Guyana Times - Saturday April 18, 2020

PAHO/ WHO warns against lifting COVID-19 curfew too early P16 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4259

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

PRICE

GECOM, APNU/AFC destruction of democracy: Day 47

GECOM turns over recount decisions to Nagamootoo …as Chairperson fails to decide on start or duration

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

PSC calls on Top Cop to ensure safety at Convention P14 Centre

See stories on pages 7 and 9

…sketchy details create uncertainty on way forward – Commissioner …seems content to drag process beyond nation’s patience

Granger contradicts Harmon on hiring Washington lobbyist

...says, “Wasn’t me, and I am not a US citizen”

COVID-19 outbreak

P10 CDC recommends tougher punishment for violators …urgent need for financial resources

Page 7

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases jump to 63 …6 new infections in 24 hours

Labourer shot dead by shop P8 owner

Page 3

Son charged for killing P11 father 4 nabbed with illegal gun, ammo P8

Caretaker Govt cannot handle COVID-19 pandemic – GCCI Page 2

Excavator operator shot by employer

P9

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Caretaker Govt cannot handle COVID-19 pandemic – GCCI

GCCI President Nicholas Boyer

W

ith the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases projected to drastically increase in Guyana in a matter of days, the need for a duly-elected Government in place becomes even more urgent.

This was expressed on Friday by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) which has once again voiced concerns over the lengthy delay in the conclusion of the country’s electoral process.

The Private Sector body indicated that they were able to ascertain through their model that some 19,500 cases will be detected locally by the first week in May. This is in tandem with the projections of the Pan American Health

Organisation (PAHO) that some 20,000 cases will be detected by this time.

With concerns, the Chamber indicated that a large amount of resources will have to be injected into the healthcare sector and the Government will have to issue mandatory home isolation orders.

With this, the economy would experience many blows and more importantly, many jobs would be lost.

“As case numbers increase, the Government will have to issue mandatory stay at home orders, which are far more restrictive, and which will shut down the economy which was already in a slowdown due to caution around the election.

Subsequently, there will be perhaps one of the largest increases in the number of persons who are laid off from their jobs in recent history; one only has to look at the devastation done to our Tourism and Hospitality industry and extrapolate from there,” the GCCI said.

Finance Minister and Parliament convened; not a caretaker Finance Minister.”

As such, the Chamber called for the elections crisis to end speedily with a recount plan, not extending beyond 30 days and the appointment of a duly-elected Government which holds the confidence of the people.

“It is with this and our preceding points in mind that the business community urges to see a re-

both fiscal policy and international loans so that the impact of the pandemic can be lessened and the loss of life reduced,” the statement read.

Funds withheld

From a prolonged elections crisis without a fully-functional Government, there are implications on the healthcare sector and the resources to treat patients.

International funds to fight the

Caretaker President David Granger

Impact will be devastating

It emphasised that the socio-economic impacts will be devastating and this situation cannot be handled by caretaker authorities.

“Without fiscal stimulus to help at that time, the economic and social impacts will be devastating.

It is noteworthy to mention that in order to have fiscal stimulus, we must have a fully functioning

count plan for 30 days or less, and see a Government in place with the full confidence of the people so that all the tools in our country’s arsenal can be brought to bear in the fight against COVID-19 including

virus and other aids will also be withheld.

“Further it seems as if the election result delays may be responsible for delays in Guyana accessing international funds to fight the

virus. We cannot, as a country, insult the international community on social media and then turn around and ask for their funds and think it will be handed to us ahead of other countries in need. The unique feature of this crisis is that the world is experiencing it simultaneously so there is a long line for international aid, we do not need to take actions to cause us to be placed at the back of the line.”

The World Bank has said that “Oil production is projected to boost GDP growth to unprecedented levels in 2020. While this could transform Guyana, there are risks, as illustrated by a still incomplete election outcome, and compounded by falling oil prices and the COVID-19 epidemic.”

NEWS

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 18 – 02:30h – 04:00h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Sunday, April 19 – 03:00h – 04:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 18 – 13:50h – 15:20h and Sunday, April 19 – 14:35h – 16:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunny intervals and light rain showers during the day. There will be partly cloudy conditions at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases jump to 63 …6 new infections in 24 hours

G

uyana has recorded six new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the country up to 63.

This was revealed by caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence during her daily update on Friday.

While there was an in-

light the fact that Guyana’s COVID-19 numbers are climbing rapidly with 18 new cases for this week alone.

The Minister implored persons to adhere to the curfew and restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the life-threatening disease.

“Eighteen positive cases my friends, in one week…

I hope by now that you understand the reasons for

High Tide: 14:00h reaching a maximum height of 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 07:35h and 19:59h reaching minimum heights of 1.07 metre and 0.93 metre.

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crease in confirmed cases, the number of COVID-19 deaths in Guyana remains at six.

According to Lawrence, of the 63 positive coronavirus cases, four of them are imported and the other 59 persons contracted the deadly disease here.

Guyana’s first COVID-19 case was a 52-year-old woman who died days after returning from New York. She is considered an imported case and is listed as a ‘patient zero’.

Meanwhile, the Minister noted that there are now four persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Additionally, 15 persons are currently in institutional quarantine while there are now 48 persons in isolation.

The Minister added that a total of 283 persons have been tested since February 26. Of these, 220 persons have tested negative and nine persons have recovered thus far. At least five of these recovered persons are relatives of patient zero, who were placed in isolation and were treated after also testing positive for the deadly virus.

According to Lawrence, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) continues to record most of the confirmed cases with 87.7 per cent – most of which is from Georgetown.

She added that the 3049 age group accounts for the highest number of positive cases, with a 4:1 ratio of males to females.

“Contacts of the persons tested positive based on information received and self-reporting are a part of our COVID-19 surveillance follow-up,” Lawrence noted.

She went on to high-

the widespread message of staying at home and maintaining your distance. Stay at home means you do not go out of your yard to visit with family – brother, sister, grandmother etc – nor even your partner if you are not already living together,” she added.

The Minister cautioned

against liming in front of residences or on the road, not even stopping to have a conversation. Going to the supermarket or the gas station just to window shop should also be avoided.

“Please note that our COVID-19 numbers will increase or stabilise depending on your daily behaviour. The more responsible you are and comply with the guidelines, the faster we will be able to flatten the curve and

stop the spread of the coronavirus disease in our country,” Lawrence said during her update on Friday.

The COVID-19 hotline continues to be available to persons with suspected symptoms. Calls to these hotlines have now reached 2103. Persons can also use the COVID-19 app as well as the hotline in their region to seek information on this disease.

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

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

Helping women in violent relationships

A

nother Guyanese woman has lost her life at the hands of her partner, bringing again the focus on domestic violence and its clutch on society. The most recent victim is 21-year-old mother of two Vanessa Benjamin, who was attacked and stabbed to death by her partner at Ithaca Village, West Bank Berbice. Another recent incident was committed in Region One (Barima-Waini), where a woman allegedly stabbed her abusive partner to death after he had threated to burn her while choking her. From reports in the media, this woman had endured suffering at the hands of her abusive partner for years before her apparent spurof-the-moment reaction. She has since been charged for manslaughter. There are two other instances, in Linden and Bartica respectively, where two women were killed at the hands of the men they once loved.

More specifically, over time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyana media. Many women were brutally killed, in some instances.

Unfortunately, this continues despite awareness efforts.

There is also the much-touted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse in regard to the lodging of complaints. There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem appears much larger than reflected in the news, as many cases go unreported. This speaks to the reality being underestimated.

Many reasons have been advanced for what can deter an abused victim from seeking intervention of the law. Among them are: aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some; and the absence of confidence in law enforcement, precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue, in some instances.

One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask if the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging.

While the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.

Certainly, violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities and nations, and can remain with women and children for a lifetime. If not dealt with effectively, it can also pass from one generation to another.

Numerous recommendations were made to the previous and current Administrations, yet nothing much has been forthcoming. The magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults. Those ghastly images, especially when life was snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising.

When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that they are erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding to better shape lives.

The entire spectrum of what constitutes counselling therefore then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervention mechanisms, not just for cases of domestic violence, but for other scenarios.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative for all to know the extent of what is available and offered. While expectations would be for what obtains in the developed nations; realistically, there must be something tangible, in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not, in any way, suggesting that there isn’t an effective mechanism. Again, we press the need for more stringent measures to be taken to help save women’s lives; since many of them continue to suffer and die at the hands of their spouses. While Government must take the lead in helping to bring about change, everyone: civil society, faith-based organisations, Police, judiciary, must do what is required of them. Everyone needs to be more proactive in their response to this scourge.

Save our country from the awful consequences of dictatorial rule

Dear Editor, The world has witnessed -- through the international community, its Observers and Heads of Missions in Guyana -- a criminal conspiracy to prevent the real results of our General and Regional Elections from being declared, and the substitution of a fraudulent result carried out in the main by three (3) senior officers of GECOM on behalf of the political party clinging to power.

I personally witnessed this criminal conspiracy taking place at GECOM, directly involving Clairmont Mingo and Roxanne Myers, directed by Keith Lowenfield and aided, if not abetted, by GECOM Chairman, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, by her studied inaction.

It is obvious that this conspiracy is intended to serve only one beneficiary, APNU+AFC, under the leadership of David Granger.

Why obvious? By the evening of 2nd March, the election results for every District from 1 to 10, except District 4, were completed, and statements of poll recording those results were posted outside of every polling place, and were in the possession of the two major contesting political parties and some of the international observer groups.

