Guyana Times -- Sunday, August 9, 2020

Attempts to undermine democracy

PPP/C Govt to hold persons accountable P7 for perverting, corrupting electoral system Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4372 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

PRICE

COVID-19 pandemic

New Govt to help households with $4.5B Page 3

…loan interest rates likely to be lowered, new Response Unit established

New Govt vows to champion workers’ rights

$120 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

First Lady determined to serve Guyana P27

EU lauds P24 democratic transition of Govt …ready to support electoral reforms

APNU/AFC left GFC bankrupted – Teixeira …unable to pay staff, millions in debt

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P24 16 new COVID-19 cases recorded

Poultry farmer loses millions in Corentyne villages' P26 inundation

…President Ali commits to restoring sugar industry to viability President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali at their Inauguration Ceremony on Saturday at the National Cultural Centre. Inset are: a section of the gathering that included Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi; Guyana’s Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo; the Guyana Defence Force performing a musical rendition, and a dance by Indigenous dancers (See story on page 23)

Guyana, Suriname Govts have responsibility to bring prosperity – President Santokhi Page 12

…as President Ali thanks int’l community for vigilance

T&T elections a toss-up between PNM and UNC

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 pandemic

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, August 9 – 08:30h – 10:00h and Monday, August 10 – 09:00h – 10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, August 9 – 07:35h – 09:05h and Monday, August 10 – 08:10h – 09:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers and light rain showers will prevail during the day. There will be light rain showers and partly cloudy skies during the night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to Easterly to South SouthEasterly to South-Westerly to West SouthWesterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 07:56h and 20:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.41 metres.

Low Tide: 13:50h reaching a minimum height of 0.79 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$44.40/barrel

-1.55

Rough Rice

$207.77 /ton

+0.55

London Sugar

$372.30/ton

-1.43

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$2034.80

$2035.80

Low/High

$2014.60

$2064.60

Change

0.00

0.00%

New Govt to help households with $4.5B …loan interest rates likely to be lowered, new Response Unit established

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ith over 500 cases of the novel coronavirus recorded in the country to date, President Irfaan Ali has stuck to his promise to hit the ground running in responding to this public health crisis which has already claimed the lives of 22 citizens.

In stark contrast to what the former Government managed to accomplish during their protracted time in office, the seven-day-old Administration has already procured a multitude of resources to aid in the fight against this global pandemic and more plans are now underway, including securing a whopping $4.5 billion, for COVID-19 response initiatives.

During his inauguration speech on Saturday, President Dr Ali announced that “we have commenced work on securing immediately an initial sum of $4.5 billion as emergency response to help at the household level”.

Additionally, he said his Administration has already met with the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Gobind Ganga, and directed him to extend regulatory permission so as to allow for bankers to continue extending moratoriums.

Further, President Ali said the Administration also looked at the possibility of adjusting the Reserve Requirement which will allow the banks to have more disposable resources and tying that adjustment with lower interest rate.

Moreover, they have started to examine from a fiscal perspective what support can be provided to the Private Sector and other groups, all with the view of supporting a resumption of the economic activities and putting people back to work.

The Head of State further revealed that “we have reached out to several multilateral and bilateral sources with a view to urgently mobilise financial resources of the magnitude that is necessary to overcome the effects of this pandemic. I must say the response has been encouraging.”

According to President Ali, his Government has already made many strides in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic despite being just one week in office.

“Since taking office, in just one week, we have mobilised and received 46,000 rapid antibody test kits, Personal Protection Equipment, approximately 240,000 surgical masks, and face shields, gowns and other urgently needed supplies,” he reminded.

Barbados donation

In addition, he said Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley has sent some 15,000 PCR test kits; and by next week, the country will receive some 10,000 kits from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) which has committed to supplying an additional 40,000 kits.

Moreover, Ali said his Government has accessed three PCR testing machines with two more being sourced, and plans are in motion to

President Irfaan Ali delivering his Inaugural Address at the National Cultural Centre

train persons, including persons from the hinterland areas, in the use of the PCR machines and rapid test kits.

In his message, President Ali lamented that too many Guyanese have lost their lives and have been affected by the novel coronavirus, and as such, he committed to doing “everything possible” to protect the country from this “dreaded and dreadful disease”.

“That is why, as President, I will personally and urgently participate in my Government’s programme to stop infection by the coronavirus, curb its spread, and safeguard the health of our nation,” he said.

New COVID-19 Response Unit

President Ali also announced that his Government is in the process of creating a COVID-19 Response Unit comprising Government policymakers, represented by the Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips and the Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, as well as regional and international partners such as the Caribbean Community (Caricom), PAHO, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

According to the Head of

State, the Unit will be guided by a collaborative policy to address medical responses and to create a COVID-19 impact socio-economic plan for the people.

Importantly, he asserted that “we are dismantling the political intervention and structure and the bureaucracy and we are putting in the hands of policymakers who are capable and competent to deal with this issue.”

The former David Grangerled A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration had initially established a COVID-19 Task Force comprising solely of ministerial representatives and political appointees to deal with the pandemic.

Civil society organisations, including the members of the Private Sector, had called for the Task Force to be more inclusive – to no avail.

The Granger Administration had been accused of utilising the heavily politicised Task Force mainly for political purposes rather than to truly address the public health crisis that has gripped the nation.

In fact, the former coalition Administration has been accused of using the COVID-19

pandemic as a weapon.

For instance, the Task Force made questionable recommendations regarding the 33-day National Recount exercise which got underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) regarding the number of working stations to be allowed and the working hours. The Joseph Harmon and Moses Nagamootoo-led caucus had been accused of ordering unjustifiable measures in a bid to stymie the recount activity – which proved that their Administration lost the elections.

Moreover, the then President, David Granger had used the pretext of “COVID-19 protocols” as a means of blocking The Carter Center and other international electoral observer missions from returning to Guyana to observe the National Recount – even though he allowed the Caricom Observer Team to return as well as approve other flights to land in Guyana during the period where the airports were closed owing to the pandemic.

In another case, the Task Force effectively approved the hosting of public meetings by the APNU/AFC coalition even though such activities are a violation of the very measures the body had instituted.

One notable project of the former Administration to fight the COVID-19 pandemic was the refurbishing of the flood-prone Ocean View Hotel into an infectious disease hospital to house infected patients. But now, the project is mired in controversy since the hotelier is claiming that the Granger Administration never acquired his property even though it spent some $1.6 billion to renovate it.

Additionally, though former President Granger himself commissioned the facility on July 30, it is nonfunctioning.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

The Inauguration of President Ali

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ith the pomp and ceremony somewhat curtailed by the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inauguration of our 9th Executive President, His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was yet a magnificent occasion at the National Cultural Centre yesterday. The cultural events preceding the President’s Inauguration Address epitomised the diversity of Guyana’s peoples. But, unlike the election that exacerbated the differences inherent in that diversity, the Inauguration emphasised the unity that can be woven from diversity.

A welcome addition to the Christian, Hindu and Muslim prayers that highlight our multi-religious society and commence our national events was a prayer made in the Macushi language, which the inauguration featured. It was made by a member of that tribe within the Indigenous Peoples of our land. The dances, in a similar vein, demonstrated our multicultural diversity with African, Indian and Indigenous-derived expressions. The Police Band and Choir provided several renditions of our national songs, which were highlighted by a stirring rendition of a modern composition rendered by a young, upcoming artiste who is noted for her “Guyanese orientation”.

Continuity and change The highlight of the Inauguration was, of course, the address

by President Ali, which, at his swearing in, he had promised would elaborate more fully on his plans for the next five years.

In rousing tones, he began his address by promising, as he had done at every opportunity, to govern as the President of all Guyanese. He alluded to the divisiveness that had been fostered by the now Opposition APNU/AFC in their long, five-month war of attrition to hijack the elections, but vowed to heal those fissures through the implementation of concrete policies which he proceeded to adumbrate, even as he promised that those who broke the law would be punished.

He immediately put numbers to his COVID-19 programme by announcing that $5.5B would be allocated to helping households, while programmes to assist the hard-hit business sector would be unfurled. The political weaponising of the pandemic by the APNU/AFC would be halted with the immediate disbanding of the Harmon/Nagamootoo-led Task Force, and the job would be turned over to professionals.

He spoke feelingly of the hardships faced by workers in the sugar and bauxite belts, caused by the intransigence and misguided policies of the APNU/AFC government. He reiterated his commitment to resuscitate the sugar industry, while simultaneously facilitating the transformation of Guyana into a “centre of economic activity”. His commitment to reducing the cost of energy by 50% should, in and of itself, help to achieve that goal.

Ali took special pains to acknowledge the presence of the President of Surname, His Excellency Chandraprasad Santokhi, with whom he promised to work very closely as their nations proceed to exploit the discoveries of petroleum that followed the ICJ’s demarcation of their maritime boundaries. He promised quick formation of the Petroleum Commission that would ensure the sector is ring-fenced from political interference.

On the western front, he implicitly rejected the proposal floated by Venezuela: that Guyana should reopen “dialogue” to settle their border controversy. President Ali reminded that his party had supported the previous administration’s move to have the matter resolved by the ICJ, and is steadfastly resolved in this policy.

The President expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those individuals, institutions, regional blocs and countries that had stood with Guyana in its struggle for democracy against the APNU/AFC. The US, Canada, UK and the EU were singled out in this respect, as were Caricom, the Carter Center and the OAS. He led a moment of silence as a mark of respect for former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, who passed away after standing up personally to the PNC’s bullyism as the head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission.

Most critically for the stability of Guyana in going forward, President Ali declared, “In our manifesto, we pledged to pursue inclusionary Constitutional Governance. I intend to see that pledge implemented. To do so will require certain constitutional reforms, which we will be formulating in consultation with the people. We will conduct a National Conversation in which all ideas will contend, and all voices will be heard.”

In sum, President Irfaan Ali gave Guyana renewed hope.

A captivating cultural dance performance that wooed the audience at the Inauguration Ceremony of President Dr Irfaan Ali, Guyana’s Ninth Executive Head-of-State

Guyanese will forever be thankful for strong leadership of PPP/C Dear Editor, The people of Guyana have re-elected the PPP/C to the helm of Governance in our country under the leadership and commitments made to the nation, led by His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali, Hon Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Anthony Philips, Former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and others.

There is no doubt that these esteemed men lead a team, which has demonstrated the will to fight amidst the greatest of sacrifices for the betterment of our dear nation.

Congratulations are in order!

As they purposefully set about the task of rebuilding, it is imperative that the PPP/C leaders, who the nation have returned with the maximum support, take advantage of the united front formed in the process. In so doing, they must swiftly move to undertake the advancement of positive objective programmes and initiatives, which will bridge and unite all Guyanese while serving in the interest of all our people.

Noteworthy, the main political parties keenly contested the March 2020 elections like none other before, and our citizens peacefully turned out in massive numbers to exercise their rights. It was, therefore, a sad state of affairs when the caretaker APNU/AFC regime, who knew by March 3 of their rejection by the majority of citizens, became extremely undemocratic and recalcitrant in their attempts to prevent the PPP/C from taking office.

This created a situation of extremely threatening national concern in which the patience of the Guyanese was stretched and tested, and the nation’s health put at risk. It took the massive support from the international community and civic organisations, along with the clever and smart Leadership of our party that ensured success. We will forever be thankful for the strong intuitive leadership and international support for helping us overcome what could have turned out as a major tragedy.

Let us, therefore, express our gratitude to the international community and immediately embrace the task of rebuilding the country’s international image and improving partnerships.

There will not be any PPP/C Government triumphalism or big celebration party at the stadium. Rather, it is time to hit the ground running in advancing the work using an inclusive approach to the necessary rebuilding of our nation. We have seen our President appoint a blend of qualified young Ministers who are expected to work diligently in their Ministries while demonstrating transparent and accountable approaches.

The Cabinet of Ministers will certainly ooze an excellent blend of representative gender, experience, and ethnic balance, which augers well for the start off to lead the necessary governance interventions.

These esteemed men and women have worked hard and are also duly deserving of our con-

gratulations and support.

The PPP/C Government will certainly not start with any massive salary increases for their Ministers and there will be no corrupt D’Urban Park travesty. It is, however, expected that some form of reorganisation at the Head of the Ministries as well as certain agencies, will have to be addressed or restructured given that these positions were notably filled with previous political appointees of the APNU/AFC regime who are likely to frustrate the progress-oriented approach of the new Government. Of note, authorities in the previous Government have taken steps to sign and renew contracts for many political implants, which must be reviewed in the context of the necessity to effectively administrate while preventing sabotage from persons who held or nation at ransom.

There is an urgent need to look at the improvement of security across the country, which significantly deteriorated across the country over the past five years. Our citizens and investors need to feel comfortable and previously accommodated lawlessness must be halted. While the role of the Guyana Police Force has been tested since March 3, 2020, they should be complimented for largely standing tall in support of democracy, law, and order during the period. However, the misfits who have proven to be unprofessional must be dealt with, as the task of supporting capacity and workable adjustments are

addressed.

Clear evidence of wanton abuse and fraudulent activities conducted by APNU/ AFC, must be investigated and condignly dealt with as these have come into being in breach of our laws and to the sufferance of our people. It is a known fact that the PPP/C, while in Opposition, warned that they would not honour the implementation of actions that would impose binding contractual obligations on the Government during the period Mr Granger was in charge as the caretaker President. It is of note that the necessary situational analysis has commenced and these matters must be addressed as a deliberate course of business.

It is time to advance initiatives that would swiftly and legitimately support getting the economy back on track and to this end, President Ali must work with stakeholders to ensure the convening of Parliament so that budgetary matters can be addressed. The framework for an enabling environment for investment and job creation needs to be reset and these must be a part of the priorities to be dealt with.

Democracy has prevailed and Guyana deserves a new Government of the calibre of the PPP/C. At the same time, our people need help and are very supportive! President Dr Ali and team, congratulations!

Let’s get to work towards making all Guyana proud!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Cry for continued relevance Dear Editor, I agree with those who deem David Granger’s latest (Facebook) spiel as a cry for continued relevance.

While many are quick to level criticism at the former President (rightly so), many have taken a blind eye to the virtues of his call. As Mr Granger repeats his claims about a “flawed (electoral) report,” he also replicates

his appeal for peace in the same breath. Such moral high ground and dignity must not go unnoticed.

Also, I applaud the other supporters of the PNC for their call for peace. “Mr Cool’s” (Mark Welcome) Facebook post, for example, is a case in point. He is hugely disappointed, disenchanted, and disillusioned with the elections results

and still seems to harbour anger at the PPP for getting back into power. However, this religious (Christian) man has repeatedly encouraged his supporters to desist from violence. He implores them to promote peace instead.

Many Guyanese have exercised self-control and strength to stand with their Christian convictions rath-

er than giving in to political or racial preferences. People have noticed, which ushers a definite trail towards progress, and it brings glory to God. God bless the Guyanese people, and God bless Guyana.

Yours truly, Dr Devanand Bhagwan

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

Opposition coalition must end rancour Dear Editor, The election is over. The opposition must end its rancour and accept defeat and find a way to preach a message of healing and reconciliation as the PPP did when it was removed from office in May 2015. It is time for the nation to come together for institutional reconstruction. The opposition has an important role, that reconstruction, and it must not play the role of a sore loser.

The country has pronounced on the outcome – it was free and fair. So, it is time to end the narrative on victory by fraud.

Opposition coalition acrimony or cries of fraud would not help any party or the nation with healing. There is hardly any irrefutable evidence of fraud. Contrary to what others may feel, the election was free and fair according to credible observers and the individuals who served as technical experts to the Commission. I was also there days before the campaign and on Election Day and during the count. I did not observe voter fraud.

I was told about fraud in co-

alition strongholds, but I did not observe any. I conducted opinion polls that showed the PPP in the lead and voters swinging away from the coalition.

