Guyana Times - April 2, 2020

Parks, gardens to be closed on Easter weekend

P10 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4244

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

PRICE

GECOM, APNU/AFC destruction of democracy: Day 31

APNU/AFC caught in another attempt to delay elections recount Stories on pages 15 & 16

...as APNU/AFC candidate moves to Appeals Court …Granger must now instruct APNU/AFC GECOM Commissioners to do recount ꟷ PPP

Guyana records 4th COVID-19 death

Ulita Moore’s case proves attempt to Page 3 frustrate …confirmed electoral process cases jump to 19 – Carter Center

Page 16

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

PPP/C COVID19 multi- P17 stakeholders’ forum to begin production of face masks

…to be distributed for free …calls for national isolation policy, "everyone wears a mask" campaign

GTT offers P14 free mobile services for healthcare workers

Page 7

Scores of pensioners flock Post Offices despite warning …Ramsammy dubs situation as “criminal”

A large number of pensioners at the Lethem Post Office, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) congregating as they wait to collect their monthly pension.

The situation was the same at several Post Offices countrywide

US moves warships against Maduro ...raises ante for democratic regime change Page 18

P13 Zeelugt security guard found dead in trench

Winston P18 Jordan signs away State lands to APNU/AFC financier 6 days before elections PSC sets up COVID-19 P17 response fund

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

Thursday, April 2 – 11:30h-13:00h and Friday, April 3 – 01:30h and 13:00h-14:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, April 2 – 10:30h-12:00h and Friday, April 3 – 12:00h-13:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions will prevail during the day.

There will be clear to partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 11:13h reaching a maximum height of 2.18 metres.

Low Tide: 17:34h reaching a minimum height of 0.99 metre.

Guyana records 4th COVID-19 death …confirmed cases jump to 19

G

uyana has recorded its fourth death from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence confirmed on Wednesday.

Osa Collins, a 78-year-old resident of New Amsterdam, Berbice in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), died on Wednesday afternoon at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was admitted into the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after testing positive for the infectious disease.

In a statement, the Public Health Ministry noted that Collins was considered an ‘imported case’ as she had recently travelled to Guyana from the United States of America.

On Wednesday evening, 59-year-old man identified only as “Mr Stoll” died at the at GPHC. He was initially at the Diamond

inconclusive.

Moreover, the number of persons in institutional quarantine is now 36.

There are 11 persons in isolation, including one person, who is hospitalised in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Additionally, Lawrence noted that the number of persons currently under home quarantine, according to the Public Health

at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being admitted one day prior.

Four of her family members, including a 13-yearold, have since tested positive for the novel coronavirus and are currently in isolation.

Meanwhile, Lawrence revealed too that as of Tuesday, calls to the COVID-19 hotline increased to 1142. She added that

Ministry figures, is 119.

Only on Tuesday, Guyana recorded its second COVID-19 death.

The victim – 38-year-old Jermaine Ifill, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at a healthcare centre in Kitty, Georgetown, was one of two persons placed in the ICU of the Georgetown Public Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

Collins was said to be the second person in the COVID-19 ICU. The EMT died on Tuesday morning and his wife, a nurse at the Georgetown Public Hospital, has since been quarantined.

Ifill reportedly complained of feeling unwell about one week ago, and subsequently tested positive for the virus. This newspaper was told that before being placed in the ICU, he was in the male ward at the medical facility.

Prior to his death, the medical professional had cautioned the hospital to enact precautions to ensure people were kept safe.

This was also directed at the Ministry via his social media account.

Ifill’s death came almost three weeks after the country recorded its first COVID-19 death on March 11.

Fifty-two-year-old Ratna Baboolall, who had recently returned to Guyana from New York, had also died

Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu-Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) now have COVID-19 hotlines.

With cases now spread to two other regions across Guyana, authorities have outlined action plans in response to the infectious disease.

In Region One (BarimaWaini), the Mabaruma Regional Hospital has developed an external triage area and a coloured handband system for the differentiation of cases.

A separate isolation facility has been identified with capacity for 8-10 persons and quarantine capacity for two persons, which would be expanded as the situation progressed.

It was noted too that

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Regional Hospital and was transferred GPHC where he succumbed.

Collins’ and Stoll’s death has brought up Guyana’s death toll and the country has also seen an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators Crude Oil Rough Rice London Sugar

US$ $24.74/barrel $253.62 /ton $353.10/ton

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Increased cases

During the Public Health Ministry’s daily update on the situation in Guyana, caretaker Minister Lawrence earlier confirmed five more cases, bringing the country’s total COVID-19 cases to 19.

“In Guyana, as of… 31st March 2020, the number of confirmed cases has increased from 12 to 19 cases, with one inconclusive,” she said.

According to Lawrence, these 19 confirmed cases hail from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) with one case; Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) with 17 cases and one inconclusive case, and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) also with one case.

In addition to an increase in confirmed cases, the number of tests conducted as well as the number of persons in quarantine and isolation have also gone up.

Lawrence noted that the total number of persons who have been tested has moved from 52 to 70 with 19 positives, 50 negatives, and one

handwashing stations (with running water and hand soap) are at the entrance to the hospital. The cleaning staff has also started sanitising floors and surfaces every two hours.

In Region Six, authorities have expanded the quarantine facility to cater for 30 additional persons.

According to Lawrence, these as all part of measures put in place to contain and mitigate the further spread of this virus, through the strengthening of community and hospital surveillance as well as the rapid response surveillance team.

Closed airports

As Guyana continues its fight against the infectious disease, which has devastated countries around the world, authorities have closed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the Eugene F Correia International Airport for another month until May 1, 2020.

The airports have been closed since March 18 and were expected to be opened on April 1, but according to caretaker Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson on Tuesday, “…due to the circumstances not only in Guyana but internationally, the GCAA (Guyana Civil Aviation Authority) had recommended that it remains closed.”

The Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) has projected that Guyana would record some 1400 COVID-19 cases, of which some five per cent is expected to be critical.

Guyana had its 700 COVID-19 testing kits boosted following the donation of an additional 1100 kits from PAHO/WHO last week along with 14 ventilators.

Director of the Disease Control Unit, Dr Nadia Liu has already stated that only persons who present symptoms are being tested, since timing can influence the accuracy of the results.

If anyone is experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, they are asked to call the hotline on 227-4986 ext 215 or 624-3067 and a team would be sent to their location.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 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

Save our women

G

uyana is at the moment so swamped with news in relation to the spread of the deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) and post elections fiasco that the news of the recent murder of two women – one in Linden and the other in Bartica - probably attracted very little attention.

These two most recent cases are just a few on the long list of women who have been murdered over the years, most times during domestic disputes, and in other times when they were innocently caught up with their partners in gang violence etc., as in the case with the Linden victim.

Over the years, there have been countless stories reported in the media of some form of gender-based violence; with women especially being at the receiving end of the beatings, and in some cases even ending up dead.

The victims’ stories have been heartbreaking, as many of them were killed after years of abuse and perhaps with very little help from those who should have provided the muchneeded support mechanisms.

The bottom line is that something must be done urgently to arrest the situation, as it is clear that what currently obtains has not been very effective. While protection orders have been effective to an extent, quite often, the abusers do not abide by them; hence the need to undertake an urgent review of mechanisms currently in place to protect women from being killed. It should be noted that many women who were killed in the past had restraining orders preventing their abusers from getting close to them, but they still ended up being dead.

As in the case of the 37-year-old Bartica woman who was reportedly axed to death by her jealous husband, the victim had filed a Police complaint against her partner with whom she had once shared a common-law relationship. It is understood that the woman endured years of abuse at his hands, and had only ended her years-long marriage with her attacker several months ago. On the day in question, she was murdered in front of her children.

Certainly, violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities and nations, and can remain with women and children for a lifetime. If not dealt with effectively, it can also pass from one generation to another. Numerous recommendations were made to the previous and current Administrations, yet nothing much has been forthcoming.

Over the years, the United Nations (UN) has been pushing countries towards implementing proactive measures to combat domestic violence. These measures have included criminalising gender-based violence; undertaking massive public awareness campaigns, and providing training to equip both men and women to act as first responders; and supporting victims of the scourge at the community level.

Additionally, this newspaper had stated before that one of the greatest challenges Guyana faces in countering domestic violence is in changing the attitudes of service providers such as Police, magistrates, social workers, and healthcare providers. Importantly, too, is that the lackadaisical attitude of neighbours, relatives, and others who are in most cases aware of domestic abuse cases but yet chose to remain silent also needs to be changed.

Everyone needs to be proactive in their response to the scourge.

It is unfortunate that in spite of all the efforts made in the past, the nation has not really got a handle on the problem. Guyana cannot afford to lose its women - most of them being at their most productive years - in such a callous manner. The authorities should never be satisfied and settle for a lacklustre approach to domestic violence. There has to be a more holistic approach, which must encompass a range of actors, with the necessary financial and human resources needed to tackle the issue.

Once the political dust is settled and a new Government is sworn in, we believe that there is an urgent need for all stakeholders to commence a national discourse on the issue. The aim should be to reassess and modify current strategies, taking into account the lessons learnt from past experiences. Let us all, including the media, pool our efforts and resources together to save our women.

Diaspora to Granger: Let the health of the nation be your priority, & not elections fraud

Dear Editor, Guyana and the people at large, in the past several weeks, have been caught in a dilemma of not knowing whether their constitutional right to choose their next president and government will be honoured and adhere to. A small group of “power hungry” individuals and selected opportunistic politicians’ main focus has been to stay in power regardless, and to use their influence and draconian measures to pressure the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the Judiciary, and law enforcement personnel to ensure that the recent elections are declared in their favour, and to disregard the will and rights of the people.

Ironically, in the midst of this power struggle, the world at large has been hit with one of the worse pandemics in recent history the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic indeed has caught the world off-guard and unprepared.

Thousands of people have been infected, and thousands have died thus far, with no real treatment modality or vaccination in place to treat individuals infected

by COVID-19.

Healthcare facilities and workers worldwide are overwhelmed by the high de-

mand from individuals seeking help and treatment.

Compounded with this pandemic is the shortage of basic supplies, such and facial masks, disposable gloves, hand sanitizers, and equipment such as respirators.

The question that must be asked and answered is: “Where or what has President Granger and his so-called ministers done to address this COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana?” The COVID-19 virus is in no way or form selective in whom it will infect; regardless of whether you are an APNU supporter, a PPP/C supporter, ANUG supporter, Indo-Guyanese, Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian, Chinese or PortugueseGuyanese, everyone is vulnerable and at risk.

Besides the Government instituting travel restrictions and limiting the gathering of crowds, the healthcare system in Guyana in all regions is ill-prepared to adequately treat and prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

The “Caretaker Ministry and Minister of Health” have done less than a sub-par job to address this pandemic; to adequately educate the public on prevention measures, and to provide hospitals and hard-working nurses and doctors with the basic supplies and equipment. The “Caretaker Minister and

President Granger” have blatantly neglected the wellbeing and health of Guyanese. Instead, their time and energies and political greed to stay in power have been their number one priority, and they are hell bent on doing so at the expense of the Guyanese people’s wellbeing.

President Granger and the rest of his cabal, including his coalition partners; namely, the AFC, can now sit back, reflect, and bear the guilt for the rest of their lives on their selfish decision when they objected to the construction of the Specialty Care Hospital. In times like this, the Specialty Care Hospital would have been able to adequately treat patients, save lives, and provide the highest level of healthcare that each and every Guyanese so well deserves. Not only have this regime blocked construction of the Specialty Care Hospital, but within the last few years, they have run the current healthcare system in Guyana to the ground.

Corruption and mismanagement of the healthcare sector again has been the motto and praxis of this regime, and that is a downright disgrace. And again, who is suffering from the corruption and mismanagement? All Guyanese, regard-

less of political affiliation, religion, ethnic background, religious belief etc.