By early Tuesday morning, APNU+AFC and the PPP/C had tabulated all of the Statements of Poll, including those for District 4, and knew the results of the election. At this point in time, none of the political parties had raised any objection to the counting and posting of the results in any of the Districts. All that was left to do in order to declare the winner of the election was to complete the District 4 count.

However, by the time District 4 Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo had completed roughly six (6) hours

of the District 4 count, at about 08:30 hours on Wednesday 4th March, he stopped the count, eventually claiming to be sick, and was later taken away in a stretcher.

The District 4 count was not resumed until early Wednesday afternoon, but not by Mingo, as he had promised when he had stopped the count. By then he had miraculously recovered and had returned to GECOM, but the count was done by GECOM clerks assigned by Lowenfield. Those clerks, instead of calling the count from the statements of poll as required by law, resorted to the use of a mysterious spreadsheet. Not surprisingly, all of the contesting party representatives strenuously objected to this process, except APNU+AFC. The count, however, continued.

As an accredited observer for the Private Sector Commission, I was present and witnessed this fiasco taking place, and I asked myself why? The answer was simple enough: The District 4 result was already known, and the losing party could not live with it, and needed time to fix it.

Eventually, at about 6:00 pm (18:00h), Lowenfield returned and sought to unlawfully justify the use of the spreadsheet as an “administrative decision”. Under protest, Lowenfield was forced to compare the spreadsheet figures with the official statements of poll which were exposed as fraudulent, giving votes to APNU+AFC. I witnessed this wickedness.

What happened after that has already been widely reported. Every ruse had been employed by the GECOM officials to further delay the count, including even a bomb scare to get observers out of the building.

At about 2:30 pm (14:30h), Mingo made the first of his attempts to declare an ille-

gal election result without the District 4 count being completed. I was there and witnessed the uproar. So, too, was the entire international community.

Had it not been for the injunction served on GECOM, the ruling of the Chief Justice preventing the declaration, and Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh’s commitment to the court to continue the count of the District 4 votes, David Granger would have happily been sworn in, and an illegal APNU+AFC Government would have been installed.

Completely unfazed by the repeated directions of the Chief Justice, Mingo once again, on 13th March, resumed the count using a spreadsheet which bore no relationship to the statements of poll in the possession of the contesting parties and the Observers.

I again witnessed this determined attempt at fraud as I sat alongside the accredited observers of the Carter Center, the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and the Commonwealth, together with the Ambassador of the USA to Guyana, the Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, the High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, and the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Guyana.

I also sat alongside representatives of all of the contesting parties, including APNU+AFC; but amongst all of us present and witnessing this deliberate criminal activity to steal our elections, only one party, the APNU+AFC, continually supported the fraudulent behaviour taking place before our very eyes. Why? Because they were the only party which stood to benefit.

I also personally witnessed that while all of this criminal and fraudulent behaviour continued to unfold, the Chairman of GECOM,

though present in her office, neglected or refused to intervene to bring it to a halt.

At a Private Sector Commission press conference following the debacle which I had just witnessed at GECOM, I presented a detailed report of what I had seen and heard, which was broadcast on News Room. It has never been disputed.

Further perfidy occurred at the GECOM Head Office compound, where I was prevented at police barriers from being present, even though an officially accredited observer. I was surrounded by noisy and aggressive green-shirted APNU+AFC supporters without police intervention or protection.

As has been reported, Mingo once more declared a fraudulent General and Regional Election result.

We are all aware of David Granger’s invitation to Prime Minister Mia Mottley for Caribbean intervention; the subsequent visit of a CARICOM team with the agreement of the PPP General Secretary; the royal runaround; rudeness and ultimate insult to the CARICOM visitors by Justice Singh and her GECOM officials, and their departure from Guyana. All of this was orchestrated to give time for the APNU+AFC election candidate Ulita Grace Moore to file an injunction to block GECOM from holding a recount.

Since then, we all know, and the world with us, of the persistent attempts of APNU+AFC lawyers to prevent a recount of District 4. It is only the failure of GECOM to deliver a credible result for District 4 that has denied the country a fair and honest election result. It is only District 4 that needs a recount. APNU+AFC, now faced with an international demand for a recount, stall for further time by advocating a national recount.

Dear Editor, With each passing day, the Guyanese people and the world are being apprised of the desperate courses of action taken by the APNU/ AFC degenerates to change the narrative of what has transpired since the March 2nd elections.

The latest revelation that a lobbying firm was retained to disseminate false and misleading information shows just how determined the APNU/AFC is to hold on to power by any means necessary.

It is highly unlikely that this latest attempt will succeed. While some

in Washington DC may be gullible to believe the false narrative, convincing the entire international community to make a U-turn on what they saw with their own eyes is a tall order, even for the most skillful lobbyist.

The mere fact that the U.S. Secretary of State has personally called for a true, fair, transparent, and credible process does not leave much to the imagination. It is one thing for the APNU/ AFC to insult the intelligence of the Guyanese people; it’s a completely different thing to do the same to the international communi-

ty.

ment of the APNU/AFC’s imagination.

The bottom line is simple: Even if this lobbying firm is remotely able to win the hearts and minds of a few in Washington D.C., all the lobbying in the world will not sway public opinion in Guyana. The only thing saving the APNU/AFC from the wrath of the Guyanese people is the risk of the coronavirus. But, sooner or later, this threat will subside, and then they will have to face the music, both at home and abroad.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Nice try, it won’t work!

Furthermore, the lame attempt to invoke Cold War era rhetoric that Russia and China will control from Venezuela to Suriname if the Opposition forms the next Government will not stand up in the 21st century.

And even if this was remotely the case, don’t you think the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and British Intelligence (MI6) are in a far better position to inform on this claim?

The world has changed considerably since the Cold War, and the fear of communism taking shape in this hemisphere is a fig-

Yours faithfully, Omchand Mahdu

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 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

PNC’s dossier a feeble attempt to whitewash its sordid image Dear Editor, Thanks to all the groups for posting this dossier for all to see how desperate the powerful PNC rigging machine have become. It is so pathetic to see them climbing down from their arrogant perch and humbling up and grovelling to influence the people they asked to butt out of Guyana’s affairs, as we are a sovereign state. They should have included some of those vulgar things they said about our international friends and partners.

By their antics since December 2018, when they were defeated in the No Confidence Vote, the PNC have done things that dug a deeper hole for their reputation with every passing day.

Lacking in honesty, integrity and decency, they twice refused to hold elections in 90 days as constitutionally required, including telling the Caribbean Court of Justice to go to hell.

With the willing and conniving help of GECOM as a coup facilitator, they rigged an extra year in power, and became an illegal Government in the process, as Parliament had not extended their stay in office.

(Granger should best be addressed as the illegal, lame duck Caretaker). GECOM did not meet any constitutional deadlines. Granger

also flouted all constitutional deadlines, and dragged out announcing a date for election. Yet, in all of these undemocratic actions, the PPP acted in the national interest, and responded peacefully to all the PNC shenanigans, hoping that new elections would bring about resolutions.

The Guyanese people thought that the new elections would solve the problems resulting from the No Confidence Vote, and bring about stability and normalcy in the country. But little did we know that the PNC had an advanced rigging manual, and would repeat the delaying, rigging scams they pulled off in the No Confidence Motion.

Again, GECOM, dominated by PNC operatives as staff members, were a reliable ally to facilitate the PNC coup.

It has been well said that if the situation were reversed and the PPP were refusing to concede, the city would have been in flames and bodily harm would have come to the PPP leadership from the usual PNC street action.

The international observer groups and embassies have appealed several times, and sounded to GECOM/ PNC warnings of the urgency to facilitate a proper count and recount process in a speedy manner. How many

more times do the PNC want the neutral observers to give them warnings? Does the PNC not have smart people to advise that they are playing a very dangerous game here? The GECOM Chair must know that Granger will make them the fall guy.

Granger’s defense is that it’s GECOM, not the PNC, delaying or mismanaging the process. Granger would throw her under the bus, as he blames GECOM for the delay.

With Granger’s likely retirement, Alexander still thinks he can be the PNC party leader and the new Burnham, and that’s why he is acting tough and leading GECOM down the wrong path. The Chair must rein him in and do the right thing.

I find it strange that the most important decision to be made by the Chair will be done by email.

The dossier is a disaster. It’s sloppy and poorly put together, and would be thrown in the trash as US legislators do not read such crappy stuff. How can they say Granger and Harmon are US citizens? (Are they?)

How can they say our larwah PM is head of Government?

Wouldn’t such lies in a document to be disseminated to the US Congress and others bring the whole document into disrepute? They are such

“If you have no shame, then do as you please”

Dear Editor, Over the past five years in Guyana, I have witnessed many uncouth, deceitful and shameless actions by our politicians. Specifically, by those in the Government!

I cannot imagine that the people who occupy the highest office of Guyana would behave in such a ludicrous manner. They have total disregard for our Parliament and for the wellbeing of Guyanese citizens. Our ministers have conducted themselves unscrupulously in the eyes of the public and the world at large. And guess what? Our President, the man chosen to have the highest power over the citizens of this nation, has done nothing about it!

Further, over the said period, the ministers were doing their own thing with utmost disregard for the institutions they represent.

I’ve seen the breakdown of law and order with widespread misappropriation of taxpayers’ funds. For example, the Durban Park project, and the Sussex Street agreement which was later discontinued in 2018; or so we are told.

During that time, nepotism was also at its highest.

