Guyana Times --Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Govt working P to deliver emergency budget next week – Chief Whip 14

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4396

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Manzoor Nadir elected Speaker of National Assembly guyanatimesgy.com

Page 18

Opposition walks out of Parliament, objects to Shuman as Deputy Speaker Page 7

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Expansion project

Govt will not P12 accept CJIA in current state – President Ali

Only Gail Teixeira submitted proof of relinquished foreign citizenship P11 – Clerk …Harmon's, Shuman's outstanding

…APNU/AFC hijacked Speaker, Deputy Speaker posts in 2011 – Teixeira reminds 2 more

Expect development, progress from 12th Chris Jones attends opening of Parliament Parliament – Jagdeo even though tested Pages 3 & 18

…as House approves $11.2B for constitutional agencies

Page 16

P18

COVID-19 deaths recorded

Drug mule evades Police, leaves 100lbs ganja, CRV P15 behind

4 nabbed with $320,000 in P10 counterfeit notes

positive for COVID-19

Attempt to rig elections

Lowenfield's personal assistant arrested Page 17

Ponzi scheme P16 couple slapped with 12 new charges

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 2 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Thursday, September 3 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 2 – 16:40h – 18:10h and Thursday, September 3 – 04:55h – 06:25h.

Expect development, progress from 12th Parliament – Jagdeo

…Opposition commits to support Govt on sovereignty, public security issues

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Westerly to East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 16:51h reaching maximum height of 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 10:27h and 22:40h reaching a minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.62 metre.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2020

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MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$45.58/barrel

+0.66

Rough Rice

$220.19/ton

0.00

London Sugar

$362.50/ton

+0.78

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1965.10

$1966.10

Low/High

$1959.90

$1995.20

-4.70

-0.24%

Change

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he first sitting of the 12th Parliament got underway on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), with parliamentarians, both old and new, taking up their seats after being administered the oath of office.

With such a diverse group heading to the National Assembly, a number of parliamentarians spoke to the media about their expectations and what they will seek to accomplish during their time in the hallowed chambers.

In his interview with the media, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo made it clear that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) will be pushing a progressive, robust parliamentary agenda, in line with their manifesto promises. “(Expect) a lot of progress. Big focus on development.

Implementation of the plans that we campaigned on,” Jagdeo said.

“It will be an aggressive agenda…in that budget, you are going to see a lot of our manifesto promises fulfilled, although it’s an emergency budget. We need to have a stimulus package ready for the Private Sector to resume economic activity.”

On the legislative front, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has signalled that the 12th Parliament will be an active and energised one. According to Nandlall, there are a number of legislations that must be piloted through the National Assembly.

“There is a menu of legislation that will come.

Particularly directed to new challenges we are facing as a country. Certainly, a new public health act. The one we have is decades old. New legislation to deal with the oil and gas sector. New legislation in the area of administration of justice, in the settling of disputes outside the court system, in terms of food security, the environment, new legislation to deal with social issues.”

“So, on the legislative side, it’s going to be very active. Then another com-

ponent will have to do with constitutional reform. You know we have committed to constitutional reform, so that will be another part of the parliamentary agenda. Then we have to bring policies and financial instruments to Parliament for scrutiny and oversight,” Nandlall added.

M e a n w h i l e , Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister and Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira made it clear that this Parliament has a lot of work to do, and unlike the 11th Parliament, it will be more actively engaged.

“We’ll be meeting and dealing with very important matters, not like the last one that didn’t meet often.

So, I think we have a lot of work to do, a heavy agenda.

So, I think it will be an interesting Parliament for the public and for us to rectify a number of things.”

Minister of Local Government, Nigel Dharamlall promised to remain as accessible to the public as when he was in Opposition. According to him, the public can expect the PPP to bring the same passion for public service as when they were in opposition.

Primarily known for his representation in the sugar sector, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) General Secretary Seepaul Narine also spoke of his expectations, as a Parliamentarian representing the PPP. “It is my expectation that we can bring some justice to the working-class people, because the PPP is basically

a workers party. So, it is my expectation that the livelihood of the working-class people will be improved under this Government,” Narine said.

Opposition

On the Opposition side of the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker and Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) leader, Lennox Shuman laid out his expectations.

“I expect that the Parliament will do the work that is necessary for the people and we will conduct ourselves in a dignified and unified manner, because all of Guyana is watching and we all have expectations about what we want,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking with the media following his election, Joseph Harmon said that he is “humbled and honoured to have been sworn in as Leader of the Opposition”, adding that he is privileged to lead such a young, diverse and dynamic team of parliamentarians.

“We all are, but our young parliamentarians and our women parliamentarians, in particular, are brimming with enthusiasm and eagerness to get the people’s work done. Much of this work will be done in the communities, meeting citizens eyeball to eyeball.

This will ensure the issues we raise in the National Assembly will be those that are raised by the people themselves and that will benefit them,” Harmon said.

He noted that as Opposition they will give support to the Government only to those issues of which

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon

affect the sovereignty, public security and any other matter they determine to be in the national interest.

Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde, who represents the opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), spoke of what the nation can expect from him. He also expressed hope that there can be scope for him to lend his insight on critical issues.

“I expect we will have to work quite hard to improve the lives of the Guyanese people. There’s a lot of work to be done across the board, constitutional reform and other areas of public life, to benefit the Guyanese people.”

The current configuration in the National Assembly is that the PPP holds 33 seats and the Opposition holds 32 – inclusive of the 31 seats held

by APNU/AFC and the one seat held by Shuman’s LJP in collaboration with his joinder parties. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 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

Prioritising needs

P

resident Irfaan Ali and his Government have hit the ground running within moments of being sworn in to office. The 12th Parliament has convened, and a national emergency budget is expected to be presented and passed in a matter of days.

Certainly, the task ahead in addressing the many needs of citizens is not an easy one. With communities competing for scarce resources, the Government would have to prioritise the areas they would wish to focus on immediately.

In many communities across the country, persons are crying out for basic services such as water, healthcare and affordable housing. Many persons have been without jobs for months, and are finding it very challenging to take care of themselves and their families. The signs of poverty are in evidence in many communities across the country.

There is no need to explain the economic situation inherited by the new Government, as this is well known. With many of the economic sectors being in decline, President Ali is now expected to take the necessary action to revive the economy and bring it to a state where investors would again have a high level of confidence in its performance.

The new Government has promised a range of measures, which it intends to roll out in the coming weeks; including working with the Private Sector to support small businesses and create jobs etc. The President had said that he had already started to examine, from a fiscal perspective, the extent of support Government can give to the Private Sector to stimulate a resumption of their economic activities, especially putting back to work people who have been dislodged because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among other long-term economic measures which no doubt would result in a better quality of life for citizens, the Government intends to work to reduce the cost of energy by 50 percent through a mix of hydro, gas, solar, and wind, adding more than 400 megawatts of newly installed capacity over the next five years.

Additionally, the Government has indicated that high transportation costs will be tackled through investments in a deep-water harbour, the Linden-to-Lethem Road, a high-span bridge across the Demerara River, and other transformative infrastructural projects.

The President has said his vision is to open up every part of our country, and to join the parts so that new opportunities are created for housing settlements and businesses, and to create and expand tourism and other service industries.

It is our hope that the Government would address the systemic socio-economic inequalities and facilitate the engagement of all people in matters of national development.

In Guyana, too many citizens are still considered living below the poverty line, and many more are still waiting to access the opportunities that would allow them to lift themselves out of poverty.

The UN has noted that poverty is not simply measured by inadequate income; it is manifested in restricted access to health, education, sanitation and other essential services; and, too often, by the denial or abuse of other fundamental human rights. They are marginalised in Government participation.

Guyana is not a poor country in terms of natural resources. Guyana’s hinterland possesses bountiful natural resources. But despite this endowment, the country remains underdeveloped and mired in poverty, and is plagued by poor infrastructure and environmental hazards.

It is also noted that there is a wide disparity in development and in household income between the hinterland and the coastland regions, and between urban and rural areas. Urban areas are more developed, and have much higher household incomes. Efforts must be made to reduce this gap if the nation is to become more equal in terms of urban versus rural areas and/or hinterland versus coastal regions.

President Ali’s Government must seek to ensure that the wealth of our country reaches the pockets of citizens in a fair and equitable manner.

President Dr Irfaan Ali visited communities along Canje, East Berbice on Tuesday where he distributed hampers, which contained a month's supply of food and hygiene items. In photo, the Head of State interacts with a child during his visit (Office of the President photo)

PPP/C practises inclusive governance Dear Editor, In May this year, former President David Granger made a call for inclusive government, saying that no one party should have a monopoly on political power in Guyana. This was after the March 2rd General and Regional Elections, when he already knew that the PPP/C had won a landslide victory and the Coalition had suffered a predictable ‘mud slide’.

In retrospect, Granger did not call for ‘inclusive governance’ in 2015, when the Coalition won by a slim margin of less than 1%, or just over 4,000 votes; he literally threw caution to the wind, and began his journey to become a dictator like his mentor, the late LFS Burnham.

But what does “inclusive governance” mean? Granger seems to believe this means sharing the “spoils” with the winner. He wanted “shared governance”. He seemed oblivious that the voters, through the electoral process, elect a political party to Government which had spoken through its manifesto and by its selection of suitable candidates. He is of the opinion that we will fight the elections, but if we lose, then we must share the Government, since we obtained the second largest number of votes.

If that is the case, then we should abandon all future elections, or all the parties should come together and sign a Cummingsburg Accord like what the APNU and AFC did. This interpretation is not only incorrect, but reflects greed and selfishness, qualities which the Coalition has displayed in gigantic proportions during its tenure in Government.

He should have known that people will only re-elect a Government based on its track record. People elect a Government whom they feel will deliver socio-economic development as promised in their manifesto.

Granger must under-

stand that, “Governance is inclusive when it effectively serves and engages all people; takes into account gender and other facets of personal identity; and when institutions, policies, processes and services are accessible, accountable and responsive to all members of society”. This would suggest that “inclusive governance” begins with the selection of a list of diverse candidates and continues to the time when the elected Government would select officials in various capacities.

In his tenure as President, Granger governed in a biased and undemocratic manner, which brought prosperity to the chosen few. It was clear that, according to Volda Lawrence, “only PNC people will get the work”. But sad to say, the Coalition neglected even its own constituencies and those who voted for it. The Coalition never engaged the people, and it was only after the successful No Confidence Motion that its members embarked on taxpayer-funded ‘outreaches’.

The Coalition Government became inaccessible, and the word “accountability” was an alien jargon, as corruption became a way of life and their ministers and Government officials lived the ‘good life’.

The Coalition lost the 2020 Elections by over 20,000 votes if we combined the PPP/C’s huge margin with the Joinder parties. In 2015, the Coalition scrambled a win by just over 4,000 votes, yet its members plunged the socio-economic structures of the country into a state of retrogression, dismissing perceived PPP/C supporters like a tsunami. Their failed policies, greed, corruption, mismanagement, squandermania, and complete disregard and disdain for the rule of law brought about their demise. If they had governed in the interest of the people and the country, then there would have been no need to

beg for “shared governance” under the guise of inclusive governance.

Then, to make matters worse, after the March 2nd General Elections, the Coalition ensured that the world became cognisant of their treasonable deceit and treachery to illegally remain in power. The Coalition squandered our hard earned and scarce taxpayers’ dollars in attempting to install another dictatorship.

How can such a party of thieves and fraudsters be entitled to be inclusive in the governance process? Those involved in inclusive governance must be honest about serving the needs of this nation. Immediately, persons like Ralph Ramkarran, Lenox Shuman and Carl Greenidge come to mind.

The PPP/C is serious about inclusive governance as three Coalition-appointed REOs have been retained.

We have seen also Captain Gerry Gouveia’s appointment, among others.

The composition of the PPP/C ministerial portfolios and its Members of Parliament speak volume of inclusive governance. No doubt, all Guyanese are properly represented.

Moreover, the Coalition is still unrepentant for all the atrocities its members have committed, and its leaders, especially Joseph Harmon, are now inciting violent protests, which resulted in the Belladrum protest. This is just another attempt to thwart the legal process in bringing Mingo to justice.

In 2014, it was the same Harmon who had accused the PPP/C Government of “inciting violence against the Opposition”, but now he is encouraging such a path. He encouraged the Belladrum protesters and urged them on. Harmon cannot fool anyone that the protest was only about Mingo’s lawful detention. It is just a façade to mask the ulterior motives of attempting to make

the country ungovernable and destabilising the PPP/C Government, since they have failed in all their fraudulent attempts so far to access the seat of power. They have now resorted to bullyism and hooliganism to create the fear factor as they did in the past, but this will not work. Times have changed, and there is zero tolerance for this type of behaviour.

How can people who continue to propagate violent protests and instability be ever involved in “inclusive governance” or “shared governance”? The PNC has a history of violent protests, thuggery and bullyism, and that will never change. Sadly, the AFC leaders are now supporting this type of atrocious and uncivilised behaviour.

Then the frivolous election petition is yet another insult to any reasonable person’s sensibilities. Until now the Coalition cannot publish its SoPs, and are relying on a few “anomalies and irregularities” which are so infinitesimal that they have zero legal impact on the results of the Elections and outcome of the Recount. There is no doubt that there is no evidence of any fraud, except that which was perpetrated

by Mingo and Lowenfield on behalf on the PNC. They are indeed sore losers who are bent on deceiving their few gullible supporters and giving them an illusory platform of false hope.

This is a very unprincipled position taken by the Coalition leaders; imagine, hoodwinking your own supporters.

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the leaders of the PNC and the AFC will never qualify for any type of governance, and the PPP/C has been, and is, in the forefront in practising inclusive governance. Under the PPP/C Government, there is equal access to opportunities by all.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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

Granger/Harmon hegemony is over

Dear Editor, Given the assertions in the APNU/AFC electoral petition, whether true or false, Guyana has to completely change the way we conduct our elections.