The newly sworn-in Government is recognised globally. That would not change until another election or if a court says otherwise. Thus, the Government should be allowed to carry out the important task at hand amidst cooperation from the opposition.

Instead of crying foul and fraud, the opposition should seek to rebuild and hold the Government accountable as the PPP did when it was the opposition.

The new Government faces monumental challenges as it confronts possible tensions with the opposition and its supporters and in the battle for peace and justice.

The Government has inherited a very fragile state – not only politically but economically as well with the country bankrupt. It needs all the assistance it can get.

Continued coalition opposition to the outcome would only prolong the acrimony

and disunity that characterise the country when coalition supporters are crying to move on. They have accepted that the PPP won fairly and looks forward for the Ali led Administration to rebuild the country devastated by poor governance.

Some of them are saluting the return of Jagdeo in whom they express confidence to grow the economy and create jobs.

I recall in May 2015, when a victory was declared for the coalition amidst cries of fraud, the opposition PPP caved in and did not declare the Government as “fraudulent” even though there were questions about fake Statements of Poll. Several eminent Indians (not the least being Swami Aksharnanda, Roshan Khan, Ravi Dev, Rhyaan Shah, Baytoram Ramharack, and yours truly, Vishnu Bisram, among others) urged the PPP to concede defeat and let the court resolve the problem of a fraudulent count. The PPP acted as advised. I also appealed to the PPP leadership to congratulate the co-

alition on its achievement.

I await the conscience of African intellectuals calling on the coalition to accept defeat and congratulate the PPP on a well-earned victory. African voices must reciprocate; they cannot be silent now. They were mostly quiet when there was a bold attempt to perpetrate fraud. I salute my African brothers and sisters like Ruel Johnson, Alan Fenty, Nigel Hinds, and those in The Citizenship Initiative, TNM, Change Guyana, ANUG, URP, who condemned and opposed electoral fraud. They are our heroes and heroines in the mould of Walter Rodney.

Tacuma Ogunseye, David Hinds, Nigel Westmaas, Karen D’Souza, Bonita Harris, among others, disappointed the nation.

Neither domestic nor international observers nor any of the minor parties detected any fraud that would alter the result that the PPP won. Elements in the coalition, including the leadership of the AFC, should congratulate Dr Irfaan Ali on his ascension to the Presidency,

The long wait is over Dear Editor, The wait has been extensive and tiring, the days were filled with exasperation and rage, nonetheless, the long-awaited recount report has been finally released and to say it is wellearned, would be an understatement.

Congratulations to His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali on his greatest achievement of becoming the ninth consecutive President of the Republic of Guyana. Best wishes for your success as you prepare to embrace the responsibilities and challenges of your high office. Additionally, felicitations to the Ministers and members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic.

The renowned success brought many Guyanese to their feet in acclamation.

The road to victory seemed interminable, filled with obstacles and obstructions, however, one movement towards light, becomes a clear signpost. It is important to understand that pessimism never won a battle.

Unquestionably, it takes a team to run and govern a

nation, especially one that is -unfortunately, divided rather than unified. In just a few months, our country has faced major cultural and race division, numerous corruption scandals, passing of sanctions and a near occurrence of civil war.

The key ingredients for a successful Government is engaging citizens in policymaking and endorsing public participation. It is with great certainty that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic will not disappoint, they are expected to restore peace, unity and work towards developing our land.

The new Administration will be resolute in being honest and brave, serving high ideals, using practical methods, feeding us all hope and betterment in order for us to ultimately win the goal of true national greatness.

The youth are the future, consequently our young, diverse, dynamic and highly qualified Cabinet must not be overlooked nor disregarded. Days after being sworn in, His excellency has already refuted all accusations and rumours by choos-

ing a well-balanced and competent team to manage our beautiful Guyana.

For the dissatisfied individuals, allow our new Ministry the chance of improving our country, and to the new Ministry, prove how competent you are, cherish our natural wonders, and resources, cherish the history and cultures as a sacred heritage, for our generation and the next. Do not let selfish people and greedy interests skin our country of its beauty or its riches. No one man or woman can possibly represent the varied, competing interests of many citizens. While governments around the world opt for democracy, many have been criticised for being remote from society.

The victory of the People’s Progressive Party opens a new era for all Guyanese across our blessed nation and it is highly expected that democracy will transgress. Apropos to this, the voices and needs of our people especially the elderly, special needs, linguistic minorities, those in poverty as well as the disabled

should be catered for and never forgotten.

To the leaders who will shape the next five years of Guyana, be mindful of the wise words of Theodore Roosevelt, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who knows great enthusiasms and devotions and who spends himself in a worthy cause and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat”.

Once more, congratulations to His Excellency and his Ministry. May our country be united and destined and may we never fall.

Respectfully, Hadiyyah S Mohamed

Guyana Pandits’ Council extends congratulations to Dr Ali Dear Editor, The Guyana Pandits’ Council extends congratulations and best wishes to the new Executive President of Guyana, HE Dr Irfaan Ali and members of his Cabinet.

It is our fervent hope that you will take into great consideration the interest

of all Guyanese regardless of ethnicity or religion. May God grant you the wisdom, strength and courage to enforce unity and togetherness and work with your new Government to ensure that our country attains greater heights in progress and transformation.

We pray that you would wholeheartedly appreciate every culture and religion of this land so that our rich customs and traditions can live on. We trust that you would make sound decisions and judgements in order to elevate this great country of ours as we continue to work

towards a brighter future.

God bless.

Sincerely, Pandit Rudranauth Sharma President - Guyana Pandits’ Council Head of Radha Krishna Mandir

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to the Vice Presidency, and Mark Phillips as Prime Minister.

Such magnanimity would be transformational and would go a long way to strengthen-

ing democratic governance and contributing to national healing and reconciliation.

Yours truly Dr Vishnu Bisram

Guyana will witness a catalytic change Dear Editor, Permit me the opportunity to firstly extend congratulations to Guyana’s ninth Executive President, Dr Mohamed Irfan Ali, the Prime Minister of Guyana Hon Brigadier Mark Phillips and to all members of the Cabinet.

I am penning this missive to create awareness for all Guyanese that Guyana is now heading “Back to the Future” under the PPP/C Administration. For the past five years, we have witnessed a Government which immersed itself in various convoluted actions to trample on our Constitution and disregard the laws of Guyana at the cost of taxpayers.

From the time the APNU/AFC Government assumed office in May 2015 they embarked on a retributive journey targeting PPP/C supporters, constituencies were targeted where the PPP/C receives majority support, witch-hunting in various Ministries were executed to weed out officers they assumed had an affiliation with the PPP/C, the closure of the various sugar estates which had a severe impact on the lives of thousands of Guyanese, failing to execute their 100-day plan as doctrine in their 2015 manifesto, and the most surprising one on their menu was the instantaneous fif-

ty per cent salary increase given to themselves without inking their pen. These duplicitous actions by the coalition were the root causes of its defeat at two Local Government Elections and the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Currently, they are stuck in the Kubler-Ross grief cycle and the toxicity that emanate from their leaders after March 2, 2020, caused their support base excruciating agony.

The precedent has already been laid out by the previous Government in relation to their non-conformance to Guyana and the Guyanese people.

As the PPP/C commences a new life cycle into Government it is advisable that they learn from their predecessor’s failure and take corrective action.

I am very optimistic that the next five years under the PPP/C Government Guyana will witness a catalyst change for all Guyanese to live a better life, since the leaders who were selected to serve in the various Ministries possess all the necessary knowledge and skills to execute their responsibilities to the benefit of all Guyanese.

“Stronger together for a better Guyana.”

Sincerely, Shivram Raghubar

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Attempts to undermine democracy

PPP/C Govt to hold persons accountable for perverting, corrupting electoral system

President Irfaan Ali inspecting the Guard of Honour on Saturday

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration will be launching a forensic review into the events that unfolded after the March 2 General and Regional Elections and

reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony that they are awaiting certain eventualities before determining a way forward regarding this forensic review.

This “eventualities” include a possible election petition

a National Recount had to be conducted to ascertain the valid votes cast. The results from the 33-day exercise showed the PPP/C with a landslide victory, having obtained 233,336 votes while its main political ri-

“All of us are painfully aware of the trauma and anguish that our people endured over the past five months as vigorous attempts were made to destroy our democratic credentials, and deny the will of the electorate…

Therefore, a review of events – related to the electoral process over the last five months – will begin shortly in order to determine, forensically, exactly what transpired, and to hold accountable any persons who sought to pervert and corrupt the system,” – Head of State holding persons accountable for attempting to subvert democracy in Guyana over the past five months.

This was revealed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday during his maiden address as Head of State to the nation at his inauguration ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

Ali said that his Government has an obligation to the nation and to themselves to ensure that no other generation of Guyanese is subjected to such unlawful behaviour that has transpired over the past five months when the country was embroiled in a political and electoral impasse.

“All of us are painfully aware of the trauma and anguish that our people endured over the past five months as vigorous attempts were made to destroy our democratic credentials, and deny the will of the electorate… Therefore, a review of events – related to the electoral process over the last five months – will begin shortly in order to determine, forensically, exactly what transpired, and to hold accountable any persons who sought to pervert and corrupt the system,” the Head of State announced.

Questioned about this, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall subsequently told

that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition has indicated it will be filing to challenge the elections outcome.

According to Nandlall, if a petition is indeed filed then he will have to move in a different direction from what is currently planned.

Nevertheless, he explained that there are several options available to the PPP/C Administration to pursue the forensic review – a Commission of Inquiry (CoI), a forensic and/or a “deep probing police” investigation.

He said a decision regarding the way forward is expected to be made shortly on the forensic review, which he said will examine the actions of persons within the electoral process.

“The people of Guyana suffered greatly. The State of Guyana was threatened and it’s the duty of an elected Government to probe into this national tragedy so that issues that are important must be made public so that the people of Guyana understand what transpired, and more importantly, to prepare against the repeat of this horrific tragedy,” the Attorney General asserted.

Protracted electoral process

The protracted electoral process, since the March 2 polls, has been marred by a series of litigations and

val, the APNU/AFC obtained 217,920 votes – a difference of 15,416 votes.

The recount was certified by a special team of scrutineers from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) which said in its report to the Guyana Elections Commission that, “Despite our concerns, nothing that we witnessed, warrants a challenge to the inescapable conclusion that the recount results are acceptable and should constitute the basis of the declaration of the results, of the March 02, 2020 elections. Any aggrieved political party has been afforded the right to seek redress before the courts in an elections petition.”

But despite former President and Leader of the APNU/AFC, David Granger, having deemed the Caricom team the “most legitimate interlocutor” at the time, his party refused to accept the recount results and filed two sets of legal proceedings.

Through its supporter, Eslyn David, the coalition challenged the validity of the recount results and this was thrown out by both the High Court and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – Guyana’s apex court.

In fact, the CCJ had ruled that GECOM must use the results from the National Recount to declare a winner of the March 2 elections. But Chief Elections

Officer, Keith Lowenfield, had consistently failed to comply with such directions from the GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, and instead submitted his elections report using fraudulent figures including those from embattled Region Four Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo, who was found to have heavily inflated the votes from Guyana’s largest voting district in favour of the coalition – an event which initiated the recount in the first place.

The process was then dragged through the courts again – this time by coalition supporter Misegna Jones, who was seeking to block the Elections Commission from using the recount results to make a declaration and use the ROs’ declarations instead.

This litigation was again thrown out by both the High and Appeal Courts of Guyana, which ruled that the ROs’ declarations were taken over by the re-

count exercise. This paved the way for GECOM to declare the elections results using the recount figures which was done on August 2 – exactly five months after Guyanese went to the polls.

Nevertheless, this move by the newly elected Government to probe the post-election events comes on the heels of the United States already issuing visa sanctions against officials here who were found to be responsible for undermining Guyana’s democracy.

The United Kingdom had subsequently announced that it is also started to put systems in place for “consequences” against such individuals.

Meanwhile, following last weekend’s declaration and swearing-in of the President and Government, calls have been mounting for Guyana to undergo critical constitutional and electoral impasse.

Against this backdrop, President Ali, during his speech on Saturday, said

his Administration will pursue the necessary reforms to make Guyana’s democracy stronger and its electoral process more transparent.

“In our manifesto, we pledged to pursue inclusionary constitutional governance. I intend to see that pledge implemented. To do so will require certain constitutional reforms which we will be formulated in consultation with the people. We will conduct a national conversation in which all ideas will contend, and all voices will be heard… We will pursue the necessary reforms to make our democracy stronger and our electoral process more transparent,” the Head of State declared.

In its manifesto, the PPP/C noted it is important that the people participate in something as critical as revising the supreme law.

Under the previous coalition Government, the constitutional reform process had hit a brick wall and was stuck before a parliamentary committee. (G8)

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Let the work begin…

W

…on draining the swamp e, Guyanese, who live in what was described back in the day as “the Mosquito Coast” – as opposed to the “Ivory Coast” and “Gold Coast” in West Africa – should have no problem appreciating the American connotation of “draining the swamp”. It’s to get rid of those snakes, reptiles and mosquitos that breed in the fetid mud and bushes there. Nasty!!

And that’s exactly what the new Ali Administration has to do as it kicks off its programme, so eloquently described by the President in his Inaugural Address: DRAIN THE SWAMP!!!

The PPP will have to make sure it doesn’t make the same mistake Cheddi Jagan did back in 1992, when he promised “no recrimination” and “peace and love”.

Let’s not try to pussy-foot around the issue: the PNC has left its well-entrenched saboteurs in the form of its supporters embedded in all the organisations that will be the vehicles for executing the PPP’s programmes going forward.

Take a look at one example we saw displayed for the world to see: the GECOM Secretariat, on that fateful night when Mingo decided to “cock” the work for the PNC. Didn’t we see that those same female staffers - who insisted they were too tired to continue working, and so had the tabulation of the SOPs stalled - were as sprightly as ever when that fella with the laptop and flash drive was caught in that room in flagrante delicto??

Attorney General Nandlall has indicated there MIGHT be criminal prosecution of those who did the dirty in the GECOM Secretariat – but Government might instead go for an “audit” or “commission of inquiry”. There must be nothing “MIGHT” about what has to be done; criminal charges MUST BE FILED. Just as with the criminal charges against Lowenfield, which will now be passed on to the DPP, the criminal charges against the GECOM staffers will send a condign message to the rest of the embedded saboteurs. If they do the crime, they’ll have to do the time!! Drain the swamp!!

And the same applies with all the flagrantly corrupt activities that have already been exposed. Measure up some orange jumpsuits for those who were so free with the people’s money. Let’s start with the OCEAN VIEW Hotel scam – which took place literally in a swamp!! The PNC forked out $1.6 billion and we still don’t even own the joint?? Then, of course, there’s the Durban Park “stadium” – of wood ants fame. Into exactly whose pocket did that missing $600 million go?? And so on.

What your Eyewitness is emphasising is that when folks see they can literally get away with murder, then murder it’ll be!!And when it’s the PNC that’s involved, much encouragement isn’t needed!! Drain the swamp!! …on fighting COVID-19 It was with great delight that your Eyewitness heard President Ali announcing that Moses Nagamootoo and Harmon have been tossed out on their ears from the COVID-19 Task Force. Imagine, Guyana facing the worst pandemic since that Flu pandemic hit us in 1918 – when at least 12,000 perished - and the PNC uses that as opportunity to facilitate its rigging?? Remember them using COVID to restrict the number of stations at the ACCC and keep out the Carter Center??

That $4.5 billion should go a long way to help all those families who’ve been driven to the brink of starvation after the economy imploded under the weight of the COVID regulations. Imagine, this humanitarian gesture never crossed the minds of the PNC while in power – even as it spent hundreds of millions on hiring US Lobbyists to justify its flagrant elections rigging!! When those hundreds of persons showed up at Granger’s former home for rumoured COVID help, didn’t they get a hint??