President Granger and the Ministry of Public Health must immediately put the people’s health and wellbeing as a top priority while the outcome and tabulation process of the elections results are being determined by GECOM; and they must ensure that there is a Healthcare Operational Plan in place specifically addressing Infection Control, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

This plan must ensure that hospitals and community health centres are provided with the basic supplies of such items as disposable gloves, disposable masks and hand washing detergents; ensure adequate staffing levels for doctors and nurses are in place to treat and screen individuals; ensure that medications are readily available to treat infected patients; ensure that testing kits are readily available for doctors and nurses to test patients; ensure mechanisms are in place to get tests from labs expeditiously, and ensure a mechanism is in place to inform patients of their test results in a timely manner, especially those that tested positive for COVID-19.

Sincerely, NY-based Guyanese

GECOM masquerade has exposed our ethnic fault line

Dear Editor, The events of the last year or so -- constitutional breaches and defiance, along with the GECOM dodges and attempts to swear in the wrong president -- have rendered Guyana an unstable environment. The public is not free from major threats to their safety, and national and international actors are unable to engage in building or rebuilding political, economic and other key governance structures and institutions.

Clearly, there has been a breakdown of the rule of law. People are no longer protected from anarchy, as

well as from arbitrary exercise of power by public officials; and they are prevented from carrying out their daily affairs with confidence.

Amidst all of this, the ethnic fault line has become more pronounced. Some people are looking back at the 196364 events, while others reflect on those of 1999-2001.

The common thread running through their minds is whether we are about to relive those sad episodes.

Most of us would agree that reducing ethnic discrimination, tension and conflict requires integrating the major groups into an institutional and social fabric

system; and that democracy is built through active participation of citizens in decisions that affect their lives and through opposition to entrenched patterns of unjustified inequality.

Given the current tyranny of the minority, which threatens to widen the ethnic gap and deepen ethnic resentments, how do we as a nation move forward as one people, one nation, with one destiny?

I am tempted to offer a radical solution espoused by some politicians decades ago, but that would run counter to what I believe in and have worked for over

the years.

I now join the international community, the Guyanese diaspora, and likeminded progressive Guyanese in calling on Mr Granger, his cabal and his followers to accept the results of the March 2, 2020 General Elections, so that the rightful president could be sworn in. It is time to correct this dysfunctional democracy and forge ahead with national development in peace, progress and prosperity.

Sincerely, Ronald Singh Barrister & Solicitor

How much more can the nation take from GECOM?

Dear Editor, I thought that with clearance from the Full Court, counting would speedily start yesterday, Wednesday.

Instead, the PNC commissioners are now “students”, studying the Court’s decision when everyone heard clearly what the Full Court said.

What is there to study?

Can you believe what these people are doing now? The madness never stops. As someone said on the blogs, “No one is driving the donkey cart, the donkeys are in control.”

How much more beating can the nation take? Why is the PNC so ruthless towards

our nation? They rigged an extra year in office as an illegal government after the No Confidence Motion, and already has rigged an extra month in office since the March 2 election.

Why is the PNC pushing the nation towards the edge at a time of a major health crisis that requires national stability?

In this situation, even Gandhi might pull back from his Satyagraha ideals.

The PNC is an unconscionable bunch, and the PNC GECOM commissioners are not in a hurry to solve the national electoral crisis cre-

ated by the PNC and PNC alone, in its barefaced attempt to steal the elections in full, open view of the nation and international observers. This is robbery with aggravation. This is how you define bullyism.

Mr. Alexander is on video saying the PNC won, so what is he afraid of? As a blogger puts it, it’s like someone claiming he won the mega million lottery but is refusing to show his tickets to collect his prize.

If Alexander and the PNC think they won, let’s use the original statements of poll and finish off the Region 4

counting that was going well before they introduced the fraudulent numbers. The other counts went well with no objections, so there is no need to recount those.

I hope the PPP Commissioners ask for the removal of Lowenfield, Myers and Reverend Mingo from the counting process.

The GECOM Chair must move forward decisively and put an end to the trickery!

And to think these are the people who want power sharing!

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 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

A united Guyana Regrettable that Govt not seeking assistance to thwart COVID-19 spread will be better able Dear Editor, It is regrettable that Government is not seeking assistance from the private sector to thwart the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread (GT Apr 1).

The number of COVID-19 cases is rising. It would have been ideal to have a legitimate government in place (sworn in from the real results of the March 2 elections) to handle the health crisis. The international community has threatened sanctions over electoral fraud. Guyana would have been in a position to receive various forms of assistance from wealthy countries to address COVID-19 had the elected Government been allowed to be sworn in and take charge of the situation.

Be that as it may, we learn that the country does not have kits for widespread testing, so there is no way to get a real measurement of the number of coronavirus cases in Guyana. No one is immune to the virus, and it can be easily spread through human contact.

Anyone can have it without knowing.

The virus is deadly. People are falling like flies in Italy and America.

Several Guyanese have gotten the virus in New York, and a few have died.

It is incumbent on the caretaker Government to

take a more proactive approach to combat the spread of the virus by seeking the help of the private sector.

Meanwhile, the Opposition PPP is applauded for its public efforts at encouraging people to take measures to mitigate the spread of the disease, and for advising people how to stay healthy.

The caretaker Government has an obligation to protect the health of the entire nation.

There are no easy answers to the health crisis. The Government must inform the public of the symptoms of corona, and advise that those who have the symptoms get tested. Not everyone with a cough or cold or fever is a victim of corona, though.

The Ministry should show what steps have been taken to battle corona, and what have been the effects.

The answer to some simple questions would provide guidance to managing the corona spread. It would be wise for Government to reveal, as other countries have done, how many tests were administered, how many confirmed cases found, and how many have been negative. Of those who tested positive for corona, how many have recovered? How equipped are the hospitals to address a large breakout

of cases? Are there enough medical personnel and ventilators?

The Government must seek assistance of private medical institutions, and coordinate to fight the menace. In this way, we will know whether we can stay above the curve, and implement measures to stay ahead if there is a breakout.

Meanwhile, a common sense approach is needed to continue to stay ahead of the curve (difference between medical supplies and number of victims). People must be encouraged to quarantine themselves. There should be some kind of lockdown; it will cause inconvenience to social life, but social distance or lockdown is for the people’s wellbeing. People should go out only for essential items, or to perform most needed services, and they must avoid group interaction.

Those who have tested positive for the virus must be monitored and isolated. Those who came into contact with people infected with the virus must self-contain (no contact with anyone, not even family members). There are no special medicines for this virus. Eat and drink healthy items. Isolation and homemade medicine are the best remedies right now; hot liquid, hot air, food with high

PH value are recommended.

The Ministry of Public Health must lead in offering guidance to the public on a healthy lifestyle. No doubt, the Ministry is faced with serious challenges, and support must be sought from all stakeholders. The Government must reach out to all to assist in this battle. It must not lock out the private sector. Cooperation from all is critical to fight the coronavirus.

A multi-pronged approach is needed to defeat the virus enemy – humanitarian, economic, and medical. The medical alone would not succeed, unless people are able to eat and have financial support to stay healthy. Government must take care of the vulnerable members of society. Those who worked in the private sector are hurting being at home or have lost jobs; some can’t pay rent or mortgage.

Government must provide assistance to all in need to tide them over. Government must give tax breaks to companies that retain their staff during the crisis.

May I take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the service provided by health workers under trying times. Stay safe!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

2 weeks at home will be better for all of us Dear Editor, Regarding the coronavirus, or COVID-19, there are persons questioning why there’s a comparison between First World countries and Guyana. Simply put, First World countries have readily available resources to address this virus on all platforms.

That being said, I would support the call for a total lockdown just for a 14day period. During the

lockdown, only essential businesses, such as pharmacies and supermarkets, should be opened for alternating hours and days. Also, we should only see essential personnel, such as medical personnel, GPF, Guyana Fire Service among other agencies, being on the roadways. If anyone ese is found on the road without suitable and reasonable explanation, that person should be charged (issued a ticket)

Sending a stern message to GECOM, persons frustrating process Dear Editor, Observing that GECOM and its officials are not serious about recounting the votes, and are antagonizing, stressing and holding Guyanese to ransom, the ABC and EU countries, the OAS and other international organizations should start putting sanctions on the GECOM officials and other parties who are frustrating the process. This will send a stern and clear message to those who want to do their own thing.

We are experiencing what Jessie Burnham said about her brother Forbes -

his personal ends to power justifies any means of achieving it; and we, the people, will only be pawns in his endless game.

The government commissioners, the CEO and other officials are making manifest the words of Jessie.

GECOM is certainly a national disgrace, and its officials are happy to wash their shame and drink it.

How much longer must Guyanese wait to swear in the rightful winner of March 2 Elections?

Sincerely, Name withheld

during the lockdown period.

We are all concerned about those who aren’t able to stay at home. This is where those that are in authority should act within their powers to ensure persons have basic food items and cleaning supplies in their homes.

Two weeks at home will be better for all of us. It’ll decrease the spread of the virus, and allow us to spend valuable time with our loved

ones; and some may even find or discover new hobbies while home. I am not a doctor, but I am concerned about our nation’s wellbeing.

Continue to practise social and physical distancing, and remember to sanitize as much as possible. Be safe everyone!

Sincerely, Katrina Niamatali

to fight COVID-19

Dear Editor, COVID–19, the pandemic that is creating havoc across the world, is here upon us, and it certainly does not distinguish whom to infect.

Guyana has neither the technology nor the finances and expertise, comparable to most countries across the world, to deal with a virus of this magnitude; hence our response to this most dreaded virus is vastly inadequate.

In the circumstances, Guyana needs an environment of unity and stability to resist the spread of COVID-19. Sadly, however, rather than the nation collectively working together to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we are witnessing a defeated President and his elite bunch of squatters still holding themselves in office against the will of the people one month after the electorate had spoken. The tactics used are frightening and heinous, similar to those rigged elections of the 70s and 80s. The old PNC is definitely at work.

Granger needs to stop hiding behind the slogan that GECOM is an independent constitutional body, and that he cannot interfere in its work, when even a primary school student knows the truth.

Mr caretaker President, the buck stops with you.

Get a hold of yourself; you are, and rightfully so, being

held accountable by this nation for all the dangers the citizens are being exposed to. Stop being stubborn, stop listening to your ‘rigging cabal’ and do the decent thing and allow for the transparent tabulation of the Region 4 votes and the verified declaration expected of GECOM. You promised to abide by the ruling of the Court.

The Full Court has now spoken; so, for once, fulfill your promise with dignity. Hold yourself responsible. Act now. Let everyone who seems bent on taking Guyana down a dangerous path know that you are the authority; and stop this charade now!

All Guyanese are clamouring for peace and harmony, even your all-weather supporters demand that. Use the ruling of the Full Court as the reason to walk away proudly like a true statesman, so that Lawrence and company do not cast blame on you. It is not the end of the world, life goes on. You know the numbers from the SOPs in your possession. Allow the process for a peaceful transition of government. Let everyone on all sides of the political divide collectively fight the spread of COVID-19.

A united Guyana is paramount against COVID-19.

Oh, beautiful Guyana.

Respectfully, Parasram Persaud

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers. This is the first part of Science Paper 1, 2013.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT PAPER 1

TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. 1. WRITE YOUR CANDIDATE NUMBER ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND UNDERLINE THE SUBJECT. 2. This test contains 40 questions. You are

SCIENCE

required to answer ALL questions.

Four responses are given for each question.

The responses are A, B, C and D. Only ONE response is correct.

3. If you are not sure of the answer to a question, then choose the one which you think is BEST. On your answer sheet, shade the letter you have chosen.

4. BE SURE THAT THE QUESTION NUMBER IN THE BOOKLET IS THE SAME AS THE ONE

YOU HAVE USED ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET. Here is an example done for you.

1. Carbon dioxide is a (A) mixture.

ANSWER SHEET (B) liquid.

A B C D (C) gas.

(D) solid.

Note: The letter C is shaded on the answer sheet because gas, the correct answer, is next to C.

1. An animal with a backbone is the (A) spider.

(B) lobster.

(C) centipede.

(D) snake.

5. An example of domestic waste is (A) used syringes. (B) old tyres.

(C) banana skin.

(D) scrap iron.

2. A monocotyledonous plant is the (A) mango.

(B) ochro.

(C) corn.

(D) bora.

The diagram below shows a simple machine in use. Study it, then answer question 6.

3. One way in which the body gets rid of waste products is by (A) perspiring.

(B) dieting.

(C) walking.