Every safeguard and mechanism used in the March 2020 poll has been discredited by APNU/AFC leadership, and it is difficult to envision credible elections soon, given the clouds of doubt created in the minds of APNU/AFC supporters about the sanctity of the process.

This perception therefore necessitates changes, including the introduction of new processes and safeguards to the way we conduct polls in the national interest.

The sight of former President Granger waiting for hours in blazing sunshine outside the Georgetown Magistrates Courts to give Mr Mingo ‘high-fives’ after the GECOM returning Officer was placed on bail for four counts of electoral fraud is the surest sign that the Guyana Elections Commission Secretariat is compromised, and must be reformed as a matter of urgency.

It has been noted that the top eighty-five members of the

Secretariat are of one ethnicity, and despite the majority being persons of great and unimpeachable integrity, a few rotten apples threaten to spoil the barrel. The pronouncement made by GECOM’s PRO on the 27th December 2018, indicating readiness to conduct polls within the prescribed 90-day timeframe following a successful no-confidence motion (as dictated by the Constitution), and the subsequent reversal of that position demonstrate clear political direction and interference in the work of the Secretariat.

There can be no contemplation of another election (local, regional or national) before a thorough review and reform of the GECOM Secretariat is undertaken.

APNU/AFC created massive doubts about the National Register of Registrants (NRR) in the effort to delay the constitutionally mandated elections. The system is that of continuous registration, wherein persons can/should register at any time after reaching the age of 14, and names are removed by GECOM after notification of death by the General Registrar’s Office.

During the lead-up to the March 2020 polls, the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) had some 663,365 names, from which 646,625 were extracted to create the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE). The PLE went through further alterations, which saw the removal of names of 6,094 deceased persons. There were 68 objections; 16,642 names added from the house-to-house registration exercise; 4,258 claims; and 368 duplicate names removed. After this exhaustive process, the names of a few deceased persons were still on the Official List of Voters (OLV) which was used on polling day.

The laws of Guyana do not prevent Guyanese residing overseas from returning to vote, nor do they allow for the removal of migrants from the NRR; there will be ‘bloat’ on the list, but can votes be cast for those persons?

We return to the safeguards.

On polling day, Guyanese and other eligible voters have 12 hours in which to cast their votes. To do so, they ‘walk a gauntlet’ manned by GECOM trained polling day staff, political party agents, a Police offi-

cer, delegates of local and international observer missions, and members of the diplomatic corps. Persons are asked to identify themselves and show National Identification Cards where possible, or swear to an affidavit of identity if not in possession of ID Cards. ALL persons are subjected to confirmation of identity by GECOM staff and party agents, who use a folio that contains detailed information, including photograph and family details.

After confirmation of identity, a ballot is issued with clear instruction on voting procedures. Voting is done in the privacy of a booth, and ballots are placed in a box as the voter’s index (or other) finger is simultaneously dipped in semi-permanent electoral ink.

These safeguards have all been rubbished by the APNU/ AFC leadership, and will have to be strengthened/ revamped to quell the notion that our electoral system is compromised at this level.

I have seen no evidence of fraud in the polling stations, but I have seen enough evidence of malpractice and attempted electoral fraud at

The “Ponzi Scheme” fraud Dear Editor, My heart goes out to those defrauded in the “Ponzi Scheme” fraud. However, there is a more prevalent and ongoing fraud, wherein a property is ‘fake-sold’ by someone to whom it does not belong, and the matter becomes tangled in court, where it takes years to resolve.

Something very similar has tragically happened to my mother, the sister of the late President Cheddi Jagan, who is now 79 years of age. This matter has caused immense suffering, grief, and distress to her and to all of us, not to mention high monetary costs to fight this fraud in court.

I would therefore like to

add my voice to warn the public about empty properties; old persons and persons abroad are being targeted, to defraud them of their property. It is worthwhile to note that the ordinary citizen is not in the habit of reading the Official Gazette, and these fraudsters clearly know this. Further, when one knows one is not selling one’s property, there is utterly no reason to check the gazette, and before one somehow even finds out, one’s property is stolen.

Since my mother’s matter is still in court, I assume I cannot give details; but, generally speaking, there has been an attempt to defraud her of her property in Prashad Nagar, a

property she has owned since the 1960s; and it seems there is collusion across all levels, where several totally faked documents are passed through the system, and even being gazetted to achieve the appearance of being genuine.

Although it would seem common sense to the public that the property-owner should get back his or her property, the way the law is worded, and with the onus of proof, it can turn out that the law ends up not necessarily being on the side of the defrauded. Please note, too, that many ‘buyers’ are in collusion with the fraudsters to get the property, or even act as fronts for others.

It may be a good idea, if this

is not already the case, that the relevant authorities ensure that, to weed out the fakes and the fraudsters, all real estate agents should be mandatorily registered. Without registration, they should not be allowed to do business, or suffer a jail penalty if they still do; and their transactions be regularly inspected. The same goes for Notaries; and the Deeds Registry should be thoroughly scrutinised and rogue employees charged and dismissed on an ongoing basis.

Yours sincerely, Raymond Ali (nephew of late President Dr Cheddi Jagan)

Should the UG Vice Chancellor’s appointment be revoked?

Dear Editor, Should the appointment of Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr Paloma Mohammed Martin, be revoked?

Paloma Martin was appointed during the caretaker administration and under an interim board. Is that ethical? In addition, given her closeness with the PNC, many see her as a PNC TROJAN HORSE inside the university.

Paloma Martin has been strategically placed to admit and promote PNC-aligned elements in the university.

The university has become too politicised with the appointments of Ivelaw Griffith and now Paloma Martin, given their purported affiliation with the PNC. Paloma Martin’s very first act as VC was to appoint a PNC ideologue as her assistant. Others would be coming. She saw nothing wrong in making such an appointment, but there is a lot wrong with it; it is a racially-tainted

appointment.

Paloma Mohammed is the wife of the deceased Afrocentrist Tony Martin, author of the book Race First (1986), a study of Marcus Garvey.

The book treats Indians and other ethnic groups as non-existent.

Garvey (1887-1940) was a Jamaican political activist, black nationalist, and the founder and first PresidentGeneral of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIAACL, commonly known as UNIA).

Paloma Martin’s academic focus defines her ideology and her view on race conflict in Guyana. Like her deceased husband, Paloma Martin is an ardent follower of Garvey.

She published a book on him entitled “A Man Called Garvey: The Life and Times of the Great Leader Marcus Garvey” (The Majority Press, 2004). She is not interested in Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ayub Edun, Mahatma

Ghandi, Balram Singh Rai, and other great Indian leaders or thinkers.

Mohammed comes across as a front for Black supremacist groups in Guyana.

Her recent promotion of Afro-centrist historian Dr Melissa Ifill as Deputy Vice Chancellor is just one example of the gate that has been opened by Paloma for Afrocentrists.

Dr Ifill is a member of a group of black activists and well-known Africanists such as Hugh Tommy Payne, Nigel Hughes, Andaiye, Carl Greenidge, Dr David Hinds and Tacuma Ogunseye, among others. On August 4 2014, the group hosted a Pan Africanist forum in conjunction with the Cuffy 250 Committee of Washington D.C. The forum was to be the theme: ‘The State of Black African Guyana: Time for Renewal and Empowerment’, at the African Cultural Development Association’s AKWAABA (Welcome) Centre at Thomas Lands.

I applaud the group for its Afro-centric and Africanist activities. I hope Indians, Amerindians, Chinese, and Portuguese would hold similar forums on their communities.

Paloma Martin should have made similar appointments to that of Melissa Ifill to balance the Afrocentricity of herself and Ifill. The ethnic biased appointment is sufficient ground for Paloma Martin to tender her resignation. It is also the honourable thing to do, since she was appointed by the Granger-appointed board during a caretaker administration. Such an appointment should have been for an interim board till the new Government was sworn in.

Now that there is a legitimate Government, a new University Council must be convened, and the position must be advertised. Martin could re-apply.

Sincerely, Sherry Hosein Singh

the higher levels of GECOM. Statements of Poll (SOP) being replaced by spreadsheets; Deputy Returning Officers issuing illegal or irregular orders to Presiding Officers; the flash-drive fiasco; the actions of Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, who now has to explain to the criminal courts how he endorsed Mingo’s fabrications, given that he (Lowenfield) has all of the original SOPs. Granger’s APNU+AFC have filed an election petition, and are ultimately asking for vitiation of the March polls and an order that fresh polls be held within 90 days. Irony aside, how can any rational person believe this would be a viable solution to the problems experienced from December 2018 to August 2nd?

How can one be a complainant of electoral fraud in the High Court (Granger) and be championing the cause of the fraudster (Mingo) in the street outside the Magistrates Courts?

Mr Granger said, “Mingo is not a child, Mingo has rights”. I must inform the elderly former President that children do have rights, and so do the people of Guyana. Foremost is our right to democracy and the Government of our choice. That we have to expend time, energy

and vast sums of money to rebuild confidence in our electoral mechanism and GECOM (the agency tasked with conducting elections) is all the fault of David Granger, who precipitated the decline in the integrity of GECOM with the unilateral appointment of James Patterson; and who, given his support of Mingo, is now suspect in the compromising of senior members of the Secretariat.

Editor, I believe criminal investigation into the workings and actions of the GECOM Secretariat must be vigorously pursued, and that there must be set up a National Committee tasked with comprehensively reviewing the workings of GECOM and all electoral processes with the aim of reforming and modernising the organisation. Then, and only then, can we contemplate a return to the polls.

In the meanwhile, APNU+AFC needs to find credible leadership to bring them into the democratic fold. An elections petition filed without SOPs offered as evidence speaks volumes. Fraud is fraud!

The Granger/ Harmon hegemony is over.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Solving electricity woes Dear Editor, Government should be giving preference to the Solar Solution in solving Guyana’s electricity woes. It is the fastest and safest way to solve our electricity supply problems.

The most recent advertisement for expressions of interest was so biased that only certain entities could qualify. More diesel-generated power, or even natural gas generation, will leave a carbon footprint and will not contribute to our climate change/sustainability goals.

Government should specify that either supplies should come from existing overcapacity, as in the case of Giftland, or from non-fossil fuel generation; solar power being the preference. We should not be encouraging more fossil fuel generating capacity.

Additionally, Government should make a simple offer to buy energy from solar farms.

Minimum solar farm size should be one megawatt (MW).

Each solar farm should be located near to a consumption area, so as not to have miles of transmission and suffer line losses.

Most important, farms must be willing to set rates for the next 25 years.

Example: First 5 years - 15 US cents per KW hour Second 5 years – 12 US cents per KW hour Remaining 15 years – 10 US cents per KW hour I use these rates because, from my investigation, these rates would provide an attractive return on investment and would generate a lot of interest from investors. Solar farms cost less than US$2 per installed watt, or US$2M per 1 MW farm.

When you see how much was invested in the Ponzi scheme, you have to understand that Guyanese not only have money, they are looking for investment opportunities, even

bad ones.

I am confident that, with such an offer, many persons in this country would be prepared to invest in solar power farms to supply electricity to GPL. Solar Farms are good for supply only during the day. You will have to continue to rely on existing fossil fuel generating capacity for nighttime supply.

As more Solar Farms come online, less generating capacity will be needed during the day, and more will be available for nighttime.

The $10.5 billion that was just spent on fossil fuel generators could have been used to install at least 24 MW of solar farms. What we will get is generators that will use fuel and need maintenance, and be just as reliable as what we are getting now. This is not an improvement. With solar farms, Government makes no investment, is not responsible for any maintenance, and will pay for usage only.

Hydro Presently, the Amaila Falls can generate 168MW at a cost of US$868M. These facilities will have to be operated and maintained. Transmission lines will have to bring power to the consumers, which implies additional costs, including line losses. This will cost US$5+ per installed watt. The money that was borrowed and earmarked for hydro power in the interior will cost over US$4 per installed watt.

Solar farms can come on stream quickly, and cost the Government nothing. Give the Private Sector reasonable rates for a 25-year period, and let them take over power generation using non-fossil fuel generation, and the Government can focus on more important things.

Respectfully, Sase Shewnarain

6

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

Page

Foundation

SUMMER OF LEARNING

◄

Æsop’s Fables

Adding mixed numbers with unlike denominators

There are two ways to do this. You could change each mixed number to an improper fraction and then add them.

But an easier way to add mixed numbers is to add the whole number parts first and then add the fractions.

Example: Add 2 3/6 + 7 7/12 Step 1: Add the whole numbers: 2 + 7 = 9 Now add the fractions: 3/6 + 7/12 Step 2: Change the fractions with unlike denominators to fractions with a common denominator: 3x2/6x2= 6/12 7x1/12x1= 7/12 Step 3: Add the fractions 6/12 + 7/12 = 13/12 Step 4: If the numerator in the total is greater than the common denominator, you have an improper fraction. Change it to a mixed number: 13/12 = 1 1/12 Step 5: Add your two totals: 9 + 1 1/12 = 10 1/12

I

Exercises: Add 1) 2 1/2+ 1/3 2) 9 4/5 +8 7/9 3) 6 3/4+ 3 1/14

4) 4 4/12 + 12 3/6 5) 3 5/10 + 17 6/7 6) 5 2/3+ 7 8/10

Activity: What Can You Make of It?

n this activity, explore alternative uses of a simple paper cup with younger students.

Materials

• One paper cup and scissors per child (or per pair) • Data sheet

Procedure

1. Hide the cups in a paper bag and tell younger students you have something to give them. Pretend that you don’t recognise the objects. Explain that they are going to be detectives, so they need their pencils to keep track of clues and make sketches.

2. Take out the cups and hand one to each student while playing up that

FOR CHILDREN

fact that you haven’t the foggiest idea what they are. You can even add that each of the objects is different.

3. Give each student a copy of the data sheet (included). Ask them to investigate what the object is and to list

all the possible uses for it.

They will most likely conclude that the objects are cups, but ask them to investigate further. Which way is the right side up? Why? Could the item be used on its side? How could the shape be changed? Would it float?

Does it fly? Does it roll? What tests could be performed to answer these questions?