Oh judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts!! …on the economy After President Ali had finished touching all the bases that have to be taken care of for our dear land of Guyana to get going again, all those geriatrics in the PNC must’ve become dizzy!!

No country for (senile) old men!!

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

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That (inevitable) ethnic comparison

P

resident Irfaan Ali’s Administration has just completed its first week in office, and as was expected, it hit the ground running. Ali began by swearing in the top tier individuals in his Cabinet: Prime Minister Phillips, Vice President Jagdeo, Attorney General Nandlall, and Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Teixeira. Unlike Moses Nagamootoo in the APNU/AFC Cabinet, Phillips was handed the most substantial portfolio, with responsibility for Energy and Telecommunications.

The Cabinet appointees that followed were distinguished by their youthfulness; however, it should surprise no one that the criterion used by most Guyanese to analyse the Cabinet was its ethnic composition. And here, the PPP should be complimented for the ethnic balance it struck, which to a remarkable degree mirrored the ethnic composition of the country.

Yet, it should be noted that Shuman, the leader of the Indigenous-based LJP, revealed that he had received Ravi Dev complaints that there was “only one minister” from their group. One assumes that with Indigenous Peoples being 10% of the populace, they felt they should have 10% of the Cabinet, which would be two Ministers. With African-Guyanese comprising 33% of the Cabinet, one had expected that this would have silenced the critics in the PNC, but, of course, it did not.

Coming out of the record-breaking-5-month elections, it is my hope that no one would disagree that because of the PNC’s recalcitrance, our ethnic fissures have been appreciably widened. While we acknowledge that the PPP had to have attracted a significant block of Indigenous and African/Mixed voters apart from its Indian-Guyanese core constituency, this once again confirms the remarkable role ethnicity continues to play in our voting behaviour.

The question, of course, is what do we do about this in order to ameliorate negative effects? There are some – especially from the PNC and its supporters - who continue to argue for “Executive power sharing” between the PPP and PNC, which they claim would include African-Guyanese representatives in the power structure. As we have pointed out, however, those persons are being disingenuous.

They ignore the existential reality that African-Guyanese already have performative control of the bases of state power in the Army, Police, People’s Militia, Civil Service, and most of the supposedly “autonomous” state agencies, like GECOM. In his five years in office, David Granger single-mindedly expanded these institutions with massive new African-Guyanese recruits. To an extent, which remains to be seen, the PPP remains in the same position described by Dr Jagan in the 1950s: “in office, but not in power”.

In attempting to govern for the next five years, the PPP will be forced to hark to “the Principle of Anticipated Reactions” visa-vis the PNC and its strategically positioned supporters. This is real power that will be exploited by the PNC as they replicate the moves by the PNC and the WPA after the 1992 free and fair elections brokered by the Carter Center. The PNC started out by immediately accusing the PPP of “ethnic cleansing” when political appointees were removed after the change of government, and never let up during the next five years.

Desmond Hoyte, for instance, intervened in one interethnic land dispute at Boerasirie to tell his supports, “Shoot to kill” Indian-Guyanese claimants. Immediately after the PPP was announced as winning the elections, the WPA took out a fullpage ad in the SN, warning African-Guyanese to “organise your survival”. The remnants of the WPA, now merged with the PNC, have already launched this campaign.

It should have surprised no one that, after the PPP had won the elections in 1997, the PNC-led violent protests in Georgetown segued into a decade-long attack on the state.

Against this background, we reprise a suggestion we have promoted for the last three decades – the issuance of “Ethnic Impact Statements” by the incumbent Government before it implements any of its policies and programmes.

Since, based on our history, we know that all governmental actions will be scrutinised by the populace through ethnic lenses, what is the harm of scrutinising them ahead of their implementation? To wait for the inevitable ethnic post-mortem examinations is to ensure there will be trouble. Big trouble. The old cliché still holds: justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.

An “Ethnic Impact Statement” on governmental activities would go a long way towards introducing the latter happy condition.

12 NEWS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana, Suriname Govts have responsibility to bring prosperity – President Santokhi …as President Ali thanks int’l community for vigilance

President Chan Santokhi and his wife, First Lady Mellisa Santokhi, greet President Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali at the Inauguration Ceremony on Saturday

S

urinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi on Saturday expressed a commitment to work with the new Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government in further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Santokhi made the remarks during a brief interview with the Guyanese media as he departed the inauguration ceremony for the Guyanese Head of State, which he attended as a special guest.

“I want to congratulate the people of Guyana,” the recently-elected Surinamese President said, referring to the prolonged political impasse the country endured in declaring a winner of its March 2 elections.

The Surinamese politician would have faced similar struggles whereby the incumbent Administration refused to accept electoral defeat.

Surinamese went to the polls on May 25 and Santokhi’s Progressive

Reform Party won the popular vote but the country’s incumbent President Desi Bouterse initially refused to accept electoral defeat.

Eventually, Bouterse respected the will of the people and on July 16, he peacefully handed over power.

In Guyana’s case, the country held elections on March 2 and though the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) emerged victoriously, the then incumbent David Granger Administration refused

to concede despite mounting international pressure.

Eventually, on August 2 – five months later, Granger conceded and Dr Ali was sworn in as the country’s ninth Executive President.

Meanwhile, according to the Surinamese President, he is looking forward to working with the new Administration. He said the two Presidents of both nations have the responsibility to bring prosperity to both countries.

“We have expressed our commitment today that we will do everything to have good cooperation, good friendship, to bring development and prosperity to both nations,” President Santokhi said.

Formal diplomatic relations between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Suriname were established on November 25, 1975.

International community

Meanwhile, President Ali, during his inauguration speech, expressed gratitude to the member states of Caricom and the international community for their vigilance of Guyana’s democracy over the last five months as “we fought to hold high the flag of Guyana as a democratic State, de-

The late Owen Arthur

serving of high regard”.

“Some of those who stayed alert with us, through those dark days, are with us as a new dawn dispels the darkness of despair and shines a light of unbounded expectation on us today. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the resident diplomatic corps from Britain, Canada, the European Union and the United States who so fearlessly defended our people’s political rights,” President Ali said, also expressing thanks to organisations like the Organisation of American States, The Carter Center and the Commonwealth of Nations.

“They were each outstanding in their own way, and in time their names will form a lexicon of heroes of our nation,” President Ali expressed.

In paying homage to the late former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur, who played an integral role in Guyana’s fight for democracy, President Ali explained he had “put himself in his determination that democracy should not die in Guyana, nor should our people be deprived of their political rights.”

Arthur was the leader of the Commonwealth Elections Observer Mission for Guyana’s March 2 elections and is well remembered for his stance against the then caretaker Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Karen Cummings, who had threatened to revoke the accreditation of international observers.

President Ali noted that Arthur was a true friend of Guyana and a man committed to justice. (G11)

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14 FEATURE

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In anticipation of the incoming 12th Parliament…

Understanding the composition, history of the House

T

he Parliament of Guyana was created by the 1966 Constitution of Guyana, embodied in the Schedule of the Guyana Independence Order, made pursuant to the Guyana Independence Act, 1966. The Guyana Independence Act was passed on 12th May, 1966 and came into force on 26th May, 1966.

The First sitting of the National Assembly of the First Parliament of Guyana Parliament was held on the 26th May, 1966. While the law enacting Guyana’s Parliament came into force on 26th May, 1966, it would be misleading to conclude that Guyana’s Parliamentary system was created at Independence.

In 1831 the three Colonies of Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice were united and the Colony of British Guiana was formed. From the years 1831 to 1928 the Law Making Body of British Guiana was the Court of Policy. The Court of Policy consisted of the Governor, seven official members and eight elected members.

The Governor presided in the Court of Policy as its President.

In 1928 a new Constitution was introduced and British Guiana became a British Crown Colony.

A Legislative Council was established and replaced the Dutch created Court of Policy.

In 1953 a new Constitution was promulgated and a bicameral legislature, consisting of a State Council and a House of Assembly was introduced. The State Council consisted of nine members.

The House of Assembly consisted of a Speaker, three ex officio Members and twenty-four Elected Members. The Speaker was appointed by the governor. A new and separate Department, which was called the Office of the Legislature, was established with a Clerk of the Legislature as its head, to serve the new bicameral Legislature. Also, in 1953 also a Ministerial system of Government and universal adult suffrage were introduced.

The Legislature that came into effect in May, 1953 was short-lived as in October, 1953 the British suspended the Constitution and an Interim Government was estab-

the Legislative Council, was appointed by the Governor.

In 1956 the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was amended. The Legislative Council appointed under the British Guiana (Constitution) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council was dissolved with effect from 29th June, 1957.

In 1957 general elections were held and the PPP Jaganite under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan won the elections. A second Legislative Council constituted under the (British Guiana (Constitution) Temporary Provisions) Orders in Council 1953 and 1956 was appointed. The Legislative Council consisted of the

lished by the British Guiana (Constitutional) (Temporary Provisions) Order in Council, 1953. A Legislative council consisting of a Speaker, three ex officio members and not more than twenty four nominated members was created by this Order on the 22nd December, 1953. The Speaker, who was not an ex officio member or nominated member of

Speaker, three ex – offcio members, fourteen elected members and eleven nominated members.

In 1961 a new Constitution was established and a bicameral legislature consisting of a Legislative Assembly and a Senate was created. The Senate consisted of thirteen members, who were appointed by the Governor. Of the

thirteen members, eight were appointed by the Governor in accordance with advice of the Premier, three were appointed by the Governor acting in consultation with such persons as, in his discretion, he considered could have spoken for the political points of view of groups represented in the Legislative Assembly by members constituting the minority and two were appointed by the Governor acting in his discretion.

The Legislative Assembly consisted of thirty five (35) members elected under the electoral system of First Past the Post. Elections were held in May 1961 and the Peoples Progressive Party won 21 of the 35 seats in the Legislative Assembly.

A Council of Ministers consisting of a Premier and nine other Ministers was also created. The Council of Ministers had general direction and control of the country and was collectively responsible to the Legislature.

The Council of Ministers and the Premier were all members of the Legislative Assembly. The Premier was appointed by the Governor as a Member of the Legislative Assembly who was best able to command the confidence of a majority of members of the Legislative Assembly.

Dr Cheddi Jagan was appointed Guyana’s first Premier on the 6th of October, 1961.

The Mace

In ancient times, a Mace

was a weapon of defence. A Mace is now a ceremonial symbol of authority and is used in Commonwealth Parliaments.

In Guyana, a Mace was used for the first time on 10th September, 1957. It was made of silver gilt.

When Guyana became a Republic on 23rd February, 1970, the head of the Mace, which depicted British Royal Arms, was replaced with Guyana's Coat of Arms. The head of the present mace was designed by the Ministry of Information and Culture. The original stem, which is one hundred and forty-five and a half centimeters in length, depicts a Victoria Regia Lily, one of the largest water lilies in the world, first discovered in British Guiana during the reign of Queen Victoria.

The stem also includes representation of a rice plant in full bearing and a sugar cane in blossom, representing two of Guyana's principal products.

On entering and leaving the Parliament Chamber, the Speaker is preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms bearing the Mace on his right shoulder.

When the National Assembly is in session, the Mace is placed on the Clerk's table, with its head pointing towards the Government side of the Chamber. When the Assembly meets as a Committee of the Whole Assembly, the Mace is placed below the Clerk's table.

When the Mace lies upon the table, the House is in session; when under, it is a Committee; when out of the House, no business can be done; when from the Table and upon the Sergeant's shoulder, the Speaker alone manages.

Speaker

After each general election, the Members of Parliament elect a Speaker from among any Member (not being a Minister or a Parliamentary Secretary) or any other suitable person to preside over the proceedings of the House.

The Speaker oversees the administration of the House and chairs several committees including the Parliamentary Management Committee. The Speaker is also the spokesperson and representative of the National Assembly in its relations with the executive and other bodies outside of the House.

The Clerk of the National Assembly The Clerk of the National Assembly is a Constitutional Office Holder. The Clerk has a public administrative role as well as being a specialist in the rules of parliamentary procedure and practice. As depart-

mental head, the Clerk administers the Parliament Office.

However, the exercise of this responsibility is qualitatively different to the exercise of the normal administrative functions of a departmental head, because decisions made or advice given may often be subject to the scrutiny of all Members of the National Assembly and the public at large.

The Clerk administers a department of staff members and is responsible for providing services to the Speaker and the Assembly, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Party leaders; “shadow” Ministers and private Members. The Management role of the Clerk covers the usual range of departmental functions, including appointments, discipline, attendance, hours of duty, overtime, leave, salaries, etc.

This may be described as his ‘public administrative role’.

Apart from his public administrative responsibilities, the Clerk is responsible for procedural matters both inside and outside the Parliament Chamber. In this capacity the Clerk has numerous responsibilities laid down in the Standing Orders which are derived from the Constitution.

The Clerk also performs important functions in the legislative process. As each bill is passed by the Assembly and before it is sent to the President for his assent, the Clerk must satisfy himself that the bill is as determined by the Assembly, and certify that it has been passed by the Assembly.

When the Assembly proceeds to elect a new Speaker the Clerk assumes the role of Chairman of the National Assembly calling on the proposer and seconder and putting such questions as are necessary until the Speaker’s Chair is filled.

The Clerk must also assist in the smooth running of the Chamber by the provision of routine support services, documentation and advice. To do this the Clerk must have extensively knowledge and experience in the interpretation of the Standing Orders, in parliamentary practice and precedent, and in the requirements of the Constitution insofar as they affect the functions and tasks of the Assembly. He is also required to be informed on the law and practice of the United Kingdom House of Commons from which much of the Assembly’s practice is derived.

The 12th Parliament is expected to be constituted shortly following the election of Dr Irfaan Ali as President.

FEATURE

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Through INSIDE REEL…

By Lakhram Bhagirat

G

uyana is indeed an adventurer’s dream and what Alex Arjoon and his Reel Guyana team have been doing over the years is showcasing just exactly what Guyana has to offer. They often times travel to the most remote places and share their journey with the world.

This, in turn, encourages people to visit those very places which serve as getaways from the hustle and bustle of t city life.

On August 2, Reel Guyana launched its second instalment of INSIDE REEL taking us on another daring adventure in the mythical outdoors. Starting from the village of Yupukari, the Reel Team commenced their journey on the Rupununi River into the south as they showcased Guyana's adventure tourism product.

In the first episode, viewers not only got to know the team behind the production – Alex, his sister Victoria, and Petar Veljacic

Serenity

country-western genre was anything but scripted.

The authentic conversations were accompanied by high-quality video.

Looking back on his first in-

Part of the crew behind INSIDE

– but also witnessed the unfiltered conversations as they snaked their way through the Rupununi River with their friends and

Alex Arjoon

guides. The banter about bread and converting Jamaican dancehall lyrics in the

REEL Season 2

stalment of INSIDE REEL, Alex explained that he knew that he had to create something that can continue to showcase the unique aspects of Guyana. He acknowledged that many travellers, both foreign and local, make videos about Guyana's hinterland region and do, in fact, capture its tremendous beauty, but he felt that he needed to do something different.

From that thought came the idea of taking his viewers along with him on the unfiltered journey.

“Being a filmmaker forces you to think outside the box to make your work stand out.

Even though I may not have been the first person to explore the destinations I featured, I know that my experiences are unique and worth sharing from my perspective,” he notes.

Guyana is one of the few countries left in the world where travellers can truly go off the beaten path and immerse themselves in the undiscovered. This involves embracing the harsh elements of the

outdoors, pushing through obstacles that take you out of your comfort zone and having faith in your ability to adapt and overcome so that you will eventually get to where you're going. Those are the things that Alex and his Reel Guyana team aim to showcase in this series.

Their main focus is on Guyana's adventure tourism product and they hope to capture the essence in their four-part series.

“On my trip, I took a boat from Yupukari village in the Northern Rupununi on the Rupununi River and made my way into the Southern Rupununi, going through the Kanuku Mountains. We spent about three days travelling on the river before we eventually ended up at Wichabai, our base in the South.