(D) inhaling.

5. If you make a mistake, erase the shaded letter cleanly, then shade the letter next to the answer you have now chosen.

6. REMEMBER, each answer MUST only be shown by the shading on your Answer Sheet.

7. Remember only ONE answer must be shaded for each question.

DO NOT TURN OVER THIS PAGE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO.

10. The journey of the earth as shown above is known as (A) revolution.

(B) eclipsing.

(C) rotation.

(D) spinning.

The diagram below shows the digestive system of humans.

Study it, then answer question 4.

6. The simple machine shown above is an example of a/an (A) inclined plane.

(B) pulley.

(C) lever.

(D) wedge.

7. The effect of gravity on objects is to (A) pull them apart.

(B) push them higher.

(C) reduce their mass.

(D) pull them down.

11. Which material is an electrical insulator?

(A) Aluminium (B) Iron (C) Copper (D) Rubber The diagram below shows a method of separating substances using heat. Study it, then answer question 12.

8. The process in which water vapour is changed to clouds is called (A) evaporation.

(B) precipitation.

(C) condensation.

(D) transpiration.

4. The part labelled “T’ is called the (A) oesophagus.

(B) liver.

(C) intestine.

(D) stomach.

9. The phases of the moon occur in days.

(A) 2 (B) 14 (C) 28 (D) 56 Study the diagram, then answer question 10.

12. The method shown above is called (A) evaporation.

(B) filtration.

(C) distillation.

(D) sedimentation.

13. Vertebrates can be identified by common features such as (i) body covering (ii) breathing method (iii) number of legs (A) (i) and (ii) only (B) (ii) and (iii) only (C) (I) and (iii) only (D) (i), (ii) and (iii) 14. Which is not a characteristic of reptiles?

(A) Body is covered with scales.

(B) They breathe by gills.

(C) They inhale oxygen.

(D) They are cold blooded.

The diagram below shows a section of a flower. Study it, then answer questions 15 to 17.

15. Pollen is produced in the part labelled (A) Q. (B) R (C) S. (D) T. 16. The parts of the flower that are responsible for fertilization are (A) P, Q and R. (B) Q ,Sand V. (C) P, R and T. (D) R, S and T 17. One function of the part labelled U is to (A) protect the ovules.

(B) attract insects.

(C) produce nectar.

(D) protect the flower bud.

18. All are parts of the human digestive system except (A) colon.

(B) pancreas.

(C) alveoli.

(D) liver.

NEWS

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Ulita Moore’s case proves attempt to frustrate electoral process – Carter Center

C

ontrol of Guyana’s newfound oil wealth is in the midst of the electoral impasse that faces the nation following “the mother of all elections”, according to US- based democracy watchdog The Carter Center.

The Center has since reiterated its commitment to observing the entire electoral process.

Guyana’s Full Court on Tuesday ruled to discharge the injunctions that were put in place by Justice Franklyn Holder following an application filed by APNU/AFC candidate Ulita Moore.

In a public missive issued on Wednesday, one day after the Full Court’s ruling, the Carter Center noted that while “every election is important,” this one was “deemed especially so because, five years ago, Exxon discovered massive amounts of oil off the coast of Guyana.”

The Center, in its missive, observed that the first barrels hit the market in January, saying, “Now, this small, poor nation is poised

to become a very rich one, and the country’s two major political parties – which are divided largely along ethnic lines – desperately want to control the coming wealth.”

The democracy watchdog pointed out that the election came over a year after the passage of a no-confidence motion against President David Granger and his Administration in December 2018.

“The ruling party challenged the motion in the courts for months, but lost.

The newfound oil revenue, many Guyanese believe, could keep the winner of the 2020 election in power for decades.”

Chair of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, Jason Carter, who led the Center’s Observer Team to Guyana, said that Guyana stands at a crossroads, stressing the importance of a credibly elected Government in the management of Guyana’s oil resources.

agreed upon by the leaders of the APNU/AFC and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic under a CARICOM Initiative.

Completing the mission

“Not only is it critical that this election is seen as credible, it’s also essential that it serves as a springboard to a future that is more inclusive and so that all the people of Guyana can share in this new wealth,” he said.

According to the Center, the governing A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) role in further frustrating the completion of a credible election process was further cemented when an injunction was filed by that party’s supporter Ulita Moore to halt a Caribbean Community (Caricom) supervised recount of votes.

The recount had been

Director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program, David Carroll, emphasised, “The stakes in this election are very high,” while pointing to the ethnic divide facing the country.

Former US President Jimmy Carter first led an election observation mission here in 1992.

As such, the Center said, of the long history in Guyana where it has been seen “as a trusted partner, it was important for us to observe this election.”

Noting that a month has elapsed since the voters took to the polls, the Center bemoaned the fact that a new President has not yet been sworn in.

The Center reminded that their team had to make the difficult decision to depart Guyana on March 20, before the completion of the

electoral process, due to several factors, including “harassment of observers by ruling party supporters.”

The team had also expressed concerns in regard to international travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 virus.

Nevertheless, the Center has affirmed its commitment to seeing the completion of the process, as was expressed by Associate Director of the Center’s Democracy Program, Brett Lacy.

He has also gone on record as saying, “We’re still committed to observing the entire electoral process…

Nonpartisan observers have an important role to play.

We report what we see and hear to the rest of the world.

Whoever wins the election should want to ensure that their victory is seen as credible.”

Lack of credibility

In its recommitment to overseeing the completion of a credible election, the Center reminded of the unverified declaration made for

Region Four, which is at the centre of the electoral impasse and has resulted in the March 2 election being regarded as flawed and lacking credibility.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding its conclusion — which has led to threats of international sanctions — the Center did reiterate, “Election day proceeded smoothly.”

The Center’s observers sent back mostly positive reports from all 10 of the country’s regions, but tallying went astray in Region Four when, after only half the results for the region had been tabulated in the presence of observers, the returning officer responsible for the tallying abruptly announced the rest of results, which indicated that the ruling party had come from behind to win the election.”

The Center, in addition to other international observer missions, subsequently denounced the declaration of unverified results, saying they lacked credibility, and called for a return to the verification process.

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Accused ganja-trafficking handyman on bail

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rincipal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus on Wednesday granted 41-year-old Richard Pillay bail when he appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a trafficking in

narcotics charge.

Pillay, of Melanie, East Coast Demerara (ECD), denied the charge which read that on July 16, 2019, at Norton Street, Lodge, he had in his possession two kilograms (4.4 pounds) of

marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Richard Innis told the court that Police ranks, acting on information, went to a restaurant on Norton Street, Georgetown, where they

saw Pillay and requested to search his belongings.

According to the Prosecutor, during the search, the drug was found in a haversack the defendant was carrying.

The prosecution is contending that the man admitted to ownership of the drug.

The Prosecutor objected to bail on the grounds that the defendant failed to comply with orders. According to the prosecution, Pillay was charged and released on station bail, and was ordered to report to the said station; however, the defendant never returned.

Police only recently apprehended Pillay and placed him before the court. He was, nonetheless, released on $75,000 bail. As a condition of bail, he was ordered to report to the narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force once per week until the conclusion of the case.

The matter was adjourned to April 22, 2020.

Duo remanded for robbing man

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ighteen-year-old Randy Smartt of South Road, Lacytown, Georgetown, and his 26-year-old alleged accomplice Niants Daniels, a mechanic of Werk-enrust, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Wednesday, charged jointly for the offence of robbery.

The charge stated that on March 29,2020, at Georgetown, they stole one cellular phone valued $51,000 and $15,000 cash, property of Daniel Rawlins.

In court, the young men told the Magistrate that they were on a bicycle when the first defendant (Smartt) fell off the cycle and its handle accidentally hit the victim, who was nearby.

The defendants claimed that in retaliation, the victim pulled out a knife from his pants pocket and began threatening them, which caused them to run and then crash into a Police rank.

However, according to the Prosecution’s case, the Virtual Complainant was on his way home when the duo, who were riding a bicycle, suddenly approached him.

It was then that the defendants took away the man’s belongings and attempted to run away, but instead bumped into a Police rank, who arrested them after the victim raised an alarm.

Both men were remanded to prison. They are expected to make another appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on April 22, 2020.

Studying…

T

…what to do at GECOM he old saw in the media business is that “dog bites man” isn’t news, but “man bites dog”? That’s another story!! A newsworthy one!! Well, in Guyana, we now have our own metaphor for newsworthiness – “GECOM sticks to its schedule”!! It all started, of course, after the NCM, when, the very next day, the GECOM PRO announced they were absolutely in a position to conduct a General Election within the mandated 3 months.

A year later - and after a thousand excuses were exhausted - GECOM finally, reluctantly conceded they could pull one off by March 2020!! For a body in which the Chair rakes in a cool $2million per month and the Secretariat has billions at its disposal for elections, you’d think they’d be working like a well-oiled machine, wouldn’t you?? After all, the CEO could purchase whatever in the world he thinks necessary for elections. $100 million for radio sets? No problem – even when the sets were never used – or could never be used because they were defective and sole sourced by the CEO!! Or $6000 pliers.

This year, after experiencing the tensions (and sometimes riots) that occur when election results aren’t declared ASAP, GECOM once again promised to speed up the process. Famous last words!! Here we are, a month later, and we still don’t have an accepted elections result.

And it wasn’t just the “highly trained staff”. There was the Secretariat having to drag its entire operations from Ashmins at High and Hadfield Streets all the way to GECOM HQ. Why? To have access to a projector to display SOPs on a bed sheet - with all the choppiness and graininess of a B&W silent flick from the 1920s!! Don’t ask why the projector and bed sheet couldn’t, weren’t, brought TO Ashmins: the mountain had to come to Mohamed!

But while the GECOM Secretariat have thrown their spanners and the kitchen sink into the works, the GECOM Commission – pretty much the Chair, since the six Commissioners are evenly split down the middle between the Government and the Opposition - hasn’t been lagging in dragging its feet. During the series-of-unfortunateevents led by Mingo over at Ashmins, the Chair could’ve cut whatever knot – gordian or otherwise – with a snap of her fingers. The snap never came!

And we arrive at the latest roadblock: even though the Full Court declared that nothing could stop GECOM to order a recount - and the Guyanese public were promised a meeting yesterday – nothing happened!! The Government Commissioners said they needed time “to study” the decision!!

Couldn’t the Chair have met with the three Opposition Commissioners and made the call??

Wasn’t that how the H2H was launched?? …the Corona response There’re probably a billion armchair experts out there with ideas to deal with the COCID-19 pandemic. So, your Eyewitness’s not about to add to the Tower of Babel. But he must say he found a glaring lacuna in the “National Health Plan for Public Health”: inclusive of shoulders to the wheel. Shouldn’t the Opposition have been invited into the effort??

It’s certainly no secret that we’ve been officially declared by the IMF to be among the “least prepared” in the hemisphere to deal with the crisis. On par with Haiti.

One of the key areas we’re weak in is in manpower to lead this effort: especially at the community level, where this battle will be won or lost in trying to contain the spread and spike of the critically ill. This isn’t just making wild guesses: we have seen, from the response up to now, the chaotic response in preparedness for isolation etc.

For sure, your Eyewitness thought the PPP’s “COVID-19 Response Multi-Stakeholder forum” would’ve been invited.

And it’s not even power sharing. It’s responsibility sharing!!

…shared governance Has it struck you, dear reader, that this talk of “shared governance” is coming from allies of the PNC, which flattered to deceive on that idea in its 2015 manifesto?

And which was excised from its “Decade of Development”??

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

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10 NEWS

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Parks, gardens to be closed on Easter weekend

I

n an effort to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Protected Areas Commission and the National Parks Commission (PAC/NPC) announced on Wednesday that

Force on COVID-19 and the instructions from the Public Service Department to fight the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

“All of our urban parks will be closed on Easter

all recreational parks and gardens will be closed for the Easter weekend.

This decision was made in accordance with the guidelines of the National Task

Weekend, from Thursday 9th April 2020 to Tuesday 14th April 2020. These include the Botanical Gardens, Joe Vieira Park and the National Park. The

Guyana teams up with Huawei to implement e-conferencing

T

Botanical Gardens

The entrance to the National Park

COVID-19

Zoo would remain closed to the public until further notice”.

