Guyana Times -- Tuesday, August 4, 2020

New PPP/C Govt to pursue active P legislative agenda – AG Nandlall 16

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4367

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

GECOM asks parties to identify their MPs ...PPP 33; APNU/AFC 31; ANUG/LJP/TNM 1 Page 3

Full Cabinet to be appointed this week – President …commits to partnership development of public service See story on page 7

Assistant GDF ranks subject to Commissioner Commander-in-Chief Hicken to head Irfaan Ali’s directives GPF operations unit – Army Chief …Maxine Graham proceeds on pre-retirement leave See story on page 18

Page 8

COVID-19 pandemic

National plan to be announced after Govt meets 3 killed in all political Berbice accident parties – Ali Page 21

Page 17

…“halt illicit cross-border movement” – CMO urges

Dead: Jessica Leitch

Dead: Kwesi Lewis

Dead: Reon Moriah

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana now P21 stands on cusp of much-improved economic future – Ronald Sanders P15 DPP discontinues APNU/AFC-filed charges against GECOM Chair

Democracy prevailed after long-overdue elections – White House P18 NSC Carter Center urges new Govt to address constitutional, electoral P18 reform

Miner beaten, robbed by P8 armed bandits East Ruimveldt man gunned down at P21 D’Urban St

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

BRIDGE OPENINIGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 4 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Wednesday, August 5 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, August 4 – 16:55h – 18:25h and Wednesday, August 5 – 05:15h – 06:45h.

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 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to Easterly to East NorthEasterly to East South-Easterly to Southerly to South South-Westerly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 16:12h reaching a maximum height of 2.50 metres.

Low Tide: 10:47h and 22:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.70 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil

US$

Change %

$43.26/barrel

-0.09

Rough Rice

$208.53 /ton

-0.20

London Sugar

$381.60/ton

0

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1978.40

$1979.40

Low/High

$1960.20

$1980.70

+0.70

+0.04%

Change

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM asks parties to identify their MPs ...PPP 33; APNU/AFC 31; ANUG/LJP/TNM 1

T

he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has initiated the process of appointing a new batch of parliamentarians to serve in the legislative branch of Government.

The Office of the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield has dispatched letters to political parties, informing them of their requirement to identify their candidates to take up seats in the 65-seat National Assembly.

The CEO’s final elections report shows that the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) secured 33 parliamentary seats while the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition won 31.

The joinder parties –A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), and The New Movement (TNM) – gained one seat.

Guyana Times understands that political parties are required to extract names of individuals from their respective lists and submit that information to the CEO, who will then prepare certificates to be dispatched to the potential Members of 12th Parliament of Guyana.

Unlike the situation which obtained in the 11th Parliament, this time around, the House will have a third force.

The three joinder parties are expected to meet soon to further discuss what arrangement they will put in place for the rotation of their various representatives.

ANUG’s Presidential Candidate, Ralph Ramkarran had previously explained that “if each of us has 2000 left-over votes, we’ll have one seat and the person will serve one-third of the time. Each party will have a member for one-third of the period in Parliament. So, the first person will resign after

one-third of the time, the second person nominated by the second party will serve for onethird and so on.”

Speaking with this newspaper on Monday evening, ANUG’s representative Jonathan Yearwood said he anticipates no change in the rotation formula that was proposed prior to the March 2 elections.

Moreover, he expects an agreement among the three parties on their parliamentary representatives before the weekend.

“We will be having a meeting very soon to decide that, as soon as all three parties are available,” he explained.

Asked about who are likely to be the persons representing ANUG in Parliament, Yearwood noted that everyone on the party’s list stands a fair chance.

Meanwhile, TNM representative Josh Kanhai expressed similar sentiments when contacted by this publication. He explained that the parties will be meeting soon to finalise the details and he too sees no deviation from the plan that was proposed prior to the election declaration.

He said his party is expected to have an internal election process to determine which of its members will represent TNM in Parliament.

Both Yearwood and Kanhai told Guyana Times that their parties – though new on the political scene – are committed to being a strong third force and will hold the Government of the day accountable.

Dual citizenship

The issue of dual citizenship is expected to be of key interest in the selection of the new batch of parliamentarians.

Article 155 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Guyana states that “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who is,

by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or State.”

This simply means that persons who hold dual citizenship cannot legally occupy seats in the National Assembly.

Though this unlawful practice has been occurring for years, a court ruling following the passage of the No-Confidence Motion in 2018 reaffirmed that this custom is illegal – a move which prompted several dual citizenship parliamentarians from both the Government and Opposition benches to either resign or relinquish their foreign citizenship.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward had previously explained that the electoral body has no obligation to verify whether persons who are nominated to be MPs are dual citizens.

She had explained that the onus is on the politicians themselves to ensure that they are honest on the statutory declaration form which they sign to indicate that they are Guyanese and do not have dual citizenship.

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs had told the media earlier this year that Parliament is also not mandated to check on the eligibility of parliamentarians.

Notwithstanding, three presidential candidates representing three of the new political parties were, in the lead up

to the March 2 elections, initially barred by GECOM from contesting after it was discovered that they are dual citizens.

However, they were subsequently allowed to contest the elections after they submitted to the Elections Commission documentation showing that they have officially relinquished their foreign citizenship.

Meanwhile, the PPP/C had previously committed to adhering to the Constitution of Guyana regarding dual citizenship.

During the last Parliament, the PPP/C had three MPs who held dual citizenship – Gail Teixeira, who is a Canadian citizen; and Adrian Anamayah and Odinga Lumumba, who are both US citizens. While Teixeira and Lumumba have renounced their foreign citizenship – thus allowing them to continue serving in the National Assembly, Anamayah had opted to keep his foreign citizenship due to family commitments.

On the other hand, APNU’s dual citizenship members included Joseph Harmon, who held American citizenships while Carl Greenidge and Rupert Roopnaraine were also citizens of the United Kingdom.

AFC’s Dominic Gaskin, who was born in the UK, was also regarded as a dual citizen.

It is unclear who on the APNU/AFC side has given up their dual citizenships. (G11)

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

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

Moving forward

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fter five months of waiting, the elections results were declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Sunday and a new President, Dr Irfaan Ali, was subsequently sworn in as the ninth Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Many Guyanese certainly are feeling a sense of relief as they have waited an extremely long time and with much patience for this process to come to an end. GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh must be commended for taking a bold stand on the side of democracy. In the face of mounting pressure and threats, she has delivered. While some may say it is a bit too late, one has to understand the context in which the Chair was operating.

There is now renewed hope everywhere and the time has come for all stakeholders to put the elections behind us and work in unity to ensure that our country keeps moving forward.

Certainly, these elections have caused much division in our nation. Guyana will not be able to progress if much of our time and resources have to be spent on dealing with political rancour between the two major groups.

President Ali has stated numerous times before that the results of the polls should not be only viewed as a win for his party, but as a victory for all of Guyana. He has committed to serving in the interest of all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity, political affiliation or any other consideration.

The President’s comments so far are very encouraging and we believe that once he is given the support of the various stakeholders, he will do well for the country. From what we have seen, he understands fully the challenges ahead and what needs to be done.

The President is now assembling a team to ensure that his vision for a modern and prosperous country is fully realised. The nation certainly will hold the President and his team to their promise of governing in a fair, transparent and equitable manner.

We believe that Dr Ali has entered the presidency at a very opportune time. As someone who has served in the Cabinet and the Public Service, he has been exposed to a range of challenges.

During his tenure as Minister of Housing, he performed exceptionally well. He was able to conceptualise and implement a housing drive that was viewed as a model by the Caricom region. Most importantly, his work as a Government Minister contributed to changing lives as many citizens were able to achieve home-ownership even when it seemed impossible.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has outlined a range of policies and programmes it intends to embark upon to bring relief to the country’s economic sectors, business community, and ordinary citizens who have been largely affected by the policies and programmes, or lack thereof, implemented under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.

Among his priorities, Dr Ali has specifically pointed to the need for inclusive governance, which was included in his Party’s Manifesto. He also pointed to the stagnated economy, which was further devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic as requiring his urgent attention. It is fortuitous that economic development is the new President’s forte and it is expected he will hit the ground running in this area.

That said, we are encouraged by the fact that former President David Granger has called for peace to prevail. In order to be a responsible Opposition and serve its constituents well, the APNU/AFC would need to regroup and assemble its best candidates to represent the party in Parliament.

Additionally, our hope is that Granger and his team will do all that is necessary in the coming days to ensure that there is a smooth transition of government. It could be recalled that when the then PPP/C Government lost the elections by a razor-thin majority in 2015, the Party provided the necessary assistance to the then incoming Administration and it (PPP/C) gracefully left office.

Guyana is now once again on a democratic path. We have yet another glorious opportunity to fashion a society that is modern, inclusive, progressive and one which all citizens could be proud of. Now that our country is about to benefit fully from the revenues from its oil resources, the possibilities for development are endless.

Further, as mentioned in our front-page comment yesterday: our political and legal systems were strained but did not break: they demonstrated an abiding resilience. We must be thankful for the strength of their institutions in a nation that has just attained its Golden Jubilee and commit ourselves to continue to strengthen and build those institutions.

The High Commission of India in Guyana celebrated Raksha Bandhan on Monday with the members of High Commission tying Rakhi on President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, in the presence of High Commissioner of India Dr KJ Srinivasa. Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi Poornima, is an occasion to celebrate human bondings, relationships and a sense of togetherness by seeking and giving protection (Indian High Commission photo)

Life in Opposition for PNC Dear Editor, It seems to be the trend now that whenever the PNC demits office, they bankrupt the country and upon taking over the PPP is given the Herculean task of rebuilding the socio-economic destruction unleashed. The last time it had taken 28 years of ‘hard labour’ by the late Cheddi Jagan and the PPP to get rid of the PNC dictatorship, which they finally did in 1992. This time, however, the Granger dictatorship was nipped at the bud by the man who took Guyana on the road to prosperity after the demise of Dr Jagan, the maestro strategist, Dr Jagdeo. The world will now agree with the excellent choice made by the late Mrs Janet Jagan. But like 1992, the PPP/C will have to start the rebuilding again.

Having chartered the road to prosperity, and having completed his mandatory 2 terms, Dr Jagdeo saw a new surge to overthrow the PPP/C from office by a band of mercenaries headed by Ramjattan and Nagamootoo.

The AFC, aided and abetted by false promises and its greed for power and material aggrandizement, began a series of lies and deceptions aimed at destabilising the PPP/C Government which they did.

Ramjattan and Nagamootoo sold their souls to the PNC and made an unholy alliance in 2015, and in

May 2015, the APNU/AFC assumed the helm of power which immediately saw the crumbling of this nation due to unprecedented corruption, cronyism, mismanagement, incompetence and barefaced flouting of our laws. It was time for Dr Jagdeo to make his entry once again into Guyana’s political arena and do battle with the PNC juggernaut which was resurrected and abetted by the AFC. Dr Jagdeo began to work immediately by exposing the coalition’s corruption and ineptitude on a weekly basis by providing damning pieces of evidence. Week after week he increased the salvoes aimed at the coalition and after the LGE in 2018, he knew that the time was right to go for the kill, and he did just that.

