarianism, political dictatorship, violation of the rule of law…will not be tolerated in this hemisphere anymore. Sanctions will come personally and they will come nationally…I have no doubt that this is not the complete package, the other countries will follow,” he said.

According to Nandlall, the sanctions will have one of two consequences: “It can bring these people who are on a path towards madness back to reality and to their senses, or it can drive them further down the road to insanity.”

Nandlall, a former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister under the

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo

PPP/C Administration, explained that there were various forms of sanctions available to the international community, which they could apply on Governments that seek to hang on to power through fraudulent means.

“Normally, the greater the wrong, the greater the punishment, so let us see if the travel restrictions, if they do not achieve the objective. And then they will have to take it to the other step; which will involve the freezing of assets and bank accounts and then confiscation of assets, and finally, perhaps physical invasion,” he explained.

Nandlall expressed shock at the level of “disrespect”

meted out to the international community by the supporters and leaders of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

“They started to hurl abuses, look at the level of vilification, vitriol and abuse that they have hurled at these diplomats and these international agencies, making racial allegations against them…chasing them out of our country,” he stated.

According to Nandlall, this was all done just because the APNU/AFC coalition did not succeed in its effort to “steal the Government”.

In relation to the expected impact the visa sanctions would have on Granger’s Government and others, Nandlall posited that the nation would have to “wait and see”.

However, he pointed to the recent move by the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) to discuss the Guyana situation, adding that “when it reaches that level…it is at that place where you take the most extreme measures available under the international conventions that we have signed on to”.

“When you sign on to these international treaties, under international law… you sign and you pledge to

Caretaker President David Granger

bind yourselves, so when they start to activate against you, there is no place to run,” he noted.

Nandlall posited that Granger and his Government should seriously take into consideration the array of sanctions that would come post-travel restrictions “so they can understand and appreciate the dangers to which they are exposed”.

International powers are mounting pressure on Granger and his APNU/ AFC coalition to concede defeat and “step aside” so that the duly-elected Government could take its place.

The national recount has shown that the Irfaan Aliled PPP/C has won the elections with 233,336 votes. But

Granger and a few of his top aides, with the help of elements within the electoral machinery, are refusing to give up power.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo announced that visa sanctions have been imposed on top Government and elections officials and all others who are involved in undermining Guyana’s democracy.

“Today I am announcing visa restrictions on individuals responsible for, or complicit in, the undermining of democracy in Guyana.

The immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to restrictions,” Pompeo said during a State Department briefing on Wednesday.

“The Granger Government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” Pompeo asserted.

In a statement on Wednesday, Global Affairs Canada also demanded a “swift and transparent” conclusion to the electoral process and pledged to hold accountable all those persons who prevent it.

The United Kingdom authorities have also begun discussions on imposing sanctions on Government and elections officials who are undermining Guyana’s democracy.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bouterse hands over power peacefully, but Granger clings on despite sanctions

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uyana’s neighbour, Suriname, on Thursday witnessed a peaceful transition of government, which saw outgoing President Desi Bouterse placing the Presidential Sash on his successor Chan Santokhi, officially marking the beginning of a new administration.

Once the formalities were over, President Santokhi was able to swear in his government team in a specially decorated tent on Independence Square in the country’s capital, Paramaribo.

According to a report by StarNieuws, the oath was read by the Director of the Interior, after which the ministers were sworn in one by one. Of the 17 ministers, six are women.

Santokhi promised that despite all obstacles faced, the country “will be fine”, and his new Government will deliver on the promises made to the people.

In a speech after the ministers were sworn in, Santokhi said this is the second phase since the inauguration of the President and Vice President.

He said that now a Cabinet has been presented to the people of Suriname, all ministers have made their oath or promise, and

President Desi Bouterse placing the Presidential Sash on his successor, Chan Santokhi, on Thursday

they are expected to deliver.

Santokhi underlined that there was an election on May 25, 2020 in which a tough campaign was launched. “The people have spoken. Do not forget that the peo-

ple have placed you. You are going to work for the people," said President Santokhi.

Sanokhi promised that the country would be governed in unity. He said that although ministers

have been nominated by the political parties, this would not apply to the way in which Government would be held. “From this moment on, work will start”, he said.

The General Elections in Suriname were held on May 25, and within days, the results were declared and accepted by all parties. Bouterse had conceded defeat for the sake of allowing his country to move forward, but it is the opposite for his counterpart in Guyana.

Guyana’s President, David Granger, has tightened his grip on power even though the results of a National Recount have confirmed that his ruling party was massively defeated by the PPP/C by more than 15,000 votes.

Granger’s APNU/AFC Coalition was defeated twice – first in a no-confidence vote in the Parliament in December 2018, and then at the March 2 national elections.

After prolonging the elections for more than a year following the no-confidence vote, the elections were finally held on March 2, 2020. It is now close to five months since the electorate voted, but credible results are yet to be declared, even though they are

widely known and certified by all stakeholders, including the parties themselves and local and international observers.

GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield is blatantly refusing to carry out the directive of Chairperson Justice (rtd) Claudette Singh to use the certified recount results as the basis to prepare his report for final declaration, as ordered by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

International powers are mounting pressure on Granger and his APNU/AFC Coalition to concede defeat and “step aside” so that the duly elected Government could take its place.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday announced that visa sanctions have been imposed on top Government and electoral officials, and all others who are involved in undermining Guyana’s democracy.

“The Granger Government must respect the results of democratic elections and step aside,” Pompeo asserted.

It is highly likely that Canadian and United Kingdom authorities would take similar measures if the Granger Government persists in hanging on to power illegally.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Caricom Heads to discuss Guyana’s political crisis at specially-convened meeting next week

L

eaders of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) are expected to convene a special meeting next week to discuss Guyana’s current political and electoral impasse.

This was disclosed by current Chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, during an interview on Jamaican radio station The Edge105.3FM hosted by ‘Richie B’ on Thursday morning.

According to Prime Minister Gonsalves, the heads are awaiting the outcome of current legal actions engaging the Guyana High Court before meeting.

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George on Wednesday indicated that after today’s marathon hearing of submis-

sions, a decision is likely for Sunday in the matter filed by APNU/AFC agent Misegna Jones, who is seeking to block the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from making a declaration of the elections results based on the recount figures.

As such, the Caricom Chairman indicated that the regional leaders are likely to meet as early as Monday or Tuesday next week, to discussion Guyana’s situation.

“I was in discussion with the SG (SecretaryGeneral Irwin LaRocque) on Wednesday and we agreed to await the decision from the Guyana Courts, because there is another meandering which took place there, and then we’ll have another meeting early in the [new] week…,” PM Gonsalves stat-

ed.

Meanwhile on the heels of the United States (U.S) imposing visa restrictions against persons and their immediate family members who are responsible and complicit in undermining Guyana’s democracy, Dr Gonsalves said it would be premature to say whether Caricom would follow suit.

“I wouldn’t be able, without a meeting of the Heads, to speak on that, and it would be premature for me to speak on that. But, clearly, Caricom has spoken, and spoken with one voice. Look, we have to defend democracy… This thing is taking too long. It’s a blot on Guyana, it’s a blot on Caricom, and we can’t be indifferent to what is happening,” he asserted.

Caricom Chairman, St Vincent and the Grenadines PM, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

The Prime Minister did note, however, that there are “different actions” available that Caricom can take, but he did not elaborate on what those options are. Currently, Guyana benefits from a free

Results must be declared from recount figures – UK Foreign Secretary

U

nited Kingdom Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has lamented that it has been over four months since the people of Guyana went to the polls and the results of the March 2 elections are still pending.

In a tweet on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Raab echoed mounting calls for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to declare the elections results on the basis of the Caribbean Community- scrutinised recount process.

“Guyana deserves an election result that reflects the will of its people,” the UK official stated.

The 33-day recount exercise showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was victorious, having secured 233,336 votes, while the caretaker APNU/ AFC Coalition obtained 217,920 votes – a difference of some 15,416 votes.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab

However, despite being directed on several occasions to submit his final elections report using the results from the recount, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield has continuously failed to adhere to these instructions, and has presented several reports compiled with fraudulent figures.

A few weeks ago, the UK

Government had expressed deep concerns about the events following the March 2 elections in Guyana, and had called on caretaker President David Granger “to preserve the principle of free, fair and credible elections.”

Meanwhile, back in March, Foreign Secretary Raab had warned of “serious consequences” if a government is sworn based on non-credible results.

“Any government sworn in on the basis of non-credible results will face strong international condemnation.

If the situation continues to deteriorate, this international response will include a range of serious consequences for those concerned,” Raab had cautioned.

Only on Wednesday, the United States (US) announced visa restrictions for persons and their immediate family members who are responsible for or, complicit in,

undermining Guyana’s democracy.

That country’s Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, had said in a subsequent tweet that the visa restrictions imposed on persons involved in electoral fraud sends a clear message in respect to the consequences of subverting democracy and the rule of law.

“The United States will not stand by and do nothing as the will of the Guyanese people is violated,” Pompeo tweeted.

Meanwhile, it has since been indicated that the UK has also begun discussions on imposing sanctions on Government and elections officials who are undermining Guyana’s democracy.

A reliable source close to the British Government confirmed that “discussions” have commenced, although no definitive decision has been made as yet in this regard. (G-8)

trade system and visa-free travel within the other 15 Member States of the regional bloc.

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Leader was among a high-level delegation of five regional Heads – led by former Caricom Chair, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley – who had travelled to Guyana back in March to resolve the impasse. He has been vocal on the ongoing political and electoral impasse in Guyana, and has even come under attack for his stance.

As such, Dr Gonsalves, who took over chairmanship of the regional body only earlier this month, dismissed criticisms that Caricom is interfering in Guyana’s internal affairs.

“We’re not interfering, we’re affected; it’s part of us.

Guyana has the headquarters of Caricom. Guyana is a foundation member of Caricom. Guyana is a signatory to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. There are certain things which we are enjoined to do together, Guyana is a signatory to the Charter of Civil Society in which we have to hold free and fair elections,” the Caricom Chair contended.