This announcement also detailed that Almond Beach and the Shell Beach Protected Area remain closed to visitors until further notice.

“The PAC/NPC calls on all of Guyana to adhere to the necessary precautions

and advice as we seek to end the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

“Event reservations for the use of any of the parks will not be accepted until after April 30, 2020”, added the statement.

The Commission says it will update the public in the event of any change to the measures.

he National Data M a n a g e m e n t Authority (NDMA) has teamed up with Chinese technology giant Huawei to outfit various State facilities – inclusive of Ministries and Regional Democratic Councils, with video conferencing capabilities.

The aim is to change the way in which State officials interact with each other. This comes at a time when the world is encouraging physical distancing as a means of combating the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The NDMA teamed up with Huawei Technologies to install the conferencing facilities at all ministries and in the boardrooms of all 10 regional administrations except for Region Nine’s.

It noted that similar facilities were also being installed at State hospitals around the country to allow for e-medicine, so doctors in the city could supervise surgeries and other medical interventions, using the system to consult with counterparts in the interior and other far-flung regions.

Huawei and the NDMA have been collaborating on a number of projects, including the CCTV Smart City project under which hitech cameras have been installed at a number of city and coastal points to assist law enforcement with monitoring criminal, traffic and

other activities.

According to the NDMA, in a statement, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the National Corona Task Force (NCTF) are among other agencies benefiting from connectivity to the grid – part of the broadband network signed on to and accessed by the NDMA. “The Authority is keen on ensuring that all essential service bodies remain functional and connected in the execution of their duties. The NDMA recognises the pivotal role that technology can play in the fight against COVID-19, especially where staying connected to friends and family is concerned, as well as staying updated and informed about developments relating to the illness,” the statement relayed.

The agency said caretaker President David Granger was able to hold his first video conferencing exercise on Monday using the newly-installed system. It explained that Granger was able to interface with his acting ministers from his office at the Ministry of the Presidency.

NDMA Head Floyd Levi was quick to make the point that the installation of the system as part of the national broadband project was most timely as the first session was held in the midst of the national effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

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NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Zeelugt security guard found dead in trench

T

he lifeless body of 43-year-old Mohammed Zaheer, a security guard employed by the Krishna Mangal and Sons Lumber Yard, was discovered floating in a trench near the business’s Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo location on Wednesday, after reporting for work on Tuesday afternoon.

Zaheer, of Lot 852 Zeelugt, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

His body was subsequently taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Regional Police Commander Simon McBean told Guyana Times on Wednesday that preliminary investigations revealed that the man’s body was discovered around 07:15h by another employee, after which Police ranks were summoned to the scene.

death.

Shakoor, who is the eldest of Zaheer’s three children, added that her father left home on Tuesday around 16:00h, but she never thought that would be the last time she would see him.

“This morning (Wednesday) I asked Mommy if Daddy come home and she said no. I thought he went by his sister. I went out and come back and I asked her again, if he came home and she said no….While I was prayDead: Mohammed Zaheer

The Police Commander added that investigators found no marks of violence on Zaheer’s body, but investigations are still ongoing.

Speaking with this publication, the man’s daughter, Marisa Shakoor, said that her family was in shock over her father’s sudden

ing at the seawall, one of his relatives come up there and asked how far your father is, I said he ain’t come home yet and I don’t know how far he is. And he said your father dead, when he said that I was shocked,” she said.

The grieving young woman described her father as a friendly, hardworking and dedicated man, who was well-known in their community. The dead man leaves to mourn his widow, Monica Surujnarain and three children, aged 19, 17 and one.

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COVID-19

GTT offers free mobile services for healthcare workers G

TT has announced that it will be offering free mobile services to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers, who are aiding Guyana’s battle against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The announcement was made on Wednesday via a virtual press conference with the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Justin Nedd.

Nedd told reporters that the company considered this

move, in an effort to show its appreciation to those healthcare workers as well as encourage them to continue battling against the spread of COVID-19.

In order to take advantage of the offer, the healthcare workers would have to register with the Guyana Medical Council and the Nurses Association. GTT would collect the information from those entities on a monthly basis and enable the phone numbers to re-

ceive the free data and voice services.

Nedd further related that the company was also looking at other ways of ensuring that other health workers benefit from the free services.

When asked about the restrictions on the free services, Nedd explained that at this time the entire Guyana needed to come together and battle COVID-19, and as a result, the free voice services would not just be limited to

GTT CEO Justin Nedd

calls within the GTT network but would facilitate calls outside of the GTT network.

The free services to the healthcare workers would remain in place until the country’s COVID-19 battle ends.

The CEO reminded that the services offered by GTT were considered to be essential and as the country implements measures to tackle COVID-19, customers could still expect those services from the company. He reminded that at this time a

complete lockdown of GTT was not possible, since the country could not be without connection.

Utilise e-services

GTT had announced that its stores closed on April 1 and would remain closed until further notice. This move, according to the telecommunications giant’s CEO, is an effort to promote physical distancing while protecting its staff and customers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

Demtoco’s parent company working on plant-based COVID-19 vaccine

B

ritish American Tobacco (BAT), the parent company of Demtoco, is currently developing a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus (using the tobacco plant.

In a statement on Wednesday, BAT – the manufacturer of brands such as Dunhill and Pall Mall – said its US bio-tech subsidiary, Kentucky BioProcessing (KBP), is developing the potential vaccine and it was now in pre-clinical testing.

“If testing goes well, BAT is hopeful that with the right partners and support from government agencies, between one and three million doses of the vaccine could be manufactured per week, beginning in June,” the company stated.

It was noted that while KBP remained a commercial operation, the intention

BAT’s Director of Scientific Research, Dr David O’Reilly

was that its work around the COVID-19 vaccine project would be carried out on a not-for-profit basis.

The vaccine in development uses BAT’s proprietary, fast-growing tobac-

co plant technology which has several advantages over conventional vaccine production technology, that is, it is potentially safer given that tobacco plants cannot host pathogens which cause human disease and it is faster because the elements of the vaccine accumulate in tobacco plants much more quickly – six weeks in tobacco plants versus several months using conventional methods.

Additionally, the vaccine formulation KBP is developing remains stable at room temperature unlike conventional vaccines which often require refrigeration and has the potential to deliver an effective immune response in a single dose.

BAT’s US subsidiary, Reynolds American Inc, acquired KBP in 2014, with the aim of using some of its

unique tobacco extraction technology to aid further development of its new category of non-combustible products.

In 2014, KBP made headlines as one of the few companies with an effective treatment for Ebola, having manufactured ZMapp™ with California-based company Mapp BioPharmaceuticals in partnership with the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

KBP recently cloned a portion of COVID-19’s genetic sequence which led to the development of a potential antigen – a substance which induces an immune response in the body and in particular, the production of antibodies. This antigen was then inserted into tobacco plants for reproduction and, once the plants

were harvested, the antigen was then purified and is now undergoing pre-clinical testing.

BAT is now exploring partnerships with Government agencies to bring its vaccine to clinical studies as soon as possible.

Through collaborations with Government and third-party manufacturers, BAT believes that between one and three million doses per week could be manufactured.

Dr David O’Reilly, BAT’s Director of Scientific Research, said: “We are engaged with the US Food and Drug Administration and are seeking guidance on next steps. We have also engaged with the UK’s Department for Health and Social Care, and BARDA in the US, to offer our support and access to our research with the aim of trying to ex-

pedite the development of a vaccine for COVID-19.

“Vaccine development is challenging and complex work, but we believe we have made a significant break-through with our tobacco plant technology platform and stand ready to work with Governments and all stakeholders to help win the war against COVID-19.

We fully align with the United Nations’ plea, for a whole-of-society approach to combat global problems,” he added.

According to Dr O’Reilly, “KBP has been exploring alternative uses of the tobacco plant for some time. One such alternative use is the development of plant-based vaccines. We are committed to contributing to the global effort to halt the spread of COVID-19 using this technology.”

NEWS

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APNU/AFC candidate moves to Appeals Court …seeks to reinstate injunction against recount

APNU candidate Ulita Moore

I

t has been four weeks since General and Regional Elections were held in Guyana, and the wait for the official results continues to be dragged on as, despite being defeated by the Full Court, APNU/ AFC candidate Ulita Moore has moved to the Court of Appeal over the dismissal of her injunction against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) re-

count.

In her Notice of Appeal (NOA), Moore is challenging the dismissal of her injunction on the grounds that Chief Justice Roxanne George and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan erred in law; did not sufficiently consider; and misinterpreted the relevant laws, including Section 140 (1) of the Representation of the People’s Act. “The full Court incorrectly exercised its discretion to hear the seventh respondents appeal during the hearing of the Appellant’s Fixed Date application… the decision of the Full Court on jurisdiction is arbitrary…by failing to uphold the decision of the trial judge that the High Court did have jurisdiction to hear the (FDA) concerning breaches of the constitution by the Chairman of GECOM, GECOM and the Chief Elections Officer,” Moore, through her lawyers, also allege in the NOA.

Claudette Singh, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo were among those named in the action.

Unanimously discharged

Moore is being represented by Roysdale Forde and fellow Attorney-at-Law Mayo Robertson

Seeking order to block recount again

Moore and her lawyers are seeking an order from the Appeal Court setting aside the Full Court’s ruling. They are also seeking an order reinstating Judge Franklyn Holder’s previous ruling, which had halted the recount GECOM was about to conduct.

In addition, they are

GTT offers free mobile...

He noted that measures were being put in place to ensure that staff would be retained during the closure, and every effort would be made to accommodate customers through alternative bill payment and customer service options, including the use of the company’s Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) app.

In a press release on Tuesday, Nedd said: “GTT’s responsibility and our commitment to customers and staff mandates us to take this threat very seriously, and to take every action to protect our customers and staff, and Guyana as a

whole. Our closure supports the global call for social distancing, and we are encouraging customers to make use of the digital and online options for transactions.

There are 220 MMG agents located nationwide; access the one nearest to you as need be to limit movement.”

During Wednesday’s virtual press conference, Nedd told reporters that the company is now forced to implement an e-billing service owing to the fact the printer has shut up shop.

He noted that with the stores closed, customers are advised to register using the MyGTT mobile app,

seeking costs, and for the matter to be expedited and the notice of appeal be treated as the appeal itself.

The motion was filed

by Moore’s lawyers, Senior Counsel and fellow APNU candidate Roysdale Forde and Mayo Robertson.

The case comes up before the Appeals Court at 10:00h today.

GECOM, GECOM Chair

On Tuesday, acting Chief Justice Roxane George and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan of the Full Court unanimously ruled to discharge the injunction. They ruled that High Court Justice Franklyn Holder, who granted the injunction, erred in law by hearing Ulita Moore’s case.

In addition, the Chief Justice had observed that Moore’s case undermined the legislative process.

Importantly, the Full

Caretaker Granger

service or pay their bills at various agents countrywide.

Customers can aid the company in its “Supporting Our Guyanese Heroes” initiative by contributing to the COVID-19 fight using the MMG Merchant Code 08173.

David

Court did not grant an application by Moore’s attorney Mayo Robertson to stay the orders until an appeal is filed and heard.

FROM PAGE 14

or by sending their email addresses to the company in an effort to access their bills.

He also announced that the company, at this time, would continue to monitor the situation, but the bill payment due date has not been further extended from the 17the.

Nedd explained that the company remained cognisant of the economic effects of COVID-19, but reminded that it had to run its business and was in no position to provide free services.

He is encouraging customers to utilise the MMG

President

news@guyanatimesgy.com

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC caught in another attempt to delay elections recount – PPP Commissioners

G

overnment-aligned commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission on Wednesday requested additional time to study a decision of the Full Court which was handed down on Monday. That decision discharged injunctions against the electoral body from going ahead with a recount.

The Government-aligned commissioners’ move serves as yet another delay in the announcement of the winner of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, more than a month after the electorate had cast their votes countrywide.

However, as they requested time to “study” the judgement, APNU/AFC candidate Ulita Moore, through her lawyers, moved to the Court of Appeal to have reinstated the injunction which was discharged by the Full Court.

That matter comes up for hearing today.

