Guyana Times - Saturday, June 13, 2020

Newlyappointed VC confirms major development on way for UG P15

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4315

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Guyana risks ouster from Caricom & C/wealth if recount results not respected – Owen Arthur

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

2017 prison escapee P13 captured in Suriname

See story on page 11

...says if there are issues then seek relief of the court

GECOM has no power to annul elections – Jagdeo

Guyana P7 continues to record COVID-19 cases – 1 new case detected; active cases now 52

Page 3

– urges CEO to abide by Recount Order in preparing report

APNU/AFC took $300B taxes more from Guyanese while bankrupting Treasury – FITUG

PPP/C P10 submits evidence of inciting social media comments to Top Cop

See story on page 7

…questions where has this money gone; where was it spent

Chinese Co outbids Canadians in ‘all cash’ buyout of Guyana Goldfields See story on page 13

Flights cancelled for stranded Guyanese in US, Barbados & TT See story on page 13

…no explanation provided

GTU calls out MoE over P14 "fallacious" details on exam decision …says timing, format of exams "poor"

Businesswoman gets 4 years, fined $5M P14 for narcotics trafficking

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 13 – 11:00h-12:30h and Sunday, June 14 – 12:00h -13:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, June 13 – 10:10h-11:40h and Sunday, June 14 – 11:20h -12:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected followed by light rain showers from the mid-afternoon hours into the evening, with partly cloudy skies thereafter. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to South SouthWesterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 10:12h and 22:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.18 metres and 2.16 metres.

Low Tide: 16:17h reaching a minimum height of 1.02 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$38.73/barrel

+0.46

Rough Rice

$289.224 /ton

+10.32

London Sugar

$383.40/ton

-1.13

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1730.50

$1731.50

Low/High

$1725.50

$1746.20

Change

0.00

0.00

GECOM has no power to annul elections – Jagdeo – urges CEO to abide by Recount Order in preparing report

W

ith the Guyana E l e c t i o n s Commission expected to finally declare the results of the General and Regional Elections next week, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has dispelled concerns that GECOM will nullify the March 2 National and Regional Elections.

Calls have been mounting, mostly from the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition and their supporters, for the contentious March 2020 elections to be annulled and for fresh elections to be called.

However, Jagdeo, whose Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has emerged with a landslide victory over its main political rival, APNU/ AFC, stated on Friday that the Constitution does not invest such powers in the electoral body to cancel an election.

“There is no provision in our Constitution or any law that states GECOM has authority to void an election, annul it, or call for fresh elections. There’s absolutely no law that gives GECOM that power,” he contended.

The Opposition Leader further pointed out that the results of the recently concluded national recount of the votes cast on polling day have been certified in all 10 electoral districts in Guyana, and as such, there is no room now for the Elections Commission to do anything other than make a declaration of the General and Regional Elections that were held more than three months ago.

According to Jagdeo, a former Head of State who is also the General Secretary of the Opposition PPP/C, the Constitution does not provide for a situation where there are certified elections results but no declaration is made.

“So GECOM doesn’t have any authority vested in them by any law in this country or the Constitution to not declare a winner or the President or the list [of Candidates] that won the most votes. We already have certified results. So, they’re bound to declare on the basis of certified results,” he asserted.

In fact, this same position was shared by former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, recently.

During an engagement with media operatives on the sidelines of the National Recount on May 24, Ramkarran reaffirmed that the Constitution does not provide for a situation wherein no declaration is made after an election.

“If there are no results declared, then that process cannot move forward; and there is not provisions to go backwards either, because Parliament is already dissolved and cannot be recalled… We [will be] in what I call a ‘constitutional dead

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

end’ or a ‘constitutional no man’s land’ … So, it’s not possible for GECOM not to give a result or make a declaration,” Ramkarran, who is also the Presidential Candidate of A New and Unity Guyana (ANUG), explained.

Jagdeo’s attempt to quell concerns about the elections results comes on the heels of Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield being scheduled to hand over his report on the National Recount to the seven-member Elections Commission today, for deliberation before a final declaration is made on June 16.

The National Recount of the votes cast at the March 2 elections concluded on Tuesday following the certification of the results for contentious Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – the country’s largest voting District.

The results from the exercise, which are now in possession of GECOM, the observers, the political parties and shared publicly, show the PPP/C with a total of 233,336

votes – a difference of 15,416 over the incumbent APNU/ AFC. However, in attempts which have been labelled as desperate by many, the Coalition has been making numerous unsubstantiated allegations to discredit the process. These include claims that dead or migrated persons voted at the March 2 polls.

Despite those claims being refuted by dozens of persons who have come forward to prove that they were in fact in Guyana and voted on March 2 themselves, the incumbent party wants GECOM to probe these allegations before making a declaration.

However, many, including legal stalwarts, have argued that GECOM is not an investigative body, and cannot probe any claims. In fact, in a situation where a probe is desired, provisions are made for recourse via an elections petition, to be filed in the High Court after the swearing in of the new President.

To this end, the PPP/C

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

General Secretary posited that his party expects that Lowenfield’s report will be consistent with the mandate set out in the gazetted Recount Order, which states that the CEO shall tabulate the figures from the recount of the 10 electoral districts and submit this to the Commission in a report along with a summary of the observation reports from all the regions.

TURN TO PAGE 9

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Views Response to Guyana Reparations Committee 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

Vile attack on a stand for democracy

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change have started a new trend of robustly unleashing attacks on anyone who comments on the humiliating political situation in Guyana and/or calls for credible elections’ results. This is a situation created wholly by the APNU/AFC, who are in self-denial over the elections loss they suffered at the March 2, 2020 polls.

The latest of these attacks is on incoming Chair of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Dr Ralph Gonsalves, and was made by former Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon. During a radio programme, Dr Gonsalves made it clear that CARICOM would not tolerate the stealing of an election, nor would the regional bloc allow the results from the recount process to be set aside.

To quote him, he said: “I am satisfied that CARICOM will not stand by idly and watch the recount which was properly done for the results to be set aside.” This apparently struck a nerve with the Coalition, which seem satisfied with the status quo of dictatorship, and thus the swift attack on the character of the prime minister, and also their accusing him of interfering in Guyana’s internal affairs.

Everyone - whether it be the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Commonwealth, Organisation of American States, or everyone else – has had an attack propelled on them for ‘interference’ in Guyana, all because these nations have taken a firm stand for a democratically elected Government to be installed in Guyana.

As this newspaper has pointedly said before, the constant cry by the APNU/AFC, who by now know from the recount that they have lost the 2020 General and Regional Elections, is a clear indication that they have no respect for democracy, and moreso the will of the Guyanese people.

Since March 2, they have fooled and manoeuvred their supporters into believing that they were in some way short-changed, despite the international, regional and local observers pointing to the fact that the elections were free and fair.

All of the observers have publicly stated that the elections were free, fair, and credible up until the tabulation of the Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) results. The postelection events have been a national embarrassment, and have made this country a laughing stock in the eyes of the wider Caribbean and international communities.

Those events clearly show that, after more than 50 years of Independence, some of our leaders have not matured politically, and are not willing to do the right thing in the national interest.

However, Harmon’s brazen reaction may have come because of the awareness that Caricom will not stand with an undemocratic Government. As was outlined by former Barbados Ambassador to the United States (US) and the Organisation of American States (OAS), John Beale, Caricom’s position on the world stage is tenuous as it is, and therefore the group cannot be seen as supporting dictatorship; and, as such, must be prepared to take decisive action against Guyana if democracy and the will of the people are trampled upon.

Former Bajan Prime Minister Owen Arthur gave a fitting response to Harmon when he said on Friday that Ralph Gonsalves “is in perfectly good order” and “Harmon thinks that he has authority to unleash vitriolic attacks on Caribbean leaders…that behaviour is not tolerable in a society that has the Charter of Civil Society, it can’t be.”

The former PM was correct when he “put Harmon to his place” as is said in Guyana. The venomous attack by a caretaker Government that is clutching at straws is now destroying Guyana’s diplomatic relations.

Where is caretaker President David Granger? Doesn’t he, as Head of State, see what his hard-core officials are doing to Guyana’s image? Why can’t he stop it? But rather, does he want to stop it? Guyanese deserve better!

Dear Editor, We, brothers and sisters of African descent, have noted a press release purportedly coming from the Guyana Reparations Committee, dated June 11, 2020, and having its signature bloc “Commissioners of the Guyana Reparations Committee”.

This missive comes at a time when we, as a nation, have just successfully completed the recount of ALL ballots cast at the March 2nd General and Regional Elections, and now await GECOM’s declaration of the winner of these elections -- a process which is constitutionally enshrined and was publically accepted by all contesting political parties prior to, during, and subsequent to, the events that led to the National Recount.

As responsible and informed citizens, we wish to reject the intent and content of this press release, since we view it as ill-advised and self-serving. Certainly, whoever the Commissioners of this Committee are, they neither speak for, nor represent the views of, the majority of Guyanese, especially AfroGuyanese.

The view expressed: that “It is time to draw up plans to separate”, is premised on a jaundiced view that there was “…organised rigging of the 2020 National and General Elections”. The listing of nine complaints which exactly mirror the views of the APNU+AFC Coalition is not surprising, but is a clear display of the incestuous relationship that exists among the two, whose interest will be served by this diatribe.

The repetition of factual inaccuracies and twisted

facts will never constitute the truth, and can never be a process that would lead to the liberation of our people. Endless repetition of untruths does not make something true.

Further, the now fashionable bashing of the diplomatic community and our international development partners, including those of Afro-Caribbean origin who dare say that “a wrong was committed” when Clairmont Mingo declared fraudulent results for District 4 in favour of the Granger-led APNU+AFC Coalition, is not surprising.

We call upon those associated with such behaviour to consider how counterproductive their statements and actions are, since we live in a global village wherein sovereignty in best preserved in our interdependence.

We regret the unethical, mischievous, and downright race hate and race baiting that have been prevalent on social media, which emanated from all sides of the political, cultural and ethnic divide.

It is unacceptable, and no one should be selective in their condemnation.

That said, we offer a view that may help us all to find our way in these muddled waters: 1. We all must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge how we have been abused, misused, and participated in actions that have led to our current dilemma.

Blaming others will never liberate us. The historical fact is that the oppression of any race group around the world has never succeeded without the participation of self-serving members of that group.

A dispassionate and rational analysis of Guyana will show that Afro-Guyanese suffered

more economically, politically, and mentally under administrations that Afro-Guyanese largely participated in in their election.

Guyana’s noble son Walter Rodney was assassinated while those who held political power were the urban middle- class Afro-Guyanese elites. We do not need to list and mention the names of all those who were silenced, denied employment, forced to migrate, suffered physical injury and mental anguish because they dared to disagree with the establishment.

2. The urban and rural Guyanese of African ancestry, while living in an environment of political non-cooperation from the then opposition PNC/R during the successive democratically elected Governments of the PPP/C (1992-2015) became the owners of land (house lots), mining claims, agricultural and farm lands; received scholarships from the public service; through bilateral cooperation, were sent to varying destinations for educational advancement; contractors upgraded from small scale to large and medium-size operations; many became owners of cars, felt respected and dignified in their professions, barbershops and hairdressing salons moved from pavement setups to air-conditioned modern facilities; not forgetting those who now own and operate their own taxis and transportation services because of the economic opportunities that became available and were utilised.

Everything was not perfect, but significant progress was made.

3. The PPP/C acknowledges that its win at the 2020 elections was as a result of support from AfroGuyanese who campaigned with, and voted for, the party. We have publicly stated, and hereby reiterate, that we will be a Government for all the people of Guyana, founded on the principles of equal opportunity and equal access.

We will be working towards making Guyana a more cohesive country, instead of fuelling fires of racism, classism and bigotry, as seen in the release from the Reparations Committee.

4. When Guyana, under the PPP/C Administration, named Afro-Guyanese leaders to be a part of the Caribbean Reparations Movement, and openly facilitated discussions on the issue of reparations, it was a clear acknowledgement that we believe an injustice was done, both as an account of slavery and indentureship.

The reality is: we are here, we must move forward together. Let’s climb over the obstacles and forcefully confront the challenges; and, in the spirit of cooperation, build a united and prosperous Guyana.

The generations behind us are depending on us to direct our collective efforts to the task at hand.

Yours sincerely, Brigadier (rtd) Mark Phillips Joseph Hamilton Hugh Todd Gillian BurtonPersaud Mae Thomas Bishop Juan Edghill, and many others

Strength in our diversity

Dear Editor, The defeat of the APNU+AFC Coalition by the hands of the PPP/C at the March 2, 2020 elections has brought out all manner of ridiculous and bizarre conspiracies by supporters of the Coalition, who are trying to explain away their defeat.

However, the most obnoxious, vilest and racist conspiracy theory has come from Eric Phillips, in a press release on June 11, 2020 on behalf of Commissioners of the Guyana Reparations Committee.

In that press release, the Commissioners made some ridiculous claims and assertions. They also tried to draw various parallels with situations in other countries to what is currently taking place here.

An examination of this press release exposes a series of fallacies being promoted by these unnamed Commissioners - outside of Eric Phillips - and recommendations that seek to divide us as a nation, instead of trying to bring us together. It is, however, obvious where these individuals are coming from,

and it is not out of concern for the black population here in Guyana, but springs from a wish to protect and preserve the good life that a select group has enjoyed under the coalition.

Eric Phillips and others like him have shown no real interest in assisting the black community in Guyana.

They’re only vocal when their own interests are threatened.

Where were these voices when the Coalition increased the hardships of Guyanese, putting their livelihoods under threat?

Where were they when farmers in West Berbice had their leases for agricultural lands revoked?

Of course, Guyanese found out that thousands of acres in that area were reassigned in a less-than-transparent manner.

Those farmers are mainly of African descent. Where were they when the APNU+AFC Coalition cruelly took away the cash grants from our school children? Those cash grants were of great help to the Afro-Guyanese community; however, that didn’t affect these favoured few in any

way, so they could not have been bothered. And these are only the least of the questions.

In the mentioned press release, they highlighted the same allegations being made by the APNU+AFC Coalition - claims about electoral fraud perpetuated by the PPP. These accusations have been debunked time and time again, and only serve to demonstrate that, for their own narrow purposes, they, like the Coalition, are more than willing to discredit the same persons whom they claim to defend.

It was APNU+AFC agents, most of African descent, who oversaw the election day’s activities on behalf of the Coalition, and not one of those individuals made any accusation of any suspicious activity on the day. Yet we are now told to believe that those persons, who are loyal to the Coalition, were working in concert with the PPP. Not forgetting also all the GECOM staff.

Eric Phillips and the other unnamed Commissioners, who support the contents of the press release, should be

ashamed of the baseless allegations they are making against these mostly young Afro-Guyanese persons.

Also, to somehow try to equate Guyana with the terrible genocide that took place in Rawanda is beyond the pale.

It is not only disrespectful to all those Rawandans who lost close to 800,000 of their population, but is a downright lie. Time and time again, the claim of black males being killed during the PPP term in office has been debunked.

One would have thought that the 35-page Stabroek News expose would have killed this absurdity, but those with a narrow racist agenda persist with the absurdity.