Only Wednesday, in an opinion piece, Dr Gonsalves condemned vile attacks that have been launched against leaders in the region as well as staff of the Caricom Secretariat located at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

“We are in solidarity with the people of Guyana. We defend, on an ongoing basis, the territorial integrity of Guyana. Today, Caricom defends democracy in Guyana; we defend the voters of Guyana; we are on the side of the angels in the stand-off between those who reject the people’s verdict and those who insist, properly, on its observance, recognition, formal declaration, and implementation,” he asserted.

The Caricom Chair further stated that he is deeply disturbed at reports that politically-aligned persons in Georgetown have been threatening, defaming, and verbally abusing leading personalities in the Caricom Secretariat, including Secretary-General LaRocque. This, he underscored, is wholly unacceptable.

“We must continue fearlessly to do the right thing.

The evil of the anti-democratic brigands must not be allowed any space to triumph. I await, soonest, the declaration by the Chair of GECOM of the results of the elections. It is long overdue!” the Caricom Chairman reaffirmed in his op-ed.

The 15-member regional bloc is not the only body of which Guyana is a signatory that will be meeting to discuss the country’s ongoing electoral crisis.

In fact, SecretaryGeneral Luis Almagro of the Organization of American States (OAS) has written to Chair of the Permanent Council earlier this week, seeking support to call a meeting of the Permanent Council “to deal with the situation of the electoral process in Guyana”.

Back in May, former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who had led the OAS Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to monitor Guyana’s March 2 elections, told the Permanent Council “I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election”.

The OAS has also been vocal on Guyana’s situation, and only last week called for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to remove persons hindering democratic process as well as for a credible conclusion of the protracted electoral process, so that Guyana can remain a democracy. (G-8)

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s political circus has outrun its time ...democracy delayed is democracy denied

By Sir Ronald Sanders

I

t is long past time for good sense to prevail in Guyana amongst the leadership of the APNUAFC coalition that has been a caretaker government since the March 2 general and regional elections.

Without exception, the regional and international

been to lash out at everyone that has urged that they concede defeat and allow the Guyanese people to move on, taking advantage of their newly found oil wealth that could transform the country from being the second poorest in the Caribbean to the richest.

It seems everyone is wrong but they. And the

“The people of Guyana, who have shown remarkable patience, deserve freedom from the suffocating circumstances into which they have been plunged” community has clearly indicated that the result of the elections – now waited on for four and one-half months – must be declared on the basis of a National Recount of the votes that were scrutinised by a CARICOM team and observed by the Organization of American States (OAS).

Being entered into the Guinness Book of Records is usually for a remarkably deserving event. Guyana has now been inscribed in its pages for the unworthy event of having achieved the longest delay in the world’s history between an election and the declaration of a result.

The unfortunate but obdurate response of the APNU-AFC leadership has

list is long. It ranges from the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo through the former chair and present chair of CARICOM, Prime Ministers Mia Mottley and Dr Ralph Gonsalves; two former Caribbean Prime Ministers, Owen Arthur and Bruce Golding, who led the Commonwealth and OAS Electoral Observer Missions; Sir Hilary Beckles, the ViceChancellor of the University of the West Indies, and even the smaller countries of CARICOM. The latter was accused of having populations “too sparse” to understand Guyana’s history, politics, and nuances, or to “rightly tell us what to do, or give us even proper guidance as to what to do.” Ignored in

this false narrative are the facts that, apart from the coup d’état in Grenada in 1979 – and unlike Guyana – the countries of the Englishspeaking Caribbean have a proud history of free and fair elections and abiding peacefully by the results; they have also been the refuge for Guyanese who have been fleeing Guyana since the 1960s. Putting aside the institutional treaty relationship of CARICOM, both on their own democratic record and their accommodation of Guyanese, CARICOM countries have a right to speak.

Whether ill-advised by their lawyers or ill-instructing their lawyers, the APNUAFC, using surrogates, have indulged in the worst form of abuse of the Court system to delay the delivery of democracy in Guyana. Guyana’s highest Appellate Court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), has pronounced authoritatively on this matter.

As Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the current Chair of CARICOM, observed in a “Personal Editorial on Guyana”, published on July 15 (and Dr Gonsalves is himself an experienced lawyer in constitutional matters) “any attempt, however ingeniously clothed, to litigate all over again this or that matter upon which there has been a final determination or upon which the CCJ has pronounced authoritatively is tantamount to an abuse of process of

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

the court, or is frivolous and vexatious”. In other words, democracy delayed is democracy denied.

In truth, Guyana has many friends and admirers in the Caribbean and beyond, and that applies to some of the leaders of APNU-AFC whose implacable positions have been cause for sadness. They would have preferred these leaders to accept the elections result gracefully and carry on their lives, political or otherwise, with dignity. They are astonished at the egregious rejection of democracy, whose vicissitudes, at the will of the majority of their electorates, they have had to respect.

In this regard, democracy in Guyana is not the exclusive domain of any political party; it belongs to the nation of Guyana and to the CARICOM region of which Guyana is an integral part.

No one outside of Guyana has any interest in one political party or the other winning the election. The only interest is in a credible election result and the peaceful transition to an elected Government.

The situation in Guyana has become a political circus of tiresome ploys to hold on to power in a country that has not had a parliament for a year and a half.

The patience of the regional and international community has worn thin. Not surprisingly, action is now be-

Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States and the Organisation of American States

ing taken in frustration over the recalcitrance of officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the caretaker Government.

Those in the leadership of APNU-AFC, and others upon whom the US Government has imposed visa restrictions because they “have been responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Guyana” have brought this upon themselves, as they have brought the humiliation to Guyana. The US has not identified these persons; they will be denied visas when they seek to travel.

The fact that, because of privacy laws, the persons have not been officially named should be no comfort to an-

yone. It is the beginning of sanctions that will be graduated in proportion to further violations of democracy and the rule of law.

That the governments of Canada, Britain and European Union countries are contemplating similar action demonstrates that they have reached the end of the long rope they gave to Guyana officials to pull back from the precipice to which they took themselves.

The Permanent Council of all 33 member states of the OAS will meet on July 21 to consider the situation in Guyana. The matter will not end there, particularly as three of the largest OAS members: Brazil, Canada, and the US, have now announced strong positions publicly.

The next step would be a ‘Ministerial Meeting of Consultation’ at which all member states could be urged to take actions, including sanctions, in accordance with their own laws and capacity.

The people of Guyana, who have shown remarkable patience, deserve freedom from the suffocating circumstances into which they have been plunged.

And any government that comes to office must honour the Guyanese people by delivering good governance and policies of equality and transparency that tolerate no form of discrimination.

(Caribbean News Service)

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

NEWS

13

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GCCI writes Top Cop about possible "destabilisation" of security situation

GCCI President Nicholas Boyer

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) has penned its budding concerns to Police Commissioner Leslie James, specifically as those relate to a ‘destabilization’ of security at a volatile time, when the Guyana Elections Commission is expected to make a declaration.

Executive Director of the private sector body, Richard Rambarran, wrote the Top Cop on July 13 on behalf of GCCI President Nicholas Boyer.

While monitoring both the health and education situation in Guyana, the GCCI has shared its concerns

about a weakening security enforcement at a time when there could be a disastrous outcome.

“The Chamber has been monitoring closely the public health and electoral situation in our country. In addition, the GCCI is also concerned (about the possibility) of a destabilization in the security situation as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) makes its final declaration of the results of the March 2 Regional and General Elections. These two situations can combine to have disastrous results on the security and well-being of our society,” the Chamber expressed.

Another issue brought to the Commissioner’s attention was the behaviour of persons assembling in large gatherings, as was witnessed in the vicinity of State House and the GECOM Headquarters on Monday.

In one scenario, an individual was lying on the ground in front of the Presidential convoy in an ‘obstructive manner’. This was in clear defiance of the health regulations specially crafted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As such, stringent calls

were made for the Guyana Police Force to better handle these crowds, which are becoming a norm in recent times, as well as to install

threatening to the well-being of the citizenry of Guyana.

“Commissioner, we would like to request of your good audience the measures

After highlighting the same incident as is contained in the Top Cop’s letter, the GCCI said, “In this regard, we would like to re-

Police Commissioner Leslie James

Protesters flouting the guidelines earlier this week

mechanisms to deescalate such circumstances.

The GCCI recalled, “Notably, a situation on July 13, 2020 saw persons gathered closely together in large groups, one person lying in front of the Presidential Convoy in an obstructive manner, non-adherence to public health precautions, amongst many other actions which are dangerous to both public health and potentially

which are being taken to handle these crowds, which are now becoming more consistent, as well as the plan by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to deal with a situation of potential de-escalation.”

Another correspondence followed for the National COVID-19 Task Force, specifically addressed to its Chairman, caretaker Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

quest of your good audience the measures which are being taken to handle these crowds, which are now becoming more consistent, as well as the plan by the National Taskforce on COVID-19 to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 emergency measures.”

On Monday, during the protest by supporters of the APNU/AFC coalition, the President’s convoy leaving

State House was blocked, with one person lying on the ground in front of the President’s car. There were also scenes of supporters displaying an effigy of GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, in a wooden coffin.

Many persons, from the PPP/C to the Private Sector Commission (PSC), have called upon Commissioner of Police Leslie James to ensure that the rule of law is respected, and firmly applied and enforced without favour against any attempt to promote, incite, or participate in public disorder or violence of any kind.

Curfew now in effect from 8pm-6am …does not apply to Moruca, Arangoy, Aranka

T

he National COVID-19 Task Force has moved forward with Phase Three of the national reopening, despite a rampant increase in positive cases throughout the country.

This will remain in effect until July 31.

These emergency measures are made pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) (b) of the Direction by the President, given under the Public Health Ordinance, Cap. 145, and published in the Gazette, Legal Supplement- B, 16th March 2020.

For four months, the curfew was activated from 18:00h – to 6:00h, which saw only essential services being allowed to operate. As of Saturday July 18, however, the time will be changed. The restricted hours will now be from 20:00h to 06:00h.

This new measure does not apply to Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on

Mondays to Friday, but shall be in effect on weekends.

The 18:00h to 06:00h curfew will also remain in Aranka and Arangoy in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), and Moruca in Region One (Barima-Waini) until August 3.

“Subject to subparagraph (2), except for the areas and geographical coordinates listed in the Schedule, a curfew is hereby imposed throughout Guyana from July 18, 2020 to July 31, 2020 between the hours of 8:00pm and 6:00am,” the NCTF notified.