Following the Full Court’s ruling, GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, attempted to set up a meeting of the commission to discuss the way forward.

According to a joint statement from Oppositionnominated GECOM Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn, they had expected that a meeting would have been called immediately.

According to those commissioners, the secretariat had even enquired whether they were available for a meeting at 10:00h on Wednesday.

Subsequently, they said, they got an email at 08:43h on Wednesday, informing that the Government commissioners - Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman - had requested the meeting be held on Thursday morning instead, at a time to be determined.

It was communicated that the Government commissioners wanted time to “study” the rulings of the court.

The Opposition commissioners were not happy, and expressed this, adding that the Full Court judgement was broadcast live and was a simple one, requiring little explanation.

Unacceptable

Commissioner Gunraj, in a missive to the media, called the position by Government “unacceptable”, and reminded that “the judgment of the Full Court was broadcast live on national media. The world had access to it. The judgment was pellucid and requires little explanation, if any.”

He said, “The nation and world anxiously await a resolution of this matter that is now one month old.”

According to Gunraj, with the ruling of the Full Court having discharged all injunctions restraining the GECOM from executing its full mandate, it was expected that Justice Singh would have summon “a meeting almost immediately to decide on the soonest possible time for commencement of the count, and if necessary, to fine tune some

Government-nominated GECOM Commissioners: Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman

of the details.”

This as a result of the fact that impediments to the conduct of the recount of all ballots cast in the General and Regional Elections 2020, commencing with District Four, as unanimously decided by the Commission on March 15, 2020, has been removed.

Stalling

Recalling “the numerous occasions on which such stalling measures were employed, with the inevitable result being to facilitate some dilatory tactic or the other,” the PPP Commissioner expressed hope that the local and foreign observers, as well as the international community, take note “of this further attempt to delay the conclusion of the electoral process.”

The Full Court on Tuesday upheld an appeal filed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, challenging an earlier decision by Justice Franklyn Holder to hear a case brought

by A Partnership for National

Granger must now instruct APNU/AFC GECOM Commissioners to do recount – PPP

T

he Opposition Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) has called for caretaker President David Granger to instruct his Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to support a full and transparent recount of the votes.

This in light of a decision of the Full Court handed down on Monday, which discharged injunctions against the electoral body from going ahead with a recount.

Keep commitment The PPP, in issuing its demand on Wednesday, reminded that it was Granger who requested the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Chair, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Motley, to field a high-level team to supervise a national recount.

The agreement brokered

by Motley had been signed onto by the major stakeholders: caretaker President David Granger, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice (retd) Claudette Singh.

The PPP, in its missive, recalled that it was also Granger “who said repeatedly that he will abide by the ruling of the courts.”

The Full Court subsequently, on Tuesday, upheld an appeal filed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, challenging an earlier decision

by Justice Franklyn Holder to hear a case brought by A Partnership for National

Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU) candidate Ulita Grace Moore.

Moore’s course of litigation had sought to prevent a countrywide recount of the votes cast in the General and Regional Elections of March 2.

Following the ruling, the PPP has since called on GECOM Chairperson Claudette Singh to keep her public commitment to a full and transparent recount of the ballots.

The formal demand by the party comes on the heels of similar sentiments expressed by the PPP’s former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, following the Full Court’s ruling.

He was one of the attorneys for Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who successfully appealed the decision by Justice Franklyn Holder.

According to Nandlall, the GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, has already indicated that a recount, already decided upon by the Commission, will now be carried out, “and that political parties will be allowed to participate fairly and observe that recount.”

Optimism Nandlall used the occasion to express optimism at the return of the Caricom team of observers led by Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, in addition to the international observers, “to ensure that the recount is done in accordance with law and in a transparent manner, to remove all

doubts and all suspicious from the process, so that in the end we will have declared the real results of these elections as expressed by the electorate.”

The PPP, meanwhile, said it “remains steadfast in our resolve to resist legally, every attempt by the incumbent administration to perpetrate electoral fraud, erode our democracy, and return Guyana to a dictatorship.”

Another plot The parry has since also warned of another plot, where senior APNU/AFC leaders are instigating a scheme aimed at agitating persons into demanding that President David Granger be sworn in based on the fraudulent elections’ results.

Several of the party’s senior members could be seen posting on social media platforms phrases such as “swear in granger, who vex, vex”.

The party said the recent rulings have now paved the way for the full recount to arrive at credible and transparent results of the elections; “However, the APNU/AFC, in its attempts to steal political power, has now launched a whisper campaign.”

The PPP also said that it has received information that these elements convened meetings with members and officials of the coalition, where discussions were held and hard copies of an online petition calling for the swearing-in of Granger were distributed.

Vincent

Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU) candidate Ulita Grace Moore.

That course of litigation had sought to prevent a countrywide recount of the votes cast in the General and Regional Elections of March 2, 2020 under an agreement brokered by a Caribbean Community Initiative that had been agreed to by the major stakeholders: caretaker President David Granger, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice (retd)

Claudette Singh.

The arguments were heard by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan on Monday, and the ruling was read on Tuesday by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George.

She also refused an application by Moore’s Attorney Mayo Robertson to stay the orders in order to facilitate an appeal.

The acting Chief Justice, in denying the application, said there was no chance of a successful appeal.

Nonsense

Meanwhile, attorney for the PPP/C, Anil Nandlall, on Wednesday, roasted the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) over what he calls further delays to proceed with the recounting of the votes.

Nandlall slammed the decision by Singh to postpone the meeting. He noted that citizens are losing patience as they are eager to see the electoral process come to an end with the swearing in of a pres-

ident based on results that are credible. This, he said, could only be done once the votes are recounted in a transparent and well-supervised processed.

“What nonsense do we hear now about a study of the Full Court’s ruling? People’s patience running thin with these asinine disclosures,” Nandlall fumed.

“The ruling on Tuesday by the Full Court was streamed live on the Internet. The contents of the ruling were reported widely by every press outfit in the country. Both the lawyers for the Chairperson of GECOM and the Chief Elections Officer were present in Court when the ruling was rendered. One must be a retard to be unaware of its nature and effect”, Nandlall said.

When Ulita Moore’s injunctions were granted, GECOM never expressed any desire to “study” the proceedings, he added. “They acted upon it instantaneously by halting the recount forthwith, without it even being served upon them,” Nandlall said.

Scores of pensioners flock Post Offices despite warning …Ramsammy dubs situation as “criminal”

D

espite stern warnings for senior citizens to avoid visiting post offices during the coronavirus threat, hundreds of pensioners were on Wednesday seen flocking various postal locations countrywide.

The elderly folks were waiting in long queues to uplift their pension payments, even though the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) had advised that pensioners should authorise a younger family member to collect same on their behalf.

Moreover, pensioners were urged to refrain from visiting the post offices to uplift their monies during the first days of the month, since vouchers would be available later on.

The advisory was issued in light of the coronavirus disease, of which elderly folks are more vulnerable.

Guyana has already recorded three coronavirus deaths; two of the fatalities were persons aged 52 and 78.

As such, GPOC implemented a variety of procedures, including social distancing measures (whereby persons are required to stand three feet apart in lines) as well as the sanitising of hands before and after transactions.

However, this publication observed that, in some instances, these measures were not enforced.

At some post offices, scores of senior citizens were seen in lines with little to no space between them.

In a statement to the media on the situation, the GPOC confirmed that there were hiccups at the Bourda Post Office as well as GPOC’s Head Office.

While payments got off to a smooth start, the large turnout of senior citizens resulted in the need for the funds to be replenished during morning hours.

This created a lull in the

Pensioners at Kitty Post Office

payments.

After about an hour, with the assistance of Police ranks to maintain a safe distance between the pensioners, the situation was rectified and the smooth flow of payments resumed.

Nonetheless, at the Head Office, senior citizens were seen breaking the lines and refusing to heed the security officers in maintaining appropriate social distances.

This resulted in a delay in the opening of the office.

According to the GPOC, of the 64 locations across the country, it experiences hurdles at only two locations.

Criminal

Meanwhile, former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy – a pensioner himself – weighed in on the situation, labelling it as “criminal”.

According to the health expert, alternative methods for the collection of pensions should have been put in place.

In fact, he noted that this was done when Guyana had to protect itself from other global public health threats, like SARS. “…the very minimum I would have expected is that those responsible would have developed a method to get people their old-age pension without seniors leaving home.

It is totally criminal that these poor people had to make long lines, waiting for hours

with COVID-19 rampaging through our country like it is in other countries around the world,” Ramsammy contended.

“I repeat that it is criminal that our pensioners have had their lives endangered because the Ministry of Social Protection was too busy to figure out how to safely distribute old-age pension. Those responsible have demonstrated recklessness, and we must not allow them to escape the consequences,” he added.

Dr Ramsammy reasoned that the $20,000 per month old-age pension is of great importance to more than 50,000 families in Guyana, and therefore it is not shocking that people risked their lives to collect the money.

But according to the former health minister, the onus was upon the authorities in Government to ensure that the country’s senior citizens were not exposed to the coronavirus threat.

Ramsammy accused caretaker President David Granger of continuing to demonstrate total dishonesty, indecency, and lack of integrity as he holds on to power while his party finds every reason to avoid a proper tabulation of the results of the March 2, 2020 elections. He noted that this action by the APNU/AFC administration continues to endanger people's lives.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

17

News

PSC sets up COVID-19 PPP/C COVID-19 multi-stakeholders’ forum to begin production of face masks response fund …to be distributed for free …calls for national isolation policy, “everyone wears a mask” campaign

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National COVID-19 Multi-stakeholders’ Response Forum established by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is calling for the implementation of a twophased approach to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Forum is calling on the National Coronavirus Task Force to implement a National Isolation Policy and launch the ‘everyone wears a mask’ campaign.

The Forum, in a statement, related that the national policy of self-isolation means that only essential services will continue, and that individuals would leave home infrequently for food, pharmaceuticals or money.

They are suggesting that all bars, rum shops, restaurants (exclude take-out service), and the retail sector be closed, as well as all non-essential staff in the public sector be allowed to stay home with pay.

“ATMs, pharmacies, supermarkets, bakeries and markets should continue to function; all staff in the public or private sector who are considered essential and who have to continue to work must wear face masks at all times, including Police, prisoners and prison staff, those in homes for the elderly and staff, Post Office, minibus drivers, boatmen, sailors, market vendors,” the statement said.

The Forum said that

countries were warned since January to begin preparation for COVID-19, but with Guyana’s limitation and the rapid deterioration of the heath sector in the past five years, much is yet to be desired. It informed that the local health sector is now in a most vulnerable and ill-prepared state to manage the crisis that this disease will have in our country over the next few weeks.

“The PPP/C decided that it could not rely on the government to take such an urgent national comprehensive approach in order to protect the population, reduce transmission, save lives, protect health workers, and offer relief to the poor and vulnerable, working people and self-employed, and the business community from COVID-19,” the Forum’s statement relayed.

“Everyone wears a mask” campaign

The Forum said it is of the opinion that if every Guyanese wears a mask, then that significantly reduces the opportunity for the virus to spread. If the virus cannot spread freely, it cannot infect as many people.

Wearing a mask means there will be fewer particles with the virus in the air, and less contaminated surfaces.

The Forum explained that while it is recognised that wearing regular (not medical) home-made masks

does not guarantee that someone will not be infected by the COVID-19 infection, wearing a mask does increase the likelihood of preventing the disease spreading to the entire population.

It is therefore very evident that if everyone wears a mask, then the ability to drastically slow the infection increases, which will lead to prevention of many complications and deaths.

“Guyana and Guyanese are not immune to this infection. Let’s be responsible and fight this together, before it’s too late and we are all overwhelmed and affected. We are calling on those who travel on public transportation, minibus drivers, taxi drivers, boat captains, pilots and crew of domestic airlines, Police, market vendors, cleaners in hospitals, etc., to wear face masks.

Recognizing that the informal sector is very large, with a significant percentage being managed by women, in particular single parents who have no choice but to work, “we also state that they must wear face masks,” the Forum urged.

Free face mask

The Forum emphasize that the limited personal protection equipment (PPEs) stocks must be used only in the health sector, especially by those on the frontline. “To kick start this effort, the Forum has received donations of fabric

to commence the production of face masks, which will be given out free. We also hope that other organizations, including individual tailors and seamstresses, will sew these face masks in different communities. In interior areas, we shall also communicate with the Toshaos to see in what way they can also make their own face masks,” it added.