In the Eric Phillips press release, there was also a suggestion that we divide up the country and live separately from each other. A few years back, Ravi Dev suggested a similar division. Fortunately, patriotic Guyanese, including the then PPP government, dismissed that suggestion outrightly.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

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

The incoming Minister of Education should postpone NGSA

Dear Editor, Given the serious health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the level of importance placed on the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, the Ministry of Education (MoE) should have taken the proposals of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) more seriously.

The Ministry also should have conducted some form of public consultation with parents and guardians before setting the dates of these exams.

After all, this placement exam is a major stepping-stone for our future doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers; and yes, politicians. Any decision on the timing of the exams should have stemmed from meaningful engagement with these key stakeholder groups.

As expected, the Ministry’s unilateral decision has been met with criticism from different quarters in recent days.

Notwithstanding the importance of the public health concern, equally important is the readiness of these young boys and girls to sit these exams in such a short turnaround. Despite having access to learning materials via the Internet, television, radio,

newspapers and past exam papers, the lack of academic structure at home over the last three months could not have been an ideal learning environment for many of these students. To expect the majority of them to remain focused and self-motivated outside of normal schooling is unrealistic, regardless of the best efforts of their teachers, parents and/ or guardians. Their level and intensity of preparation was never going to be the same.

Thus, to give these ten-, eleven-, and twelve-year-old students two weeks to prepare for the biggest test of their young lives is not only irresponsible, but downright unreasonable.

Even more alarming is the level of preparation of students from the poorer strata of our society and hinterland regions. Under normal circumstances, students from these households are at a disadvantage, as they often lack the same level of materials, resources, and support at home to push them along. Hence, they rely heavily on interactions with their teachers and classmates to motivate and help them absorb the study materials, which often makes a world of difference. In the absence of this much-needed

help, there is a real risk that these underprivileged students would be underprepared for these exams, and risk being academically left behind.

Further, from an economic development perspective, the importance of this academic assessment cannot be understated. Since there is a significant difference between the top tier and bottom tier secondary schools in Guyana, these exams are a pivotal moment in a young student’s life, as the exams not only determine the secondary school the student would attend, but also the level and quality of educational resources that the student would have access to during their formative years.

Given the significant weight placed on the NGSA in Guyana, disadvantaged students may never be able to truly realis their educational potential and, by extension, improve their economic condition as adults. Hence, there is a strong likelihood that, as adults, these students would become stuck in a vicious cycle of poverty, struggling to make ends meet like their parents and grandparents before them.

While I admit that this is not an easy decision to make,

Strength in our...

We all recognise that our strength lies in our diversity. No one who truly loves this country and its people would make such a suggestion.

The press release also drew on other racist stereotypes, like suicide and family conflicts. These are social ills that do not recognise race, but these individuals would have us believe that they are distinct to one race only.

The Commissioners of the Committee are also pushing a dangerous agenda. Their not-so-subtle message to the disciplined services cannot be ignored.

Fortunately, this was tried before, and failed. Desmond Hoyte, with his infamous suggestion about kith and kin, did not stop our servicemen and women from performing their duties professionally. I suspect the same will once again apply.

In the press release, we clearly see what the main issue is. It is not about protecting and promoting the black population in Guyana; it is about protecting the actual and anticipated wealth of a few. It is no accident that there was a suggestion of dividing up the oil wealth.

For the Coalition and those who benefit from them, everything is about oil.

Those who pen this diatribe are beneficiaries of lucrative real estate directly linked to the oil and gas industry. It is these investments that they are seek-

ing to protect, and their rantings have nothing to do with the ordinary AfroGuyanese persons who have suffered immensely under the Coalition regime.

An examination of the votes at the last elections would show that the PPP/C were able to gain substantial votes from the black community, who recognise that their lives are much better under the PPP. As an Afro-Guyanese, I wish to state clearly that the authors of this missive do not speak for me, and do not speak for many AfroGuyanese who are willing to live their lives based upon the same values of the Old and New Testament that was mentioned in the release. We do not see everything through the narrow prism of race; we enjoy our cultural differences, and we enjoy partaking in those cultural activities as we learn and appreciate each other more.

We will never support anyone or any group that seeks to divide us, as we know fully well that those persons do not have our interests at heart.

It may be difficult for some to accept that the Coalition lost the elections.

However, it has lost, and it is now time to move on.

Nothing will change the results, and any attempt to defy the will of the people will see all of us suffering; and unfortunately, the Afro-Guyanese population

FROM PAGE 4

will suffer more.

Anyone who truly cares about our race will do everything in their power not to let that happen.

Yours truly, Sherwyn Greaves Editor’s note: Ravi Dev proposed a federal structure to a unified Guyanese state, such as in the US.

given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the logistics of the school year, we are living in unprecedented times, and this calls for extraordinary responses and leadership.

With a new Minister of Education expected by the end of next week (only time will tell), it is incumbent upon him or her to postpone the NGSA until the major stakeholders are properly engaged and a reasonable decision can be arrived at. This will not only help to assuage concerns related to the public health implications, but also allow our students -- especially those from poor backgrounds and the interior regions -- more time to receive the help needed to adequately prepare for, and excel at, these exams. Anything less is a disservice to our students, teachers, and the nation.

Yours faithfully, Omchand Mahdu

GECOM has a copy of all SoPs

Dear Editor, It is disappointing when some of Guyana's brightest minds and well-respected people choose to use their smartness and status in society to complicate issues and divert attention.

It is also suspicious when they select only parts of the story to support their agenda.

Objection to the inclusion of some of the East Coast Demerara ballots is another dishonourable attempt to incite rejection of the recount result.

Guyana's election process is robust, with several checks to prevent fraud. Every voter on March 2 is aware of this.

At every polling place on the East Coast of Demerara, there were at least 12 individuals simultaneously involved with polling and ballot count. The SOPs produced from the ballot count were agreed to and witnessed by

these individuals, who represented a wide cross- section of interested parties.

GECOM has a copy of every SOP; AFC-APNU affirmed that they have copies; PPP/C uploaded their copies online; copies were posted outside every polling place; copies were given to every stakeholder present at the count. There is no doubt that the numbers listed on each SOP do match the numbers of ballot papers in the respective box.

After the ballot papers, GECOM’s Statements of Poll (SOPs) generated at the close of poll are the most important documents to get to the election result.

Why would book-smart and experienced folks try to trick others to deny the validity of ballots confirmed by the East Coast Demerara SOPs? Truly, Faiyaz Alli

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 19

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

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Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers and CXC questions.

Below are second part of Mathematics Paper 1, 2012 and CXC English.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT

MATHEMATICS PAPER 1

TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.

Only ONE response is correct.

1. WRITE YOUR CANDIDATE NUMBER ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND UNDERLINE THE SUBJECT.

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

2. This test contains 40 questions. You are required to answer ALL questions. Four responses are given for each question. The responses are A, B, C and D.

4. BE SURE THAT THE QUESTION NUMBER IN THE BOOKLET IS THE SAME AS THE ONE YOU HAVE USED ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET.

17. Which of the following is equal to 60 000 + 7000 + 80 + 3?

(A) 670 083 (C) 67 083 (B) 67 803 (D) 6783

Here is an example done for you.

ANSWER SHEET 1. The sum of 4 and 5 is (A) 1 (B) 9 1. AOC D 1. A B C D (C) 20 (D) 45 A heavy black line has been drawn through the letter B on the answer sheet because 9, the correct answer, is next to B.

next to the answer you have now chosen.

6. REMEMBER, each answer MUST only be shown by a heavy black line on your Answer Sheet.

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

5. If you make a mistake, erase the line cleanly, then draw a heavy black line through the letter

Use Figure 4 below to answer question 21.

24. 2.7 expressed as a percentage is (A) 27% (C) 270% (B) 100% (D) 2700% 25. If 400 is increased by 20%, then the new number is (B) 380 (A) 80 (C) 420 (D) 480

Use the Figure 3 below to answer question 18.

26. 473% expressed as a decimal is (A) 0.473 (C) 47.3 (B) 4.73 (D) 473 Use the graph below to answer questions 27 and 28.

21. The perimeter of the shape in Figure 4 is 5cm (A) 17 cm. (B) 22 cm.

(C) 26 cm. (D) 37 cm.

18. Figure 3 is a/an triangle.

(A) equilateral (B) obtuse (C) scalene (D) isosceles 19. Which diagram shows the segment of the circle?

22. How many whole numbers are in the set of numbers greater than 203 but less than 207?

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) Study the Venn diagram in figure 5 to answer question 23.

27. How many balls did Randy collect?

(A) (B) 16 (C) 30 (D) 60

23. Which element is in B only?

20. 2300 cm expressed in metres is (A) 2.3 (B) 23 (C) 230 (D) 2300

28. How many balls were collected by Tony and Robert?

(A) 120 (B) 80 (C) 40 (D) 12 29. The first number in the pattern below is 42, 49, 56, 63.

(A) 7 (B) 14 (B) 28 (D) 35 30. Roy arrived at school sports at 09.50 hours and spent 4 hours 25 minutes. At what time did he leave?

(A) 10:30 hours (B) 13:45 hours (C) 13:30 hours (D) 14:15 hours 31. The smallest number that can be divided by 5, 18 and 30 and leaving a remainder of 9 is (A) 99 (B) 90 (C) 81 (D) 62

TO BE CONTINUED

CXC ENGLISH Fire and Ice

By Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favour fire.

But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice. (a) Summarise the poem (b) Discuss its form (c) Suggest an alternative title, citing evidence from the text

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SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC took $300B taxes more from Guyanese while bankrupting Treasury – FITUG …questions where has this money gone; where was it spent

T

he bombshell revelations regarding the state of the country’s financial health brings into focus the fact that “it is now even more necessary that a legitimate Government be installed into office, and the task of rescuing Guyana commence in earnest.”

This is according to the country’s largest union representative body, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which on Friday joined the national debate that has emerged over the nation’s financial affairs and the inability of the treasury to support the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) at this juncture.

FITUG observed, “At the end of April this year, the public deposit account had been overdrawn by some $88 billion”, and said this reflects “a $10 billion increase from the month prior.”

This was noted: “even more alarming is the sustained and massive deterioration of the account, which had a positive balance of just over $5 billion in May, 2015.

In other words, that account alone was drained of some

GuySuCo Chairman John Dow

$9 billion, further indebting each Guyanese, on a per capita basis, by approximately $120,000.”

FITUG maintains the recent announcement from the Finance Ministry “has brought into focus the health of our nation’s economy at this time”, and said, “Indeed, it has long been suspected that the economy has been ailing for some time, as more and more data continues to indicate that all is not well.”

Reflecting on “the most acute state the public deposits account has even found itself in,” FITUG observed: “Apart from that, other trou-

bling indicators are also emerging. We have seen data indicating that our gold reserves have been largely liquidated, with just a pittance remaining.”

Elaborating on the country’s financial state of affairs, FITUG noted that the situation is further compounded by the fact that “our foreign currency reserves are below the acceptable threshold.”

The workers’ representative body has since iterated: “All of this occurred at the same time that the Coalition, (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change) over the last five (5) years, extracted from Guyanese taxpayers some $300 billion more in additional taxes.”

FITUG has since articulated that, “it begs the obvious questions ‘where has this money gone? Where has it been spent? And what benefit did it bring to the Guyanese people?” adding that “these are certainly pressing questions that require conclusive answers at this time.”

The workers’ representative body noted that “even the new star — oil - has fal-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

tered already with revenues this year well below what was anticipated”, and that this “comes against the backdrop of the minimisation of sugar and the heavy taxes placed on the agricultural sector, mining and forestry, which have only served to reduce exports and thus promote greater instability in the economy.”

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union, a subset of FITUG, had a day earlier accused the administration of abandoning the sugar belt, and from all appearances, being prepared to drive a large sec-

tion of Guyanese into poverty, leading the industry’s workers representatives to question where the administration spent a whopping $333 million daily over the past month.

GAWU has since accused the administration of ‘pussy footing’ with the request for support made by GuySuCo Chairman John Dow since May 15.

“This unwarranted delay in addressing GuySuCo’s survival plea brings into focus the level of importance Government places on the sugar sector. In fact, this type of action contradicts the grand statements often made by Government officials about its commitment to reorganising and reforming the sugar sector,” GAWU has said.

It was pointed out that while the Ministry of Finance, in a statement on Wednesday, “seems to admit that the Treasury is empty and the country is bankrupt”, the corporation’s written “request and plea did not attract the President’s attention, until a copy of the correspondence found its way into the public eye.”

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

The Ministry’s statement followed a reported engagement between de-facto President David Granger and his Ministers of Finance and Agriculture, and coincided with a report made by Guyana Times which highlighted the state of affairs in the sugar industry.

According to the sugar representatives’ union, “The Administration’s disdain for the sector is well established and documented. It is an ignominious period for an industry that literally caused the formation of, and built, Guyana.”

Guyana continues to record COVID-19 cases – 1 new case detected; active cases now 52

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud

I

n the past 24 hours, Guyana conducted seven new tests for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), one of which returned positive.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud on Friday indicated that the number of cases continues to rise, thus bringing the total to 159 overall with 12 deaths.

To date, the total number of persons tested is 1,927, with the 1768 negative cases. Currently, 95 persons have recovered, 52 active cases are in institutional isolation, one patient is in the COVID ICU, and 22 persons are in institutional quarantine.

Dr Persaud is urging

teachers and auxiliary employees that as students prepare to return to school on Monday, they be provided all necessary support during class sessions, and be assisted with mental health issues they might face during the pandemic.

“To you, our teachers: The Ministry of Public Health wishes to thank you for responding to the call, during this COVID-19 pandemic, to assist in preparing our nation’s children for this important exam. Teachers, your role is to reinforce the health guidelines which I discussed at yesterday’s briefing. Please remember that the students will be looking to you for guidance, so please provide it at all times. This is a new situation for all of you, you have to give them the mental support, and help them with this challenging situation,” Dr Persaud highlighted.

Auxiliary workers were asked to ensure that the surroundings are kept clean and an adequate supply of water be available for handwashing and other activities. They were also asked to be on the lookout for any loitering.

“Auxiliary workers, please ensure that the rest room area is kept clean,

with water available for kids to flush toilets after they use them, and (for them) to wash their hands. I wish to remind you, too, to keep an eye on those students who may want to loiter in the area; just make sure that they wash their hands and go back immediately to their classroom,” the CMO advised.

Advice for parents

On Thursday, parents were asked to teach their children how to wear a

mask correctly, how to practise the handwashing techniques recommended, and to educate them on the dynamics of social distancing.

“Parents, I wish to remind you that you must have the conversation with your young ones about the health guidelines that must be followed during the time they will be at school, so that they can be safe from contracting the coronavirus disease…Please show them step by step how to put on the mask and to wear it ap-

propriately. Remind them not to touch the front of the mask, and to use the straps to remove it when taking a snack,” he was quoted in Thursday’s update.

A mask, if worn incorrectly, can also put persons at risk of contracting the virus. He advised that if a mask is to be taken off, for

example when the wearer wants to eat, it should be placed in a Ziploc bag until it is to be worn again.

Globally, the total number of cases is 7,273,958, with 413,372 deaths. In the Region of the Americas, the total number of positive cases is 3,485,245, with 189,544 deaths.

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WBD man who slit brother’s throat released on station bail – 72-hour detention period had expired

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hirty-six-year-old Robin Hodge who killed his brother, Timothy, with a pair of scissors at Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD) two Saturdays ago was released on $150,000 station bail.