Under this new phase, no more than 10 persons would be allowed to gather at any place, and the public sector will resume work on a rotation basis, unless otherwise instructed.

Meanwhile, food services and restaurants are permitted to open for delivery, drive-thru, curb-side pickup, and take away services from 06:00 to midnight on a dai-

ly basis.

Indoor and buffet dining is prohibited. Outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted from 6:00h to 18:00h under strict conditions.

Operators of restaurants are required to place tables six feet apart from each other, and no more than four persons are permitted to seat at one table, and they must sit at least three feet apart.

Public transportation services (except in Aranka, Arangoy and Moruca) are now allowed to operate at a 75 per cent passenger capacity. Private sector construction is permitted to resume, including clothing, shoes and book stores.

“Every employer shall ensure a roster is prepared setting out a gradual return of employees, starting from the most essential and critical staff with twenty percent increment of staff strength every week or a rotation system where fifty percent of the staff are at the workplace on different days, to prevent crowded offices for a minimum period of a month, after which the situation may be reassessed,” it was notified.

Every employer under this category is tasked with ensuring that appropriate COVID-19 guidelines are prepared and implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus among workers. These include:

screening of workers; preventative measures before and after work; preventative measures while using transportation; procedures to be adopted when there is a suspected COVID-19 case at the workplace; dealing with stress at the workplace during COVID-19; employee training and capacity building in the area of Covid-19;

use of personal protective equipment; and physical distancing guidelines, among others.

The Cheddi Jagan and Eugene F. Correia International Airports remain closed to all international flights, except for outgoing flights, cargo flights, medical evacuation flights, technical stops for fuel

only, and special authorised flights.

Notwithstanding, every person is required to wear a face mask in public at all times. These measures may be terminated, extended, or amended by notice of the Public Health Minister after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.

14 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ballot Box Martyrs’ sacrifices still relevant today – PPP/C

PPP/C Zulfikar Mustafa Executive Secretary laying a wreath at the grave of Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Parmanand

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on Thursday highlighted the contribution of the 1973 ‘Ballot Box Martyrs’ in the continuous fight to uphold Guyana’s democracy, saying that the sacrifices made then are still relevant today.

During the 1973 election, two men, Jagan Ramessar, 17, and Bholanauth Parmanand, 45, tragically lost their lives in the act of safeguarding Guyana’s de-

mocracy.

The men, who were a part of a crowd outside of a No.63 village polling station were fatally shot by a rank of the Guyana Defence Force on July 16, 1973 while peacefully protesting the illegal removal of ballot boxes.

Forty-seven years later, Guyana still finds itself in the fight for democracy and electoral process free from ‘rigging.’ On Thursday wreaths were laid at the grave of the two men

at the Number 66 Village Cemetery.

Executive Secretary of the People's Progressive Party Zulfikar Mustafa related that 47 years ago the two young comrades who are referred to as Patriots made that sacrifice in the fight for democracy.

He noted that this did not stop the struggle for democracy as Guyanese made sure that the sacrifices were not lost by winning the 1992 elections.

“We had 23 years of continuous growth; 23 years of democratic government in our country up until May 2015. Once again the sacrifice paid by Ramasar and Permanand has pushed us as a people to recommit ourselves to prevent the stealing of our country by this de facto government.”

He said we are now witnessing a new dimension in our struggle today, hence Father Drake, Walter Rodney, Michael Ford others made the ultimate sacrifice has left an example for us.

Mustapha urge those present to continue the struggle to ensure that Guyana returns to be a democratic nation- one that will be respected and admitted by the world.

“The entire world today is against the stealing of our country and the stealing of the will of the Guyanese people and until we return to democracy and have the rightful government in place. The Peoples Progressive Party

Former Barbados PM hospitalised

will continue the struggle that ensure that Guyanese and Guyana return to the Democratic fold of Nations.

So on this day, July 16, I want every single Guyanese to recommit themselves and insured at the pledge continue the fight for our Democratic gain.”

He noted that four months has passed since the March 2, General and Regional Elections and the results are yet to be declared.

“Today it is over four months since we had our elections obscene. We are seeing all kinds excuses and all kinds of plans by this APNU/ AFC government to return our country to those dark days prior to 1992.

The Party Executive Secretary added that as a nation, we must remember the sacrifices of The Ballot Box Martyrs’ and the sacrifices of others who continue to fight for democracy.

Meanwhile, former President, Donald reiterated that Jagan Ramesar and Bhola Nauth Parmanand were killed while trying to defend the votes at the No. 64 Village Polling Station.

He noted that counting the votes at the place of poll is, in the Guyanese context, vital for free and fair elections. This is now being demonstrated once again as the struggle to protect the people’s votes cast during March 2, 2020 continues.

“In commemorating

Party officials participated in the wreath-laying ceremony on Thursday

those two heroes we must not forget one of the local leaders on that day who passed away on Christmas Day 2019, Cde. Rishi Ram Motie. He was very young at the time just twenty-two, but he led that struggle that day and stood like a giant defending democracy. He suffered injuries attempting to protect the people votes.

He together with his wife Bijulee stood tall on that day.”

Their efforts then and over the years helped greatly to give the people of this

country the opportunity to live in harmony in a democratic nation, Ramoutar noted.

“We still have a way to go but we have come a long way. For that, we must remember Jagan Ramesar, Bhola Nauth Parmanand and Rishi Ram Moti. Their deeds that day have immortalized them. Let us hold high the Banner of Peace, Freedom as we continue on the path blazed by so many who came before us including the Ballot Box Martyrs,” the former president noted.

Father of 3 shot dead at worksite

F

ormer Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday night.

According to media reports out of Barbados, Arthur is in stable condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Arthur, who was the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister, retired from public life in 1998. Earlier this year, he was appointed Chairman of the financially-strapped LIAT airline.

Former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur

Arthur was the Head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to

Guyana for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Convicted drug trafficker arrested, sent to prison

A

fter being sentenced to three years’ imprisonment in absentia on March 13, 21-year-old Kevon Ridley Abrams was arrested on Thursday.

The young vendor, of Lot 121 First Bridge, Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was charged with the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Police state that on

Kevon Ridley Abrams

November 25, 2019, he had 461 grams of cannabis in his possession at St. Ignatius Benab, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo). However, he was released on bail pending his trial, but be never returned to court for his trial.

Now that he has been arrested, he will be sent to prison to serve his sentence.

The area where the man was shot and killed

A

father of three was on Thursday afternoon shot dead at his worksite at D’Urban Street, Georgetown by two gunmen on a motorcycle.

The dead man has been identified as 47-year-old Prem Sukh, a contractor of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

Based on reports received, the man was at the worksite when the armed duo pulled up and dis-

charged several bullets in his direction. The man was reportedly shot at least five times about the body. Soon after the shooting, the injured man collapsed on the ground. He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

One man told the media that he was operating his generator and did not hear the gunshots, but saw persons

running to the scene. He noted that as he went to enquire, he saw a man lying on the ground, covered with blood.

In addition, at the time of the shooting incident, children were in the yard playing, and are now traumatised. An investigation has been launched into the fatal shooting.

The contractor, according to information, leaves to morning his wife and three children. (G-9)

NEWS

15

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Armed bandits invade, rob Chinese businessman of $3.5M in cash, other items A Chinese family of three was on Thursday relieved of millions of dollars in cash, a large quantity of phone cards, and other items by five masked men, who invaded their Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) property.

Based on reports received, four of the five men were wearing masks while the other was armed with a handgun. The incident occurred around 01:45h.

Guyana Times understands that the 39-year-old businessman, his 37-yearold wife, and another family member were asleep when the suspects started banging on their front door.

Awakened by the loud noise, the three Chinese nationals refused to open the door. It was then the victims discovered that the suspects gained entry through a bedroom window.

Upon entry, the perpetrators held the family at

gunpoint while demanding the handing over of the businessman’s mobile phone estimated at $200,000.

In fear, the Chinese businessman gathered the valuables while two of the masked men entered another room in the house.

The family told Police that the men opened one of the drawers, and took a large quantity of Digicel and GTT phone cards. According to the family, the phone cards were valued at about $1 million.

The bandits also managed to relieve the family of another $3.5 million in cash that was hidden inside a bucket underneath a desk.

After obtaining the cellular phone, phone cards, and cash, the men took the keys to the family’s bus and made good their escape. The Police were summoned and an investigation was launched.

Up to press time on Thursday, the bus had not been located. (G-9)

Assuria adds affordable TrackPoint to insurance package ties of a vehicle.

This system encourages optimization, where the user would be able to identify solutions to reducing costs, improving response time, security, and customer service.

The comprehensive service is available on both GSM and Satellite Networks.

Kuru Kururu pensioner was beaten to death – PME …Police yet to make arrest

A

post-mortem examination (PME) performed on the remains of Terrence Alstrom, 66, who was found dead in the yard of his farmhouse at Track B, Kuru Kururu, East Bank Demerara (EBD) revealed that he was beaten to death.

According to the report, Alstrom died as a result of blunt trauma to the head – meaning that he was struck to the head.

It was reported that on the day in question at approximately 22:30h, one of the man’s sons went to his house after phone calls to his number went unanswered.

Upon his arrival, he reportedly found his father’s motionless body clad in his towel, lying face down in the yard. The dead man’s son immediately raised an alarm and contacted the Police, who arrived on the scene shortly after.

Police reports revealed that when ranks arrived on the scene, the pensioner had what appeared to be a chop wound behind his head, along with bruises to his upper back.

Murdered: Terrence Alstrom

Regional Police Commander Kurleigh Simon has confirmed that there has still been no arrest in relation to the man’s death, but noted that investigators were working with all the leads at their disposal.

Robbery was ruled out since the contents of Alstrom’s house were intact. His mobile phone was, however, reportedly missing.

After the autopsy, Alstrom’s body was handed over to his relatives for burial.

“Confidence Becomes You” goes virtual on August 4

S

CEO of V-Net Communications, Safraz Sheriffudeen, and General Manager for Assuria Insurance at the signing of the new partnership

A

ssuria General (GY) Inc. has collaborated with V-Net Communications to add that entity’s GPS Tracking Service – TrackPoint - to their packages. It provides for vehicle Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking, and those customers who sign on will be eligible for discounts on customers’ vehicle insurance.