The Forum was launched on Saturday by PPP/C Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali, and has since established an online presence, with doctors offering advice and answering questions of concerned citizens.

“This broad-based voluntary body will advocate and introduce measures, where possible -- as it is not a governmental body-- to inform and educate our people, improve their access to services, reduce the level of transmission, protect our people, mobilize badly needed resource measures, protect health workers; and address social, economic, financial relief to our people.

There are several sub-committees functioning that are working to address these issues,” the statement noted.

It is the opinion of the Forum, after much consultation both in Guyana and overseas, that as Guyana is still in the early phases of the infection, the best chance of preventing a disaster lies in preventing its spread as much as possible.

PPP economic advisor warns of looming financial crisis …says nation in urgent need of lawful leadership

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conomic advisor to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Peter Ramsaroop is warning that the Guyana economy is currently in no position to withstand the imminent financial hardships that will undoubtedly face Guyanese with the advent of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This is in addition to the financial ramifications of effectively having the country at a standstill as a result of the delayed elections now compounded by the global pandemic.

The stark warning was given during an exclusive interview with this publication recently and he suggested, “…when you have that lack of planning and economic meltdown as we have seen over the last five years, and given the rapid threat and decline of our economy, every citizen, business and next Government will struggle to cope with both the economic shock and economic contraction.”

He used the occasion to remind also that three

months into the year, the country is still without a budget for the year.

The last budget, he reminded, was presented over a year ago and noted also that at the end of each year, monies not expended for that fiscal year are supposed to be returned to the Consolidated Fund.

Weighing in on the current crisis facing Guyana both from the elections impasse and the COVID-19 entrance into Guyana, he said: “over the last five years the APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change) Administration took away all our safety nets in downsizing and spending out our reserves in the Bank of Guyana and in addition, our gold reserves.”

“Given we have no 2020 budget, tax revenues will be impacted, trade has come to a halt, exports and imports at a standstill, money will become scarce in our nation.” he lamented.

He noted too that the extended hiatus of business as a result of the elec-

tions impasse coupled with COVID-19 will no doubt plunge the country in a financial crisis—a crisis that will require leadership.

As such, he called on the Guyana Elections Commission to urgently set about declaring the lawful results of the 2020 elections and to have “Dr Irfaan Ali who we strongly believe is the President-elect outline a task force to develop plans to manage the threats.”

The financial analyst told Guyana Times that given the lack of available financial resources treating with COVID-19, while seeking to resuscitate an economy that is in shambles, will require all hands on deck, including the Private Sector and the international community.

According to Ramsaroop, “the shock at our system and Guyana underlying structure is not set up to withstand the downslide given every major sector, from sugar, rice, gold, agriculture and others have been ignored by the Granger Government over the last five years.”

He urged the Private Sector that everyone should be “working alongside a new Government to look at reshaping our economy for the future.”

According to Ramsaroop, “while stimulus packages such as the reversal of the 200 taxes will make a positive impact to our citizens, looking at long term sustainable industries such as plantation agriculture as outlined in the PPP/C manifesto will be the key to sustain future threats.”

The PPP advisor reminded that trade “is a major component of our economy and this has come to a standstill, and with our purchasing power severely impacted, the need for new thinking is evident.”

He has since also called for an immediate spending targeting the containment and treatment of the disease while pointing out that this needs to be tied to the completion of the March 2 election and the swearing-in of a new President.

I

n a bid to mitigate the financial fallout from the coronavirus, which is expected to hit some households hard, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has moved to set up a COVID-19 response fund.

According to a notice, the fund is being set up to assist persons in financial hardships and also to provide critical supplies to the population.

It acknowledged the closure of several businesses and the growing public panic, which could lead to a large number of persons becoming unemployed.

“As such, the PSC has taken the initiative to coordinate with its stakeholders and the wider public to gather donations to assist persons experiencing financial hardship,” the notice said, adding that monetary donations can also be made to a Demerara Bank account number 4023420, in the name of the Private Sector Commission of Guyana Limited-COVID-19 fund.

In an interview with this publication, executive member of the PSC Ramesh Dookhoo explained that the PSC has been working with its members to galvanize donations and the production of essential products to help fight the coronavirus, which has up to press time afflicted 19 persons and claimed three lives.

“We’ve started the process.

And we have two bank accounts, one at Citizens and one at Demerara. And we’ve made an appeal for persons to donate money, as well as items for care packages. We have doctors advising us.”

According to Dookhoo, they have also been liaising with the National Task Force tackling coronavirus, through the Civil Defense Commission (CDC). In addition, he explained they are in contact with the Ministry of Finance and Business.

“We’ve put a number of recommendations to them, including economic measures for persons who may not be working at this time because of COVID-19 and may not be drawing a salary. So, we plan to develop a list of those people, to be able to assist,” Dookhoo further ex-

plained.

“The fund is going to be used initially to purchase and distribute masks and equipment, uniforms, anything that can mitigate the risk of COVID-19. We’ve appealed to companies all over the country, to donate… we’re galvanizing the private sector, the suppliers and manufacturers, to be able to feed into the national effort and ramp up their production.”

Preparedness

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had recently released an assessment in which it ranked Guyana among the few countries in the region least prepared to deal with the effects of the Coronavirus epidemic, particularly the negative effectives it will have on the economy and tourism.

In the assessment, the IMF rated countries in the Americas from red (least prepared), to green (most prepared).

Countries like the United States and Canada were in the green zone. However, Guyana, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras were not so lucky.

Neighboring Brazil was considered more prepared than average, while countries like Columbia were rated as less prepared. According to the IMF, the virus is likely to have immediate economic impacts in the region, including financial restrictions, declining commodity prices and reduced tourism.

Some measures have been taken by authorities in Guyana to slow the spread of the virus.

These measures include closing schools and the Bank of Guyana interceding with local banks to make conditions favorable to allow customers to stay home and practice social distancing without a financial blowback.

In addition, the Finance Ministry had disbursed $120 Million from the consolidated fund to the Ministry of Public Health. This money was expected to go towards purchasing medical equipment to outfit quarantine sites and also to procure masks and oxygen tanks.

Scores of pensioners...

“The treatment extended to pensioners is the most disgraceful consequence of a government only interested in power and having no regards for people’s lives. The very least I would have expected from the 75-year-old David Granger is an insistence that old-age pension payments are taken to the pensioners, and not pensioners having to come to get their payments,” Ramsammy noted.

The former Parliamentarian noted that he recently received a request from someone on the East Bank Demerara for help to purchase groceries to feed their family. He said the Government should be addressing this, but instead they are out there “rigging elections”.

“People are not working, as the combination of a rigged election and COVID-19 takes its toll. Many of these people are paycheck-to-paycheck people. Without a paycheck, there are real hardships at

FROM PAGE 16

the moment. When will David Granger gets his act together? Rather than wasting money with expensive Caribbean lawyers trying to avoid the real results of the elections, he needs to come up with a plan to help Guyanese families hurting and facing major difficulties feeding their families. A special assistance programme must be implemented now. Stop right now the criminal endangering of people’s lives. Do not increase the threat and risks elderly people face by forcing them to travel in public transportation and in making long lines for hours.

Recognize there are children who are facing starvation because their parents are unable to feed them. Stop it now.

Do something now. Do it fast,” Ramsammy urged.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and the Rotary Club donated sanitation supplies to the GPOC.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

News US moves warships Winston Jordan signs away State lands to APNU/AFC against Maduro …raises ante for democratic regime change

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US President Donald Trump

n its years long effort to return democratic governance to Venezuela following last week’s indictment against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the United States has now moved its warship in the Caribbean region to guard against the “growing threat” from that Spanish-speaking nation.

According to a Reuters report, the Donald Trump Administration said on Wednesday that “it was deploying more US Navy ships to the Caribbean to prevent drug cartels and “corrupt actors” like Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to smuggle more narcotics.”

It said that President Trump said he was doubling U.S. military resources in the region, including vessels, aircraft and personnel, in a drug interdiction effort to deal with what he called a “growing threat.”

“The beefed-up operation will also entail sending Navy ships closer to Venezuela, according to a US official and two people familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity. But it was unclear how close they would get to the Venezuelan coast, the sources said,” Reuters reported.

This report was pub-

lished following the White House’s daily briefing on efforts to battle the pandemic on Wednesday, where Trump, joined by Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, made the announcement at the start of the press conference.

The report comes one week after the U.S. charged Maduro and more than a dozen other senior government officials in Venezuela with “narco-terrorism”, drug trafficking and corruption.

Maduro has remained in power despite a wide-ranging U.S.-led campaign of sanctions and diplomacy, something U.S. officials have privately said is a source of frustration for Trump, the article stated.

It was noted that on Tuesday, however, The Trump administration offered to begin lifting Venezuela sanctions if the Opposition and members of Maduro’s Socialist Party form an interim government without him, marking a shift in U.S. policy.

Trump said, according to Reuters, that Wednesday’s move was needed because there is a “growing threat” that cartels and criminals will try to take advantage of the pandemic. “We must not let that happen,” he said.

“Corrupt actors like the illegitimate Maduro regime in Venezuela rely on the profits derived from the sale of narcotics to maintain their oppressive hold on power,” Esper said in the article, which added, “The Venezuelan people continue to suffer tremendously due to Maduro’s criminal control over the country.”

The naval deployment could ratchet up pressure on Maduro and his allies, but is

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

not a prelude to US military action against Venezuela, Reuters reported one person familiar with the matter as saying.

Although Trump has insisted that all options are on the table against Maduro, the article noted that US officials have made clear there is little appetite for military force, which could entangle the United States in another foreign conflict.

Federal prosecutors last week accused Maduro and his alleged accomplices of shipping tons of cocaine into the United States each year, using the drugs as a “weapon.” Maduro dismissed the charges as false and racist.

According to Reuters, US officials have long accused Maduro and his associates of running a “narco-state,” saying they have used proceeds from drugs transshipped from neighbouring Colombia to make up for lost revenue from a Venezuelan oil sector hit by U.S. sanctions.

The United States and dozens of other countries have recognized Opposition Leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate president, regarding Maduro’s 2018 re-election as a sham.

But Maduro has remained in power backed by the country’s military and

by Russia, China and Cuba.

6 new COVID-19 cases in Jamaica; 3rd victim dies

Health Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton

T

he island has now recorded 44 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and three death, the Health Ministry has advised.

The six additional cases are persons from Cornpiece settlement in Clarendon, and are linked to the index case from that community.

Health Minister, Dr Christopher Tufton told a digital press conference hosted by the Health Ministry Wednesday evening that there were now 24 imported cases of the virus, 17 import-related, and three are under investigation.

So far, there have been three fatalities related to the virus.

Dr Tufton said the average age of the patients is 51 years, ranging from 12 to 87 years, and includes 21 females and 23 males.

Another 44 persons are

in isolation, and 24 are in quarantine in Government facilities. The quarantine period for the 140 Cuban health professionals who arrived in the island in midMarch, ends this weekend.

Dr Tufton noted that 442 samples have been taken, including for severe acute respiratory infections, and 394 of those have tested negative for COVID-19.

He said this was a 10 per cent yield of positive tests which by international standards, “is good”.

However, he warned against persons becoming complacent, and reminded that the disease is highly contagious. (Jamaica Observer)

financier 6 days before elections

F

inance Minister Winston Jordan, just days before the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, turned over to Brian Tiwarie’s BK Marine Inc. ownership of prime waterfront real estate in Kingston, Georgetown adjoining the Demerara River, The transaction has since been detailed in the March 29, 2020 publication of the Official Gazette, documenting the sale of Government land to one of the coalition Government’s key financial supporters.

The order, signed by Minister Jordan on February 26, just six days before the General and Regional Elections, documents the Transfer of Property Order.

The land in question includes Lots One and Two Mudlot, Water Street Kingston, in addition to Lot F, being portion of Lot 3, in addition to three others in North Cummingsburg, lots encompassing just over two and a half acres.

According to the Gazette, a copy of the certified order is to be deemed as conclusive evidence that BK Marine Inc has absolute title to the property.