This is according to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Police Commander, Assistant Police Commissioner Simon McBean, who stated that the 72-hour detention period had expired and as such, they had to release him on bail.

The Regional Commander also pointed out that the investigation into the alleged murder was still ongoing.

Twenty-two-year-old Timothy Hodge, of Lot 29 Sisters Village, was killed by his brother during an altercation after a heated argument.

It was reported that the siblings would usually have small quarrels from time to time, but on the day in question, it became much more serious.

Dead: Timothy Hodge

As the altercation escalated, the suspect armed himself with a pair of scissors and slashed his brother’s throat.

The now dead man was discovered by family members lying in a

pool of blood after the altercation. At the time, he was still alive and several calls to 911 proved futile. The injured man was later picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Family members have contended that the young man might have survived if help had arrived in time.

“If the emergency assistance had come when I called them at 02:15h, this wouldn’t happen right now. I called them, and that’s when the story started happening. I decided to call the Police at that time, because I said like something might happen, but at the time, they said they don’t know is where. I went out on the road waiting on them to come, and I never see them come until Timothy dead,” a relative had stated.

After the incident, the suspect walked over to the Wales Police Station, where he surrendered and confessed to killing his brother.

Leguan woman gets bail on trafficking narcotics charge

The 16 grams of cocaine inside the ziplock bags

F

orty-nine-year-old Ann Jonas, of Lot 13 Leguan Island,

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who was busted with a quan-

The 90 grams of ganja that was found

tity of cocaine and marijuana two Saturdays ago, was granted bail by Magistrate Ally Seepaul when she appeared at the Vreed-enHoop Magistrate’s Court.

She had been slapped with a trafficking in narcotics charge.

On Friday, she denied the charge which stated that on June 6, 2020, at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), she had 16 grams of cocaine and 90 grams of ganja in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Reports are that on the day in question, ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) acting on information received, went to Parika, where they approached Jonas and conducted a search of her person and belongings.

During the search, they discovered the cocaine and ganja wrapped in ziplock and black plastic bags.

Magistrate Seepaul, after listening to the prosecution’s submission, granted Jonas bail in the sum of $75,000. The case will continue on August 24, 2020.

Remembering…

T

…Rodney oday marks 40 years since Walter Rodney was assassinated by Burnham and the PNC. Imagine that!!

The man was only 38 years old when he died, but he’d already achieved more than what most people can only dream to accomplish in several lifetimes. Earning a PhD at the age of 24; teaching at UWI, and almost precipitating a revolution in Jamaica when the government banned him from entering; revolutionising the way Africans saw their relationship with Europe; and finally, taking on Burnham in Guyana when the latter was at the height (depths?) of his despotic rule.

He was one of the few politicians who were able to convince the Guyanese people that they were above racism - even as he made it pellucid that he was proudly African and Pan African while being Guyanese. He could do so because he insisted that the various ethnic groups in Guyana could respect each other only when they respected themselves for who they were; because an integral part of our individual identity is our ethnic origin.

A lot of folks have wondered how Rodney might’ve viewed today’s political situation - especially with the fiasco following the March 2 elections. That isn’t too difficult to figure out: he would’ve applied the principles he lived by to the present situation. Firstly, he would have denounced the PNC for blatantly using their African-Guyanese base to entrench themselves in power.

The obscene use of Mingo and others in GECOM, while destroying their reputations to rig the elections, would’ve attracted the same language he used against the PNC to appeal to the moral sensibilities of African-Guyanese when Burnham had assumed they’d convict Arnold Rampersaud for a trumped-up murder charge.

What language? “Our language must express not only ridicule, but anger and disgust. The dictatorship has reduced us all to such a level that the situation can be described only in terms befitting filth, pollution and excrement. Even our deep-rooted sense of modesty in Guyana cannot stand in the way of rough words to describe the nation’s shame. That is why the WPA repeats the legend of King Midas, who was said to have been able to touch anything and turn it into gold. That was called the “Midas Touch”. Now Guyana has seen the “Burnham Touch” -- anything he touches turns to shit!”

What would’ve been his “false” name for Granger, to match the one he was given by Caribbean leaders “Sanctimonious Gangster”?!! What name “befitting filth, pollution and excrement” can fit Granger for making us the laughing stock of the Caribbean once again.

If “Baby Doc” succeeded “Papa Doc”, then surely Granger must be “Prince Midas”! Everything he touches turns to kaka! …one’s place Owen Arthur, ex-PM of Barbados, is clearly old school.

He has a clear idea as to how a leader of a country ought to conduct himself, and how he ought to be treated. Donald Trump certainly wouldn’t be his role model!! As head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission, he didn’t mince any words when Caretaker Foreign Minister Cummings dared to threaten him and a roomful of other ambassadors and observers with expulsion after they commented on Mingo’s sleight of hand with the SOPs. After CEO of the NTCF, Joseph Harmon, had laced into incoming Chairman of CariCom, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, for telling Granger to suck it up and take his loss “like a man”, and that CariCom wouldn’t sit around while they try to steal the elections, Arthur weighed in once again in his acerbic style to (literally) put Harmon in his place.

Directing his remarks at Granger, he declared Harmon “a mere utensil” who “cannot be allowed to indulge his appetite to be attacking leaders.”

In so many words, he told Granger to grow a pair, and not be led by Harmon!! …oppressors Someone wrote that we ought to follow “foreign” and haul down Victoria’s statue, since she was our oppressor.

Agreed.

And we should also drop the name of “Victoria” Village and all our slave names.

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jagdeo lambasts Harmon for “vile” attack on PM Gonsalves

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday fired off at the incumbent APNU/AFC coalition over its series of attacks against respected Caribbean personalities for their stance on ensuring a credible winner is declared following the recount of votes cast in the March 2 polls.

This comes on the heels of Executive Member of the APNU/AFC coalition, Joseph Harmon, on Thursday accusing St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, of taking a position “that is prejudicial to the integrity of the [recount] process and its eventual outcome”.

This was after PM Gonsalves, who is the incoming Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), on Wednesday called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to declare a winner based on the results emanating from the recently-concluded national recount.

Jagdeo, a former Head of State himself, on Friday called Harmon the coalition’s “bulldog”, pointing out that he keeps lashing out at anyone who dare talks about the APNU/AFC defeat at the March 2 elections.

“The recent nasty statement from Harmon, again, talking about Ralph Gonsalves’ statement [saying it] is “prejudicial to the integrity of the process”. Now, their attempt to steal the elections through Mingo was not prejudicial to the integrity of the process.

But because Ralph Gonsalves said that ‘you have to respect the results of the recount and have the declaration be made

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

on the recount’, that he has now been faced with the vilest attack by Joseph Harmon,” the Opposition Leader noted during a virtual presentation.

He reminded, specifically President David Granger, that he agreed to a national recount back in March when the five-member Caricom Heads of Government delegation, which current Chair of the regional bloc Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley had led and which PM Gonsalves was a part of, came to Guyana to resolve the electoral impasse following the March 2 elections.

“What we agreed to was a recount of the votes. And if you listen to when Mia Mottley announced the Caricom team coming to Guyana [to observe the national recount that was initially set for March but postponed due to legal proceedings], she made it clear this was a recount requested by President Granger… And that is what Ralph Gonsalves said, ‘You requested the recount and the re-

count has been completed, we have numbers confirming the SoPs (Statements of Poll), you have to declare on the basis of the recount numbers; everything else goes to court,” Jagdeo stated.

There have been mounting calls, particularly from the international community which had rejected the figures from the initial tabulation of the March 2 elections as lacking credibility and transparency, for the results emanating from the national recount to be used for the declaration, which is scheduled for June 16.

This comes after the coalition challenged the results from the recount.

However, during an NBC Radio Programme on Wednesday, PM Gonsalves contended that the regional bloc would not accept the setting aside of the results emanating from the national recount.

“When you take part in an election, there is always a chance that you will lose, and if you lose, like Sir Arthur [Lewis] said: ‘Take your licks like a man’,” he remarked.

The incoming Caricom Chair further posited that the Community was not going to “tolerate anybody stealing an election”.

“I am satisfied that Caricom will not stand by idly and watch the recount, which was properly done, for the results to be set aside,” he contended.

Dr Gonsalves further posited that St Vincent and the Grenadines “stands firmly for democracy and reflecting the will of the people.”

Dr Gonsalves is expected to assume chairmanship

APNU/AFC Executive Joseph Harmon

of Caricom next month. The regional bloc had fielded a three-member delegation on the ground during the 34-day recount exercise and they are expected to compile a report of their observations during the exercise to submit to the Elections Commission.

The current Caricom Chair, Mia Mottley has already taken a firm stance against any undemocratic government.

The Barbadian Prime Minister had expressed that “any government which is sworn in without a credible and fully transparent vote count process would lack legitimacy”.

This recent attack on PM Gonsalves is not the first such incident to occur.

Harmon had previously criticised former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who had led an Organisation of American States (OAS) observer team to the March 2 General and Regional Elections.

Presenting his preliminary findings of the Electoral Observation Mission to the OAS Permanent Council on May 13, Golding said, “I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an election… it takes an extraordinarily courageous mind

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists.”

Additionally, the incumbent APNU/AFC has also launched attacks on the diplomatic community, accusing them of interfering with Guyana’s internal affairs and electoral process.

GECOM has no power...

“We expect that Mr Lowenfield will complete his report (and) his report will be consistent with what the order says. He will not attempt – even though I’m sure that there must be intense pressure on him – to interject in the report subjective views and APNU’s propaganda… The order says a summary of the observation reports. Summary doesn’t mean that he has power to investigate. It’s a passive reporting relation in his report…

“I want to urge people to be patient a few days more,

but be watchful. Watch out for Lowenfield’s report, to see if he and the staff of GECOM will continue to maintain the new level of professionalism that we saw in (the) recount,” Jagdeo posited.

Further, Jagdeo contended that if there is any departure from professionalism, there will be consequences.

Upon receiving the report from the CEO today, the Elections Commission will have another three days, according to the Recount Order, to deliberate before finally making a declaration of the

FROM PAGE 3

elections results on June 16.

The PPP/C has contended that from the time results from the 10 Regions were certified and the results were available -- in this case, showing a PPP/C victory – the party’s Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali immediately became the President-elect.

However, the party is now awaiting the formal declaration by GECOM before Ali’s inauguration can be done.

According to Jagdeo on Friday, “This is critical for us, because there are so many things for us to address.”

10 NEWS PPP/C submits evidence of inciting social media comments to Top Cop T SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has submitted to Police Commissioner Leslie James evidence of racially-aligned statements posted on social media with the intent that an investigation be launched and possible prose-

cution follows.

A high-level team from the Party, comprising of Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali; Prime Ministerial Candidate, former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips; General

PPP/C Executive Anil Nandlall

Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo and Executive Member Anil Nandlall, met with the Top Cop on Wednesday last, and the social media posts were brought to his attention.

James had requested the Party officials to provide evidence of the posts. As such, Nandlall compiled a list of relevant posts which was submitted via a correspondence dated June 11.

Besides the Top Cop, a copy was also forwarded to the Ethic Relations

Commission (ERC).

The posts were taken from social media platform Facebook, and depicted racially hostile remarks or threats against Party members. Nandlall pointed out to the Commissioner that the extracts were “worthy of attention, investigations and appropriate actions.”

After Wednesday’s meeting, Ali shared that while his party does not want to deny anyone their constitutional right of ‘freedom of expression’, the expressions must not aim at racially dividing Guyana and its people.

“Freedom of expression does not mean spreading hate and making racist statements and trying to divide our people, making mischief in our country. That is not freedom of expression; that is trying to destroy the fabric of our society and create havoc in our country,” Ali argued.

He further posited that a lot of persons on social media who are behind these acts are actually Guyanese living overseas, who appears bent on creating mischief. Ali con-

Police Commissioner Leslie James

tended that those persons must be dealt with condignly.

On Sunday last, after the last ballot box had been recounted, the PPP/C Presidential Candidate pleaded with Guyanese to “act in a responsible manner” as the country awaits a formal declaration from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of the official results; and further, he pledged to govern the country for all citizens,

regardless of their race and/ or political affiliation.

At that time, James had reassured that the Police were monitoring the conduct of people on those platforms, and that a list of breaches was already sent for legal advice.

“The Commissioner responded that he has systems in place. They are actively monitoring what is happening, and they’ve compiled a list of breaches and they’ve sent that list for legal advice in relation to the statements made on social media inciting people and so on,” Ali stated.

Under Article 212D of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the ERC has 24 functions, one of which is to investigate complaints from citizens across the country in regard to acts of alleged ethnic discrimination having been committed. The Commission is Also mandated to enforce the Racial Hostility Act and the Representation of the Peoples (Amendment) Act.

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana risks ouster from Caricom & C/wealth if recount results not respected – Owen Arthur

...says if there are issues then seek relief of the court

Former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur

Incoming Caricom Chair, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

he coalition administration runs the risk of isolating Guyana as a ‘rogue pariah’ state, likely to be suspended from not only the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) but the Commonwealth bloc of nations should it go ahead and try to hold on to executive power in face of contrasting, incontrovertible results from the recount of ballots cast at the March 2, General and Regional Elections.

This is the stark conclusion by former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, who more recently served as the head of the Commonwealth Elections Observer Mission to Guyana. He made this disclosure in a radio broadcasted interview on Kaieteur Radio on Friday with social commentator Dr Yog Mahadeo.

Arthur spoke to the postulations of several speak-

ers on behalf of the ruling A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition who are relegating the results of the recount exercise.

Arthur has since suggested: “If government does not want to accept the result, but also want to stay in office, then CARICOM will have to make a decision on whether Guyana will have to be suspended or not.”

Responding specifically to the vitriolic attacks

by APNU+AFC General Secretary Joseph Harmon on incoming CARICOM Chairman, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, the Bajan official reminded that Guyana, as a member of CARICOM, is signatory to a number of binding treaties.

These, he reminded, include the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society,

T

which demands adherence to good governance on the part of member states.

As such, Arthur posits that in order for Guyana to reap the benefits of good governance as practised not only in the country but throughout CARICOM, it must avoid being portrayed as a rogue state, which in itself brings consequences.

He also noted that Guyana is a member of the Commonwealth, which also holds treaties that demand inconvertible results from the election recount be respected and used; and he added, “If there are issues, then you have to seek the relief of the court.”

The former Barbadian Prime Minister was, moreover, quick to remind that Guyana was one of the principal beneficiaries of the treaties that bind CARICOM, and he pointed to the ease of travel and trade between countries.

Defending the incoming CARICOM Chair’s pronouncements on Guyana’s still-to-be-concluded electoral process, Arthur reminded that the country also benefits from the community in its border brouhaha with neighbouring Venezuela.

Emphasising that CARICOM is more than a regional economy and more of a regional society, he said Guyanese benefited when “every CARICOM head issued a statement to proclaim strong support for Guyana” and its territorial integrity “in face of a claim

by Venezuela to two-thirds

Caretaker President David Granger

of your land.”

He told Dr Mahadeo that the incoming CARICOM Chairman was “perfectly in order” to make his public pronouncements, since “there are instruments of governance on which our relations in CARICOM are based.”