On the night of December 21, 2018, he successfully overthrew the coalition by a vote of no confidence. He indeed accepted Amna Ally’s challenge to “bring it on”.

There were some in the AFC who have had enough of the destruction of the founding principles of the AFC and had rekindled their conscience. One such person was Charrandas Persaud and it was his vote which threw the coalition into total disarray. Unfortunately, Guyanese had to wait for almost a year to have the election which should have been held in March 2019. But this allowed the people to see the

real PNC. That period saw the continual battle waged by Dr Jagdeo and his team against the many vexatious and spurious legal proceedings brought on by Granger and his cabal. Mr Anil Nandlall was at his usual best as he relentlessly fought the PNC’s legal attacks.

At last, on March 2 the elections were held and Guyanese thought that the roughest hurdle was overcome but that was not to be. On the night of March 3, 2019, the PNC began a shameless and barefaced series of attempts to rig the elections which would finally come to an end on August 3, 2020, ironically just 2 days after Emancipation Day. It was 5 months after the March elections and Dr Irfaan Ali was finally sworn in as the ninth Executive President of Guyana. Guyanese could once again exhale!

However, we must never lose sight of the fact that the support of the international community played a vital and crucial role in ensuring that the recount figures were used in the declaration. The ABCE countries, the OAS, Caricom – over 100 countries have all contributed to the successful outcome of the March 2 elections. The travel sanctions by the US had bitten hard as well. In the same vein, we must congratulate our local organisations who fought to preserve

our democracy.

We must not lose sight of the contributions of the smaller parties who refused to sing to Granger’s tune and, of course, the “guardians of the ballot boxes” who ensured that the ballots remained intact for the recount. We are forever indebted to all those who stood for upholding truth and democracy. We must also never lose sight of the media which brought the message to the public!

It was the longest election battle ever in the history of Guyana but there are some positives which have been produced. Never again will the PNC be trusted and they have destroyed their image to such an extent that they have been sentenced to Opposition for life.

The name PNC will forever be cursed and it was because of an insatiable greed for power and material gains.

During this entire battle, one man has stood out above all the rest, Dr Jagdeo. He knew that the Guyanese people could not afford another 28 years of PNC dictatorship. It had to be done in the PNC’s first term and he did exactly that. His appointment as the Vice President will ensure that Guyana will once again travel the road to peace and prosperity.

Dear Editor, After being held in suspense for five long months, we can finally exhale... I call on all of us - the exhilarated and the disappointed to give our young President a chance to prove himself a man for all - regardless of race, religion, status, political preferences or any-

thing that would divide us.

We pray for him in this new and challenging role, that he would walk according to the principles of truth, righteousness and justice.

He concluded his inaugural speech with the words “ God bless you all”.

If he continues to acknowledge God, and abide by His

principles, he will be established, for “He (God) changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.” Daniel 2:21-22 NIV

(Holy Bible).

Dear Guyana, united we stand, divided we fall. Let us bury our prejudices, and work together in love and unity. Let us walk in His light and experience His grace and favour.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

I can breathe, we can breathe

Sincerely, Claudia Heywood

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

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Celebration that democracy I bore first-hand witness to Claudette Singh’s determination has triumphed Dear Editor, It has been a long struggle to have the right winner declared in the elections.

August 2 will be long remembered. What a relief for those of us who were at the forefront of the battle championing democracy and the right to count the ballots. I participated in several election battles to have the ballots correctly counted going back to the first rigged election of 1968. Never before have I seen such global unity over the last five months to combat electoral fraud.

And not since 1973 did I experience such a large majority of Guyanese at home and in the diaspora united to oppose rigging. The diaspora is most pleased that it is over; a burden is lifted from their shoulder. There were celebrations that democracy has triumphed.

From March 3, while in Guyana, I was appealing to the parties to respect the will of voters. I and a few others worked behind the scenes to get international forces (politicians, Governments, organisations) to cajole the parties to accept the vote count and recount. Some didn’t wish

to have their names known for fear of consequences. As a veteran of the struggle for free and fair elections going back to the 1960s, I didn’t mind my name in public glare for participating in an honourable act. Not surprisingly, recognition, congratulations and words of gratitude came in from India, Trinidad, Canada, US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Malaysia, Singapore for the work we quietly did as some of us also did between 1973 and 1992 to restore voting rights in Guyana. The right to vote is fundamental in any democratic State and parties must be willing to accept the outcome. The experience in fighting for free and fair elections between 1966 and 1992 and between 2015 and 2020 will never be forgotten. I can write volumes on my travels in meeting important voices and courting their support for democracy in the homeland. Those who experienced the fraud and fought against it would have the feel to write about it.

Almost every Guyanese in the diaspora and at home intensely followed the elections during the campaign and thru August 2. In fact,

the globe watched what transpired since December 21, 2018, following the successful No-Confidence Motion and the refusal of the fallen Government to accept the global parliamentary norm. Every decent person condemned the fraud.

Every democratic country and international organisation condemned the fraud.

Everywhere in the diaspora and even in other parts of the globe, there is a celebration that the election impasse is finally over. There were euphoric displays in the US, Canada, UK, and Trinidad. Guyanese and the international community are relieved. The nation and the diaspora want to move on. Congratulations to Dr Irfaan Ali and team. It is a victory well deserved. I salute and applaud the work done by colleagues in the diaspora to lobby foreign forces to pressure the defeated coalition to throw in the towel. David Granger did right in conceding. Reforms would be needed to safeguard the right to vote and the count of ballots.

Dear Editor, Democracy has prevailed.

This long national nightmare has come to an end.

Personally, I myself wasn’t sure what would have been the outcome. I knew at some point the coalition would have to step aside but I wasn’t sure if we would have been subjected to a few years under a dictatorship first. However, we can all breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that the blatant, cancerous attempts to chip away at the pillars of democracy were blocked. What must be noted is that apart from the rightful pressure of the international community, the attempts to rig were so laughably barefaced. Not even Forbes Burnham would rig an election by simply playing bingo with the numbers on the SoPs. However, the Kabaka disciples still tried their best and showed that they are still mentally living in 1985. Burnham himself once said, “You can take a man out of a colony but you cannot take the colony out of some men”. I have put a spin on that quote for the 2020 election: You can take a man out of a dictatorship but you cannot take the dictatorship out of some men.

Further, it seems very obvious by now that the PNC has destroyed themselves in this election. They are finished. They have completely eroded any chance of winning a straight election ever again and hence will never set foot in office again for the future of Guyanese politics. Why have I jumped to this con-

clusion you may ask? They simply cannot survive another rigging allegation. From 1964-1992 the PNC governed Guyana and rigged elections were held in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985. They were given a second chance as part of a coalition in 2015 to reenter office.

I must admit that I was happy when President Granger was sworn in as I saw it as a breath of fresh air. However, they have shown once again that when you vote them in, they don’t want to leave. I think this was made clear to everyone, even their loyalists.

If, five months ago, the electoral process wasn’t frustrated and the coalition left office, they still would have had a strong support base for 2025.

But this clown show was just too embarrassing. I won’t waste any precious time touching on the breadcrumb that is the AFC. That doesn’t mean that the Government should become complacent though. If they misbehave, the rising star small parties could receive enough votes to create a parliamentary minority for the PPP in 2025.

Moreover, I am calling on this Administration to reach out to the coalition supporters and let them know that it is a Government that cares about every individual regardless of colour, class, religion as well as sexual orientation. I say this because for the past five months they have been lied to, manipulated and exploited by their leaders into thinking that the coalition won this election. I cannot even picture what is going through

their thoughts right now seeing a different result being declared. This is not a standalone occurrence. The PNC has been exploiting the AfroGuyanese population (the primary ethnic makeup of their support base) as early as 1963 with Forbes Burnham telling his supporters that they would be subjugated under a Dr Jagan Government due to colour. This manipulation has continued into the modern century where every election season horror stories about extrajudicial killings are resurrected. And for what? To drive fear into the hearts of their primarily Afro -Guyanese support base. This is a clear example of the exploiters and the exploited, exploiters being the PNC. This must end.

All this has done is strengthen the disease known as “Apaan Jaat” and widen the racial divide. As a youth who has now completed high school, this only hurts my heart.

Once more I am hopeful that the new Government spreads the message of love and reconciliation. Every PPP supporter should reach out to every APNU supporter and vice versa to show that we are stronger together. I cannot stress that enough.

This election has shown how broken and divided we are as a nation.

That being said, I extend my congratulations to the President and his party and look forward to seeing immense progress.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

Democracy has prevailed

Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar

Dear Editor, A new President was sworn in to office in Guyana, five months to the day after the election. After numerous attempts to affect the final count to an Election Day which was recognised by every credible international and national observer group to have been a success.

One person, one woman, held fast to her oath of office to deliver the final legal verdict of the election: the Chair of GECOM, Retired justice Claudette Singh. She held fast

against every attempt to derail the final count, the one whereby what came out of the ballot boxes was a true reflection of what went in, the free expression of the Guyanese people’s democratic will.

I bore first-hand witness to her determination to do the right thing at every step of the electoral process, to her indomitable will to overcome every obstacle, and to achieve the true results of the election by meeting all the legal challenges thrown her way.

I cannot recall, in all my

international experience, such a display of courage, of true grit, over such a prolonged period of time after Election Day, after so much pressure.

And yet such is the case here: Claudette Singh has acted well beyond the call of duty and deserves to be recognised as the hero she is by all democrats around the world, especially those of Guyana.

Dear Editor, To say that we are pleased to witness the triumph of democracy in the Guyana 2020 elections is an obvious understatement. It is more than a relief to have the results of the elections declared, which the people of Guyana, as well as the rest of the world, have waited for.

It was an agonising wait, but it has been worth it.

Freedom and democracy are cherished sacred values in this country and others. It has come with a price and many have given a lot, with one young man, Seedat Hansraj of Cotton Tree, paying with his life.

Where does one start and finish to thank for preserving democracy? Thousands have worked diligently in and out of Guyana. However, we agree with Freddie Kissoon, who has repeatedly stated in his KN columns that Caribbean notables Bruce

Golding and Owen Arthur, American Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch; Canadian High Commission Lilian Chatterjee; British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and EU Ambassador Fernando Ponz-Cantó played a unique role. I concur with Kissoon, who emphasised: “For the umpteen time, the Government of President Ali must make a bust of these people to be displayed in one of the most prominent parts of this country.” He also rightly observed, “If it weren’t for these democratic souls, then on March 14, David Granger would have been sworn in as President and from thereon, this country would never have seen another free and fair national election. For generation(s) to come, the people of this country would have known only one party controlling the Government.”

We also acknowledge the

roles of media persons in and out of the country for constantly bringing the dilemma to the fore and eventually bringing the Government to its knees to accept the legitimate recount of the votes. There are far too many persons to acknowledge in this fight for freedom. However, it is vital to recognise the Guardians of Democracy who kept vigilance of the ballot boxes for months – day and night, in the sun, rain, and darkness – risking their health and shielding those votes with their lives.

