Guyana Times - Monday, June 8, 2020

See Region 4 SoRs comparison with released SoPs on pages 14 to 20 All SoRs are available on our website Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4310

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

PPP/C wins 2020 General and Regional Elections

...recount reconfirms victory

See story on page 3

Ali, Phillips, Jagdeo reaffirm PPP/C Govt will change governance model to increase inclusivity

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ali calls for “responsible behaviour” P11 from all ...says “no losers” as GECOM’s formal declaration awaited

Father, daughter robbed at P2 gunpoint Missing ancillary documents

GECOM agrees to include 29 ECD SoRs in tabulation P9 …Chair keeps “every vote must count” commitment

Page 7

Father of 4 P2 crashes, dies at same spot son died 16 years ago

ANUG urges Commonwealth Granger to SG commends concede defeat Guyanese patience National elections recount Page 13

See story on page 12

ꟷ says to put Guyana 1st

Allegedly P11 blocked sink causes flooding at Finance Ministry …files, computer soaked

Tullow, CSI partner to distribute 10,000 face masks P8

2 NEWS Father of 4 crashes, dies at same spot son died 16 years ago MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

A

60-year-old father of four was killed on Saturday night on the Corentyne Public Road, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), at the exact spot where his son met his demise 16 years ago.

The dead man has been identified as Ganga Persaud Shivdyall, of Lot 7 Fryish Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Shivdyall was a pump operator and a former umpire.

Based on reports received, on the day in question around 17:45h, the now dead man was riding his motorcycle CF 2415 along the Corentyne road when he allegedly lost control and fell to the surface.

The man received injuries about his body, and was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens and was taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was pro-

Dead: Ganga Persaud Shivdyall

nounced dead on arrival.

When contacted, another of the man’s sons, Monilall Shivdyall, told Guyana Times that he made several attempts to contact his father on Saturday, but it proved futile.

He explained that a few hours later, he received a call from his father’s number, and the person on the

other end of the line informed him that his father was involved in an accident.

He was reportedly given the details as to where the accident occurred.

“When I reach there, they already took him to the New Amsterdam Hospital… so I went to the hospital only to be told that he was already dead. However, I was told by persons that he was still breathing when they attempted to get assistance from a police officer… but based on what I was told, the Police told them to leave him until the other Police come,” the son stated.

Shivdyall said his family was shocked by his father’s passing, since his brother was involved in an accident and died at the exact spot in 2004.

“This is real, real, real hard. As for his wife, she is not taking it easy, because she is now kind of getting over her son’s accident, and to know now her husband come and get this accident in the same place her son had his accident. She literally going crazy,” the son expressed.

Shivdyall added that his father lived with his wife and another sibling.

However, the dead man’s wife is presently stuck out of the country, due to Guyana closing its ports of entry during the coronavirus pandemic.

The man’s son said his father had great plans for the future. He underscored that Shivdyall was planning on welcoming home his wife in fine style by cel-

The motorcycle involved in the accident

ebrating her 56th birth anniversary.

“He was planning when his wife comes back, to keep a big surprise birthday party for her, he said he was going to send her over at the neighbour, or by me and he

would plan up the birthday secretly,” he said.

Shivdyall’s body is presently at the New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination (PME) as investigations into the accident continue.

Father, daughter robbed at gunpoint

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50-year-old man and his 21-yearold daughter were on Sunday attacked and robbed at gunpoint by two bandits at Pandit Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon said that the robbery occurred at about 12:45h.

He revealed that the fa-

ther and daughter, who hail from La Parfaite Harmonie,

West Bank Demerara, were making their way home

when they were held at gunpoint and relieved of their mobile phones and cash.

“Reports are that the victims were going to get transportation to go to West Demerara when the two assailants rode on a motorcycle and carried out the robbery,” the Commander said.

Police are in the process of reviewing CCTV footage as they continue their investigations.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 8 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Tuesday, June 9 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 8 – 05:50h – 07:20h and Tuesday, June 9 – 06:35h – 08:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers and light rain showers will prevail during the day. There will be light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 18:25h reaching a maximum height of 2.46 metres.

Low Tide: 11:58h reaching a minimum height of 0.56 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$42.30/barrel

+5.46

Rough Rice

$343.08 /ton

-6.90

London Sugar

$392.90/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1684.00

$1685.00

Low/High

$1677.60

$1688.60

+0.80

0.05%

Change

PPP/C wins 2020 General and Regional Elections ...recount reconfirms victory

T

he PPP/C has emerged the clear winner of March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections following the National Recount of the final ballot box (#4877) from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Sunday.

The PPP/C gained in excess of 15,500 votes over its main rival – A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC). The Statements of Recount (SoRs) for the final ballot boxes – 14 for General and 95 for Regional – now have to be tabulated.

This tabulation exercise is expected to be completed early today, as party agents have been told to return to the ACCC at 10:00h. The tabulation and completion of the recount could have both been completed on Sunday but there was a sudden and dubious technical error by the National Communications Network (NCN) – which was conducting the live streaming – that delayed the process.

Speaking to the media directly afterwards, PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali revealed that the entire process could have been completed on Sunday, had it not been for that untoward technical difficulty.

“I thought it would have been completed today, but there were two hours or so delay because NCN had some technical difficulties. If we had not had those delays, then the tabulation would have been over today in my estimation.”

“I want to make it clear. This phase is not over until the declaration is made.

But the recount is over and we have inputted all the SoRs and the results are showing exactly what we said with our Statements of Poll. The PPP/C would win these elections by well over 15,000 votes.

Speaking also on the technical issues, A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Executive Timothy Jonas also confirmed that the process was hampered on Sunday by the sudden technical difficulties, which he viewed with suspicion. According to him, it reminds them of the controversies at the GECOM command centre, Ashmins

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali; Prime Ministerial Candidate, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo share a photo moment with some of the Party’s elections recount observers at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Sunday

building, High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, when verification of Statements of Poll (SoPs) was derailed by the machinations of certain Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff.

The elections recount was witnessed by representatives of all nine political parties that contested the elections, observers from the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Organisation of American States (OAS) and local observers including the Private Sector Commission and American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).

On March 2, the original counting of the ballots cast had proceeded smoothly and had been completed in nine regions with the PPP/C in a commanding lead.

However, the tabulation of Statements of Poll (SoPs) was interrupted in District Four (DemeraraMahaica) after Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo switched from the legal procedure – which ensures transparency – whereby each SoP had to be exhibited to the stakeholders present to enable comparison to their copies.

However, Mingo diverted to a procedure where the purported numbers from the SoPs were incorporated into a consolidated spreadsheet. This led to immediate calls for transparency from both local and international observers.

This led to the High Court case,

when all the parties excepting APNU/ AFC protested the sleight of hand that facilitated an inflation of the votes for that party.

Following the High Court’s decision, Mingo was ordered to revert to the prescribed procedure but he repeated his subterfuge in another guise and submitted totals that varied substantially from those of other parties and had the APNU/AFC ahead rather than the PPP/C. The Chairwoman of GECOM, Retired Justice Claudette Singh agreed to a recount of the votes, which had been proposed by caretaker President David Granger and agreed to by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo after an intervention by several Caricom leaders.

Since then, both leaders have recommitted to accepting the results of the recount.

As the recount process wound down, voices from the domestic and international community - local church leaders, the Private Sector Commission, the US State Department, Ambassadors of the US, EU, UK, Caricom, OAS have been calling for an acceptance of the recount by all the parties, leading to a peaceful transition for the new Government that has been chosen by the people of Guyana.

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MONDAY, JUNE 8, 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

Let there be peace N

inety-seven days after the Guyanese nation went to the polls to exercise their franchise and choose their government for the next five years, we finally have a result that we hope the incumbent caretaker APNU/AFC coalition will accept. Over the last three months, the obduracy of that party to stretch the law to almost its breaking point to cling on to power had raised the temperatures of our already tense society to almost boiling point.

It all began with the passage of the No Confidence Motion in December 2018, a constitutional device that had been threatened in 2014 by the AFC and which precipitated early elections to truncate the PPP’s term by one year. Yet the APNU/AFC refused to obey the NCM’s dénouement to resign and schedule elections within three months. They went all the way to the CCJ, where they were embarrassingly told that the constitutional stricture “needed no gloss”. The embarrassment, however, fell only on the Guyanese people, since to delay elections by one year and remain in office, APNU/AFC were willing to argue that 33 was not the majority of 65 even though they had acceded to office on that majority.

Even after the CCJ’s decision, the APNU/AFC regime continued to throw obstacles in the way of elections by insisting that House-to-House registration, which had been clandestinely initiated by Granger’s illegally-appointed GECOM Chair James Patterson, be completed. Finally, after many twists and turns, elections were scheduled for March 2, 2020. The Guyanese people breathed a collective sigh of relief hoping that the hard-won reforms in the electoral system after two decades of rigging by the PNC in the 1960s to 1980s would ensure they democratically choose their government according to the rule of law.

But as we know to our disappointment and chagrin, this was not to be: the APNU/AFC combine were willing to blatantly rig the elections, literally in full view of the world. We do not have to reprise the series of unfortunate shenanigans that followed Region 4 RO Clairmont Mingo’s illegal sleight of hand with the SoPs when he was simply required to total them transparently in front of the stakeholders. The Guyanese collective psyche had to have become scarred with the experience of such epistemic violence being inflicted by individuals occupying such high office.

It took the intervention of the Courts and the Caricom Heads of Government – in a personal visit to Guyana – to work out an agreement, suggested by caretaker President Granger, for a full recount of the ballots to be undertaken. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo agreed to this endeavour even though GECOM did not reject the concocted Region 4 SoP totals of Mingo that snatched victory from the PPP for APNU/AFC, but held those figures “in abeyance”.

It was clear from the beginning that the robust electoral system designed to prevent rigging had worked, since with the signal instance of the Mingo-concocted numbers, the SoPs in the possession of the political parties and those posted outside polling stations had matched and these showed the PPP comfortably winning. Most observers concluded that the call for a recount was simply a ruse by APNU/AFC to throw a wrench into the verdict of the people for them to demit office.

The strategy became clear when they arbitrarily started to make random objections to almost every box about “migrants” and “dead” persons on the list voting: their plan was to have the elections be declared void because they were not credible.

However, it was soon proven after details were provided about these objections that they were mere allegations concededly made on hearsay and not evidence.

With the completion of the recount, all Guyana are hoping that Caretaker Granger will keep his commitment to accept the result of the recount and have his caretaker Administration participate in a smooth transition to a new PPP/C Government.

A battle-weary nation needs a break from the tension and deserves some peace to get on with their lives.

When you tell a lie long enough, it becomes politics Dear Editor, As the future of our country is entangled in a political tug-of-war between the two major political parties, I, the undersigned, wish to reiterate that I have no political priority, regardless of what some people may think.

I have made this pellucid before and I will say it a million times more. I know that at this time, these two major political parties would love for me to be biased for them, and if I cannot be biased for them; fingers will be poked in my eyes, my ears would be pulled and my nose punched by either one. I also know that many in the smaller parties, particularly my friend, Mr Lenox Shuman would have wished for me to be a part of his Liberty and Justice Party (LJP). But even though I like the guy, being a politician is certainly not my cup of tea.