Dr Gonsalves had, a day earlier, said the regional bloc of nations “will not stand by idly and watch the recount (of ballots cast in the Guyana March 2 General and Regional Elections) which is properly done, for the results to be

set aside.”

According to Dr Gonsalves, “CARICOM is not going to tolerate anybody stealing any election.”

The incoming CARICOM Chair had posited that, very many times, “a lot of Opposition parties, when they lose, or anybody who loses, say so-and-so thief.”

Addressing the domestic political state of affairs, former Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur, during his interview with Dr Mahadeo, suggested, “I don’t think Guyana should feel it could easily withstand the ire of the entire global community.”

He pointed out that sanctions would come from not only Regional countries, but from the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada and many others. According to Arthur, “Those are the implications of not having a free and fair elections.”

Addressing the political grandstanding by supporters of the APNU+AFC in face of the incontrovertible results of the ballots cast during the March 2 exercise, Arthur noted that leaders of tremendous standing from across the

Former Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

Caribbean have had to concede electoral defeat at various times.

He cited as example Norman Manley of Jamaica, and posited that he did not think Guyana’s David Granger would want to depart from the political tradition of accepting victory with gratitude and grace and accepting the will of the people in an elections defeat.

He quipped, nonetheless, “…there is no graceful way to lose in public.”

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Iwokrama benefits from $50M grant from ExxonMobil …to address loopholes in forest management

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he Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) on Friday received a whopping $50 million from ExxonMobil Guyana, for the implementation of a five-year science strategy that will also fund key investments to help protect Guyana’s tropical forests.

In a statement, the Centre indicated that this funding came at a time when it was challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in illegal mining activities prompted by rising gold prices.

To combat illegal gold mining operations in the protected rainforest, the Centre has planned to invest in a drone to provide aerial maps of the forest cover, allowing enforcement teams

to identify gaps.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dane Gobin has stated, “COVID-19 has permanently changed the way forest managers manage their forests. Safety protocols have made logistics very expensive and inconvenient…

Forest managers need to now adjust to this ‘new normal’ if they are to continue to protect the forest and we hope to use some of this funding to help with that.”

The IIC is also adding virtual reality platforms that will allow scientists, students and researchers to stay connected remotely while a third project will allow direct sponsorship of the Iwokrama Forest through a fundraising mechanism.

The new additions will complement ongoing work of

the centre in the areas of climate and hydrology, biodiversity and community education. Some major outputs from the science programme include the installation of a new Iwokrama Science Committee (ISC), outreach activities, capacity building and awareness programmes for the local communities, the production of Guyana’s “legal field guide for natural resource practitioners” and the development of the country’s first 3D map of a community – Fair View village.

Since 2017, ExxonMobil has been a significant supporter of the Iwokrama Science Programme and has injected more than $180 million into these initiatives.

The IIC was established in 1996 under a joint mandate from the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat to manage the Iwokrama forest, a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest “in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic, and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general” .

The Centre, guided by an international Board of Trustees is unique, providing a dedicated well-managed and researched forest environment. The forest is zoned into a Sustainable Utilisation Area (SUA) and a Wilderness Preserve (WP) in which to test the concept of a truly sustainable forest

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

where conservation, environmental balance, and economic use can be mutually reinforcing.

The IIC collaborates with the Guyana Government, the Commonwealth and other international partners and donors to develop new

approaches and forest management models to enable countries with rainforests to market their ecosystem services while carefully managing their resources through innovative and creative conservation practices.

Some 20 local commu-

nities are shareholders and participants in the IIC’s sustainable timber, tourism, research operations, and forest management activities through complex co-management and benefit sharing arrangements.

Police vehicle crashes into parked trailer on Essequibo Coast

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Police vehicle which was reportedly transporting prisoners was on Friday morning involved in an accident along the Affiance Public Road, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

According to information received, the Police vehicle

was heading to Supenaam with its siren on.

However, as the vehicle was overtaking other motorists on the roadway, a motor car suddenly pulled out of its lane with the aim of overtaking – and as such, the two vehicles collided.

As a result of the impact,

the Police vehicle skidded across the road and crashed into a parked trailer. There were no reports of serious injuries.

The driver of the motor vehicle involved in the accident was taken into Police custody.

SYMPTOMS

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

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

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

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

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

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chinese Co outbids Canadians in ‘all Flights cancelled for stranded cash’ buyout of Guyana Goldfields Guyanese in US, Barbados & TT

Aurora mine plant

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onths after an agreement between Canadian mining company Silvercorp and Guyana Goldfields for the Canadian company to acquire Guyana Goldfields was announced, a Chinese company has managed to acquire the large-scale gold mining company for some Cdn$323 million in what turned out to be the better offer.

The development comes after the Chinese company – Zijin Mining Group Co, a leading global mining company specialising in gold, copper, zinc, and other mineral resource exploration and development –bettered the purchasing price and conditions that were made by the Canadian company.

Just over a month ago, it was announced that Silvercorp had entered into an agreement to acquire Guyana Goldfields for some Cdn$105 million.

The Guyanese company received a rival offer from Gran Columbia Gold soon after and Silvercorp revised the agreement and increased the offer to Cdn$227 million.

A week later, Guyana Goldfields announced that another company has topped that second offer by 35 per cent.

Silvercorp was then given five business days to match or improve the Cdn$1.85 cash-

per-share new bid.

On Friday, a public statement from the two companies published by the Chinese company and Guyana Goldfields confirmed “they have entered into a binding arrangement agreement,” where Zijin will acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Guyana Goldfields by way of a plan of arrangements for cash consideration of Cdn$1.85 for each Guyana Common Share, valuing Guyana Goldfields at approximately Cdn$323 million.

Prior to entering into the Zijin Arrangement Agreement, Guyana Goldfields terminated its arrangement agreement with Silvercorp Metals Inc (“Silvercorp”) dated April 26, 2020, as amended on May 16, 2020 (the “Silvercorp Arrangement Agreement”), in accordance with its terms.

“Zijin has also agreed to provide Guyana Goldfields with a US$30 million secured loan facility to finance ongoing operations of the Aurora gold mine and to fund its other liquidity needs,” the public missive stated.

According to Alan Pangbourne, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Goldfields, “The allcash offer from Zijin represents a significant premium to the amended Silvercorp offer price and is an excellent outcome for

Guyana Goldfield’s shareholders. Zijin is a highly-regarded mining company with an impressive track record of successful international acquisitions and operations. We look forward to working with Zijin over the coming weeks to close this transaction and transition to the new team.”

Meanwhile, Zijin Chairman Chen Jinghe expressed optimism at the prospects that the acquisition of the Aurora mining operations presents.

“Guyana Goldfields’ management team has dedicated tremendous effort and made significant contributions in progressing the Aurora Gold Mine and we look forward to advancing and developing the next phase of the mine. We believe that the Aurora mine is a high-quality gold asset with significant upside potential, which we believe will be highly complementary to Zijin’s existing mining asset portfolio,” he said.

The Chinese company has committed to “continuing to operate in a safe, sustainable, and responsible manner” ,and says that it looks forward to “working closely with the Government of Guyana, the local communities and all other stakeholders to deliver a firstclass operation that will significantly benefit the regional economy”.

It was noted that the agreement will be subject to the approval of 66.66 per cent of votes cast by shareholders of Guyana Goldfields at an annual and special meeting of Guyana Goldfields shareholders expected to be held by July 31, 2020. In addition to shareholder approval, the Zijin Arrangement is also subject to the receipt of certain regulatory and court approvals, including approval by relevant authorities in China, and other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature.

2017 prison escapee captured in Suriname

J

ust about three years after murder suspect Paul Goriah escaped from the Lusignan Holding Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he was recaptured in neighbouring Suriname a week ago.

The Korps Politie Suriname in a Facebook post said that Goriah, along with two other men, who are believed to be Guyanese, were nabbed between June 4 and June 5 in Nickerie after they attempted to rob a family.

The other two men were identified as Krisshaun D, 21, and Gordon L, 54.

Reports stated that Goriah initially identified himself as Kevin Smith. However, when his photograph was sent to local Police, he was identified as the wanted prison escapee.

In a short interview with Guyana Times, Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels said he confirmed the identify of Goriah based on a photograph that was sent to local authorities by the Korps Politie Suriname.

He added that he was unaware when Goriah would be extradited to Guyana, since that would be determined

by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

However, this publication understands that local authorities are currently working with officials from Suriname to have him handed over to officials here.

The wanted man had escaped while prisoners were being transported to the Lusignan Prisons after the July 7, 2017 fire at the Georgetown Prisons.

Goriah’s last known address was given as Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara.

During the fire at the Camp Street Prisons, Lusignan mass killer Mark Royden Williams, ex-cop and double murder accused Uree Varswyk, murder accused Stafrei Alexander and murder accused Desmond James all escaped from the Camp Street penitentiary. One prison officer died and several others were injured during that fire.

Varswyk was killed in a shootout with Police in Linden while Williams, Alexander, and James were all recaptured.

However, Goriah and three other men had been charged and remanded to prison for

Prison escapee Paul Goriah

the murder of remigrant agriculturist Anthony Breedy, who was found dead in his Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara home in March 2016.

It was reported that the men escaped from the swampy pasture of the Lusignan Prison by digging a hole about five feet wide and another five feet deep under the perimeter fence.

While there are three layers of security at the penitentiary, the men were able to escape presumably during a downpour that occurred in the wee hours on the day of their escape.

…no explanation provided

T

wo Caribbean Airlines flights which were supposed to repatriate Guyanese stranded overseas have since been cancelled and persons who were supposed to return home are now unsure of their next steps.

There was a Caribbean Airlines flight planned for June 11 for stranded Guyanese in Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados; and another flight from the USA, originating from the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York on June 13.

However, Guyana Times understands both flights were cancelled.

John Ramsingh, one of the Guyanese who had returned home on the first repatriation flight from the United States, explained to media operatives via a press release that the stranded passengers were not given any explanation for the cancellation of the flights.

Efforts by this publication

to contact the relevant authorities to find out why the flights were cancelled proved futile.

Ramsingh, on behalf of the stranded Guyanese, is plead-

our brothers and sisters to come back home,” Ramsingh expressed.

The first batch of stranded Guyanese were repatriated on June 6 on a flight from Miami, USA. The Eastern Airlines flight landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Georgetown at approximately 16:30h with 109 citizens who were all sanitised and screened upon entering the airport.

Once cleared, the passengers were then placed under home quarantine for seven days with representatives of the Public Health Ministry checking on their well-being on a daily basis through visits or telephone calls.

ing with authorities to honour their commitment to allow them to return home.

“Our fellow Guyanese are desperate to return home with some barely surviving.

They have met the criteria to return even under difficult circumstances but are still left in the wilderness. Our decision makers need to allow

After the incident-free repatriation, senior Government officials, including the caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director General Egbert Field pledged weekly flights to have stranded citizens reunited with their families in Guyana.

Rice production remains unaffected by COVID-19 – 9100 bags reaped from 350 acres

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he National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has recorded its best production thus far from rice, after making a switch from sugar.

Supervisor of the Wales rice production facility, Charles Brown highlighted that they were able to secure a better price for the crops, through better arrangements and accommodation with several millers and planters.

NICIL, in a release, stated that its announcement of improved profitability per acre under better overall conditions comes at a time when there is a globalised fear that COVID-19 will devastate the global economy.

“We thought that with the COVID situation that the crop would have been affected severely, taking into consideration the many challenges and difficulties that we faced in previous crops because of several issues.

However, for this crop, it was a reverse situation. While we did not achieve a 100 per cent yield, we were able to achieve a great production, thus resulting in the investment that we made paying off significantly,” Brown said.

According to the supervisor, NICIL spearheaded cultivation of some 400 acres of

rice and has harvested over 350 acres so far. The rest was destroyed by a fungal disease.

“We were able to secure 28 bags per acre before the mill and I must say that after the mill, we secured 26 bags, which was good. Looking at the previous crops that we had planted, I must say that this was our best production,” the Supervisor explained.

The Government holding agency, which is on the forefront of the agricultural innovation at the former sugar-cultivation facility, said it has commenced planting the first crop for 2020 despite the numerous challenges. The nature of the rice industry – from cultivation to milling – does not necessitate close interaction by workers.

As such, COVID-19 does not pose a threat to their produc-

tion.

“You must understand that rice production is one crop which sees workers not generally being close to each other, as during the production the workers work far from each other, so even before COVID the workers are doing physical distancing and that is why COVID didn’t affect rice in any way.

Further, even to those operating the machinery also operates apart from each other so there is no need for workers to be together. As we continue to battle COVID, it will help us to ensure that whatever we do, we keep the physical distancing etched in our minds,” the official explained.

Moving forward, they are expecting to reap the full 510 acres planted this year and plans to continue diversifying a number of other areas.

14 NEWS GTU calls out MoE over Nand Persaud donates pumps to Fire Service in Berbice “fallacious” details on T exam decision SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…says timing, format of exams “poor”

GTU President Mark Lyte

Caretaker Education Minister Nicolette Henry

he Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has condemned statements by the Education Ministry suggesting that the two entities were privy to consultations before examination dates were announced.

Union President Mark Lyte openly slammed the Ministry on Friday, noting that he did not attend any meeting to announce dates for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA); Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

As such, articles which state otherwise were labelled as “fallacious” and he requested that the Ministry provide proof.

“I am of the view that the Ministry of Education is grasping at straws as efforts are being made to justify the decision to have NGSA , CSEC and CAPE run off during July….MoE should produce their minutes to support the fabricated statements that the President of GTU attended any meeting to agree on dates for NGSA, CSEC and CAPE examination which they continue to peddle in the media,” the GTU said in a statement.

The GTU clarified that on April 8, it wrote the Ministry to highlight concerns relating to the CSEC and CAPE being slated for June and July, but there was no response for over three weeks. A second letter was written when rumours surfaced that schools would reopen in June, and the NGSA was to be written in July. Again, no formal response was given by the MoE. After a third correspondence, the Ministry then extended an ‘informal’ invitation to a meeting, to the GTU officers via telephone. This was later convened on June 3, when the Chief Education Officer highlighted options for the examination dates.

Lyte added, “After the presentation,

GTU was asked to share its concerns. As President, I indicated in a clear and profound way that GTU does not agree with the DATE set for NGSA, CSEC nor CAPE. Further, I stated the Union’s disapproval of the format for CSEC and CAPE.” While being told that there would be many other consultations with other stakeholders, timetables were flouted two days later for the exams.

“Two days later, without any formal discussion as promised by MoE, dates and the timetable for NGSA were seen in the media, much to the surprise of the GTU. I write to say that the libellous release of the MoE which seeks to besmirch my character and create rift among officers and members of the GTU will not work,” he asserted.

The Union President voiced that they would be resolute in their position that the timing and format of these examinations are poor, coupled with the threat of COVID-19.

Just a few days ago, it was reported that a Region One (Barima-Waini) teacher tested positive for the virus. The representative body said that there were unconfirmed reports of two other teachers testing positive from the region – a situation which will be verified.

However, at this time, it maintained that if ‘proper’ consultations were carried out or consideration was given to the Union’s position for examinations to be done in September, all teachers would have been encouraged to turn out to work and do what “we do best”.

“As President of the GTU, I will not be drawn into any back and forth with MoE, but hope that mutual respect be upheld…

The GTU is here to stay and will unequivocally represent our teachers at all times.”