Guardians, we salute you wholeheartedly!

Thanks to all who have contributed in small and big ways to bring a just end to respecting the mandate of the people of the country.

God bless you, and God bless Guyana.

Sincerely, Jean-Pierre Kingsley Chief Electoral Officer of Canada 1990-2007

Freedom and democracy are cherished sacred values

Yours truly, Dr Devanand Bhagwan

New Govt should be guided by its integrity & honesty

Dear Editor, The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana (CRG) would like to congratulate the new Government on its success at the polls and successful patience with the courts. We look forward to working with them in a continuous peaceful atmosphere over the years ahead as the opportunities to do so arise.

May the motto of our great nation “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” lead them and the new Parliament in their daily actions. Guiding their decision-making for the benefit of all Guyanese independent of race, gender, religion or political party affiliation.

May they also be guided by their integrity and honesty so that they may avoid the pitfalls of corruption, greed and violence.

Thus, allowing them to focus first and foremost on the best interest of Guyana and all of its people. This lengthy process has provided an opportunity for all of us to relearn the importance of humility and law and order. Going forward we should all as a nation remember to respect the

justice system and the rule of law.

Thus, ensuring we avoid taking matters into our own hands outside of the justice system. This is essential to the peaceful longevity of any

successful Government. Once again, congratulations!

Salam, peace, shaanti, shalom.

Sincerely, Jamil Changlee

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

Page

Foundation

SUMMER OF LEARNING

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What do I need? bag of gumdrops (If you can’t find gumdrops, try using bits of rolled-up clay, mini-marshmallows, or partlycooked beans. Be creative!)

A box of round toothpicks What do I do?

Making squares & cubes Start with 4 toothpicks and 4 gumdrops.

Poke the toothpicks into the gumdrops to make a square with a gumdrop at each corner.

Poke another toothpick into the top of each gumdrop. Put a gumdrop on the top of each toothpick.

Connect the gumdrops with toothpicks to make a cube. (A cube has a square on each side. It takes 8 gumdrops and 12 toothpicks.)

Use more toothpicks and gumdrops to keep building squares onto the sides of the cube. When your structure is about 6

Sets

Example 1: Kyesha was in Maths whispered class with her friend Angie. She a set of ght bou to Angie that she had just t, a hat, coa a s ude incl clothes. The collection r, Mrs che tea ir The ts. boo a scarf, gloves, and and n atio vers con the ard rhe Glosser, ove asked them: What is a set?

Angie, Solution: Luckily for Kyesha and Maths a had o ard their classmate Edu

inches tall or wide, try wiggling it from side to side. Does it feel solid, or does it feel kind of shaky?

Making triangles & pyramids Start with 3 gumdrops and 3 toothpicks.

Poke the toothpicks into the gumdrops to make a triangle with a gumdrop at each point.

Poke another toothpick into the top of each gumdrop.

Bend those 3 toothpicks in toward the center. Poke all 3 toothpicks into one gumdrop to make a 3-sided pyramid.

(A 3-sided pyramid has a triangle on each side. It takes 4 gumdrops and 6 toothpicks.)

Use more toothpicks and gumdrops to keep building triangles onto the sides of your pyramid. When your structure is about 6 inches tall or wide, try wiggling it from side to side. Does it feel solid, or does it feel kind of shaky? (exploratorium.edu)

dic tio nar y up the with him! He quickly looked the class as for it ned defi and t” word “se shown below. t have A set is a collection of objects tha . The rule a w follo or n something in commo Set s. ent elem its ed call are set objects in the s ent elem h notation uses curly braces, wit r wea out of set separated by commas. So, the ws: follo as d for Kyesha would be liste boots}, A = {coat, hat, scarf, gloves, the and set, the of e nam where A is the tten wri braces indicate that the objects between them belong to the set. same Every object in a set is unique: The more set the in d ude incl object cannot be than once. fingers?

Example 2: What is the set of all ring, dle, mid ex, Solution: P = {thumb, ind ) little} (mathsgoodies.com

(ReadingRockets.org)

WORD SEARCH Ice Cream Flavours

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Full Cabinet to be appointed this week – President …commits to partnership development of public service

President Irfaan Ali greets an employee at the Ministry of the Presidency

Some of the employees at the Ministry of the Presidency

ust hours after taking the Oath of Office, President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Monday, met with the staffers at the Ministry of the Presidency where he pledged his Government’s support for further developing the public service.

The President met with the staffers as part of the transition process. During his meeting, he thanked the staff for continued delivery of quality service to the Guyanese people and pledged to work with them as a team.

“As President you have a partner in development.

There will be, of course, in any transition, changes of approach. There will be new

in which all of us could be proud of, a country in which all Guyanese can celebrate and to be happy to be part of,” he noted.

“This office is the highest office of our country and, therefore, the employees and workers who work in this office are expected to deliver the highest level of service at the highest standard and to behave in a manner that is befitting the highest office of our country,” the President added.

Ali went on to note that it was not just the President who would make the work environment successful, but rather their ability to lead and function as a team. He

J

and emerging areas of responsibility. The plans and programmes of Government may have a shift in various areas. The priorities may have a shift, but, at the end of it, all of it must resolve to the ultimate benefit of the Guyanese people,” the President said during a brief address to the employees.

The newly sworn-in President told the employees that the office of the President is the highest in the land and, therefore, they were expected to lead by example. He called upon the staffers to deliver the highest level of service at the highest standard and to behave in a manner befitting

the office they serve.

He related that he was going to work in tandem with the public service to see the people of Guyana benefit from the resources of the country.

“The ultimate goal of the Government is to deliver quality, efficient goods and services to every citizen of our country. I want to thank all of you for your continued service to country and I want to assure you that Guyana requires the skills and experience of all of us to work in a collective and a collaborative manner if we are to build a strong and sustainable country, if we are to build a country

told the staffers that he has always believed in the power of teamwork and as such, they could expect no less than to be part of a team that was focused on delivering improved quality of life to the citizenry.

He called on the employees to recognise that they have to operate at the highest standard and in the most efficient way to set the bar for the rest of the public service and for the rest of the country. He told them that they could not operate in a way that fuelled insecurities and distrust in the Government systems, adding that those actions would lead to disunity in the gover-

nance systems.

“This is the way we will approach the future. Before the end of this week, we hope to have all the Ministries established with the Cabinet Ministers appointed. The areas of responsibilities would have to be detailed and gazetted, and then we can move a more broad and detailed discussion in relation to the priorities of the new government, so we are in this together for a better Guyana,” President Ali said.

President Ali was accompanied by Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Gail Teixeira.

ganisations calling for the swift conclusion of the

March 2 elections with a declaration from the recount results, which show that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes.

The David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition lost the elections, but refused to concede defeat.

Instead, it had mounted court challenge after court challenge in a bid to prevent the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from declaring the certified recount of the results.

UN pledges support for Irfaan Ali-led Govt

UN Resident Coordinator Mikiko Tanaka

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he United Nations, through its Resident Coordinator in Guyana, has pledged to continue working with the newly-elected People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government led

by Dr Irfaan Ali. UN Resident Coordinator Mikiko Tanaka, via a tweet, relayed congratulations to President Ali just hours after he was declared winner of the March 2 General and Regional Elections and took the oath of office.

“Congratulations to PPP/C and President Irfaan Ali, sworn in after the bold declaration by GECOM Chair Claudette Singh. @UNGuyana com-

mits to support the new Government, Parliament and national stakeholders to build a united, prosperous & sustainable Guyana, leaving no one behind,” Tanaka noted in the tweet.

Just last week, Tanaka had renewed her call for the elections impasse to be brought to an end. She premised her calls on the fact that young people needed political space to be heard and contribute to society.

In a tweet last Tuesday, the UN Representative had said: “Many young people in #Guyana are passionately engaged in #ClimateAction.

They need political space to be heard and to contribute to the betterment of the environment and society. An end to the political crisis is urgent! @UNGuyana.”

Earlier in July, Tanaka had expressed concerns over the fact that Guyana was yet to figure out an end to its elections held more than four months ago at a time when the Region was facing its worst recession.

She had tweeted that: “as Latin America and the Caribbean face the worst recession in a century, #Guyana is still figuring out how to conclude the 2 March elections. @ UNGuyana.”

Prior to that, she tweeted on June 23 that “a credible end to the elections is urgent for the elected government and parliament to fully attend to their wellbeing and resource needs to serve the people.”

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, on July 10, stressed the importance of announcing final official results of the March 2 General and Regional Elections to the Guyanese people “as soon as possible to end an impasse that has lasted more than four months”.

The UN Secretary General had also called on political leaders and their supporters to recognise and accept the final official results and to refrain from any act or statement that may fuel tensions or incite violence.

The UN was just one of many international or-

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Assistant Commissioner Hicken to head GPF operations unit …Maxine Graham proceeds on pre-retirement leave

Deputy Police Commissioner Maxine Graham

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eputy Police Commissioner, Maxine Graham was on Monday sent on pre-retirement leave. As a result, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken will head operations of the Guyana Police Force.

Graham will attain retirement status in December 2020 but has over 170 days leave. She reportedly joined the force on March 9, 1987.

Hicken, who will take over from Graham, is known for his dynamic style of management and will undoubtedly provide the necessary support to acting Police Commissioner Nigel Hoppie.

Hicken was seconded to the Department of

Citizenship in 2019 by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC). Hicken was also quite popular during his reign as Commander of A and B Divisions and as such had tremendous public support.

A few days ago, former Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had stated that he was unaware of the reason for Commissioner of Police Leslie James and Deputy Commissioner of Police Maxine Graham still being on the job, claiming that they should have also been on pre-retirement leave.

The accumulated days for the two senior ranks reportedly amounted to over 500 days.

James was appointed Commissioner of Police back in August 2018 along with four Deputy Commissioners of Police in the persons of Lyndon Alves, Maxine Graham, Nigel Hoppie, and Paul Williams. Alves was sent off the job in the public’s interest in 2019.

However, James has subsequently proceeded on pre-retirement leave and as such, Deputy Commissioner Nigel Hoppie has taken charge of the force with immediate effect.

Nevertheless, Deputy Commissioner Graham joined the force at the age of

Assistant Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken

21 and has provided exemplary service to the agency for 33 years.

She has worked in a number of assignments throughout her career with the Guyana Police. She has been an instructor at Felix Austin Police College, a Court Prosecutor for ten years, and the Court Superintendent for ten courts in Central Georgetown.

In her current position, Snr Supt. Graham is the only senior female officer who represents and acts as a mediator between female ranks and the senior management of the Guyana Police Force. She also served as liaison officer for the Guyana Police Force Fallen Heroes Fund Inc.

Another one of her many responsibilities is serving as Officer-in-Charge of selection, recruitment, and human resources management for the ranks from Constables to Sergeants.

Graham has a Degree in Law, a Diploma in Public Safety and Security Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Guyana.

She has attended a number of leadership and management training courses in Guyana and overseas, including a Special Prosecutor’s training (University of Guyana), ILEA Advanced Management and Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement (El Salvador), Senior Officers’ Course (Guyana Police Force), Leadership for Women in Law Enforcement (Peru), and Police Ethics and Leadership (US Department of State and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (USA).