With that being said, I wish to state a reality. I think that the few friends I have in the APNU/AFC might be upset with me for saying what I am about to say. However, this is a democracy and I have a right to speak my heart, especially against blatant and deliberate injustice and oppression. Although pained, I will speak my heart with words of energy, elegance, decency, and respect - something my Afro-Guyanese educational masters have taught me from kindergarten to adulthood. It is because of this upbringing that I still refer to the President - even though he is in caretaker mode - as his Excellency, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and his Ministers, because that is what they are, according to the laws of this country - albeit their governance has ended.

My issue is that the APNU/AFC have got to stop thinking and spreading the false impression that they were cheated on. It is quite obvious from all the goings-on, the conspiracies, the deceitful manipulations, and erratic shenanigans that they are aware from the second day after the vote that they have lost the elections.

Look at what you, APNU (PNC) - and I am sad to say, a party that I have had some excellent friendship with are doing to the psyche of the Guyanese nation. Guyanese people are suffering! Our economy is in the doldrums!

Mr President, Guyana is broken! It is beaten and it is in the limping stage of a wimp due to poor administration and hungry political power-persons. Many of whom seem to think that the regions and assets of Guyana are their personal property.

Something that can be given at their whim and fancy to family and friends or groups where the kickbacks will flow and they can enrich themselves by gifting themselves large tracks of virgin jungles

and forests, mineral mining lands, our seabed and so much more for the sake of aggrandising wealth to enjoy to the maximum the assets and the wealth of the people. But Mr President, they are forgetting one thing, they are forgetting that in the end, we all have to die and turn into mud. All that we have accomplished in deceitful, internecine, and insidious ways will come to nought because death is inevitable, and sooner than later, we have to leave it all behind. In the dignity and honour of wisdom, our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us: “Go for the good things in this world as if you would live forever, but go for the hereafter as if you would die tomorrow.” Mr President, the military officials of the Office of the Presidency and others, please remember that for the sins you commit two by two, you will have to pay for them one by one.

Mr President, Guyanese aren’t masochists (persons who enjoy feeling pain).

Why am I saying this?

Well, Mr President, people have suffered in this country, since 2015. This was evident from the Local Government Elections where the Government and particularly the AFC took a whipping that was unheard of.

After that, some token developments were being done in particular communities where ethnic preference seemed to have been the criteria for growth and development. Bear in mind that a political entity cannot just look out for one people and additionally, cannot terminate one’s contract before one’s start and give it to those who are unworthy or undeserved or did not fight the war in the form of the tender scheme because of ethnic priorities or hate of a personality.

Now Mr President, how would you expect votes in the sugar belt? Even in those areas where the sugar industry was not closed down.

How would you expect votes?

When at the whim and fancy of the Cabinet in Georgetown, in secret, you eked out a plan that appeared to be a plan of hatred and vengeance against the sugar block because they did not give most of their votes to the APNU and the AFC. The AFC managed to get a little bit to shift themselves in Government, albeit without much power, most in ceremonial. Imagine the parliamentarian responsible for Berbice Sir, he never even knew! I was taken by surprise when he said this in the newspapers. That is full of insult and to my opinion, completely disgraceful to the individual and to the shock of the stakeholders, particularly the workers and the towns that were accustomed to the spin-off industries that were created as a result of sugar.

Out of which, tens of thou-

sands more survived beyond the sugar workers themselves.

I reiterate to you Sir, Guyanese are not masochists – you cannot expect people to vote for you and you cannot try to create scenarios whereby the dead are alleged to have awoken and walked to vote and then walked back into the graves. You cannot expect people to vote for you when you cannot give an account of D’Urban Park complex, as to the expenditure of funds to date (5 years).

When over sixty per cent of the mining industry, small and medium-scale miners have abandoned their claims. The revenue of the Government and the way of life of the miners have been seriously affected. Over nine hundred employees of the bauxite industry are out of work to date. And, nothing was done in the housing sector by the coalition except for the few core homes. The East Coast Highway was really a project of the previous Administration as is the Sheriff Street project. These were all set by the previous Administration. But there is very little in reality that has been done to support business and industry in the country and, therefore, the coalition cannot expect people to just vote for them. This includes their own supporters, many of whom abandon them in the local elections and general elections.

Precisely, because the people did not feel any kind of support or care from the Government of the day. In general, I would say that because of the behavioural pattern and attitudes of certain power brokers, they have caused friends and supporters to abandon the party and those who are financially supporting have seen a weakness in which they feel that the money they are spending will buy them a million times of their money. For them, it is not done out of love for the party but as an investment.

VAT on education was highlighted by me leading to a personal protest which many others joined, and other protests by others were also activated. They seem to have forgotten that in a year, people will be eighteen and ready to vote, and in another two, three, four, or five years, tens of thousands more would be ready to vote that have tremendous hate towards the Government that instituted this terror on education. For that, I was marked, blacklisted, and disaffected in my business. Persons were sent to survey me and my movements but Sir, I used the opportunity to remind the political power block that the people are the bosses and not the Government.

The Government can be replaced anytime by the will of the people even before elections if they so desire, and

the Government needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

These were my exact words!

For that, I was lashed out at with more targeting directed at me. Eventually, I heard one of the bigger boys, the Director General when he functioned as a Minister after he got into trouble saying the exact same thing that the people are the true bosses and I had a knee jerk and I smiled, but Mr President, the damage has already been done. In Region Four, many of them, and I will give you an idea – particularly those that are mixed grouping - voted PPP/C because the damage was deep and overbearing.

So, with this in mind Mr President, you have to realise along with your team that Guyanese are not masochists. We cannot take the pain and still love the pain givers.

This also refers to Sophia, many of its residents have worked for me, and have told me that they voted against the coalition in the last Local Government Elections and that they voted against them again in this elections. That they will not vote perpetually because of an ethnic priority.

Mr President and politicians, Guyanese are losing the ethnic style of voting. Beware!

Another round of advice, tell your people to stop advising the electorate or supporters of the APNU that they have won the elections, because as the propaganda Czar of Hitler, Goebbels said: “You tell a lie long enough, you yourself begin to believe it.” So, the persons who were saying these lies to the people and the people hearing these lies, they are all starting to believe it. The reality is that the PNC in association with its coalition partners have lost the election and your party needs to stop pushing this.

Mr President, I had predicted in the early days of 2015 to my management staff to watch my words come to pass, and I listed very keenly, as I usually do, my predictions. I said, the poor people will get nothing from this Government and as I said above, it was evident from the Local Government Elections that the people were forgotten. What I mentioned to them next was that if you look very carefully and coming up to the next election, the APNU/AFC will build about two hundred houses and give it to some people in order to pull the wool over the eyes of their supporters. And, they will get excited saying that two hundred people will be getting houses but of course, the houses we saw are for those that were done for the people in Charlestown.

Mr President, my word came to pass.

Sincerely, Hajji Dr Roshan Khan Sr

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MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

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David Granger, your character still matters Dear Editor, Please permit me to ask my fellow Guyanese, with the present election crisis, the corona pandemic crisis and the many complications, what should we say to our children and youth at home trying to process all this information unfolding daily.

I believe we must tell our children the truth with confidence. Tell them what we know - true facts and acknowledge what we don’t know, not with fear, but with caution. For what we say here will remain with them for a lifetime. We can defend against the unknown with the known.

Here we are again, District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo is once more implicated in yet another attempt to cause mischief in Guyana’s election recount. Mingo and Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield are fingered in the missing documents saga.

These missing documents have been noted during the national vote

recount and are likely in the possession of Mingo or Lowenfield as “pawnshop” while the coalition APNU/ AFC began peddling a new narrative to say that the votes from those boxes with the missing documents cannot be validated, which was noted and written on some of the observation reports during the recount.

The move at this stage of the recount is evident that GECOM is taking instructions from the APNU/AFC gangsters in an attempt to cause malicious mischief as we approach the conclusion of the recount.

As a result, the Statements of Recount from those boxes that have been tabulated but highlighted while the boxes that have not been tabulated is put aside awaiting on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to decide what will happen next, this is preposterous, why is this now being done in the PPP/C stronghold area?

This is a desperate ef-

fort to remove valid votes from the PPP/C, however, in the APNU/AFC stronghold area, there are boxes with missing documents still being tabulated, this is a deliberate attempt by the GECOM Secretariat headed by Chief Elections officer CEO Keith Lowenfield to disenfranchise PPP/C electors using one of their planned deceptions.

However, it’s expected that the large block of voters cannot be disenfranchised since all the ballots are stamped as being validly issued and the Statement of Recount match the Statements of Poll issued on elections night which all party agents would have signed. Mr Lowenfield, all valid votes must be counted.

One will remember in March, Mingo was caught red-handed fraudulently inflating the number of votes for the coalition during the tabulation, which was exposed by stakeholders who were in possession of the Statements of Poll (SoPs) from the 897 Polling

Stations in District Four, GECOM and the APNU/ AFC. Mr Clairmont Mingo must be held accountable for all the blatant deceitful acts In another twist of events surrounding the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, a senior member of the APNU/AFC is now accusing his own party’s agents of a grand conspiracy to oust the party from office. A senior member and former MP of the David Granger-led caretaker Government accused the APNU/AFC agents of “criminal collusion”. James Bond allegedly said “those agents, so-called agents, that persons are saying belong to APNU/AFC who were in those places when these things happened, shame on you. If you were there at all, shame on you. Shame on you.”

Can you believe this is a representative in Parliament, representing the people of Guyana under the APNU/AFC? These actions and challenges con-

Schools, examinations and COVID-19 Dear Editor, Today the world over there is what many are calling a ‘new norm’. What had been routine is no longer possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals, families, communities and whole countries have been forced to change. Where there has been any success essential ‘business’ is being carried out in new ways – individuals and groups have innovated. The educational sector is no exception to this.

There are now several examples across the globe of countries and communities which had not sufficiently innovated and returned largely to the way they were. These examples include the impact of the reopening of schools when it seemed the spread of the virus was under control.

In some of the wealthiest industrialised countries (Berlin, China, and Taiwan) the reopening of schools has been followed by an increased number of COVID-19 cases among the students. These schools were subsequently closed, but the damage was already done.

Positive examples in education are seen in places like England, where 1.5 million students were preparing to sit the GCSE, A-Levels and AS Levels examinations, but the Government there has cancelled the examinations and devised an alternative means of awarding grades to the students.

Right here in Guyana at the University of Guyana, we saw a rapid move to online classes midway through the second semester even though many lecturers and students were not fully prepared for this. The system evolved, lessons were quickly learned, adjustments made, and students will soon complete the semester without having returned to the physical campuses.

Considering what we have seen in communities better equipped and financed than Guyana, I am greatly concerned about the decision of the Ministry of Education (MoE) to agree for the sitting of the NGSA and CSEC and CAPE examinations in July and August. I am further concerned by the decision to reopen schools for students preparing to sit these examinations. These decisions are unnecessary and reckless given our realities and I will illustrate this.

Since the first case of COVID-19 was documented in Guyana in early March, many Guyanese have not altered their lifestyles and as a result, we have added an average of 1.74 new cases per day. This rate is expected to go up as businesses reopen even before the first wave of the disease has passed. The movement of students to and from school will most likely lead to further increases in the rate of infection.

It is worthwhile to note that COVID-19 cases in our neighbouring countries of Brazil and Suriname have recently increased significantly and our borders are porous.

My daughter is one of those students preparing to write the CSEC examinations. One of her classes was called to meet at school to address SBAs for a few hours.

I personally observed students and teachers without masks, special sanitisation provisions, students sitting close by each other to share resources or just because they had not seen each other in a long while. I can imagine what will occur when a greater number of students return to schools across the country.