T

A representative from the Nand Persaud Group of Companies presenting the pumps to Divisional Fire Officer Haimchandra Persaud

Businesswoman gets 4 years, fined $5M for narcotics trafficking

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Jailed: Bernadette Warren

Jailed: Joy Jacqueline Caines

ore than three years after being slapped with cocaine trafficking charges, 39-year-old Joy Jacqueline Caines, of Luckhoo Street, Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was found guilty by Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess.

The verdict was handed down when the cocaine mule

appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

Caines initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, which detailed that on April 16, 2017, at Luckhoo Street, Lodge, she had 2.092 kilograms of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution had

that the now-deceased man had been around 40 years of age and was of East Indian descent.

Police were called to the scene, and an investigation was launched.

However, Regional Commander Simon McBean confirmed that the man’s body has not been identified.

Meanwhile, two days ago, the Police were summoned after the partly-decomposed body of another unidentified man was found at Rambarran Wharf.

The discovery was made

by passers-by in the area.

According to Police, the now-deceased man was of African descent, and was clad in a pair of jeans.

Police have since described the man as medium built and sporting short dreadlocks.

There were no visible marks of violence on the man’s body, which was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home.

When Guyana Times contacted Regional Commander Simon Kurleigh on Friday, he confirmed that the body has not been identified.

Partially-decomposed bodies still unidentified

T

news@guyanatimesgy.com

he Nand Persaud Group of Companies on Thursday donated three water pumps to the Guyana Fire Service to be used in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The donation was made after the company learnt about the fire truck that could not pump water after responding to an emergency in Port Mourant, Berbice.

During a simple handing-over ceremony, the company called on the Fire Service to care for the equipment and use it for the benefit of the communities.

On Thursday, the fire truck from the Rose Hall Town Fire Station responded to a fire, but firefighters could not get its pump generator to work and, therefore, could not access water to battle the blaze.

Assistance from public-spirited citizens and backup from the New Amsterdam Fire Department eventually resulted in the blaze being doused.

he two bodies that were found at the Rambarran Wharf, New Hope, on the East Bank of Demerara (ECD) and at Tarla Dam, MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), are yet to be identified.

Just about a week ago, residents of Tarla Dam discovered the partially decomposed body of a man with a black plastic bag over his head in a canal.

The body was clad in a burgundy t-shirt, long white track pants and a pair of black socks. It is believed

contended that on April 16, 51-year-old Bernadette Warren was arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, with some 1.504 kilograms of cocaine in her suitcases.

Upon her arrest, she implicated Caines as the person who supplied her with the illegal substance.

As such, ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) swooped down on the now-convicted woman’s house and conducted a search.

During the search, an empty suitcase with false walls was found with the drugs along with $14.5 million.

Both Warren and Caines made appearances in 2017 before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

However, Warren did not waste the court’s time, as she pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve three years’ imprisonment.

Throughout the trial, the mother of two was represented by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes. Magistrate Bess sentenced Caines to four years behind bars and fined her $5,667,228 for the offence.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Newly-appointed SVN’s Narindra Persaud awarded VC confirms major Lester B Pearson Scholarship development on N way for UG

Newly-appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin

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ewly-appointed University of Guyana (UG) ViceChancellor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, on Thursday, in a zoom interview with Guyana Times stated that there will be some key changes that are expected to roll out within the next academic year.

“We came up with a blueprint 2040 which is on draft right now, and what I will be doing is starting to drill down and work out how that blueprint will be implemented for the next three of five years; and then, after that, somebody will take up the mantle and take it to the next level…so we have a long-term strategic vision for the university”, the newly appointed VC stated.

Dr Mohamed-Martin underscored that the carefully drafted blueprint would trigger the transformation of the University. She explained that the institution will see major developments which include the strengthening of the institution’s financial systems, improvement in the Turkeyen campus’ sewage system, the training of staff and improvement of security for students, among other measures.

“We have four priority areas. The first has to do with sorting out our financial and accounting systems…we are hoping that by next year we would have transformed from paper-based systems, in which the systems are very slow, to a full financial office. The second phase is to deal with security…” she added.

Professor MohamedMartin added that the university is pursuing the course of being a science-driven institution, while noting that if that is the institution’s plan, it would need scholars with doctoral degrees. If this is to happen, the Vice-Chancellor revealed, salaries must also be increased.

The Professor explained that the staff that is already in the institution’s system will be balanced with imported staff. She confirmed that the institution has already begun to train 20

PhDs in the sciences, students who will be finished in the next three years.

During the discussion, Mohamed-Martin noted that the improvement of the university’s support system for students, along with the quality assurance for students, has spiralled downhill.

“We are going to put more energy into expanding students’ services, student care, as well as tracking them all the way and supporting them all through alumni and the first years of their alumni.”

The Vice-Chancellor further assured that the University’s sanitation would also be given more attention, and she posited that a project to revamp the Turkeyen campus sewage system is underway.

When asked how she plans to manage her new role, the VC said her new title will mean more work for her, since there are a lot of expectations, given that she is the first female in the 57 years of the institution’s history to hold this position.

However, the ViceChancellor said she is prepared to work diligently to see the University of Guyana moved to a place of extreme excellence.

Dr. Mohamed-Martin, a born Guyanese, is a behavioural scientist who received her education at the University of Guyana, Harvard University, and the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus.

Mohamed-Martin is specialized in social and behavioural change, specifically how communicative and cultural aspects of life are implicated in change.

She told this publication that she returned to Guyana in 2007 to help re-establish the failing Centre for Communication Studies at the University of Guyana, and despite major challenges, she is eager to contribute to UG progressing to becoming a university of excellence, which has now landed her as the new ViceChancellor.

arindra Persaud, a Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) student who in 2016 was one of the best graduating students at CSEC, has been awarded a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to pursue studies in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Toronto, Mississauga.

This annual scholarship, named after a former Canadian Prime Minister, recognizes international students who demonstrate academic excellence with a drive to lead the improvement of their communities.

While thousands of students worldwide apply for this elite scholarship, Persaud has been one of 38 students actually selected for the 2020 cohort. He succeeds Vamanadev Hiralall, who was granted the scholarship in 2018.

Hiralall and Persaud, both of the SVN, are the only students from Guyana to ever be awarded this prestigious scholarship.

Persaud hails from a humble background in the village of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. Initially, he was displeased with his performance at the NGSA, having obtained a place at Zeeburg Secondary.

Narindra attended SVN and was one of the most outstanding performers at

Narindra Persaud, top CAPE 2019 student

CSEC in 2016, matriculating in 20 subjects with 14 Grade Ones. He attributes this success to the dedication to excellence and discipline espoused by SVN, together with the support of his teachers and family.

After a one-year break from studies, Mr. Persaud returned to SVN to pursue studies at CAPE. Despite difficulties transitioning to full-time studies again, he was SVN’s best graduating student at CAPE in 2019, with passes in 14 units.

Persaud has been an ex-

emplary student of SVN, where many of his teachers noted his competitive nature and his devotion to producing excellent work.

He has always striven to improve himself, evident by his academic achievements. This enthusiasm extends to his current work as a Chemistry teacher at SVN. The young scholar also exemplifies the school’s philosophy of giving back to one’s community. He has been involved in teaching science subjects to children at local orphanages,

and in October 2019, he single-handedly organised SVN’s blood drive.

Having grown up in a larger impoverished neighbourhood, where much importance is not given to education, Persaud is interested in helping to alleviate these problems through his volunteer work.

The Principal, Faculty and students of SVN join in congratulating Persaud, and wishing him continued success as he embarks on a journey to pursue a career as a general surgeon in the medical field.

GWI awards over 80 employees as company celebrates 18th anniversary

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he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) hosts an awards ceremony in celebration of its anniversary on an annual basis. Amidst much pomp and ceremony, not only are the achievements of the company celebrated, but also the milestones of staff members who achieve varying years of service.

This year was not void of this pomp and ceremony, even amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, as the company, on Friday June 12, 2020, hosted the awards ceremony virtually over the Zoom platform in celebration of its 18th anniversary.

Some 80 awardees spread across Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 gathered at the respective GWI offices to be celebrated for their years of service, ranging from 10 to 40 years, as well as some for their retirement from the company. All of this was done while observing preventative measures against COVID-19.

Chairman of the GWI Board of Directors, Dr. Garvin Cummings, congratulated the awardees as he posited that an organization can be no greater than the greatness of the people of which it consists.

“When we celebrate an organisation’s longevity, its endurance, its achieve-

GWI Linden Manager Rawle Friday presenting an awardee with a certificate

ments and its successes, we are not celebrating its goals and mission, its organisational structure or its assets; we are not even celebrating its excellent pay grades; what we are celebrating is its people - the most important asset that an organisation possesses,” Dr Cummings noted.

He added that the people of an organisation are like the keys of an organ: all diverse; some play big roles, some play small roles, but every role is equally important and is indispensable to the success of the organisation.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles, expressed gratitude to the

awardees for their outstanding achievements.

He said the company looks forward to their continued contribution to the common well-being of the company.

Acknowledging the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the company is placed at a very critical point, given that water is a central product in preventative strategies against the virus. In this regard, he explained that the company’s response to COVID-19 addresses water access; sustainability of access; supply of power; water quality; the challenges of climate change, particularly in the hinterland; and the maintenance of the supply.

Dr. Van West-Charles

took the opportunity to highlight some of the achievements of the company over the past year.

Those included increased access to potable water for more than 22,000 customers; completion of water treatment plants at Diamond, Sheet Anchor and Uitvlugt; the drilling of more than 28 new wells, and increased hours of water supply for residents of Bartica.

The company has also acquired 2 new rigs, and, by the end of 2020, will be drilling a number of wells in areas such as Farm on the East Bank of Demerara, and Fyrish in Region 6.

Also, 85% of GWI’s customer base is receiving 24-hour access to water.

The Managing Director also highlighted staff development initiatives over the past year which address the health and well-being as well as training of staff in various competencies.

He thanked the awardees for their outstanding work, which has brought the company to this point.

Further, he took the opportunity to remember the staff members the company has lost this year, who had also worked very hard and made significant contributions to the growth and development of the company.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

News

Today marks 40th death anniversary of Walter Rodney T his year marks the 40th anniversary since the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney, and he has been saluted once again as one of the Caribbean’s brilliant minds for his scholarly works.

Dr Rodney, born in 1942, was dubbed a historian, scholar, educator, prolific author, Pan-Africanist, and political activist.

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), once headed by Rodney, on Friday posited that even though he lived a short life, he distinguished himself “as one of the foremost thinkers and activists of the Guyanese post-colonial struggle for bread, justice, and freedom”.

It celebrated his life by saying, “His contributions are hailed beyond Guyana, (pointing) to the breadth and scope of his importance to the universalist Caribbean intellectual and political traditions. We celebrate him on this 40th anniversary as a bright light

that showed the way to freedom for all the children of bondage.”

Between 1974 and 1980, Rodney emerged as a leading figure in the resistance movement against the increasingly authoritarian and repressive Guyana Government led by President Forbes Burnham.

Within a few years after the WPA was formed, he had grown to prominence for his stance that ‘the working people must liberate themselves’.

On June 13, 1980, Rodney was killed by a bomb hidden in a walkie-talkie.

The WPA sought to mention that this year’s anniversary comes when the country is faced at a serious juncture. Moreover, there appears to be attempts to insert Rodney into the current situation – one which was condemned.

“We wish to steer clear of that temptation and to instead remember our brother for what he contributed at

Dr Walter Rodney

another critical moment…

Rather than use his memory to validate competing contemporary narratives, we prefer to leave it to the younger generations to critically interrogate that period and tease out Rodney’s contributions to aid them in their struggles,” the WPA

said in a statement.

The current Alliance went on to say that he reflected on unity through the convergence of race, ethnicity and class.

“To isolate his thoughts on and activism in relation to any one of those without reference to the others

amounts to a falsification of history and a denial of his full worth. His Marxism must be seen as inseparable from his Black Nationalism, his anti-imperialism, and his Caribbean nationalism.

Although an advocate and activist in the global Black Power movement, Rodney did not see the philosophy of the movement as a contradiction of the multi-ethnic struggle in Guyana.”

Turning to present day, the WPA said there have been setbacks in establishing a multiracial society since his death. In fact, there are still tensions brewing among the population among racial lines.

“Since Rodney’s demise, there have been serious setbacks in the goal of a multiracial society in which no group feels threatened.

WPA regrets this development, but recognises that in many ways the dynamics of Guyana and the world have undergone tremendous changes since 1980.

The rise of globalisation and the neo-liberal order have altered the global dynamics.

In Guyana, we are still to resolve the tension between ethnicity and majoritarian democracy,” the WPA highlighted.

Prior to Rodney’s assassination, the historian and politician were charged along with other WPA members of an arson attack against a government facility. Rodney was facing prosecution on these charges; nonetheless, he continued to organise and speak out against the PNC Administration.

Those close to Rodney said he believed that there was a plot underway to take his life. A key finding of the Commission of Inquiry into his assassination was there was a conspiracy involving the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force and others to kill Rodney and that former President Forbes Burnham had to be aware of it.

Former AFC Executive Asquith Rose responds to Cathy Hughes

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our statement is pathetic, appalling and absurd. You have no solid proof as to how the PPP rigged the election. It is hearsay, rumours, good guessing and APNU+AFC propaganda. Further, based on your statement, which is pure

garbage, you should blame GECOM. Don’t be like the silly Harmon with your (unsubstantiated) claims of unstamped ballots, destroyed ballots, authenticity of the ballots, votes cast without ID cards, the number of proxies

issued, statistical anomalies, breaches of counterfoil foils, missing poll books, boxes without records, and overvoting. These are all GECOM’s problems or failures. Do you have a list of the dead and migrated people whom you publicly claim had voted? How do you know who they voted for?

By the way, what about the Russians who came to Guyana to rig the elections, as mentioned by you and Ramjattan. Can you send me pictures of them in handcuffs being deported? I am objective, and I do not support any political party in Guyana. I only support democracy, but I believe that it is time for you, Joe Harmon and others to stop lying and stop embarrassing yourselves and the people of Guyana. It’s a shame.

Why can’t you admit that you lost the election? You all were elected by a mere 4506 votes in 2015, and immediately began to govern like Lords, Kings and Queens and have ignored the people who voted for the coalition. You all were aloof, arrogant and untouchables whom the people could not reach by email, phone or in person.

You all stood in your ivory towers as ministers. So how do you expect to win this election after neglecting the people for 5 years and making a ton of mistakes, and Granger was nowhere in sight?

Also, from the beginning, it was a phony coalition of six parties, three of which (Scott Sharma and Allicock) were one-man parties which cannot garner any votes. The WPA was defunct and the AFC has lost its support base in Berbice. So for Granger to

Former Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes

say on numerous times that his government comprised of six parties was puerile.

In addition, how do you expect to win the election after losing the two local government elections by almost a two-to-one margin? To make matters worse, Granger was an indecisive, visionless and very poor leader, and an elitist to boot. But the truth is, any government which controls the election machinery and allows the opposition to rig and win an election is “not fit and proper to govern, period.” These are Mr. Granger’s words.

Please stop your nonsense and do the right thing and vacate your office. It is highly offensive and repugnant to read or even listen to any one of you. You all are exact examples of what are known as sour grapes.