Weeks after the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) took Office in 2015, Tiwarie emerged as one of the key financial backers of the parties, and had joined in a massive cleanup effort in and around the city.

He was also involved in the construction of the controversial D’Urban Park Project, and was also handed a US$5 million payment from Government after threatening to sue over disagreements with a state contract.

Another APNU/AFC financier, Lloyd Singh, was handed a massive 164,000 acres of prime State Forest located along the Berbice River just three days before this year’s election.

Incidentally, it is one of the same areas that the current APNU/AFC Administration repossessed recently.

Guyana Times was told that the last-minute allocation of Guyana’s State Forest was done via a rushed and uncompetitive process that was engineered to favour this particular individual.

A source at the Guyana

Brian Tiwarie

Forestry Commission told this newspaper that it is highly unusual that an area of this stocking and location had only a sole applicant.

Singh is a known financier of the Government; and in fact had funded the AFC’s head office located on the Kitty Railway and Embankment in Georgetown. At the time, party Leader Raphael Trotman had said in reference to Singh’s apparent generosity, “Businessmen make investments in political parties, and expect a return on their investments.”

Outrage over dumped bodies in Ecuador

O

utrage is growing in Ecuador’s most populous city Guayaquil as residents are sharing videos of bodies dumped in the streets.

Forensic services are struggling to pick up the bodies of those who have died in recent days – not just from coronavirus but from other causes as well. Relatives are reporting waiting times of up to four days and some have resorted to leaving the bodies outside their homes.

Local newspaper El Universo reports that between 400 and 450 bodies have yet to be removed from homes. Guayaquil Mayor Cynthia Viteri announced on Tuesday that the first of three refrigerated containers

A refrigerated container arrives in Guayaquil

for the storage of bodies had arrived.

Meanwhile, El Salvador has reported its first COVID-19 death.

The 60-year-old woman had recently returned to El Salvador from the United States,

President Nayib Bukele said.

President Bukele was one of the first Latin American leaders to impose strict restrictions on movement and to close the small Central American country’s borders.

(BBC News)

Brazil confirms 1st Indigenous coronavirus case in the Amazon

A

n Indigenous woman in a village deep in the Amazon rainforest has contracted the novel coronavirus, the first case reported among Brazil’s more than 300 tribes, the Health Ministry’s Indigenous health service Sesai said on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old woman from the Kokama tribe tested positive for the virus in the district of Santo Antonio do Içá, near the border with Colombia some 880 kilometres (550 miles) up the Amazon River from the state capital Manaus, Sesai said in

a statement.

Four cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the same district, including a Brazilian doctor who tested positive last week, raising fears that the epidemic could spread to remote and vulnerable Indigenous communities with devastating effect.

Sesai said the woman was a medical worker who had been in contact with the doctor. She was the only person to test positive among 15 health workers and 12 patients tested after the doctor was found to have the virus, Sesai said.

Their names were not made public.

The doctor had returned from vacation in southern Brazil to work with the Tikunas, one of the largest tribe in the Amazon with more than 30,000 people who live in the upper Amazon near the borders with Colombia and Peru.

The woman has not shown symptoms of COVID-19, the sometimes-fatal respiratory disease caused by the virus, and she has been isolated with her family, Sesai said.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

OILNEWS Trump to discuss aid for oil industry as 1st big shale firm files for bankruptcy

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resident Donald Trump reportedly plans to meet with top oil executives Friday, while Saudi Arabia ignores his pleas, as crashing oil prices forced Whiting Petroleum (WLL) to file for bankruptcy protection.

Trump will meet at the White House with several oil chiefs, including Exxon Mobil Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Darren Woods; Chevron CEO Mike Wirth; Occidental Petroleum CEO Vicki Hollub and Continental Resources Chairman Harold Hamm, who has advised Trump on oil, sources told the Wall Street Journal. The executives will ask about potential aid to the industry, including tariffs on Saudi oil and a waiver of a law that requires US-flagged ships to transport goods, including oil, within the US, the Journal reported. The American Petroleum Institute later confirmed the White House meeting. Oil prices came under additional pressure Wednesday after the US Energy Information Administration reported domestic oil stockpiles soared by 13.8 million barrels, more than triple the estimate for an increase of four million. Gasoline stockpiles surged by 7.5 million barrels as demand dived 25 per cent to the lowest level since 1993.

Whiting filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as the first casualty of the oil price war. The shale producer said it has US$585 million cash on its balance sheet to operate its business without disruption to its employees.

The company also said it has sufficient liquidity to meet financial obligations during restructuring.

Meanwhile, BP joined other oil companies in cutting its 2020 capital spending. The British oil giant expects to reduce spending 25 per cent year over year to US$12 billion. But it doesn’t expect to cut jobs. “This may be the most brutal environment for oil and gas businesses in decades, but I am confident that we will come through it,” CEO Bernard Looney said in a statement. “We remain committed to growing sustainable free cash flow and distributions to our shareholders.”

As companies from oil major Exxon to US shale producers like Pioneer Natural Resources pull back, spending on oil field equipment and services will plunge. Consulting firm Spears & Associates sees oil field equipment and services falling 21 per cent this year to US$211 billion, the lowest level since 2005.

(Investors.com)

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

Around the World Global virus cases near million as US records youngest death

…infections growing exponentially, deaths nearing 50,000 – WHO

T

he world was quickly approaching one million confirmed coronavirus cases on Wednesday as a six-week-old baby died in the United States in what was believed to be the pandemic’s youngest victim.

As Governments expanded lockdowns that have affected half the planet, global agencies warned that parts of the world could face food shortages if authorities fail to navigate the crisis properly.

More than 900,000 people have been infected by the novel coronavirus and nearly 46,000 have died since it first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, according to an AFP tally based on official numbers.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organisation

A medical staff member wearing a protective facemask and a suit uses an ear thermometer to take the temperature of a patient arriving at a medical centre in Paris

(WHO), said the number would hit one million “in the next few days”.

“I am deeply concerned about the rapid escalation and global spread of infection,” he told a virtual news conference. The new coronavirus has now reached 205 countries and territories.

“In the past five weeks

Russian plane with coronavirus medical gear lands in US after Trump-Putin call

R

ussia sent the United States medical equipment on Wednesday to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, a public relations coup for Russian President Vladimir Putin after he discussed the crisis with US President Donald Trump.

Trump, struggling to fill shortages of ventilators and personal protective equipment, accepted Putin’s offer in a phone call on Monday. A Russian military transport plane left an airfield outside Moscow and arrived at New York’s John F Kennedy Airport in late afternoon on Wednesday.

Emergency aid to Washington was a striking development. Usually, the

United States donates supplies to embattled countries rather than accepting them.

The origin of the gift was bound to revive criticism from Democrats that Trump has been too cosy with the Russian leader. A US official in Washington confirmed the shipment was a direct result of Trump’s phone conversation with Putin. The official said it carried 60 tons of ventilators, masks, respirators and other items.

The official said the equipment would be carefully examined to make sure it comports with the quality requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Oil prices fall as Saudi Arabia ramps up supply US “considers cloth face masks for public”; Israeli PM instructs citizens to wear them

U

S crude oil prices fell 0.8 per cent to settle at US$20.31 per barrel, and Brent fell 5.1 per cent to US$24.99 a barrel per barrel.

Whiting shares plunged 44.5 per cent to close at 37 cents on the stock market today. Exxon fell 1.2 per cent and Continental Resources lost 2.2 per cent. Occidental, which also reportedly ousted an executive involved in last year’s Anadarko buyout, fell 7.25 per cent.

Oil prices plunged after a production cut agreement between the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia fell apart last month. With their production quotas gone, Saudi Arabia and Russia have been waging a price war and plan to flood the market with crude.

The Trump Administration has tried to intervene in the Saudi Arabia-Russia price war. On Monday, President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to dispatch energy officials to discuss oil prices. Trump said he also spoke to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

But Saudi Arabia has not backed down on the price war and reportedly increased supply to 12 million barrels per day Wednesday, the first day without production quotas, sources told Bloomberg. Riyadh plans to boost oil production to 12.3 million bpd this month from 9.7 million in February.

And earlier this week, State-run oil giant Saudi Aramco tweeted that it was loading a record 15 tankers with 18.8 million barrels of oil for export around the world.

Trump has touted the US relationship with ally Saudi Arabia while in office. But the relationship has turned rocky as the oil price war threatens US producers.

“The Saudis have really brought in a supply shock at exactly the wrong time,” Senator Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said on CNBC. “These kind of crises really make it clear … who your friends are and who aren’t your friends.” (Investors.com)

19

U

S health authorities are debating whether to recommend face coverings for everyone when they go out in public, while Israeli Prime Minister said all Israelis should wear face masks while in public as a precaution against the coronavirus.

One internal memo for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that even simple cloth masks could help reduce the risk of virus transmission, the Washington Post reports.

President Donald Trump has suggested that individuals could “use a scarf”.

Current guidelines say that masks only need to be worn by healthcare workers, the sick, and those caring for them.

There is currently a shortage of N95 and surgical masks in the US, with healthcare workers saying they have been told to reuse masks several times,

or use bandanas when masks are not available.

There have been over 190,000 cases of coronavirus in the US, with about 4000 deaths.

In other developments on Wednesday: US Vice-President Mike Pence warned the US appears to be on a similar trajectory as Italy, which has had the most deaths of any country In the UK, Wimbledon tennis tournament has been cancelled for the first time since World War Two British Government officials vowed to ramp up testing within weeks Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised the largest economic programme in the country’s history The official death toll in Iran has passed 3000.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

there has been a near-exponential growth in the number of new cases and the number of deaths has more than doubled in the past week,” Tedros told a virtual news conference in Geneva where the UN health organisation is based.

“In the next few days we will reach 1 million confirmed cases and 50,000 deaths worldwide,” he said.

The United States accounts for the most cases, with a database at Johns Hopkins University saying that infections have topped 200,000 with at least 4600 dead.

Among the dead was a sixweek-old in Connecticut who was brought unresponsive to a hospital late last week.

“Testing confirmed last night that the newborn was COVID-19 positive,” Governor Ned Lamont wrote on Twitter.

“This is absolutely heartbreaking. We believe this is one of the youngest lives lost anywhere due to complications relating to COVID-19,” he said.

The victims of the new coronavirus have been disproportionately elderly, with horror stories emerging from hard-hit Italy and Spain of isolated seniors found dead and alone.

But a number of recent cases have highlighted that the disease can befall even youngsters with seemingly strong immune systems.

The dead have included a 13-year-old in France, a 12-year-old in Belgium and a 13-year-old in Britain – identified as Ismail Mohamed Abdullah, whose family said the “gentle and kind” boy had no underlying health issues.

Illinois reported the death of a nine-month-old, although investigators were still determining whether it was directly linked to the coronavirus. (Excerpt from AFP and Reuters)

Coronavirus: Top South African HIV scientist Gita Ramjee dies

T

ributes are being paid to world-renowned South African scientist Gita Ramjee, who has died from Covid-19-related complications.

“She dedicated many years of her life to finding HIV prevention solutions for women,” her colleague and friend Gavin Churchyard told the BBC. Head of UNAids Winnie Byanyima said Professor Ramjee’s death was a huge loss at a time when the world needed her most.

South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV in the world.

The country has begun a three-week lockdown as part of efforts to stop the

spread of coronavirus.

“The passing of Professor Ramjee comes as a huge blow to the entirety of the healthcare sector and the global fight against HIV/AIDS,” the country’s Deputy President David Mabuza said in a statement.

“In her, we have indeed lost a champion in the fight against the HIV epidemic, ironically at the hands of this global pandemic. In her honour, we should heed the call to flatten the curve by strengthening our responses to this global pandemic as well as continue the fight to achieve zero new HIV infections.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Zoom under increased scrutiny as popularity soars

T

he videoconferencing app Zoom has come under fresh high-level scrutiny as its popularity soars during the coronavirus pandemic. New York’s Attorney General has written to the firm raising concerns over its ability to cope with the rise in users. Zoom is now being used by millions of people for work and leisure, as lockdowns are imposed in many countries.

But its data security and privacy measures have been questioned.