I have noted the plans of the MoE for the protection of the students and teachers at schools. I have also observed

on occasions that what is announced as planned never materialises. However, even if the MoE puts all measures in place at every school in the few days since the announcement has been made, there are still major issues that will be left unaddressed.

What will occur with the transportation of students to and from school given that most students are dependent on public transportation? Even with the limited assistance to some communities promised, many of the less well-off families likely now lack the ability to provide the necessary protection for students. What of supervision of students outside of the school hours? Is it expected that all parents will come to receive their children from school or more likely that many students will have to make their way home? Conditions at schools will likely lead to masks not being used as required.

The temperature, humidity and general discomfort with the use of masks will all contribute to this. Our children will be put at great risk, for what cause? What of other measures such as washing hands and sneezing and coughing into elbows: are all students aware of how to do these properly?

What of schools in the interior where students travel longer distances? What of those students from interior locations who attend schools in Georgetown and had returned home during the crisis? What of the schools where students come from across the country and livein?

Even if we assume that all students will be safe from the coronavirus, we must consider the impact of students being caused to sit examinations during this season. Many will be coming from stressful situations, to

which the stress of attending school over the next few weeks is to be added. These students are of age to feel the psychological impacts of this situation. So, if adults are facing anxiety and depression, what should we assume is occurring with children?

What might be the impact of wearing masks during examinations given the temperature, humidity and general discomforts, even for the healthiest students?

This situation has revealed and continues to reveal the inadequacies, inequalities and inequities in our systems. I do not assume we can fix them all now, but I do think we can do much better than we are doing.

It is my opinion, and that of many others, there is no need for these examinations to be held as currently scheduled.

There are opportunities for greater innovations to be tested and systems changed.

This is the perfect time for the MoE to leap forward in the elimination of the inequalities in primary and secondary education and to devise an innovative way of transitioning students from primary to secondary. The MoE seems to have failed to see the opportunities in the situation and as a result, have taken decisions that will put children and the society as a whole at great risk.

I am now giving thought to withdrawing my daughter from the CSEC exams in 2020. As she may return to school soon, I will be making observations of the situation and documenting the same.

I expect that other parents will do the same and take a decision on the need for legal action to bar the MoE from exposing our children and communities to this danger.

Sincerely, C R Bernard

tributed to the failure of the APNU/AFC Administration.

Regrettably, the APNU-led coalition has not been consistent with their stand.

They have shifted their position from APNU/AFC claiming victory, to election not credible.

Before the recount began, the APNU-led coalition had been maintaining that it won the elections but that was based on declarations which include the fraudulent District Four tabulation produced by Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

The media has so far proven, using verifiable data, that Mingo manipulated the District Four tabulation to favour the David Grangerled APNU/AFC coalition.

However, what we are now seeing, the APNU/ AFC, more so the PNCR leaders, have embarked on a campaign to discredit the March 2 polls after previously claiming victory, with their leader David Granger.

He even attended a victory party after the first fraudulent declaration by District Four Returning Officer Clairmont.

Editor, I said it in one of my previous letters “it leaves me to wonder if David Granger is either suffering from dissociative amnesia or if it is selective amnesia” David Granger on numerous occasions has been given the opportunity to come clean with the people of Guyana and the international community, more so Caricom and David Granger continues to give us all he the impression that he supports free and fair elections, however, his actions do not.

Mr Granger, you claim to be a “man of God”, then you must stop hiding behind your evil cabals. God always reveals the truth and the truth before us is that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic has won the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

David Granger, your character still matters. If you don’t have integrity, you

have nothing. When you fall don’t blame someone else for tripping you!

You must come clean with the people of Guyana.

Your character has already been allegedly described in Caribbean political circles as a “gangster” based on your present actions. Many around the Caribbean are prepared to predict that David Granger will not accept the results of the elections.

As a Guyanese, I ask you to honour the rule of law.

Guyanese don’t need any fomenting of civil strife. As a member of Caricom, what happens in Guyana directly impinges on the Caribbean region in general.

Guyana is bound by the Caricom Treaty and the Charter of Civil Society.

Under no circumstances should Caricom tolerate violations of democracy, the rule of law and political and civil rights. The APNU/ AFC caretaker must be encouraged to relinquish the caretaker power and legally transfer power to the newly elected People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government.

Finally, GECOM must release the true SoPs along with SoRs to remove doubts and justify the true winners to the Guyanese citizen.

There will be a healing period for many but one must not fall prey to false information and propaganda.

We have all made the correct choice, the PPP/C has a proven economic track record, every Guyanese has an opportunity to shape their future under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s vision and plan for prosperity in Guyana.

Our beautiful Guyana will be an economic force for our Caribbean regions to reckon with in the future. Let’s come together as one people, one nation, one destiny and channel our energies positively and transform Guyana.

Sincerely, David Adams

Lack of skills disempower people Dear Editor, There was a period in my life when I did not work.

Although I had an income from social benefit I felt as if I could not do anything.

Needless to say, my confidence took a battering. So did my self-esteem. I felt totally disempowered.

I know this resonates with many Guyanese especially the unemployed.

Guyanese feel as if they do not have the skills to develop themselves. Hence, we turn to politicians to resolve our problems. That is why politicians are held in such awe in Guyana and why politics plays such a big role in Guyanese society.

Give people the skills

then they will be able to help themselves as opposed to having to rely on others.

This is call empowerment.

Once people are empowered, then politics will not play such a big role in their lives. People will then turn to voting on issues as opposed to supporting people who look like them (racial voting).

Learn from Burnham and Jagan, both of whom had skills to trade on to feed themselves and their families. Hence, they were able to continue their sustained activism leading to Guyana becoming an independent nation.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 22

6

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers and CXC questions. Below are the first part of Social Studies Paper 2, 2015 and CXC Maths questions.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT

SOCIAL STUDIES

1. Write your candidate number clearly on each page.

2. This paper contains six questions. You are required to answer question 1 and three others. Each question is worth 5 marks

Note: You must answer only four questions.

Be sure to answer the four questions completely.

3. Write the answer for each question in the space provided in this booklet.

Study the picture below, then answer question 1.

4. Answers must be written in complete sentences where possible.

5. Each step of your work must be clearly shown in this booklet.

2. (a) List two activities being done by the slaves in the picture.

(2 marks) (b) State one job that slaves did that is not shown.

(1 mark) (c) State one way in which the slaves spent their free time.

(1 mark) (d) Give one reason why slaves sometimes ran away from the plantation.

A celebration in the Browns household

Read the dialogue below, then answer question 5.

6. If you have to erase, do so cleanly.

7. look over your work when you have finished.

8. Do not take away any part of this booklet.

CXC MATHEMATICS PAPER 2 1. (a) Determine the value of 6 1/3+4 3/5 x 4/8 3 7/12 (ii) 5.1 – 2.42 0.66 2. In triangle ABC, BD is perpendicular to ADC

1. (a) Identify the type of family shown in the picture above.

(1 mark) (b) How were you able to identify the type of family shown?

(1 mark) (c) Give two ways children would benefit from living in that type of family.

(2 marks) (d) Suggest one leisure activity suitable for all members of the family.

(1 mark) Study the picture below, then answer question 2.

3.(a) What is another term for a tropical storm?

(1 mark)

Calculate (i) the length of ADC

(b) State one action Andre’s family should take after receiving thewarning about the approaching stonn.

(1 mark)

(ii)

the angle ABD

(c) Name one weather condition associated with the type of storm mentioned in the dialogue.

(1 mark)

(iii)

the area of ABC

(d) Describe two possible ways in which the tropical storm may affect residents of Barbados.

(2 marks)

Slaves on a 19th century plantation in British Guiana

(b) If Rita places $20 in her penny bank every Saturday for one year and her mom gives her $200 for every $100 she saved, calculate: (i) The total amount Rita has at the end of one year

TO BE CONTINUED (ii) If her brother borrows the money and gives her 10% in simple interest, how money has she gained?

(iii) Rita decides to give 10% of the total sum to a charity and increases that amount by five percent every year, how much money does she donate in year five and what percentage is that of the original donation?

3. (a) Solve the pair of simultaneous equations 10x - 6y = 32 8x - 10y = 10 (b) Factorize completely 5xy2 – 25 2x2 – 2y2 (c) Simplify 3 2 3m x 4n 2m (d) Write as a single fraction, in its lowest terms, n+n 3 2

NEWS

7

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ali, Phillips, Jagdeo reaffirm PPP/C Govt will change governance model to increase inclusivity

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ith the national elections recount of the March 2 votes finally over and reconfirming that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has won with a massive lead over its rivals, its leaders have all assured Guyanese that they will govern for all and non-supporters will be treated equally.

In an interview with the media after he exited the recount site, PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali assured Guyanese that his party will ensure inclusivity in governance since this was an integral feature of their manifesto. He was referring to Sec 4 which speaks of fair governance and stated: “We remain committed to inclusive and participatory governance.”

“This is where we need to take our country, to a position where the policies, the programmes, the agenda and the arms of Government is wide enough to embrace all Guyana, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and that they are a part of the future.”

Ali was also asked about the party’s position on “executive shared” governance. According to the Presidential Candidate, the party is open to discussions on ensuring inclusive governance. However, he reminded that there is no model which states that executive power is the best form of inclusivity, since the issue of inclusive governance is a much broader one and depends on the specificity of local conditions.

“It is how do we include ideas. How do we make the Parliament better functioning, more involved, how do we ensure that each arm of

PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali along with Prime Ministerial Candidate Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and the party’s General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

Government manages and governs in the best interest of the people and how do we ensure the development agenda and resources is spent in a manner that all Guyanese can benefit?” Ali said.

Meanwhile, PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo expressed gratitude for all right-thinking Guyanese who stood up and fought for democracy and due process. Special thanks were reserved for Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, whose input was crucial in supporting one half of the Commission in their efforts to have a number of disputed ballot boxes included in the tabulation and thus, bringing an end to the 33day recount.

“I want to thank all the people, not just PPP. Because there are tons of people, decent people, who don’t support the PPP but

who stood up and took a solid position. They may not like us, but they took a position in favour of our country and in favour of democracy.”

"We're thankful that the recount is over. The Chair has spent every day here. that was beyond the call of duty and we're thankful for her. I think the entire country wanted her to take charge of the process, after what happened at the Ashmins building. She led the process from the front and the Commission was there to give guidance."

Inclusivity

The former President, who brought back Guyana from being a highly indebted poor country to an upper-medium income level country, also sought to assure all Guyanese that the party has no interest in victimising anyone or reprisals and that their platform is one based on governing in the interests of all.

“This is democracy and the PPP has made it clear.

We have to manage Guyana, in the interest of all Guyanese. We have outlined even how we will approach some sectors. Like the oil and gas sector. We want a bi-partisan approach. We want to make sure every Guyanese, wherever they live, whatever their political affiliation or race, they can equally benefit.”

He spoke on the need to change the governance model to ensure more inclusive governance. Some areas he cited that needed improvement was the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which he said should be mandated in the future to publish all its Statements of Poll (SoPs) before they even start count-

ing the votes. According to Jagdeo, it is important that the country is never put in the position it was put in after 2020’s election.

Asked specifically about “executive power-sharing” Jagdeo explained that his party, once in Government will be looking at all power-sharing models - from Europe and elsewhere - but cautioned there are no silver bullets and no substitute for Governments of all types to work on the ground with all communities. He specifically mentioned his party’s work in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) in the past.