Businesswire article

In a Businesswire article published on June 11, it was stated that the APNU+AFC, two political parties of

Guyana that formed a coalition in 2015, issued the following statement regarding the recount of ballots in Guyana.

On March 2, 2020, the people of Guyana went to the polls to determine their national and regional representation. They did so on a Voter’s List of 660,000 socalled registered voters from a population estimated at 780,000, which included a national school population of 260,000.

All previous efforts at re-verification to cleanse the list of the dead and migrated and present a credible list of voters were thwarted by the main opposition party – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) abandoned its effort in 2019 to conduct a house-to-house exercise, which would have resulted in a List of Voters (LOE) consistent with the country’s population size.

In the end, on March 2, 2020, GECOM presented an LOE with a total of 660,000 voters, which to most observers was the first red flag in a process that would eventually lead to fraud. It is deemed a statistical impossibility to have such a voter’s list against a population of a mere 780,000 inhabitants. In preparing for the elections, therefore, GECOM would have been required to produce and distribute sufficient ballots to satisfy the list of voters in each electoral district.

In this difficult environment, President David Granger ordered a total recount of ballots cast under the supervision of a team of

scrutineers from CARICOM, the region’s regional economic community, and on May 6, 2020 the recount began.

In respect to the methodology, the gazetted order for the Recount indicated that GECOM, “in exercise of the authority vested in it under Article 162 of the Constitution and pursuant to Section 22 of the Elections Law (Amendment) Act, Chapter 1:03, in implementing its decisions relating to the conduct of the aforementioned recount of all ballots cast at the said elections, including the reconciliation of the: Ballots issued with the ballots cast, destroyed, spoiled, stamped and as deemed necessary, their counterfoils/ stubs; Authenticity of the ballots and the number of voters listed and crossed out as having voted; The number of votes cast without ID cards; The number of proxies issued and the number utilized; Statistical anomalies; Occurrences recorded in the Poll Book.”

The recount process which began under the watchful eyes of observer groups and monitoring teams, both local and overseas, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has been witnessing some amazing discrepancies and outright fraudulent activities that would have caused concerns in any jurisdiction which prides itself on a democratic process of one-man one-vote.

The Businesswire is managed by Former Minister Catherine Hughes out of the APNU-AFC Media Centre.

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

17

Regional

Brazil’s COVID-19 Cuba plans cautious deaths surge past UK’s reopening to tourists

B

razil’s COVID-19 death toll overtook Britain’s on Friday to become the second highest in the world with 41,828 dead, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the nation’s health system was standing up to the pressure.

“The system as such from the data we see is not overwhelmed,” the WHO’s top emergencies expert Dr Mike Ryan said, with few areas of Brazil using more than 80 per cent of their hospitals’ intensive care bed capacity.

Brazil clearly has hotspots in heavily-populated cities, he said, but overall its health system is coping with the world’s second worst number of infections.

The Ministry of Health reported on Friday a cumulative total of 828,810 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with 25,982 new infections in the last 24 hours, and another 909 deaths, numbers second only to the United States.

“The data we have at the moment supports (the vision of) a system under pressure, but a system still coping with the number of severe cases,”

C

A man walks next to graffiti depicting a cleaner wearing protective gear spraying viruses with the face of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro amid the COVID-19 outbreak, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 12, 2020

Ryan said at a briefing in Geneva.

Brazil’s Health Ministry has reported more than 1200 deaths a day since Tuesday, a mounting toll as the country moves to ease quarantine restrictions and reopen businesses, a move called for by President Jair Bolsonaro.

The right-wing leader has minimised the gravity of the novel coronavirus, dismissing it as “a little flu”, and has accused state governments of exaggerating the number of infections and deaths to undermine him.

On Thursday night, Bolsonaro encouraged his supporters to “find a way to get inside” hospitals to film whether the ICU beds are occupied or not, to provide images that the Police and Brazil’s intelligence agency could investigate.

Brazilian shoppers lined up for hours and crowded into malls that reopened on Thursday in the country’s two largest cities. Shoppers continued to crowd malls on Friday, Brazil’s equivalent to Valentine’s Day. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad Govt setting up committee to treat with border reopening

T

he Trinidad and Tobago Government is creating a committee to explore various options in reopening T&T’s borders, Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell told Guardian Media outside the Red House, following the presentation of the Mid-Year Budget review on Friday.

“The pandemic really has shaken the travel and tourism industry to its core.

Right now we are in the midst of setting up a committee to look into the set-

ting up of protocols – the health and safety protocols – from source, meaning the traveller, when they check into the airport, the travel when you get onto the plane and when you arrive at the destination,” he said.

He also explained that health and safety protocols for when these travellers arrive at hotels and other establishments were also being examined.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to push the reset button, so we have to adapt to the new normal and

we have to give our tourism stakeholders that advantage in order to adapt to the new normal,” Mitchell said.

The country’s borders have been closed to all international travel for well over two months now. That also includes the arrival of any tourists on cruise ships.

However, the Government is in the process of mitigating some of its effects to stakeholders in the industry, such as through its $50 million grant to hoteliers in Tobago.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Coronavirus: Technicians held in Peru over false 5G COVID links

V

illagers in the Huancavelica region of Peru are detaining eight technicians who were repairing an antenna, over fears their work would spread COVID-19.

The villagers mistakenly believed that the workers – who had come to fix a wireless antenna – were installing 5G technology in the area.

False claims linking 5G to coronavirus have been widely shared online.

Scientists say a connection between the two is biologi-

cally impossible.

The workers have not yet been released.

A spokesman for Gilet, where the technicians are employed, said that the company had not heard from the workers since Wednesday evening.

“The villagers didn’t allow them to enter.... they hinted that 5G transmitted COVID-19,” Arieh Rohrstoc told TV station Channel N. “They wrongly think that COVID is transmitted through radio waves. Our technology is wireless and

the virus cannot be transmitted via electromagnetic waves”, he said.

The villagers – from the Paucará and Yauli districts of the region – said the workers would be released if they removed the antennas, local media report.

Although Peru has recorded more than 6000 deaths and almost 215,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, its spread in the Huancavelica region has been limited.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

uba is planning to welcome tourists with COVID-19 tests and limit their contact with locals as part of a raft of measures designed to get its vital tourism industry back up and running.

The Government of President Miguel DiazCanel said it would gradually open up the economy in the next weeks, with a particular focus on recovering tourism dollars lost to the lockdown.

Foreign tourists, the lifeblood of Cuba’s economy, will be restricted to a well-established string of coastal resorts to limit contact with the local population in a country, where Diaz-Canel insisted, the coronavirus pandemic was “under control”.

Havana and the rest of the country will initially be reserved for local tourism.

The island, with a population of just over 11 million, registered its first cases of COVID-19 – three Italian tourists – in March. It re-

The first Cuban medical brigade of the “Henry Reeve” Contingent coming from Italy arrive at the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana on June 8, 2020

ported only eight new infections on Thursday.

So far, Cuba has reported 2219 COVID-19 cases, with 84 deaths.

But the pandemic shutdown has throttled the economy, and the Government is eyeing the early revival of tourism, worth US$3.3 billion in 2018.

“Unlike other countries, Cuba already had a crisis by the time COVID-19 ar-

rived,” said economist Omar Everleny Perez, citing economic collapse in Venezuela and strengthening US sanctions.

“And tourism, which was a good economic driver, has been at zero for the last three months,” he said.

The lockdown forced Havana to slash imports by 75 per cent in the first quarter, according to official data. (Excerpt from AFP)

Haiti records 6 deaths as COVID-19 cases near 4000 mark

H

aiti recorded six deaths over the past 24 hours as the country neared the 4000 mark for persons infected with the coronavirus, the Public Health Ministry announced.

It said that 145 new cases were confirmed bringing the total to 3941 since the

first case was detected on March 19.

The six new deaths were recorded in the west and in the Artibonite, on the outskirts of the capital, bringing the national total to 64.

The Ministry also reported that there were 3853 cases and that the number

of suspected cases investigated since March 19 stood at 8,081.

Haiti is the Caribbean Community (Caricom) member state with the highest number of deaths and rate of infections, followed by Jamaica, where there are 605 cases and 10 deaths. (CMC)

WHO: Coronavirus currently hitting the Americas the hardest

T

he Americas are bearing the brunt of the global coronavirus pandemic at present, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday, with North and South Americas currently having four of the 10 worst-hit countries in the world.

The virus was “highly active” in Central and South America, the WHO’s top emergency expert Mike Ryan said, highlighting problems in Brazil and Mexico. The current situation in Brazil, now one of the global hotspots for the virus, was of increasing concern, especially in heavily-populated cities, he told a news conference.

Mexico meanwhile has nearly 130,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and more than 15,000 deaths, the WHO said.

Brazil is the second worst-hit country in the world, with more than 800,000 cases and 41,000 deaths, according to a tally

A relative bid farewell to his loved one in the dusty pantheon of the municipality of Valle de Chalco, Mexico; the cemetery of Valle de Chalco had to be expanded as it ran out of space for graves due to the pandemic [Jorge Nunez/EPA-EFE file photo]

by the Reuters news agency.

Both countries lag behind the United States, the worst-hit country, which has had more than two million cases and nearly 114,000 deaths.

“We are very much in the upswing of this pandemic, particularly in the global South,” Ryan said. “Some countries are having trouble exiting the so-called lockdowns as they are seeing an increase in cases.”

It was possible the disease was spreading again as societies reopened and people began meeting again, Ryan said, especially when there was inadequate testing and social distancing was insufficient. He acknowledged, however, the pressures on countries to get back to normal, especially to reduce the economic damage the crisis has wrought.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Around the World

Risk of new lockdowns rises with fear of 2nd COVID-19 wave F

ears of a second wave of COVID-19 infections shut six major food markets in Beijing on Friday while India, which opened up this week, recorded a record daily increase and half a dozen US states said their hospital beds were filling up fast.

Health officials worldwide have expressed concerns in recent days that some countries grappling with the devastating economic impact of lockdowns may lift restrictions too swiftly, and that the coronavirus could spread during mass anti-racism protests.

“We must be ready to roll back relaxation of measures if needed,” the European Union’s Health Commissioner, Stella Kyriakides said after urging its 27 members to plough ahead with testing the population as they reopen schools and businesses.

In China, where the new

coronavirus originated, two new cases of COVID-19, the disease it causes, were recorded in the capital.

Authorities closed part or all of six big wholesale food markets which the two men had recently visited, but it was not known how they had become infected.

India opened most public transport, offices and malls this week after nearly 70 days even though health officials said it was weeks away from flattening the rising infection curve.

The official death toll, at 8498, is relatively small, but the Health Ministry said registered cases rose by 10,956 on Friday, a record, with many in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the head of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, one of India’s biggest mosques, ordered a halt to congregations until the end of the month.

“What is the point of

S

hortly before Hong Kong was handed back to China, Simon Ng applied for a British National (Overseas) passport, a document he never thought he’d need. Now he

is considering whether to use it to emigrate.

China’s plan to impose a sweeping national security law on the city in response to huge pro-democracy protests has Ng mulling the

Health officials worldwide have expressed concerns in recent days that some countries grappling with the devastating economic impact of lockdowns may lift restrictions too swiftly

visiting mosques at a time when the virus is spreading so fast?” he said.

In Turkey, the top medical association said the easing of restrictions on June 1 had come too soon, although the daily death toll has fallen in recent weeks to about 20.

“There is talk of when the second wave will hit, but we have not yet been able

to overcome the first wave,” Cavit Isik Yavuz, part of the coronavirus research team at the Turkish Medics Association said.

While new infections are slowing in most of Europe, health experts see a moderate to high risk that post-lockdown rises may warrant new restrictions.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

prospect of leaving, the first time he has contemplated such action since Britain returned the former colony in 1997.

“Back then, like many of my peers, I thought China would reform and there was hope,” the 52-year-old Assistant Professor told AFP. “But now, this is really a dark moment, and the future is quite likely to be even worse.”

BN(O) status was the product of an earlier round of similar fears.

The run-up to the 1997 handover was a febrile time.

While Ng was optimistic, many other Hong Kongers worried about what rule by authoritarian communist China might mean for the city’s freedoms and thriving

capitalist system.

As a result, Britain offered anyone born before handover the option of applying for a BN(O) passport.

The document was of limited value. It gave Hong Kongers access to British consular services overseas and permission to travel to the UK for up to six months at a time, but not to live or work there.

But it was recognition that Britain had some sort of responsibility to the people who were once its subjects.

Beijing last month unveiled plans to enact a law banning acts of subversion, secession, terrorism, and foreign interference after huge pro-democracy protests rocked Hong Kong.

(Excerpt from AFP)

French Police dump handcuffs in protest to rebuff critics

A

ngry Police across France have thrown their handcuffs on the ground as they feel “insulted” by claims that they tolerate brutality and racism.

Protesting Police also drove in convoy down the Champs-Élysées in central Paris on Friday, sounding their horns.

They rejected any parallels with the Minneapolis Police Officers whose fatal arrest of George Floyd sparked a wave of anti-racism protests worldwide.

And they are furious

with a government ban on the Police “chokehold”.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced the ban on Monday, after French protesters took to the streets alleging that Police in France exhibited racism towards ethnic minorities, in the same way that US Police have been accused of using brutality towards black suspects.

Castaner held talks with Police unions on Thursday and they are continuing, as the Government seeks to cool an intense racism

US oil, gas rig count sinks to another record low

U

Fearful Hong Kongers rush to secure limited British passports

China’s plan to impose a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong has many in the city considering whether to use their British National (Overseas) passports to emigrate

OILNEWS

Police in central Paris on Friday: “No police, no peace”, the banner reads

debate that has re-ignited tensions in some commu-

nities. (Excerpt from BBC News)

S energy firms cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating to a record low for a sixth week in a row even as oil prices rebound from historic lows and some producers return to the wellhead.

The US oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by five to an all-time low of 279 in the week to June 12, according to data from energy services firm Baker Hughes Co, going back to 1940.

That was 690 rigs, or 71 per cent, below this time last year.

US oil rigs fell seven to 199 this week, their lowest since June 2009, while gas rigs rose two to 78.

“Rig activity may continue to decline for a few weeks but the recent recovery in oil prices if sustained should lead to a reversal near the end of the month,” said James Williams of WTRG Economics in Arkansas, noting “natural gas drilling may start to recover before oil”.

After rising over 130 per cent over the prior six weeks, US crude futures were trading at approximately US$36 per barrel June 12, putting the contract down about 10 per cent this week and down around 40 per cent since the start of the year.

Analysts said they expect US energy firms to continue chopping rigs as they cut spending for the rest of the year and keep the count low in 2021 and 2022. (Reuters)

George Floyd: Trump “generally” supports ending chokeholds for Police

U

S President Donald Trump has said the controversial chokehold method for restraining some suspects should “generally speaking” be ended.

Some US Police Forces have moved to ban chokeholds since the outbreak of anti-racism protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, an African-American.

Floyd died after a white officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes.

Trump said it would be a “very good thing” to ban chokeholds, but they may still be needed in some situations.

The President’s comments come with Democrats and Republicans in the US

Congress trying to hammer out the details of a Police reform bill – the proposed Justice in Policing Act of 2020.

Trump told Fox News that the concept of stopping Police Forces using chokeholds sounded “so innocent, so perfect”.