Upon registering, customers will be able to gain as much as 20 percent discount on TrackPoint device,

installation and monthly subscriptions.

General Manager of Assuria, Yogindra Arjune, has said, “I believe that, with the ongoing theft of vehicles, we must find avenues to combat this problem. With this in mind, Assuria will continue to collaborate with the best partners, as in this case V-Net Communications, for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Given this new venture, Assuria will be offering all of their existing and new motor

news@guyanatimesgy.com

insurance clients a 5 percent discount on their premiums to a maximum of $10,000 to those who will install GPS devices from V-Net Com Arjune further stated that with the state-of-theart device installed, theft or attempted theft of vehicles will be reduced significantly, and the combined package offer is a great time for all motorists to take advantage and get peace of mind, knowing that their vehicle is additionally protected.

Likewise, Chief Executive Officer of V-Net Communications, Safraz Sheriffudeen, was elated to have yet another major company in Guyana collaborate in using the service.

Sheriffudeen envisions that the partnership will benefit Assuria and its customers immensely, especially given the safety features the initiative brings.

TrackPoint offers the future of vehicle tracking and fleet management in Guyana, since it ensures an enhanced experience with a user-friendly interface for detecting and monitoring the whereabouts and activi-

onia Noel created “Confidence Becomes You” a few years ago with the main objective of assisting men and women to erase their limited beliefs and replace them with possibilities of soaring into greatness.

“When you believe in yourself, you’re more likely to try to make what seems impossible possible. With confidence, you are more likely to make good lifestyle choices and foster healthy relationships,” she said.

Maryam Jameela Haniff, who is a teacher, poet, life coach, shared these testimony: “The course built my confidence and helped me reignite flames that had been long extinguished by circumstance. In a nutshell, it aids in discovering who we are truly meant to be.”

Noel always had plans to extend this forum to reach her online viewers, but the recent pandemic motivated her to do it sooner.

The persons who participated over the years were from various backgrounds and ethnicities. Presently, persons from various parts of the world have already registered for the new class, which commences on August 4.

“Confidence is the cornerstone of leadership, and is needed in various aspects of our lives. I am excited and elated that people from any

Guyanese fashion icon Sonia Noel

part of the globe can have access to this programme that will assist with their personal and professional development. I am passionate about this because I lacked confidence,” Sonia Noel stated.

The founder of Innovoir Spa shared her experience by saying, “Before doing this class, I was surviving, and not living. The life skills, I have leant and live by today are values. I now put value to everything, which before I didn’t. I value: my time, my efforts, my opportuni-

ties, my opinions, my goals& dream investments (either what I’ve invested or what people invested into me).

I no longer just go through a day, but I intentionally LIVE through my day”.

She noted that she celebrates every second of life, success and failure both.

“One thing I have learnt is, no matter how far I fall, I can always get back up! I encourage you to give yourself a chance and live life with INTENTION,” she noted.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Wife of dead COVID-19 victim Milton Paul seeks answers

By Shemar Alleyne

S

aying goodbye to a loved one can be devastating and especially stressful and complicated during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

At times, it may feel like it is too much to handle as in the case of the Paul family who lost their loved one to the deadly virus earlier this week.

Seventy-four-yearold Milton Paul of Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown took his last breath while in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to family members, Paul had suffered from diabetes, asthma, and hypertension. This was coupled with a stroke that he recently suffered.

Paul’s wife, Janet Handy told Guyana Times that she took her husband to the Kitty Health Centre after he complained of feeling unwell. While there, his temperature was checked, and it was normal.

The doctors then checked

Milton Paul

Dead: Abdool Khan

Dead: Geerjadai Jagnarine

his blood sugar, which was also normal, and his blood pressure, which was skyrocketing.

He was given saline and some medications and sent home. After returning home, Paul retired to bed as he awaited his lunch.

During the day, he started to experience breathing complications.

His wife noted that he had requested something to eat. After eating, she said that he called out for her and as she checked on him, he held onto her hands and squeezed them tightly. His tongue, she added, was out of his mouth.

This, she said, prompted her to take him to the Georgetown Public Hospital to seek medical attention. He was taken to the Accident & Emergency Unit and was admitted.

“We got a car and carried him in the taxi. Soon as we carried him and reached at the hospital, they said to carry him through Emergency. When we carried him to the Emergency, they watched at him and said, “eh, eh, this old boy like he got COVID-19,” the grieving widow explained.

According to her, hospital officials did not inform the family that they would

Dead: Donna Ambrose-Greaves

be conducting a COVID-19 test. By this time, Paul had fallen unconscious and was expected to undergo a CT scan.

“They put him on the life machine, and they said that he is not taking any treatment. At 3:00 clock, the doctor send and call me, and when I go, she said no sense they fight up and do a head scan, because he is not responding to nothing. So, she said that ‘he is far gone’,” Handy remarked.

The grieving woman left the hospital around 4:00h on the morning of Saturday, July 8. The aggravated widow is contending that “when you look now, they took him and pushed him in the COVID-19 Ward. Why you put him there? If you know, he in come in there with COVID-19 and he big, why put him there?” as she questioned health authorities.

On July 10, 2020, a COVID-19 test was done on Paul, but he subsequently died. His results came back as negative. But family members are still baffled as to how he might have contracted the deadly virus, as he does not leave the house.

In fact, family members said that they have not tested positive for the virus despite being in contact with the dead man.

“I can’t understand that he didn’t go there with that, why they put him in that room? That is what beating me,” Handy said as tears trickled from her eyes.

She described her husband as a loving person.

She added that she spent 30 years with him and was proud to be his wife.

“He was a very loving person to me; I cannot forget that. I lived with him all those years, and he never

Guyana participates in 9th OACPS/ EU negotiations conference

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s the incumbent Government faces US sanctions, Guyana participated in the 9th Session of the Chief Negotiators of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union (EU), which was held via videoconference.

Over the past two days, the Organisation’s Central Negotiating Group (CNG-M) engaged in re-negotiating a successor agreement to the Cotonou Accord as they focused on stock-taking of the process, endorsing texts from the technical level negotiations, and providing political guidance on

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl B Greenidge

the outstanding issues.

Head of the Guyana del-

egation and Vice-Chair and Lead Ministerial Negotiator for the Caribbean Protocol, former Foreign Affairs Minister Carl B. Greenidge, noted that the negotiations were in the final stage, and were scheduled to be concluded shortly.

“It has been a very engaging process that was also impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. These factors will certainly be reflected in the type of agreement concluded,” he stated.

Further, Greenidge explained that, “The agreement is unique in that it is resultant of a partnership which has agreed procedures for dispute resolution and for it to be negotiated.”

The OACPS CNG-M is chaired by Professor Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and African Integration of Togo, and include the Honourable Carl B. Greenidge as Vice-Chair and Lead Ministerial Negotiator for the Caribbean Protocol; and the Honourable Kamina Johnson-Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, as the Caribbean Representative.

The Cotonou Partnership Agreement between the ACP and EU was signed in 2000 and expired in March 2020. Formal negotiations for a successor arrangement were launched in September 2018.

This Agreement provides the basis for cooperation and donor support with the EU at the bilateral and multilateral levels. The EU is the largest provider of concessional development funds and assistance to Guyana.

took his hands as such and gave me a slap a day. Can’t say that part for he at all,” the woman concluded in great dismay.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Public Health Ministry announced that Guyana recorded its 19th COVID-19 death.

The country’s latest victim is a 36-year-old man who passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.

Over the past two weeks, Guyana has recorded a whopping six deaths.

Guyana’s 17th COVID-19 fatality, which was recorded on July 11, was Geerjadai Jagnarine, 69, of Lot 408 Seventh Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The country’s 16th COVID-19 fatality was 76-year-old May Portsmouth, who hailed from Friendship, ECD. About 24 hours before Portsmouth’s death, Donna Ambrose-Greaves, a 25-year-old teacher of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), was recorded as Guyana’s 15th COVID-19 victim.

The country’s 14th COVID-19 death was that of 34-year-old Abdool Khan of Bartica, who died while receiving medical treatment at the ICU.

Reportage on interpersonal violence

Every child, family must be protected – UNICEF Deputy Rep

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ases of interpersonal violence are often reported in the news and may have lasting effects on families or persons in close relation to the case.

Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for Suriname and Guyana, Irfan Akhtar on Thursday outlined that every child and family must be protected when these stories reach the public through media outlets.

He was at the time speaking during the web launch of guidelines for reporting on interpersonal violence, formulated by the University of Guyana through partnership with UNICEF. Akhtar said that it was a requirement to minimise any further harm while maintaining ethics while fairly reporting on the matter.

Interpersonal violence, also referred to as intimate partner violence, domestic violence or battering, is a pattern of behaviour used to establish power through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence.

“We must ensure that the dignity, accuracy, fairness, justice and minimisation of any further harm are upheld while reporting on violence.

We have to respect all these core principles while we are reporting on violence against

UNICEF Representative Irfan Akhtar

women and children,” he emphasised.

“It is a serious issue and should be dealt very seriously with full intention of addressing the issues of domestic violence. It is our hope that the journey on the guidelines do not stop. This will be used to influence policies, legislations to prevent and respond to domestic violence,” Akhtar added.

Along with media operatives, joining the proceedings were acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards; acting Chief Justice Roxane George; UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamedmartin; and Guyana Press Association (GPA) President Nazima Raghubir.

The acting Chancellor, while acknowledging that the media played a “crucial” role in shaping the world, as-

serted that an article should tell the story but at the same time, pivot on critical issues plaguing society.

“The media’s voice is listened to more often than even some of the experts in the field of domestic violence.

The power that you have to influence and shape thoughts will help to prevent or to cure some of the social ills in society. It is, therefore, imperative that the media report events that are fair, accurate and balanced; and events that are not laced with opinions,” Cummings-Edwards opined.

She said trivialising domestic violence should not be the case, and such behaviour is criminalised. It is also imperative to find balance against privacy and public right to information since this can affect the legal proceedings of a case.

Meanwhile, the GPA President pointed out that while these guidelines come at a critical time, there should be room for when laws are amended or in light of new challenges. According to her, social media commentators are also changing the narrative behind a story through their own input, which pose a challenge.

Nevertheless, Professor Mohamed-Martin highlighted the need for stereotypes to be dismantled, as they often led to victim-blaming.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Int’l travel could resume on August 28

T

he Public Health Ministry has reportedly advised the Guyana Civil Aviation

airports for international travel should be shifted to August 28.