However, Jagdeo pointed to the changes the PPP/C Government has already made to ensure power-sharing, after the constitutional changes of 2000 for instance at the level of the rights commissions and the standing committees of Parliament.

Prime Ministerial Candidate of the PPP/C, Brigadier (retired) Mark

Phillips, has already been on record as saying that Constitutional Reform would be high on the agenda of his party’s new Administration, and that this would include a consensus structure of inclusive governance.

According to the former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) chief, who spoke when the recount process had not started, it is only after the democratic process of electing a new Government is completed that the party would be engaged “in any discussion about constitutional reform and about inclusive governance.”

“It is only through a democratic process we must determine who win or who lose; and after then, only after then, after respecting the democratic process, we must engage in any discussion about constitutional reform and about inclusive governance,” Phillips had said recently. This is a point reinforced by Jagdeo on Sunday.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GWI to file charges against private water company – caught stealing gallons of water from fire hydrant

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he Guyana Water Inc (GWI) is in the process of filing charges against Arctic Waters, a private water supply company that was caught refilling one of its water trucks at a fire hydrant in Kitty, Georgetown.

In a statement, GWI said that the company was caught on video filling its 10,000-gallon truck with water from a fire hydrant for sale to its customers.

GWI said the company has evaded paying $6750 per tank of water, and reiterated its intention to take strict action against the company for the illegal activity.

The utility company reminded the general public that tampering with its infrastructure was punishable by law. It added that the

The Arctic Waters truck tapping into the fire hydrant

water company condemned rogue officers of the Guyana Fire Service who appear to condone and assist the illegal activity.

In the video, two firemen in uniform were also seen

assisting the private company in getting its tank filled by opening the fire hydrant.

The GWI said that fire hydrants existed only for use in the event of a fire and emergency cases where GWI

saw fit based on its own assessment.

Tampering with GWI’s infrastructure attracts a fine of $30,000 for residential customers and $65,000 for non-residential customers.

Over the years, there have been cases of fire hydrants being vandalised.

About a month ago, GWI’s Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako underscored that it was expensive to keep water flowing in Guyana. He said the cost of chemicals to keep the water purified was some $60 million each month.

Shako also said though this was a challenge, the company was working tirelessly to ensure that the water kept flowing during the pandemic, “even though it comes at a cost”.

Tullow Guyana, CSI partner to distribute 10,000 face masks

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s the world grapples with the novel coronavirus pandemic, stakeholders in Guyana are making necessary efforts to support the country’s fight against the virus by donating protective gear.

With persons turning to the use of masks to protect themselves from infection via droplets, Tullow Guyana and Caribbean Surgery Incorporated (CSI) have procured 10,000 cloth masks for free distribution at central hubs of Georgetown.

“In response to the national, regional, and international demand for masks, Tullow and CSI have com-

missioned local manufacturers to produce masks.

These masks are reusable and come in various sizes for both children and adults,” a joint release stated.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response strategy “Mask UP” is aligned with the public health advisory as one of the mandatory requirements that the general public wear masks when outside their homes.

Tullow Country Manager Joachim Vogt explained that “Tullow has linked arms with stakeholders to help fight and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“We recognise that in the

The Tullow Guyana local team

face of a very large problem, it is important even to take

small steps in the right direction. No effort is too small at this juncture.”

Thus far, the total value of aid supplied by Tullow Guyana to the national COVID-19 response is G$4 million.

The initiative will be coordinated by the two companies whereby minibus parks, market places, and communities will be targeted.

The long…

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…re-count he “long count fight” would be known to boxing aficionados as being the famous Dempsey vs Tunney rematch of 1927. In the seventh round, Tunney had been knocked down, but the count was delayed because Dempsey refused to go to the neutral corner. Tunney recovered in the extra time and went on to defeat Dempsey, seen by some as the greatest boxer of his time.

Well, here in ole mudland, we can now talk to our grandchildren about the “long recount” of 2020, but here the PPP, the winningest party in free and fair elections in this country, withstood the refusal of the PNC to accept their knockdown on March 2. Even though the PNC insisted on a recount, the PPP played by the rules and stayed the course for 90 odd days - to emerge as the winner of the 2020 elections.

But we do know, Dear Reader, this ain’t over, right?? We’re now headed for the “long resolution”, which could probably break the “long countdown” in duration. And no, your Eyewitness will not go over the twists and turns that will ensue in the next few days inside GECOM’s Secretariat and Commission. He’ll just ruminate a bit on the character of the main players as has been exposed over the last few months in their actions surrounding the long countdown.

First on stage is CEO Lowenfield. Wasn’t this the fella who promised that all would be set right after Mingo staged his “heart attack” and things fell apart?

Wasn’t it his responsibility to get it right? But he never did and went on to accept the clearly fudged numbers of Mingo, not once but twice. This ex-soldier may’ve been an officer but clearly, he was and is not a gentleman. He holds on to code of honour.

Didn’t he just lie about summoning 4 DROs to a meeting to sort out the “Case of the Missing EC Papers” and claimed they never showed?? The said DROs were at the ACCC all the time!! What kind of man sells out his staff down the river like this?? A man who has forgotten the origin of the phrase “sold down the river: that’s who. And this is the character of a man like Lowenfield and his ilk who have conspired to shame Guyana in the comity of nations.

Your Eyewitness predicts Lowenfield will continue with his betrayal of the principles of civilised men and create a report on the recount that is so one sided, even if Chairwoman Claudette Singh were so inclined, there would be no wriggle room to call the elections as the numbers clearly show.

To wit, that the PPP won the long count and recount, fair and square. ….goodbye They say “people get the leaders they deserve”… and there’s a lot of truth in this. Especially in this democratic age when the people can select the said leaders. So, what does this say about the supporters of the PNC?? Is Granger the leader they deserve?? This is a man who, we now learn, his peers in Caricom call a “sanctimonious gangster”! Were they really fooled by his inane vacuous smile and tendency to drop to his knees at the drop of a pin, when they selected him as their leader??

The question, however, is did they actually select him?? Let’s go back to 2011 at the PNC Congress when Granger was proposed by exiting PNC leader Robert Corbin to succeed him. No other person than Aubrey Norton and his band from Linden walked out from the Congress claiming that the ballots were rigged against Greenidge for Granger.

One who was created in sin, cannot help but sin!!

With his inevitable defeat, those who support the PNC must insist that Granger must go!! …stinking “dead meat” Apart from Moses Nagamootoo and his weekly column in the Chronic, one hasn’t heard a squeak from his buddy Ramjattan, who’d helped tip the scales for the coalition in 2015.

Has he jumped the sinking ship??

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

NEWS

Missing ancillary documents

9

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM agrees to include 29 ECD SoRs in tabulation …Chair keeps “every vote must count” commitment

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he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n s (GECOM) has taken a decision to include the Statements of Recount (SoRs) from 29 Polling Stations between Ogle and Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, that were on hold as a result of the missing ancillary documents, in the tabulation exercise.

This was revealed by Public Relations Officer of GECOM, Yolanda Ward, on Sunday.

“It was noted that the Commission does not intend to disenfranchise any elector.

However, the Commission will continue to investigate the matter,” Ward said.

Guyana Times understands that it was a majority decision by the seven-member Elections Co m m is s io n.

T h e Commission is comprised of three People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Commissioners, three APNU/AFC-nominated Commissioners and the Chair. That means that the GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, cast her deciding vote with the three Opposition-nominated Commissioners to allow the SoRs to be included in the tabulation process.

A similar situation was found in South Georgetown APNU/AFC stronghold - and those votes were tabulated.

The areas from where the ancillary documents are missing include several of the People’s Progressive Party’s strongholds. Among the missing documents are poll books, counterfoils, the marked (ticked off) Official List of Electors.

GECOM had said that the ballots that were in

The Commission had also directed the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, to investigate the matter.

GECOM said on Saturday that it checked the poll bags in hope of recovering those missing documents but they were not found. It summoned the DROs, who worked between Ogle to Lusignan to explain what transpired on Elections Day but those officers did not turn up to the meeting. However, GECOM has not published to names of the DROs who deliberately missed the meeting.

GEOCM has since claimed that efforts would be made to contact the Presiding Officers who were responsible for the respective Polling Stations.

However, several of the Presiding Officers have since indicated they were instructed by the Returning Officer’s (Clairmont Mingo) Clerk to hand over these documents to the Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) at the last minute despite them insisting that this was outside of their training.

Nevertheless, the POs sealed the ballot boxes with just the votes for their Stations and handed over

“You’d expect the most two (2) POs to make the same mistake, but ALL??? These boxes were sealed in the presence of these DROs, yet, nobody can give account for the missing documents?? And now, the DROs released this joint statement saying they never instructed the POs to omit those documents?? I’ll leave that one for the smart people to figure out. Let’s hope they publish the names of these DROs and the joint statement they made” – PO those boxes were counted despite the missing documents which the Commission became aware of only after the boxes were opened on Friday.

Following discussions, the Commission had decided on Saturday that the SoRs prepared for those ballot boxes should not be included in the tabulation – a decision it overturned the following day.

the ancillary documents.

PPP/C Elections Agent, Anil Nandlall had said that this was raised with Mingo, who acknowledged the mistake and assured that it would be rectified.

However, Mingo, and even the CEO, has since denied that they are in receipt of the documents.

Presiding Officer speaks out

But Presiding Officer of Montrose Primary School, Wendy Ann has since taken to social media to dispute GECOM’s rhetoric on the issue.

She said in her social media post that “we were instructed by our DRO to not put the documents in the box.” She said that by now GECOM should realise that it could not be mere coincidence that all the POs under one particular DRO did the same thing.

“You’d expect the most two (2) POs to make the same mistake, but ALL???

These boxes were sealed in the presence of these DROs, yet, nobody can give account for the missing documents??

And now, the DROs released this joint statement saying they never instructed the POs to omit those doc-

uments?? I’ll leave that one for the smart people to figure out. Let’s hope they publish the names of these DROs and the joint statement they made.”

In a previous social media post, the PO contended that, “…All documents for the four (4) Polling Stations [at Montrose Primary] were submitted to the DRO as per instructions by the Clerk to the RO… The original SOP attached would explain the desperation to lie! This is beyond ridiculous now!

PS: The Presiding Officers were given specific instructions not to seal the ballot boxes without the DRO being present to verify what was placed in the boxes and these instructions were complied with,” Wendy Ann wrote on her Facebook page.

Meanwhile, a Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) who worked at the Chateau Margot Primary School Polling Place, ECD, has written to GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, informing her that they had received instructions to place ancillary documents separately from the ballot boxes.

DRO Paul Jaisingh said the instruction was passed

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

down from the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo’s Clerk.

In his letter, he stated: “Please be informed that instructions were given by Miss Carlyn Duncan (Clerk to the Returning Officer Mr Clairmont Mingo-District #4) to include only unused, valid and rejected ballots in the ballot boxes. This was communicated to the respective Presiding Officers who complied. As a result, the other documents were placed in the bag provided.

This instruction was given on Election Day a few hours before the close of the poll.

Other Deputy Returning Officers affected by this decision can confirm the same.”

10 NEWS

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

1808 persons tested for COVID-19 to date – active cases remain at 62 with 2 in ICU

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s of June 7, 2020, the Public Health Ministry has confirmed that a total of 1808 persons have been tested for COVID-19. Of the total, 1654 persons tested nega-

Two patients are presently in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 14 persons are in institutional quarantine. It was reported that for the past week, only one new case

(WHO) will reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease. Persons are also reminded to practice frequent hand washing/sanitising and always wear a face mask if they have to go out.

the borders as COVID-19 continues to affect Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela.