4. Distribute scissors and ask students to experiment with the object, cutting it any way they like.

5. End the activity by having students share their discoveries. How many uses for the object were they able to come up with? (startwithabook.org)

A

long time ago a man met a satyr in the forest and succeeded in making friends with him. The two soon became the best of comrades, living together in the man’s hut. But one cold winter evening, as they were walking homeward, the satyr saw the man blow on his fingers.

“Why do you do that?” asked the satyr.

“To warm my hands,” the man replied.

When they reached home the man prepared two bowls of porridge. These he placed steaming hot on the table, and the comrades sat down very cheerfully to enjoy the meal. But much to the satyr’s surprise, the man began to blow into his bowl of porridge.

“Why do you do that?” he asked.

“To cool my porridge,” replied the man.

The satyr sprang hurriedly to his feet and made for the door.

“Goodbye,” he said, “I’ve seen enough. A fellow that blows hot and cold in the same breath cannot be friends with me!”

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Opposition walks out of Parliament, objects to Shuman as Deputy Speaker …APNU/AFC hijacked Speaker, Deputy Speaker posts in 2011 – Teixeira reminds

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

A

s the first sitting of the National Assembly in the 12th Parliament got underway on Tuesday, the Opposition APNU/AFC coalition staged a walkout in protest over the appointment of the representative of the Joinder List, Lenox Shuman, as the Deputy Speaker.

The coalition had nominated former Speaker Raphael Trotman for the post but in the end, it went to Shuman, who was nominated by the 33-seat majority PPP/C Government.

After not getting their way, the APNU/AFC parliamentarians staged a walkout, where returning Member of Parliament, Cathy Hughes, expressed the party’s dissatisfaction with the choice for Deputy Speaker.

“We’re most concerned and disappointed because I think that that was just another indication of the lack of willingness to work together and to be able to con-

sider and to uphold some of the long-standing conventions that relate to the operation of the Parliament,” Hughes stated.

However, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira contended that while the Speaker traditionally comes from the Government, there is no specification as to which side of the opposition or which opposition party must take up the post of Deputy Speaker.

In fact, she reminded that it was the APNU/AFC – as combined Opposition parties before coalescing – that first broke that tradition in 2011 when they hijacked both posts from the then minority PPP/C Government.

“I want to remind Mrs Hughes, and the entire APNU/AFC, that post 2011 election… when we proposed, as the governing party, Mr Ralph Ramkarran to be Speaker, they defeated that motion and proposed instead Mr Raphael Trotman as Speaker. And when it came to Deputy Speaker, they proposed Deborah Backer. So it was the first time in the Parliament that the Opposition, or even the Government, had a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker,” the PPP/C Executive recalled.

It is for this reason, Teixeira, who has several years of parliamentary experience both as a Government and Opposition MP, pointed out that she will not accept any of the coalition’s “feeling of righteousness” on this issue.

“They are the ones who broke the tradition post the 2011 elections. And we

Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman

have not broken the tradition, we have upheld it, the Government having the nominee (as Speaker) and also proposing the nominee (as Deputy Speaker) from the Opposition. So we are compliant with the tradition that the Opposition holds the Deputy Speaker and the Government holds the Speaker,” the Parliamentary Affairs Minister argued.

While speaking with reporters following her party’s walkout from the sitting on Tuesday, Hughes contended that the coalition should have gotten the Deputy Speaker post since it secured more votes than Shuman’s Liberty and Justice Party (LJP).

She further posited that Shuman’s advisory post in the new Administration could be a conflict of interest.

Dispel APNU/AFC claims

However, Shuman subsequently took to social media to dispel claims that his

new role in the National Assembly will be a conflict of interest with his appointment as a Government advisor on the aviation sector.

He reminded that his party is apart of a Joinder agreement with two other political parties – A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and The New Movement (TNM) – to make decisions as a collective in Parliament.

As such, he asserted that he cannot make any decisions on his own and will have to consult with his Joinder partners before voting or taking any decisions in the National Assembly.

To this end, Shuman posited that there should be no conflict of interest because of his two positions.

“Advising the Minister of Public Works on aviation, that is a very technical advice that I offer. I don’t go

APNU/AFC Opposition MP Cathy Hughes

out there and offer political advice on aviation so I don’t how that conflicts with a political agenda because our political movement is the Liberty and Justice Party, the New Movement and A

New and United Guyana,” he explained.

Further, the newly-elected Deputy Speaker went on to say that he intends to work with all the political parties to ensure that all of Guyana moves forward. He even pointed to the fact he joined the coalition MPs in voting for its nominee, Joseph Harmon, as Opposition Leader.

“I hope that my colleagues in the Opposition don’t just continue with this position… and that we can all work together in the interest of Guyana,” Shuman further contended.

Together, the Joinder parties secured one seat in the National Assembly and will be taking up the position on a rotation basis with Shuman serving the first term. (G8)

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Craig, EBD murder

Coconut vendor arrested, arraigned for murder of seaman T

he main suspect in the murder of 29-yearold Kishan Persaud, who was chopped to death on August 29, 2020, was arrested on Tuesday and arraigned for the capital offence.

Persaud was brutally chopped to death by Kendrick Shepherd, 37, of 2nd Street Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD), during an argument.

Upon his arrest, Shepherd was charged and taken to the Golden Grove/ Diamond Magistrate’s Court, where he appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman and arraigned for the heinous crime.

He was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on Saturday, August 29, 2020, at Craig, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Persaud. He was

Dead: Kishan Persaud

remanded to prison until September 22.

It was reported that Persaud, a seaman of Lot 298 Buzz Bee Dam, Craig, EBD, was chopped twice to his neck by the accused and would have succumbed

to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre.

On the day in question, Persaud was driving motor car PKK 8911 through a street next to where he lives, but could not enter his yard because the suspect had parked his cart, blocking his passageway.

Persaud reportedly exited his vehicle and asked the suspect to remove his cart, thus giving him clearance to enter his yard, but the suspect refused.

As a result, an argument ensued between the two men during which the suspect reportedly whipped out a cutlass and chopped the father twice to his neck, after which he fled the scene.

His wife had stated that she heard a noise and as she looked out, she heard the two men arguing while a cart belonging to Shepherd

was blocking her husband from entering his yard. Soon after she witnessed her husband being stabbed.

“He run and jump in the car and drive out the street… one of his friends run out the old road and get another friend, and they jump in a bus. While they were going down, they saw him by Tank Street in Grove. The car was parked on the other side of the road, and he was lying unconscious”, the woman had told Guyana Times.

The woman related that Persaud’s friends moved him over to the back seat, and took him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre for emergency treatment. However, while he was receiving medical attention, he passed.

Persaud’s wife added that her three-year-old son is left traumatised, since he witnessed his father being chopped.

All aboard...

W

...the Parliamentary Train ell, first of all, your Eyewitness wants you to know, dear reader, that he was very conflicted yesterday, since there were two spectacles competing for his attention - the CPL fixture and the inaugural 12th Parliamentary meet at the ACCC! He was expecting Lil Joe Harmon to show up for the latter show with the motley crowd he’d drummed up to support him when he and the Sanctimonious Gangster presented their elections petition to the High Courts on Monday. After all, he was scheduled to be officially anointed as “Opposition Leader” - after Granger had banished Volda and appointed him as such - and would want to make sure the PNC hoi polloi saw him ensconced in his newfound post!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness decided to have his cake and eat it too; he switched between the feeds from the ACCC and Trinidad, as the Knight Riders took on the Tallawahs and clobbered them all over the place to make the highest score for the season up to now! While the Knight Riders are the Warriors’ (and your Eyewitness’s) arch enemy, it’s in the Warriors’ interest for the Trinis to win, so they could still get into the playoffs!!

But the action over at the ACCC wasn’t too bad. To the surprise of most, veteran politician Manzoor Nadir was nominated by the PPP to be Speaker of the House - and of course was voted in, since the latter has the undisputed majority 33 votes in the Parliament! If your Eyewitness isn’t wrong, he’ll be the first non-lawyer to be chosen as Speaker after Independence. But he certainly has a wealth of experience, since he’s been in the House for 5 terms since 1992 - two of them with the PPP. Good thing the PPP didn’t apply Granger’s “two terms and you’re out” rule!!

But the real surprise was the election of the Deputy Speaker. Traditionally, this goes to the Opposition, so most persons figured the post would go to someone from the APNU/AFC ranks. But after Cathy Hughes from the AFC nominated fellow party executive Raphael Trotman for the position, up jumped Gail Teixeira and nominated another person from the Opposition - Lennox Shuman, who occupies the single OPPOSITION “Joiner Seat” formed

by ANUG, LJP and TNM. And he was duly voted in with the 33 votes of the PPP, plus the one from Shuman himself!!

Shuman had earlier caused a stir when he showed up at Parliament in his tropical-appropriate, minimalist native attire - plus the Staff of the Amerindian Chieftain. But his election as Dep Speaker is sure to create an even bigger stir in the PNC ranks!!

Expect them to not only sulk like Granger, but throw tantrums!! Like the walkout!! …for Amerindian Heritage Month In case you missed Shuman’s sartorial statement, surely you didn’t miss all our other Amerindian brother and sister MPs showing up with their headdresses to the 12th Parliament?? It’s Amerindian Heritage Month, folks!!

And most appropriately, this Parliament will have the most Amerindians EVER participating in the deliberations on our national destiny at this critical inflection point of our history. This is as it should be.

Never let it be forgotten that this land is their land... and we’re here because some Europeans decided to change the laws as they saw fit to make it THEIR land.

They had the MIGHT to make whatever they wanted RIGHT! It’s a shameful part of our history that while the African and Indian descended coastlanders have been fighting like the proverbial elephants since independence, the Amerindians have unfortunately been the grass that inevitably gets trampled.

The new PPP Government received a majority of the Amerindian votes because they didn’t need anyone to tell them they’d made more progress under that government.

They EXPERIENCED it!! …for local content??

Your Eyewitness hopes the PNC leadership won’t doom their supporters by leading them on pointless marches just when the O&G opportunities are coming on stream.

Are they just fodder for ambitious PNC leaders?

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

9

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

4 arrested with $320,000 in counterfeit notes

T

hree men and one woman were on Monday evening taken into custody after Police swooped down on a house at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, and found $320,000 in $5000 counterfeit notes.

Based on reports received, Police acting on information went to the house and conducted a raid during which the counterfeit notes were unearthed.

In addition, the ranks

The counterfeit currency found by ranks

Janson Veronah

Steafon Solomon

Turuna Rajnarine

Vijay Rajnarine

executed another operation at a house at Sea Dam, Crabwood Creek, Corriverton, where they found one HP Deskjet printer and two laptop computers.

It is suspected that the computers and printer were used to produce the counter-

feit notes. The items were confiscated and taken to the Springlands Police Station where they were lodged as Police continue their investigations.

Meanwhile, the four persons who were arrested are expected to be charged shortly.

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Only Gail Teixeira submitted proof of relinquished foreign citizenship – Clerk …Harmon’s, Shuman’s outstanding

Government Chief Whip and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira

D

espite instructions from the Clerk of the National Assembly to submit proof of renunciation, only Government Member of Parliament (MP) Gail Teixeira has so far submitted proof that she relinquished her foreign citizenship.

This is according to Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, who on Tuesday said he was not in receipt of evidence from the other parliamentarians who previously held dual citizenship.

Tuesday was the first sitting of the 12th Parliament and Isaacs informed this publication at the parliamentary suspension that Minister of Governance, Gail Teixeira, was the only MP who submitted proof of

renunciation.

When subsequent checks were made with the Clerk, he confirmed that up to 16:00h on Tuesday, Texieira’s proof was still the only one in his possession. Nevertheless, he was optimistic that the proof from others may still be in transit. “(I have the) certificate of renunciation of Canadian citizenship (from) Gail Teixeira. That’s the only one I have in the file. I took the file to the convention centre.

That’s the only one. If (anyone else) submitted, it is not with me.”

However, Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon had been adamant during an engagement with the media on Tuesday midday that he submitted his proof. Harmon told the media during the parliamentary recess that he sent his certificate of renunciation to the Clerk.

“The Clerk of the National Assembly, yesterday, wrote to all parliamentarians on this issue of dual citizenship. This morning, I wrote to the Clerk and submitted to him the original sealed copy of my revocation certificate, as well as a copy and asked that he return my sealed certificate,” Harmon revealed.

“I am hopeful that all those other persons who are so affected and I can recall two who are so affected, including the Government

Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs

Chief Whip and the (Deputy Speaker). I trust that by the end of today, he circulates to all these MPs the certificates he asked for, so we can be sure everyone is in their rightful place in the National Assembly.”

Unconstitutional

Article 155 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana makes it clear that MPs who are dual citizens will be disqualified from sitting in the National Assembly. Apart from Teixeira and Harmon, the other known parliamentarian who is a dual citizen is Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) leader and Deputy Speaker, Lenox Shuman.

However, Shuman had submitted proof to Guyana Elections Commission that he has since given up his Canadian citizenship.

The issue of dual cit-

izenship came up after December 21, 2018, when Alliance For Change (AFC) MP Charrandas Persaud voted in favour of the NoConfidence Motion, which toppled and effectively led to the booting of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition from Government.

At that time, a number of dual citizen MPs were sitting

Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon was previously known to have US citizenship

in the National Assembly on both sides of the aisle. From the APNU/AFC coalition those MPs were Minister of State, Joseph Harmon (United States citizenship); Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; Business Minister Dominic Gaskin and Public Service Minister Dr Rupert Roopnarine (all British citizens) along with Persaud, who held Canadian citizenship. TURN TO PAGE 12

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Expansion project

Govt will not accept CJIA in current state – President Ali

…says answers have to be provided for incompetence, mismanagement

President Irfaan Ali

T

he Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project is coming in for harsh criticism once again with President Dr Irfaan Ali saying that his People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government will not accept the airport in its current state.

He made the comment while addressing the Annual General Meeting of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Monday.