Many Government contracts were given out solely to ministers’ spouses, family members and friends. They to-

tally violated procurement laws, exercised no accountability, and showed total disregard for the Office of the Auditor General.

I’ve witnessed their disrespect for the 2018 “No Confidence Motion”, and the countless legal proceedings that followed. They’ve employed many delaying strategies and tactics amidst outcries from the nation for free and fair elections! Then came the pronouncement, when the “Commander in Chief” finally consented for elections to be held on March 2nd, 2020.

Guyanese citizens like myself continued to be appalled by the shameless actions of Mr. Keith Lowenfield and Mr. Clairmont Mingo.

And while they may not be a part of any one particular political party, it is crystal clear to see where their allegiance lies!

At the GECOM Media Centre and the Office of the Returning Officer (Ashmin’s Trading Company), there was blatant rigging in front of the eyes of the whole wide world! Showing no regard for the accredited international observers while challenging the intelligence of the diplomats of the major world powers; and, more importantly, showing no respect for us Guyanese!

Even after countless statements and reprimands

from many countries, such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and France, they’ve embarrassed Guyanese all across the world, and continue to do so today.

To make matters worse, there’s Dr. Karen Cummings’s terrible attitude and rhetoric towards those very powerful people.

As if Guyana hadn’t gone through enough, Mrs. Volda Lawrence and company continued their deplorable behaviour with a sense of false power. More so, GECOM Chairwoman Madam Justice Claudette Singh should be held responsible for all the unscrupulous actions by Mr. Lowenfield, Mr. Mingo and Mrs. Roxanne Myers.

The OAS has made it clear that all personnel should be removed from the recount process to facilitate a credible, free and fair election.

Who would put an end to these shameless people?

Where is the Commander-inChief? Where is the respect for the Laws of Guyana? Why should the hard working tax payers have to endure this kind of conduct from public officials?

Peace and blessings to all!

Respectfully, Mohamed Yousuff (Br Bob)

bumbling, bungling, stumbling fools. I found the dossier helpful, however, as the affidavits on what happened on election day were quite revealing of how deceptive the PNC is, and it shows the collusion between GECOM and the PNC. The dossier, though puerile in concept, did show all the other nine regions used the SOPs for the count.

Using anti-communist hysteria against the PPP is hilarious given that Granger has made the most trips of

any President to the communist Cuba, not the USA, for treatment and travel, and one of Harmon’s first acts was travel to communist China in search of US$5 million.

I understand the Chinese were a big funder of the PNC election campaign. Given its rhetoric on social cohesion, the anti-Muslim, anti-Hindu, and racist innuendos in the dossier are quite unfortunate; they show PNC desperation. The dossier is a waste of money, and I hope it is not

our taxpayers’ money.

The PNC have only one option, and that is to stop all the delaying actions and complete the count in Region 4. Their time has come to an end, because they did a bad job. They need to be a good Opposition and work harder next time; they did not do too badly this time. We are in a “vote them in, vote them out” era.

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

PSA on COVID-19 lacks relevant information

Dear Editor, There is a television public service announcement (PSA) produced by the Public Health Ministry for the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, Region One (Barima-Waini), on the coronavirus.

The presenter, a female doctor who is also in charge of the hospital, is outlining the seriousness of the virus and “the dos and don’ts” residents in particular should observe and adhere to during this critical time.

In the presentation, some precautionary measures are mentioned; however, noticably absent is any mention of hand-washing and the need to sanitise.

Throughout the presentation, the presenter is unmasked.

With the emphasis on masking- up being extolled worldwide, consideration should be given to make the PSA more relevant of the subscribing standards, such as having the presenter appropriately mask-up,

so that viewers, particularly the target audience, would understand the importance of taking all necessary precautionary measures.

Further, the presentation should incorporate other precautionary measures now in force, such as hand-washing and sanitising, tips on sneezing and coughing, and other pertinent information.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Save our country from...

The Private Sector Commission was perfectly right to dub this a waste of time. Not satisfied with this, however, we now hear cries from the APNU+AFC Commissioners and APNU+AFC inspired editorials and letters in the Chronicle for an audit, not merely a recount, to further extend the imposition of unelected APNU+AFC rule conveniently supported by a supplicant military and obedient Police Force.

As I write this letter, both in total disgust and deep apprehension of what is yet to follow from the ugly and unveiled determination of the APNU+AFC leadership to prevent the conclusion of an election which they know they have lost, I read of an appalling attempt

by Granger and his party to invent a narrative which reads as a tissue of lies.

I find it unbelievable that David Granger and Sandra Granger, the people I held in respect and regarded with some affection as friends, would lend their names to the garbage they have paid taxpayers money, my money, to an American PR company to present in Washington DC as the “new narrative”. All of this is a futile attempt to reverse the international condemnation they have brought down on our country and our people.

I am deeply conscious of the fact that those who refuse to accept the results of these elections perceive it all as a matter of one race dominating another and the rest

be damed. Fortunately, I am not afflicted with that disease, and I therefore ask this question of those who are: Over what kind of country do you expect to wield power that the majority of the people do not support; and for how long, and at what cost, and for what future?

FROM PAGE 4

I can only ask that David Granger come to his senses.

Let the recount quickly take place, and save our country from the awful consequences of dictatorial rule.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 15

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

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Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers. This is the first part of Social Studies Paper 1, 2011.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes 1. WRITE YOUR CANDIDATE NUMBER ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND UNDERLINE THE SUBJECT. 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. Only ONE response is correct.

SOCIAL STUDIES

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.

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

21. The National Flag, Coat-of-Arms and the National Anthem are referred to as symbols of (A} nationhood.

(B) a plantation society.

(C) national struggles.

(D) a colony.

Study the caption below then answer questions 22 and 23.

NOTICE!

KEEP THE CITY CLEAN 22. Which agency most likely issued the notice?

(A) Central government.

(C) Village council.

(B) Local government.

(D) Town council.

23.

Which person is most likely associated with the notice?

(A) Minister of Housing and Water (B) Mayor (C) Regional Chairman (D) Minister of Home Affairs

24. Which is not a religious festival?

(A) Phagwah (B) Christmas

(C) Easter (D) Independence Study the caption below, then answer question 25.

Mr. Rooplall rushed into the burning house and rescued the children 25. Which National Award should Mr. Rooplall be given for his bravery?

(A) The Cacique’s Crown of Valour (B) The Cacique’s Crown of Honour (C) The Order of Excellence (D) The Order of Roraima

Here is an example done for you. letter next to the answer you have now 1. The capital of Guyana is chosen.

(A) Linden (B) Georgetown ANSWER SHEET A B C D 6. REMEMBER, each answer MUST only be shown (C) Rose Hall (D) Lethem by a heavy black line on your Answer Sheet.

A heavy black line has been drawn through the letter B on the answer sheet because 7. Remember only ONE answer must be provided Georgetown, the correct answer, is next to B. for each question.

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

Read the caption below, then answer question 26.

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

Study the picture below, then answer question 31.

Scientists claim that the Earth’s temperature is increasing 26. The caption suggests that the earth is

(A) getting larger. (B) getting hotter.

(C) losing heat.

(D) losing water.

27.

Which is a result of Global Warming?

(A) Pollution from power plants (B) Rise in sea level (C) Emissions from trucks (D) Pollution from cars

Read the caption below, then answer questions 28 and 29.

Drug Abuse is dangerous to your Health 28.

The caption above suggests that (A) your friends should be encouraged to use drugs.

(B) it is okay to misuse drugs.

(C) drugs should not be misused.

(D) drugs should not be bought over the counter.

29. Which drug is often abused by young people?

(A) Caffeine (B) Aspirin

(C) Nicotine (D) Alcohol 30. Sarah’s friends criticize her poor neighbourhood regularly. She would most likely be affected (A) economically. (B) emotionally.

(C) physically.

(D) culturally.

L -·· · 31. The term that best describes the activity the children are engaged in is (A) recreation.

(B) conflict.

(C) cooperation. {D) aggression.

32. Two benefits that can be derived from an extended household are: (i) greater supervision of children (ii) all relatives living together (iii) pooling of resources (iv) living happily

(A) (i) and (iv) only (B) (i) and (iii) only

(C) {ii) and {iii) only (D) (iii) and (iv) only 33. The crops cultivated on a large scale on the Coastal Plain are: (i) sugar cane (ii) peanuts (iii) pine apple (iv) rice (A) (i) and (ii) (B) (ii) and (iii) only

(C) (iii) and (iv) (D) (i) and (iv) 34. Which of these resources are found in Guyana’s Highland Region? (i) Sand (ii) Gold (iii) Diamond (iv) Bauxite

(A) (i) only (B) (ii) only

(C) (ii) and (iii) (D) (iii) and (iv) Study the caption below, then answer question 35.

GOLD MINING COULD BE HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT 35. Which are ways by which gold mining affects the environment?

(i) Trees could grow taller

(ii) Forests could be destroyed

(iii) Rivers could be polluted

(iv) Wildlife could be poisoned

(A) (i) and (ii) only (C) (ii), (iii) and (iv)

(B) (ii) and (iii) only (D) (i), (ii) and (iv)

Study the caption then answer question 36.

PRESIDENT PRIME MINISTER MINISTERS OF GOVERNMENT 36.

The chart above shows the composition of the (A) Cabinet.

(C) Trade Unions.

(B) National Assembly.

(D) Local Democratic Organs.

TO BE CONTINUED

NEWS

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM turns over recount decisions to Nagamootoo …as Chairperson fails to decide on start or duration

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hairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh on Friday communicated to Commissioners that there should be no more than 10 work stations for the recount of the ballots cast countrywide during the March 2, General and Regional Elections.