Originally, Guyana’s

Guyanese returning home after being stranded overseas owing to the COVID-19 pandemic

Authority (GCAA) that the reopening of the country’s

airports were scheduled to be opened for international

travel on July 1, but owing to the spike in COVID-19 cases, that date was postponed to August 1.

Now, authorities have disclosed that the timeline should be altered once again. This was disclosed by GCAA’s Manager of Aviation Security, Abraham Doris, during a stakeholder consultation hosted by the Tourism Recovery Action Committee (TRAC).

Doris said a decision has not been made on the Public Health Ministry’s recommendation. He said the GCAA is continuing its efforts to monitor the prevailing COVID-19 situation within the Caribbean Region and the United States of America.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport

During a presentation to stakeholders, the GCAA official further noted that the aviation regulatory body has maintained a robust approach to ensure small and large aviation operators comply with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regulations implemented by the GCAA.

“We have developed extensive checklists,” Doris stated. “That allows us to ensure there is sustainability, consistency, and compliance,” he explained.

Some of the SOPs and regulations in effect govern sanitisation of passengers, airports and airplanes; social distancing onboard air-

craft and at the airports; and disinfection of luggage and screening of both incoming and outgoing passengers.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Eugene F Correia International Airport (ECIA) will continue to facilitate limited repatriation flights provided the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) gives approval.

To date, the NCTF has approved the repatriation of approximately 1800 Guyanese since the halt in international travel through the CJIA and ECIA. Thus far, citizens have returned from the USA, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean.

Illegal Brazilian nationals being trafficked through the Iwokrama Forest

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he officials from the Iwokrama Rainforest are deeply concerned about transport operators who are conducting illegal activities within its perimeter.

They noted that on June 13, two buses passed with groups of illegal persons who most likely came from Brazil. The buses and drivers have been identified.

However, again on July 6, 2020, at the ranger station at Corkwood, the Police found three illegal Brazilians on a bus and as such, the bus was turned back and the illegals

Iwokrama’s main access road

Giftland Mall partially reopens as 200 employees still off job

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s the National COVID-19 Task Force confirms the relaxation of the already-implemented guidelines, the Giftland Mall has partially reopened, as more businesses are allowed to operate.

Even with its doors now being reopened, owner of the Mall, Roy Beepat, confirmed that 200 employees would not be rehired.

Beepat explained that after being closed for almost four months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to re-employ the hundreds of employees.

He added that his business has suffered financial losses.

“We are thankful that we are opened again, and that we are allowed to operate again. We feel that the country has lost a lot of revenue; we still have over 200 people that we can’t bring back because of these measures, and until they can get the hours sorted out,” he said.

Beepat noted that Guyana was not only affected by the pandemic, but also by its political climate.

“I don’t want to come one way or the other politically, but the strain of the last four months has been incredible, on me, on my team, and I am sure on all Guyanese that just want an

Giftland Mall owner Roy Beepat

end. We just want somebody sworn in. We want to get back to normal,” he alluded.

The proprietor said in keeping with the guidelines of phase two of reopening the country, 43 of 110 concessions at the Mall will be opened between 09:00h and 17:00h daily. The Mall has implemented the strict COVID-19 guidelines put in place by the National Task Force.

These guidelines are with the aim of protecting staff and customers that visit the Mall.

Beepat said these guidelines include a security team who would be monitoring the entrances to ensure that persons were washing their hands and maintain-

ing social distance. He stated that the Mall would also have routine checks done to ensure that customers and staff were complying with the necessary guidelines.

Previously, only the FoodMaxx Supermarket and the pharmacy at the Mall were in operation.

Now, electronics and telecommunications stores, beauty salons, food and grocery shops, as well as hardware stores, will be opened.

However, in keeping with the National Task Force guidelines, the food court is not open for persons to dine in.

Beepat noted that while there were businesses that were price gouging, the prices at Giftland Mall remain the same.

“There has been terrible price gouging … this is happening, because people are unscrupulous and they are taking advantage of the situation, because there are not many places open.

At Giftland, we pride ourselves of always being fairly priced… that policy isn’t gonna change. We are not going to price gouge anybody,” he said.

Beepat further added that he was elated to reopen the Mall, and was expecting to extend its friendly customer services to the public as usual. (G9)

were dropped off at Oasis Restaurant and the bus continued to Georgetown.

In another instance, Iwokrama staffers unearthed yet another very disturbing development within the Iwokrama Forest – secret ways of bypassing the monitoring stations and getting illegals past the Police at Corkwood and Kurupukari.

A few days later, two persons were caught coming out of one of these trails – one Brazilian and one Guyanese. They were handed over to Police, and the Brazilian has since been deported. Investigations are continuing on the detained Guyanese to assess whether or not he was a trafficker or a guide.

“Iwokrama management is taking this situation very

seriously as trafficking of illegal persons is criminal and poses a serious health risk to community residents, but also residents of Georgetown and further afield,” the conservation reserve stated in a missive to the media.

It added that the COVID-19 health situation was very serious, and Iwokrama’s management was requesting that transport providers be very careful and pay attention to the situation at hand.

There is an upsurge of cases now in the Rupununi and most of these are linked to persons crossing the border.

In light of the recent developments, Iwokrama’s management along with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Public Health Ministry will be closely mon-

itoring all vehicles passing through the forest.

“If found culpable of bringing illegal persons through the Iwokrama Forest or engaging in any other illegal activity, we will be working with these authorities to ban these vehicles from passing through the Iwokrama Forest for at least THREE months in the first instance,” Iwokrama stated.

Meanwhile, the Health and Citizenship Ministries will also be taking action as well so that those passengers and traffickers will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

“Further infractions will lead to more draconian action, including a permanent ban of such vehicles from entering the Iwokrama Forest,” the missive noted.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

Regional

With hospitals “close to Grenada to reduce taxes collapse”, Bogota doctors on airline tickets call for city-wide quarantine

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D

octors in Bogota are calling for a return to a strict city-wide quarantine to slow coronavirus infections in Colombia’s capital, warning that medical services are close to collapsing, a leading medic said on Thursday.

The Andean country has reported over 165,000 cases of the coronavirus and around 6000 deaths. Bogota accounts for more than a third of the country’s total cases and over 20 per cent of its deaths.

“We’re in a critical situation,” the President of the Bogota College of Medicine, Herman Bayona, told Reuters. “We are close to collapse.”

Colombian President Ivan Duque declared an ongoing quarantine to slow the spread of the coronavirus in late March.

The quarantine is due to be lifted on August 1, with certain sectors of the economy and parts of the country already starting to reopen.

This week the capital began strict, rolling two-week quarantines by neighbourhood, something Bayona

A medical team of the health secretary is seen inside a tent where rapid tests for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are taken, in one of the areas with the most infections in Bogota, Colombia, July 1, 2020

said was ineffective.

“We don’t think zonal quarantines have the power to slow the speed of infections,” he said.

Bayona said a number of medical associations had met with political leaders in Bogota to argue for a return to a strict city-wide quarantine.

Bogota’s Intensive Care Units (ICUs) were at just under 90 per cent capacity as of Wednesday evening, according to local government figures. Mayor Claudia

Lopez visited a public hospital on Thursday and said between 20 and 30 new ventilators will come online daily to increase ICU capacity.

“Bogota’s hospitals haven’t collapsed,” Lopez said.

“The hospital system and ICUs are serving everyone who needs attention.”

Lopez is set to hold a meeting early next week with the Health Ministry to determine whether all of Bogota will be placed under a strict quarantine. (Excerpt from Reuters)

renada’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell has disclosed that Grenada would soon be reducing taxes on airline tickets as part of measures aimed at encouraging intra-regional travel within the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

He said this was being done as the Government implemented various strategies to encourage travel within the Region.

Speaking on the pending liquidation of regional carrier LIAT, Dr Mitchell said that there were other airlines which would be filling the void left by LIAT, which suspended its service

in April after most regional states shut down airports as part of measures aimed at containing novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

LIAT, which has served the Region for more than 40 years, had been experiencing financial challenges before the onset of COVID-19 and the closure of the airports around the Region placed the airline in a more difficult position.

Most airports in the Region reopened as of July 1 for commercial passengers since closure in late March, but since then there has been little or no regional commercial air traffic as only a few airlines are offer-

Mexico tightens coronavirus curbs in tourist spots, other pockets

Brazil’s coronavirus cases reach 2 million, doubling in less than a month

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razil on Thursday passed the two million confirmed coronavirus cases mark, with little sign that the rate of increase is slowing as anger grows over President Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the outbreak.

Just 27 days have passed since Brazil, which has the world’s second-largest outbreak after the United States, reached one million cases. In recent weeks, there have been nearly 40,000 confirmed new cases per day, according to Government figures.

By contrast, 43 days passed between one mil-

lion and two million confirmed cases in the United States, where the spread of COVID-19 eased briefly in May before accelerating again in June, according to a Reuters tally.

On Thursday, confirmed cases in Brazil totalled 2,012,151, while deaths numbered 76,688.

Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, is home to around 210 million people – roughly two-thirds the size of the US population.

Despite the rapid spread of the virus, Bolsonaro, a farright former army captain, has pressured local governments to lift lockdown re-

strictions.

Bolsonaro, who tested positive for the virus last week, has played down its health risks and fought against social distancing orders, calling their economic effects worse than the disease itself.

“The Government didn’t budge despite the health crisis. They thought more about money than about people,” said Rafael Reis of Rio de Janeiro, who lost his 71-year-old mother to the illness. “They mocked the disease. They didn’t believe in it ... They wanted everyone back in the streets.” (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T Govt ready to sign refinery deal with Patriotic

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rinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley says the Government is ready to sign off on the sale of the defunct Petrotrin refinery to Patriotic Energies and Technologies Company Ltd. He made the announcement at the launch of Petrotrin Land Distribution Programme for terminated Petrotrin employees at the Palo Seco Government Primary School Wednesday.

“It is the intention of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, in the coming days, to sign off with the [Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union] OWTU and beginning of the way back for the Petrotrin

refinery, known today as the Guaracara, as soon as the OWTU is ready to commit itself to what I had said in this statement today and provide its commitment by its signature.”