“I am going to visit the

airport because somebody has to answer. We are not going to accept the airport as it is. We cannot accept the airport as it is. That was not what the Guyanese people signed on for and it cannot meet the objectives that we signed on on a new airport for,” the President said.

Just last Friday, new Public Works Minister Juan Edghill along with his Junior Minister Deodat Indar led a team to inspect the expansion project where the actual degree of corruption and mismanagement of the project was unravelled.

It has also been riddled with corrective and incomplete works.

Two years after the project was slated to be completed, it has now been taken over by the PPP/C Government in an incomplete and downgraded state.

In fact, the Granger-led APNU/AFC Administration had settled for a denigrated design while paying more than the allocated $150 million.

Minister Edghill had told the media that they are

seeking to have the defective works rectified and ensure strict compliance with the model design that was proposed. It was related that Guyana received a “renovated” airport as opposed to what it was bargained for.

“The concerns are many.

The problems are many but I think what is of great importance now is to see that this project is completed in keeping with the agreed scope that they have signed on to…Outside this arrangement is the bigger picture of how this project has been mismanaged and I would dare say corrupted. What should’ve been a new airport has turned out to be a renovated airport,” he had said.

It was highlighted that the current coronavirus pandemic will not be used as an excuse, since the GCAA will facilitate a flight to have the China Harbour employees return and complete the works they left pending. For now, once the materials and human resource are present, the construction can resume. The contracting firm has already been appraised

A section of the incomplete ceiling at the CJIA

via letters of the corrective or remedial works that need to be done.

When the coalition Government came into power in 2015, the project was put on hold, but after discussions between former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and CHEC, it was later announced that the project would be continued but a number of downgrades were done to the design.

Some $138 million of the allocated costs was fund-

ed by the EXIM (ExportImport) Bank of China while $12 million was spent by the Guyana Government.

It was not expected to surpass that sum but Guyana had to stand additional expenses.

The CJIA in its down-

four air bridges is non-existent. There is also no space for enough duty-free shops, restaurants, car rentals and other facilities.

CHEC was supposed to design and complete all works before handing it over to the Guyanese

A section of the incomplete works

graded design expansion has four less air passenger boarding bridges for arrivals and departures than the initial eight, a 450-seat departure area, escalators and elevators, in addition to an incomplete extended runway, which was supposed to measure 400 and 690 metres at the respective ends.

An old terminal building that was marked for cargo was revamped and only one of the new sections was built. Meanwhile, a new apron that was supposed to support the additional

Government. However, they have completed some of the works, while key areas like the runway remain undone.

“There are works to be completed on both sections. This runway was supposed to be completed since December 31, 2018…I am not granting any further extension on anything. This afternoon, we have to agree on timelines for completion.

We are way past liquidated damages. Anything that could’ve gone wrong has already gone wrong,” Edghill had stated. (G2)

Only Gail Teixeira submitted proof of...

FROM PAGE 11

They had to all resign as MPs. On the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) side, Adrian Anamaya, Odinga Lumumba, and Gail Teixeira all held foreign citizenship.

The Government used Persaud’s dual citizenship as a weapon in its arsenal seeking to overturn the NoConfidence Motion, arguing that Persaud was not qualified to be in the National Assembly and as such, his vote in favour of the motion was invalid.

This argument also formed part of the opinions presented to the then Speaker of the National

Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland in the hopes that he would reverse the NoConfidence Motion – something the Speaker ultimately refused to do.

In February of 2019, acting Chief Justice Roxane George had ruled on the case filed by Compton Reid over the dual citizenship of Persaud. While she ruled that the No-Confidence Motion was validly passed, Justice George reaffirmed Article 155 (1) of the Constitution.

As a consequence, both sides of the aisle had agreed that going forward, dual citizens would not be sent to Parliament. (G3)

13

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scenes from opening of 12th Parliament

14 NEWS Govt working to deliver emergency budget next week – Chief Whip W WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ith the budgets of 16 constitutional agencies passed on Tuesday, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is currently working to complete and bring its emergency budget to the House by next week.

This was revealed by Government Chief Whip and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira on Tuesday, in an interview with this publication following the first sitting of the 12th Parliament at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

“Not this week, obviously. We were going to meet Thursday because the Government made no changes to the constitutional bodies. So, it wasn’t necessary to have a sitting on Thursday, because there were no objections,” Teixeira said in response to questions on when the nation can expect the budget.

“The Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (allows) the Minister either support or amend the budget as he sees fit. He did not make any changes to any of the items. So, it wasn’t necessary to come back on Thursday.”

During Tuesday’s sitting, Public Works Minister, Juan Anthony Edghill, had assumed responsibility for the Finance Minister portfolio and presented the current and capital estimates for the constitutional bodies. No Finance Minister has been appointed as yet by the new Administration.

The budgets for these constitutional agencies were approved in the absence of the APNU/AFC Opposition members. They had walked out the sitting following the opening remarks by newly elected Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

“So, we suspended the

Govt Chief Whip and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira

standing orders to allow us to go through them. And they were passed. So that will be added to the budget figure.

We’re working towards the budget coming out in the

90-year-old man hacked to death

A

sombre mood engulfed the village of Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Tuesday after a 90-year-old man was found murdered at his home. Dead is Sukhnanan Dugi, called “Henry Sukhnanan” of Lot 6 Hope Lowlands Public Road, ECD. Based on reports received, the man was last seen on Monday at about 16:00h and his body was found on Tuesday at about 11:00h. He reportedly lived alone.

After the discovery, the man’s niece told detectives that she would visit her uncle on a regular basis to cook, wash, and clean for him. She reportedly went to the house on Monday with the intention of running some errands for him on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, she explained that she went to the Cove and John Post Office to transact business for her uncle, and about 11:00h she

went to his home.

As she arrived, she observed his slippers at the top of his step but as she entered his home, she saw bloodstains on the floor in the sitting room area.

She thought something was amiss and called out to him but there was no answer so she went into the

kitchen and it was there she discovered his lifeless body.

He was under the kitchen sink, covered in blood. The young woman immediately raised an alarm and the police were summoned to the scene.

Investigators observed two open wounds to the back of the pensioner’s head, one to the right side of his face, swelling to the left side of his face, and wounds on his right hand and wrist.

A piece of wood, suspected to be the murder weapon was also recovered along with a bloodstained piece of cloth on the floor.

The interior of the house did not appear to have been ransacked, and there were no signs of forced entry.

The body was escorted to the Lyken Funeral Home as investigations continue.

Up to press time, no arrests were made.

Investigations are ongoing.

ceived, Police received information that the body of a man was spotted in the canal and went to investigate.

Whilst there, they observed the man’s motionless body floating in the canal facing upwards.

He was clad in a grey jersey, a pair of black short pants and a pair of black boots.

Dhaniram’s body was subsequently pulled from the canal and examined

during which it was observed that a small portion of skin was peeled off from his left side forehead.

Reports indicate that the victim lived alone in Bella Dam and was last seen by his daughter, who resides at 32 Bella Dam, West Bank Demerara, on Sunday after he went to visit her.

Dhaniram’s body was escorted to the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem.

Dead: Sukhnanan Dugi

Body of pensioner found floating in WBD canal

A

n investigation was launched by the police after the body of 66-year-old Hardat Dhaniram of Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was found floating in a canal on Monday.

The man’s body was found in front of his residence at about 16:45h but was last seen at about 08:30h the said day.

Based on reports re-

second week of September.

We’ve adjourned for a date to be fixed,” Teixeira explained.

Soon after taking office, the People’s Progressive

Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had announced that a national emergency budget is likely to be presented with a significant focus on expenditure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana.

During a previous press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had explained that the normal budget cycle is 179 days from the day the circular goes out to the various agencies to the date of presentation in Parliament.

“But we have made it clear that we want the budget prepared and we’re working towards preparing a budget in three weeks – 21 days. So the 179 days in the normal cycle will have to come down to about three weeks,” Jagdeo stated.

He had pointed out that the country and the help that persons and the various sectors need to reboot the economy cannot be made

available to them unless there is an emergency budget to provide the funds.

According to Jagdeo, while the budget will include funding for critical areas to keep the country afloat, funds to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic is a top priority. In fact, he disclosed that frontline workers, especially those in the medical field, can look forward to being adequately rewarded.

“We found that a lot of the people on the frontline – the sad stories from the doctors and the nurses who are dealing with the pandemic and they’re on the frontline, they feel that they are not adequately equipped with PPEs nor are they rewarded for this. I want to assure them that the President [Dr Irfaan Ali] has indicated that in the next budget there will be an appropriate recognition of their work. That will be done in the next budget,” Jagdeo had said. (G3)

Liza Prosperity hull delivered

The Prosperity FPSO (SWS photo)

C

hina’s Shanghai W a i g a o q i a o Shipbuilding (SWS) shipyard has delivered the Liza Prosperity hull, the second one to be built under SBM Offshore’s Fast4Ward standardised-FPSO-hull programme, according to MarineLink.

The construction of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Prosperity hull started in January 2019. The Prosperity will be Guyana’s third FPSO. The Prosperity FPSO is expected to be deployed at ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, as part of the Payara oil field development.

Subject to Government approvals in Guyana, project sanction, and an authorisation to proceed with the next phase, SBM Offshore will construct, install and

then lease and operate the FPSO for a period of up to 2 years, after which the FPSO’s ownership and operation will be transferred to Exxon, MarineLink reported.

Prosperity, which will be able to produce 220,000 barrels of oil per day, will have an associated gas treatment capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day and water injection capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.

It will be spread moored in a water depth of about 1900 metres and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil.

President Irfaan Ali’s new Administration is currently engaging international experts to review the project proposal before it makes a decision on the Payara project in the Stabroek Block.

After being plagued with

delays, Exxon was hoping that the Payara project would have gotten off the ground late this year.

The project was originally supposed to start in 2019, but was delayed due to the absence of a functioning Government.

Guyana currently produces oil via the SBM Offshore-supplied Liza Destiny FPSO, which started production in December 2019.

Meanwhile, the second FPSO, Liza Unity is on target to achieve first oil in Guyana in 2022. The Liza Unity will have a 220,000 bpd per day capacity. The FPSO is currently in drydock in Singapore where work is progressing on the integration of the mooring system and the preparation for the lifting and integration of the first topside modules.

Guyana is expected to significantly ramp up oil production in the coming years.

US oil giant, Exxon has estimated that there are eight billion barrels of recoverable reserves in the Stabroek Block, and until recently, it predicted that the country would produce 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025.

According to experts, 750,000 barrels of oil per day would make Guyana the fourth-largest oil producer in Latin America in current production growth, that would be behind Brazil, Mexico and Columbia.

In a couple of years, this would place Guyana as one of the largest sources of nonOPEC suppliers.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations New Parliament, new faces, new opportunities; but some “same old” from the PNC

Caterer robbed at gunpoint Drug mule evades Police, leaves 100lbs while shopping ganja, CRV behind

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uyana’s 12th Parliament commenced yesterday. The last two times Parliament sat before yesterday was: on December 21, 2018, when the 11th Parliament had a successful No Confidence Motion passed against the sitting Government, essentially ending its life; and on January 2, 2019, when Granger’s APNU+AFC sought to have the Speaker illegally overturn the vote that took place on December 21st, 2018.

The Speaker at the time, a nominee of APNU+AFC, Dr Barton Scotland, rejected the illegal action by APNU+AFC. It means that yesterday’s sitting came after 20 months of no Parliament in Guyana, an incredible 620 days of the top democratic institution being held hostage. Eight months of 2020 have elapsed and Guyana still has no 2020 budget, because there has been no Dr Leslie Ramsammy sitting of Parliament.

We all know the reason why Parliament has been a no-show for twenty months. First, Granger and APNU+AFC desperately tried to delay an election they knew they had no chance of winning. Were it not for the unrelenting pressure of Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP, in partnership with civil society and international stakeholders, Granger would have ruled by edict, without an election.

Failing to avoid the election, the APNU/AFC then tried to thief the election.

But Guyana’s resolve has led to a new Government, even if it took almost six months to get Granger and APNU+AFC to leave Government after they lost. A new day has dawned, the 12th Parliament is in session.

This 12th Parliament is different in many ways. It has a new Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, who for many years sat in Parliament on the strength of Amerindian support for the United Force. The new Deputy Speaker is not only a new MP, he is the first Amerindian to hold the post of Deputy Speaker.

Coming on the first day of Amerindian Heritage Month, it is a fitting start to the celebration of our Amerindian sisters and brothers. In fact, the 12th Parliament boasts the largest contingent of Amerindians ever in Guyana’s Parliament. There are many new MPs from both sides. There are many youthful Members. And onethird of the MPs are women. It also means that, once again, there will be more than two sides in Parliament. The PPP has 33 MPs, APNU+AFC (PNC) has 31 members. The AFC is fully integrated into the PNC. There is the single member of the Joinder Party - ANUG, LJP and TNM. But even as this new-faced Parliament begins at one of the most crucial times in our history, there is some “same old”. Joe Harmon and his hapless APNU+AFC (PNC) MPs got themselves sworn in, so that they can begin getting their salaries, and promptly walked out of the Parliament.

Walking out of Parliament is nothing new, and all political parties in Guyana have, at one time or the other, exercised the right to walk out of Parliament. But it is a unique PNC tactic, walking out of Parliament for no reason, good or bad. One of the reasons they did not want Parliament to convene at this time is they think it is a bad idea for people to gather in one place because of COVID-19. Great care was taken so that this 12th Parliament could commence safely.

It is the reason why the Parliament Building was not utilised and the venue shifted to the Convention Centre. It is the reason why, for the first time, the Parliament allowed virtual participation.

The same people who raised the safety issue and objected to the convening of the Parliament with in-person participation ignored the option of participating virtually. Bharrat Jagdeo chose to have a virtual presence. The Opposition wanted their cake and also wanted to eat it. Worse, these same persons encouraged their supporters to hold protests, burning things on the road and blocking traffic for several days in West Berbice. They also encouraged those same supporters to show up in their numbers in front of the High Court as APNU+AFC presented their election petition.