The missive from Justice Singh noted that the dictate of no more than 10 working stations would be “subject to the availability of the requisite equipment and technology to display the ballots.”

However, the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party/Civic – had proposed 20 work stations, which will take 10 days to complete the entire process.

Gunraj, along with fellow Commissioners Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn, had submitted a recount proposal to counter the one for a 156-day recount which was previously submitted by GECOM Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

According to their proposal, which caters for a 10-day recount using 20 work stations, their expectation is that those entitled to be there under Section 86 of the Representation of the People Act Cap 1:03 will be catered for. Such persons include party agents and observers.

The plan specifies that each tabulation work station shall be comprised of authorised GECOM staff, as well as representatives from each of the contesting political parties and accredited observers, with the original Statement of Recount (SoR) being used to tabulate.

Retired Justice Singh in her communication on Friday, however, did not indicate a duration for the exercise, a date for an official commencement or the amount of time that would be allocated for the recount of each of the ballot boxes.

Waiting on caretaker PM

Caretaker PM and Chairman of the National COVID-19 Task Force, Moses Nagamootoo

Government-aligned Commissioner Vincent Alexander, who had proposed the use of eight counting stations had told media operatives that if conducted the way he envisages, two hours allocated for the recount of a box would see the exercise lasting 64 days.

He said if that time was reduced by 30 minutes it would result in the duration of the exercise taking 48 days and should one hour be allocated for the recount of each box then the exercise would last 32 days. There are 2399 ballot boxes.

Media operatives were told on Thursday that the Chairperson had adjourned the meeting with a promise to make a decision on the range of proposals on the table including the 20-work station proposal by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Commissioner Sase Gunraj.

The GECOM Chairperson indicated that each of the work stations to be used at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre should tabulate its own results and that for security reasons, all the work stations should be located inside the Conference Centre building.

Additionally, the GECOM Chairperson advised that she has written to the caretaker Prime Minister/Chairman of the National COVID-19 Task Force with some specific requests.

According to Justice Singh, “he has since indicated that an urgent meeting of the Task Force would be convened to discuss same and a response would be provided shortly.”

Month-end deadline

During a site visit to the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Wednesday, Singh expressed the view that the recount can be completed before the deadline which incidentally is April 30, since Parliament was dissolved on December 30, 2019.

“Of course, it would. Once it starts, it would be finished,” the Chairperson, a retired Judge, said.

According to her, she does not envision a constitutional crisis if the recount exceeds the four-month deadline.

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

Warning

The new position adumbrated by the GECOM Chair comes on the heels of a warning by the local legal fraternity that Article 69 of the Constitution of Guyana mandates that, on dissolution, the next session of Parliament must commence no later than four (4) months from the end of the preceding session.

The last session of Parliament was dissolved on December 30, 2019, meaning the next session of Parliament must, therefore, begin no later than April 30, 2020.

As such, the Bar reminded that “Guyana is a parliamentary democracy based on the rule of law” and “the absence of parliamentary oversight of those who purport to exercise executive powers, whether de facto or de jure, is of grave concern as it places the rule of law under siege.”

The legal fraternity noted in its missive that effect can only be given to the provisions of the Constitution for Parliament to be summoned by the constitutionally mandated timeline if GECOM and its Secretariat act immediately in a manner evincing transparency, impartiality and fairness.

According to the Bar Association “The Constitution of Guyana is the supreme law of Guyana to which all persons and bodies are subject. Timelines laid down by the Constitution are not merely matters of principle which one can simply choose to abide by or ignore. The failure to abide by the Constitution has far-reaching consequences, both nationally and internationally, inter alia for good governance and the rule of law.

It has now been more than six weeks since the March 2, General and Regional Elections with the nation no closer to having a declared result.

Criticisms of Retired Justice Singh’s pronouncement on Friday has since left many with more questions than answers with at least one analyst saying “the real danger of the entire email is what she did not say.”

It was observed that she did not say how many hours per day she proposes for the recount teams to work; she did not say the average time it would take to count the valid votes in a box.

The analyst said too that the GECOM Chairperson notably did not say when the recount is to begin; she did not say what methodology she plans to use to achieve a successful recount or when she shall gazette the official order.

Granger contradicts Harmon on hiring Washington lobbyist ...says, “Wasn’t me, and I am not a US citizen”

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he Ministry of the Presidency on Friday said it notes with much concern, several statements published in the media which suggest that the Government of Guyana and by extension President David Granger has hired United States lobby firm, JJ&B LLC. The statement clearly contradicts pronouncements a day earlier by Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, who had defended the hiring of the firm.

Harmon had said, “…we believe as a Government, it was our duty, our responsibility to ensure that our narrative, the facts as they occurred, should be placed there [on the international stage]. We felt it was necessary to have a company that has that access to be able to put out our side.”

David Granger is the current caretaker Head of State and Government but according to the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday, “the Government of Guyana has not hired JJ&B LLC and has no contractual arrangement or affiliation with the said firm. No Government funds were

used to hire the firm.”

This is despite the document stating pellucidly that the Guyana Dossier was, in fact, prepared on behalf of the Government.

According to a Ministry statement on Friday, President Granger was not involved in the hiring of the said lobby firm.

According to a copy of the public filings made by LL&B, LLC with the US authorities, the contract was inked with the Government of Guyana, represented by the Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency.

The listed address is the Ministry of the Presidency at Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, not any address affiliated with the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC).

In the document filed with the US Department of Justice, which was received by the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit of the United States National Security Division on March 31, 2020, the Guyana Government was named the ‘foreign principal’; the Ministry of the Presidency was listed as the agency that is being represented

Caretaker President David Granger

by the lobbyist firm, and Harmon was named as the official with whom the company engages.

The Ministry further denied that the President is a citizen of the United States of America “as is being suggested by way of documents submitted to the United States Department of Justice and published in the press.”

According to the Ministry, “he is Guyanese” and “the Ministry

urges citizens to be responsible when making public statements and at all times seek out the truth rather than disseminating spurious claims.”

It must be noted, however, that references to the President’s citizenship were attributed in all of the public reports to the dossier that Harmon admitted was prepared for Government.

Harmon himself was listed as a United States citizen.

Harmon on Thursday had confirmed “we had shared that dossier to the Heads of Caricom while they were here. The Prime Ministers of Caricom [countries] were given copies of that dossier.

It was circulated to other places, but it is now getting traction because of where it is coming from.”

He had said too, in defending the hiring of the firm that “I believe that as a country, as a Government, we have a right to ensure that the developments which have taken place in this country, that they ought not to be derailed by a narrative which goes out there – that is contrary to the facts of what is happening here in Guyana.”

On November 14, 2019,

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

Harmon announced that his US citizenship had been officially renounced, a move which paved the way for him to continue his political career in Guyana. However, if Harmon is not a US citizen then he can be charged for committing a federal crime. Additionally, if he is still a US citizen then he misled the Guyanese public when he announced that he has renounced his US citizenship.

8 NEWS Labourer shot dead by shop owner SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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labourer was shot dead on Wednesday evening while consuming alcohol at a shop at Tamakay Farback Backdam, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Dead is Barnwell “Barnie” Thomas.

Police investigations revealed that at about 21:00h on Wednesday evening, the now dead man was at the suspect’s shop imbibing.

Police sources confirmed that an argument was heard between the two men followed by a loud explosion.

However, after being shot, Thomas exited the shop and ran toward another shop screaming “he just shoot me! He just shoot me!”

The injured man then

collapsed and upon checking, blood was oozing from his chest. It is believed that he was shot once to the stomach. After a short while, he took his last breath.

The police were contacted and the body is being escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital. Up to

Friday evening, a police source confirmed that the body had not arrived at the mortuary. The source also stated that the shop owner, who is the prime suspect in the death of the labourer, has since gone into hiding.

Earlier this week, 43-year-old Glenroy

covered at their home. In addition, a motorcycle suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained was also impounded by the ranks.

However, as the police swooped down on the house on Wednesday, one of the suspects attempted to escape but was subdued by the ranks. He sustained minor

Chapman also called “G”, of Lot 130 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, was killed execution-style in front of his yard while chatting with a friend.

It was reported that the father of eight was sitting under a shed in the company of a male friend when the lone gunman approached them and discharged several rounds in his direction.

The friend managed to dash to safety. Chapman was reportedly shot several times about his body. The injured man was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect in the shooting is still on the run.

4 nabbed with illegal gun, ammo

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our men were taken into Police custody on Wednesday and Thursday evening with illegal firearms and several rounds of ammunition.

In the first instance, two brothers were arrested at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, after an unlicensed pistol and nine rounds of matching ammunition were dis-

injuries as a result of the incident.

Meanwhile, with respect to the second incident, ranks conducting a mobile patrol on Thursday evening along the No 72 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, observed two males acting in a suspicious manner. The men were on a motorcycle and as the ranks approached, they attempted to flee the scene.

This led to them colliding with another motorcycle.

As a result of the collision, both motorcyclists and pillion riders fell onto the roadway. The haversack that the two suspicious men were carrying was retrieved and searched during which an unlicensed single barrel shotgun and 15 live cartridges were unearthed.

One of them was arrested while the rider of the motorcycle managed to escape. Nevertheless, he subsequently turned himself in at the Springlands Police Station.

The pillion rider and the rider of the other motorcycle were escorted to the Skeldon Public Hospital where they were treated. The driver was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital but was later discharged.

The two suspects are being processed for court in the new week.