“While in the South I got to experience the Southern Rupununi culture which is vastly different from the north. The landscape is made up of beautiful open savannahs and scattered mountains which make for great hiking. Hiking

Victoria Arjoon

in this area is something I strongly recommend to anyone seeking true adventure,” Alex relates.

Cattle ranching is a huge part of the Southern Rupununi experience. Vaqueros have a culture of their own that goes back generations and even though ranching is not the main economic activity in the Region, it is still held in high regard and is on full display every year at the Rupununi Rodeo in Lethem.

Once the trip was over, Alex was able to sit with the material for a few months before he began compiling the series.

Elaborating on the process of compiling the series, Alex says: “I knew going back into the footage of my trip would essentially be a chance for me to relive the whole experience. Upon starting, I felt it to be very challenging. Many of the ideas I previously held were no longer fresh in my mind. I found myself having to fill in gaps and rework narratives that I thought to have confirmed.

“However, I eventually saw this as a

Petar Veljacic

good thing. My sister, who had also joined me on the trip and who now helps me run the company, had offered a lot of insight into how we can present this series in ways that I had never considered. It took us a lot longer to formulate and structure our ideas, but ultimately, I felt that the end product was completely worth it.”

The overall goal is to use these personalised videos to share Guyana with Guyanese and the world at large.

Guyana is a country with unlimited potential and with the right push, we can truly be a force to reckon with on the world stage as it relates to eco-tourism.

Episode 2 premieres today at 20:00h on Reel Guyana’s Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels. Tune in and join Alex and his team on this breath-taking adventure.

16 FEATURE

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Before his death: Seon Grant promised his 2 children he would return

By La’Wanda McAllister

T

wo children are completely saddened after their world was turned upside down with the death of their father. They were hoping that he would come home so they could enjoy some quality time as they always would but they are now faced with the reality that he is never coming back.

A day before 36-yearold Seon Grant of Lot 36 De Kinderen, West Coast Demerara (WCD), was killed at Nine Miles, Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), he called and promised his two children that he would be coming

home so that they can spend quality time together.

This will no longer be the reality for his 8-yearold son and his 17-year-old daughter, whose hopes were crushed to pieces by the news of their father’s gruesome death.

Grant was stabbed to death by another man, whom he was imbibing alcohol with at a popular drinking spot in the area in the wee hours of Thursday. Both men left the shop around 01:30h on the day in question, and the suspect reportedly ventured off with his brother.

According to reports, the now dead man rode his motorcycle alongside them and

accused the suspect of calling him “names”. This eventually turned into a fight during which the suspect, who was armed with a knife, dealt one blow to Grant’s neck and one to the right side of his abdomen. The father was rushed to the Mahdia Regional Hospital where he was treated and hospitalised.

But whilst waiting to be air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical treatment, the man succumbed to his injuries.

Grant’s two children are mostly affected by his death since they shared a close relationship with him, according to family members. The children are silently grievDead: Seon Grant

ing and wish for nothing but their father.

“They love him more than anything... he called his son the night before, and he told him that he is coming back and they are going to purchase a motorcycle, and they are going to go fishing. His daughter was planning to come and live with him since she lived with her mom”, his cousin Troy Dopso explained Wife of the now dead man, Ameella Fontinel, in an interview with Sunday Times Magazine expressed disappointed with Guyana’s healthcare system.

She claimed that her husband had to wait for approximately six hours for an emergency evacuation and that there were not sufficient medical supplies in Mahdia to keep

him alive.

“Thursday night around 12:38, I got a call that he has been stabbed and he is bleeding bad and they are rushing him to Mahdia Hospital.

When he got there, he was still bleeding, they said they can’t control the bleeding and he has to do emergency surgery…they called back and say he is dead”, she explained.

Fontinel said her harsh critique about the hinterland health facilities is not just because of her husband’s death, but also for the other persons who might have lost their lives due to negligence.

“His life could have been saved, he lived six hours just bleeding, they need their own plane and better service… He had to get blood

and they didn’t have blood to give him. Everything is at Georgetown Hospital… we need betterment not just for him but for other people in there.”

Grant had been a miner for over 14 years, and had only returned to the interior a month ago after spending time with his family. His wife said she is still trying to process how the fight might have started, since her husband was a very quiet man who avoided fights The man’s wife said she is still in shock by her husband’s death, and does not know how she will survive without him. She explained that Grant was the breadwinner for their family, and her greatest challenge now is bringing up her eight-yearold son all by herself.

Grant’s family is asking that a thorough investigation be done into his death.

Recently, Guyana’s healthcare system has been receiving harsh criticisms, due to the standards of the local public emergency care.

In the past two months, persons have died due to insufficient medical supplies, unavailability of doctors, and health facilities being closed.

The most recent is a South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), farmer who died after she was rushed to two health centres in the area and they were closed.

The woman was bitten by a snake on her farm.

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18 FEATURE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Black Bush Polder family struggling to make ends meet because of COVID-19

By Andrew Carmichael

T

he global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought the world to a virtual standstill.

It has forced us to reimagine how we do things. With the world’s economy coming to a screeching halt owing to the COVID-19 protocols, many families have been affected.

Today, many of those families are on the breadline, fighting for survival.

They are quite often faced with the option of putting themselves at risk of contracting the virus or starving, and they would often choose the latter.

This has been the constant battle that a Black Bush Polder, East BerbiceCorentyne, family has been forced to fight since Guyana instituted the COVID-19 measures.

Chandra Harrypersaud, his wife Basmattie “Anita” Sookram and their three children were on the breadline even before COVID, and now they have been pushed even further down that line.

The couple resides with their children – aged 9, 5 and 3 years old – at Lot 110 Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, in an incomplete structure they call home.

They have been living there for over 10 years now.

The 32-year-old Harrypersaud explained that they live where is considered to be the end of the road, and they also feel as though they are at the end of the proverbial road with all of their struggles.

After ten years, the cou-

ple was only able to complete half of their house which included half of the floor. They consider themselves lucky that none of their children has fallen through the space where

the floor should have been.

“I had put their boards there like a wall so the rain can’t come in and the children can’t fall and go downstairs,” Harrypersaud said.

But even with just being able to complete the flooring for half of the small house, his wife considers it considerable progress. For them, life has not been easy. Many of us can relate to living in a rented house and moving to your own home, or living in a house which the family owns but if we are forced

to move from building to building within months, it might seem odd.

For Harrypersaud, that was the journey to getting his own home or rather part of his own home after they were forced to move from seven previous homes.

During that period, they had not been sitting down since Harrypersaud was a fisherman and his wife a cattle farmer. They knew that getting their own home called for some sacrifices, but more than anyone would expect.

“I had to sell my two heads of cow, my eleven sheep and the nine goats so we can get money to buy the wood,” Anita said as she related the challenges towards having their own home – or half of it.

The frame of the house quickly went up and two side walls followed. When the money finished, the fisherman was only able to get wood to complete half of the flooring. Nevertheless, they made it their home.

He tried planting and was initially successful in utilising the spacious yard to grow some cash crops but soon birds from the community realised that the green vegetables were more inviting and relished

Harrypersaud garden.

Then came COVID. Harrypersaud had an elaborate plan of completing his home and fencing his yard so that he can protect his garden but COVID has put a stop to that. His inability to work since the borders are closed has put him and his family further on the breadline.

When this publication visited, there was nothing growing in the garden and Harrypersaud said he does not have the financial resources to fence his yard to provide protection for his garden. He has abandoned that idea and is now looking

Harrypersaud. They also built the remaining walls and inserted windows in the building.

While there is still much more work to be done on the building to bring it to an acceptable living standard, Harrypersaud is thankful.

The house now has at least one bedroom and a living room. His next challenge will be to furnish but he is unable to work because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Harrypersaud has been able to get odd jobs but according to his wife, the money he earns is insufficient.

“The money can’t even maintain the three chil-

at ways to fight for his family’s survival.

A section of the business community along the central Corentyne has come to the aid of the children and completed the floor for

dren. Me nah get money fo buy ting fo dem children.

Sometime I got to buy one pound thing fo dem and like half-pound milk so I can make lil porridge fo de baby,” she said.

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FEATURE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS ON MANAGING STRESS sponse. This can cause a variety of physical symptoms, change of behaviour, and lead to experiencing more intense emotions.

Stress affects us in a number of ways, both physically and emotionally, and in varying intensities.

SIGNS OF STRESS

DR TARIQ JAGNARINE, MD

W

e all have stress, whether it be at work, at home, in school, or even in unexpected places. Sometimes we can feel especially stressed because of a bad interaction with someone, too much work, or everyday hassles like being stuck in traffic.

Negative stress can keep persons from feeling and performing at their best mentally, physically and emotionally. Nevertheless, no one’s life is completely stress-free. It is important to know how to manage the stress in our lives.

Stress is a feeling of being under abnormal pressure. This pressure can come from different aspects of daily activities, such as an increased workload, a transitional period, an argument with family members, or new and existing financial worries.

Generally, stress can have a cumulative effect, with each stressor adding to the previous effects.

During these situations, a person may feel threatened or upset, and their body might create a stress re-

W

Everyone experiences stress.

However, when stress is affecting a person’s daily life, health and wellbeing, it is important to tackle it as soon as possible; and while stress affects everyone differently, there are common signs and symptoms, such as: • Feelings of constant worry or anxiety • Feelings of being overwhelmed • Difficulty concentrating • Mood swings frequently • Irritability, or having a short temper • Difficulty relaxing • Depression • Low self-esteem • Eating more or less than usual • Changes in sleeping habits/ oversleeping less sleep, or difficulty sleeping • Using alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs to relax • Aches and pains, particularly muscle tension • Diarrhoea and Constipation • Feelings of nausea or dizziness • Loss of sex drive.

Once a person is experiencing these symptoms for a prolonged period, and they feel that these symp-

e had concluded discussing the topic of feeding the newborn pup and were about to commence dealing with puppy ailments, when it occurred to me that perhaps it would be opportune to firstly share some comments on the critical period relative to the mother-pup(s) relationship soon after birth, and to the first moments associated with the pups’ arrival.

I might have mentioned before that unlike a human fetus, which is usually only one by itself in the womb surrounded by its own thin covering membrane (the amniotic sac), the several puppies in a bitch’s womb are each surrounded by its own amniotic sac.

When each pup is born, its surrounding sac is ruptured and the puppy is set free to breathe on its own. If this does not occur, then the massaging motion of the mother’s tongue, licking

toms are influencing their everyday activities, or creating a sense of imbalance and unwellness, that person should seek medical attention.

TIPS TO HELP MANAGE STRESS 1: REALISE WHEN IT IS CAUSING A PROBLEM

• Explore the possibility that the symptoms being experienced may be because of an illness, instead of your just being tired. Identify the feelings of being pressured and overwhelmed.

• Look out for physical warnings, such as tense muscles, over-tiredness, headaches or migraines, fatigue, sleeping disorders etc.

2: IDENTIFY THE CAUSES

• Sort the possible reasons for stress into three categories: a. Those with a practical solution b. Those that will get better, given time c. Those that cannot be solved now  Let go of issues related to the second and third groups

3: REVIEW YOUR LIFESTYLE

• Avoid taking on too much workload • Share some of the responsibilities with others • Create moments of leisure while doing tasks, and find time to relax or take a break • Prioritise task and goals, and reorganise the clutters of life.

This will help to release pressure that can come from trying to do ev-

erything at once.

4: EAT HEALTHILY

Eating healthily can reduce the risks of diet-related diseases. There is a growing amount of evidence showing that food affects our mood, while eating healthily can improve our mental wellbeing. Most diets need to provide adequate amounts of brain nutrients, such as essential vitamins and minerals, as well as water.

5: BE AWARE OF THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING AND DRINKING ALCOHOL

Try to avoid, or reduce, the amounts of smoke and alcohol taken into the body. Even though they may seem to reduce tension initially, the perception is misleading, as they often make problems worse by adding physical and mental ailments, and socially devastating impacts.

6: EXERCISE

Integrating physical exercise into our daily lifestyles can be very effective in relieving stress. Even just going out and getting some fresh air, or taking some light physical exercise like going for a walk to the shop, can really release ‘feel good’ hormones, and contribute to relaxation.

7: TAKE TIME OUT

Taking time to relax while striking the balance between responsibility to others and responsibility to ourselves can reduce stress levels.

Prioritise self-care.

8: BE MINDFUL

Mindfulness is a mind-body approach to life that helps us to re-

at the pup, clears away the membrane around the puppy. Please note that there is a further membrane called the placenta (afterbirth) which encases all of the amniotic sacs. If this, for whatever reason, does not occur and the pup-enclosing sac remains, then you will have to intervene, so that the pup can begin breathing on its own. Intervention (only if the mother dog has not torn open the membrane) means that you must open the sac and remove it yourself. Authors/researchers differ on whether you must feed the placenta (afterbirth) to the mother. My own opinion is that she should be given the membranes (amniotic sacs and afterbirth) to eat, because they contain hormones which are needed, inter alia, for her milk let-down. Anyway, that is what I was taught long years ago, and 5 decades of clinic practice later, I still see no adverse effects from this intervention. It fact, left on her own, the new mother eats the membranes surrounding the pups on her own. Several mammalian species do this.

Now don’t just rip off the membrane. You should make the first tear in the area of the puppy’s mouth and then enlarge the tear by working your way backwards over the pup’s body.

You may find that there is some fluid (which was in the amniotic sac) still remaining around the puppy’s nostrils. You don’t want the pup to aspirate the liquid when the first breath is taken by the pup. This means that you have to wipe the liquid away from the mouth and nostrils. If some of the liquid is already in the passageway of the pup’s nostril or mouth, you have to suck this fluid out. You may use a syringe with a small conus at the end, or use a rubber bulb syringe, or some absorptive tissue (toilet paper) which you must roll into a point and place it in the nostrils/mouth. This tearing off of the membrane and sucking up of the fluid should take place within 30 seconds of birth of the pup.

Some textbooks describe an alternative method that can be used to clear away the threatening fluid in the nostrils. They

late differently to experiences. It involves paying attention to our thoughts and feelings in a way that increases our ability to manage difficult situations and make wise choices.

• Try to practise mindfulness regularly. Mindfulness meditation can be practised anywhere and at any time Research has suggested that it can reduce the effects of stress, anxiety, and related problems such as insomnia, poor concentration and low moods in some people.

9: GET SOME RESTFUL SLEEP

Sleeping disorders are a common problem when stressed. While physical or mental health issues may affect a person’s ability to sleep, creating small changes in our environment can help to improve sleep. For instance: no TV, no electronic devices, well-ventilated room, clean cotton sheets, etc.

10: AVOID SELF-BLAME

Trying to keep things in perspective by remembering a bad day is a universal human experience. We should act as if we were our own best friend, by being kind, supportive, and taking a few minutes each day to appreciate life.

Effective stress management helps to break the hold stress has on our lives, so that we can be happier, healthier, and more productive. The ultimate goal is a balanced life, with time for work, relationships, relaxation, and fun; and the resilience to hold up under pressure, and meet challenges head on.

advise that the puppy be held in your hands in such a way that the head is supported while affording you the opportunity of swinging the pup downwards, stopping abruptly when its nose is pointing to the floor.

The created centrifugal force expels the fluid from the nostrils. I am just a little fearful of this method, because owners are usually already a bit flustered during the birth process, and the puppy is slippery. It could be fatal, if the pup slips from grasp and falls to the floor with the force of the swing.

Once the pup is freed from the surrounding tissue and from the fluid in its nostrils, it should be presented to the mother to lick, sniff, cuddle and massage. If she doesn’t seem interested in the pup, you must take a soft cloth and do the cleansing and massaging. Then place the puppy onto the nipple, which you would have gently squeezed to ensure a droplet of milk oozes on to the surface. The pup should begin the suckling reflex immediately, if the mother doesn’t totally reject her offspring.