Most of those supporters gathered with no space between them and most without masks. The leaders, including Granger and Harmon, wore their masks and mostly tried distancing themselves from their supporters, who came there on the invitation of these leaders. It is not just sheer hypocrisy and idiocy, it is criminal to expose your supporters to the COVID-19 risks. But that is not what APNU+AFC care about. They care only about power, and if they cannot have power, then destroy everything.

But this 12th Parliament will not allow Granger and Harmon to distract them and to divert the goal of rapid development for Guyana.

I am confident that the Bharrat Jagdeo-led PPP MPs in Parliament will focus on the work at hand. If the PNC, in the form of APNU+AFC, want to go rogue, they will be abandoning their supporters once again.

For 23 years, while the PPP was leading a development revolution in Guyana, the PNC abandoned their supporters, preferring sabotage of the development agenda. For five years in Government, they again abandoned their supporters, preferring corruption and incompetence and disinterest in the welfare of the Guyanese people.

Now that the people put them where they belong, as opposition, they again abandon their supporters. Instead of working on behalf of these supporters, they are out looking after their own interest.

The firearm that was retrieved by the Police following the robbery

The narcotics that were found in the vehicle

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he police are on the hunt for the driver of a Honda CRV motor vehicle, which he left at the Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD), seawall with 112.5 pounds of ganja.

Police stated that ranks of the anti-crime patrol were in Montrose, ECD, at about 20:10h on Monday when they observed a parked blue CRV motor vehicle and approached same.

However, as the police vehicle got closer, an unidentifiable male ran into the man-

Some of the narcotics that were found by Police

groves and made good his escaped—leaving the vehicle behind.

The vehicle was subsequently searched, during which two bags containing several parcels of compressed ganja were discovered.

Following the discovery, the vehicle was taken to the Statendam Police Station and processed for fingerprints.

Up to press time, no arrest was made, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.

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42-year-old caterer was on Tuesday robbed by a lone gunman while shopping at Bourda Market. The incident, the police related, occurred at about 14:30h.

Based on reports received, the victim was about to make a purchase at a stall in Bourda Market when the lone gunman held her up with a firearm and demanded that she hand over her bag.

However, she reportedly refused and the suspect thereafter dealt her a lash to her chest with the gun and relieved her of her bag which contained about

$12,000 in cash, a mobile phone and a pair of sunglasses.

After committing the robbery, the suspect ran south, out of Bourda Market, and into a waiting motor car which was parked on Regent Street.

The police were summoned, located the getaway car and gave chase when the suspect attempted to dispose of the firearm but same was retrieved by the police.

Both the suspect and the driver of the motor car were arrested, taken into custody and are assisting with investigations.

Convicted rapist appeals 23-year jail time According to the evidence in the case, on the day in question, the woman went to a party with some friends and was making her way to the washroom when Ramcharran followed her and asked her if she was “doing business,” but she said “no.”

Rapist: Calvin Ramcharran

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28-year-old man, who was sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment for raping a 20-year-old woman whom he ferociously assaulted during the act, has now moved to the Court of Appeal (COA) to challenge the sentence.

Calvin Ramcharran was on November 16, 2015, sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow after a 12-member jury returned a guilty verdict following the trial in the High Court.

In his appeal, he is contending that his conviction cannot stand, and as such, is asking that same, along with the prison sentence, be set aside.

Ramcharran had previously denied the charges, which stated that on July 23, 2012, he engaged in sexual penetration with the young woman without her consent at Soesdyke on the East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Further, he was convicted and sentenced to jail on another charge, which detailed that during the rape, he assaulted the woman, causing her grievously bodily harm.

He, nevertheless, grabbed her hands and a fight ensued between them, during which Ramcharran hit her several times with a bottle to her head and then dragged her to the back of the building.

Whilst there, he choked and punched the victim, after which he sexually as-

saulted her. After committing the heinous act, he offered the woman $65,000 and left.

The victim alerted her friends, who immediately took her to seek medical attention. The matter was reported and Ramcharran was arrested and charged.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chris Jones attends opening of Parliament even though tested positive for COVID-19

Opposition MP Christopher Jones being directed by a clerk upon arrival at Parliament on Tuesday

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n spite of being tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Opposition Member of Parliament, Christopher Jones attended the convening of the 12th Parliament on Tuesday.

Jones also interacted with a number of parliamen-

tarians as well as ancillary staffers. The former Director of Sport, during the parliamentary break, had a private meeting with Speaker Manzoor Nadir and Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs.

Isaacs told Guyana Times that he was informed

of Jones’ diagnosis by the COVID-19 Screening Unit stationed at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre – where Parliament is being held owing to the regulations for combatting the spread of the deadly disease.

He said he was immediately “sprayed down” by the workers and advised to monitor himself to see whether he develops any symptoms.

The Clerk was also advised that he would be subjected to a COVID-19 test after seven days according to the testing protocols.

Speaker Nadir was also sanitised after being informed of Jones’ diagnosis.

He will also be tested after seven days.

Efforts to contact Jones and Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon have proved futile.

Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) in a subsequent statement said that Jones’s positive test was done more than 15 days ago.

“Mr Jones underwent the recommended period of self-isolation, observed all

confirm recovery.

New cases

protocols established by the Ministry of Health and his private health-care professional. He, therefore, attended Parliament today (Tuesday) confident that he was no threat to persons. All members of the APNU+AFC coalition will continue to observe these protocols until otherwise informed,” the grouping said in its state-

ment.

This publication was told that Jones was informed of his diagnosis prior to attending the convening of the 12th Parliament. However, he seemingly did not adhere to the COVID-19 protocols which stipulate that once tested positive, the patient goes into quarantine for 14 days and is then retested to

Ponzi scheme couple slapped with 12 new charges

National Security Advisor condemns protests at Belladrum

– says “settling differences on the streets is unacceptable”

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dvisor on National Security to President Dr Irfaan Ali, Gerry Gouveia on Monday condemned the protest actions carried out by supporters of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Gouveia alluded that it is quite unfortunate that the Government has received several threats over the twoday protest.

“Sadly, we have been having a lot of threats. Every time a fraction of our society gets upset; they talk about street violence. Since 2018, we have ensured going to the courts to resolve our differences and I want to urge all stakeholders while you have a right to protest, you do not have a right to block main thoroughfares. You do not have a right to obstruct people from going around their business.”

The Advisor believes that it is vitally important that political leaders lead their supporters by telling them the truth. “…if we have a difference, we have the court of law to settle it…Settling differences on the streets is unacceptable. Back on the 7th of March when there were people on the streets because of what was happening in GECOM with Mingo attempting to steal the elections. The Private Sector came out very, very strong and urged people to get off

Advisor on National Security, Captain Gerry Gouveia

of the streets and stop obstructing and hurting people.”

Gouveia further stated with the COVID-19 pandemic, business is very slow, and by blocking the streets it can cause a lot of delays and setbacks.

“By blocking business, you are stopping ambulances and produce from coming to the city, and that is not the way we want to develop Guyana. We want to follow the rule of law. If you have to protest please do so within the frameworks of the law.”

Residents of Belladrum took to the streets on Thursday with placards demanding Clairmont Mingo, the Returning Officer

charged for electoral fraud, be released from Police custody. At the time, he was in custody pending a court appearance.

Mingo along with two Guyana Elections Commission staff, Enrique Livan and Sheffaun February, were charged for electoral fraud stemming from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, when they allegedly altered to results to favour a win for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC).

On Thursday, the protesters began blocking the main thoroughfare by burning tires. On Sunday, they lifted an old building which was once used as a shop and placed in in the middle of the road, thus blocking the flow of traffic. The protesters even turned on the police, throwing missiles at them.

As a result, hundreds of vehicles were trapped on both sides. However, later in the evening, the protesters returned to the streets and defied the request by the police to return to their homes.

As such, Lawmen were forced to resort to the use of tear gas as protesters defied orders to disperse.

In the process, a policeman, as well as a protester, were injured at Belladrum, and its neighbouring villages. The police were subsequently able to restore order.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry reported that Guyana recorded 67 new cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Tuesday. This now takes the total number of confirmed cases to 1373.

Based on the figures released, 11 persons are now housed in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) while 742 recoveries have been recorded. Of the total cases, 679 are males while 694 are females. The Ministry said that 67 persons are in institutional isolation while 512 are in home isolation. Ninety-eight persons are in institutional quarantine and the death toll remains at 41. Thus far, 8822 tests have been administered. (G2)

Cuban national Yuri Garcia-Dominguez and his wife Ateeka Ishmael

C

uban national Yuri Garcia-Dominguez and his Guyanese wife, Ateeka Ishmael, were on Tuesday slapped with an additional 12 charges, bringing the total number of charges to 41 thus far.

The couple virtually appeared before Magistrate

Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the new charges were read to them.

The police stated that between May 2020 and July 2020, with intent to commit a felony, they conspired with persons, known and unknown, to obtain a total sum

of over $30 million from the 12 persons under false pretence.

The couple, who was represented by Attorneys-atLaw Glen Hanoman and Dexter Todd, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of $3.6 million each. They will make their next court appearance on September 21.

Only on Monday, the couple was slapped with 10 charges, which alleged that between May 2020 and July 2020, with intent to commit a felony, they conspired with persons, known and unknown, to obtain a total sum of over $60 million from 10 persons under false pretence. They were granted bail in the sum of $1 million each and were ordered to return to court on October 5.

Meanwhile, on Thursday last, a total of 19 charges were read to them in two separate courts. In this matter, the police stated that they collected $25.7 million from 13 persons. They were granted $3.9 million bail each.

Construction worker critical after colliding with motor car

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construction worker is now in a critical condition after his motorcycle collided with a car along the Friendship Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on Tuesday.

Injured is Eon Anderson, 41, Lot 88 Vigilance North, ECD. Based on reports received, the accident involved a motorcycle driven

by Anderson and a motor car driven by a 30-year-old man of Non-Pariel, ECD. The car was reported-

ly driving along the East Coast Highway and in the vicinity of Vigilance, the driver slowed down after observing two police ranks performing their duties.

As the driver passed the police, he reportedly accelerated his vehicle and at Friendship, he collided with a motorcycle which was attempting to cross the access road onto the public road.

As a result of the collision, the driver of the car lost control and ended up in the Friendship Burial Ground.

Nevertheless,

Anderson reportedly fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries about his body.

He was picked up by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted a patient suffering from head injuries and a fractured left foot.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the motor car and the reading was below the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Attempt to rig elections

Lowenfield’s personal assistant arrested P

ersonal Assistant (PA) to Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission, Keith Lowenfield was on Tuesday taken into Police custody for questioning in relation to an ongoing investigation into electoral fraud.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, when contacted on Tuesday evening, confirmed that Duarte Hetsberger was arrested and is being questioned in relation to events after Guyana’s General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020.

Blanhum did not divulge other details surrounding his involvement in the active investigations. He nevertheless stated that investigations are ongoing. Thus far, several persons were arrested and charged including Enrique Livan and Sheffaun February.

In addition, Carolyn Duncan, a registration officer, was also taken into custody.

So far, no charges have been instituted against her.

Nevertheless, these arrests were made after the

Personal Assistant to the Chief Elections Officer, Duarte Hetsberger

Guyana Police Force was ordered to launch an investigation into the role played by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and embattled Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo in the blatant attempts to rig the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The police had stated that “formal reports” were received alleging “criminal conduct”

by Lowenfield and Mingo, as well as others in relation to the elections and the events that followed thereafter.

“As a result, legal advice was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), and the Guyana Police Force was advised to launch a comprehensive investigation into these allegations” in accordance with its mandate.

However, the Chief Elections Officer was slapped with private criminal charges for fraud, misconduct in office, and breach of public trust, which were filed by private citizens Josh Kanhai and Desmond Morian. He is currently on $450,000 bail.

But the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack had indicated that in the exercise of powers vested in her under Article 187 of the Constitution, she would take over the private criminal charges currently pending against Lowenfield in the Magistrates’ Courts.

In addition, private criminal charges were also filed against RO Mingo and Chairperson of the People’s

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

National Congress Reform (PNCR) Volda Lawrence back in March, contending that they attempted to forge a Form 24 document which had shown a win for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition with the intention to defraud the public.

Those figures were widely rejected by the other political parties that contested the elections, as well as by observ-

ers, both local and international.

Lawrence made her appearance at the Magistrates’ Courts on Monday last and was placed on $100,000 bail while Mingo was slapped with additional misconduct in public office charges and was placed on $600,000 bail.

The protracted electoral process since the March 2 polls has been marred by a series of litigation, and a National Recount had to be conducted to ascertain the valid votes cast. The results from the 33-day exercise showed the PPP/C with a victory, having obtained 233,336 votes while its main political rival, the APNU/AFC obtained 217,920 votes – a difference of 15,416 votes.

During that exercise, it was found that RO Mingo had heavily inflated the votes from Guyana’s largest voting district in favour of the coalition, the event that initiated the recount in the first place.

The recount was certified by a special team of scrutineers from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) which

said in its report to the Guyana Elections Commission that, “…nothing that we witnessed warrants a challenge to the inescapable conclusion that the recount results are acceptable and should constitute the basis of the declaration of the results of the March 2, 2020 elections.”

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

These proceedings passed through the High and Appeal Courts here in Guyana, as well as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – the country’s apex court – before the path was finally paved for GECOM to declare the elections results using the recount figures. The declaration was made on August 2 and the new President was immediately sworn in – exactly five months after the Guyanese people had gone to the polls.

President Ali distributes 800 food Miner accidentally shot during drunken brawl hampers to Berbice residents

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday distributed in excess of 800 food hampers to residents of East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), who are directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his inaugural visit to the Ancient County since ascending to office, Ali recommitted to fulfilling the promises made by his Government on the campaign trail.

“We are 100 per cent committed to those assurances of bring back the jobs, creating opportunities, making lives better and easier. We would have liked to commence this five months ago when you rightfully elected us as Government.”

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the President met with several small groups of people in Gangarram, Betsy Ground, Goed Bananen Land, Adelphi, Reliance and Rosehall.