The letter from the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James asked Zoom whether it had reviewed its

security measures since its popularity surged. It also pointed out that in the past the app had been slow to address issues.

In response to a request from the BBC for comment, a company spokesperson said: “Zoom takes its users’ privacy, security, and trust extremely seriously.

Zoom has had security flaws in the past, including a vulnerability which allowed an attacker to remove attendees from meetings, spoof messages from users and hijack shared screens. Another saw Mac users forced into calls without their knowledge. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY APRIL 2, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

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

Avoid getting involved in projects with people who don’t share your sentiments.

Equality and a strong work ethic will be essential if you want to get things done correctly and without conflict.

Time spent at home will bring you back to reality.

Separating work from pleasure will be good for the soul and encourage you to spend more time with loved ones.

How you handle peers, friends and family will make a difference. Stick to the truth and question anything that sounds suspicious. Facts matter, and choosing the right words will determine your success.

An invitation may unnerve you, but attending the event in question will bring rewards. Get out and share your thoughts, and exciting options will be made available to you.

Choose to do your own thing and follow the path that offers the least amount of stress. Don’t feel that you must make a change because someone else does.

Explore new possibilities.

Networking will pay off. The connections you make will provide insight into the pluses and minuses of something you are considering. It’s time to make personal improvements and to give romance a chance.

You’ll face controversy if you are too forthcoming with your opinions. Make your responsibilities priorities, and don’t leave anything unfinished or open for criticism. Avoid a costly change or joint venture.

Refuse to get into a debate with one of your peers or relatives. Put greater emphasis on expanding your interests or knowledge, or on developing a creative project.

Personal growth is favored.

Romance is evident. Be SAGITTARIUS discriminating. Short-lived (Nov. 23connections could turn out Dec. 21) to be a disaster if someone isn’t honest about his or her past. Concentrate on friendships, not on courtships.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

A change will do wonders for your outlook on life, love and happiness. Make time for a loved one or update your appearance and show off a trendy new look.

Look at all your options and consider what will make you happy. Don’t do something that doesn’t appeal to you just to please someone else. Put your needs first.

You will be misled by someone or will unintentionally mislead others.

Choose your words wisely and your gestures carefully. The right move will bring spectacular results.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

21

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he Bartica Football Association (BFA) wrapped up its senior league tournament in August of 2019 after eight clubs had participated in two episodes of round-robin competition over a period of five months.

From there, things progressed with them having lights installed at the Bartica Community Centre Ground in an effort to solve the issue of the lack of lights when night games take place.

However, things are not yet finished, as the Alden Marslowe-led association continues to improve the level of football in Bartica.

The senior league commenced on March 9, 2019 and was played at the Bartica Secondary School Ground among the following football clubs: Beacons, Rising Stars, Lazio, River’s View, Wolves United, Mil Ballers, Potaro Strikers, and Rising Stars. At the end of 56 matches, River’s View FC emerged champions, with 32 points from 14 matches.

The Bartica Community Centre Ground has, for some

According to Marslowe, the donation of floodlights basically speaks of the strength of the partnership’s dedication to advance football development in Bartica.

Marslowe has also said, “The BFA is looking forward to having return games against teams outside of the Bartica Association, (in order) to give our boys more exposure to competition. Along with inviting other associations to play against us, we also intend to participate in every inter-association tour-

BFA President Alden Marslowe

time now, been under rehabilitation, but with the constant factors being faced, Marslowe continues to make the most of the opportunities given to him during his tenure.

In February, over eight 1500-watt floodlights were donated by the Guyana Football Federation.

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NOT RECEIVING YOUR DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF THE

−upon resumption of GCA 2019/2020 season

T

he current outbreak of the coronavirus and tensions emanating from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections have had the effect of halting all action in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s 2019/2020 season.

However, coach of the UG Trojans, Kenroy Joseph, believes that whenever the season restarts, his side would turn in some extraordinary performances.

Saying he has thus far enjoyed the season, even though it came to an abrupt halt, Joseph told this publication when asked what was most memorable about it: “Well, we have only played four games so far for the season, but for me the high point would be coming from 96-8 to 263 all out against GDF in the ‘second

this publication, Joseph had said that the ‘1st division’ squad had been boosted by the inclusion of Jaguars’ pacer Nial Smith and former regional U19 player Kevin Umroa.

Asked what the inclusion of these two players would do for the squad, Joseph had responded, “Well, as you know, our bowling in ‘1st division’ has not been penetrating enough.

But with the addition of Smith, the comfort will be given to our batsmen to be able to concentrate. Ershad Ali and Damion Vantull can now focus on taking the team to mammoth totals. They would no longer have to feel that pressure of having to focus on their bowling because we aren’t picking up wickets.”

Joseph also mentioned that Umroa would be able to boost

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The UG Trojans team stand with Coach Kenroy Joseph

division’ 40-over competition.

This was led by the experienced Damion Vantull, who scored 131 runs. “We were then able to bowl GDF out for 174. So, it was an excellent performance from the team, because we were down and out at one point of the game.”

In a previous interview with

the spin bowling attack, thus giving the Trojans a penetrating bowling attack, with Smith steaming in at one end and Umroa turning things up at the other. Joseph described the season as ordinary thus far, but said he expects a revitalized Trojans unit when cricket resumes.

nament that the GFF puts out there.”

Marslowe has done much for football in Bartica, and has showcased his passion for the improvement of the sport in his region. Nevertheless, the BFA is faced with the task of completing the almost fin-

ished Bartica Community C e n t r e Ground, which is the premiere recreational facility in Region 7.

22

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Stranded in a foreign place…

W

ith just two months remaining on his scholarship before he completes his diploma, Jeremy Garrett is now at a crossroads as he searches for the means to complete his schooling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus, which has taken the world by storm and has put all sporting activities at a complete standstill, is now taking its toll on everyday life, as persons are being advised to self-quarantine or socially isolate themselves.

In Garrett’s case, the issue is returning to the Land of Many Waters, but with the ports of entry, the Eugene F. Correia and the Cheddi Jagan International airports closed, that hope is now impossible. The airports were initially closed for two weeks, scheduled to reopen on April 1, but with Guyana’s number of confirmed cases reaching 19, the decision was made to keep the ports closed for another month, leaving the national football star stranded in Miami until at least May 1.

While many other local athletes, especially those based in the Caribbean region, like table tennis maestro Shemar Britton and sprint star Emmanuel Archibald, managed to make it home in time, Garrett was not as lucky. By the time the defense player got to Miami, it was too late to get to Guyana.

Thereafter, the 20-year-old player found himself making bed at the Miami Airport for a few nights, before he was figuratively rescued by the Guyanese Consulate and was put up in

T

he NBA and the players association are in discussions regarding withholding player pay in the event regular-season games are canceled, ESPN reported Tuesday night.

According to the report, the sides are discussing withholding up to 25 percent of players’ remaining salaries in a league escrow, allowing for the players and owners to share in some of the financial loss should the league not complete a full, 82-game regular season.

The NBA suspended play indefinitely on the night of March

a hotel close to the airport, in case of any sudden developments.

“I’m currently with Curtez Kellman, but we have knowledge of fourteen to twenty Guyanese that are in our same position and are desperate to return to our home,” Garrett informed this publication when asked whether he was facing the situation alone.

Speaking on his personal situation, Garrett shared that he is most concerned about completing his diploma in Rehabilitation Science and the threat that this situation poses to that goal.

“I feel as though my diploma is on the line.

I understand the seriousness of the virus, but we just want to be home because America is getting worse,” he stated.

With online classes commencing, the Louisiana State University player revealed, he is in a vulnerable position, having limited resources to complete his studies.

“It’s not the best of environments to do so (study/ take online classes) since people don’t want to take the risk of having you at their houses. With that, there is limited to no resources that may assist in the continuance of this diploma,” he explained.

Considering that the numbers of reported cases and deaths in the USA are steadily climbing, the defense player noted that he and Kellman are fearful for their health and safe-

ty, should they stay much longer in the

USA. “The main reason we are urging to come home is that America’s number is rising and we don’t want to end up in a situation where we aren’t with our families, or not even close. Not knowing what could happen tomorrow, we understand the seriousness of being isolated, but with the numbers also rapidly growing, we don’t know what more we can do here,” he noted.

Amidst all the chaos, the players have been the beneficiaries of kindness from a number of Good Samaritans, who have opened their hearts and homes to them.

“Since we have been stuck here, the Consulate General has tried his best to keep us comfortable and as isolated as possible, but he, too, is probably tired. His association has to deal with a lot more Guyanese who are also in our situation, but they are still trying to help us,” Garrett explained.“With that being said, we have met some very kind Guyanese people here in Florida. One who stands out -- I will not mention a name -- but for someone who does not know us, and him being a different race and what not, he has been helping us tremendously.”These local sportsmen are seeking any assistance they can receive to return home.

“We are capable of paying our own passage and

11, shortly after it was learned Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for COVID-19.

The current collective bargaining agreement calls for players to lose roughly 1 percent of their salary for every game canceled per a force majeure provision — triggered when a contract cannot be fulfilled by an unforeseen circumstance.

A pandemic is among those circumstances in the NBA’s CBA. According to ESPN, the force majeure is triggered automatically upon the cancellation of games.

The report stated that NBA

commissioner Adam Silver, National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts and a group of attorneys have discussed plans for preparing players should they lose money over lost games.

The report also stated that if there is no plan in place by April 15, players will receive their full game checks, but they would have to pay the money back later should games be canceled, with the amount owed determined by a formula based on each player’s team and his own salary.

Jeremy Garrett

what not. We don’t mind being quarantined for the safety of our selves and others for whatever period they wish to do so; but being here is not good, it’s getting terrible here,” he declared.

With the closure of Guyanese ports of entry extended to May 1, it is feared that the national players will have to ride out the difficult situation the best way they can. Efforts to contact the National Sports Commission (NSC) on any assistance they can lend the Guyanese athletes proved futile. (Jemima Holmes)

The league is trying to avoid a scenario in which it would be forced to pursue payment from players, an impetus behind the sides trying to come to an agreement now.

Wojnarowski reported Thursday that NBA executives, including Silver, received a 20 percent pay cut in response to the shutdown. (Reuters)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY APRIL 2, 2020

23

− sponsorship is biggest challenge

O

ne of Guyana's finest cyclists, Andre 'Padlock' Green, is hoping to one day make his lifelong dream a reality: riding in cy-

sponsorship.

His cycling journey began in 2010-11 when his brother returned from St Kitts and Nevis. Green disclosed that his brother has been his biggest inspiration.

Green, who started as a beginner, won the first race he rode. He credited his maiden

Corentyne, Berbice, had this to say: "Well, I want to make a name for myself and my country; to be the first cyclist from Guyana to ride in the Tour de France. Sponsorship has been my biggest challenge. Many times, I will be in a breakaway pack and I have to come out the race. I

Andre "Padlock"Green rocking his new United kit

ship.

The world of sport has been going through a testing phase with the global pandemic Covid-19, but Green explained that he has been practising distant training. "I mostly train at home with my personal trainer, and this helps me in races," Green added.

The gifted cyclist is advising his fellow cyclists to stay fit, which he said is the best feeling ever.

Green (right) and Balram Narine battling to a thrilling finish

cling’s premier event, the Tour de France.

In an exclusive interview with this publication, the Berbician noted that his biggest challenge is getting

win with the knowledge he had acquired from his brother.

Asked about his aspirations, Green, who hails from Ulverston Village,

wouldn't have a spare wheel, because cycling is a very expensive sport."

Green is calling on corporate Guyana to show their faith in him with sponsor-

The United We Stand cyclist, who has recorded wins too numerous to mention during his career, has shown great skill in the past. Some of his wins are: champion of the Benjamin Sports race, champion of the Courts race, among others.

He has also featured in the top bracket of Guyanese cyclists in the points classification system. Green missed

o u t on a narrow victory in the o p e n Courts event earlier this year, which saw Team Coco’s Marcus Keiler claiming the win. (Brandon Corlette)

THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Pg 22

− sponsorship is biggest challenge Jeremy Garrett

Andre “Padlock” Green finishing ahead of some big names (Brandon Corlette photo)

- completing rehabilitation of ground next on the cards Pg 21

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