But he continued: “If a Police Officer is in a bad scuffle and he’s got somebody... you have to be careful.

“With that being said, it would be, I think, a very good thing that generally speaking it should be ended,” he said, adding that he might make “very strong recommendations” to local authorities.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

UN issues desperate plea for financial aid in war-ravaged Yemen

T

he United Nations has warned that three-quarters of the aid programmes backed by its agencies in war-ravaged Yemen will have to shutter in weeks without more funding, even as both COVID-19 and cholera continue to spread in the country facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Yemen’s long-running conflict mainly pits Houthi rebels against a pro-government camp supported by a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The fighting has left some 24 million Yemenis – more than two-thirds of the population – to rely on some form of aid.

International donors pledged US$1.35 billion for Yemen at a conference on June 2 – but that was well below a $2.4 billion fundraising target needed to prevent severe cutbacks in the UN’s aid operation.

“More than 30 of the 41 UN-supported programmes in Yemen will close in the coming weeks if additional funds are not secured,” UN human rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a briefing in Geneva.

“Now, more than ever, the country needs the outside world’s help, and it’s not really getting it,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

19

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

Van West-Charles: a relic of a bygone epoch!

Dear Editor, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles has now added his voice to the political propagandistic orchestra; his rendition joins that small chorus calling for “fresh elections”.

For the younger Guyanese, Van West-Charles is one of the relics of that diabolical epoch in our country’s history, where rigged elections and political dictatorship pervaded. This is the type of politics that was intellectually conceived, authored and institutionalised by his late father-in-law, LFS Burnham.

When democratic elections returned to these shores in 1992, Van West-Charles departed; only to return when the seeds of authoritarianism were replanted after the 2011 elections, from which the joint Opposition obtained a one seat majority in

the National Assembly. No doubt, when the APNU+AFC won the Government in 2015, he decided to remain, perhaps instinctively sensing the return of the type of politics in which he was nurtured.

Naturally, those who are familiar with his history will find his latest pronouncement most unsurprising. What is surprising is Van WestCharles’s belief that his style of politics can still prevail in the year 2020. It exhibits an uncanny level of naïveté that belies his age and supposed maturity.

Today’s modern democratic nations are run by laws, and not men. The electoral process is exclusively statutory and constitutional. No statutory provision or constitutional mechanism, jointly or severally, permits for the annulment of elections, oth-

er than by an elections court moved by an elections petition, filed only after the final declaration of the results of that election. This legal reality suffers no exception whatsoever.

I have pointed out before that this position is not peculiar to Guyana, but exists in every part of the globe where Her Majesty’s Government supplanted its legal system. The “qualitative” and “quantitative” irregularities to which Van West-Charles makes reference can be ventilated only via an elections petition.

Van W est-Charles invokes the old bogey of a bloated voters’ list as one of the bases for his contention. Late last year, the Chief Elections Officer, in defence of his list, informed the press that “bloat” is not an adjec-

tive he would use to describe it.

In any event, the current state of the list was well known to all those who wished to contest the elections. No one forced anyone to contest; each went to the elections with eyes wide open and rules of the game well known.

Worse yet, Van WestCharles’s party publicly proclaimed victory for several days after the elections. Now, after their attempts at fraud were detected and unravelled, and a National Recount of all the ballots cast has established their defeat, Van West-Charles wants a replay of the game.

Sorry, Mr. Charles; the majesty of the law does not permit one to approbate and reprobate on the same res.

Anil Nandlall

Is ERC trying to muzzle its commissioners?

Dear Editor, I note with concern a statement from the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) distancing itself from remarks made by one of its commissioners -- Haji Dr. Roshan Khan -- at a press conference on Monday June 8, 2020.

In my view, this was unnecessary and untimely, given that he was urged to speak by other stakeholders at the National Recount, and his comments were in no way controversial.

Currently, our country is still politically charged.

Tensions are high, and so more nationalistic sentiments should be made, especially from the ERC. It is sad that the Commission took time to craft a statement, but Guyanese are yet to see any report on a number of issues that are being investigated.

Editor, I must ask a few questions: What are the

functions of this ERC? Why did the ERC take offense at the comments made

by Commissioner Khan?

When will the Chairman of the ERC make himself available to the press?

Editor, I do hope that this statement from the ERC was not used to muzzle Khan, and other commissioners who may want to make public statements.

I wish to remind the ERC that all commissioners represent different groupings in society: religious, social, economic, race, labour etc; therefore, the title of Commissioner bestowed on each commissioner should not stop any one of them from speaking on behalf of those whom they have a duty to represent.

The ERC should re-examine its functions according to Article 212D of the Constitution.

Dear Editor, The Alliance for Change (AFC) party became subsumed in the PNC party and lost its independence of action and its image for constructive decency.

At this moment, the AFC stands on the precipice of extinction, or of being relegated to another UF. Many Guyanese, both at home and abroad, were looking to the AFC to restore decent politics to Guyana. In the coalition, they never exerted independence of action or insisted on decency, but went along with the PNC, and this caused people who

would have gravitated to the AFC to form the various small parties.

But all is not lost. They still have a chance of vibrant survival if, at this moment, they act independently and distance themselves from the PNC/ APNU and act according to their old ideology of decent and rational behaviour.

They would then be able to speak directly with the PPP/C and the international community.

The health and safety of our nation’s students, teachers and families lie in the hands of MoE Chance to restore vibrant survival to AFC

Dear Editor, I write to add my voice to the many that have expressed dismay and concern about our Ministry of Education’s incomprehensible plan to have our young grade 6 students return to school next week before sitting the National Grade Six Assessment examinations in the midst of one of the most deadly pandemics of all time.

We continue to identify new cases of COVID-19 in Guyana. In fact, there is a news report that one of these newly discovered cases is a teacher who was engaged in the preparation of schools for the return of our children. This regrettable incident demonstrates just one of the many possible scenarios that could place our nation’s families at risk of contracting COVID-19.

I wish that teacher a quick and complete recovery. No doubt, the teacher was not well enough to comply with the Ministry’s demands, but felt compelled to do so.

At this time, we need to support our teachers, many of whom are dedicated to their profession and to their students, but are being instructed by the Ministry to engage in actions that would jeopardise their lives and those of their family members. No one deserves to be placed in such a position of danger. There must be a better and safer way. We need only to look to our close neighbour, Trinidad and Tobago, a country in which

the COVID-19 virus is certainly under better control than in Guyana. Yet, Trinidad & Tobago has not rushed to hold their equivalent examination (the Secondary Entrance Assessment, or SEA). T&T has instead decided to hold this examination on 20th August, 2020, and have their examination-level students return to classes on 20th July 2020, so as to allow students to “adequately prepare for the assessment.”

A statement from the T&T Ministry of Education also indicates that students would be provided with psychological and emotional support ahead of the resumption of school.

Trinidad & Tobago expects to re-open schools for the next term sometime in late October, 2020.

Now, this sounds to me like a Ministry that is placing the welfare of its country’s most precious assets — its teachers and students — at the forefront of its decisions, as it should.

Contrast this with the uncaring, inhumane and cavalier approach by our own Ministry of Education and its mad rush to roll out the NGSA come what may.

While there are differences in the NGSA and SEA, there must be options that would allow a later and safer sitting of the NGSA that would still allow the next school term to start before January, 2021.

The Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) has been supporting our teachers, and has put forth some alter-

natives that could address these concerns. I join the calls for the Ministry of Education to give more meaningful consideration to the GTU’s proposals, and collaborate in coming up with a safer and more caring approach to the NGSA. The health and

safety of our nation’s students, teachers and families lie in our Ministry of Education’s hands.

May the decision-makers there be divinely inspired to change course.

Yours faithfully, Karim Paul

Chairman Singh vindicated

Dear Editor, Chairman of GECOM, Justice (retd) Claudette Singh, was regarded by many as always tilting towards one side in her decisions. Both the international community and the mass of Guyanese people had become resigned to this trend, until the issue of the 29 ECD ballot boxes surfaced.

RO Mingo had ordered the Presiding Officers not to place the ancillary documents in the boxes, but to put them in bags he supplied, and then bring them to him. Presiding Officers, who knew such a procedure was contrary to their training, reluctantly obeyed because of the pressures of the moment.

When the issue came to the Commission, Chairman Claudette Singh decided in favour of democracy and had the votes in the boxes counted, and this surprised PNC/APNU, who had taken her for granted, as always tilting towards them.

Mr Jagdeo, who had always sympathised with her, as against opinions of many, elucidated her plight: Justice Singh had

always been dealing with rational and civilised colleagues, but as Chairman of GECOM, she encountered, for the first time in her life, irrational and brutish colleagues. She found herself in a pincer, subjected to the raw and crude PNC/APNU pressures coming from both the Commission and the Secretariat.

With her decision on the 29 boxes, she broke free, and would never again succumb to any kind of barbaric pressure.

With Mr Jagdeo's elucidation, she has the complete support of all political and other forces in Guyana, as well as the international community; except for the PNC/APNU cabal, who now realise that their claws have been cut and justice Singh would now boldly throw back in their faces any of their attempted pressures.

Chairman Claudette is again herself, and is ready to fearlessly uphold democracy.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

Yours sincerely, Davanand Persaud

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

20

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

ARCHIE

ARIES

Turn a restriction into an opportunity to tidy up what you’ve left unfinished. Using your mind in conjunction with your body to accomplish what you set out to do will be fruitful.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Have some initiative.

Waiting for someone else to do the work for you will only lead to disappointment. Set high goals and don’t stop until you reach your expectations.

(March 21April 19)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Look for unique ways to use the skills you’ve mastered. A change will help you recognize how much you have to offer. A partnership opportunity will spark your interest.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Keeping doing what you do best. Take a path that allows you to be who you are and offers unique ways to use your skills and experience to get ahead.

PEANUTS

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Refuse to let anyone agitate you or bait you into a dispute. Take the high road, go about your business and do your best to get things done on time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You’ll find someone who isn’t right for you enticing.

Deal with the temptation you face with precautionary measures. Know your limitations, and stick to triedand-true methods.

Learn all you can. Don’t believe everything you hear.

Verify information before you pass it along -- dedication and physically dealing with matters yourself are favored. Love is in the stars.

Look at the possibilities. When in doubt, follow your intuition and pursue what feels right. A positive change to the way you live and do things is within reach.

Take note of the way you SAGITTARIUS appear to others. A makeo(Nov. 23ver will boost your morale Dec. 21) and give you the confidence to engage in something new and exciting. Romance is favored.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Call on someone reliable to help you solve a problem.

Don’t act on an assumption, but gather the facts and look at every angle possible before you make a move.

Spend time alone. Sort through stuff that you no longer use, and pass what you don’t need along. A contribution will clear space for a new project. Personal gain is within reach.

You’ll have energy to burn. Idle time will lead to trouble. Fill your day taking care of unfinished business.

How you conduct yourself will determine how others perceive you.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

21

Effect of coronavirus on Formula 1 2020 races…

Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan events cancelled T

he Japan, Singapore and Azerbaijan Grands Prix have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Formula 1 had tried to find a way to hold the races in 2020, but announced on Friday that doing so was not possible in the uncertain global situation.

The historic event at Suzuka has been called off because of Japan's ban on many international travellers; and races in Singapore and Baku cannot be held because the street circuits cannot be built in the current climate.

These cancellations mean F1 has lost a further three key grands prix to the COVID-19 crisis, which has already claimed the season-opening race in Australia and the blue-riband event in Monaco.

Japan and Singapore are two of the most prestigious and popular races on the Formula 1 calendar. Suzuka resonates with drivers and fans alike as perhaps the most challenging of all tracks; while Singapore's night event is not only a physical and mental test of endurance because of the hot, humid and bumpy conditions and length of the race, but is also popular with corporate visitors. And Azerbaijan pays one of the highest fees of all races, and the Baku street track, with its super-long pit straight, has become known for its incident-packed grands prix.

Replacements

F1 is now looking at an increasingly Eurocentric calendar this year, but the sport is still confident of fulfilling its aim of holding a World Championship with 15 to 18 grands prix, despite the postponement or cancellation of the first 10 events of the original 22-

race schedule.

F1 said in a statement it has "made significant progress with existing and new promoters on the revised calendar, and (has) been particularly encouraged by the interest that has been shown by new venues".

Eight races in Europe, running from early July to early September -- starting with two events on consecutive weekends in Austria on 3-5 and 10-12 July -- have been announced; and BBC Sport under-

stands it is now almost certain that two grands prix at Germany's Hockenheim track will be added later in September.

Italy's Mugello circuit, which is owned by Ferrari, is prepared to host a race if necessary. In addition, F1 is exploring the possibility of reviving the postponed Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on a

September date before onset of the Quebec winter.

However they play out, F1 is likely to move on to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix in early October after these events; but there is considerable uncertainty over the races in the United States, Mexico and Brazil - three countries where the coronavirus outbreaks are among the worst in the world. Last week, Formula 1 Managing Director Ross Brawn told BBC Sport: "If

we judge the health and safety risk is too high, even if we can meet the obligations of the country, then we may not go there."

There is a “major events” ban in place in Texas that would prevent the US Grand Prix from taking place in Austin on 25 October, although the state is in the midst of a phased reopening plan.

Mexico has said it is planning to host its grand prix as scheduled on 1 November, but whether the virus situation would improve sufficiently in Mexico City for F1 to feel that would be possible is unclear.

And the Brazilian race at Interlagos in Sao Paulo is considered unlikely to happen. President Jair Bolsonaro has come under heavy criticism for his handling of the coronavirus crisis, the state of Sao Paulo has been reporting record numbers of daily deaths this week, and crime is worsening in the city. F1 is likely to find it politically and socially untenable to hold the race in such circumstances, wherein it would have to fly personnel into an area where crime has regularly affected employees working at the race.

The end of the season is set for the Middle East, and both Bahrain and Abu Dhabi have indicated that they are willing to host two races at each of the tracks, if necessary. (BBC Sport)

Welsh jockey David Probert reaches New Zealand 'buzzing' for rugby's return in front of near-capacity crowd 'dream' career milestone

B

argoed-born jockey David Probert has landed his 1,000th winner at a deserted Lingfield this week.

There were no crowds to cheer him past the finishing post, and there were no embraces from the successful owners, but the 32-yearold's career milestone was nonetheless special.

Horseracing returned to Great Britain on 1 June. It was the first sport to do so behind closed doors, after coronavirus had ground the sporting world to a halt.

Trained at the British Racing School in Newmarket and primarily riding for trainer Andrew Balding, brother to sports broadcaster Clare, Probert has notched up multiple achievements throughout his career. In 2014, he was the youngest Welshman ever to ride in the Epsom Derby.

"I still remember having my first winner at Wolverhampton for a Welsh trainer (John Llewellyn). To think I would get to 1,000

winners would have been a dream back then,” Probert said. "At the end of last season, I'd had a really good year and I'd finished on 112 winners. I spoke to my agent, and he said, 'Do you realise you're only 25 winners away from 1,000?' I said, 'Oh wow! really?' "Of course, then I was chasing it. Then the lockdown arrived and set things back. We were wondering when racing would happen, but the British Horseracing Authority and the racecourses have done such a great job to get us back working again. To reach 1,000 winners in the first week back racing was crazy."