Ali explained that resi-

dents in East Canje have experienced difficulties since the closure of the sugar estate.

However, on the brighter side, Ali said all of the promises the party made to Guyana will be fulfilled.

“We are not shying away from that. I want to assure you that we are going to work aggressively every day to ensure that economic livelihood returns to these communities. We will work on supporting your own livelihood,” he told residents at Gangarram.

Gangarram was hit the hardest when the previous Administration closed the Rosehall Sugar Estate in December 2016, leaving 1181 workers jobless.

In fact, the APNU/ AFC Government closed the Rosehall and Skeldon Estates, leaving only the Albion Estate in operation.

A total of 1851 workers were sacked from the

The President and beneficiaries of the food hampers

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miner is now nursing an injury to his left instep after he was accidentally shot by one of his colleagues during an argument on Tuesday at ChiChi Backdam, North West District (NWD). The injured man has been identified as 34-year-old Lloyd London of Heaven Hill, Matthew’s Ridge, NWD. Based on information received, on Monday at about 21:00h, the now injured man and a co-worker were consuming alcohol at a shop owned by the suspect. However, at about

President Irfaan Ali addressing residents in East Canje on Tuesday

Skeldon Sugar Estate; another 1480 from the East Demerara Sugar Estate and 251 from the Wales Sugar Estate.

“We are going to work on ensuring that those sugar estates get back into production and that those jobs that were lost they get them back in the community,” Ali posited.

Meanwhile, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the Head of State asked persons to observe all the guidelines that were put in place.

He explained that $5 billion has already been approved for COVID-19 relief but Government is seeking to raise an additional $2 billion as plans are underway to ensure that every household receives financial assistance.

“Outside of the household foodstuff we are trying to put money into every single family’s home,” the President announced.

“We do not know how long we would have to put additional support in the healthcare system and the education system. We are also setting aside resources to ensure that during this period our children are not divorced from academics.”

The President noted that later this week, he will address the nation on immediate measures to be implemented to reignite the economy.

03:00h, the co-worker got into a heated argument with the suspect, who ran into his shop, armed himself with a handgun and returned.

He then discharged a round in the direction of the co-worker but it missed him and instead struck London on his left instep.

London was rushed to the Port Kaituma District Hospital by a public-spirited citizen where he was admitted a patient at the said hospital.

His condition is regarded as stable. Up to press time, the suspect was not arrested.

18 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Manzoor Nadir elected Speaker of National Assembly, Shuman is Deputy Speaker

…promises to be impartial, work with all sides for 12th Parliament to be successful

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ormer parliamentarian and Government Minister, Manzoor Nadir has been elected as Speaker of the National Assembly to serve in the 12th Parliament, while Joinder representative Lenox Shuman was elected Deputy Speaker.

These appointments were made on Tuesday when the first sitting of the National Assembly in the 12th Parliament was held. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parliamentary sittings are being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, to cater for social distancing among members.

Nadir was nominated by Prime Minister, Brigadier Retired Mark Phillips, and seconded by Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira. No other nominations were made for this post.

Nadir served as a Member of Parliament for five terms, first being elected in 1992 as the then leader of The United Force (TUF) political party.

Nadir is an economist by profession and later served in the Cabinet of the then PPP/C Government for 10 years, during which he held the positions of Minister of Tourism and Labour from 2001 to 2011.

Delivering brief remarks at Tuesday’s open-

ing of the 12th Parliament, Nadir promised to be impartial in the execution of his duties and to work with all sides to ensure that the 12th Parliament is the “most successful” ever.

He posited that as Guyana continues to transform to a more vibrant and stronger democracy within an oil economy, it is of utmost importance that the 12th Parliament be effective, successful and exemplary.

“As we embark on the commencement on the agenda for this assembly, I’m enthused and dedicated to making this 12th Parliament one that will positively impact on pertinent issues such as constitutional reform, legislative reform and the implementation of new laws that caters for our changing realities.”

On this note, Nadir, who has been in politics for some 40 years, said “I’m committed to working with all sides of the House to ensuring that this 12th Parliament be inscribed in our history as being one of the most successful ever. Having sat in this House for 23 years plus as a member both on the Opposition and Government sides, I understand the importance of this position. I promise to be impartial fair and just while upholding the laws, rules and procedures in the execution of my responsibility as Speaker of this noble House. The verac-

Newly-elected Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir and Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman

ity of this noble institution must and will be uphold at all times during my tenure.”

The new Speaker went on to congratulate all the firsttime Members of Parliament (MPs), telling them that the responsibilities that come with membership of the National Assembly require dedication, unbiased dialogue, integrity and, most importantly, acting in the best interest in the people of Guyana – without whom they would not be there.

“When an individual is nominated by a list of electors on Nominations Day, he or she does so with the understanding that your constituents are entrusting you

with their lives and their future and will rely on you to represent them by speaking on their behalf. I urge you to always be accessible to your constituents and to uphold your vows to the people of Guyana,” Nadir stated.

Moreover, he told those returning parliamentarians that they must continue their resolve to make betterment for all of Guyana.

Nadir noted that while there are differences among the different sides in the National Assembly, they must all unite to ensure progress in Guyana.

He further noted that the 12th Parliament is being conducted within the times

House approves $11.2B for constitutional agencies

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he National Assembly has approved a total of $11.2 billion for 16 constitutional agencies for the remainder of the 2020 fiscal year.

This was done on Tuesday as business got underway during the first sitting of the 12th Parliament, which is being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Public Works Minister, Juan Anthony Edghill assumed responsibility for the Finance Minister’s portfolio and tabled the current and capital estimates for these bodies. No Finance Minister has been appointed as yet by the new Administration.

Among the agencies that had their 2020 budgets approved in its entirety for the period ending 31st December 2020, is Parliament Office, which got $1,799,248,000.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) received a whopping $4,943,052,000; while the Supreme Court of Judicature got $2,443,164,000.

Another $908,636,000 was approved for the Office of the Auditor General.

The Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) received $226,822,000,

Minister Juan Edghill presenting the estimates for the 16 constitutional agencies to the National Assembly on Tuesday

while the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) got $220,802,000 and the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) secured $206,460,000.

The National Assembly further approved a total of $150,636,000 for the Public and Police Service Commissions. The Teaching Service Commission received $117,075,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman got $70,001,000 and the Women and Gender Equality received $58,327,000.

An additional $46,095,000 was approved by the House for the Rights

of the Child Commission along with $40,911,000 for the Public Service Appellate Tribunal.

The Human Rights Commission secured $25,958,000; while the Indigenous Peoples Commission got $24,392,000 and the Judicial Service Commission received $10,020,000.

The budgets for these constitutional agencies were approved in the absence of the APNU/AFC Opposition members. They had walked out of the National Assembly sitting following the opening remarks by newly-elected Speaker of the National

Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

In November 2018 when the 2019 national budget – the last since then – was passed, some $11.446 billion was approved after the then coalition Government used its one-seat majority to chop over $1.8 billion from the $13.270 billion total that was requested by the constitutional agencies.

The coalition had cut monies from the estimates submitted by key agencies such as the Auditor General’s Office, GECOM, Supreme Court of Judicature, DPP Chamber, ERC among others.

Then Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, had defended the cuts to the amounts requested by these agencies when questioned

by Members of Parliament (MPs) of the then PPP/C Opposition.

For instance, he was asked by MP Irfaan Ali, who is now elected Guyana’s ninth Executive President, whether the reduced sum would be adequate for the Auditor General’s Office given that the country at the time was heading into an oil and gas economy. But Jordan said that the amended amount would not restrict the agency from conducting its duties or maintaining its staff. (G8)

of the COVID-19 pandemic and as such, all Members must play their part in ensuring their safety and that of others including the Parliament staff.

Meanwhile, unlike Nadir’s appointment, Shuman’s election as Deputy Speaker was contested.

While he was nominated by the PPP/C Government, the Opposition APNU/AFC coalition had also nominated former House Speaker Raphael Trotman to be the Deputy Speaker.

However, the ruling party used it’s 33-seat majority to successfully elect Shuman to the post – the first Indigenous person to hold that position. This did not go well with the coalition Opposition and the MPs staged a walkout.

Nevertheless, reflecting on his appointment, Shuman said it was most appropriate given that Tuesday was also the first day of the Amerindian Heritage Month – celebrated every September.

According to Shuman, it took a long time for Guyana’s first people to get there but noted that they can only move forward from here.

“Today is a historic day.

It is the first time in history of this country that there’s ever been a Deputy Speaker that is Indigenous; the first time that an Indigenous person walked into Parliament traditionally attired,” he noted.

Shuman, who has become known for adorning his traditional attire to various important events in Guyana including the court,

attended the opening of the 12th Parliament similarly dressed.

“The hope is to be able to inspire the young people and all of you to not walk away from your identity.

We should be proud of who we are regardless if you’re Indigenous or not – any of the six peoples of Guyana plus the nine Indigenous nations,” he asserted.

Like Speaker Nadir, Shuman assured that he will be working with all parties to ensure progress for all of Guyana.

“I fully intend on working with all the political parties to ensure that Guyana moves forward, not just one component or one section but all of Guyana,” he stressed.

Shuman served as Toshao of Pakuri (St Cuthbert’s Mission) from 2015 to 2018 and Vice Chairman of the National Toshao Council.

He then entered the political scene when he founded the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) which, through its joinder with the A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and The New Movement (TNM) parties, won a seat in the National Assembly. He is their current representative in the National Assembly.

Shuman was also recently appointed Ministerial Adviser on Civil Aviation, being a licensed pilot with a wealth of aviation experience.

An old student of the North Georgetown Secondary School, Shuman furthered his studies in Canada where he gained his piloting qualifications and experience.

2 new COVID-19 deaths recorded as total now jumps to 43

T

he Public Health Ministry on Tuesday evening reported that two other persons who would have tested positive for COVID-19 have succumbed. The victims are a 72-year-old woman of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and a 29-year-old woman of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The Ministry stated that upon their admission to the medical health facility, a swab test was done on both patients. The positive test results only came back after they would have passed.

As such, the Ministry is in contact with all relatives and other contacts to facilitate contact tracing and rapid assistance to everyone who may have been exposed.

In addition, the Ministry has asked that patients’ confidentiality be respected and the families be allowed to mourn in peace.

However, the Ministry

expressed sincerest condolences to the families of these two persons and will make every effort to provide all the necessary support during this difficult time to assist the families to deal with the situation.

Members of the public are encouraged to observe the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 9) published in the Official Gazette on August 31, 2020, which emphasise the need to practice physical distancing; correct and consistent use of a facemask when leaving homes and the importance of good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers 231 1166, 226 7480 or 180/181 for assistance.

It was reported that from August 1-31, a total of 21 persons have died from the virus. For the past two days, four persons have died.

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS OPEC August oil output rises for 2nd month as cut eased – survey

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PEC oil output has risen by about 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in August, a Reuters survey found, as the group and allies eased record oil supply curbs as the global economy and demand began to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The 13-member Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries pumped 24.27 million bpd on average in August, the survey found, up 950,000 bpd from July’s figure and a further boost from the three-decade low reached in June.

An easing of lockdowns and lower supply from OPEC, Russia and allies, known as OPEC+, have helped oil climb above US$46 a barrel from April’s 21-year low of below US$16. Still, concern of a coronavirus second wave is weighing on price gains and focusing minds in OPEC. “Now we are on better ground, but a full recovery is not there yet,” said an OPEC delegate. “We must continue to monitor the market and coronavirus situation very carefully.”

OPEC+ from May 1 made a record cut of 9.7 million bpd, or 10 per cent of global output, after the virus destroyed a third of world demand. From Aug 1, the cut tapered to 7.7 million bpd until December, of which OPEC’s share is 4.868 million bpd.

In August, OPEC countries bound by the deal delivered 99 per cent of the pledged reduction, the survey found. Compliance in July was revised up to 95 per cent.

August’s increase is similar to that seen in July and means OPEC is now pumping almost 2 million bpd more than June’s figure, which was the lowest since 1991 based on Reuters surveys and OPEC data.

The biggest rise in supply in August came from Saudi Arabia, which pumped 9 million bpd, up 600,000 bpd from July and close to its new quota, the survey found.

The second-biggest rise came from the United Arab Emirates, which pumped more than its quota after hot weather and people holidaying at home boosted local demand. Kuwait also raised output, remaining in line with its new target.

Smaller increases came from Angola and Algeria.

Iraq and Nigeria, laggards in previous months of the OPEC+ deal, both reduced output, the survey found, with Iraq reaching its highest compliance in recent years.

The cut from Iraq, though, was less than the volume pledged and Nigeria, while boosting compliance significantly, remains short of the 100 per cent level according to the survey.

Iranian, Venezuelan and Libyan supply was little changed. All three are exempt from voluntary cuts because of US sanctions or internal issues limiting output. Libyan output may begin to rise if proposals to lift a months-long oil blockade are adopted.

The Reuters survey aims to track supply to the market and is based on shipping data provided by external sources, Refinitiv Eikon flows data, information from tanker-trackers such as PetroLogistics and Kpler, and information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consultants. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Facebook says Russian influence campaign targeted left-wing voters in US, UK

A

Russian influence operation posed as an independent news outlet to target left-wing voters in the United States and Britain, including by recruiting freelance journalists to write about domestic politics, Facebook said on Tuesday.

Facebook Inc said the operation - which partly focused on US politics and racial tensions in the run-up to the Nov 3 Presidential Election - centred around a pseudo media organisation called Peace Data.

The website operated 13 Facebook accounts and two pages, which were set up in May and suspended on Monday for using fake identities and other forms of “coordinated inauthentic behaviour,” the company said.

Facebook said its investigation “found links to individuals associated with

past activity by the Russian Internet Research Agency”, a St Petersburg-based company which US intelligence officials say was central to Russian efforts to sway the 2016 Presidential Election.

Twitter said it had also suspended five accounts as part of the operation which it could “reliably attribute to Russian state actors.”

Russia has previously denied US allegations of trying to sway elections and said it does not interfere in the domestic politics of other countries.