For her many achievements, Graham received a Good Conduct and Long Service Medal in April from former President of Guyana, David Granger, for her dedication and commitment to the Guyana Police Force.

She was later bestowed with the Disciplined Service Medal, a national award for her service to the Force.

Miner beaten, robbed by armed bandits

A

miner is battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after he was beaten and robbed by three armed bandits on Sunday.

The victim has been identified as 50-year-old James Winslow of Lot 5 Nurney Village, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to information received, on the day in question at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Region Seven (Cuyuni-

Mazaruni), the victim was at the mining camp on which he works when the trio confronted him.

While information remains sketchy, Guyana Times understands that the bandits dealt James several blows to his head and body with a piece of wood thus causing him to collapse.

He was picked up and rushed to the Bartica Hospital where he was treated and admitted a patient. He was later transferred to the GPHC for further

treatment.

Police ranks stated that all attempts to obtain information from the man as to what transpired proved futile since he continues to speak incoherently.

Nevertheless, a team of Police ranks was deployed to the scene where the three suspects were arrested and are being interrogated.

They have since denied their involvement in the crime.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Police destroy $49M worth of ganja during drug eradication exercise

The 1000 dried cannabis plants that were discovered

Some of the cannabis being destroyed by ranks of the Guyana Police Force over the weekend

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drug eradication exercise conducted by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday at Wiruni, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), unearthed two cannabis fields with a large quantity of cannabis and seedlings estimated at $49 million.

Police said that during the operation, two cannabis fields with numerous nurseries containing several thousand seedlings, and more than 18,000 plants along with 1000 dried cannabis plants were discovered.

In addition, Police stated that at the time of the operation, no one was found in

the five-acre cannabis cultivation. Over the past months, Police have conducted several successful raids along the Berbice River.

Several raids conducted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) along the Berbice River have unearthed over $100 million in marijuana plants.

In June, Police conducted a drug eradication exercise at DeVeldt, Gaettroy and Bartica villages along the Berbice River.

It was reported that at Bartica village, two and a half acres with approximately 20,000 cannabis plants and a

camp were found. The plants, ranging between three to six feet, had an estimated street value of $47.5 million.

In addition, at DeVeldt, an acre 3000 plants and a camp were discovered. According to Police, the plants had a street value of $4 million.

At Gaettroy, two farms measuring at least two and a half acres each were discovered. Both fields had roughly 25,000 plants, ranging between two to five feet, with an estimated street value of $83.4 million. No arrests were made during those operations.

Goodwill...

P

...from the int’l community resident Irfaan Ali is certainly coming into office with a whole lotta goodwill from the international community. Something the PNC certainly didn’t plan on when they embarked on their heist of the elections back in March. Can you remember what life was BE (Before Elections) – much less how the PPP was viewed?? Well, let’s refresh your memory, Dear Reader. At a minimum, there was no discernible sign that they were anything but neutral at best...but in retrospect the PNC had already started to burn some bridges.

They’d benefitted from international goodwill back in 2015 when they took over after the PPP’s 23-year-long regime that inevitably accumulated the usual amount of detritus in such a long run. Especially from the US. The PNC ensured that the 2014 “feral blast” at the departing Ambassador, for instance, wasn’t forgotten and his successor certainly expressed his opinion at the 2015 elections!! The APNU/AFC coalition government was lauded as a bold “multiracial” entity that addressed the needs of the country. Caricom, as usual, was very warm to the coalition govt as they participated exuberantly in two Carifesta extravaganzas.

But none of these governments could’ve failed to notice how the PNC immediately degutted the Cummingsburg Accord that formed the basis for the coalition’s vaunted “power sharing”. And then, of course, Granger started his long march to replicate the policies of his hero Burnham – ignoring agriculture; destroying agriculture; buttressing the armed forces; staffing Government departments with ex-military personnel – and flagrantly flaunting corruption in every facet of governmental operations. Their amazing decision to contest that staple of constitutional parliamentary governance, the No Confidence Motion, had to’ve been a severe jolt – especially to the British.

So, when the PNC launched “Operation Mingo” on March 4 in front of the ABCE Ambassadors, it confirmed their growing suspicion that the PNC was taking Guyana down the road to dictatorship and instability – again. And that’s when they must’ve erased any doubts they had towards the PPP. After all, to their credit, they’d demitted office in 2015 after making a very strong claim that the election had been rigged through the manipulations within GECOM and demanded a recount of 22 ballot boxes. They placed the country first and went for the elections petitions.

We know to our cost the cynical use of the courts made by the PNC from the NCM through the specious claims about elections fraud so your Eyewitness doesn’t have to reprise that sordid bit of Guyanese history.

What he does know is that happy days are ahead – for those who are willing to put their shoulders to the wheel to develop Guyana.

Guyana has friends in strategic places!! ...and development The number one priority for the Irfaan Ali Administration is to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic that’s threatening to careen out of control – while simultaneously dealing with the pressures it has placed on economic activities – and inevitably, on the livelihoods of ordinary workers. This is a war that will have to be fought on two fronts. It’s not going to be easy, but Ali has already demonstrated leadership in this area to show that in such a situation, the government will have to be simultaneously very proactive on both fronts.

The PNC, unfortunately, focused on COVID-19 from a POLITICAL angle – using it to give Harmon supreme powers akin to General Mac Arthur over Japan after the end of WWII. Did anyone see Harmon in the trenches distributing hampers to the at-risk communities? Nope – he was more concerned with restricting the number of counting stations at the ACCC! On the economic front, the “share the corn” PNC totally abandoned the business community that produces the corn.

President Ali already unveiled a plan to fix this!! ...and Granger It’s very unfortunate that elements in the PNC have viciously attacked ex-President Granger for accepting the court-validated declaration of GECOM. They’re displaying a fundamentally anti-democratic attitude that must be rejected by the rank and file.

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

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DPP discontinues APNU/AFC-filed charges against GECOM Chair

…writes Chief Magistrate, invokes constitutional power

D

DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

irector of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Senior Counsel Shalimar AliHack has stepped in to discontinue private criminal charges that were filed against Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairwoman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh last week by three APNU/AFC supporters.

This is according to a letter seen by this newspaper that DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack wrote to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. In the letter, dated August 3, the DPP invoked Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution of Guyana.

She informed the Chief Magistrate that in the exercise

of her constitutional power, she was discontinuing the misconduct in public office charges against Justice Singh - charges that were criticised for being devoid of legal basis and “below nuisance value.”

Article 187 (1) (c) of the Constitution of Guyana states: “The Director of Public Prosecutions shall have power in any case in which she considers it desirable… to discontinue at any stage before judgement is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by her or any other person to authority.”

The DPP, therefore, acted in accordance with her constitutional powers. Back in April 2018, the DPP had used Article 187 (1) (c) to dismiss private criminal charges against the then Government Ministers Volda Lawrence and Dr George Norton, over the sole-sourcing of more than $600 million in drugs and other pharmaceuticals for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, and the rental of a house in Sussex Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, to be utilised as a drug bond at a cost of $12 million monthly.

Days later, she also discontinued charges against Finance Minister Winston Jordan, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, and former Public Service Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine for breaching the

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

Procurement Act in relation to the expenditure of $906 million in public funds on the controversial D’Urban Park Project.

Last week, three APNU/AFC supporters filed separate private charges of alleged misconduct in public office against the GECOM Chair. The first charge alleged that the GECOM Chair acted recklessly and unlawfully when she disregarded the advice of Chief Parliamentary Counsel Charles Fung-A-Fat, SC, on May 17.

The Parliamentary Counsel had advised that a recount process was unlawful and unconsti-

The letter sent by the DPP to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

tutional. However, Justice Singh went ahead to gazette the Recount Order, paving the way for the exercise to be conducted. It has nevertheless been pointed out that GECOM, as an independent constitutional agency, was not obligated to take on board that advice.

The second charge had alleged

that Justice Singh breached the gazetted Recount Order and its amendment. The third charge had accused Justice Singh of refusing to accept the reports submitted

by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, on three occasions.

TURN TO PAGE 17

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New PPP/C Govt to pursue active legislative agenda – AG Nandlall

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ewly-appointed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall has committed to begin work immediately to ensure that the legislative agenda of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is fast-tracked.

Nandlall, who was one of the first Ministers to be appointed by President Irfaan Ali just after he was sworn in on Sunday evening, said that the Government will work towards an “active legislative agenda” as there are many important pieces of legislation that have to be passed in this era, especially considering the fact that Guyana is now entering into a new economic vista as an oil-produc-

ing nation.

He said there is need for a whole series of legislation to prepare the country “for what is coming”.

Nandlall, who also previously served as chief legal advisor under Donald Ramotar’s minority Government asserted that this time around he is not confined in any way to ensure the success of Government’s legislative agenda since the PPP/C has garnered 33 seats in the 65-member Parliament.

“On the last occasion when I functioned as Attorney General it was in a very difficult political circumstance because we were in a minority Government and it was extraordinarily difficult to get legislation passed and

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall

even budgets passed in the Parliament”.

“I do not have that debilitating factor now, I have greater independence and I have a greater opportunity

to function in that office,” he posited.

Nandlall added that over the last five years, the (APNU/AFC) Government “did not really have a legisla-

tive agenda…and that’s quite unfortunate.”

He reminded that among the very few pieces of legislation passed were the Anti Money Laundering Bills which were left back from the PPP/C Administration, “because of the non-support of those bills when we were in Government by the then joint Opposition”.

Commenting on the relentless fight by the PPP/C and others to ensure that democracy prevailed in the end, Nandlall said that he is very happy that the process has come to end as this means that the country can now work towards achieving its developmental objectives with the involvement of all stakeholders.

“I am relieved that this torturous, agonising journey has come to an end. It has tested the resolve of the Guyanese people that we are a mature people, that we can withstand temptations, that we can exercise patience at the appropriate time and we can temper our emotions.

These are the hallmarks of a civilized society,” Nandlall noted.

He added: “There were forces that struck at the very heart or foundation of our constitutional democracy and the fabric of our society itself.

But mature judgment on the part of the Guyanese popula-

tion has shown that we can withstand these atrocities that were levelled at us as a people and as a nation”.

In this regard, the Attorney General, expressed appreciation to the international community, civil society and all the other political parties for standing on the side of democracy.

“We should all be grateful for their contributions,” he said.

In relation to his appointment as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Nandlall said that he was very humbled for the opportunity given to serve his country once more in that capacity and assured that he will work very diligently to ensure that Guyana is a better place for all its citizens.

Nandlall echoed the sentiments of President Ali that Guyanese have nothing to fear in a PPP/C Government, adding that the PPP/C Administration has committed to serve in an even-handed and fair manner.

“I intend to play my part in that endeavour. Every Guyanese will be treated fairly and there is an equal place on the developmental agenda for all Guyanese to participate and benefit,” he stressed.

“I asked the pubic to hold me to that commitment and to hold us to that commitment”.

Bandit shot dead after robbing Nandy Park family

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21-yearold man was shot dead on Sunday evening by a licensed firearm holder shortly after he and an accomplice robbed a Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) family.