Sometimes, after a difficult delivery, a puppy may be too weak to breathe on its own. Squeeze the chest gently from side to side and then from front to back. If the puppy still will not breathe, place your mouth over his mouth and nostrils and breathe out gently until you see his chest expand. Do not exhale too forcefully as this can rupture his lungs. Then remove your mouth to allow the puppy to exhale. Repeat this several times until the puppy is breathing and crying. Place him/her on the bitch’s nipple.

Next week we’ll discuss the mother-pup relationship soon after birth.

20 FEATURE

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ACROSS 1 Golden-haired 6 Explorer -- Polo 11 Moves swiftly 16 Salts away 21 Designer Nina - 22 The Ewoks’ moon 23 -- -- in the bucket 24 In the dark 25 D’Artagnan’s friend 26 Mr. Amundsen 27 One of a strand 28 Dry-heat bath 29 Ernesto Guevara 30 Quicklime 32 Pounces 34 Turban wearer 36 Cold mo.

37 Patio 39 Major artery 40 Rozelle of football 41 Furniture buy 42 Suffix for forfeit 43 Ruffle 44 Narrow pillow 46 -- theft auto 49 -- -duddy 50 Daughters’ brothers 51 Grouchy 55 Ride the rapids 56 Ceremonies 57 Whey opposite 58 Imposing estate 59 Call -- -- day 60 Toxic gas 61 Mme.’s daughter 62 Attack of the flu 63 Flee hastily 64 On the wrong track 66 Dandy 67 “Star Trek” speed 68 Carpe --!

69 Reasons 70 Rackets 71 New Haven campus 72 Thick with cattails 73 Motel offering 74 Noted music festival 76 “Ben- --” 77 Behind bars 80 -- the weather?

81 Othello’s betrayer 82 Radiator’s must (2 wds.)

86 Be a party to 87 Mountain pool 88 NCAA Bruins

89 90 91 92 93 94 95 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 106 107 108 111 112 113 117 118 119 120 121 122 124 126 128 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Narrow passage Hwys.

Woman, but not she Footnote abbr. (2 wds.)

Prizefight events Mess up Posse’s quarry Command to Fido Paddock papas Therefore Laundry-room item Word plays Sorrow, to poets Violin holders Without doubt Part of BLT California’s Big -Fawn’s father In a frenzy Luxury furs Horse-drawn cabs NASA counterpart Red-waxed cheese -- Hawkins Day Brick oven Compost Less courteous Full of pep Sidled past Infuse Dainty pastries Port for Pompey Cotton thread Boom-box issue Driving hazard Tree homes Crackles Community type Moss leaf Agile Yellow pigment Sgt. Deep-six -- Haggard of music Strong as -- -Vitamin amt.

Lab suspensions Neat Frank or Moon Unit Lyric poems Zoologists’ mouths Bites Divides Hindu -- range Actress -- Hartman

KATHLEEN SAXE

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD -- ABRIDGED (ABRIDGED: uh-BRIJD: Shortened by the omission of words or phrases.)

Average mark 49 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 61 or more words in ABRIDGED??

TODAY’S WORD -- ABRIDGED

abed abide abridge adder aged ager aide aired arid bade badge badger bard bare barge bead

bear beard berg bidder bide bier bird brad brag braid bread bred bride bridge brig brigade

rabid rage raid read rebid redid ride ridge idea dare dead dear debar died dire dirge

drab drag dread dreg drib dried garb gear gibe gird grab grade grid

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of "s," such as "bats" or "dies," are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a "d" or an "s" may not be used. For example, if "bake" is used, "baked" or "bakes" are not allowed, but "bake" and "baking" are admissible. 4.

Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.

18 19 20 31 33 35 38 39 40 41 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 54 56 57 58 60 61 62 65 66 67 68 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 82 83 84 85 87 88 89 91 92 93 96 97 98 99 101 102

Dodge Coniferous trees Mound Queen beater E. Coast ocean Hot dog go-with Anagram for “turn” Bard’s forest Ducks’ haunt Confound it!

Fold-up mattress Tiresome talker Q.E.D. part Fairy tale brother Math figure Pull -- -- one Bona -- (credentials) Kirk’s helmsman Gainsay Bleated Tasty Did a fall chore Like Mozart’s music Heart Carried on about Repair Show reluctance Where Lhasa is Resume cousins Baylor site Run for the roses Soft plumage Exercise system Viking letters Tattered Like redwoods Luminous auras Imitation chocolate Kareem -- -Jabbar Medieval tale Herr’s abode Aviator Big pitchers Huge Amateurs Brunette’s opposite Arapaho foes Slugger Hank -Table salt’s formula ___ meeny ...

Metric pounds Shortage Rusted-out ship Fogbound (2 wds.)

Maize units Vow Webster and Boone

103 105 106 107 108 109 110 112 113 114

Like a fox Hippolyta, for one Auction action Mineo of old films Lahr and Parks Ordinary Skilled force Chichen Itza founders Lays low Circle the Earth

115 116 118 119 120 123 125 127 129

Black eye, slangily Fiery horse Formerly, formerly Kind of curl Brown seaweed Cousteau’s summer Qt. parts Cookie-selling org.

Kiwi’s extinct cousin

SEE SOLUTION ON PAGE 19

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scenes from Inauguration of President Irfaan Ali

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scenes from Inauguration of President Irfaan Ali

NEWS

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MANAGING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/ WASTE

New Govt vows to champion workers’ rights

hank you for joining us again this week. As discussed in last week’s article, almost every home contains hazardous products. They are used in cleaning, home improvement projects, automobile maintenance, lawn and garden care, and a variety of other tasks. However, behind all the usage of these products come a number of health and environment problems.

In order to avoid potential risks associated with household hazardous wastes, it is important for us to always know how to properly manage, store, and dispose of these products. Here are some quick tips for managing household hazardous material/wastes:

owing to be a Government that will champion workers’ rights, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday renewed his commitment to restore the once-profitable sugar industry in Guyana.

During his inauguration speech at the National Cultural Centre, Ali lamented that “the sugar industry has virtually been abandoned in the past five years, and the workers have been deserted.”

According to Ali, no attempt has been made to seek a new path by which aspects of the industry could be salvaged for the

T

•Read labels carefully before buying products. Avoid buying products with labels containing such words as: caustic, corrosive, danger, explosive, flammable, poison, toxic, volatile, or warning.

•Follow label directions on how to use a product, and use the recommended amounts. More is not necessarily better, and may be hazardous to your health.

•Use safer products whenever possible. Safer alternative products can be found in stores. Recipes for making your own can be found in books available through most libraries, or online.

•Buy household hazardous products only in amounts you need for the job at hand.

•Safely store the remaining unusable products in their original containers until a household hazardous waste collection is held in your area.

•Avoid coming into contact with hazardous products if you are pregnant.

•Recycle what can be recycled in your area (waste motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, automotive batteries, button batteries, etc.) Contact local solid waste officials for locations in your area.

•Keep products in their original containers, with readable labels.

•Use safety equipment such as protective eyewear or face shield, mask and/or gloves when the label recommends avoiding contact with the skin or eye, or inhalation of vapours.

•Use up products entirely. It is not hazardous waste until it is no longer wanted or usable; and •Share what you cannot use with a friend, neighbour, local business, or organisation.

Here are some quick tips you should follow for storing household hazardous material/waste safely: • Close lids tightly, so that products will not dry out, evaporate, or leak.

• Store hazardous products in a locked cabinet away from children and animals.

• Store in a cool, dry area.

• Store away from sources of heat, spark, or flame.

• Store in original containers with labels intact.

• If the product container is deteriorating, place the entire container in a plastic bucket or glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Surround it with a non-flammable absorbent, such as kitty litter, vermiculite, or floor dry, to absorb spills.

• Separate flammables, corrosives, and poisons, and store them on separate shelves.

Some quick tips for disposing household hazardous material/ waste safely include: Reuse: means to use the product again. Household solvents such as paint thinners and paint brush cleaners can be used over and over.

Let the used solvent sit undisturbed in a sealed container until the paint particles settle to the bottom. Carefully pour off the clean solvent and use it again.

Warning Since these solvents are flammable, this activity should be done outdoors, or where there is plenty of fresh air and adequate ventilation; and it should be done away from sources of heat, spark, or flame.

Triple-rinse container: is the prescribed treatment method for empty pesticide containers. To triple-rinse, fill the container 1/4 full with water; close it tightly, and shake or invert so the rinse reaches all inside surfaces. Repeat this procedure two more times.

Rinse water should be used to make up the pesticide mixture, or applied to the area you are treating, following the same precautions used with the full-strength pesticide.

Plastic containers should be punctured to prevent reuse. Discard the rinsed container with your trash.

Warning Do not triple-rinse pesticide containers in a household sink, or outside near drinking water wellheads. If you cannot reuse the rinse water, save unrinsed containers for a household hazardous waste collection.

Recycle: is the preferred option for any household hazardous product that can be recycled. Try contacting jewellers or hearing aid service stores to see if they would accept button batteries for recycling.

Automotive service centres may accept used motor oil, auto batteries, antifreeze, kerosene, and transmission fluid. Theatre and art groups or housing "fix-up" organisations may be happy to receive leftover paint.

Flush down drain: indicates that a product can be poured down the drain with plenty of water. If you have a septic tank, additional caution should be taken. Read the product label to determine whether the product might damage your plumbing or your septic system. Never mix wastes while pouring them down the drain. Always pour small amounts at a time to avoid splashing, and flush with plenty of water.

Put in trash: indicates that a product is suitable for landfill disposal.

Generally speaking, empty containers can be thrown away, but liquids should never be disposed of in the trash. Some products are acceptable for landfill disposal if they are hardened or dried up. Contact your local solid waste officials before throwing away any hazardous product.

Remember, “The environment is everybody’s business”. Let us all do our part for a cleaner and safer Guyana!

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth. Our Environment,” C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Reference: https://www.epa.gov/hw/household-hazardouswaste-hhw

…President Ali commits to restoring sugar industry to viability

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pressed.

The sugar industry is not the only sector of the economy that President Ali made reference to during his feature address.

In fact, he said there are many other sectors in the economy that performed dismally during the APNU/ AFC regime – and he intends to restore them to their former glory.

“It is bad enough that I must draw your attention to other areas in our economy, including bauxite, rice, agriculture, forestry, mining. We have already commenced work to ensure we do all that is necessary

File photo: Sugar workers during a protest in front of the then Ministry of the Presidency calling for better wages

File photo: Workers protesting at the Enmore Estate in March 2017

production of profitable sugar and sugar-based niche products, that would maintain jobs, and maintain the dignity of labour.

The Head of State explained that while “we are still putting together the torn fragments”, the picture of the industry appears “deeply distressing”.

He referred to the assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), which he said seemed to have been stripped and disposed of by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The Government had embarked on divesting the assets of the Sugar Company – along with shutting down four sugar estates – in what they claimed was a bid to return the sector to profitability.

But instead, thousands of workers were thrown on the breadline with no plan in place to ensure they continue to earn a living.

Making matters worse, the sugar industry is nowhere close to viability.

Dr Ali bemoaned that “the once greatest contributor to our nation’s economy, has been beaten down to its knees, and the workers tossed to a heap of unemployment and misery.”

In this regard, he reiterated the promise he made on the campaign trail, that is, to restore the industry.

“We intend to raise up the industry and to help it and its workers resume the once proud place in our economy,” Dr Ali ex-

amid the constraints to put back these industries on the path of development.”

More specifically, Ali said his Government will work to champion workers’ rights, and he indicated that the establishment

of the Ministry of Labour is a testimony of that commitment.

The Labour Ministry, under the David Granger Administration, was reduced to a mere department within the Social Protection Ministry and union leaders had accused the agency of not effectively and efficiently dealing with labour-related issues.

But Ali said his Government will dismantle the policies of the previous Administration, which, he said, “created an environment completely unfavourable to workers”.

“The new Ministry of Labour that we have just created will be tasked with the noble undertaking of creating work, rewarding

labour with adequate wages, and of respecting the rights of workers in every sector, every industry, every business. We intend to give workers the place of pride they deserve and the rewards that they merit,” the new President posited.

According to the Guyanese Head of State, “the people of this country must not be second- and third-class citizens in their own land.”

He added that “their rights and entitlements must be protected or the struggle of our great labour leaders Bahadur Singh, JA Nicholson, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and Ashton Chase would have been in vain.” (G11)

24 NEWS

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EU lauds democratic transition of Govt …ready to support electoral reforms

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he European Union (EU) has pledged its support for the electoral reform process in Guyana, while expressing optimism at pledges made

by President Dr Irfaan Ali during his inauguration address on Saturday.

This is according to a statement released by European Union lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security, Peter Stano. According to Stano, the EU welcomes the peaceful conclusion of the fivemonth-long electoral process.

He noted that this is an essential step towards consolidating democracy in Guyana. According to him, however, now is the time for all parties and stakeholders to come together to overcome past differences.

“The EU welcomes the peaceful and democratic conclusion of the electoral process in Guyana and congratulates President Irfaan Ali on his swearing-in. It is essential now that all parties and stakeholders work together diligently to over-

EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security, Peter Stano

come past differences and join efforts in uniting all Guyanese.”

Stano observed that President Ali, during his inauguration speech, made reference to constitutional and electoral reform.

Therefore, Stano said that the EU looks forward to the implementation of these promises.

Further, Stano explained that the EU itself stands

ready to support this electoral reform process. He said that this is the basis of the final report on Guyana’s elections from the EU Electoral Observer Mission.

“The EU takes note of President Ali’s inauguration speech, where a commitment to constitutional and electoral reforms was made, and looks forward to its implementation. The EU has been a staunch supporter of democracy and rule of law throughout the entire process,” Stano explained.

“On the basis of the recommendations presented in the final report of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) the EU stands ready to support this reform process in cooperation with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and other electoral stakeholders.”

EU EOM

Following an invitation by former President David Granger, the European Union had deployed its first-ever fully-fledged EU

EOM to stay in Guyana between January 25 and March 20, 2020, for the preand post-election period.

In total, the mission had comprised 55 observers from 25 EU member states and Norway, with a mandate to assess the electoral process against international obligations and commitments for democratic elections as well as the laws of Guyana.

Back in June, in the midst of the National Recount, the EU had submitted the report to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) which had said that voting was an orderly and well-managed affair.

The Observation Mission concluded that, overall, the elections were competitive and contestants could campaign freely, even though the process took place in a deeply polarised environment.

It added, too, that legal uncertainty, unregulated political finance, biased State media, and lack of transparency in the administration of elections characterised the pre-election

16 new COVID-19 cases recorded

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here has been a total of 16 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Guyana, raising the number to 554 positives recorded to date.

This was announced on the Health Ministry’s dashboard on Saturday, which noted that the deaths remain at 22. A gender breakdown of the new cases showed that there were 10 males and six females.

Meanwhile, there are 343 persons in institutional isolation – 38 of those persons are in institutional quarantine and three persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit. To date, a total of 5280 persons were tested for the deadly virus.

Newly-appointed Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has notified that additional doctors and other medical personnel were deployed on Friday to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The Ministry would have also sent testing kits and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist with containing the virus.

Numerous reports over the past weeks have put the spotlight on Regions Nine, Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and One (Barima-Waini) for the upsurge in positive cases.

The border regions are heavily affected by the illegal movement of people into the country, infecting smaller communities in the hinterland where medical services are not as accessible as the coastland.

The Ministry’s approach to supply additional resources to these areas is expected to provide much-needed medical re-

File photo: EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando PonzCanto (right) hands over the EU EOM report to GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, back in June

context. However, the report had made it clear that the actions of senior Guyana Elections Commission officials compromised the post-electoral process.

The EU had made 26 recommendations, including reviewing election legislation and fostering more transparency in campaigning.

These include eight priority recommendations suggesting a review and consolidation of the fragmented election legislation.