Investigators at social media analytics firm Graphika studied the operation and said Peace Data predominately targeted progressive and left-wing groups in the United States and Britain, but also posted about events in other countries including Algeria and Egypt. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mauritius oil spill: 3 clean-up crew die after boat capsizes

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hree sailors have died and one is missing after their tugboat capsized while they were helping to clear a major oil spill off Mauritius.

Four others were rescued after the boat collided with a barge on Monday.

The accident happened two days after major protests in Mauritius over the Government's handling of the cleanup.

About 1000 tonnes of oil spilled into a sanctuary for rare wildlife after the Japanese ship MV Wakashio struck a coral reef on July 25.

Concern mounted further after 39 dead dolphins were found washed up on the shore last week. The cause of their deaths is not yet known but environmen-

Search and rescue teams, along with fishermen, are combing the area for the missing crew member

tal campaigners believe it is linked to the spill and are demanding an inquiry.

The tugboat had been towing the unmanned barge back from the spill site in rough seas when the collision between them hap-

pened, the barge operator Taylor Smith Group said.

The eight crew members abandoned ship. Four were later rescued and taken to shore.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth visited the res-

cued sailors in hospital and said rescue teams were searching for the missing crew members, the BBC's Yasine Mohabuth reports from the capital Port Louis.

Many Mauritians believe the Government could have done more to prevent the spill. There is also criticism over the decision to deliberately sink part of the ship after it split in two.

Thousands of people marched through Port Louis on Saturday calling on the government to resign.

Many wore black and T-shirts with the inscription: "I love my country.

I'm ashamed of my government." They waved the national flag, while honking horns and drumming.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Trinidad: Children over 8 with no masks in public face charges

I

f a child over the age of eight is found to be out in public alone without a face mask, they can be charged TT$1000 in the first instance under the new Public Health Ordinance which was passed in the Senate on Saturday and came into effect Monday.

If that child is accompanied by an adult, whether a parent or guardian, the adult will face the fine for the breach of

the updated Public Health Guidelines that have made mask-wearing in public mandatory.

This was the word from Attorney General Faris AlRawi, who said while the law, which came into effect early Monday, does not allow for children under eight to be prosecuted, parents/guardian are still advised to encourage younger children to mask up.

He said the legislation allows for a mask, a face covering or a face shield that covers the nose, mouth and the chin.

Speaking at the Health Ministry’s virtual media briefing, the AG said, “Everybody would know by now that we have a Children’s Court, so if your child is on his/her own and without a mask, your child can be fined via the fixed penalty notice position, you will go

to the Children’s Court… and you will find yourself before the court to pay the penalty or in the court pay system … If you are in the company of your child, you are a person with responsibility for this child, you are a parent, guardian, etcetera, you can be an uncle carrying the child out, you can be exposed to the fines yourself.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Kenosha was rocked by days of violence after Jacob Blake was shot in the back by officers.

Opinion polls show Trump is cutting into his Democratic rival Joe Biden's lead ahead of November's election.

The President is pushing a strong "law and order" message ahead of the vote. Biden

has accused Trump of stoking racial division.

"Fires are burning and we have a President who fans the flames rather than fighting the flames," the former US Vice-President said ahead of Tuesday's trip.

Trump defended the actions of US Police and accused the media of focusing

only on "bad" incidents involving officers.

He also said his Administration would provide nearly US$4 million (£3 million) to help Kenosha businesses that had been damaged in the riots and $1 million for city law enforcement. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Jacob Blake: Trump visits Kenosha to back Police after shooting

U

S President Donald Trump has visited Kenosha, Wisconsin, to back law enforcement after the police shooting of a black man sparked civil strife.

The Republican President sought to blame "destruction" in the Midwestern city on local Democratic leaders.

Lebanon: Security forces tear-gas anti-Govt protestors on centennial

A

ngry protesters threw rocks and used metal frames to climb over steel walls surrounding Lebanon's heavily fortified Parliament complex in central Beirut as security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.

A smaller group of demonstrators marched towards Parliament after hundreds of others gathered in Martyrs' Square on Tuesday to demand justice for victims of the devastating port blast and commemorate the centennial anniversary of the creation of Greater Lebanon.

The protests coincided with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Beirut for the second time since the enor-

A couple take part in anti-Government protests calling on the ruling elite to hold accountable those responsible for the Beirut blast

mous explosion at the capital's port last month, which killed at least 190 people, injured thousands, and left 300,000 others homeless.

Protesters, coming from various parts of the country and representing many civ-

il society groups and political movements, chanted anti-Government slogans and demanded the Government step down.

Firing tear gas and rubber-coated bullets, security forces pushed back

the protesters away from Parliament into Martyrs' Square. Sporadic clashes erupted between both sides. By late evening, however, only a few dozen demonstrators remained on the streets.

Earlier at Martyrs' Square, protesters called for early elections, a new electoral law, and an independent Government to resolve the prolonged financial crisis and hold those responsible for the August 4 port explosion accountable.

Many also expressed their rejection for Adib as the country's new Prime Minister and Macron's visit, saying it was a reflection of foreign involvement in the country's internal affairs.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

Take better care of yourself. Refuse to get involved in something that isn’t to your advantage. Focus on self-preservation, moderation and personal gain.

It’s up to you to take the TAURUS wheel and make things hap(April 20pen. Delegate chores, reMay 20) sponsibilities and jobs you cannot handle yourself. Be innovative and eager to try something new.

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Think twice before you believe what you hear or pass it along. Expect someone to exaggerate or mislead you.

Question what’s possible before you sign up for something that might jeopardize your finances or friendships.

It’s OK to toot your horn to ensure that people know what you are capable of doing. Take advantage of any situation that allows you to get ahead.

Romance is favored.

Put your effort where it counts. Focus on taking care of unfinished business and physically taking action to reach your goal. Refuse to let anyone sidetrack you with grand yet empty schemes. Do your own thing.

Look over your options, and make a decision.

Promote what you want to do with a little flair, and you will convince others to help you pursue your goals.

Sit tight, keep a watchful eye on what others are doing and steer clear of people putting unfair demands on you.

Focus on keeping the peace and learning all you can to get ahead.

Follow the path that beckons you, and you will sail through today with ease. Concentrate on creative endeavors and self-improvement to find satisfaction. Romance is on the rise.

Stop and give yourself a chance to evaluate what’s going on around you. Put your energy into physical fitness, self-improvement and clear thinking. The truth matters.

Your finances will take an unexpected turn, but it doesn’t have to be for the worse. You’ll get a chance to breathe easily and improve your quality of life if you make a positive domestic change.

Hard work will pay off.

Rely on lessons from your past to get ahead now. Do what’s best for you, instead of doing what someone wants you to do. Don’t shy away from opportunity.

Make changes that suit your needs. Helping others is fine, but make sure you get something in return. Love and romance look promising. Share your feelings and take action.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

21

COVID-19 pandemic…

"There is light at the end of the tunnel"

– the accomplished Emerson Campbell advises Olympic Association (GOA) and National Sports Commission (NSC) Sports Journalist of the Year.

Besides, he is a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist; a CAC silver and bronze medalist (Dominican Republic and Mexico); four times Mr. Guyana Men’s Physique Champion; three times Stage of Champions Men’s Physique Champion; and Darcy Beckles Silver Medalist (Barbados).

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed yet again, and as at August 30, 2020, there was a total of 41 deaths.

The 6pm—6am curfew has been reinstituted, and, to the natural eye, it seems as though athletes are in for the long haul in 2020.

Many have seen the restart of cricket at some clubs on the West Coast of Demerara, but that lasted for only one day, as escalation in the number of cases caused all sporting activities to again be shut down.

In general, the pandemic has affected contact sports more than other sports, like chess and archery.

‘Athletes’ in those sporting disciplines are not so much affected, as they can compete in online tournaments and, to some effect, keep their rhythm intact.

Sports such as body-

Emerson Campbell

building, powerlifting, cricket, volleyball, and rugby have seen no action in more than 5 months, and this can affect the athletes mentally.

In a quest to find out how the pandemic has affected athletes, this publication sat down with bodybuilder Emerson Campbell and asked him a series of questions. Campbell is a Guyana

Q: How is the pandemic affecting you at the moment?

A: It has affected me immensely. The gyms are closed, and working out at the gym has been a big part of my routine for the better part of two decades. Not only has the physical aspect of not working out affected me, but, most importantly, the mental aspect. The gym has been very therapeutic

and has been a big part of my mental health over the years. I’m also a personal trainer, so the closure of the gyms due to the pandemic has also impacted me financially.

Q: Because of the measures in place now, what have you done to substitute your training?

A: I don’t quite understand how countries which are far more affected by the virus have gyms open, but the gyms here are still shuttered, although bars and strip clubs are operating. It’s quite nonsensical.

Basically, I’m just doing free hand exercises at home, which I’m already bored doing. I like to feel and lift heavy weights, and I like

the atmosphere of throwing around dumbbells in the gym with my buddies. The feeling is euphoric.

Q: What has this pandemic taught you, and how have you grown?

A: The pandemic has taught me to expect the unexpected and to be thankful for life. It has also taught me that health is wealth, and peace of mind is the real bag.

Q: What goal are you currently working towards?

A: Currently, all my goals are centred around being a well-rounded person: being a better friend, family member, boyfriend.

At the end of the day, family and friends and your

support system are what’s most important, especially during this testing period.

I’m also learning to speak Spanish better.

Q: What's one thing that you have bettered yourself in during this lockdown?

A: I think I’ve become better at being patient. The pandemic has forced me to exercise a lot of patience I didn’t know I possessed.

Q: And to your supporters and sponsors, what do you want to say?

A: We are all in this together, and we have all been impacted negatively by the pandemic. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we will get through this period. It’s temporary.

22 Trinbago Knight Riders continue flawless tournament

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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Munro, spinners hamstring Tallawahs

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r i n b a g o Knight Riders' unassailable hold on the CPL continued in Tarouba with Colin Munro's 65 underpinning the second-highest total of the season, to leave the TKR with seven wins from their first seven games.

The TKR spinners then sucked the life out of the Jamaica Tallawahs' chase, leaving them locked in a three-way fight with Guyana and Barbados Tridents for two semi-final spots.

TKR scored at breakneck speed at Andre Russell struck 50* in vain both ends of the inenough for him to spend nings, Munro and Kieron most of the innings at slip, Pollard hauling them up and rendering him unable to to an imposing total, af- bowl. ter Sunil Narine's 11-ball Rovman Powell opted 29 had set the tone. The to use himself as the fifth Tallawahs never looked like bowler, with left-arm spingetting near chasing 185, ner Veerasammy Permaul and the margin of defeat dropping out of the side. It would have been much great- proved costly, as he leaked er had it not been for a con- 48 runs in his four overs. solatory 65-run partnership between Andre Russell and Narine sets the tone Carlos Brathwaite with the It was anticipated that game effectively gone. run-scoring would prove easThe Knight Riders' only ier on a fresh Brian Lara concern at this stage will Academy pitch, but few be the precedent of Guyana would have predicted 32 to Amazon Warriors, who won come off the first 15 balls.

11 games out of 11 before Twenty-nine of those losing last year's final, not were thanks to Narine, who least with a straight knock- freed him arms to crash out format in the final stages Fidel Edwards for two fours this season. and a top-edged six, before spanking the first three Big guns return balls of Brathwaite's over for The stars were back on boundaries. both sides, with Dwayne He fell flashing at a cutBravo reinstated in the ter outside his off-stump, alTKR team after being rest- though he clearly thought he ed against the Tridents, and hadn't hit it; but he had done Narine returning after hav- his job in getting Trinbago ing kidney stones removed. off to a flying start. It was an innings that displayed Russell's knee injury had Narine's evolution as a hitalso recovered - albeit only ter at the top of the order. He

was initially promoted to counter spin in the Powerplay, but has developed his game so that he is now effective - if not always easy on the eye - against most seamers, too.

Late blitzes

SERVICE

Due for a big score, Colin Munro saw the innings through to the final ball

The Knight Riders Trial by spin were in danger of in failing to build on The Tallawahs have t h e Narine's bright start managed to assemble an first 13, and after Fawad as they stumbled XI made up exclusively of Ahmed removed Nkrumah their way to 113 for right-handed batsmen, so it Bonner and Powell, it 3 after 15 overs, with was no surprise that Pollard seemed everything rested Sandeep Lamichhane - a savvy captain, often in- on the shoulders of Glenn again proving effec- fluenced by match-ups - opt- Phillips and Russell from 84 tive in a spell of 1 for ed to throw the new ball to for 4. his left-arm spinners Khary 20 from his four.

Lendl Simmons Pierre and Akeal Hosein.

Too little, too late scored at a strike rate They both struck earThe Tallawahs decided below 100, continuing ly, with Hosein having against promoting Russell his struggles through Chadwick Walton caught at up the order, even in a mamthe tournament, while point off the first ball of the moth chase, meaning that Munro had been tied chase to extend the opener's he had scored seven from down by the spin through dreadful run in this tournaseven balls from No. the middle 6 with 80 needed from overs, having the final four overs. been dropped Their use of him on four by brings to mind buyJermaine ing a Ferrari and leavBlackwood. ing it in a garage for Munro a year, only to expect and Pollard, it to click into gear however, straight away. added 71 off Russell eventualthe last five ly hammered Narine overs, punover deep midwicket at ishing some the end of the 17th, bewayward fore clubbing Jayden death bowlSeales for four, four ing. and six in the 18th, Munro reand nailing Pollard for verse-swept two sixes and a four in a pair of the final over; but it boundaries only served as a taste off Mujeeb, of what might have before Powell been. leaked 18 A late blitz from Captain Keiron Pollard was instrumental He eventualfrom his fily added 68 from 35 nal over via a six and four ment, and Pierre bowling balls in partnership with from Munro, two wides and Blackwood.

Brathwaite, but it was too lita front-foot no-ball.

All things considered, tle, too late. (ESPNCricinfo) Pollard was soon in on there were 12 overs of spin the act, muscling Mujeeb down the ground and pulling him behind square, before clobbering the expensive Fidel Edwards over long-on.