The dead The unlicensed gun found man has been next to the dead bandit identified rised family. as Dominic Police in a statement reDowner of Lot 8 Walker Terrace, La Penitence, lated that a mobile phone beGeorgetown. His accomplice longing to one of the victims managed to escape from the was found in Downer’s possession while an unlicensed scene.

Based on information re- pistol with three live rounds ceived, Downer and a second of ammunition was recovered person invaded the Lot 29 in close proximity to the body.

Before fleeing the scene, Hendbury, Nandy Park home and held the occupants at his accomplices would have gunpoint during which they discharged several rounds.

When the Guyana Times demanded cash and jewellery.

Out of fear, an undisclosed visited the family on Monday, sum of money and a quantity one occupant who was at of jewellery were handed over home at the time refused to to the perpetrators. Not satis- offer a comment. However, fied, the men collected sever- Narvini Dewnath, another ocal mobile phones belonging to cupant of the house in a social media post detailed that the victims.

However, eyewitnesses it was not the first time they confirmed that there were at were robbed by armed men.

She explained “four young least four men at the scene of boys decided to climb into our the robbery.

Guyana Times under- home and robbed us, one restands that during the or- cently released from prisdeal, family members would on. One died. We got robbed have made efforts to connect in 2016 and today (Sunday) to Delta Security Services to again. What did we do to deserve this?” she questioned. no avail.

She alleged that despite Out of frustration and anguish, an alarm was raised attempts to alert the security and the men attempted to es- firm, no one was sent to their cape but were confronted by assistance.

Meanwhile, Police have an armed citizen.

There was an exchange launched an investigation of gunfire and it was at that into the robbery and the fatal time, Downer was shot and shooting of the alleged bandit. killed. At this time, residents They are also on the hunt for rushed to the aid of the terro- the escaped bandit.

NEWS

COVID-19 pandemic

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National plan to be announced after Govt meets all political parties – President …“halt illicit cross-border movement” – CMO urges

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips and PPP/C Executive Member, Dr Frank Anthony during the meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

C

hief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud on Monday urged persons to halt the illegal movement through Guyana’s borders, as it is evidently linked to the large increases in positive COVID-19 cases recorded in recent time.

During the Public Health Ministry’s COVID-19 update, the senior health official explained that the spike in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) especially comes in wake of the exponential increase in Brazil; where new cases and deaths continue unabated.

“The health authorities are busily engaged in tightening the measures to prevent the further transmission of the raging coronavirus disease.

So, I plead with you to halt the illicit cross-border movement, look out for the migrants and report their presence immediately to the authorities; on a personal level, I ask you to cooperate and comply with the regulations of social distancing and the hygiene etiquette,” the CMO cautioned.

His contention remains

that a further spread can be curtailed if the general populace abides by the regulations, especially when it relates to movement. The need for persons to cease border movement has been voiced for many weeks, much to the surprise of health officials that it contin-

CMO, Dr Shamdeo Persaud

ues.

“I also think that we can thwart the trajectory of this disease; in the city, behave responsibly and respect the health guidelines; in our hotspots, Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine,

curtail your cross-border movement and minimise your exposure to the disease; in our mining communities, manage and control the influx of migrants and remember always to wear your masks in public,” Dr Persaud shared.

This warning came in light of 73 new coronavirus cases confirmed within four days – from 401 on Thursday to 474 on Sunday. A majority of the positives came from Region Nine, which has over 80 active cases. This is followed by Region Seven.

Also, on Monday, President Irfaan Ali along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips met with health officials from both the public and private health institutions at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting were border patrol, the need for better enforcement of COVID-19 measures by the law enforcement agencies and the needs of vulnerable groups.

At the meeting, President Ali committed to continued consultation today, adding that a meeting will be held

Guyana now stands on cusp of muchimproved economic future – Ronald Sanders

V

eteran diplomat, Sir Ronald Sanders said with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) bringing finality to the elections process and the subsequent swearing-in of Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali as President, Guyana is now standing on the cusp of a much-improved economic future.

Sanders is a veteran Caribbean diplomat, who wrote extensively over the last five months urging respect for democracy and the rule of law in Guyana. As the Dean of the Caribbean Ambassadors at the Organisation of American States (OAS), he was influential in maintaining the organisation’s role in the Guyana elections process and its aftermath.

“The result of the March 2 elections, announced five months after they were held, is a triumph for democracy in Guyana. That it has taken so long and put the Guyanese people through so much emotional distress and tension, is most unfortunate. But, we must be thankful that the process has been peaceful so far, and look forward to wise heads continuing to prevail on all sides. Guyana now stands on the cusp of a much-improved economic future, with all the social benefits that should flow to all the Guyanese people,” he related in a statement.

Sanders extended his congratulations to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic for their victory at the March 2 polls and Ali for his election as President.

Sir Ronald Sanders

“But, the result should not be an occasion for triumphalism by the PPP. Instead, it should be regarded as cause for celebration by all of Guyana, as the country takes its first steps up the ladder of expectation of a new prosperity in which every person in Guyana must be included,” he advised.

He urged the new PPP/C Government to establish modalities for participation in all Government institutions by each ethnic group, so that none feel neglected or left behind. He added that all should become involved in charting the nation’s future and building it while acknowledging that there are many disappointed APNU/AFC supporters. (G2)

Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira along with Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig and others at the meeting on Monday (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

with other political parties before a national plan is announced.

Attending the meeting also were Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and PPP/C Executive member Dr Frank Anthony along with acting GDF Chief of Staff Godfrey Bess and acting Top Cop Nigel Hoppie. Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig was also part of the meeting.

As of Monday, the total number of tests done is 6152 and 4893 persons were tested.

The number of positive cases stood at 474, with 21 related deaths. Other data showed that the number of active cases in institutional isolation is 268 while 38 persons are in institutional quarantine and three patients are in the designated Intensive Care Unit.

To date, 185 persons have recovered.

The regional distribution

of positive cases illustrates that 22 per cent are from Region One (Barima-Waini), 19 per cent in Region Nine and 29 per cent from Region Four (Mahaica-Berbice).

According to the World Health Organisation, the global statistics show that the number of cases has increased to 17,660,523 with 680,894 deaths; in the region of the Americas, the total number of cases is now 9,476,763 with 359,180 deaths. (G12)

Brazilians nabbed in Linden

1 tests positive for COVID-19, others quarantined

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ne of 12 Brazilians who were intercepted in a minibus at Rockstone, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, an official in the region has confirmed.

Police recently launched an investigation after the minibus which was transporting 12 Brazilians was intercepted along the Rockstone trail at about 02:00h last Thursday.

Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Hugh Winter confirmed that Police ranks acting on intelligence intercepted a minibus.

The nationals, he noted, were then escorted to the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) quarantine facility at Wismar, Linden. COVID-19 test samples were sent to Georgetown and it was confirmed that one of 12 results returned positive. Up to Monday, the other 11 immigrants remained at the quarantine facility. They are expected to be retested later this

week.

The news of the positive COVID-19 case did not sit well with residents of the region, who have expressed health and safety concerns.

Some have noted that the spread of the virus across the border from Brazil poses a serious public health threat to the Guyanese population as well as national security implications. As such, residents are calling for permanent monitoring facilities to be put in place. Lindener Leon Roberts said while much has been done to close the border, much more needs to be contemplated in the Rockstone area and further inland to address public health security and the monitoring of traffic especially along the Lethem to Linden Road.

The regional health authorities in Region 10 had established COVID-19 monitoring facilities on the outskirts of Linden focused on addressing traffic from the east, with monitoring efforts concentrated on

DPP discontinues...

At the time, Lowenfield himself was before the courts on private criminal charges for his refusal to comply with instructions from the GECOM Chair. Persons had, therefore, suggested that the charges against the GECOM Chair were retaliatory in nature.

From the inception, there was criticism that the charges are malicious and nuisance value, since the Chair has always acted lawfully.

Charges were filed against Lowenfield, alleging that between March 5 and June 23, 2020, the CEO conspired with person(s) unknown to com-

traffic from the Berbice River communities, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and north of the capital Georgetown, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). However, the flow of traffic from the southern regions – Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) especially from persons who may have travelled across the border from Brazil is worrying.

Meanwhile, Commander Winter explained that so far, the COVID-19 checkpoints which were established at Bamia along the LindenSoesdyke Highway and Mabura have been “very effective” in helping to contain the spread of the virus in the region.

“We continue pushing against those persons that come into the country illegally,” Winter said.

Region 10 has recorded a total of 11 positive COVID-19 cases and one death. (G13)

FROM PAGE 15

mit the common law offence of fraud when he submitted his Election Report dated June 23 to include figures that altered the results of the elections.

Another charge had contended that Lowenfield, while performing his duties as CEO of GECOM, ascertained the results of the March 2 elections “knowing the said results to be false, the said wilful misconduct amounting to a breach of the public’s trust in the office which he presides”.

In fact, the charges against Lowenfield were filed since June 30. On July 3, the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts was forced to issue a summons for the CEO after marshals could not find him to serve him with notice of the case. It actually took over three weeks before he was officially served on July 23, as the CEO did his best to avoid being served.

On Sunday, the GECOM Chair declared the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali as the winner of the elections based on the results of the recount. He was sworn in as the ninth Executive President of Guyana on Sunday afternoon. (G3)

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Democracy prevailed after GDF ranks subject to Commander-inChief Irfaan Ali’s directives – Army Chief long-overdue elections A – White House NSC

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he White House National Security Council (NSC) on Monday congratulated President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on his assumption to the presidency in Guyana, following his party’s victory at the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

In a twitter message, the US Government said it looks forward to strengthening its relationship with Guyana.

“The United States congratulates newly-inaugurated President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Guyanese people on their long-overdue election in which democracy

and transparency prevailed.

We look forward to strengthening the relationship with Guyana,” the message stated.

The NSC is the principal forum used by the President of the United States for consideration of national security, military, and foreign policy matters with senior national security advisors and Cabinet officials and is part of the Executive Office of the President of the United States of America.

The US Government has been very vocal in its stance for democracy and the rule of law to be respected in Guyana following attempts by elements to derail the electoral process.

These calls were joined by US Representative for New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District, Albio Sires, who also took to his Twitter account to lay congratulatory remarks, while encouraging the new Head of State to put the needs of Guyana first.

“I congratulate President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and look forward to working with

him and his administration to strengthen U.S.-Guyana relations. I urge him to prioritize national unity and reconciliation in the weeks ahead,” Sires penned.

The US Rep signalled at a sign of relief that despite the long wait, democracy was returned to the Guyanese people. He contended that the will of the people was indeed reflected through the declared results.

“I am relieved that democracy prevailed in Guyana’s elections.

I commend GECOM Chair Claudette Singh for her courage and I thank [Ambassador SarahAnn Lynch] for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and to ensure the election result reflected the will of the Guyanese people.”

The final declaration was made on Sunday after Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield finally submitted his elections report according to the directive by Guyana Elections Commission’s Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh.

PPP/C has secured

33 parliamentary seats, while APNU/AFC got 31 and joiner parties (A New and United Guyanese, Liberty and Justice Party, The New Movement) – which had an accumulated 5214 votes – received one seat.