The word…

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…from Claudette ith Government and Opposition Commissioners being evenly divided, Claudette Singh, as the Chair and supposedly impartial seventh commissioner, has the casting vote on GECOM’s decisions.

This means she’s supposed to be calling the shots; but is she?! Let’s take her just announced decision on the “modalities” for the recount. There are a host of variables that have to be factored in to arrive at the time it’ll take to count the approx. 2400 ballot boxes: number of counting stations; time to examine each ballot; number of persons at each station etc.

But all Singh announced in an e-mail – ensuring that she couldn’t be questioned – is there’d be (no more than) 10 stations in the Convention Centre. On stations, her CEO, Lowenfield, had originally suggested 3 - which had produced the patently ridiculous 156-day timeframe to complete the task. After the domestic and international firestorm, he’d grudgingly “revised” this to 5 stations.

PNC’s Vincent Alexander came up with 8, the PPP 20, and the smaller parties, 37. We can therefore clearly see on which side of the fence Claudette came down!!

But, to arrive at a projected timeline, there needs to be: a starting date; number of persons at each station, and their roles; average time to count the ballots; daily working hours, etc. None of these was provided, guaranteeing another round of haggling between the stakeholders.

In the meantime, Singh passed the ball to no other than Moses Nagamootoo, in his role as COVID-19 Task Force Head, to make “some specific requests”!!

Now, exactly what does Nagamootoo have to do, save what he does best – filibustering? Especially when he’d already said he doesn’t see the need for a recount! Does he need to pronounce that the recounting is an “essential service” and, as such, workers can assemble at the Convention Centre?? Is he going to be providing masks??

What nonsense is this??

As it stands, if we take the PPP parameters for counting and prorate their 20 stations that delivered the recount in 10 days, this means at best that the 10 (?) stations could do the job in 20 days. More realistically, with the Chair always cleaving to the PNC’s positions, we can safely assume that rather than the PPP-proposed ½ hour per box, we’re going to end up with Vincent Alexander’s more leisurely hourplus (at best) and end up with some 40 days.

And so, we’re back to the biblical “40 days and 40 nights” to count just 450,000 ballot papers, at best!!

Why would the PNC accept CariCom validating the recount remotely, but balk at livestreaming it to the Guyanese people?

It’s only a new round in the war of attrition has begun!! …to Washington Can the PNC really believe the “narrative” in the “Dossier” they compiled for their lobbyists – who’ve unsuccessfully tried to have the US remove its “terrorist” label from their Sudanese clients – will change anyone’s minds? Will that slap-dash document compiled from their sycophants in the media have Washington brush aside the eyewitness (no relative!!) account of their own Ambassador as to what went down at Ashmins and in the courts?? This is a lady who headed USAID Latin America division for years, and knows to a “T” the protestations of tin-pot dictators!!

Don’t they think the reports of caretaker Foreign Minister Cummings threatening to yank accreditation of the international observers – including the US’ Carter Center – if they didn’t toe the PNC line on the Mingoed SOPs has already reached Washington?? If the hackles of the US were raised even when Britain with its “special relationship” crossed them, how does the PNC think Washington will view this threat from a sh*thole country??

And claiming that the PNC represented “Europeans” – all 412 of them listed in the 2012 census? – is too cringeworthy!! …and weasel words “Weasel words” allow speakers to “weasel out” from their nominal meaning.

And that’s how we must see Claudette’s “at most ten stations” and “subject to the availability of technology” caveats!!

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Elections result recount

GECOM Chair’s sketchy details create uncertainty on way forward – Commissioner …seems content to drag process beyond nation’s patience

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hairperson of the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM), Retired Justice Claudette Singh was expected to provide at least a date for the commencement of the recount of the March 2, General and Regional Elections on Friday but instead provided scant details and has created more uncertainty “than to chart the course forward, perhaps to conclusion.”

This is according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, who in an invited comment said there are still several outstanding issues for the Chairperson to pronounce on.

Retired Justice Singh in a promised missive to the Commissioners on Friday said she has taken a decision to have the recount done using no more than 10 counting stations, to be housed inside of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Gunraj said, however, “there were several other issues that required the decision of the Chairman.”

These, he said, include,

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

but are not limited to the number of hours per day during which the recount will proceed; live-streaming of the recount to ensure maximum transparency and the extent of the recount process.

“All of this continues as GECOM seems content to drag this process and by extension, the anguish of the nation, beyond the extent of its patience.”

Following the Commission’s last meeting on Thursday, Gunraj and

Government-nominated Commissioners had signalled to the media that the duration and modalities involved in the recount were expected to be decided on by Retired Justice Singh.

They indicated that following that meeting, the Commissioners from both sides of the political divide were able to present a summation of the proposals for the recount.

These include a proposal by PPP’s Gunraj for the recount to be done using 20 workstations in as little as 10 days.

Additionally, Alexander had proposed the use of eight workstations in addition to the original proposal by the Secretariat for the activity to be completed in 156 days.

There were also separate proposals deliberated on over the amount of time to be allocated for the recount of each of the 2339 ballot boxes.

Since the elections were held over a month ago, a winner is yet to be announced. The majority of observers who scrutinised the tabulation process have pro-

troversy and ultimately, a member of the coalition party securing an injunction from High Court Judge Franklyn Holder against the exercise.

The injunction was then thrown out by the Full Court and the Appeal Court upheld this decision, leaving the way clear for GECOM to conduct its recount and fi-

nally determine a winner of the elections.

But when given a chance to draft a proposed plan for the recount, Lowenfield drafted one that said the recount would last 156 days.

After a firestorm of criticism, Lowenfield was ordered to return to the drawing board and revise his proposal.

Excavator operator shot by employer GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

nounced it to have not been credible.

GECOM itself had come in for much of the criticism, with repeated attempts being made by Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo to subvert the process going unchecked by the Chairwoman.

Despite Singh promising that she would facilitate a recount, attempts to have the recount done at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre never took off because of delays, more con-

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24-year-old excavator operator of Pickers Grill, Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), is now nursing a gunshot wound to his left side neck after he was allegedly shot by his employer.

Reports are the incident occurred at about 09:00h on Friday at Blackwater Backdam, Konawruk, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

This newspaper was told that the operator approached his employer and told him that he was leaving the job and wanted his salary which was owed. When the employer paid the 24-year-old

man, he left and returned to the camp to begin packing his belongings. Guyana Times was told that the employer approached him and asked that he return the key to the machinery. While details of the shooting are sketchy, this newspaper was told that a misunderstanding arose and the employer discharged a round at the victim. He was rushed to the Mahdia Regional Hospital but was later medevacked to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Police have since launched a search for the man’s employer.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 outbreak

CDC recommends tougher punishment for violators …urgent need for financial resources

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fter initiating a response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) here in Guyana, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has made an assessment of measures needed to flatten the curve.

In a prepared report, the entity indicated that there were challenges with adherence to the home isolation and social distancing instructions, which should be addressed by instituting stricter penalties for violators.

The caretaker Administration had imposed a 06:00h to 18:00h curfew for daily activities through Executive Orders, while essential services would continue operating without time limitation.

With that, it was also noted that the population remains uninformed about the mitigative and preventative measures, coupled with a high level of misconception about the virus itself.

It was recommended that press conferences be conducted through the Joint Information Centre, to guarantee authentic reports.

The report spoke about the urgent need for financial resources in order to procure food and sanitisation items for hampers. For the medi-

Head of the CDC, Kester Craig

cal sector, personal protective equipment and equipment are needed in their response. The CDC also pointed towards the need for laboratory agents and consumables for testing.

Mention was made specifically to priority actions, which includes retrofitting of identified quarantine facilities, confirmation of households in vulnerable communities and the coordination of press conferences at the National Emergency Operations Centre.

In the past weeks, the Commission has distributed hampers to vulnerable communities and maintained a functioning National Emergency Monitoring

System that operates 24 hours every day. They’ve conducted assessments of possible locations to be used as quarantine sites, distributed locally-produced face masks and mobilised volunteers among other measures.

Some initiatives materialised through collaboration with the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the United Nations (UN), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and local businesses among others.

It also recognised the work of other stakeholders, such as the People’s Progressive Party, which launched a National Stakeholders Forum and has been active in the distribution of hampers and thousands of masks to the public.

In most of the ten administrative regions, the regional response would’ve followed with the cancellation of public events, a curfew, training of health workers, established COVID-19 hotlines and designated quarantine facilities.

Public information campaigns, sanitisation exercis-

es at public facilities and the management of positive cases are still lagging.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon announced on Thursday that the Government would be putting a halt to the social relief hampers being distributed by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) since more long-term solutions are needed.

Harmon, who assumed chairmanship of the Sub Committee of the National Task Force on COVID-19 with

responsibility for the CDC and the coordination of the social relief measures, made the announcement after he toured the CDC facility.

“We took the view that this is going to be a longterm matter and, therefore, a one-time distribution would not suffice, because, in the long run, someone who receives a package in April would look forward to receiving a package in June and July and onwards. We have thought it necessary to look at this matter in a strategic way and, there-

fore, what we have asked is that the distribution be put on pause in the way it was going. We are going to put a system in place that identifies … the vulnerable,” Harmon was quoted as saying.

However, the CDC has already collected huge donations of food from corporate Guyana and stakeholders and with the halting of the distribution, it is unclear what will become of same.

The Government has also purchased large amounts of goods to be distributed.

Woman charged for manslaughter after killing abusive husband

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he Region One (Barima-Waini) woman who allegedly stabbed her abusive partner to death after he threatened to burn her, was on Friday charged for manslaughter.