“We wish to remind the residents of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine to desist from crossing the borders as COVID-19 continues to strike viciously and take lives in Brazil. Let us continue to pray for guidance and protection for health workers worldwide and especially our frontline workers who are heroically waging the war against COVID-19,” Director of Primary Healthcare Services, Dr Ertinesa Hamilton had urged on Tuesday.

In Brazil, authorities are battling with over 500,000 cases and more than 30,000 deaths. Crossing the borders can bring more cases into

the country, some of which might go undetected.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr GordonBoyle on Friday stated that residents of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) are at an increased vulnerability to the virus, given increased cases in Venezuela. Village leaders were asked to refuse any permission to enter their communities from persons who crossed the borders.

“We are calling on the Toshaos and other authorities to ensure that residents do not cross borders and that persons from those other countries are not entering your community.

Community members must report any migrant entering your community and anyone who has signs and

symptoms, and immediately bring this to the attention of the health authorities,” Dr Gordon-Boyle stated.

Persons experiencing the signs and symptoms associated with the disease are asked to contact the hotline or the closest health facility to access the necessary services. The same is being asked of persons who have been in contact with a positive case.

On the other hand, the WHO has reported as of June 7, 2020, the number of confirmed cases has increased to 6,799,713 with 397,388 deaths, globally.

In the region of the Americas, positive cases have reached a total of 3,234,875 with 179,394 deaths.

Essequibo businessman gives back to community tive while 154 tested positive.

In a statement from the Ministry on Sunday, it stated that 80 of the 154 have recovered while there are 62 active cases. So far, there have been 12 deaths.

was recorded but citizens are asked to continue practicing social distancing in the workplace, public spaces, and while using public transportation.

This, according to the World Health Organisation

Throughout the past week, residents of Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) were reminded to desist from crossing

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nna Regina businessman Harmond Persaud has embarked on a food distribution initiative in the township of Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Ever since the COVID-19 lockdown, the businessman and his family have been cooking and distributing free hot meals every Sunday to the less fortunate in the village.

Persaud said that he has been getting the backings of his overseas family members.

So far, Persaud said that the programme is well received and it gave him the encouragement to continue to help out the less fortunate.

Meanwhile, the Lions

Items prepared for distribution

Club, The Essequibo Coast Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Jagmohans and several mandirs would have also donated food items towards the initiative.

Due to the COVID-19

pandemic, many persons were laid off of their jobs, including those who are the sole breadwinners of their families. As such, many are now left to wonder where the next meal will come from.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ali calls for “responsible behaviour” from all ...says “no losers” as GECOM’s formal declaration awaited

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ith the counting and tabulation of the ballots cast at the March 2 elections completed now, Presidential Candidate of People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr Irfaan Ali is calling on Guyanese to act responsibly as the country awaits a formal declaration by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of the official results.

After 33 days, the recounting of a total of 2339 ballot boxes concluded on Sunday and the figures reconfirmed that the Opposition – PPP/C – has won the elections with in excess of 15,500 votes over its main rival A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

The Chief Elections Officer is now expected to compile his report and present it to the seven-member Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The Commission will then deliberate and make an official declaration.

The conclusion of the recount comes three months after the General and Regional Elections which were held on March 2.

Speaking with report-

Counting agents for both PPP/C and APNU/AFC share a photo moment when the last ballot box was taken from the storage container to be counted on Sunday

ers outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, where the exercise is being conducted, Dr Ali called for responsible behaviour to be displayed during this period.

“As we move towards the next stage of having the re-

port submitted and a declaration, we must act in a responsible manner. We must act in a manner that our country men and women expect us to act in as leader. We have to be gracious to each other and we have to move forward in building this country and taking this

country forward,” he posited shortly after the last ballot box was counted.

According to the PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Guyana has been in a difficult period since the December 2018 NoConfidence Motion (NCM), which was successfully

passed against the David Granger-led Administration.

Instead of calling elections within three months as prescribed in the Constitution, this was followed by a series of litigation, and even after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) – Guyana’s highest court – upheld the passage of the NCM and ordered that the Constitution be adhered, elections were not held until nine months later.

“Life was never the same, business was never the same [after that]. It is time Guyana gets that space to breathe and to move forward. Our country deserves this and the citizens of our country deserves this… That is what is Important now, taking this country forward and allowing space to blossom… We have a pandemic and we have a lot of work to do,” the PPP/C Presidential Candidate contended.

To this end, Ali pointed out that as an incoming Government, his party cares about all of Guyana. He noted that the only way to grow its supporters is to govern in a way that draws more people to him and his party, its

policies and programmes.

“There are no losers in this process. At the end of the process, there was a democratic will… We need to take our country to a position where the policies, programmes, development agenda, and the arms of Government is wide enough to bring in and to embrace all of Guyana; and to ensure everyone feel comfortable to be a part of the future,” he stated.

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate also commended and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who played a role in ensuring that the recount is completed, including the other new political parties.

PPP/C’s confidence

Meanwhile, Ali’s running mate, Prime Ministerial Candidate, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Phillips reiterated the PPP/C’s confidence in GECOM as they await the official declaration. He reminded that notwithstanding the many issues emanating from the National Recount, his party has always been committed to the process.

Allegedly blocked sink causes flooding at Finance Ministry …files, computers soaked

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n alleged blocked sink on the second floor of the Finance Ministry caused flooding of the lower flat of the building on

the national elections recount was completed and showed that the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has won

Flooding at the Finance Ministry

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

SYMPTOMS

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

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

Cough Sunday. Reports are that the tap was allegedly left flowing in the upper flat of the building and as a result of the clog, the sink overflowed. This caused water to seep through the ceiling and soak boxes of documents, files and computers in the lower flat of the Ministry.

The sudden flooding was on Sunday viewed with much suspicion as it occurred on the very day that

the General and Regional Elections.

When this publication visited the Ministry on Sunday, a security guard said “everything under control”. This newspaper was told that no cleanup crew went to the Ministry but rather the water was left to soak the materials. Efforts to contact caretaker Finance Minister, Winston Jordan proved futile.

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

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

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

New loss of taste or smell

Muscle pain Children have similar symptoms to adults and

generally have mild illness.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ANUG urges Granger to concede defeat

ꟷ says to put Guyana 1st

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New and United Guyana (ANUG), one of the smaller political parties that contested the March 2 General and Regional elections – but which evidently will be sharing one seat in the National Assembly because they went into a “joiner arrangement” with two other parties – Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and The New Movement (TNM) – has issued a direct call to caretaker President David Granger and his party A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

ANUG Executive Akanni Blair

to concede defeat and let Guyana move forward.

This was communicated

by ANUG Executive Akanni Blair, who spoke on behalf of his party on Sunday outside the national election recount site. According to him, it has become clear from the recount that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has an unassailable lead over APNU/AFC. “They should concede at this time and we’re asking the contestant (APNU/ AFC) in these elections to do the same. We have been through a long election process. It has been three months and more. And it is

Caretaker President David Granger

Region 1 to get hygiene kits to battle COVID-19

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he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) on Thursday last received 1200 care packages/ hygiene kits to be distributed to Venezuelan migrants and locals of Region One (Barima-Waini) to assist in the fight against COVID-19.

This gesture comes on the heels of a collaborative effort among the Canadian High Commission of Guyana, UNICEF and GWI to improve sanitation conditions in Regions One and Seven, through the construction of Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines (VIP) and hand-wash sinks.

According to GWI consultant, Dr Darren Shako, to date, approximately 60 VIP toilets were constructed in Region One and residents there also benefitted from sanitation training and a set of hygiene kits

GWI, UNICEF and Canadian High Commission officials pose for a photo with the care packages that will be distributed

previously.

He also noted that the project among the three entities was recently expanded to cater for the hygiene kits in light of COVID-19.

“We understood their needs and so we went beyond the scope of water services and decided to provide this”, Dr Shako said. It is their hope to meet other needs in the near future, he added.

GWI’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles said when GWI was approached by UNICEF to execute the works, there was no hesitation, as the initiative coincided with the utility company’s efforts and President David Granger’s call for equity between the coastland and the hinterland.

He noted that GWI has just completed a squatter’s analysis to improve water access in those communities and is working on schools to ensure their water supply is in a state of readiness when school reopens.

The Managing Director posited that GWI looks forward to working towards improving the living conditions of both the migrants

and the local hinterland population.

Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee dubbed it the perfect collaboration.

She noted that while the Commission donated approximately $7.2 million, it relies on local agencies like GWI and implementing agencies like UNICEF for their expertise.

UNICEF’s Country Representative commended GWI for work done in Region One to improve water supply, noting that the well drilled in Kamwatta reached a record-breaking depth after numerous attempts. She said that other regions will also be benefitting from care packages.

The care packages include sanitary napkins for females, deodorant, soap, toilet tissue, sugar, rice and other necessities, as well as an infographic card in both English and Spanish for the population.

unfortunate, after so long, we are at a point where we don’t have a result.”

He added that in the interest of all Guyanese, ANUG believes that Guyana can only move forward if the caretaker President, David Granger, will concede and allow for a healing process in the country. “At this time, I call on President David Granger to do [this], which is the honourable thing and concede these elections. I would go further and congratulate President-elect Irfaan Ali and congratulate the PPP on a well-fought election,” Blair said.

Harrowing

Meanwhile, The Change Initiative’s (TCI) Presidential Candidate Rhonda Lam described the months after the elections as harrowing and noted that as much as they want the process to be over, she fears that a court case may be brewing.

“I am numb. None of this is normal. It has been a harrowing month, just sitting there, watching those numbers. Working our way through. The process is still not finished, because there is more to go.”

“I saw the incumbent

TCI Presidential Candidate Rhonda Lam

(APNU/AFC) send out a release, that they do not feel the results were credible, especially for the East Coast.

And they’ve been making allegations throughout the process.”

The elections recount was witnessed by representatives of all the nine political parties that contested the elections, observers from Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Organisation of American States (OAS) and local observers including the Private Sector Commission and American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham).

2 nabbed with over 18kg ganja at Zeelugt

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The ganja found in the vehicle by CID ranks

man and a woman were on Saturday taken into Police custody after more than 18kg of ganja was found in a motor car along the Zeelugt Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Based on reports received, members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary,

during a sting operation, intercepted the two motor cars and conducted a search on them.

During the search, 39 parcels on cannabis were found in one of the vehicles.

The illegal substance was subsequently weighed and amounted to 18,431 grams.

As such, the two persons were arrested and are assisting with investigations.

NEWS

13

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

National elections recount

Commonwealth SG commends Guyanese patience S

ecretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Baroness Patricia Scotland in a social media post on Sunday lauded the people of Guyana for their patience during the national elections recount.

Baroness Scotland also noted that the Commonwealth Secretariat continues to “pay close attention to the electoral process in #Guyana & commends the people of [Guyana] for their patience during the recount process.” She also commended Guyanese leaders - both caretaker Government and Opposition - for committing to abiding by the results of the National Recount.

“I thank the Government & Opposition leaders for committing themselves to respect & adhere to the recount results,” she said in a tweet.

The Commonwealth was among five international organisations that mounted an Elections Observation Mission (EOM) to monitor Guyana’s March 2 General and Regional Elections.

Former Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur had led the Commonwealth EOM, which departed

Commonwealth SG, Baroness Patricia Scotland

Guyana later in March.