Dr Ali was sworn-in by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards.

In his inaugural address as President, Dr Ali committed to Guyanese that he will uphold the Oath of Office he took and work every day in the best interests in the people of Guyana. (G12)

rmy Chief of Staff (ag), Godfrey Bess in a Command Directive to the officers and ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) related that they are now subjected to the directives of the country’s new Minister of Defence and Commander in Chief President Dr Irfaan Ali. Bess told the ranks that Dr Ali assumed the post when he took the Oath of Office before Chancellor of the Judiciary on Sunday making him the ninth Executive President of Guyana. He explained that from the moment Ali took the Oath of Office he automatically became the Commander in Chief and as a result, the GDF is now subjected to his directives.

“As the Guyana Defence Force has done in the past, it would continue to do now and that is to serve the State and people of Guyana under its Commander in Chief, President Dr Irfaan Ali. It is important that I remind you at that time that the Guyana Defence Force remain an apolitical national institution and therefore would continue to uphold its noble and exemplary tradition of service to the Guyanese nation and all our people,” said.

“As Chief of Staff acting, I pledge the Guyana Defence Force’s loyalty to Constitution of Guyana and the democratically elected Government to be led by our Minister of Defence

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Chief of Staff Godfrey Bess

and Commander in Chief President Dr Irfaan Ali. I commit the resources of the Guyana Defence Force to the State under the guidance of the Minister of Defence and Commander in Chief President Dr Irfaan Ali,” Bess added.

The Army Chief also committed the service of the officers and ranks to the conduct of the GDF’s constitutional mandate as they continue to work to deter aggression and defend Guyana’s sovereignty while ensuring the development of the country as a safe and secure place.

“I command your continued allegiance to our country the Co-op Rep of Guyana and command your delivery of service with the highest level of professionalism,” he

told the ranks.

Just about two weeks ago, Bess reminded soldiers that they are the “guardians” of Guyana’s patrimony and as such, there needs to be a senior officer corps that boasts of courageous and bold leaders.

Bess took over the helm of the GDF following the departure of then Chief Brigadier Patrick West, who went on pre-retirement leave on July 1.

As a result of that development, Bess was appointed by the then caretaker President David Granger to function as Chief of Staff; Colonel Trevor Bowman, Inspector General; Colonel Sherwin Anderson, Quartermaster General; and Colonel Raul Jerrick as Adjutant General. (G2)

Carter Center urges new Govt to address constitutional, electoral reform …congratulates President Irfaan Ali, PPP on election victory

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nce barred by the former A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Government from entering Guyana, The Carter Center on Monday extended congratulations to Guyana’s new President Dr Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

In a statement on Monday, the Center also reminded Guyana of the need for key leaders in Guyana to reach across the divide and work to ensure that fundamental electoral and constitutional reforms are completed as an urgent priority, well before the next election.

“The 2020 election was a true test of Guyana’s democracy, highlighting deep divides that persist in Guyanese society and the ways that the current political and electoral systems reinforce these divisions. It is critical that key leaders in Guyana now reach across the divide and work to ensure that fundamental electoral and constitutional reforms are completed as an urgent priority, well before the next election.”

“Guyana’s political leaders spoke of these ideals during the campaign period,

Carter Center leader Jason Carter

and the Center calls on them now to work together to realize them. An inclusive reform process – with civil society leaders playing a key role, and with strong support from the international community – will be essential.”

The Carter Center also praised the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and GECOM Chairperson Claudette Singh, for finalising the results of the 2020 election. The Center also recognised former President David Granger for complying with GECOM’s final declaration.

According to the election

watchdog, there is a need for the outgoing political party to cooperate and facilitate the smooth transition of Government. In fact, the group noted that this must be done quickly and that it is ready to assist if needed.

“The Center now calls on all political parties to work together to facilitate a smooth transition from one Government to another. The Guyanese people have shown great patience throughout this protracted process.”

“They deserve a Government that represents all Guyanese and that works collaboratively to move the country forward. The Center urges the new Government to move quickly to begin this process and stands ready to assist in these efforts and advance Guyana’s vast potential,” they added.

The former Government came under intense criticism for its refusal to allow The Carter Center to enter Guyana in order to observe the 33-day National Recount at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Many in the international community as well as Guyana’s civil society and political parties, had waged a tireless campaign to have

The Carter Center return to Guyana. The Carter Center had departed Guyana in March as the elections had dragged on, only to find its readmittance blocked after Guyana’s closed its airspace due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The United States Embassy had previously revealed that permission was sought from the heavily politicised National COVID-19 Task Force and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for a flight to land on May 4, and for the observers from The Carter Center to be allowed entry into Guyana on that flight.

However, a letter then surfaced from former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Karen Cummings, written on former President Granger’s behalf. Addressed to US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, the letter had asked the US to respect Guyana’s wishes to close its airspace due to COVID-19.

But while the former Government blocked The Carter Center and ignored the national and international outcry, it approved flights for others including repatriated Guyanese and ExxonMobil workers. (G3)

NEWS

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ABC countries commit to working with new Govt would pose implicit dangers to the hemisphere.

Now with a new Government in place, the two countries can finally continue to join forces without any implications that could gravely affect the Guyanese people.

Canada welcomes

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he United States of America has renewed commitment to strengthening its relationship with Guyana, following the swearing-in of a legitimate Government and new President, Dr Irfaan Ali. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was declared the winner on Sunday by the Guyana Elections Commission, which paved the way for the appointment hours later. This declaration came after a five-month delay and four coalition-sponsored court cases in a bid to stay in power.

As such, Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, James Risch took

a chance to congratulate the newly-minted Head of State on Monday, while recommitting their support in developing Guyana.

“Congratulations to Mohamed Irfaan Ali on being sworn in as President of Guyana yesterday. I look forward to working with President Ali as the Guyana people seek to build a more prosperous and democratic future,” Risch wrote on Twitter.

Less than one week ago, the US Government had announced another set of visa restrictions for senior Guyanese officials who were undermining democracy.

Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Western

Affairs of the US State Department, Michael Kozak made the revelation, adding that the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo was clear when he said that the Granger Administration and its allies continued to defy the will of the Guyanese people by refusing to accept the vote count.

“The count has been certified as valid by international observers OAS and Caricom, Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s highest courts. The United States joins the rest of the region refusing to go along with this farce. We will continue to act until the Granger Administration accepts the will of Guyanese voters,” Kozak noted.

This was one facet in which Guyana’s relationship with the US was affected by the delayed elections resolution, and there were even hints of serious consequences in the form of sanctions.

Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch had also asserted that the events that unfolded in Guyana since polling day – March 2, 2020 – were “highly disappointing”, and she continued to stress for the will of the Guyanese people to be respected. With Guyana and the US partnering in the areas of security, governance and prosperity, the diplomat had stressed that if the country continued to subvert democracy and the rule of law, then it

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada, FrançoisPhilippe Champagne also welcomed the declaration and the appointment of Guyana’s ninth President. He noted that despite the mounting challenges, the issues were finally put to an end.

Canada welcomes the declaration of the Guyana Elections Commission and congratulates Irfaan Ali on his election as the ninth Executive President of Guyana. We look forward to working with President Ali and his Government to advance our shared priorities.

Despite challenges in recent weeks, through these election results, the will of the people of Guyana has been reflected and the democratic process has been upheld,” Global Affairs Canada noted.

Champagne said Canada was pleased to support Guyana’s elections with technical assistance, and assist The Carter Center’s election observation mission and Caricom’s high-level team,

Foreign Affairs Minister of Canada, FrançoisPhilippe Champagne which observed the recounting of ballots.

UK

Positive remarks also came from the United Kingdom's Minister for Overseas Territories and Sustainable Development, Baroness Elizabeth Sugg, as she positioned on her social media handle, “Really pleased to see Guyana upholding its fundamental values of democracy, good governance and the rule of law and declaring a legitimate election result.”

These countries had been on the forefront since the March 2 polls, advocating for democracy to prevail in Guyana.

Commonwealth, Caricom look forward to working with President Ali …urge politicians to work together for greater good of Guyana

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he international community, which has closely followed Guyana’s prolonged elections and have stood firmly on the side of the people, have now issued an outpouring of congratulations for the new President, and committed their support to working with the new Government in developing the country.

It started on Sunday, immediately after the swearing-in of Dr Irfaan Ali as the ninth Executive President of Guyana. Congratulations continued to roll in on Monday, with Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland also promising the Commonwealth’s support to Guyana.

“I wish to reaffirm the Commonwealth’s unwavering commitment to supporting the people of Guyana in their quest to strengthen democratic and inclusive governance and ensure sustainable socio-economic development in the country,” Scotland said in her statement.

The Commonwealth SG also lauded President Ali for his commitment given after the swearing-in exercise to work in the interest of all Guyanese. She encouraged all politicians in Guyana, across the political divide, to work together in the interest of national reconciliation.

In her statement, Baroness Scotland made sure to commend the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for finally completing the fivemonth-long process, dragged out by the shenanigans of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change

mer Chairman of the Ghana Elections Commission, who is still on the ground in Guyana, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Commonwealth will forever remember your selfless service,” she added.

Owen Arthur

Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland

(APNU/AFC).

She was also high in praises for GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh for sticking to her convictions and upholding the Constitution when she ultimately made her declaration on Sunday afternoon in favour of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

“Through challenging times, the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission exemplified the courage, fortitude and grace required to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. I wish to thank her for the bravery and strength of purpose that she demonstrated throughout,” Scotland wrote.

“Profound gratitude, too, to the Commonwealth Senior Electoral Advisers, deployed in January under the auspices of my good offices to support GECOM: Dr Nasim Zaidi, former Chief Election Commissioner of India; and Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, for-

Scotland also made sure to pay special tribute to former Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur, who as Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group to Guyana, was vociferous in his fight for the will of the people to triumph.

According to Scotland, his efforts in Guyana were invaluable.

“Finally, the Chairman of the Commonwealth Observer Group to the 2 March General and Regional Elections was the indefatigable, Rt Hon Owen Arthur, former Prime Minister of Barbados, who sadly passed away recently,” Scotland wrote.

“As one of his very last gifts of notable leadership to the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, which he loved, he worked for Guyana to maintain its trajectory on a democratic path. He would have rejoiced witnessing this momentous and peaceful democratic landmark for Guyana. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Arthur led Barbados for an unprecedented three consecutive terms from 1994 to 2008, having served as Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Peter from 1984 to 2013. In 2013, Arthur announced that election would be his last after the Barbados Labour Party was defeated.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque

During his time in Guyana standing up for the will of the people, Arthur clashed with former Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Karen Cummings and APNU/AFC Campaign Manager Joseph Harmon.

Arthur passed away at midnight on July 27 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, aged 70. The elder statesman was hospitalised last month with heart complications and was said to be a patient at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Caricom

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) also embraced the results and congratulated President Ali. Caricom, which oversaw the recount that produced Ali’s victory, also commended the people of Guyana for their patience and maturity.

“The Community congratulates His Excellency Mohammed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative

Republic of Guyana, and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on their victory at the polls,” Caricom said in a statement.