The OWTU’s Patriotic Energies and Technologies Company Ltd was chosen as the preferred bidder for the refinery from among 77 companies that showed interest in acquiring the assets after the Government closed down the refinery in November 2018.

Patriotic Energies was the only company that made an upfront payment offer of US$700 million. Calls to OWTU President General

Ancel Roget for comment Wednesday were unsuccessful. However, Guardian Media understands Roget was in a meeting with executives of Patriotic Energies up to late Wednesday evening.

Speaking in Fyzabad last month, however, Roget said they were close to acquiring the refinery.

On Wednesday, Rowley said with the signing of the agreement the country would have solved yet another one of its major problems, as the restart of the refinery will stimulate the creation of 7000 jobs in the short and medium term. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

ing services.

The Eastern Caribbean is significantly affected by the non-availability of LIAT. “There are a combination of opportunities that will be available to ensure that we have, not just to replace what LIAT was bringing if it has not returned, but to have expanded opportunities,” the Prime Minister said.

“We expect with the additional transport to the individual countries in the Region and the reduction of taxes in general and airport fees, in general, we will see further development of inter-island travel.” (Excerpt from CMC)

People exercise at the parking lot of a gym, where its fitness equipment was temporarily in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, July 15, 2020

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he spread of the coronavirus has spurred Mexican authorities to impose local restrictions on mobility, commerce, and leisure, particularly in popular tourist destinations, even as the Government seeks to revive the battered economy.

On Wednesday, authorities in the Caribbean beach resort of Tulum threatened to fine or arrest people for dis-

obeying rules on wearing face masks, the latest in a series of local and state-level curbs against the spread of the virus.

Eager to lift an economy that is forecast to shrink as much as 10 per cent this year, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has encouraged people to get out, and has resisted reimposing more stringent nationwide

restrictions.

But some local authorities worry if they do not take precautions, the hit to their livelihoods will be worse.

“We can’t play with the health of the citizens,” Tulum’s Mayor, Victor Mas Tah, said in comments reported by local media.

Tulum’s steps were part of measures aimed at containing the coronavirus in the state of Quintana Roo, whose governor, Carlos Joaquin, said on Thursday he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Home to the popular tourist resort of Cancun, Quintana Roo has one of Mexico’s highest rates of active cases per capita, according to Mexican Health Ministry data.

Mexico, which now has the fourth-highest death toll globally from the coronavirus, has reported 36,906 fatalities and 317,635 infections. Daily infection tallies were still hitting record highs last week.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica becomes 1st country in the Caribbean to launch cannabis standards

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he Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) has developed and established seven standards for adaptation, which will provide guidelines and safeguards to protect consumers as well as assist companies with positioning their cannabis operations for the export market.

The BSJ, an agency of the Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, developed the standards as part of efforts to strengthen and support the cannabis industry in Jamaica.

Addressing the virtual launch of the cannabis standards Wednesday, Minister of State in the Ministry, Floyd Green said the standards were an indication of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the

Minister of State in the Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, Floyd Green

relevant policies and legislative frameworks were in place to facilitate the safeguarding of both stakeholders and consumers.

Green also commended the work that the Bureau has put in to have the standards promulgated.

“I am very pleased that

the Bureau in the development of these standards really took an all-inclusive and all-encompassing approach.

I have to commend a really strong technical committee, made up of academia, members from the Bureau, growers, licensees and a wide cross-section of players in the cannabis industry that were brought together and who were seized with the urgency of now. They really worked around the clock to ensure that we have these strong standards,” he said.

Green pointed out that Jamaica prides itself on not only being the first in the Region to embark on a formal medicinal cannabis industry, but is continuing to lead the Region in developing standards of this nature. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

19

Around the World

Coronavirus: Russian spies target COVID-19 vaccine research

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ussian spies are targeting organisations trying to develop a coronavirus vaccine in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, security services have warned.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said the hackers "almost certainly" operated as "part of Russian intelligence services".

It did not specify which organisations had been targeted, or whether any information had been stolen.

But it said vaccine research had not been hindered by the hackers.

Russia has denied responsibility.

"We do not have information about who may have hacked into pharmaceutical companies and research centres in Great Britain.

We can say one thing –

Russia has nothing at all to do with these attempts," said Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for President Vladimir Putin, according to the Tass news agency.

The warning was published by an international group of security services: the UK's NCSC; the Canadian Communication Security Establishment (CSE); the United States Department for Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the US National Security Agency (NSA).

One expert said it was "plausible" that, despite the Kremlin's denials, Russian spies were involved.

"The received wisdom is that in cyber-space, attribution is difficult but not impossible," commented Emily Taylor from the

Largest California oil driller files for bankruptcy

C

However, vaccine research had not been hindered by the hackers, security services said

Chatham House think tank.

"Usually the security services are much more hedgy in their language if they think there is any doubt.

"Cozy Bear [the named group] has been implicated in past cyber-attacks and has left quite a trail, and there are fairly good links to the Russian State itself."

In recent years, Western security agencies have become more willing to call out hackers targeting companies and organisations in their countries in the hope it will deter them.

But the latest accusations are more unusual since officials are directly pointing the finger at Russian spies.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Non-essential travel Coronavirus: Spain restrictions extended orders culling of almost 100,000 mink at US borders with A Canada, Mexico

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estrictions on non-essential travel at US land borders with Canada and Mexico will be extended through August 21, Canada and the United States announced on Thursday.

“Canada and the United States have agreed to extend the current border measures by one month until August 21, and we’re going to keep working closely with our American neighbours to keep people safe on both sides of the border,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference.

Earlier, acting US Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf announced the 30day extension on Twitter that “close collaboration with our neighbours has allowed us to respond to #COVID19 in a North American approach

and slow the travel-related spread of the virus.”

Reuters reported Monday that Canada and the United States were set to extend a ban imposed to fight the coronavirus outbreak.

The rules, first issued in March, have been repeatedly extended in 30-day blocks.

The restrictions do not cover trade across a US-Canada border that stretches 8891 kilometres (5525 miles) or air travel.

Passenger crossings have fallen by 90 per cent or more at many border crossings and hit tourist destinations along US borders.

At San Ysidro, California, on the US-Mexico border, passenger and pedestrian traffic fell from more than 2.9 million people crossing in February to 1.3 million in May. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Libya denounces Egypt's “will not stand idle” threats

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ibya has condemned the Egyptian President for recent comments suggesting Cairo "will not stand idle" against threats to national security and could arm Libyan tribes against the internationally-recognised Government.

During a meeting in Cairo with tribal leaders from the eastern city of Benghazi on Thursday, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said Egypt "will not stand idle in the face of any moves that pose a direct threat to the national security not only of Egypt but also that of Libya" and the region, ac-

cording to a presidency statement.

In response, the Government of National Accord's (GNA) Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticised the statement as "blatant interference in Libyan internal affairs".

"El-Sisi's talk is a repeat of his previous statements, which is a blatant interference in Libyan affairs," Mohammed Al-Qablawi told Al Jazeera, adding that el-Sisi's speech was "not aimed at peace as he said, but it is he who is fuelling the [Libyan] conflict."

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

OILNEWS

lmost 100,000 mink at a farm in north-eastern Spain are to be culled after many of them tested positive for coronavirus, health authorities say.

The outbreak in Aragon province was discovered after a farm employee's wife contracted the virus in May. Her husband and six other farm workers have since tested positive for the disease.

The mink, bred for their prized fur, were isolated and monitored closely after the workers became infected.

But when tests on July 13 showed that 87 per cent of the mink were infected, health authorities ordered for all 92,700

of the semi-aquatic animals to be culled.

Authorities said financial compensation will be given to the company that runs the farm, based in a village 200 km (125 miles) east of Madrid.

Along with Madrid and Catalonia, Aragon is one of the coronavirus hotspots in Spain, where more than 250,000 infections and 28,000 deaths have been recorded since the start of the pandemic.

Aragon's Agriculture Minister, Joaquin Olona told reporters on Thursday that the decision to cull the mink was taken "to avoid the risk of human transmission".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

India: Pakistan broke agreement on “unimpeded” access to “spy”

I

ndia said its diplomats protested and left a meeting arranged by Pakistan in Islamabad with an Indian man sentenced to death on charges of spying, saying an agreement to allow "unimpeded" consular access had not been honoured

by Pakistani officials.

Former Indian Naval Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav was arrested in 2016 in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan and convicted of espionage and sabotage by a Pakistani military court a year later.

India took the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which ordered a stay on Jadhav's execution in 2019, as well as consular access for India.

Pakistan was also ordered to conduct an "effective review" of the death penalty.

"Two consular officers of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad were provided unimpeded and uninterrupted

consular access to Commander Jadhav at 1500 hours," Pakistan's foreign office said in a statement on Thursday.

The meeting between Jadhav and Indian officials was the second since the ICJ ruling.

However, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the consular officers left after protesting that the access did not permit free conversation as was agreed a few days earlier with Pakistan.

"Pakistani officials with an intimidating demeanour were present in close proximity of Shri Jadhav and Consular Officers despite the protests of the Indian side," the MEA said in a statement, adding that the conversation was also recorded.

Indian officials say they were prevented from obtaining Jadhav's written consent to arrange legal representation, necessary for a review of his case. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

alifornia Resources, the largest oil driller in the state, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, becoming the latest casualty of an oil price crash that coincided with the coronavirus pandemic that wiped out as much as 20 million barrels per day (bpd) of demand in April alone.

In a press release, the company said it had agreed a restructuring plan with most of its shareholders, which will see its debt pile significantly reduced, by about US$5 billion, “enabling the company to operate safely through the current downturn in commodity prices and establishing a solid financial foundation to enhance future value creation.”

The US oil industry, especially shale, has been hit particularly hard by the crisis, with cash shortages and high-debt levels reducing companies’ flexibility during the downturn.

During the second quarter of the year alone, more than 18 oil and gas companies in the United States filed for bankruptcy, according to data from Haynes and Boone. Since the start of the year, as many as 41 companies filed for bankruptcy.

Rystad Energy in April warned that as many as 530 US oil companies could file for bankruptcy protection if oil had stayed at US$20 per barrel. Prices have improved since then, but bankruptcies in the US oil and gas sector are set to continue even at the current oil price of some US$40 a barrel for West Texas Intermediate, according to analysts.