Sanda Brescenio, a housewife of Cannaballi Village, Region One, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Delon Bess via Skype.

It is alleged that on April 14, 2020, she unlawfully

killed her 35-year-old husband, Clarence Williams.

The court heard on Friday that Williams had threatened to push Brescenio into a fire, which resulted in a heated argument, during which the man choked her.

Reports are that the woman was cleaning fish and allegedly stabbed Williams twice to the groin.

According to reports, prior to the incident, Brescenio was at a church service

when Williams reportedly demanded that she leave and ordered her to return home to cook.

However, after the stabbing incident, the man went to bed but was later discovered dead.

The police have since confirmed that the man’s body bore three stab wounds.

Magistrate Bess released Brescenio on $300,000 bail.

The case will be called again on July 7, 2020, at the Acquero Magistrate’s Court.

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Son charged for killing father

COVID-19 outbreak…

People may be concealing symptoms, not being very truthful – Director of Disease Control

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hile testing for the novel coronavirus has continued using standards set out by the World Health Organisation, there are still persons in the population who may be subjected to testing but have gone under the radar due to inaccurate information about their condition or history.

This is according to Director of Disease Control, Dr Nadia Liu, who on Thursday shared this position during a discussion by the Public Health Ministry.

Dr Liu said that this makes it a difficult task to track suspected cases.

“I believe there are cases out there, and I think what we have are people who are not being very truthful. The information is very misleading, and it’s very difficult sometimes to track the contacts that the suspected or confirmed case would’ve given,” she pointed out.

There are many factors to be considered before a person is listed as a suspected case. Those factors include anyone with a fever and cough or difficulty

Director of Disease Control, Dr Nadia Liu

breathing within the last 14 days prior to the onset of signs and symptoms; a person with recent travel history to a COVID-19 country; if there is a community transmission during that time, or contact with a confirmed case; or exposure to a health facility where there are cases of the virus.

If a person omits or conceals any aspect of this information, it is likely that they might not be tested while they are possibly carrying the virus.

“The country has adopted the World Health Organisation’s

ing…The test that we use at the Reference Lab has more than 95 per cent sensitivity and specificity.

What that basically means is that the first two genomic fragments are specific for all SARS-Covid virus and the third fragment is only detectable for COVID-19 virus. That’s why this test is not a screening test, it’s a confirmation test,” Dr Liu stated.

At the moment, testing is done as soon as it is needed, rather than in batches.

From the time the sample reaches the lab, it takes eight hours for the results to be available. Testing is done only by the National Public Health Reference Laboratory, located at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Dr Liu explained, “You would try batch testing so you can avoid wastage of reagents and consumables.

Nonetheless, because we have to respond to the patient’s need for treatment irrespective of whether its pharmacological or nonpharmacological, we have a turnaround time to give the results in 24 hours.”

A

21-year-old man, who allegedly shot his father at Siparuni Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), during a drinking spree was on Friday arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for manslaughter.

Dintus John, a pork-knocker of Paramakatoi Village, Region Eight, appeared before Magistrate Delon Bess and was not required to plea to the charge

when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that the 21-yearold man, on March 30, at Siparuni Backdam, unlawfully killed his 50-year-old father, Jonathan John, a miner.

According to reports, at about 14:00h on March 30, the now dead man and two others, including Dintus, were imbibing at their camp when an argument ensued.

It is alleged that the

man’s son picked up a shotgun and discharged a round in the direction of his father.

The man was shot once to the stomach. He was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

After the incident, it is alleged that the suspect fled the scene but was later arrested by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Dintus was remanded to prison until May 8, 2020.

Man charged for killing brother-in-law

A

n Enmore, East Coast Demerara man, who allegedly killed his brother-in-law, was on Friday remanded to prison.

Zaiheer Alli appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

It is alleged that on April 12, Alli, of Lot 218 Hope West, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), killed 40-year-old Albert Raghu also called “Soldier”, who resided at the same address.

The court heard that on the day in question, at about 23:30h, the 24-year-old man along with other family members were reportedly imbibing and playing music loudly in their apartment, thus disturbing the wife of the victim, who was at home alone at the time.

Further, the court was told that as soon as Raghu arrived home, his wife complained and in an alleged fit of anger, he reportedly picked up a cutlass and con-

Dead: Albert Raghu, also called “Soldier”

fronted Alli, who was in the yard.

The prosecution contended that the confrontation led to a scuffle and Raghu was stabbed twice to his left side chest and left shoulder.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was admitted but succumbed the following day – April 13.

Alli was remanded to prison and the case will con-

tinue on May 18, 2020.

Meanwhile, brother-inlaw of the dead man, Marlon Persaud told Guyana Times that his two sisters are always at loggerheads, which would result in a heated exchange of words.

He recalled that at least two reports were made to the Enmore Police Outpost about the behaviour of Raghu when he is intoxicated but he was never arrested.

Prior to his death, a report was lodged against him but he went into hiding.

After a few days, he reappeared but the police never picked up the case.

On the night of the fatal stabbing, the young man explained that the victim had arrived home intoxicated.

He also noted that he warned them against the constant feud between family members but they never listened.

The now dead man leaves to mourn his wife and three children.

CORONAVIRUS HOW TO HANDWASH? (COVID-19) WASH HANDS OR USE HAND SANITISERS

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

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) Recommendations on test-

12

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

Helping in fight agains Volunteers countrywide, who are part of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic

0 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

13

st spread of COVID-19 (PPP/C) National COVID-19 Stakeholder Forum, distributing free face masks

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PSC calls on Top Cop to ensure safety at Convention Centre

Chairman of the PSC, Gerry Gouveia

W

hile no date has been set for the pending recount of ballots cast in the March 2 General and Regional Elections, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is calling on Police Commissioner Leslie James to ensure the safety and security of persons who would be involved

in the process, as well as for the security of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), where the recount would be conducted.

After selecting this Convention Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown to be the site for the recount, the seven commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) visited the site on Wednesday, and GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, expressed satisfaction with the location.

The ACCC was initially earmarked as the site for the CARICOM-brokered recounted last month, but the exercise had to be abandoned and has now been deemed illegal by the Court of Appeal. Nevertheless, with GECOM preparing to conduct a national recount of all the votes cast more than six weeks ago, the PSC on Friday asked the Top Cop to ensure security is in place during the exercise.

Arthur Chung Convention Centre

“The Private Sector Commission therefore calls upon the Commissioner of Police to ensure that every possible precaution is taken to guarantee the safety and security of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, the persons of the stakeholders involved, and the process being conducted against any possible attempt to disrupt the procedures being put in place for the recount”, a statement from the private

sector body detailed.

The Private Sector Commission has lauded the Elections Commission for going ahead with the recount, and the Chair, for having arrived at a decision to move forward on this matter.

On Friday, Justice Singh decided that there would be 10 counting stations engaged in the process.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic had

recommended 20 stations, while one Governmentnominated Commissioner had suggested there be eight stations.

According to the PSC, the body, as an accredited observer, remains committed to its responsibility to observe the exercise and ensure that the recount is credibly conducted in accordance with the law, and reflects the will of the people who cast their ballots in the

elections.

The private sector body also lamented the unprecedented delay in declaring credible results from the March 2 elections. “It is now 47 days since General and Regional Elections took place without GECOM having declared a final result. It is imperative, therefore, for the country’s future, wellbeing and stability, that the recount is concluded without any further controversy and interruption, and that the newly elected government takes office without further delay,” the Commission stressed.

The PSC is among several local bodies that were accredited to observe the March 2 elections, and that body had spoken out against the fraudulent declaration of the Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) results, which have since been set aside by the court, paving the way for GECOM to conduct a national recount.

Elections result recount

Joint new parties call for more work stations T he new political parties that contested the March 2 elections are calling for there to be “no less” than 10 counting stations during the pending recounting process.

This is in light of a decision by the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, on Friday to have “no more than ten work stations, subject to the availability of the requisite equipment and technology to display the ballots”.

These stations, according to the GECOM Chair, should tabulate their own results and will be located inside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre build-

ing, where the recount will take place. No date has been decided for the commencement of the national count.

However, five of the 11 political parties that contested the March 2020 polls - A New and United Guyana (ANUG); Change Guyana (CG); Liberty and Justice Party (LJP); The New Movement (TNM), and United Republican Party (URP) – have expressed deep disappointment with the Chair’s decision.

“We urge that more stations should be considered by the Madame Chair and, in any circumstances, there should be no less than ten (10),” the new parties said in

a joint statement on Friday.

They further lamented the fact that there has been no further announcement of the hours of work. As such, the parties suggested that there should be two sessions of eight hours each with one break each for lunch and dinner.

“It cannot be consistent with good administration and the rule of law for more inordinate delay to continue to frustrate the desire of the Guyanese people for an early end to the elections process which started on March 2 and, for all intents and purposes, would have ended on March 4, had the fraudulent activity not taken place on March 4,” the parties

stated.

According to the new parties, the Elections Commission should ensure that the recount of all the votes cast is completed ahead of the four-month constitutional deadline for the convening of Parliament after its dissolution. With the last parliamentary session ending on December 30, 2019, the new session is expected to commence on April 30.

They further posited that GECOM must be seen making every effort to ensure that the Constitution of Guyana is not once again violated.

“Having regard to the constitutional deadline, we urge GECOM and the Madame Chair to fix a deadline by which the recount

should be completed so as to assure the nation that Guyana will not once again drift into unconstitutionality,” they stressed.