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS JAMAICA TALLAWAHS INNINGS

Shariff wins 1st chess tournament after COVID-19 break

O

Brathwaite's final over started with a six and two wides as Pollard went down the ground again, with Munro pulling four more and holing out against the last ball as Trinbago finished on 184.

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third. The remainder mar Shariff showed fine form over the of the top nine for the weekend in being tournament includable to come back strong ed Kyle Couchman, from a lengthy break to win Ethan Persaud, Neal Rodrigues, Joel Wong, the Junior Chess competition.

Mahir Rajkumar and The “Chess in Schools” Micaiah Enoe. junior chess pilot proThe tournament gramme, in partnership signalled the return of with chesskid.com, was able junior chess, with 100 to attract 38 under-16 chilchildren to be awarded gold membership dren from six schools to participate in its first local, fulon chesskid.com at a ly online chess tournament. cost of US$1500 to the The children played for just GCF. about three hours in seven The training and exciting rounds under the development aspects Omar Shariff watchful eye of experienced of chess is hinged on arbiter John Lee. Emerging widening the pool of victorious was ten-year-old Omar Shariff, young players, with guidance from seniors who, after a first-round loss to Arysh and, ultimately, international trainers.

Raghunauth, reeled off six consecutive wins The junior chess realignment post to finish on six points.

COVID-19 will see a shorter format of chess Italy Ton Chung finished second with being played, with technology as its aid to five points, while Mahalia Rajkumar was the future.

SCOREBOARD

INNINGS (20 OVERS MAXIMUM) LMP Simmons c Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Lamichhane 25 SP Narine c †Phillips b Brathwaite 29 C Munro c & b Brathwaite 65 TL Seifert † c Lamichhane b Edwards 18 KA Pollard (c) not out 33 Extras (lb 6, nb 2, w 6) 14 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 9.2) 184/4 Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Sunil Narine, 2.4 ov), 2-78 (Lendl Simmons, 9.3 ov), 3-111 (Tim Seifert, 14.2 ov), 4-184 (Colin Munro, 19.6 ov)

BOWLING FH Edwards Mujeeb Ur Rahman CR Brathwaite R Powell S Lamichhane

4-0-48-1 4-0-26-0 4-0-36-2 4-0-48-0 4-0-20-1

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(TARGET: 185 RUNS FROM 20 OVERS) CAK Walton c Narine b Hosein 0 GD Phillips † c †Seifert b DJ Bravo 41 J Blackwood b Pierre 12 NE Bonner lbw b Fawad Ahmed 26 R Powell (c) b Fawad Ahmed 2 AD Russell not out 50 Asif Ali c & b Narine 7 CR Brathwaite not out 21 Extras (lb 1, w 5) 6 TOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 8.25) 165/6 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Chadwick Walton, 0.1 ov), 2-14 (Jermaine Blackwood, 1.4 ov), 3-78 (Nkrumah Bonner, 10.6 ov), 4-84 (Rovman Powell, 12.2 ov), 5-90 (Glenn Phillips, 13.3 ov), 6-97 (Asif Ali, 14.1 ov) BOWLING AJ Hosein K Pierre SP Narine Fawad Ahmed DJ Bravo JNT Seales KA Pollard

3-0-18-1 4-0-25-1 4-0-23-1 3-0-21-2 4-0-37-1 1-0-22-0 1-0-18-0

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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23

Warriors massacre Tridents in wicket-filled thriller

however, was the play the big shot, but found agile Shimron Pooran leaving his spot beHetmyer sprint- hind the stumps and sprinting 25 yards from ing back to the boundary to long on to take scoop up a whirling catch. a Republic Bank Naveen again showed his classic catch on prowess in the 12th, causthe boundary. ing Ashley Nurse to go afAs they rotat- ter the bouncer. What Nurse ed the bowling be- did not take into account was tween themselves, Romario Shepherd manning Sinclair and the the boundary, who had only Captain took turns to jog in a few yards to take a Brandon King returned to form in removing the clean catch. with a number of classy shots Barbados Tridents Naveen delivered his batsmen. Barbados and fourth ball to Raymond Windies Red ball captain Reifer, who gloved the ball

By Jemima Holmes Jason Holder probably cre- into the air, and it dropped ated a fictitious second run right down Pooran’s throat. ireworks from Naveen in his mind off the bowling Ul Haq and mature of Green, as he charged back Superman Santner batting from Brandon to the top of the non-striker’s Back in 2013, the lowKing caused the Guyana end. But as fate would have est ever Hero Caribbean Amazon Warriors (GAW) it, the ball beat him to the Premier League (CPL) score to surge to their 4th win of punch, and Nicholas Pooran was etched into the histothe Hero Caribbean Premier removed the bails to dismiss ry books when the Barbados League (CPL) 2020 tourna- him.

Tridents took on the Trinidad ment, further solidiand Tobago fying their spot in the Red Steel at top four ahead of next the Kensington week’s semifinals.

Oval, Barbados.

It all went wrong Although the for the Barbados Tridents weathTridents in both ered the storm team’s first game back and made it at the Brian Lara through, their Cricket Academy in score of 27/8 Tarouba, Trinidad was a horrifand Tobago, but the ic reminder of tale-enders fought to that game, in get the Tridents to a which they were respectable total at the aggressors. the end of 20 overs.

But New The Tridents were Zealander close enough to taste M i t c h e l l history repeating itSantner refused self at 27-8. The reto allow history minder of their low to repeat itself, scoring affairs against as he struck Keemo Paul and Naveen ul Haq celebrate one the Trinidad and up the most unof the latter's wickets with a dance duet Tobago Red Steel in usual of part2013 and the Guyana nerships with Amazon Warriors in 2017, Sinclair was again bril- Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan. when they only managed to liant in the fourth, evoking Santner punished Imran scrape 59 runs, proved to be praise from ‘hardened’ com- Tahir with the first boundthe ghosts of failures past for mentator Ian Bishop for his ary of the game, a Hero the Tridents; and, as such, bowling and overall disposi- Maximum over long on. the Barbadians fought tooth tion. Sinclair was planted af- Santner got away with anand nail to realign their ter delivering a ball to Shai other boundary, making it path.

Hope, who kindly returned the most expensive over of it to the hands of the bowler, the game yet, with 13 runs.

Tridents’ horror story causing him to launch into Keemo Paul, who hadn’t The first innings of the his now famous somersault looked himself in the last game could not compare to celebration. game, was off his mark once the horrors of Annabelle, the The next few overs again, going for 12 in his Conjuring, or A Quiet Place, passed quietly and without first over, being sent over the as the tale of the Barbados a boundary as the Tridents’ ropes twice by Rashid.

Tridents’ deteriorating bat- middle order tried to take Santner was cognizant ting performances was at an the reins of the game. At of Rashid’s eagerness to go, all-season low on Tuesday 19-4 the Tridents were no- and played the perfect supevening. ticeably reeling on the track porting role at times, while Those who saw their out- to the lowest CPL score ever, finding the occasional bounding against the St. Lucia but instead of taking the up- ary and doubles between the Zouks on Sunday morning ward trod, the only direction wickets. would think that it could not they could foresee was downThe partnership, which get worse, or that the team hill. proved to be the lifeline for would return to the drawWith the seamer Naveen the Barbadians, racked up ing board to get it right; but Ul Haq approaching the 48 runs, getting them to nothing of the sort occurred. crease, the Tridents proba- 75–8 before Rashid fell to Kevin Sinclair again bly took him too lightly, fail- his fellow Afghan Naveen, proved why he should have ing to perceive the havoc that as Sinclair picked up a beaubeen included sooner in the he was about to wreak on ty just in front the boundary playing XI, churning out yet the team. His first delivery ropes. another economical spell of was dispatched to deep third New batsman Hayden 2-14 from his four overs. man for a single, and the sec- Walsh Junior sneaked in Following the lead of ond effected a silly run out one last four in the 19th, beCaptain Chris Green, who similar to the Captain’s, to fore enduring a sub-par final removed opener Justin send Jonathan Carter back over.

Greaves via lbw in the first to the dugout.

Eager to sneak in a third over, Sinclair pitched one Mayers, who survived run on the final ball, Santner up to Johnson Charles, who an embarrassing run out fi- was run out by Shepherd to jumped at the opportuni- asco two balls earlier, could give the Warriors an even ty to clear the ropes. What not stand up to the bowling 10. The Tridents finished on Charles did not anticipate, much longer. He looked to 92 all out.

F

Brandon is back!

our strategy was this: that I'll be bowling after the 10th over. When I saw the wicket, I felt it would help the seamers a little bit. I hit my lengths and luckily got four wickets.

The first over bowled

by Jason Holder went for a maiden, and questions began to loom in regard to whether or not the Warriors would face the same challenges that the Tridents faced in Jonathan Carter comes up short their attempt to chase down as Ul Haq shatters the bails the meagre total. so we had to hang in there, However, a boundary hang tough, and I was realfrom Brandon King in the “I think it's more im- ly proud of the fielding effort. second looked sweetly familiar to the beautiful stroke portant to get on a roll at To get three runouts in a T20 game is fantasplay that fans tic. With the got accustomed bat, we asked to see coming two guys to put from him in their hands up 2019. and do the hard Sinclair yards. Brandon did not show King did that, up on Tuesday and then night, and the Nicholas Pooran proof was in continued his the overly angood form. For ticipated shot Naveen to come that saw a in the middle quick one from and be as conRashid Khan sistent and racing past the clear as he was batsman out of and execute his his crease and plans to take 4 straight onto Nicholas Pooran was happy to play second for 14 is an outthe stumps. fiddle to Brandon King on this occasion standing effort.

Shimron He's been a blessHetmyer struck a lucky boundary upon his the end and not at the start. ing for this side. He's a young entry, but soon fell in similar Last year we won everything bowler who bowls with a fashion to Sinclair, being left at the start, but not the fi- wealth of experience”.

On Kevin Sinclair, a-begging as Walsh bowled nal. It's a very good look for Afghanistan. Many young- he said: “To bowl 8 overs him clean.

The recently ascend- sters are watching back straight, three overs through ed CPL centurion Nicholas home, and are encouraged to the Powerplay and then Pooran was cool, calm and come here and play in the fu- one outside in back-to-back games on debut just shows collected in his approach, ture."

Another man elated his class. The last couple of looking starkly different from his demeanour on about the win was Captain games has given us a clear Sunday last. Pooran bare- Chris Green, who expressed idea of what we want movly struck at 54.54, as he al- his satisfaction with every ing forward. It's good to see lowed Brandon King to find player who contributed to different guys putting their hands up at different times." his rhythm after 7 games of the victory.

"Perfect start. 20-odd for The Guyana Amazon falling short of his expecta8, fantastic start with the Warriors will face the St tions.

King looked at home in ball from all our bowlers. In Lucia Zouks in their 9th prethe crease once again, and T20 cricket, there's always liminary game at 5.30pm tohe soon evened out his runs going to be a partnership, day. to match the balls that he poked and prodded while finding his form earlier in the innings.

On a few occasions, howBOWLING Barbados Tridents Innings ever, King tucked away (20 overs maximum) CJ Green 4-2-3-1 the boundary to showcase J Charles c Hetmyer K Sinclair 4-0-13-2 glimpses of his master class. b Sinclair 0 Imran Tahir 3-0-18-0 4 fours, 2 sixes and nuJP Greaves lbw b Green 0 Naveen-ul-Haq merous singles later, King 4-0-14-4 KR Mayers c †Pooran reached his first half centuK Magram 1-0-12-0 b Naveen-ul-Haq 10 R Shepherd ry of the 2020 season in 48 2-0-12-0 JO Holder (c) run out balls; and one ball earlier, KMA Paul 2-0-19-0 (Magram/†Pooran) 0 struck his 1000th T20n run.

SD Hope † c & b Sinclair 5 The pair, who held a 58JL Carter run out run partnership, didn’t look Guyana Amazon Warriors Innings (Paul/Naveen-ul-Haq) 5 to go over the top, but rather (target: 93 runs from 20 overs) MJ Santner not out 38 BA King not out physically run down the to51 AR Nurse c Shepherd tal, getting to their required K Sinclair b Rashid Khan 3 93 in 16.4 overs with a husb Naveen-ul-Haq 1 SO Hetmyer b Walsh 9 tled single between the wickRA Reifer c †Pooran N Pooran † not out 18 ets. b Naveen-ul-Haq 1 Extras (b 1, lb 2, w 9) 12 The Warriors won the Rashid Khan c Sinclair TOTAL (16.4 Ov, RR: 5.58) 93/2 match by eight wickets, with b Naveen-ul-Haq 19 Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Kevin 3.2 overs to spare.

HR Walsh not out 10 Sinclair, 4.4 ov), 2-35 (Shimron Naveen Ul Haq expectedExtras (lb 1, w 2) 3 Hetmyer, 6.4 ov) ly picked up the man-of-theTOTAL (20 Ov, RR: 4.6) 92 match award for his 4-14, Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Justin BOWLING and was pleased about his Greaves, 0.5 ov), 2-1 (Johnson 4-1-22-0 Charles, 1.4 ov), 3-3 (Jason JO Holder performance. He stated, “It MJ Santner 3.4-0-20-0 Holder, 2.2 ov), 4-9 (Shai Hope, feels great to contribute to 3.4 ov), 5-20 (Jonathan Carter, Rashid Khan 4-0-21-1 a win. We needed a win to 9.2 ov), 6-22 (Kyle Mayers, 9.4 HR Walsh 2-0-9-1 qualify for the semi-finals or ov), 7-25 (Ashley Nurse, 11.1 AR Nurse 2-0-12-0 be in the race, so it felt great ov), 8-27 (Raymon Reifer, 11.6 1-0-6-0 to contribute to my team. It's ov), 9-75 (Rashid Khan, 17.2 ov), RA Reifer 10-92 (Mitchell Santner, 19.6 ov) usually our spinners that do the job up front, but today

SCOREBOARD

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2020

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