The EU also recommended the launching of a consultation process to overhaul the composition and functioning of GECOM; develop-

ment of effective legislation to regulate political finance; fostering of transparency and accountability in online and offline campaigning; transforming the Stateowned media into a genuine public service broadcaster.

In addition, it had recommended adopting clear, written procedures for transmission and tabulation of election results; accompanying any declaration of results by simultaneous publication of detailed Polling Station results and digital copies of all Statements of Poll; and establishing a comprehensive election dispute resolution system. (G3)

Govt officials meet to discuss safe reopening of schools

Government officials meeting to discuss the safe reopening of schools

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lief and care. Over the past months, health workers have complained about working in unsafe conditions where protective gears are lacking.

A few days ago, Dr Anthony said the newly-elected Government is now working to rapidly assess the needs of the Health Ministry.

He acknowledged that the National Reference Laboratory in Georgetown would take more than a week to return a diagnosis, since it is overwhelmed

with samples from across the length and breadth of the nation. This puts the country at a disadvantage, and creates room for a larger spread, he contended.

The Minister also related that the Laboratory is working with old medical equipment, which takes a longer time for samples to be processed. As such, they are seeking to completely revamp these operations to meet the needs of the country. This would allow for more tests to be done on a daily basis.

“One of the things that we’re looking at is how can we build the capacity of the National Reference Laboratory. We want to build that to at least 300 tests in 24 hours. With that kind of testing capacity, we will be able to test all those persons who need to be tested,” he had affirmed.

They are also in talks with private medical centres, to assist with sample-testing. This will further enhance the number of processed tests by 200 every day. (G12)

ducation Minister Priya Manickchand, along with the Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Saturday met with senior officials within the Education and Health Ministries to discuss matters relating to the safety of students and the eventual reopening of schools.

According to a brief statement from the Ministry of Education, "the best interest of the child is always of paramount importance for the Government. An announcement will be made soonest regarding the way forward".

The team included the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud; Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle; Assistant Chief Education Officer (Nursery), Samantha Williams and Chief Planning Officer within the Ministry of Education, Nicola Johnson.

Minister Manickchand, immediately after being appointed by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday last, told media operatives that among her top priority

would be to consider the safe reopening of schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have to balance children’s right to be educated with our duty to make sure we protect the people we’ve sworn to serve,” Manickchand had stated.

Manickchand explained that she will examine best practices around the world regarding the reopening of schools amid the pandemic to determine what solution would be best for Guyana.

“If we open schools, how do we go that safely or if we keep the kids home, how do we continue to engage them meaningfully,” she had explained.

Minister Manickchand noted that the task is not going to be easy but she is committed to working hard to ensure children’s education is not in jeopardy.

Schools have been closed in Guyana since March due to the pandemic. However, schools have only briefly opened to facilitate key exams for primary and secondary pupils.

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Public Works Ministry owes DHB $200M REVAMPING THE ECONOMY

…using credited asphalt for projects but not repaying

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his column wishes to extend sincere congratulations to His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the 9th President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and all the Honourable Ministers of the new Government.

The new regime has a humungous task ahead of it: to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, focus on an economic recovery plan, and get on with the business of nation building – for a country that has been badly wounded for the last one and a half years.

Your Excellency, I must commend you and your Government for the hands-on approach you have taken to combat these national issues with urgency immediately upon your being sworn in.

Whether fortunately or unfortunately, the new Government has once again inherited a broken economy and is virtually bankrupt, as had been the case in 1992, even whilst in the midst of a global pandemic.

There are, no doubt, challenging tasks ahead; and at the same time, it is imperative that the Government works assiduously on a carefullydesigned plan, linked to the national budget, to advance a swift recovery of the economy within six months.

Contrary to the views of a few economists, who believe that Guyana will take years to recover, the economy can rebound in six months’ time because Guyana is not a tourism-driven economy. Guyana has a thriving manufacturing sector, and is a commodity-producing economy.

The Government, also, has entered office with tremendous goodwill and the support of almost the entire world; and therefore, with the swearing in and peaceful transition that is taking place, Guyana is instantly back on the path of political stability, and investors’ confidence will soon skyrocket.

As such, in order to turn around the economy in a six-month period, there needs to be swift and significant injection of both public and private capital in the economy; and, of course, there needs to be significant foreign direct investment.

In view of the forgoing, the following recommendations outlined below can be considered in the crafting of the 2020 National Budget: *Opportunities to rebuild the economy should start with food security. It is uncertain when the pandemic will be over, but in such times of difficulty, the growing demand for food in the region presents opportunities to scale up the country’s productive capacity and channel the appropriate investments in this sector. *On the fiscal side, the opportunity to negotiate debt forgiveness and restructuring, in order to create the much-needed fiscal space to facilitate the rebuilding of the economy, ought to be of paramount recognition and importance. *The current economic situation has also made it necessary to formulate creative solutions to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and to mitigate the impact on the labour market, in order to avert a severe social and humanitarian crisis. To this end, the Bankers Association, through collaborative efforts with the Small Business Bureau (SBB), the central bank, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Business, can consider establishment of a $20 billion COVID-19 Fund to administer these relief and support measures.

The banking sector has well over $150 billion in liquid assets that can be utilised to partially finance, manage and administer the said Fund. * However, an evaluation criterion will have to be established, and the Fund will have to be backed by Government support; inter alia, Government guarantee of the Fund. The Small Business Bureau (SBB), for example, operates a US$5 million Revolving Fund administered through the commercial banks. This fund can be recalibrated towards support measures to keep SMEs as going concerns throughout this COVID-19 period, and to keep employees on the payroll of these SMEs. *Other unemployment support for persons directly affected by the COVID-19 can also be administered through the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). In fact, the governing structing of this Fund should include the NIS, SBB, Bankers Association, Bank of Guyana, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Business.

The proposed sum of $20 billion for the COVID-19 Relief Fund is premised on the analysis mentioned hereunder: Based on the level of household non-performing loans in the banking sector, which accounts for about 17% of the total of 250,000 households in Guyana, this would give rise to approximately 42,476 households that are on the poverty line. We can safely presume, therefore, that about 25%, or 62,500 households, would need financial support as a result of their loss of income due to COVID-19.

Therefore, if we are looking at a six-month recovery plan, these households can benefit from the receipt of a monthly voucher of $40,000 per household; which would amount to $15 billion in cash relief support over a six-month period.

The other $5 billion can be utilised to support SMEs, which would, however, require retooling, business continuity planning, and crisis management training and technical support to build resilience and ensure their continued survivability.

On the other hand, companies that require relief or support in some form can have this administered, for example, by their being granted a six-month waiver of taxes; which would cost the Government about $20 billion in tax revenues.

Finally, simultaneous with implementation of the above relief measures, the Government needs to allocate resources for capital projects -- for example, construction projects -- drawing from its manifesto’s housing development project; which, together with anticipated foreign direct investments, would in turn help with the sixmonth turnaround plan.

This also means that the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) would have to look at ways to fast track the application process for tax incentives for investments.

About the Author: JC. Bhagwandin is a macro-finance and research analyst, lecturer and business & financial consultant. The views expressed are exclusively his own, and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper or the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@gmail.com.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

he first week of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government has brought a number of revelations to light. Included in those revelations is the fact that the Ministry of Public Works owes the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) some $200 million in payments.

This revelation was made

by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, in a recent interview with this publication. He explained that as they brought themselves up to date with the Ministry’s current works, the debt was discovered.

“Just this morning I discovered that the Ministry owes the Demerara Harbour bridge $200 million. The Ministry of Public Works owes the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which is the asphalt plant, $200 million,” Edghill said.

Edghill made it clear that this is not inclusive of the monies that the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government “borrowed” for the Public Infrastructure Ministry to pay a dutch company to do a feasibility study into the new Demerara Harbour Bridge crossing. Rather, this sum represents asphalt that the Ministry used but never paid for.

“This is taking asphalt to do works, at least that is the explanation we received. And that is a matter we have to look at. But we have made it very clear that in our tenure we are here to provide service. And we would expect that all our team members and agencies who derive a subvention from us, deliver to the people of Guyana,” he said.

This publication made contact with Works Services Group (WSG) Head, Geoffrey Vaughn, in an effort to ascertain what the asphalt was used for. He noted that the asphalt is generally used for the Ministry’s projects, but acknowledged that payments were not up to date.

“It is used for every

project that is ongoing, we take asphalt form our own Ministry plant. Every project, there’s no specific project. Every project, most of the asphalt is from the asphalt plant,” he said.

“The Ministry would normally take the asphalt and remit the payment to the asphalt plant... Sometimes when the bill does come in, it comes in late. So, we have to now make preparations for payments.”

It was in July of last year that a $488 million Germanmade asphalt plant arrived in Guyana. The new asphalt plant was touted as having

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the power and capability to produce approximately 160 tonnes of asphalt per hour – almost four times faster than the asphalt plant that was in use at the time.

The new asphalt plant, which is supposed to be able to process plastic bags and bottles, was procured through public tender during 2018 by the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, signalling an increase in operations and growth in demand. However, it is yet to be commissioned.

When it comes to the old asphalt plant, it was revealed last year that the APNU/AFC Government took money from the DHB asphalt fund to pay Dutch company LievenseCSO for a feasibility study on the new DHB crossing.

In fact, it was the then PPP Chief Whip and now Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira, who wrote to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) in June of 2019 to draw its attention to the misuse of the asphalt fund accounts.

Reports indicate that in 2017, $215.3 million was used from the fund, while

DHB General Manager Rawlston Adams

in 2018 a further $74 million was withdrawn. The original sum approved by Cabinet for the contract was $161.5 million. It is understood that the contract price for LievenseCSO, which was handpicked by the former Government to carry out the consultancy, was actually $148 million.

PPC Chairperson Carol Corbin had subsequently referred the matter, together with the Commission’s report on LievenseCSO’s sole sourcing, to Auditor General Deodat Sharma in order for him to take the relevant action. (G3)

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Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

President Ali committed to resolving case at ICJ

President Dr Irfaan Ali

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday committed to pursuing a resolution of the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy case that is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

He reminded that it was the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in 2014 that had put an end to the interminable ‘good offices’ dialogue with Venezuela, after “it had become, for them, a strategy of prolonging contention rather than of seeking solution.”

The Guyanese Head of State contended that there is no policy more sacred than those relating to the country’s border for his

Administration.

“As Guyanese, all of us stood with the previous Administration in defence of Guyana’s patrimony. For us, Guyana’s territorial integrity is never a matter for domestic division; it is always a matter for national cohesion,” the President posited.

He went on to say that Guyana must be loyal to the enduring vision of the country being truly “One Nation” and indivisible.

“Therefore, the PPP/C gave full support to the former Administration when, as initiated by us, they submitted the Venezuela contention to the International Court of Justice. We shall not descend. The sovereignty of our State, the integrity of our territory – both land and sea – is a sacred trust. We must defend, and we will do so in collaboration with our partners and allies,” he noted.

Following the swearing-in of Dr Ali as the ninth Executive President on Sunday last, Venezuela had expressed hopes to resume dialogue with Guyana’s new Government.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Jorge Arreaza had congratulated Guyana on the election of the new leader, saying in a statement on Monday that it was neces-

sary “to reactivate the dialogue and negotiation mechanisms as soon as possible to reach a practical and satisfactory settlement”.

However, with his endorsement of the move to the ICJ on Saturday, President Ali has in effect rejected this extra-judicial approach.

ties, and legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of Guyana’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

The Spanish-speaking nation is laying claims to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the

International Court of Justice

After a failed good offices process between the two neighbouring countries, Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres in 2018 had referred the border controversy matter to be resolved by the world court.

Shortly after, Guyana filed a case seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all par-

Essequibo region and a portion of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which more than eight billion barrels of oil have been discovered.

On June 30, the ICJ held its first public hearing of the border controversy case on whether it has jurisdiction to adjudicate the case on the long-standing border controversy between the neighbouring states.

However, Venezuela has since indicated that it does

not accept the jurisdiction of the court.

In fact, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had written the world court and at the hearing, the correspondence was read out.

Maduro contended in the letter that the UN Secretary General exceeded his authority under the Geneva Agreement, and therefore, the court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate the lawsuit filed

by Guyana. As such, he noted that they will not be participating in the proceedings.

Nevertheless, during the hearing, Guyana’s legal team that appeared via video conferencing before the 15 Judges of the ICJ argued that Venezuela has contended since 1962 that the 1899 Arbitral Award confirming Essequibo as part of Guyana was null and void but in the 58 years since, it has failed to provide a shred of evidence to show why the arbitral award should be vacated.

In fact, international lawyer and author, Professor Payam Akhavan – one of the lawyers on Guyana’s legal team – noted that the treaty that led to the Arbitral Award of 1899 was clear in that it was a binding agreement.

“In 1895, under threat of war with the United States, Britain agreed to arbitra-

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

tion to resolve the boundary.

The Washington treaty between the Great Britain and Venezuela was concluded on February 2, 1897. The preamble set out its purpose, as an amicable settlement,” he told the court.

Akhavan had pointed to Article 1 of the treaty, which provided for the creation of an arbitral tribunal. Article 3, meanwhile, set out its jurisdiction to decide the boundary line between British Guiana and Venezuela. Article 8 of the Washington treaty also described the Tribunal of Arbitration “as a full, perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred to the arbitrators.”

Meanwhile, the world court’s judgement on jurisdiction is pending. (G8)

Poultry farmer loses millions in Corentyne villages’ inundation

Some yards were under More than one foot of water when Guyana Times visited

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vernight rain has left several Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) villages inundated.

The downpour started shortly before midnight on Thursday and lasted for several hours. When it ended, some villages had as much as two feet of water. The hardest-hit villages are those between Numbers 54 and 57.

At Number 54 Village, residents said this is not the first time they had such an experience.

Chandredai Sookra of Number 54 Village told this publication that when he woke up on Saturday morning, there was close to two feet of water in his kitchen. He said that groceries were damaged and had to be dumped.

Sookra explained that even though the rainy period started in May and has continued, it was not until Saturday that the outfall channel was being cleaned.

“The May-June rain start so long and they had water to flush out the channel and now in August when we get flood, they going and flush it out.”

Another villager, Artie Tallolall of Lot 11 along the Corentyne Highway said she was awoken shortly after 01:00h to the sound of falling rain. She told this publication that she began monitoring the rising water level and at about 02:00h, she called her hus-

Abdool Rasheed Latif and his wife Bebi Shoheeda Latif lost $4.5M in chickens as a result of the flood

However, when this publication visited, he had not discarded any of the damaged groceries as yet as the entire area was inundated.

band out of bed and they went to the lower flat and placed sandbags in front of the kitchen door. However, that did not

Dead birds lying in one of the pens

stop the water from rushing in.

“It is not the first time it happened. This is the third time our kitchen is getting water. The last time we had a lot of damages; all my children books and the tiles in the kitchen we had to replace them,” she disclosed.

Villagers are pointing an accusing finger at the 52/74 NDC, saying that many of the drains are blocked. In fact, villagers told Guyana Times that they would have faced a similar situation five years ago.

Bibi Shaheeda Latif of Number 57 Village said the flood killed 2100 of her chickens.

The pens which are situated on Lots 164 and 165 were all covered by several inches of water, with dead birds lying throughout the pens.

According to the 57-yearold poultry farmer, her husband Abdood Latif left their Letter Kenney home at about 05:00h on Saturday and when he reached Number 57 Village, he saw the havoc.

In tears, the woman related that she was told that all of their birds had died.

“I asked him what happen and he said ‘rain fall and it flood out everywhere’.

Normally when rain falls it doesn’t fall this hard. The place always floods and many times we make complaints that the area needs drainage.

At the back here don’t have drainage.”

Latif revealed that some of the birds were two weeks old, some three weeks old and the remainder between six and seven weeks old.

“Right now, we are selling

chicken at $300 per pound.”

Losses are being estimated at $4.5 million.