Moreover, the new parties pointed to the fact that the court had ruled that the first unlawful declaration of embattled Returning Officer of Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), Clairmont Mingo, was made with the involvement of several members of the GECOM Secretariat and the second declaration is under challenge by an action for contempt of court which is pending.

Against this backdrop, the parties joined mounting calls including from the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for compromised persons to be removed from

the recounting process.

“Having regard to the widely-publicised events surrounding these declarations, it is incumbent on GECOM to exclude the RO for Region Four and the staffers of the Secretariat involved in these declarations to be excluded from involvement in the recount” the parties asserted.

Noting that the elections results are now more than six weeks overdue, the joint statement from the new parties reminded the elections body that partners in the international community, including the Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States (OAS), have recently spoken out against the delay and urged a speedy resolution.

15

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

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

Sanctions threatened must begin to be imposed

Dear Editor, Like most Guyanese here and in the diaspora – and, in fact, others in the interested global community -- we waited with bated breath for the decision of the Chairperson of GECOM regarding the “recount” of the votes for the March 02 elections. Alas, when her decision became public, depending on which side of the democratic divide one stands, there was shock and disappointment on one side, and celebration on the other.

The first group was hoping that urgency for the finalisation of this matter would have been recognised by the chairperson, and her decision would have been based thereon. However, that was not realised, as the lady once again showed her true colours and shamelessly identified which camp she

was comfortably “at home” with.

By referring to, and by implication allowing, Moses Nagamootoo to give his opinion as representing the COVID-19 Task Force, it is to me as obvious as night follows day that this is ANOTHER well-thoughtout “plan” to further delay the duration of the recount.

I am willing to wager, at any odds, that Nagamootoo would respond that there should be THREE counting stations, which would bring us right back to the one hundred and fifty-six days proposed by the now discredited CEO. This position is further confirmed by the Chairperson not saying, “Not less than ten stations”, but instead saying, “Not more than ten”, which leaves the door open to have

any number from ONE to TEN. Why couldn’t she make a compromise between the proposals of the PPP and the PNC and arrive at around FIFTEEN stations?

Wouldn’t that have been a more reasonable decision, instead of agreeing almost entirely to the PNC’s proposals, quoting security concerns and saying that all counting must be done in the building?

Why couldn’t other venues be considered? Isn’t Queen’s College capable of accommodating at least another TEN counting stations? And ALL inside the building?

I can name other venues that could have been utilised, but what’s the use?

The geniuses in the GECOM Secretariat, aided by four members of the Commission,

Dear Editor, At the time of writing this piece, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guyana had risen to sixty-three. All frustrations are understandable. This country, which seemingly exists in its own bubble (politically, at the very least) from the rest of the world, is now seeing a modern plague spread like wildfire. I do not want to speculate how many cases will be seen by May, or think about it.

These are strange times for all of us. Human beings are, by default, socially interactive. We crave the outside world. Moving around with loved ones to indulge in the latest cuisines or films are normalcies for us. Now we are being told to stay home for our lives.

Self-isolating is no joke.

We must all do it. By doing that and taking the necessary hygienic precautions, we will cause the curve to flatten. However, isolation has its downside. The sheer thought of not knowing when we will leave our yard space can take its toll.

Some of us are indoors people, and can take isolation calmly.

Isolation can be damaging to one’s mental health.

So many of us miss the warmth of a friend’s embrace or a sheer high five.

Technology can suffice to an extent. Yes, we can simply text or dial a companion residing miles away, but the lack of physical contact is a necessity that is missing.

Due to sleeping schedules being mixed up now, everyone is prevented from being able to comfort and provide the love necessary to those in need right at the moments when they most

require it. That alone can spring up trust issues and other toxic fallacies.

Countless individuals are not accustomed to solitude. This is a new experience for them. Hence, having a buddy you can rely on for jokes or uplifting words is a delight. But does this mean we have to be glued to our phones? It can be immensely straining on someone to depend on another person’s response via text. The buddy on the other end could be caught up with their own tasks (such as chores and studies). Now, the other person won’t know that, until they get the desired response hours, or even days, later. While no malice was intended, the other person really desired that connection, and can have their mental health spiral further. Imagine that, all because of a lack of social contact.

During this period of isolation, we are left alone with our thoughts, and this can pave the way for some much-needed introspection which could not have been accomplished before the virus. However, being left alone with our thoughts can cause all the negative ones to resurface: all the insecurities, suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges.

I urge all my comrades to try and “take it easy”. I know it’s easier said than done, having gone through my own mental health issues in the past. Compiling a list of movies you haven’t watched is a great start to distract your mind from the demons.

Any small thing that can feed positivity to our mental health should be pounced upon. Perhaps you can try

to prepare a dish you’ve always wanted to make. It’s hard right now, I know it really is; but in times like this, it is essential to remember that as the sun sets, the moon rises.

We are all going through our own battles during this time, but we must try to stay strong. We will all brave this dreadful storm, no matter how dire the circumstances. Though we may not realize it, we will soon approach that blinding light at the end of the dark tunnel. When we come out, we will not only be accomplished warriors, but we will value our relationships more. We will appreciate every beating minute of life as it comes, and soak it in to warm our souls. It will be a much- deserved reward, and hence we must look forward to it.

The late Michael Jackson’s masterpiece, “You Are Not Alone”, contained the following lines which I feel are truly applicable to these trying times: “I am here with you Though you’re far away I am here to stay But you are not alone I am here with you Though we’re far apart You’re always in my heart But you are not alone” Further, I am calling on all Guyanese people to continue being this united front standing against this horrific pandemic. We must continue to fight this battle; and soon enough, when this is all over, we will emerge and soar happily like the beautiful butterflies we were meant to be.

We are not alone

Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar

know much better than anyone else. Only those blinded by greed and fear would not want to concede the inevitable: that the coalition lost the elections, and intend to bully their way to remain in Government.

Isn’t a final decision being dependent on Nagamootoo’s response a conflict of interest? Isn’t it obvious to ALL that he and his comrades want to cling on to power as long as the rope allows them?

Isn’t this coinciding with the propaganda blitz (to spread misinformation) being attempted with the hiring of a lobbying group in Washington?

Interestingly, there is now a “bizarre twist”, as reported by News Room, and now obviously confusion in the camp, as Harmon and Granger have issued contradictory positions on this controversial matter.

In the meantime, the CDC has suspended its distribution of relief to a few vulnerable persons in some communities. My information is that the PPP/C has been continuously distributing essential food items in neglected areas far more than the Government’s half-hearted efforts.

The true results of the elections must be declared immediately, so that the

new Government can, in a non-discriminatory manner, address the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated suffering of the people of Guyana.

My opinion is that sanctions threatened must begin to be imposed IMMEDIATELY on individuals involved in attempting to deny the Guyanese people their right to have a government of their choice. Only then would those who continue to administer the affairs of this country recognise the seriousness of their undemocratic actions.

With regards, HN Nawbatt

One common thread and person

Dear Editor, Yesterday (Thursday), filing in the United States under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) by the Law firm JJ&B. LLC, that clearly state they had been hired by the Government of Guyana; the documents were signed by Joseph Harmon, DirectorGeneral of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Today (Friday), the Ministry of the Presidency issued a statement noting “much concern” about what it says are erroneous statements in the media based on the JJ&B LLC FARA declarations. The release stated quite clearly that President Granger, who is still the legal Head-of-State, was not involved in any way with the hiring of the lobbying firm.

There are three possible reasons why the media, and

consequently the people of Guyana, were misled: One, Joseph Harmon did not sign those authorization papers and JJ&B LLC has made a false FARA declaration; this is not without precedent.

On January 17, 2019, the Department of Justice announced that it had reached a settlement with a law firm over the failure to properly register and report under FARA. The company which was not named was fined US$4.6 million.

Two, Joseph Harmon did sign those documents, but did so in his capacity as a private citizen, and misrepresented the capacity in which he was acting to JJ&B LLC. Three, Joseph Harmon did sign those documents in his capacity as DirectorGeneral of the Ministry of the Presidency without the authorization of his employ-

er, President Granger.

In all three possible scenarios, there is one common thread and person. Granger will have to decide on how he treats with Joe Harmon, his employee, a political appointee and the General Secretary of APNU. In the meanwhile, I would like to express my resentment for the tone shown by the Ministry’s release, which seeks to castigate the media and others for a predicament caused entirely by its own DirectorGeneral.

May I suggest that President Granger borrow the dictionary he publicly gifted to the GPA head, Nazima Ragubir, and open it to ‘B’ and look up the word blame, and then H.E can apply it appropriately.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

PAHO/WHO warns against lifting COVID-19 curfew too early

T

he Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is warning Guyana against lifting too early the curfew and restriction measures currently in place to curb the spread of the COVID-19 disease.

The body notes that that action could result in an exponential spike in the number of cases here.

Guyana recorded its first COVID-19 case on March 11 with the death of a 52-yearold woman who died days after returning from New York.

‘Patient zero’, as she is referred to, is considered an imported case.

Days later, the Government closed Guyana’s borders, including its two international airports, until May 1, 2020. To further prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Public Health Ministry issued a series of emergency measures on April 3, including social distancing restrictions. These measures are to be in place until May 1, 2020.

To date, the country has confirmed 63 positive Coronavirus cases, and a total of six persons have died.

Nine persons who were infected with the deadly virus, at least five of whom are related to ‘patient zero’, have since recovered.

Of the 63 cases, the Ministry said, four are imported while the other 59 are locally transmitted cases.

However, according to PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow, these numbers can spike if the emergency measures are lifted too soon.