The problem is unsustainable debt levels that resulted in a record number of companies from the industry defaulting on interest payments on their junk-rated bonds last year, when prices were substantially higher. At the same time, banks have grown markedly cold to the industry as it has failed to deliver on production promises. Credit lines have been cut, leaving even less wiggle room for the most troubled in the field. (Excerpt from Oil Price)

US targets all Chinese Communist Party members for possible travel ban – source

The flags of China, US and the Chinese Communist Party are displayed in a flag stall at the Yiwu Wholesale Market in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, China, May 10, 2019

T

he Trump Administration is considering banning travel to the United States by all members of the Chinese Communist Party and their families, a person familiar with the matter said on Thursday, a move that would worsen already tense USChina relations.

Senior officials discussing the matter have begun circulating a draft of a possible presidential order, but deliberations are at an early stage and the issue has not yet been brought to President Donald Trump, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The discussions, first reported by the New York Times, centre on whether to deny visas to tens of millions of Chinese in what would be one of Washington’s toughest actions yet in a widening feud with Beijing that some

have likened to a new Cold War. Such a ban, if implemented, could hit the ruling Communist Party from the highest levels down to its rank-and-file and would be certain to draw retaliation against Americans who travel to China. This could include not only diplomats but also business executives, potentially harming US interests in China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said earlier such action by the United States, if true, would be “pathetic”.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stopped short of confirming it was under consideration but said: “We’re working our way through, under the President’s guidance, about how to think about pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

20

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

Keep your opinions to yourself until you have all the facts. Getting into a scuffle unprepared will set you back. Look for clues that will help you do what’s right.

TAURUS

Give only what’s fair. If someone pushes you to dig deeper into your pockets, be prepared to walk away. You may thrive on change, but you also need to be in control.

(March 21April 19)

(April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Deal with institutions and tidy up loose ends. Don’t trust anyone to tend to your personal business. It’s up to you to seize opportunities and make decisions.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Be patient with those who are less informed. Take care of important matters.

Organize and prepare properly to make an impression and get ahead.

PEANUTS

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Emotional matters will escalate if honesty doesn’t prevail. Choose your words carefully to avoid being reminded of past mistakes.

Don’t let ego come between you and what’s right.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Don’t let emotional issues interfere with your plans. Separate personal and professional matters and focus on one thing at a time. A change you implement will prompt a new opportunity.

You’ll face a challenge today. Don’t shy away, take control, do your own thing and refuse to let anyone bully you into something that doesn’t appeal to you. Love is encouraged.

Take care of the needs of friends and relatives. Look over investments carefully and do what makes you feel comfortable. Don’t spend money unnecessarily. Put your creative imagination to good use.

SAGITTARIUS Do whatever it takes to ensure you don’t give some(Nov. 23one the wrong impression.

Dec. 21) Send a clear message and leave nothing to chance, and you will get respect and honesty in return.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A disagreement will set you back. Stay calm, look for solutions and be willing to make a change. Give others the freedom you want and go about your business.

Take a break, sit back, relax and pamper yourself.

Clear a space that will accommodate something that you enjoy doing. Romance will bring you closer to a loved one.

Don’t make gestures that don’t reflect your true feelings. Sending someone the wrong message will put you in a vulnerable position. Be straight and tell it like it is.

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

21

USA CRICKET SET TO NOT RENEW CONTRACTS ꟷ players now in limbo

P

layers’ earnings, w h i c h were in the range of between US$4,000 and US$7,600 per month, could now go down to as low as US$1,500, as USA Cricket has officially conveyed to all of its 13 contracted national players that the board will not be renewing their contracts as they stand.

It is learnt that, after much deliberation, the board has agreed to hand out monthly retainers to a core group of players until the end of the year. Those players will be selected by the newly appointed selection panel, headed by Michael Voss.

The current players’ contracts see players being paid on players’ seniority, calibre, and past performance. Sources close to the players believe the monthly retainers can be reduced to as little as US$1500, which in a sense roughly accounts to national average minimum wage.

The 13 contracted USA players were instrumental in Team USA making history and gaining ODI status after 15 long years. With increased funding from the ICC and some fixed annual funding contributions from their strategic partner ACE, the players were given professional contracts for the first time in the history of cricket in the US in July 2019.

It is believed that 14 cricketers were given contracts at that time, with the core group of 6 players being rewarded with an annual

Player earnings which were in the range of US$4000 and US$7600 per month could now go down to as low as US$1500 © Getty

contract, while the 8 were given 3-month contracts which were reviewed in a phased manner.

"After much consideration, looking at the current landscape and the uncertainty that we have in respect to the domestic calendar, international calendar, the global cricket economy and future revenues, we have taken the decision to not continue all of the players

England to play Wales in friendly at Wembley in October E

ngland will play Wales in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on 8 October. The match will be played behind closed doors in keeping with government coronavirus guidelines.

start of the 2020-21 Nations League campaign, with England facing Iceland and Denmark.

Wales will play Finland and Bulgaria in early September.

The Nations League will then continue on

on their retained level of contracts. However, we have agreed to extend them by a further month beyond their end, which means an additional month of August" said Iain Higgins, CEO USA Cricket to Cricbuzz.

"In some cases, some of those contracts expired many months ago already, and USA Cricket has been continuing to employ them throughout the past five to six months. We do

have sympathy for the players and, indeed, anybody in the USA who, as a result of coronavirus, have found themselves looking for other ways for employment or reduced salaries; but we have to, as a board, recognise the need to prioritise our expenditure," added Higgins.

With no national sponsors, and presumed uncertainty over the next round of ICC payments, USA Cricket will rely heavily on the fixed annual funding contributions that have been agreed upon by USA Cricket and ACE to meet their expenditures.

"All of the players left their fulltime jobs to sign up for these professional contracts, and now find themselves in the lurch. They are being told they are being released due to budgetary concerns, but it is amusing to know that none of the non-playing staff is subject to any sort of pay cut. In fact, there were fresh appointments made towards the non-playing staff in the middle of the pandemic.

“These are the players who got USA Cricket the all-important ODI status. One could imagine they had some leverage," said a source close to the players.

The suspension of professional contracts, albeit due to COVID-19, is a serious blow to the economic wellbeing of these players who had just embarked on their journey of being fully professional cricketers. This new development will certainly put them on the fringe once again. (Cricbuzz)

Russell says staying with Williams next year

George Russell

B England forward Raheem Sterling takes on Wales' Chris Gunter at Euro 2016

The two nations last met at Euro 2016, when England won 2-1 after an injury-time winner from Daniel Sturridge.

England will pay tribute to former players who have died in the last 12 months, including 1966 World Cup winners Jack Charlton, Martin Peters, Norman Hunter and Peter Bonetti.

October's match will come a month after the

11 and 14 October, when England play Belgium and Denmark respectively, and Wales face the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria.

(BBC Sport)

ritish Formula One driver George Russell has said on Thursday he would be staying with Williams next season, ending speculation about a possible move to champions Mercedes, alongside Canadian Nicholas Latifi.

“I will be staying with Williams for 2021, you’ve heard it here first,” the 22-year-old, now in his second season in Formula One, told a video news conference ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Russell is backed by Mercedes, and had been seen as a possible replacement for Valtteri Bottas, who is out of contract at the end of the year, but is now looking sure to stay with the champions.

Media reports have suggested Bottas has agreed a deal in principle.

The Finn won this month’s season-opener

in Austria, and is leading his team mate and sixtimes world champion Lewis Hamilton by six points in the standings after two races.

Russell, who signed a three-year deal with Williams before joining last season, said he did not feel ‘overlooked’ by Mercedes.

“I’m not disappointed in Mercedes at all!” he said.

“There was nothing more they could do.

Claire (Williams) was very firm with her decision that she was not willing, or not ready, to let me go. Ultimately, as I have a contract with Williams, I have to respect that decision.

“I’m here, and I’ll be giving everything I’ve got for Williams this year and into next year.” Latifi, a rookie this season, also has a multi-year deal with Williams. (Reuters)

22

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England dropped Jofra Archer

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Jofra Archer in the nets

J

ofra Archer has been left out of the England side for the second Test against West Indies at Emirates Old Trafford following a breach of the team's biosecurity protocols.

Archer was included in England's 13-man squad on Wednesday, but the ECB released a statement at 8am on the morning of the Test saying that he had been "excluded" and would enter self-isolation.

The statement said Archer would be required to undergo five days of self-isolation, during which he would twice be tested for COVID-19. After two negative results, he would be permitted to return to the group.

An ECB spokesperson confirmed that Archer's breach was while travelling between the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford, and later clarified that he had stopped off en route at his flat in Brighton, a fact that only came to light after the squad had been announced.

Players and staff have been wearing a GPS tracking device in their accreditation throughout the series, although these are only activated in the venues. The players travelled individually from Southampton to Manchester, with a scheduled lunch stop en route.

"The West Indies team have been made aware, and are satisfied with the measures that have been

17 overs. His absence will be a sigimposed," read an ECB statement.

According to ESPN's Alexis nificant blow, not least after James Nunes, a close personal friend of Anderson and Mark Wood were the player, Archer stopped off at his both told on Wednesday they would for this Test. flat for approximately an hour, and be rested (Cricinfo) avoided any close personal contact while he was there.

While conceding that he was "very frustrated" with the situation, Nunes added that Archer had not made any excuses for his actions.

"Home is his safe place," she added, "which is why he didn't think it was that much of a risk.”

“I am extremely sorry for what I have done," Archer said in a statement via the ECB. "I have put not only myself, but the whole team and management in danger. I fully accept the consequences of my actions, and I want to sincerely apologise to everyone in the bio-secure bubble. It deeply pains me to be missing the Test match, especially with the series poised. I feel like I have let both teams down; Archer has been dropped from the ongoing and again, I am sorry." second Test England have not added anyone to their squad. That means that their only selection decision is which player to leave out: Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, or Chris Woakes.

After going wicketless in the first innings, Archer was England's best bowler in the second innings of the first Test, taking 3 for 45 from his

Regional PMs hail Holder’s leadership, new WI commitment B

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NOW!

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

arbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has praised West Indies Test captain Jason Holder for his “wisdom, maturity and discipline”.

She was one of three sitting political leaders hailing the all-rounder’s leadership of the Caribbean side and celebrating last weekend’s success in the first Test against England.