According to Latif, on Saturday they had orders for 500 chickens. However, because of the rain and flood, many persons did not go to pick up their orders.

“We had to be calling people and tell them not to come because we had a flood and the chickens died.”

The businesswoman said Saturday’s sales were going to be $1 million.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, newly-appointed Agriculture Minister Zulficar Mustapha said a team from the Drainage and Irrigation Authority has been dispatched to the affected area to assess the damage. (Andrew Carmichael)

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

elections a toss-up First Lady determined T&T between PNM and UNC to serve Guyana T

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irst Lady Arya Ali in her first message to the people of Guyana, said she is very proud and privileged to serve as First Lady.

In a message broadcast by media outlet Newsroom, the First Lady said she is determined to serve in the best way possible alongside her husband, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Guyana’s ninth Executive President.

The First Lady revealed that she will work to erase some of the social and cultural inequalities that exist and celebrate the true beauty and diversity of Guyana.

“You will see me in your towns, villages and your homes. I want to hear from you; I want us to talk about your dreams no matter how big or small and let us work together as individuals, as communities and as a country.

[Together] we can build this nation and love each other as we do so.”

The First Lady shared that her husband is very determined to achieve the goals he and his team have set for the nation.

“I can promise you that he will work very hard every day to secure a bright future for all of us because all of us belong to this one Guyana.”

She also expressed confidence that President Ali will make a “phenomenal leader”.

Introducing herself to the nation, First Lady Ali disclosed that she grew up in the villages of Lusignan and Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

“My father, Kishore, owned a lumberyard and my mother, Parvattie, worked as a cook. At the tender age of nine, I lost my dad,” she revealed.

First Lady Ali shared that her mother, left as a single parent, worked hard to ensure the necessities were provided for her children.

She attended the Sacred Heart

First Lady Arya Ali

Primary School then St Joseph High School and later pursued a Degree in Economics at the University of Guyana and a Post Graduate Diploma in Developmental Studies.

The First Lady is currently pursuing an International Master of Business Administration at the University of the West Indies. Until recently, she was employed with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The First Lady recalled that she met her husband in 2015 and was won over by his “charisma and charm” and their marriage two years later produced a son.

She noted that very soon she will reveal more of her plans to shape her role and office as the country’s First Lady.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

rinidad and Tobago go to the polls on Monday to choose a new Parliament and Government.

According to pollster, Dr Vishnu Bisram, the election is a toss-up between the ruling People’s National Movement led by Dr Keith Rowley and the United National Congress led by Kamla PersadBissessar. Several minor parties are also in the contest but are not likely to win any seat although they could influence the outcome in some seats that are closely fought.

Like Guyana, politics and voting in Trinidad is influenced by race. But unlike in Guyana, seats are won on a first-past-the-post system. It is possible for a party to win a majority of votes and still not won the elections in terms of seats.

There are 41 seats in the National Assembly; 21 is required for a majority.

Trinidad has 39 seats and Tobago 2 seats. Currently, the PNM is defending 23 seats (21 in Trinidad and two in Tobago). The UNC is defending 18 seats, three are very close.

Bisram, a specialist in the political terrain of Trinidad and Tobago, believes the election could go either way. He said based on the findings of his latest tracking opinion poll, the opposition UNC has a lead in popular support but not in seats.

The 39 constituencies in Trinidad have either a large majority African/Mixed or a large majority Indian. Some seats have a racial balance of

T&T Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

T&T Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar

both with swing voters from among the different races deciding the outcome.

Both sides have 15 safe ethnic seats in Trinidad. Of the nine marginals, this pollster has the UNC leading in three and the PNM leading in three. Three seats are a dead heat. In addition, one seat, currently leading by the PNM, faces a strong challenge from former FIFA Vice President Jack Warner, who is running under a small party, ILP, he founded in 2013.

Bisram said the “undecided swing voters” (estimated around 5 per cent) in the nine marginal seats would determine the winner. He also said that the PNM is leading in both seats in Tobago, but the small PDP led by public service union President Watson Duke is putting up a strong fight and an upset is not ruled out. If Duke and/or Warner were to win seats, a hung Parliament could be in the making.

Bisram also said the UNC

goes into the election with a strong tailwind and the PNM is on the defensive over widespread disenchantment over governance issues. Only 38 per cent of the population approves of the performance of the Government. And some 61 per cent said they are worse off today than they were in 2015 when the PNM took over.

The poll also shows Kamla as having a higher approval rating than Rowley and in the rating for empathy and compassion. Rowley leads in handling COVID. The PNM has won the propaganda war in the traditional media and is flooding the airwaves, social media, and publications with advertisements. The PNM is also known to have the best electoral machinery in the entire Caribbean.

Bisram concluded, “taking everything into consideration, the election is too close to call. Whichever party gets its supporters out on voting day would win the eleven marginals and elections”.

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

New loss of taste or smell

Muscle pain Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

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APNU/AFC left GFC bankrupted – Teixeira …unable to pay staff, millions in debt

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arliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira on Friday confirmed that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is in a state of bankruptcy, after just five years under the APNU/AFC rule.

The Minister related that when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had demitted office in 2015, the Commission had over $4 billion in its coffers. Now, the agency does not even have sufficient funds to pay salaries. This is topped with high debts.

“For the public to know, when we left office in 2015, the Guyana Forestry Commission had $4 billion surplus. Today, it cannot pay the staff. It did not pay the staff in July because it didn’t have money. There’s hundreds of millions of dollars in debt,” she positioned.

The Minister also question how the agency has been completely drained, since it was garnering significant revenues at the end of each year.

“We have no apologies to make for bringing the public’s attention to what is happening to our country and what has happened to our country.

How could $4B just disappear in a Ministry which brings in revenue all the time.”

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira Her comments came on the heels of newly-appointed Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat disclosing that reports from the various agencies within the Ministry point to gross mismanagement of the sector under the previous Administration.

It was during his first engagement at the Ministry last week that he was informed that the Commission was unable to pay salaries for July to its staff and more so, millions of dollars are owed to utility companies. In response, Bharrat had suggested major restructuring at the various agencies to ensure that they function in a more effective

manner.

Guyana has an area of 214,970 km2, of which nearly seventy-five per cent is covered with natural vegetation.

Of this area, approximately four-fifths is classified as State forests under the jurisdiction of the GFC. The deficit balance comes as a surprise, given that the 2019 Mid-Year Report had shown that the sector was one of the few economic success stories. The report had said that the forestry subsector was estimated to have grown at the half-year.

This growth had encompassed the production of timber, including logs, round wood, primary lumber, split wood and fuelwood.

According to the report, the production of these commodities rose by 7.8 per cent above the level achieved at the end of June 2018.

“This pushed growth in the sector to 8.5 per cent in the first half of 2019. The improvements to interior roads in the latter half of 2018 saw community loggers, particularly in Region 10, realising higher production levels in the first quarter of 2019.

Production continued to surge, driven by small-scale concessions and community forestry operators,” the report had indicated.

“At the end of the first half, log production grew by 6.8 per cent, mainly on account of the increased extraction of greenheart logs to meet local demand. On the other hand, weaker international demand for round wood resulted in a contraction of this category in the second quarter, which resulted in a 2.6 per cent decline relative to the previous half-year,” the report adds.

According to the document, primary lumber producers recorded gains of 32.4 per cent in the first half, which was attributed to them capitalising on local demand for construction. The report also projects a positive outlook for the remainder of the year for the sector.

When the coalition took office five years ago, the

Dwindling fish stocks being addressed with sustainable plan – NRDDB

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he North Rupununi District Development Board has noted a decline in fish resources across the district and given its grave impact, efforts have been taken to develop guidelines for stakeholders to adopt.

The Board noted that while these resources are extremely important for the region, there are no specific regulations in Guyana which govern inland or freshwater fisheries.

“According to local, Indigenous fishers and experts, fish stocks are dwindling in the Rupununi.

Diminishing fish stocks may

be due in part to the growth of small and medium-scale commercial fishing, human population growth, and changes in climate,” the NRDDB said.

As such, it began tackling issues related to inland fisheries in the North Rupununi Wetlands, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), with support from the Ministry of Agriculture - Department of Fisheries and the Iworkama International Centre back in 2001. They conducted research and created a local management plan for arapaima, aquarium fish and developed a general fisheries

management plan.

In 2019, with support from the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme – Guyana Project, the NRDDB was able to finalise the plan and begin piloting its implementation. The SWMGuyana Project is being implemented in the Rupununi region over a period of five years by the Government of Guyana through the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission.

The initiative is funded by the European Union, through the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and coordination with the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR).

The NRDDB’s management plan for fisheries recognises traditional fishing methods, the importance of fish as food and as part of the household economy. The objectives of the plan are to establish guidelines that will ensure careful use of fish resources in the North Rupununi Wetlands and to ensure that community members have equal access to fish resources for home use and selling.

The plan includes fisheries guidelines, monitoring fish stocks and fish consumption and environmental education in 10 villages, including Apoteri, Fair View, Surama, Rewa, Kwatamang, Yakarinta, Crashwater, Kwaimatta, Yupukari and Katoka.

“In collaboration with community leaders, local fisheries officers monitor fishing activity along the

Rupununi and Essequibo River boundaries of the North Rupununi Wetlands.

They speak with fishermen they meet the along [the] river and explain the importance of fisheries management and request that fishermen respect the local management plan,” the Board noted.

Local residents, shops and lodges that support sport fishing have contributed information about the species and amount of fish purchased and consumed.

This data is given to the Fisheries Team for a detailed understanding of the amount and type of fish that is being taken out of the rivers in the area.

“Implementation, however, has not been without a few challenges: some member communities, commercial fishers and individuals continue to flout the rules, and of course, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of COVID-19 guidelines, we have been unable to hold meetings with fishers and community leaders to address and advise on implementation of the plan and research. This poses many difficulties since community census and feedback is necessary for the successful implementation of the management plan,” the NRDDB expressed.

A diverse and rich fish stock is important not only for the rivers, but for helping to maintain a thriving ecosystem and supporting the many residents who depend on the resource for food. (G12)

Ministry was headed by AFC Executive, Raphael Trotman - who later came under fire after a damning report by international corruption watch-

dog, Global Witness found that the 2016 oil deal he negotiated with US oil giant ExxonMobil could cause Guyana to lose billions.

GTT, Education Ministry collaborate to support online learning

GTT CEO Justin Nedd

Director of NCERD Jennifer Cumberbatch

he Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has joined forces with the Education Ministry to support online education for students, since the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a forced closure of schools.

The entities recently wrapped up an EduConnect virtual series, aimed at supporting teachers, parents and children as they adapt to online learning and instruction.

The series was launched in response to changes in instruction, learning and entertainment due to COVID-19.

Participants of this online series were provided with information to better internet resources for learning and instruction. It mainly focused on creating and maintaining a positive online reputation, safe use of the internet, and the evaluation of online sources and searches to support the collection of credible and accurate information during research. The use of social media for learning and instruction was also covered.

Internal Communications Officer at GTT, Diana Gittens said they are aware of the challenges facing stakeholders in terms of connectivity.

“We are aware that many of our students, teachers and parents are facing challenges associated with increased online learning and virtual activities. Our teachers are adjusting to online instruction while our parents are now responsible for providing support…The collaboration between GTT and The Ministry of Education was integral to meeting the needs of these target groups by offer-

ing information and practical advice as related to online learning and safety.”

Director of the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD), Jennifer Cumberbatch also expressed that they need to adapt to the new norm and make technology a part of the everyday setting.

“As we enter the period of what seems to be the new norm, the Ministry of Education further embraces technology as a critical part of our lives. We see our students learning through various modes - one being the use of online platforms. The MOE, therefore, is happy to partner with all stakeholders in making the continued learning of our students in a safe environment, a priority,” the education official expressed.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of GTT, Justin Nedd indicated the importance of education and that no child should be left behind.

He said, “GTT is committed to empowering communities around us to cope with the new normal. Initiatives like the EduConnect Webinar is a true indication that we are all in this together.”

Organisations such as Global Technology, BrainStreet and STEMGuyana shared their online programmes for the summer and the programmes that formed part of their online academic curriculum.

Global technology provided two scholarships, each valued at $50,000, for two participants to complete studies at the institution. (G12)

T

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

ARIES (March 21April 19)

29

Refuse to let anger consume you when you should be focusing on how to move forward. Don’t let emotions impose on your future.

TAURUS Your accomplishment (April 20- will turn out well with or May 20) without the person you expected to be there for you.

Emotions will surface if someone heads in a different direction. Continue alone.

GEMINI A surprise will have an (MAY 28- impact on the people you June 20) love. Set your course, and pursue what makes you happy. Don’t venture off your chosen path.

CANCER Don’t feel obligated to fol(June 21- low in someone’s footsteps if July 22) you don’t share the same beliefs or interests. You are better off exploring what makes you happy.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Dilbert

Update records, passwords VIRGO and other essential matters in (Aug. 23your life. Unexpected inforSept. 22) mation will leave you at odds about a decision you need to make. Surprise everyone with an innovative change of plans.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Peanuts

Challenge what’s being offered, and don’t be afraid to take a different path.

Protect against loss, interference and poor decisions.

Be responsible, and control your destiny.

Do your best to get along, but not at the expense of letting someone get away with something that might damage your position, reputation or relationship. Set the record straight, and carry on.

Do your own thing. A partnership will need an adjustment if you plan to engage in future dealings.

Listen, observe and consider your options.

Physical challenges will SAGITTARIUS fire you up and boost your (Nov. 23morale. Refuse to let someDec. 21) one impede your plans for adventure and excitement.

If someone doesn’t want to join in, be prepared to venture out on your own.

CAPRICORN Remind negative peo(Dec. 22ple of life’s pleasures. Get Jan. 19) involved in activities that make you happy. Peace, love and romance will enhance your day.

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Discuss your ideas and AQUARIUS plans, and the input you re(Jan. 20ceive will pump you up and Feb. 19) move you forward. An interesting suggestion will help you develop a new way to market what you have to offer.

PISCES Being pushed in a new (Feb. 20direction will end up being Mar. 20) beneficial, so stop fighting the inevitable. A personal change at home is favored.

30

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

F1’s penalisation of Racing Point for illegally copying Mercedes parts…

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5 teams to appeal fine F

ive teams - half the grid have said they intend to appeal against the decision to punish Racing Point for illegally copying Mercedes parts.

Racing Point have been docked 15 points in the constructors’ championship and fined 400,000 euros (£360,000) for this infraction, but the verdict allows them to continue running those parts.

The five teams are: Racing Point; Renault - who lodged the initial protest after Friday’s decision; Ferrari, McLaren and Williams.

Protesting against the verdict allows wider issues - in particular, the philosophical question of how much copying of a rival team’s design is permissible - to be dealt with in front of a panel of lawyers at the FIA Court of Appeal.

The decision found Racing Point guilty of using an effective copy of the Mercedes 2019 rear brake ducts on their 2020 car, which is forbidden by Formula 1 regulations.

The information regarding these parts had been supplied legally by Mercedes in 2019, but a change of regulations before the 2020 season made brake ducts a part of the car that teams have to design themselves.

Despite the ruling having said: the parts had been designed ille-

gally, were run illegally at the first four races, and would continue to be in contravention of the regulations if they remained on the car, Racing Point have been allowed to carry on using them.

Stewards have said this is because the verdict is considered to be an appropriate punishment for the breach, and as a result of problems caused by asking Racing Point to redesign parts, given the knowledge they already have.

However, rival teams are also concerned about the wider issue: that the entire car is a virtual copy of the 2019 Mercedes.

Racing Point say they achieved this by taking photographs of the Mercedes and designing their car from them; but this claim is being treated with skepticism by their rivals, who argue that if it were possible to that extent,

other teams would have done it before.

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, speaking before Ferrari made their intentions clear, said: “One thing that is important is that it has somehow been clarified that there has been a breach of regulation. That is the starting point.