“The Chairman of Caricom, Dr the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines called the President to extend his best wishes, while Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, personally conveyed his congratulations to the President at yesterday’s swearing-in ceremony,” Caricom also said, adding that they will continue to support the Government’s efforts to develop Guyana.

Congratulations also came President Ali’s way on Monday from former Trinidadian Prime Minister and leader of the United National Congress (UNC), Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who in a statement said that democracy and liberty prevailed in the end over Guyana.

“The strong showing in the polls by Dr Ali as well as his party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was a clear reflection of the confidence and faith that the citizens of Guyana have in the vision which the PPP put forward in their campaign, fulfilling the old saying, "the voice of the people is the voice of God,” She wrote.

“Based on his party's campaign theme, "We are stronger together", there is no doubt that the expertise, solid vision, as well as experience of Dr Ali and his team, would ensure that Guyana continues to go from strength to strength.”

According to Persad, the

Former T&T Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Caribbean region remains grateful for the contributions Guyana has made to the region. As such, she extended best wishes to the new Administration, in reaching the lofty goals set by the party’s manifesto.

Dr Ali was sworn in at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Sunday by Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonnette Cummings. A number of members of the diplomatic community were present, including US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, UK High Commissioner Greg Quinn, Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee and EU Ambassador Fernando PonzCanto - representing the ABCE countries.

Following his swearing in, there was an outpouring of congratulatory statements, including from the ABCE countries, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the US Department of State. (G3)

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FITUG extends hearty AmCham congratulates congratulations to President Ali HE President Irfaan Ali

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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) joins in extending our sincere congratulations to His Excellency President Dr Mohammed Irfaan Ali as our country’s ninth Executive President.

President Ali’s ascension to office came after an arduous five (5) month delay in the declaration of March 02, 2020 elections. The period, though seeming relatively short, was a deeply challenging time for our nation as new waves of struggles were ignited for the preservation of our country’s democratic culture and several legal hurdles have to be overcome. Though difficult, it revealed the true character of certain leaders.

As President Ali and

his PPP/C Administration take the reins of the State, they do so at a critical juncture. They must confront the global health pandemic in COVID-19 and its heavy economic tailwinds. On this score, the FITUG stands ready to work together with Dr Ali and his team as we must collectively steer the ship of Guyana out of the rough waters it currently finds itself. We are confident that our new President is up to the heavy tasks that have fallen on his shoulders as he grapples with his new office and faces up to alleviating the burdens that affect the ordinary man, woman and child.

We, at this time, recognise former President David Granger for his service to the nation and extend best

wishes to him as he moves into the next chapter of his life. As we hail our country’s new, youthful President we must pay tribute to the thousands of Guyanese and non-Guyanese, both locally and internationally, who stood up to defend and consolidate our democracy.

Our nation will forever be indebted to the many that spoke out and championed the cries of our people.

At this time, there is much work to be done and the clock is already ticking. But we are certain that our collective efforts will redound to the benefit of all Guyana. Our country is a rich, vibrant and wonderful place. Let us all collectively work to heal the wounds inflicted and together build a better and stronger Guyana.

A

mCham Guyana wishes to congratulate HE Dr Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Hon Mark Phillips, Prime Minister, and the Hon Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President, on their election to office.

It is our sincere hope that

the already prosperous relationship between the United States and Guyana will continue to grow.

AmCham looks forward to working with the new Administration to further develop a mutually-beneficial partnership that promotes trade and investment policies, so that US

and Guyanese businesses can continue to grow in each other’s respective markets.

AmCham Guyana is a non-profit, non-partisan trade association that works to foster a business climate that bolsters trade and investment and supports industry to flourish in both the United States and Guyana.

GMSA looks forward to working with President Ali in developing Guyana

O

n behalf of the Board and members of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Ltd (GMSA), I wish to extend warm congratulations on your electoral success and best wishes

as you take up the responsibilities and challenges of leading our country.

The GMSA looks forward to working with you and your Government to advance economic growth and development. In particular, we

stand ready to work in partnership with Government for the expansion of the manufacturing and services sectors in Guyana.

Shyam Nokta President

IRO congratulates President Ali IAC urges President Ali to mitigate Several months prior to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, the Inter Religious Organisation of Guyana (IROG) began supplicating God, asking His intercession to keep the election period peaceful. We are thankful that our prayers were heard and answered.

We would like to congratulate the new President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his incoming Cabinet.

We would also like to thank former President David Granger and his team, for their service to the country.

We will continue to of-

fer prayers on behalf of the country and its leadership.

May God bless Guyana as we reaffirm our faith and trust in Him. We would also like to remember our nation in prayer concerning the horrific COVID-19 pandemic.

May the citizens of Guyana find favour in His sight.

the damage done to the socio-economic situation of Guyana

T

he Indian Action Committee (IAC) is extremely pleased to congratulate His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, PhD, on his accession to the Executive Presidency of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, being the ninth person to hold the highest office of this country.

The IAC, a registered Non-Governmental Organisation which deals with the issues and concerns of persons of IndoGuyanese and mixed Indo-Guyanese origin, and which promotes and preserves Indian culture in Guyana, recognises

President Ali as the first adherent of Islam to hold this office.

The IAC hopes that President Ali can move quickly to mitigate the massive amount of damage done to the socio-economic situation of Guyana that has occurred over the past five years, and the enormous tearing apart of the ethnic fabric of the country that ensued after March 2 2020.

The IAC urges President Ali to take full control of the health crisis in Guyana given the dangerous ability of COVID-19 to destabilise the entire country.

The IAC is fully con-

fident that President Ali possesses all of the necessary qualities to repair the destruction that has been visited upon Guyana due to the past five years of gross mismanagement.

The IAC also welcomes the new First Lady and her son and extends to them the best wishes of the organisation.

The IAC wishes President Ali and his new Government the greatest success in their future endeavours to bring economic development to this country while ensuring peace and harmony amongst the citizens in the quest for national reunification.

GGDMA calls on new Govt to swiftly develop a prosperous and inclusive Guyana

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he Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) extends congratulations to His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Honourable Brigadier Rt Mark Phillips, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the PPP/Civic on winning the 2020 polls.

The GGDMA is also pleased that the Constitution of

Guyana was upheld. We urge the Government to move swiftly to develop a prosperous and inclusive Guyana, one in which peace, development, and unity become the hallmark.

The Miners’ Association looks forward to a fruitful relationship with the Government and one which will help to improve and expand the mining sector to benefit all Guyanese. We remain committed to sup-

porting the democratically elected Government of Guyana and renew our call for a dedicated Ministry of Mining to recognise the value of the extractive sector.

The Government must now urgently address the COVID-19 pandemic which is affecting all Guyanese including the mining sector and to let us all work together to build a prosperous and inclusive nation.

NEWS

3 dead in Berbice smash-up

By Andrew Carmichael

A

Guyana Defence Force Air Corp Officer is among three persons that are now dead after a car slammed into a truck on the Corentyne Highway on Sunday evening.

Dead are 21-year-old Jessica Leitch of Rose Hall Town, 21-year-old GDF Air Corp Officer Kwesi Lewis of Corriverton and 25-year-old Reon Moriah, a labourer, also of Corriverton.

Those injured are a 43-year-old lorry driver of Whim, 19-year-old Simon Alder of Liverpool and

Lethem duo arraigned for possession of ganja, illegal shotgun

Dead: Reon Moriah

Dead: Jessica Leitch

Dead: Kwesi Lewis

The cars involved in the accident

21-year-old Police Constable Krishan Raju of Scothburg, Corriverton.

According to the police, the accident occurred at about 23:30h on Sunday. Initial enquiries disclosed that motor lorry GJJ 6939 was proceeding west on the southern side of the road whilst motor car PGG 9262 was proceeding in the opposite direction on the northern side of the road when the accident occurred.

The driver of the lorry told Police that he was about to park on the southern parapet when motor car PGG 9262 collided with the right rear wheel of the lorry. Shortly after, motor car PWW 582, which was proceeding west on the southern side of the road, collided with the rear of the said lorry.

Breathalyser tests were conducted and the drivers of the two cars were found to be above the legal limit and are in police custody.

At the time of the accident, the three deceased were occupants in a car driven by Alder. It is reported that he was taking Leitch home following a party at Alness.

Meanwhile, a video of the accident, which was recorded after the first car had collided with the rear wheel of the lorry, shows the vehicle parked with its hazard lights on when the second car came along at a fast rate of speed and slammed into the back of the lorry.

When this publication visited Leitch’s mother, Amanda Small, she was inconsolable and could not say much.

However, Lewis’s mother, Tomica Soloman, spoke to Guyana Times and relayed the information she gathered.

She related that when she saw her son’s body at the scene, he was sitting with his hands folded on his chest.

“That is how he would sleep. So, I know that he was sleeping in the car and don’t even know anything. If he

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The lorry which was slammed into

was awake, he would have told the driver that the truck was there because the road has lights and the truck had its lights blinking. So, the driver had to nod off and his foot press and the car pick up speed,” the former Police Officer stated.

She said she spoke with the driver, who is her son’s

former school mate and neighbour, who related bits and pieces of what occurred.

“He tell me that the truck did not have on lights, but the video I see the truck had on the lights, but he is a young boy. We will just have to let the police do their investigation,” she added.

According to Solomon, her

son would have celebrated his 21st birthday the day before he died. She related that he had been a member of the Air Corp since March 2019, and had been on a one-week rotation since the pandemic.

He came off of work on Friday and was expected to return on Thursday.

“When he came to see his baby brother he held him so tight and was rocking him and recently he was telling me that he loves me; not that he never use to do it but… it was extra special,” the grieving mother related.

He leaves to mourn his parents and three siblings.

Meanwhile, Moriah’s mother, Patrica Georgeson, was still in a state of shock and was still trying to come to grips with the passing of her son.

Sitting at a shed opposite her Lot 8 Circle Street, Corriverton, Georgeson said that it is most difficult for her to go into the house as her child will no longer be there.

She said the labourer did not tell her where he was going but she referred to her son as being very loving.

The grieving mother recalled that she received a telephone call at about midnight on Sunday, informing her about the accident, after which she went to the New Amsterdam Hospital but subsequently learned that the bodies were at the Port Mourant Hospital.

The 235 grams of suspected cannabis which was unearthed

T

wo men appeared at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court where they were arraigned for the possession of narcotics and an illegal shotgun.

Randolph Christopher and

The unlicensed shotgun that was found

Prince Smith both appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson.

Christopher pleaded guilty for being in possession of 235 grams of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined $10,000.

On the other hand, Smith pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 31 at Moco Moco Central Rupununi, he had in his possession one shotgun without being the holder of a firearm license.

He was nevertheless granted bail in the sum of $75,000 and was ordered to make his next court appearance on August 24.

The court heard that on July 31, 2020, Police acting on information received went to Moco Moco Settlement, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), where they conducted a search.

During the search, 235 grams of cannabis and an unlicensed shotgun were unearthed. At the time of the search, the two accused were at the location and as such, they were arrested, interrogated and charged.