In a statement at the time, the 54-member group, of which Guyana is a member, had stated that the right of Guyanese who exercised their franchise on March 2 is respected only when “every vote is transparently and credibly counted.”

Only Saturday, Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali reiterated his party’s commitment to not only respecting the right of Guyanese but

also adhering to the results of the recount.

“These results are wishes of Guyanese people and it must be respected… I want to assure Guyanese that as we close up on this recount, the PPP has been consistent in saying that we will honour the results of a credible recount,” Ali posited.

His comment comes on the heels of mounting international pressure for Guyanese leaders, particularly the incumbent APNU/ AFC, to accept the results emanating from the recount exercise. The recount concluded on Sunday and shows the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party/ Civic – has won with a commanding lead of over 15,000 votes.

However, the coalition in a last-minute bid to hold on to power said that the recount is not credible because of what they claimed is a “high incidence of fraud”.

This has since been dismissed by numerous stakeholders reminding the caretaker Administration and the leadership of APNU/ AFC of its commitment to the recount process and to accept its results.

Also on Saturday, care-

Region 6 records increase in serious crimes

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here has been an overall increase in serious crimes in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) for the first five months of the year when compared to the same period in 2019.

This was according to Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus, who stated that apart from 10 murders committed, breaking and entering and larceny have increased at an alarming rate during the curfew period.

He added that reports of breaking and entering and larceny have doubled with 45 cases so far this year when compared to 24 for the corresponding period last year.

However, he noted that armed robberies are down.

Seven cases were recorded between January and May as against 11 for the same period last year.

With the increase in cases of breaking and entering and larceny, the Commander noted that this is quite worrisome and is a concern for the Guyana Police Force.

He further stated that New Amsterdam and East Canje have been dubbed the hotspots while adding that several arrests were made.

Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Calvin Brutus

“Two individuals were arrested for 19 counts and that is just for the Central part of New Amsterdam alone. Then we see the use of juvenile, young persons involved in break and enter…we believe that they are used by adults to perpetrate these acts.”

Brutus explained that an 11-year-old was also arrested for four counts of breaking and entering and larceny.

“Many of the stolen articles are sold up the Berbice River and some have been recovered during eradication exercises,” Brutus added.

However, according to the Regional Commander, the region has been successful in using the available technology at its disposal.

“We have been making use of the technologies available to us by using the fingerprint matching equipment; we do use crime scene ranks to process the scene and then, of course, we have been able to solve many of them using electronic means, the CCTV camera, etc. Even though there has been an increase, we have had a lot of success in terms of interdicting and bringing closure to these matters.”

However, he noted that some matters are still under investigation due to the arrangements currently in place as it relates to COVID-19 and the courts.

Currently, only matters which fall under the urgent category are being heard by the court.

Nevertheless, he noted that they have been able to get the court to deal with serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder and manslaughter.

He said some Magistrates have been also allowing firearm matters to be heard.

taker President David Granger during an address to the nation committed to abide by the declaration of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which he reaffirmed is an independent body.

“I am committed to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. I respect the integrity and autonomous nature of the Elections Commission. I will abide by the declarations of the Elections Commission as I have abided by the rulings of the court,” the caretaker President stated.

This followed a joint statement from the western diplomats – US, Britain, Canada and European Union – last week in which they underscored the importance for all stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the

recount process and “peacefully accept” the wishes of the Guyanese population.

Moreover, renowned Guyanese diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal in a statement on Saturday also

pleaded “not to allow our motherland to descend into the darkness of denial of the rule of law and regularity… [and] not to debase ourselves by descent into the pit of lawlessness.”

Mechanic busted with 5kg cannabis in Berbice

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31-year-old mechanic of Litchfield, West Coast Berbice (WCB), was on Sunday busted with 5000 grams of cannabis at a Police checkpoint at the eastern end of the Berbice Bridge.

Based on information gathered, Police acting on information received intercepted a minibus and conducted a search on the passenger, during which the illegal substance was found in a bag he

The cannabis found in the mechanic’s possession

was carrying.

He was told of the offence

and arrested. He is being processed for court.

Berbice beauty ambassador crowned Miss Earth Guyana 2020

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iss Eco-Guyana 2019, Cintiana Harry was chosen as Miss Earth Guyana 2020.

Harry was next in line for the selection after her outstanding performance during the 2019 Miss Earth Guyana competition.

In 2018, Harry was crowned first runner-up at the Miss Berbice “I am Big a Deal” pageant and in 2019, she was crowned the first Miss Eco-Guyana.

Miss Eco-Guyana is significant to the Miss Earth Guyana brand as it comprises the responsibilities for the three elements – air, water and fire.

However, the organisation also announced that Dr Omesh Balmacoon is the new National Director.

Dr Balmacoon served as the brand’s Managing Director for the period 2017 - June 2020.

In a statement, the new Director expressed his gratitude to the outgoing National Director, Dave Lalltoo.

Miss Earth Guyana 2020 Cintiana Harry

“Miss Earth Guyana could not want for a better National Director. Your motivation and vision were what pushed both Guyana Premier and Miss Earth Guyana into new spheres. I know better than most people what justification there is for your moving on to “greener” avenues, so kudos. When your heart leads you, and you follow, you usually end up in places where you grow

exponentially.”

Miss Earth 2020 will be the 20th edition of the Miss Earth pageant. Nellys Pimentel of Puerto Rico will crown her successor at the end of the event. Guyana’s participation at the 20th edition of the Miss Earth pageant will be carefully examined, taking into consideration the safety of its team, sponsors and new queen.

14 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Comparison of Sunday’s SoRs with PPP’s SoPs DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

15

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Comparison of Sunday’s SoRs with PPP’s SoPs DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

16 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Comparison of Sunday’s SoRs with PPP’s SoPs DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

17

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Comparison of Sunday’s SoRs with PPP’s SoPs DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

18 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Comparison of Sunday’s SoRs with PPP’s SoPs DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

19

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Comparison of Sunday’s SoRs with PPP’s SoPs DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

20 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Comparison of Sunday’s SoRs with PPP’s SoPs DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

21

Around the World

OILNEWS Saudis seek to bolster oil rally with price boost as OPEC+ cuts

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audi Arabia made some of the biggest increases in pricing for its crude exports in at least two decades, doubling down on its strategy to bolster the rally in oil a day after OPEC+ producers extended historic output cuts.

The steepest jump will hit July exports to Asia, state producer Saudi Aramco’s largest regional market, according to a pricing list seen by Bloomberg. Overall, the increases for Saudi crude erase almost all of the discounts the kingdom made during its one-month price war with Russia.

Tighter crude supply is helping repair an oil market battered by the coronavirus. Unprecedented output cuts led by the Saudis and Russia boosted prices in May, and the OPEC+ group decided Saturday to extend those limits through July. Brent crude, down 36 per cent this year, has clawed back some of its losses and ended trading on Friday at more than US$40 a barrel for the first time since March.

US President Donald Trump hailed the OPEC+ producers’ restraint for helping to save the American energy industry, particularly shale oil drillers hard-pressed by the earlier collapse in prices.

Saudi Arabia unleashed a price war in March when it slashed official selling prices by the most in three decades.

The kingdom took that drastic step after failing to reach an agreement with Russia to extend production cuts in the face of the pandemic’s destruction of oil demand.

After Tweets, phone calls and top-level consultations, OPEC+ returned to negotiations and hammered out the biggest output curbs in history, pledging to take nearly 10 million barrels a day off the market. US production plunged by roughly 2 million barrels daily as low prices drove producers to shut wells.

OPEC+ chose on Saturday to renew production limits at almost the same level, instead of tapering them as planned at the end of June. Aramco, which typically announces pricing on the fifth day of each month, had delayed its July numbers until after OPEC+ members made their decision.

With China’s demand for crude now rising, the Saudis are raising prices. The month-on-month increase in the official selling price for flagship Arab Light crude to Asia, which accounts for more than half of Saudi oil sales, is the largest in at least 20 years. Aramco raised Arab Light to Asia by US$6.10 a barrel to a premium of 20 cents over the benchmark.

It raised July pricing for all grades to Asia by between US$5.60 and US$7.30 a barrel. That compares with an expected increase of about US$4 a barrel, according to a Bloomberg survey of eight traders and refiners.

Buyers in the US, the Mediterranean region and Northwest Europe will also pay more for oil. (Excerpt from Bloomberg)

Chile coronavirus death toll jumps sharply after new cases added

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hile revised its death toll linked to the novel coronavirus outbreak sharply higher on Sunday, adding fatalities from databases that previously had not been included.

Health Minister Jaime Mañalich said 653 additional deaths linked to COVID-19 had to be counted, bringing the total number to 2290. That included 96 new deaths announced in the Sunday daily report.

Chile has one of the highest numbers of cases in Latin America, which has become an epicentre of the pandemic even as countries worldwide have begun to reopen. Brazil, Peru and Mexico have also been hard hit by the virus.

Mañalich said that databases on deceased persons certified by the civil registry had been reviewed and

along with information from laboratories doing PCR tests for the virus had been consolidated into a single list.

In recent weeks, some think tanks, media and scientists have criticised how the Government was counting deaths from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, arguing the real number may be higher.

Mañalich added that death certificate information would now be included if “in any way, directly or indirectly, it may be linked to COVID-19 as a cause associated with death.”

Chile had reported 134,150 confirmed cases of the coronavirus as of Sunday, Health Ministry data showed. The first cases in the country were recorded in early March. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Protests roll on against 'worldwide' racism

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emonstrators in Rome held their fists in the air and chanted “No Justice! No Peace!” on Sunday, while in London people defying official warnings not to gather lay down outside the US Embassy as part of a rolling, global anti-racism movement.

In Belgium, Police fired tear gas and used a water cannon to disperse about a hundred protesters in a central part of Brussels with many African shops and restaurants. Some protesters were subsequently arrested.

They were part of a crowd of about 10,000 who had gathered at the Palace of Justice, many wearing face masks and carrying ban-

Signs are seen on a fence at Holyrood Palace during a Black Lives Matter protest in Edinburgh, following the death of George Floyd who died in Police custody in Minneapolis, Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain, June 7, 2020

ners with the phrase “Black Lives Matter - Belgium to Minneapolis”, “I can’t breathe” and “Stop killing black people”.

The second weekend of demonstrations showed the depth of feeling worldwide

over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white officer detaining him knelt on his neck. More protests were also planned across the United States.

In London, where tens of

thousands gathered, one banner read: “UK guilty too.”

Footage posted on social media showed demonstrators in Bristol in western England cheering as they tore down a statue of Edward Colston, a 17th century slave trader, and pushed it into a river.

Health Minister Matt Hancock had earlier said that joining the Black Lives Matter protests risked contributing to the spread of the coronavirus.

London Police Chief Cressida Dick said 27 officers had been injured in assaults during protests this week in the city, including 14 on Saturday at the end of a peaceful demonstration.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

St Kitts: Dr Timothy Harris sworn in for 2nd term as Prime Minister

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essages of congratulations keep pouring in to Dr Timothy Harris, who was sworn in on Sunday, June 7, 2020, as Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis for a second term.

Prime Minister Harris’ Team Unity administration, which is comprised of the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) in Nevis, the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and the People’s Labour Party (PLP)

both in St Kitts, was re-elected with an overwhelming majority on Friday, June 5, with nine out of the Federation’s 11 constituencies delivering a win for the incumbent Government.

“Please accept the reassurances of my highest consideration,” President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Her Excellency Dr Tsai Ingwen, who back in January was also re-elected in a landslide that secured her a second term, said in a letter

to the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis.

Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne extended congratulations in a press release. “The people of the Federation who are the supreme arbiters of choice of Government have spoken clearly,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Harris has also received congratu-

latory messages from Prime Minister Allen Chastanet of Saint Lucia, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada, several prestigious international bodies, and diplomatic allies such as the United States of America and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela – and they continue to pour in from citizens and residents of St Kitts and Nevis, including those in the business and faith-based communities. (Excerpt from Antigua News Room)

Coronavirus: Hard-hit Brazil removes data amid rising death toll

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razil has removed months of data on COVID-19 from a Government website amid criticism of President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the outbreak.

The Health Ministry said it would now only be reporting cases and deaths in the past 24 hours, no longer giving a total figure as most countries do.

Bolsonaro said the cumulative data did not reflect the current picture.

Brazil has the world's second-highest number of cases, and has recently had more new deaths than any other nation.

The Latin American country has more than 640,000 confirmed infec-

Brazil has already recorded more than 35,000 coronavirus-related deaths

tions, but the number is believed to be much higher because of insufficient testing.

More than 35,000 people have died, the third-highest toll in the world.

The far-right leader has been criticised for reject-

ing lockdown measures recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and, on Friday, threatened to pull out of the body, accusing it of being a "partisan political organisation".

The President has re-

peatedly joined supporters in protests in recent months, ignoring social-distancing advice.

Bolsonaro has played down the risks of the virus, having initially compared it to "a little flu". Two health Ministers have left the post since the outbreak began in disagreement with the President's response.

He has continued to call for lockdown measures imposed by local authorities to be lifted, arguing that they will wreck the economy. The President also accuses state Governors and Mayors of using the issue for political gain as many who have taken stricter measures oppose his Government. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Global coronavirus deaths top 400,000 as outbreak grows in Brazil, India – Reuters tally

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lobal deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 400,000 on Sunday, as case numbers surge in Brazil and India, according to a Reuters tally.

The United States is responsible for about one-quarter of all fatalities but deaths in South America are rapidly rising.

The number of deaths linked to COVID-19 in just

five months is now equal to the number of people who die annually from malaria, one of the world’s most deadly infectious diseases.

Global cases are approaching 7 million, with about 2 million, or 30 per cent, of those cases in the United States.

Latin America has the second-largest outbreak with over 15 per cent of cases, according to Reuters tally.

The first COVID-19 death was reported on Jan 10 in Wuhan, China but it was early April before the death toll passed 100,000, according to the Reuters tally of official reports from governments. It took 24 days to go from 300,000 to 400,000 deaths.

The United States has the highest death toll in the world at almost 110,000.

Fatalities in Brazil are ris-

ing rapidly and the country may overtake the United Kingdom to have the second-largest number of deaths in the world.

The total number of deaths is believed to be higher than the officially reported 400,000 as many countries lack supplies to test all victims and some countries do not count deaths outside of a hospital. (Excerpt from Reuters)

22

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

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

Longest-ever elections in Guyana Dear Editor, The potential Guinness book of records for the longest and most controversial of all election recounting is gradually diminishing, as we approach the tape to conclude a long and horrific nightmare that seemed endlessly inconclusive.

The path was smeared with ferocious hiccups and provocative interruptions to ensure a deliberate, long, drawn-out inconvenience so that, the overwhelming distractions can supplement the frustration, corruption and confusion to extend an elongated, illegal stay in office for affiliates of dishonorableness.

All the gargantuan unnecessariness that have been overturned from an already uprooted field, disturbed by a gigantic earthquake, continue to be not only an expensive exercise in futility but also, a solitary fishing expedition that led the ship to a stormy sea to reveal an obnoxious catch!

Nevertheless, at the writing of this humble submission, it is anticipated that the running of the last lap as they head towards the homestretch will not encounter any more hurdles to jump and that there will

be smooth and safe sailing home to a close or marginal end, but not a photo finish for a winner or loser, as they cross the completion line.

There were countless issues experienced, manufactured and endured that were all painstakingly enumerated and adumbrated in the media and well documented so that at the writing of history, these problems and queries will glaringly describe all the monstrosities that ascribed to the indignity of Guyanese and contributed to their suffrage.

It is fervently hoped that Guyana will never again in the future have to undergo such a blasphemous exercise and that all the necessary factors will be established and installed to counter this misdemeanour and to avoid such an atrocity to surface its dangerous head again. Since December 2018, Guyana has occupied the headline as the world’s infamous laughing stock. Thanks to the caretaker Government and President, Guyanese have secured the number one position for mathematical illiteracy.

This shame and disgrace will not be easily forgotten nor will the perpetrators be readily forgiven. They

deliberately mislead the Guyanese public and were brazen enough to even try to fool the CCJ but without any iota of success.

But, at this stage, is incumbent to shift focus on three characters and relay the following messages so that the essence of their significance will be absorbed by these extremely important players for the safety and security of this nation.

It is emphatically clear that these three personnel hold the future of Guyana in their palms and they could either crush the life out of it or release its freedom from captivity. They have all pledged to honour the Constitution of Guyana, to abide by the law of the land, to protect the people, to serve impartially and not to discriminate, in the name of God. Let the buyer be aware.

The following enumerates three examples for the respective officers when all their commitments and allegiance are grossly questionable and inadequate, arousing suspicion and requiring clarity.

First, the Police Commissioner, Mr Leslie James, is the highest-ranking law officer in the country. You, Sir, failed in your

All election observer teams are credible Dear Editor, The press release issued

by President David Granger on Saturday, June 6, 2020, does not only reflect his prior stated views on the elections 2020 outcome, but also, has some coded messages, something at which the PNCR excel. For example, there was a subtle exhortation to the Caricom high-level team and GECOM’s Chair Justice Claudette Singh to be sympathetic to their (PNCR) narratives.

The PNCR is hoping that the observation reports, though filled with unproven allegations that comprise predominantly of PNCR’s objections and concerns, will be enough to scuttle the elections. This will not happen. GECOM does not have the power to annul an election. This power can only be exercised by the High Court. The post-election process at ACCC is called a “recount” and this is the central operation at stake.

Observation reports emerge out of a back door “audit” that crept into the proceedings. Nevertheless, these are tangential to the recount but may be used as evidence in election petitions.

What is noticeably absent from Mr Granger’s press release is his deliberate effort not to mention the role of the ABCE countries, the OAS, Commonwealth, Carter Center, and the Private Sector Commission in the elections and post-elections process. Ironically, in an eleventh-hour attempt to embrace Caricom as the only credible observer mission,

and to reject the other observer missions, Mr Granger is hoping to have someone on their side, where they have been standing alone. The PPP/C acknowledges the important role played by all the observer missions, including Caricom.

In keeping with their position, the PNCR earlier rejected the OAS elections report. The elections report from other observer missions will suffer the same fate. Their “sin” was that they stood for the truth; they stood for credibility and transparency, as does Caricom. This attitude is duplicitous. The first Caricom team was blocked by Granger’s PNCR from doing the recount.

They got confirmation from High Court Judge Franklyn Holder. Trinidad & Tobago’s (TT) Prime Minister Keith Rowley was not happy about that (blocking the first Caricom team) and refused to send a TT representative for the second and existing Caricom high-level mission.

The PPP/C had to appeal Judge Holder’s decision to the Full Court which agreed with the PPP/C’s call for the recount. The PNCR appealed the ruling of the Full Court to Guyana’s Apex Court, which upheld GECOM’s right to conduct the recount.

Mr Granger only mentioned about the PPP/C’s court battle but failed to list the PNCR’s efforts to block the recount in the High Court. He also failed to link the PPP/C court case to Mingo’s highway voter tabulation fraud, and tried to

place blame on the PPP/C for the inordinate delay in the declaration of election 2020 results.

The PNCR has not only developed a system of code words but also the craft of “vacillation” and “reversion.”

The latter is likened onto a situation when someone says something but does the opposite.

This press release will not exonerate Mr Granger from being complicit in attempts to install him as President on three occasions. And worst yet, he was going to do this on Clairmont Mingo’s fraudulent figures for Region Four.

The PNCR, having exhausted all devious avenues to derail the voter tabulation for Region Four, as well as the recount at ACCC, is now seemingly pinning their last hopes for some consolation on the Caricom observation team and GECOM’s Chair, Justice Claudette Singh.

What they expect from both of them other than the right thing, is a matter of speculation. There is only one outcome: the PPP/C won the elections and this is the only truth in the 2020 elections.

The recount on Sunday, June 7, 2020, establishes what the world knew since March 4, 2020, that the PPP/C won the elections with a wide margin. PPP/C’s Dr Irfaan Ali should be installed as soon as possible as President. The healing and national reconciliation must begin now.

Respectfully, Dr Tara Singh

duty when you did not take corrective measures to curb the fracas on the day at the original election counting at Ashmins building; when you unreservedly transferred your Assistant Commissioner; when you contributed to incorrect immigration information, riddled with inaccuracies, being peddled regarding Guyanese absence on Election Day. Please be cognisant of the fact that the buck stops with you regarding the peace, safety and security of this entire nation and it is of paramount importance that you uphold the law and unilaterally discharge your service in the most proficient and professional manner that is expected from a Police Commissioner, riding the rank of chief.

In your wisdom of law enforcement, please adhere to fairness and justice so that the public can admire and respect you. The members of your Force whom you command, expect nothing less of their top brass.

Second, GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh is the most autonomous and powerful person on the Elections Commission, holding the casting vote to preserve righteousness from unrighteousness.

You, ma’am, have dishonoured your promise when you were conspicuously absent during Mingo’s debacle: when you permitted Mingo for a second time to collude with other ranking personnel from your staff to present fraudulent spreadsheets: being a hypocrite by contradicting “those who assert, must prove.”

Please pull up your slip and stop exposing yourself

to manipulations and political directives that are unilaterally advantageous. It is globally obvious that you are refusing to concur with the ethics of the election Constitution. Your judicial experience and trained mind are required to follow the road of legality and, to serve with exceptional distinction that is not curry favoured to any one party, bringing pride and dignity to your sitting position.

You once served honourably when you were on the Bench. Do beseech yourself once again and look in the mirror without fear or uncertainty.

Third, Caretaker President, Mr David Granger is the sole abiding legal representative for this nation, currently, who can condemn or condone the illegal actions of his party members and could have brought this electoral nightmare to a grinding halt and saved the nation headaches and a belly full of agues.

You, Sir, illegally and unilaterally appointed Retired Judge James Patterson as GECOM Chairman, much to your demise and had to be embarrassed by the CCJ when you lost your case; you again had to be shamed by the very CCJ for the renowned case of the famous NCM, losing all respect; directly or indirectly aiding and abetting in the prevention of the SoPs to be revealed by your party yet claiming victory from the first day of the election.

Please stop backpedalling and going into a state of denial for the most trivial matter. As a stand-in Head of State, you are expected to portray a picture of hon-

our, dignity, integrity and valour so that truth and honesty can be the epitome of your spotless character, that goes unchallengeable. Your intolerable silence on many troubling issues and your constant absence in many warranted situations leave much to be desired and the world in doubt over your responsibility, sincerity and capabilities.

It is crucial that at this historical juncture, when Guyana is poised to make a memorable conclusion, all three personnel are demanded to play a positive role and act fair, be honest with themselves, speak only the sole truth, abide by the law, remain impartial so that justice will be upheld by making the right, legal and accurate decision, thereby avoiding any confrontation with ambiguity, transparency, democracy, controversy, collusion, corruption and confusion.