“Obviously that is relative to the braking ducts, but there is an entire concept behind, which is about copying. Are we allowed to copy, or not, an entire concept?

“But the two things need to be split. On the braking duct, there is a breach of regulation; that is a fact, and it has been clarified. Is the penalty sufficient or not?”

McLaren Racing’s chief executive officer Zak Brown said: “My initial reactions are that Racing Point has been found guilty, and I am concerned that they still have

Juventus sacks manager Maurizio Sarri — after single season at helm

M

aurizio Sarri, 61, guided the Italian top team Juventus to a ninth straight Serie A title before they were knocked out of the Champions League by Lyon at the last-16 stage.

Juve won 2-1 in Turin on Friday, but the French side progressed on away goals.

Sarri, an Italian, was appointed on a three-year contract last summer, after one year at Premier League club Chelsea.

Juventus, having lost three of their last four league matches, have finished only one point clear of Inter Milan in the end. They were also beaten by Napoli in the Coppa Italia final, after football in the country restarted following the coronavirus shutdown.

Juventus are two-time European Cup/ Champions League winners, but have not lifted the trophy since 1996.

A former banker, Maurizio Sarri had coached 16 different sides in the lower divisions of Italian football before reaching Serie A with Empoli in 2014. After three years at Napoli, he moved to Chelsea, where he finished third in the Premier League and won the Europa League in his one season in charge. He then succeeded Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus in June 2019, and became the oldest manager to win Serie A. A statement from Juventus has thanked Sarri for “having written a new page in Juventus’ history”, and added that it was “the culmination of a personal journey that led him to climb all the divisions of Italian football”.

FOR RENT

Juventus admire Pochettino – Balague

Speaking after Friday’s match, Juventus President Andrea Agnelli said the season had been “bitter-sweet”. He said that despite the Serie A triumph, their Champions League performance had been “disappointing”, and there was need for “cold and lucid analysis”.

“Juventus starts every year with many goals, and these must be honoured, because we have great players, and the best player in Champions League history, (Cristiando) Ronaldo, who is a pillar of Juventus,” added Agnelli. Some of the names mentioned by the Italian media as potential successors to Sarri include former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi, Real Madrid manager and former Juve player Zinedine Zidane, and Allegri.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, European football expert Guillem Balague said Juventus “admire” Pochettino, who was sacked by Spurs in November.

“They spoke to him when he was manager at Spurs, but he has not got a job now,” said Balague. “The reason why Pochettino didn’t get a job at Bayern, Juventus, Inter Milan or Real Madrid was because he had a job, and to leave Spurs would have cost a lot. Now he is waiting for his opportunity.

“He has always admired Italian football. The opportunity to get him won’t cost anything, and he is ready to take a job offer.” (Adapted from BBC. COM and modified)

those…what were deemed illegal in Austria on the race car now.

“That is confusing for the fans: how something that is not legal in Austria is still on the car. This is potentially the tip of the iceberg, the starting point of looking at what’s happened here; because I don’t think it’s healthy for the sport.”

Renault F1 team boss Cyril Abiteboul said: “We need to recognise that what Racing Point has done, based on a car that has such an advantage against anyone else on the grid, has been a shock in the system; has been a disruption. We need to see how we deal with it.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: “The verdict that came out today is extremely complicated.

It comes up with an interpretation that is new - new to all of us. We have provided certain data in 2019 which was totally within the rules.

“I don’t think the brake ducts are the reason that they suddenly compete for the first six positions.

I think it’s a splendid engineering team there that has extracted the most from the regulations. I think we can have the debate of ‘do we want this going forward?’ in terms of having copies of whole cars.”

(Adapted from BBC.COM and modified)

Olympic Steeplechase Champion Kipruto tests positive for coronavirus — to miss Diamond League event in Monaco

O

lympic and World 3,000 metre Steeplechase Champion Conseslus Kipruto will miss the first Diamond League event of the season in Monaco, after testing positive for coronavirus.

Kipruto, 25, had been one of 11 Kenyan athletes cleared to compete on 14 August, after the French Government had waived their visa applications; but he announced he had failed the COVID-19 protocol test on Saturday.

“I don’t have any symptoms, and I was actually in great shape,” he said. “I was planning to go for the World record; it has stayed too long outside Kenya.”

Kipruto claimed gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and won back-to-back World titles at London in 2017 and Doha last year. He has a personal best record of eight minutes 00.12 seconds, with Kenyaborn Qatar athlete Saif Saaeed Shaheen holding the current men’s World record of 7:53.63.

“I wish to thank Monaco for all the work they have done, and I wish them and my colleagues a wonderful competition,” Kipruto added.

“Athletics is back, and I will be back as well.”

Following exhibition events in Oslo and Zurich in June and July, Monaco will mark the start of the competitive season. A further six events, including an exhibition street event in Lausanne, are currently scheduled to take place this year, after meetings in Eugene, London, Paris, Rabat, Gateshead and Shanghai were all cancelled because of coronavirus.

(BBC.COM)

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CRICKET WEST INDIES MAY TRIM ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS — if task force recommendations are accepted

T

he Board of Directors of Cricket West Indies could be cut to nine members if governance reforms recommended by an independent task force are accepted.

CWI currently features an 18-member board, including 12 members put forward from the regional boards; but a task force headed by Jamaican Senator Don Wehby has called for the board to be cut to 12 immediately, and 9 eventually.

The task force has also called for the board “to reflect a wide cross section of skills and competencies”, and to include a minimum of two women. There is currently one woman on the board.

For these recommendations to be enacted, they will first have to be accepted by the current board, meaning that current board members would effectively have to agree to their own removal.

The task force, which also included

Sir Hilary Beckles, Deryck Murray and Charles Wilkin QC, was formed at the request of CWI President Ricky Skerritt to look into corporate governance at the organisation. Alongside a streamlining of the board, the force has called for redefining of the roles of the president and vice-president, to ensure they were “more board specific and non-executive”.

The recommendation would appear to stem from a previous report by independent auditors PKF, which raised concerns that during the presidency of Dave Cameron, Skerritt’s predecessor, the line between president and executive was often blurred. Cameron has denied all allegations made in that report.

Other recommendations in the 36-page task force report include establishment of a nominations committee to “identify and evaluate potential directors, and to nominate future directors and committee mem-

Better infrastructure won’t help WI batsmen, insists Windies legend Sir Andy Roberts

“They have to look in the mirror”, he says

L

egendary West Indian fast bowler Sir Andy Roberts has pointed to a poor work ethic on the part of the region’s batsmen as a major factor in the team’s inability to step up to the next level.

Following the promising start that heralded a disastrous end to the tour of England, a lot of discussions in regard to improving the team’s performance focused on increasing technological infrastructure around the region. This typically fiery former pace bowler was, however, quick to point out that such investment is unlikely to make a difference if the attitude and work ethics of the batsmen do not improve.

“Infrastructure will not make you a better player. You have to make yourself a better player, and I don’t think the commitment is there from a lot of West Indies players,” Roberts told the Mason and Guest radio programme. “It’s not just the Test players, but a lot of people who play cricket in the West Indies. I don’t think they commit themselves enough; if you did, you would not be averaging 30 in first-class cricket, and that is what we are

bers”, and a reduction in the number of CWI committees from 12 to five. Such a change would be likely to see more independent directors, with less influence and arguably less partisanship - from the regions.

Compiled after months of consultation and observation of best practice elsewhere, the report also noted that reform was needed to ensure the sustainability of CWI. It highlighted the “need to foster the rebuilding of trust and a common purpose between CWI and the other stakeholders, especially with regional governments”.

This report follows the PKF audit, which suggested that CWI has suffered from overly optimistic revenue projections and unsustainable costs. That audit had also criticised an opaque and inadequate accounting system which enabled abuses to go unreported, and posed a threat to “the board’s long-term sustainability”.

Former presidents and officials of CWI had previously urged Caricom (Caribbean Community) to conduct a forensic audit of the board, in order to save West Indies Cricket from “absolute and total downfall”. Skerritt’s ability to see the recommendations enacted may define the success of his period as president. When running for office, he promised to provide greater accountability and transparency.

Comprehensive reform and modernisation

of CWI’s governance structure would form a major part of that. (ESPNcricinfo)

Cricketer Shakib Al Hasan’s ban to end on October 29 — will resume training from next month

League. His ban ends on October 29 this year.

“Shakib will come to the BKSP next month, where he will have coaches and trainers available,” Shakib’s mentor Nazmul Abedeen was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying.

“We are functional, as the coaches are all residing within the campus, so we can work with him well. Shakib will have everything at his disposal,” Abedeen added.

Abedeen, Bangladesh Cricket Board’s game development manager for many years, is one of Shakib’s earliest coaches. He now serves as cricket advisor at the BKSP facility.

According to Abedeen, the 33-year-old Shakib, currently in the United States with his family, plans to return to Dhaka at the end Sir Andy Roberts

least two matches is 34.66, and that was against Zimbabwe in 2017.

“You can’t beat any quality team with

Shakib Al Hasan

getting.”

In the recently concluded series, Jermaine Blackwood averaged the most for the team with 35.17, but he was the only one to get to 30. Overall, for the series, the team averaged closer to 20. In fact, since 2017, the team’s highest batting average in a Test series consisting of at

Ricky Skerritt, the CWI president who pledged to provide greater accountability when running for office

that type of average; so our guys first have to stand up in front of the mirror and think, ‘What am I doing to improve myself?’ because, until our players improve their batting, we are not going to score runs against a strong team.” (Modified from Sportsmax)

P

remier Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is set to start training at the BKSP facility at Savar from next month, ahead of his return to competitive cricket.

The southpaw was banned for two years, one year of which was suspended, for failing to report corrupt approaches by an alleged Indian bookie during the Indian Premier

of August in a bid to prepare for his return to international cricket.

Shakib was in sublime form before the ban, amassing 606 runs in the 2019 World Cup in the UK last year. He has featured in 56 Tests, claiming 210 wickets and scoring 3,862 runs.

In the limited overs format, Shakib has 6,323 runs and 260 wickets from 206 ODIs, and has also accumulated 5,777 runs and 92 wickets in T20Is.

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

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Miller joins TKR staff F

ormer Trinibago Knight Riders (TKR) player Nikita Miller has joined the team as an assistant coach for the upcoming Hero Caribban Premier League (CPL) tournament, which bowls off in T&T on August 18.

The left-arm spinner replaces Abishek Nayar, who was an assistant coach with the team last season, but has had problems getting from India to T&T. Miller has been called up to take Nayar’s spot, meaning that the management team is now Brendan McCullum, head coach; Imran Jan, assistant coach; Nikita Miller, assistant coach; and Kevon Cooper, bowling coach.

Cooper has since last year been drafted in as the team's bowling coach. Back in 2018, he took TKR to the title with a cameo towards the end of the innings in the final.

Jan has welcomed Miller on board, saying: "Nikita has a very good work ethic, and we look forward to working with him to get us to where we want to be. He has been part of the set-up before, so he understands the team's philosophy and environment that we try to create."

Team members who are not in quarantine yesterday continued training at the Queen's Park Oval in St Clair, Port-of-Spain. The TKR have been the only team spared the effects of the COVID-19 situation, as they have all their players available to them for the tournament. Every other team have lost players for one reason or the other.

The six players who are in quarantine and still self-isolating in their rooms are Colin Munro, Muhammad Ali Khan, Tim Seifert, Fawad Ahmed, Praven Tambe and Sikandar Raza. On Monday they will then get their second COVID test before being allowed to mingle in groups of three or four. At least they will be able to come out of their rooms, rather than being stuck in there.

One player who wishes to remain anonymous has said the treatment has thus far been up to mark, but the walls are closing in.

"The treatment has been good, because you get everything that you need, and you have someone to take care of the laundry and stuff. However, with each passing day, the walls are caving in. When you are a sportsman, you are accustomed to being on the outside, and this is now becoming difficult,” he said.

“I agree with the process because we can't take any chances, but I can't wait to get out there to the cricket ground."

The tournament gets underway on August 18, and will see 33 games being played at two venues in T&T. The first match will see last year’s runners-up, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, take on the TKR. The final will take place on September 10. (Modified from TT Guardian)

"I'll keep showing the selectors I am one for the future", says Joshua Da Silva

By Brandon Corlette

W

est Indies lost the three- match Test series 2-1 to England, but for most of the series, the one name many cricket fans and pundits called to feature in the starting XI was Joshua Da Silva.

Twenty-two-year-old Joshua Da Silva was the only West Indian to boast a triple-figure score on tour, when he looked in immaculate form in the second warm-up intra-squad match.

In reflecting on his first tour with the West Indies team, Da Silva said he was happy just to be among the squad, and the experience was invaluable.

"In the second game, I did pretty well. I just wanted to bat, and

showed the selectors, everybody, I can handle myself and I am one for the future. I just want to keep showing them… what I can do, and put my best foot forward," Da Silva said on the most recent Mason and Guest radio show.

He described being in the bio-secure bubble as challenging, but said team harmony kept things together.

Listed in the 10 reserves on the England tour, Da Silva noted that the coaches had one-on-one meetings with each player, and reassessed each performance on tour.

Wicketkeeperbatsman Joshua Da Silva, who is taking great pride in his batting, is currently in another bio-secure bubble with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, ahead of the Hero

Caribbean Premier League (CPL) tournament which is set to bowl off on August 18.

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force player enjoys batting, and position is of little concern for this talented right-hander.

"Wherever given the opportunity, I want to put my best foot forward to do it, so there is no specific spot I would like to bat," Da Silva explained.

This player is heavily supported by his parents, and is thankful for this. He revealed that his experience in England was very positive, and he is aiming to reap the rewards from that England experience in upcoming first-class seasons and future West Indies tours.

In the most recent Regional 4-Day season in 2020, Da Silva finished the batting charts with 507 runs and an average of 50.70. Only four Caribbean batsmen have accumulated more runs than he has. The runs he piled on included a high score of 113.

Finishing the tournament with consistency has been Da Silva’s unwavering goal.

Before the Regional 4-Day tournament, he rocked the West Indies Emerging Players’ (WIEP) outfit, scoring 310 runs at an average of 44, and racking up an unbeaten 103 in the championship campaign for the Emerging Players.

Holding tells Archer: “Bowl fast!”

W est Indies fast-bowling legend Michael Holding has urged Jofra Archer to let go of the handbrake and charge in on the quickest pitch of the summer, as England threaten to begin yet another Test series with defeat in the opening game.

Archer took three for 59 as Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 326 on the second day of the first Test

in Manchester, but this was done without ever approaching the speeds he produced during his memorable debut series against Australia last summer.

He later said: “It’s not every day you’re going to come in and bowl 90mph. I’ve seen (Naseem) Shah started bowling at 90, so we’ll see how he goes later on tomorrow. No one’s a robot, so I’ll be very, very interested to see what he can produce later. This wicket is not a wicket you’re really going to try to bend your back on.”

Holding, however, told Sky Sports: “This is the best pitch for fast bowling that

I have seen this summer.

It’s not lightning-quick, but Jimmy Anderson had Buttler taking the ball up by his shoulders, and he’s bowling 80-odd mph. So, if you’re capable of bowling 95mph, you should steam in for four or five overs and show people that you are quick.”

Co-commentator Shane Warne added: “I would like to see him bowl short spells and bowl two or three overs as fast as he can.”

England Captain Joe Root did not call upon Archer in the post-lunch session until nearly 3.30pm, but Archer laughed when asked whether he was surprised to

have been kept waiting for so long to be brought back into the attack.

“I did want to start again

after the break, but the captain knows best,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has praised opener Shan Masood, who held his side’s innings together and was ninth out for a career-best 156.

“I think it was an excellent performance, especially against that seam attack,” said Misbah. “He showed application, and his hard work paid off. He has now proved himself in England. It’s not just a hundred, but a big hundred. A hundred and we would have been in trouble, but 150 was something special,” he said. (DailyMail)

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