East Ruimveldt man gunned down at D’Urban St

The crowd gathered at the scene of the shooting The man’s body being removed from the scene

P

olice have launched an investigation into the gunning down of an East East Ruimveldt, Georgetown man on Monday evening at the corner of D’Urban and Chapel Streets, Georgetown.

Dead is Rondel Haynes called “Trini” of Lot 428 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

When this newspaper ar-

rived on the scene, persons in the area said that they heard multiple gunshots and then they saw the body of the father of one on the roadway. This newspaper was told that Haynes recently returned from Barbados.

Guyana Times understands that at about 19:00h, Haynes and another friend were hanging out in front of

a business place on D’Urban and Chapel Streets when an armed man pounced on them and started firing shots.

The dead man was shot three times to the head and several times about his body.

Emergency services arrived and pronounced him dead.

Shortly after the shooting, family members arrived on the scene and were trying to come to grips with the

passing of Haynes.

His sister, Sherona Haynes, told reporters that she received a call from someone informing her that her brother was shot.

She related that she rushed to the scene where she confirmed her worst fears as she saw her brother lying in a pool of blood.

She stated that she has no idea why someone would want to end her brother’s

life. Haynes leaves to mourn a child, a girlfriend and his family members.

Investigations are ongoing.

Only, last month, 47-year-old Kissoondatt Premsukh, a contractor of Lot 138 Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was executed by two armed men at his D’Urban Street, Lodge worksite.

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

COVID-19 strikes

1 COVID-19 positive, 2 other J’cans forced out of CPL due to possible exposure, says JCA J

amaica Cricket Association (JCA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Courtney Francis says the sporting body is working closely alongside the Health and Wellness Ministry after a Jamaican cricketer recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“We have not yet determined how many people might have been affected. We are adhering to the health and safety guidance set out by the Government of Jamaica.

We are in dialogue with all

the necessary parties, including the Ministry, to ensure that everybody is aware of the developments,” he told the Jamaica Observer on Sunday.

The Observer has learnt that the player who tested positive was among a group of cricketers who had been training under the supervision of Jamaica Scorpions Head Coach Andre Coley.

Two players who

Jermaine Blackwood

might have been exposed were withdrawn from the Jamaica Tallawahs squad set to depart Monday via charter flight for Trinidad and Tobago for the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament.

They have been replaced by West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood and former region-

al youth spinner Ramaal Lewis.

The cricketer who tested positive also misses out on the competition.

He had been drafted to represent one of the other five CPL franchises.

Players, coaches and members of the Jamaica Scorpions backroom staff were under quarantine, and health personnel were expected to begin testing of possible contacts Monday.

“Each player going to Trinidad for the CPL had to be tested, and for that player his result came back positive on Thursday. On account of that, we provided evidence to the CPL, and working with the Ministry of Health, we provided what they needed for contact tracing,” Francis said, while noting that prior to testing positive the player had shown no symptom.

“Players have been put into isolation and things have been put in place to start testing of ones who might be affected, including the Coach and so on. Those tests are to start Monday at 7:30 am, so depending on the results, we will decide on how to move forward. As it is now, there will be no practice for the next 14 days,” he continued.

Up to Saturday, Jamaica had recorded a total of 883 confirmed cases of the virus with 10 deaths and 743 recoveries. The story is far grimmer worldwide with over 680,000 deaths from approximately 18 million cases.

“It’s unfortunate, because it could have happened to anybody. And it is very unfortunate for those two players in particular. There is no evidence, as we speak, that they are ill, but because of how the protocols are set out and for the safety of everyone, things had to be done that way.

“As it is, a person would require two straight nega-

Ramaal Lewis tive tests before he or she is cleared, and even then, there is the quarantine period, so they obviously would not catch that flight to Trinidad,” the JCA chief executive told the Observer.

He noted that the JCA had been facilitating practice for groups of players at a time in adherence to health guidelines.

“There has been training for smaller groups of three or four [players] per day.

Our protocols were so designed that it was easy for the Ministry because we have a registry that players have to sign when they come in each day. It’s only three or four players per day and we got their temperature, and we also do that for the support staff. Having knowledge of it [the positive case], we stopped the training,” he reiterated.

He said video footage of training sessions was recorded.

The 2020 CPL was scheduled to be staged across venues in the Region between August 19 and September 26, but changes were forced owing to the spread of the virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease.

The rescheduled tournament is to be hosted in Trinidad and Tobago from August 18 to September 10.

All matches are to be played behind closed doors at Queen’s Park Oval in the capital Port of Spain and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

(Jamaica Observer)

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

T&T CoP chairs CPL security meeting C

ommissioner of Police (CoP) Gary Griffith chaired a security meeting of all stakeholders involved in the 2020 edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament, which bowls off on August 18 in Trinidad and Tobago.

The entire competition will be played there and it ends on September 10.

Saturday's meeting was held at the Trinidad Hilton Hotel, where all six teams will be housed and which will be used as the tournament Bubble.

Among the stakeholders at the meeting were the Health Ministry, Heads of Police Divisions Port-ofSpain and Southern, the T&T Defence Force, the General Manager of the Hilton and his security personnel, and CPL security coordinators.

This meeting is on the heels of Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley’s announcement on Friday in which he assured the general public that the CPL will not affect T&T. "The CPL games are quite different, that's a bubble," Prime Minister Rowley said at the Health Ministry press conference on Friday

at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's. "Everything that will go on around the CPL will go on in a bubble that does not interact with the local population.

"They will come into the country under the protocols of entry, all having tested negative before. When they come here, they are confined to the Hilton Hotel and that becomes a bubble for them. Then they will go to a venue to play the game where they will not interact with the population and so the CPL is a bubble that has nothing to do with what goes on in the country."

CoP Griffith is advising the public that all measures are being put in place to ensure the health and safety of all local and international players.

In a news release Sunday, Griffith stated: "All teams will have to undergo a quarantine period of 14 days during which they will be monitored and tested by officials of the Ministry of Health. All teams will be staying under quarantine at the Hilton."

Commissioner Griffith added that "…all teams will be kept in sanitised zones which are termed "bubbles"”. He pointed out that

T&T Commissioner of Police, Gary Griffith

fans and family members will not be allowed to visit training sessions, matches, or the hotel. No spectators will be allowed at the venues during the games.

The tournament, featuring the six franchise teams – the Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Zouks and Trinbago Knight Riders – will have matches at the Queen's Park Oval, Port-of-Spain, and at the Brian Lara Academy, Tarouba, South Trinidad.

The Gold Commander for the CPL tournament is acting Assistant Commissioner Floris Hodge-Griffith.

So far, there are 173

positive cases in T&T with eight deaths as of Sunday.

PM Rowley also said that breaching of biosecurity protocols by players and staff will strictly not be tolerated.

"Don't play you can come out from that protocol and decide to take a drink down the road or whatever, we're not tolerating that. We've established very strict protocols."

The opening match will be between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy from 10:00h followed by the defending champions the Tridents against the Patriots from 17:30h. (Trinidad Guardian)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Jefford Track and Field Classic XI postponed

T

he 11th edition of the Jefford Track and Field Classic XI slated for Sunday, August 9, 2020, at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden was another casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press release announcing the postponement of the event, founder Edison Jefford thanked everyone for their support and explained that they decided to postpone the event until Sunday, August 8, 2021 in Linden as a result of the restrictive social distancing rules and curfew that are in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Jefford said, “We anticipate that you will continue to support this event that is now a national tradition in the mining community. This event has hosted several of the Caribbean’s most popular athletes in Guyana since 2010. The media has played a prominent role in the development of this event in the Linden community and has added immense value to the activities. Without your support, our success

Founder Edison Jefford

would not have been possible. We, therefore, take this opportunity to extend our profound gratitude to you and all our stakeholders for your contribution to the success of Guyana’s biggest athletics championships. In addition, we would like to thank the following partners for their support: ExxonMobil, ANSA McAL Trading Limited, National Sports Commission, Let’s Bet Sports, DeSinco Trading, Andrew’s Supermarket, MVP Sports, Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs, R&D Engineering Inc, Fire Side Grill and Chill, Jai Signs and Designs, Grill Kings and Gordon Gilhuys.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Local GAW players off to T&T

The eight Guyanese players for the Guyana Amazon Warriors - Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul, Anthony Bramble, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Kevin Sinclair and Ashmead Nedd departed on Monday evening for Trinidad and Tobago. All players for the tournment will proceed into training camp ahead of the games that are scheduled to start on August 18.

This year, all matches will be played in Trinidad and Tobago. Also in photo is the team’s Assistant Coach, Rayon Griffith.

CPL: Courtney Walsh and Mark O’Donnell step in after St Kitts & Nevis Patriots lose top coaching staff

S

t Kitts & Nevis Patriots have had to rejig their backroom staffers’ line-up just two weeks before Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 after Simon Helmot, their Head Coach, and Malolan Rangarajan, the Assistant Coach, were forced to miss the tournament for different reasons.

The franchise has brought in former West Indies Captain Courtney Walsh and Mark O’Donnell from New Zealand, who had worked together with Jamaica Tallawahs in 2015, to fill the gaps.

Helmot tested positive for COVID-19 on July 27, the day he was to fly out of Melbourne to the Caribbean, while Rangarajan is a talent

Courtney Walsh

scout at Royal Challengers Bangalore, and is expected to be involved in the team’s pre-season camp in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from the end of August. Rangarajan will,

however, continue to assist the Patriots remotely as a strategic consultant.

Current CPL guidelines require all players and support staff to clear COVID-19 tests before they fly out to the Caribbean and fulfil a two-week quarantine period in Trinidad and Tobago, where the entire season will be played.

“I tested positive five hours before I was to fly out, and I’m shattered that I won’t be able to be part of Patriots this season,” Helmot told ESPNcricinfo.

“I was asymptomatic, and my second test has come back negative, but I’m still in home isolation until the department of health and human services give me a green signal.

Mark O' Donnell

“Victoria is currently in stage four of lockdown, after a recent spike in cases.

Because of my quarantine restrictions, I wouldn’t have been able to make it in time for the season owing to the

quarantine protocols. I’m incredibly thankful to Mahesh Ramani, the franchise owner, and the CPL team of Pete Russell, Tom Moody, and the others for working incredibly hard behind the scenes to put it together.”

Helmot, who was Coach when Trinbago Knight Riders won the title in 2015, has a multi-year contract with the Patriots, and is hoping to return to the Caribbean next year. He has also previously been involved with Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash league, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), apart from stints in Bangladesh as head of their high-performance centre.

Meanwhile, Tallawahs

have been hit by the withdrawal of two squad members, Andre McCarthy and Jeavor Royal, who had come into close contact with another player who had tested positive FOR COVID-19.

“To lose both players… it is a big blow,” Tallawahs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Miller told Radio Jamaica Sports. “But at the end of the day, the safety of the players comes first.”

Jermaine Blackwood, West Indies’ leading run-scorer on their Test tour to England, will come in as a replacement player, while young Australian all-rounder Antum Naqvi replaces Tabraiz Shamsi, who has had to opt out because South Africa’s borders remain closed. (ESPNcricinfo)

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