With strict social distancing measures in place, Probert admits racing feels very different now.

"We arrive at the racecourse and have to complete a survey with lots of questions, and then we have our temperature checked," he said. "There are security checks, and it's a different experience with no crowd.

We have our own cubicles,

and have to k e e p our distance. Wearing a mask is very bizarre, but we're getting used to it," he said.

There is no image more synonymous with flat racing than Royal Ascot packed with race-goers, which this year starts on 16 June.

Probert will be riding, but is expecting a very different atmosphere to what had obtained in 2014, when he won the Britannia Stakes on the Andrew Balding-trained ‘Born’ in Bombay.

"The weird thing will be competing at Royal Ascot next week without the racegoers being there," Probert said. "Ascot is a big place, with so many people, but this time it's going to be a ghost town. But you can't take away the fact it's still Royal Ascot, with prestigious races. If I can get another winner there, even without a crowd, the buzz will definitely still be there."

(BBC Sport)

ꟷ No empty stands, no manufactured crowd noise, no face masks, no social distancing involved

T

he strangest thing about the start of Super Rugby Aotearoa in New Zealand on Saturday will be how normal it all is.

A near-capacity crowd is expected to watch the Highlanders entertain the Chiefs in the first match at 08:05 BST on Saturday morning.

"People are pretty buzzed about being able to watch some live sport," Chiefs coach Warren Gatland told Radio 5 Live.

Gatland, who stepped down as Wales coach after last year's Rugby World Cup, and will lead the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in 2021, admits that the return to normality has come quicker than even New Zealanders had expected.

"We were still thinking it would be a long way off," he added. "Initially, the plan was to charter planes to fly in and out on the day, and play in front of empty stadiums, but New Zealand has done…a great job in eliminating this virus.

"The tournament has

created a huge amount of excitement. It is great for the players to get out there and give people what they have been itching for."

New Zealand, which has suffered only 22 deaths from coronavirus compared to more than 40,000 in the United Kingdom, has not had any active cases in more than three weeks. While the usual Super Rugby tournament which features teams from Australia, South Africa, Argentina and Japan has been suspended because of the pandemic, New Zealand's tournament is the first domestic off-shoot to get up and running.

In the second match of the opening weekend, about 40,000 fans are expected to pack Eden Park to see All Blacks playmaker and Auckland Blues debutant Beauden Barrett play against his former club, the Hurricanes. Barrett left the Wellington-based Hurricanes last year to relocate closer to his wife's workplace in Auckland.

"Undoubtedly, there will be some cheeky comments out there," he said, singling out international team-mates TJ Perenara and Dane Coles as those who may indulge in some trash talk. "It's all good fun."

All Blacks legend and Test Rugby's leading points scorer Dan Carter has signed for the Blues on a short-term deal, after his contract with Japanese club Kobelco Steelers expired.

However, the 38-year-old has been left out of the matchday squad for the opening round of fixtures.

While World Rugby has announced a raft of rule adaptions that could help smooth the return of rugby, Super Rugby Aotearoa's law changes have been for entertainment, rather than health reasons. Red-carded players can be replaced from the bench 20 minutes after their dismissal, and there will be a tie-breaking golden-point period if the scores are level after 80 minutes. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

Windies July Test tour to UK…

Anderson grateful to West Indies for committing to play

J

ames Anderson has thanked the West Indies for taking the "scary decision" to play a Test series in England. Like much of the global sporting calendar, the English cricket season has been ravaged by the coronavirus crisis, and no competitive action has taken place so far.

England will play the Windies in three Test matches behind closed doors next month, with the tourists based at Old Trafford. The Manchester ground will host the second and third games as a bio-secure venue, after the Ageas Bowl in Southampton stages the opener.

England hopes to play a Test series against Pakistan in August, with the possibility of limited-overs engagements against the same opponents, Australia and Ireland on the schedule.

The United Kingdom has suffered more COVID-19 deaths than any other country in Europe, while the Caribbean has been minimally impacted

by the virus, compared to other parts of the world.

Anderson is not treating lightly the West Indies' opting to help get the international game back up and running.

"From our point of view, we're certainly very grateful that the West Indies are coming over here," he said. "Obviously, with what's going on in the world, I imagine it's a scary decision for a lot of them, for all of them, to make the journey over; so, we're hugely grateful.

"It's great for the game. It's brilliant that we are closing in on getting some Test cricket played, after a decent lay-off."

Anderson, England's alltime Test wicket-taker with 584 victims, has managed to be creative in order to maintain his fitness during lockdown and in training with Lancashire. The 37-year-old had suffered injury setbacks when facing Australia and South Africa, and feels Joe Root might look to rotate his battery of seam bowlers on home soil.

"Training has been going

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well," he said. "I've managed to tick over quite well during lockdown. I've luckily got enough space to fit half of my run-up in on my drive, so I've been ticking over with my bowling. When I came back to training with Lancashire, I've not been going in cold; I felt like I hit the ground running pretty well. I've been enjoying being

ries, which will keep the players quarantined from the rest of the general public for the duration of the tour.

However, there is still some risk attached, and Grave has been quick to dismiss suggestions that the invitation was accepted because of a debt owed.

“We got a three-million-dollar advance on our ICC distribution that was given to us by ECB. It’s a short-term, interest-free advance because it’s due to be paid back in full in July, directly by ICC to ECB, and will be deducted from the money we get,” Grave told Barbados Nationnews.

“In early May, when we received (the advance), we weren’t discussing (the tour) at all, because the situation in the UK was not the state that it is now. So, I guarantee you it’s not linked in any way, shape, or form to our touring or not touring,” he explained. (Sportsmax)

back."

Anderson added: "Obviously, there are concerns about the fact we are not going to have any competitive cricket before that first Test match, and then we've got three Test matches in quick succession. So, there are obviously things that we need to look at ahead of that (opening Test) in terms of

workloads and whether we play all three as bowlers or whether we rotate. I'm sure the medical staff and the coaches are doing their due diligence on that; that's something we'll have to look at in a few weeks' time.

"But, at the moment I'm enjoying myself, I'm enjoying being back and feeling really good." (Sportsmax)

Thomas could have been Windies trump card

ꟷ claims Sir Andy Roberts

W

est Indies legend Sir Andy Roberts believes up-andcoming fast bowler Oshane Thomas should have been one of the names scribbled higher on the list for the team’s upcoming three-Test tour of England.

The 23-year-old pace bowler has been added as a reserve for the tour, but is not a part of the 14-man squad for the series. In fact, he is yet to make his Test cricket debut, but has played 20 ODIs and 12 T20Is since his debut in late 2018, and picked up five-wicket hauls in both limited-overs’ formats.

Roberts believes the tour would provide the perfect opportunity to look at this player’s suitability for the longest format of the game, because of one attribute:

his raw pace.

“He should be in that 14man squad from the onset. He has what others want; he has pace. Everybody wants pace,” Roberts told the Mason and Guest radio programme. “He may not be a wicket-taker, but he may create some problems for the opposition, and that is what you want.

“Sometimes it’s not the guy who gets the wickets, it’s the guy who creates the problem that gets the other guys the wickets,” Sir Andy explained.

Thomas had an impressive outing for the West Indies before the global game was halted due to the spread of the coronavirus. He took 5 for 28 and one for 24 as West Indies swept Sri Lanka 2-0 in a T20I series in the first week of March.

(Sportsmax)

Windies eager to take on England, says Captain Jason Holder ꟷ does not see team as favourites

W

est Indies captain Jason Holder has said the Windies are not favourites for their upcoming series against England, but his players are eager to get into action.

Holder led the West Indies to a surprise 2-1 victory over the then number one team in the world during the series played in the Caribbean in early 2019, and took hold of the Wisden Trophy. However, during a press conference in the UK on Wednesday, a day after the team arrived for their three-Test series, Holder was quick

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Windies’ England tour has nothing to do with ECB loan, CWI CEO Grave says ꟷ sum was just an advance ricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave has set about dispelling rumours that the regional team was obligated to accept the tour to England because of a US$3m loan received from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) earlier this year.

The West Indies and England are set to resume playing international cricket next month with a three-match Test series in England, but with the spread and effects of the coronavirus still very much evident in the UK, some have questioned the wisdom of this decision, particularly considering the risk posed to the players.

The UK, with 291,409 reported cases and 41,279 deaths, is the hardest-hit region in Europe, but the ECB has been taking precautions, with a chartered flight for the team to the UK and the implementation of a biosecure environment for the se-

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to dismiss any notion that his team were favourites to win the series, which will be played behind closed doors.

“So many things have changed from then to now, conditions being one of them. To call us favourites would be wrong. England are a higher-ranked side than us, and I think they are favourites in their back yard,” Holder has said.

“There (are) lots to play for and lots to motivate you as a group. Guys are pumped up for the opportunity, and the only sad thing is that we won’t be able to play in front of the crowds,” he detailed.

Holder believes his players should cherish the opportunity to play, notwithstanding recent developments wherein the players are facing a 50 per

cent temporary pay cut imposed by a cash-strapped Cricket West Indies.

“I see so many leagues in jeopardy, and the World T20 as well; so, the mere fact we are getting an opportunity to play cricket, I think we should cherish that,” Holder said.

“Many organisations are taking pay cuts, and we have suddenly got our opportunity now to make some money; so, we have a lot of things to be thankful for, and I think we just have to relish the opportunity and grab it with both hands.”

The West Indies will spend the next four weeks preparing for the series, which begins with the first Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8. (Sportsmax)

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23

CPL 2020 to be staged entirely in Trinidad & Tobago ꟷ players will be asked to take pay cuts

C

PL organisers have confirmed their intention to stage the competition entirely in Trinidad & Tobago between August 18 and September 10.

Subject to governmental approval, the competition will be played behind closed doors, and the top-paid players are expected to accept a salary cut of up to 30% when compared to 2019 levels. There will be no salary cut for players below the US$20,000 bracket.

Players are currently required to arrive in Trinidad by August 1, in order to satisfy the quarantine period mandated by the Trinidad & Tobago Government. There is a possibility this quarantine period could be lifted, at least for visitors from certain nations, in due course.

With a smaller window available for the tournament, doubleheaders will be featured on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday; and only three matches - two semi-finals and a final – will be in the play-offs, rather than the usual four.

Games will start at 10am and 5.30pm during the week, and 10am and 2pm at the weekends.

All players will stay in the tournament hotel in conditions overseen by a Medical Advisory Committee. Match officials will also be expected to take a 30% pay cut. Most CPL staff have already done so.

"Should the tournament take place, it will take place entirely in Trinidad & Tobago, which is the most successful country in

the Caribbean in controlling the spread of the virus recording just one new case since April 30, and just 117 total cases overall," Michael Hall, CPL Operations Manager, wrote in an update sent to various stakeholders.

"One of the consequences the COVID-19 pandemic will have is that the CPL will be played behind closed doors in 2020. We were therefore faced with the very difficult decision of whether to play the tournament at all; [but] we also felt strongly that it is important for cricket to be seen to be getting underway again, as well as to show the world that the Caribbean is open for business.

"We have taken the decision to stage the tournament (subject to final approval from the Government of Trinidad & Tobago, which we expect next week). I can advise that the tournament period will be from August 1 to September 12, with the first matches on August 18 and the final on September 10."

While there is no firm date for the draft at this stage, it is expected to be at the end of June. Players who have already signed contracts will be asked to sign a "variation letter" agreeing to a cut.

"We accept we are asking players to give up a portion of their

salary," Hall wrote. "However, without such a gesture, it will be impossible to run the tournament; so we need to be clear that nonacceptance of the proposed reductions will result in your clients already under contract being replaced, or if not already contracted, being removed from the draft list." (cricinfo)

Despite COVID-19 pandemic…

4 Guyanese cricketers remain in T&T after flight cancelled GCF aims to improve the local standard of chess G T arfield Benjamin, Steve Ramdass, Demetri Cameron and Kandasammy Surujnarine, the four Guyanese cricketers who were set to return home from Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, June 11, have suffered another setback, as their flight to Guyana was cancelled.

Having been involved in the National Cricket League since February, the four were given the green light by the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) to return home after completing their COVID-19 tests, and were brimming with hope to return on a flight to Guyana on Thursday last.

They were aware that Law students had made contact with the NCTF and were aided to return home, hence they had quickly liaised with the relevant authorities.

No reason was given for their flight being cancelled, and another possible date has not yet been set.

Guyana, on June 6, welcomed home 137 of her nationals who had been stranded in the United States of America, and this has given all Guyanese stranded abroad optimism of returning to their homeland.

However, these cricketers, who have been longing to be reunited with their families, have been left disappointed after their flight was cancelled.

Ramdass is a former Demerara U-19 batsman who plays for the Lusignan Sports Club. Cameron is a former Berbice U-19 fast bowler who plays for Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Club in Berbice. Benjamin, another Berbician and the youngest of these players, represented Guyana Under-19 in the last Regional U-19 tournament, and plays local cricket for the Tucber Park Cricket Club based in New Amsterdam.

And the Berbician Surujnarine is an opening batsman for the Albion Community

Steve Ramdass

Centre Cricket Club, who continues to play cricket abroad and locally with the aim to make a place in the Guyana Jaguars set-up.

It certainly has been a testing time for these sons of the soil who are longing to return home to be reunited with their families and friends.

(Brandon Corlette)

Kandasammy Surujnarine & Garfield Benjamin

he Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), has commenced discussing with three prominent FIDE personnel the creation of a programme that would lead to elevation of the standard and ratings of local players.

The prominent FIDE personnel are Sonja Johnson, Chairwoman, FIDE Planning and Development Commission; GM Victor Bologan, Executive Director, FIDE Management Board; and Attorney-at-Law Yolander Persaud, FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission councillor.

The objective is to create a "VIRTUAL CHESS

The GCF believes it is time that Guyana produces its first Grandmaster. To achieve this ultimate goal, it's necessary to enhance the lagging training capacity. The large pool of talented young players deserves the best en-

INCUBATOR" in which local chess players would have one-on-one, worldclass training from reputable FIDE-accredited GMs and IMs. This initiative/collaboration is being pursued in conjunction with the consulates of the USA, Russia, Cuba, India and China.

vironment and training tools to excel and play stronger and excellent chess. When this publication last spoke with GCF president Frankie Farley, he had expressed a burning desire to take chess to the next level, after taking office in the latter part of 2019. Despite the COVID-19

restrictions, Farley and his committee are working assiduously to see Guyana attain a Grandmaster possibly by 2022.

Every effort is being made to avoid the game being perceived as elitist. In fact, for this strategy to be successful, it must necessarily be viewed as a pastime that can be enjoyed by all, starting at the grassroots.

In order to achieve this, the GCF intends to implement chess-playing in schools; formulate initiatives to foster the formation of clubs; increase women’s participation in the playing of chess; start grassroots programmes in regard to the playing of chess; develop an interest in this game in hinterland regions, and facilitate diaspora participation in the promotion of chess locally.

At conclusion of these discussions, a programme would be produced and presented for implementation.

This programme would be integrated into the annual schedule of activities as the GCF moves forward.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CPL 2020 to be staged entirely in Trinidad & Tobago ꟷ players will be asked to take pay cuts

Pg 23

Despite COVID-19 pandemic…

GCF aims to improve the local standard of chess

4 Guyanese cricketers remain in T&T after flight cancelled Pg 23

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