Mottley, the country’s first ever woman prime minister, joined with Grenadian counterpart Dr Keith Mitchell and St Vincent and the Grenadines leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves in underscoring the importance of the victory and lauding Holder for his role in the side’s recent success.

“Every time I hug you I have to look up, and that’s exactly where you are carrying us – to victory, to the skies, and I am so, so, so proud of you,” Mottley told Holder via Zoom on Starcom Radio’s Mason and Guest here Tuesday night.

“My very first act as Prime Minister of Barbados after being sworn in was to commit to the English match here in 2019, and I will never forget how you made me feel when you all beat England at Kensington Oval, and reinforced the wisdom of that decision to be able to take the chance and ensure that Test match was in Barbados.

“You are just carrying us to greater heights each time; and your wisdom, your maturity and your discipline [are outstanding]. For me, the highlight was just how long you took to make the winning runs [last Sunday]. That said to me the maturity is there to understand that unless you finish the mission, you have not achieved what is required of you; and however pretty the game looks and however nice it looks, you have to finish the mission.

“And you’ve brought this sense of hope in us again that this is a team that is now going to carry us on a pathway to victory, because what you showed was a maturity and a discipline to keep the mission in

focus.”

Gonsalves, also chairman of the regional nation grouping, CARICOM, said West Indies had shown a new resolve since their conquest over England in the Caribbean last year.

And even though they stumbled early in their run chase in the first Test at Southampton, Gonsalves said he was never in doubt they would emerge winners in the contest.

“I rejoice in the victory. I remember seeing Jason with his double hundred at that same game in Kensington, and I saw the performance also in that FLASHBACK: Prime Minister Mia Mottley congratulating West Indies captain Jason Holder same game by (Roston) immediately following his side’s win over England in the first Test at Kensington Oval last year Chase and (Shane) Dowrich,” Gonsalves in the West Indies ranks, which had been of six for 42 last weekend undermined recalled. fortified by Holder’s leadership.

England and formed the basis for West “And I’ll tell you the truth: even at “It didn’t surprise me after I watched Indies’ eventual four-wicket victory in the 25 for three [on Sunday’s final day at the first innings, because what I saw was first Test, said his side was aware of the Southampton], I didn’t think at all that this the discipline in approach by your bowling importance of the game to the region, and was another West Indies collapse. We had unit. They never gave away anything…and valued the support of all stakeholders. played with such discipline, we had played the way you batted and how every person “It’s really fitting to see the love and with such commitment, that I felt it. There committed themselves to the task,” said appreciation shown throughout the was something about the purposefulness Mitchell, also an ardent cricket fan.

Caribbean,” Holder told the show. “I know with which the players as a team went “It made me realise this is a different what cricket does to this region, and about their job that I felt absolutely team, not necessarily in talent – I’ve always obviously the people of the Caribbean confident that we were going to make the believed the West Indies had talent – but are obviously ecstatic over the first 200 runs.

I think the leadership and guidance, the victory; so, we thank you dearly for your “It’s a good win in the same week we commitment and unified effort of the continued support. We hope we can start were remembering Sir Everton Weekes, team, is what impress me the most. again (today) (second Test in Manchester) and while we bury him in sadness, had he “I’ve always said if we lose a game, we and go through the same processes, go been alive he would have been ecstatic must lose it with pride and commitment. through the same hard work, and not get at this remarkable triumph.” Mitchell, What I saw with that team, if you lose, we too far ahead of ourselves in terms of the the former chairman of Caricom’s Prime should still be all proud, because I see the outcome, but more or less focus in on the Ministerial Committee on Cricket, said commitment.” process and make sure we can keep smiles there was a new sense of commitment Holder, whose first innings career-best on people’s faces.” (CMC)

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Sibley, Stokes steel England after early drama I

t was slow, steady and perfectly suited to England's needs after a difficult start - on and off the field. Dom Sibley's 86 not out, amid an unbroken 126-run stand for the fourth wicket with Ben Stokes, rescued his side from 81 for 3 and put them in a far more comfortable position at the close than appeared likely earlier in the first day of a must-win match for the hosts.

It was a day when the drama of Jofra Archer's match-morning omission for breaching biosecurity protocols by stopping by his house in Brighton en route from Southampton to Manchester dominated the narrative.

But Sibley did the needful for England in the face of a West Indies bowling performance which stuttered, then contained the hosts, before running into serious resistance as Sibley and Stokes saw their side to stumps still only three wickets down.

It could have been so much worse for England when they lost Rory Burns, Zak Crawley and Joe Root cheaply. Jason Holder won the toss and elected to bowl first in hopes of making the most of gloomy overhead conditions when play finally began 90 minutes late due to the mopup operation required to deal with a wet lead-up to the match.

Both sides took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, as they had done in Southampton before play began. Holder played around with his attack in the hour of play to lunch, replacing Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach after just three overs each with himself and Alzarri Joseph.

That was after Gabriel had looked uncomfortable in his run-up and out of rhythm. Roach, meanwhile, toiled hard for no reward once more.

Gabriel - player Ben Stokes gathers of the match at the runs Ageas Bowl, where his nine wickets, including a five-for in England's second innings, helped West Indies to vic-

t o r y and a 1-0 series lead returned with more control after the lunch break for another fourover spell. But he limped from the field with an apparent hamstring problem, returning in the evening session but without making any inroads in three more overs.

Roach, who is only seven away from claiming 200 Test scalps, remains wicketless for the series despite bowling with accuracy for the most part.

It was not until Holder brought off-spinner Roston Chase on in the last over before lunch that West Indies made a breakthrough, with Chase trapping Burns lbw with a ball that beat the inside edge and rapped him on the pads bang in line with middle stump.

That signalled lunch, but Chase struck with the next ball after lunch: one that spun a little as Crawley flicked low to Holder at leg slip. Crawley, whose second-innings 76 in Southampton cemented his place at the expense of

SCOREBOARD RJ Burns lbw b Chase DP Sibley not out Z Crawley c Holder b Chase JE Root (c) c Holder b Joseph BA Stokes not out Extras (b 4, lb 6, nb 5, w 9) TOTAL (82 Ov, RR: 2.52) 207/3 Yet to bat: OJ Pope, JC Buttler †, SM Curran, DM Bess, CR Woakes, SCJ Broad Fall of wickets: 1-29 (Rory Burns, 13.2 ov), 2-29 (Zak Crawley, 13.3 ov), 3-81 (Joe Root, 31.2 ov) BOWLING O M R W KAJ Roach 20 4 37 0 ST Gabriel 10 1 32 0 AS Joseph 15 3 41 1 JO Holder 20 8 33 0 RL Chase 16 1 53 2 KC Brathwaite 1 0 1 0

15 86 0 23 59 24

The duo in Stokes and Sibley added 123 runs together

West Indies appeal

Kent team-mate Joe Denly when someone had to make way for Root's return from parental leave, was out for a first-ball duck.

Root survived the hat-trick ball, and he and Sibley built a 52-run partnership. But when Gabriel left the field, Holder turned again to Joseph, who had accounted for three of Root's previous four dismissals against West Indies going into the match. Joseph made it four in the last five with a full, outswinging delivery which Root swiped to Holder at slip.

That left Sibley and Stokes in the middle, and the pair set to work, Sibley keeping it low key while Stokes produced the odd flash of strokeplay when it was warranted, including the first six of the series when he smacked Chase back down the ground.

Sibley's circumspection was familiar. After a duck in the first innings at the Ageas Bowl, he faced 164 deliveries in the second innings before he was out moments after bringing up his fifty. This time, he stuck around upon reaching the milestone, grinding out his score off 253 deliveries so far.

He was dropped on 68 when, in Gabriel's first over since returning to the field, he sent a thick outside edge straight to Holder at second slip, only for the ball to slide through Holder's hands, hit him in the stomach and fall to the ground.

Roach was imploring when he reviewed a not-out decision for lbw which would have dismissed Sibley for 82, but with the ball striking high on the front pad, the batsman survived on the umpire's original call.

Either Stokes, Sibley or both have been involved in each of the five highest partnerships of the series so far, all of them yielding in excess of 50 runs. Their union on Thursday took their team past England's first-innings total at the Ageas Bowl of 204, which

proved too low and was a factor in the hosts' defeat there.

If they are able to push on into the second day in Manchester, it will put less pressure on the England bowling attack, which has had an overhaul in the absence of Archer and the resting Mark Wood and James Anderson.

Stuart Broad returned after being left out of the first Test, and was joined by Chris Woakes and Sam Curran, with Stokes taking up the fourth seamer's position. Their fresh legs could be key as England seek to thwart West Indies' quest for a first Test series win in England for 32 years. But after their batting performance in Southampton fell short, England will be happy to delay the appearance of their bowlers, regardless of who Dom Sibley on the drive they are, a little longer. (Cricinfo)

Any total under 350 is manageable for West Indies ę&#x;ˇ Brathwaite

R

eflecting on the first day of the second Test match, West Indies vice-captain and opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite, in his virtual post-match press conference, opined that West Indies would have to start strong on the second day.

Although conceding that the pitch was somewhat slow and had moisture, Brathwaite believes the West Indies have not kept themselves in the game by giving away free runs, as England ended the day on 207-3.

Brathwaite has said that a potential total of 350 runs or less posted by England in their first innings would be manageable for the West Indies in their first innings.

"Tomorrow is key for us to start well. Anything under 350 is alright for us," he said.

Although England have rested James Anderson and Mark Wood, while Jofra Archer was dropped after he breached COVID-19 protocols, Brathwaite is still holding to the view that the England bowling group is equipped.

England is rely on the services of Stuart Broad, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes, while Ben Stokes will provide that fourth seam option and Dom Bess and Joe Root are the spin options.

Speaking from a batting perspective, Brathwaite is agreeing with Head Coach Phil Simmons, who had earlier called on the batsmen to score centuries.

"I agree with Coach. (In) the last game, batsmen had starts, so I agree with Coach (that) when we get starts we must get three figures," Brathwaite posited.

West Indies, who dropped some catches and failed to make early inroads with the new ball, will be aiming to express themselves with the new ball on the second morning of the second Test match. (Brandon Corlette)

Kraigg Brathwaite

FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2020

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England dropped Jofra Archer

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Regional PMs hail Holder’s leadership, new WI commitment

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