Please execute the legal parameters so that peace and not violence can rule the streets, doubts and despairs will not be entertained, security and not insecurity will dominate, a smooth transition will be guaranteed and there will be no reason for fear to overcome anyone.

If there is any reason to redeem yourselves from any misgivings in terms of ethics, morality, guilt or shortcomings during the performance oy your duties, then, here is the golden opportunity to perfect any corrective measure. This is an urgent appeal from all Guyanese to implore the immediate attention of all three dignitaries. Thank you.

Respectfully, Jai Lall

APNU/AFC has lost the election beyond the shadow of a doubt Dear Editor, The question is asked how can you convince a loser that he has lost without hurting his feelings and the answer comes back, you simply walk up to him, tell him that he has lost and better luck next time. Well, from all appearances, that seems to be a pretty simple task, however, that is wholly dependent on the person's willingness to accept defeat and this is the acid test of it all.

I am talking about that person having that innate quality called a conscience which will eventually guide them into acceptance. If that person lives in the fantasy land of self-denial and dogmatically so, then there is no way you can convince him.

This is the PNC’s dilemma, they have lost the March 2, 2020 elections in what can be recorded as "beyond the shadow of a doubt" yet they refuse to accept defeat, even though it is staring them right in the face.

It is a bizarre situation that never seems to go away, where billions of our taxpayers’ dollars have been spent

on an electoral process just to prove to an obstinate loser PNC, that they have indeed lost the election.

It gets even worse when you are greeted with the shocking news that these very same individuals have declared themselves winners three times over with no electoral fact to support those claims. Therefore, we are prompted to ask again, can such individuals ever be redeemed? Would such individuals concede and allow for the smooth transition into another Government?

The answer again is a blunt no! So, Granger sits in a fool's paradise hoping that this will all blow away.

Well, it is not going to blow away, because the international community has expressed in clear clarion tones that they will not respect an illegal Administration that does not represent the wishes of the people. So, in the meantime, Granger through his strongman Harmon is parroting a new narrative. His ultimatum is that this election should be nullified. His contention is the March 2 election

was so flawed and marred by controversy the only possible outcome is to scrap it and hold fresh elections.

Well, the last-mentioned scenario is not going to happen either, because when you view the wide margin of their loss, there is no way GECOM can come to that conclusion. The determinant in any election is the number of valid votes cast in favour of that political party which will be declared the eventual winner. An election is not left to the whimsical fantasies of "sour losers."

And if I may add, we are talking about an election where the winner is certified as having more than 16,000 votes, this is equivalent to more than half the number of persons at the Providence Stadium. So, whether the APNU/AFC leadership concedes or not, the handwriting is on the wall. Guyana has been four months waiting for their Government and that we cannot deny them.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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23

Always been my childhood dream:

Reifer happy with Test return B

arbados-born Guyana Jaguars all-rounder Raymon Reifer is delighted with his call-up to the West Indies 14-member squad that will tour England for the three Test matches from July 8.

Reifer, who is the only Jaguars

player and one of nine Bajans in the squad, will depart to defend the Wisden trophy on June 8.

In Reifer's interview with the Barbados Nation, he disclosed that his hard work paid off. Reifer, whose left-arm angle and variations, along

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Reifer celebrates a wicket against New Zealand in his maiden Test

with his stubborn lower-order batting, has made him one of the leading all-rounders in regional cricket over the past six seasons, told the Weekend Nation he was happy the West Indies selectors had shown faith in him.

“It is good to be back in West Indies colours. I am looking forward to this tour. It is a bit of mixed emotions. I am a bit surprised, but really happy and looking forward to the opportunity. One always looks forward to representing the West Indies because it is a childhood dream,” said Reifer, who was born in Archer’s Road, St Lucy, and raised in Husbands, St James.

(MK) Reifer played one Test match back in 2017 against New Zealand where

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Raymon Reifer batting in his lone Test

he took two wickets and scored 52 runs across the two innings. The lefthander has been an important asset to the successful Guyana Jaguars franchise.

He played 77 First-Class matches and has 175 wickets under his belt with six five-wicket hauls. He has a solid bowling average of 25.29 with a best bowling figure of 6-74. In addition to Reifer's one Test match, he has two One-Day International (ODI) caps from 2019 when he rocked the maroon colours against Bangladesh.

The 29-year-old has also played in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he further announced himself at the “Biggest Party in Sport”.

Man City: CAS appeal against European ban to begin this week

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anchester City head into one of the biggest weeks in their recent history, knowing their reputation, their Champions League place and, possibly, the make-up of their squad are on the line.

Today, their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against their two-year ban from European club competition begins.

On February 14, UEFA's Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) banned City and fined the club 30 million euros after ruling it had committed "serious breaches" of UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations between 2012 and 2016.

The CFCB also said City had failed to cooperate with the investigation.

City immediately signalled their intention to appeal to CAS. They believe the CFCB was not independent and ended up being distrustful of it, partly due to the amount of secretive information the club felt was leaked to the media. They are adamant that what they consider an independent judiciary will clear them.

The appeal will be heard by three CAS lawyers, held in private, on video conference and will last for three days. A verdict is not expected until later this summer. Unless the club are successful, they will not be able to participate in Europe's flagship competition next season and will be prevented from playing in the annual UEFA Super Cup if they won this season's delayed Champions League.

For European football's governing body UEFA, the outcome also

holds huge significance. La Liga President Javier Tebas, who in the past has accused City and Paris StGermain of financial doping, is adamant FFP rules must be upheld across the game despite the finan-

Mancini was paid £1.75 million more than the salary he was getting from the Premier League club – to act as a consultant to Abu Dhabibased Al Jazira Sports and Cultural Club, which is controlled by Sheikh

Manchester City reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season

cial fall-out from COVID-19.

Sources have told the BBC that if the current verdict is not upheld, UEFA's FFP model will be wrecked.

UEFA's investigation began after publication of a series of emails, obtained by the Football Leaks organisation, in the German magazine Der Spiegel in November 2018.

Amid numerous claims, it was alleged City had inflated the size of sponsorship deals so owner Sheikh Mansour was able to invest more money into the club than FFP regulations allowed. It was also alleged former City boss Roberto

Mansour.

City have always said the information was obtained illegally and represented "a clear and obvious attempt" to damage the club's reputation. Given the vehemence with which they have contested the charges levelled against them, City know a reduction in their European suspension will not be enough to clear their name and the stigma that they tried to cheat the system.

In addition, it will bring to an end nine successive years in the Champions League – with the Premier League's fifth-place team

– currently Manchester United – set to replace them in next season's tournament.

And, while Manager Pep Guardiola has already said he "trusts" the club and will stay next season whatever the outcome, even warning former club Barcelona not to "talk too loud" about the situation after President Josep Maria Bartomeu welcomed the verdict, others, including star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, have said they would need to consider their futures if City's ban is upheld.

Few City fans will have heard of David Pannick, QC, of Blackstone Chambers and Paul Harris, QC, of Monckton Chambers. But the barristers employed to lead City's case carry a huge burden of responsibility.

Speaking to City's own website in the days after the initial verdict was announced, chief executive Ferran Soriano insisted "the allegations are simply not true". He added the club felt the whole process had been "prejudiced" against them and evidence used by the FFP chamber relied on "’out of context’, stolen emails". "All we are looking for is a proper adjudication from an independent and impartial body that is going to take the time to look at all the evidence without preconceptions," added Soriano.

"The fans can be sure of two things. The first one is that the allegations are false. And the second is that we will do everything that can be done to prove so.” (BBC Sport)

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com Joshua Da Silva bats for the WIEP

Ready, set, go! Da Silva excited to tour England

By Brandon Corlette

T

wenty-one-year-old Trinidadian Joshua Da Silva earned selection in the list of 11 reserve players who will tour England for a three-match Test series starting July 8.

Da Silva and the touring party, who are set to jet off today (Monday, June 8), will be aiming to defend the Wisden trophy. In a virtual interview with Guyana Times Sport, Da Silva was overjoyed after he booked a ticket to tour England.

When asked about the adrenaline rush experienced after this call-up, Da Silva had this to say: “Words can’t really explain; it’s a reward to all the hard work that I have put in and the results that I have got and just everything coming together.”

While the talented right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman is keen on taking his career to greater heights, he will be aiming to learn during this period.

In the most recent Regional 4-Day season in 2020, Da Silva finished the batting charts with 507 runs with only four batsmen accumulating more runs than him in the Caribbean. He piled on the runs, including a high score of 113, finishing the tournament with an average of 50.70.

“Before this season, I told myself I wanted to get that first hundred which I missed out on the previous season, coming close but falling short. That first game I told my Dad that I am going to score the hundred, and so said so done. After

Da Silva in action against the Jaguars in the Regional 4-Day

that, everything else came together, everything clicked, I felt confident and I felt like I could not get out in that entire tournament. When I got out, it was mostly my fault, but I was very confident,” Da Silva highlighted.

Consistency has been the name of the game for Da Silva. Before the Regional 4-Day tournament, Da Silva rocked the West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP) outfit where he scored 310 runs at an average of 44. He racked up an unbeaten 103 in the championship campaign for the Emerging Players.

Da Silva noted that playing with those guys was a wonderful experience.

“It was just a bunch of talented players who didn’t make their territory, so it was a motivation for all of us to show that we are some of the best in our territories, and

we went on to win the tournament. They labelled us as the ultimate reject.”

The Trinidadian, who will turn 22 on June 19, recalled that he was not set to play the first game for the WIEP, but the skipper was ill, hence he got the opportunity. In the second match as well, Da Silva was not slated in the starting XI, but after the rain delay, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands and scored an unbeaten 62. From that point, it was runs upon runs for Da Silva. He followed up that performance with an unbeaten century against the Windwards.

“My parents are very proud. it’s just the start, I hope I can really kick on from here and make my debut soon, but if not this tour, another tour. I really hope to stake a claim and make my way into the West Indies team,” Da Silva posited.

CWI’s Grave: WI players test negative for COVID-19 T

CWI CEO Johnny Grave

he majority of the 25-man West Indies squad, set to leave the Caribbean on Tuesday for their three-match Test series against England starting July 8, have already received their COVID-19 results. The tests all came back negative.

In a Whatsapp message to Newsday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johnny Grave said, “We are waiting on the last few test results to come in...no one has tested positive so far. Everyone will be tested again when they arrive at Old Trafford (in England).”

The Windies contingent, which includes a 14-man squad and 11 reserve players, will all meet in Antigua today. CWI will use two charter flights to get the West Indies players to Antigua.

One charter will bring the Jamaican players to Antigua and the other players will arrive in Antigua on the

other charter. The three TT reserve players on the squad are the fast bowling pair of Shannon Gabriel and Anderson Phillip, along with wicketkeeper-batsman Joshua Da Silva.

Darren Bravo of T&T, Guyanese Shimron Hetmyer, along with all-rounder Keemo Paul of Guyana, decided not to make the trip to England owing to COVID-19 safety concerns.

West Indies will be based in Manchester for three weeks before travelling to Southampton for the first Test at Ageas Bowl. The Jason Holder-led team will return to Manchester for the second and third matches at the Emirates, Old Trafford starting on July 16 and 24 respectively. The tour was uncertain for months due to COVID-19, but CWI and the England and Wales Cricket Board agreed to play.

The entire series will be played behind closed doors and the Windies players will remain in a bio-secure environment.

(T&T Newsday)

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