“If, at May 1, the Government relaxes all the curfew and everything…it begins an exponential rise (in the number of Coronavirus cases),” Dr Adu-Krow said during a virtual press conference on Friday. In fact, he noted that if the measures are lifted as scheduled, then by mid-

PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow

May there could be as many as 5000 cases in the country.

Last month, PAHO/WHO had projected that Guyana would record some 20,000 cases of COVID-19 infection.

But the PAHO/WHO Country Representative explained that this projection was in the event that the country did nothing to curb the spread.

He noted that implementation of the curfews and restrictions has saved some 240 persons from contracting the virus, and at least 25 deaths were prevented. It was projected that by April 15, there would have been 295 recorded.

To this end, Dr Adu-Krow contended that the enforcement of this curfew and these restrictions should continue, in order to limit the spread of the virus. He added that given the fact that Guyana’s measures are not as stringent as what obtains in other countries, there needs to be better policing of the curfew and restrictions to ensure compliance by the public.

“So, we need to take… more seriously that (it) is not time as a community that we lift these [measures]” he asserted.

According to the PAHO/ WHO Representative, the curfew and restrictions can only be lifted if certain criteria are met. These include: transmis-

sion is controlled; health system capacities are in place to detect, test, isolate and treat every case; outbreak risks in health settings are minimalised; preventative measures are implemented in social settings, such as schools and workplaces; importation risks can be managed; and communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the “new norm”.

Nevertheless, PAHO/ WHO continues to lend support and assistance to the Guyana Government to aid its fight against this life-threatening disease. It has already donated 1,800 testing kits and several ventilators, with more on the way.

Further, he noted that Guyana has identified medical experts in eight fields that would be needed if the country’s cases surge exponentially. These experts have been requested from Cuba and China.

In addition, the organization is now moving towards assisting the private health sector. The Public Health Ministry has recently given permission to private hospitals to conduct COVID-19 tests.

According to Dr AduKrow, “We will continue to support the Ministry by giving them testing kits, so that we can test as many people that needs to be tested. Now the Ministry has also agreed that they will give some of these testing kits to some of these private entities if they will go by the guidelines that we have… So, we are prepared to assist. The only thing is that the private entities will have to go by the standards that we have set up for Government.”

The PAHO/WHO Representative added that they are also prepared to train private lab technicians, as was done at the National Reference Laboratory, to ensure that there is the same quality of results.

US announces $19B coronavirus aid for farmers, food buys for poor

P

resident Donald Trump on Friday announced a $19 billion relief program to help US farmers cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, including $16 billion in direct payments to producers and mass purchases of meat, dairy, vegetables and other products.

The US Agriculture Department is partnering with regional and local distributors to purchase $3 billion in such farm goods to be distributed to food banks, churches and aid groups as millions of Americans face unemployment with much of the U.S. economy shut down.

“American agriculture has been hard-hit, like most of America, with the coronavirus, and President Trump is standing with our farmers and all Americans to make sure that we all get through this national emergency,”

President Donald Trump

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said at a White House news conference.

The agency said it will make monthly purchases totaling about $100 million each of fresh produce, dairy products and meat products.

Perdue said USDA will work with companies like Sysco Corp (SYY.N) to help pro-

cure, package and distribute food boxes. Long lines have formed at U.S. food banks in recent weeks.

Farmers and ranchers have struggled to get their goods to market because of disruptions caused by the pandemic, forcing some to throw out food supplies and call for government help.

“Having to dump milk or plow under vegetables ready to market is not only financially distressing but it’s heartbreaking as well for those that produce them,” Perdue said.

Direct payments will be sent “as quickly as possible” as farm commodity producers have experienced “unprecedented losses,” Perdue said. He told reporters he hoped checks could be sent by the end of May. Perdue did not say how the direct payments would be allocated by crop. (Reuters)

Lethem man caught with 7 kg ganja

P

The ganja which was intercepted by Police

olice on Friday nabbed a Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) man with just over seven kilograms of cannabis in his possession.

According to Police, at about 11:50h, acting on information received, ranks went to Hunt Oil Stretch, Central Rupununi, where they stopped a vehicle driven by the 34-year-old man.

A search was conducted and the illegal substance was unearthed. He was arrested and is in Police custody pending his arraignment.

Coronavirus: Medics to be asked to reuse gowns amid shortage fears

D

octors and nurses in England are to be asked to treat coronavirus patients without fully protective gowns and to reuse equipment due to shortage fears.

The decision came in a reversal of guidance to hospitals from Public Health England on Friday.

Earlier this week, the BBC reported the plan was being considered as a “last resort”.

It comes as NHS Providers warned some hospitals’ supplies could run out in 24 hours.

Chris Hopson, head of the association, which represents healthcare trusts across England, said in a tweet: “We have now reached the point where the national stock of fully fluid repellent gowns and long-sleeved laboratory coats will be exhausted in the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.”

He said that national leaders have left “no stone unturned” - but gowns that were ordered weeks ago are currently only arriving in “fits and starts”.

Public Health England changed its guidance, which until now required longsleeved, disposable, fluid-repellent gowns for people

treating Covid-19 patients.

Now it says if these gowns are not available, staff can wear washable medical gowns or non-fluid-repellent equipment.

Documents seen by the BBC said the measures were considered earlier this week to cope with “acute supply shortages” It comes as the UK recorded 847 new coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals on Thursday, taking the total to 14,576.

A Department of Health spokesman said: “New clinical advice has been issued today to make sure that if there are shortages in one area, frontline staff know what PPE to wear instead to

minimise risk.”

And Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he “would love to be able to wave a magic wand” to increase supply of personal protective equipment (PPE).

“But given that we have a global situation in which there is less PPE in the world than the world needs, obviously it’s going to be a huge pressure point,” he told a virtual committee of MPs. Hancock admitted the supply of gowns was “tight” but said he was aiming to get enough gowns to staff this weekend.

He added that the government was doing everything it could “to get that PPE to the front line”. (BBC)

Nigerian president’s chief of staff dies from COVID-19

T

he Nigerian president’s chief of staff, Abba Kyari, died on Friday after contracting the new coronavirus, two presidency spokesmen said on Twitter.

Kyari, who was in his 70s and had underlying health problems including diabetes, was the top official aide to 77-year-old President Muhammadu Buhari and one of the most powerful men in the country.

“The Presidency regrets to announce the pas-

sage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari,” said presidency spokesman Garba Shehu in a tweet, using an honorific title for Kyari.

“The deceased had tested positive to the ravaging COVID-19, and had been receiving treatment. But he died on Friday, April 17, 2020,” he said in a second post on Twitter.

Spokesman Femi Adesina also confirmed the death.

Kyari’s was the highest

profile death due to the disease in the West African country, which has 493 confirmed cases and 17 deaths, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Kyari acted as the gatekeeper to Buhari. He travelled to Germany in early March with a delegation of other Nigerian officials for meetings with Siemens AG. He attended meetings with senior government officials upon his return to Nigeria.

(Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

17

Regional

Guatemala official: 44 deportees Coronavirus: Ecuador sees tested positive for virus massive surge in deaths in April F

Many families in Ecuador's biggest city are waiting to bury their loved ones

E

cuador's official coronavirus death toll is 403, but new figures from one province suggest thousands have died.

The Government said 6700 people died in Guayas province in the first two weeks of April, far more than the usual 1000 deaths there in the same period.

Guayas is home to Guayaquil – the nation's largest city and the part of the country worst-hit by COVID-19.

Footage obtained by the BBC showed residents forced to store bodies in their homes for up to five days.

They said authorities had been unable to keep up with the huge rise in deaths, leav-

ing corpses wrapped in sheets in family homes and even in the streets.

Authorities last week began distributing thousands of cardboard coffins in Guayaquil. A dedicated helpline was also set up for families that needed a corpse removed from their home.

Jorge Wated, the head of a police unit created to tackle the problem, said earlier this week that 771 bodies had been removed from houses in the city.

According to the Government's figures, 14,561 people have died in Guayas province since the beginning of March from all causes. The province normally sees 2000 deaths a month on average.

Ecuador as a whole has had 8225 confirmed cases of coronavirus to date, according to Johns Hopkins University, though a lack of widespread testing means this is likely a significant undercount.

Ecuador's Vice President, Otto Sonnenholzer, apologised to the nation earlier this month for the Government's slow response to the pandemic.

"We have seen images that should never have happened, and as your public servant I apologise," Sonnenholzer said.

Guayaquil is densely populated and has high levels of poverty, with many residents living in close proximity. (BBC News)

Cayman Islands prepared to sell COVID-19 tests to other islands

T

he Government of the Cayman Islands says it is prepared to sell up to half of its COVID-19 tests to other countries in the Region.

Speaking during a recent press briefing, Premier Alden McLaughlin said the territory's Chief Medical Officer, Dr John Lee had advised that 100,000 kits would be enough for the population.

The territory initially procured 200,000 tests – although only 165,000 of those have ar-

rived, with the remainder being kept in the UK. So far, a deal has been agreed to sell 20,000 tests to Barbados, and Bermuda has been offered the 35,000 tests currently in England, but discussions are continuing over exactly how many they need.

It was also disclosed that other countries in the region, including Jamaica, St Lucia, Belize and The Bahamas, as well as other British Overseas Territories including Turks

and Caicos and the Falklands, have made inquiries.

According to McLaughlin, Cayman's leaders would have to exercise the “wisdom of Solomon” to distribute those throughout the region.

However, Lee said he was confident that 100,000 tests would be enough for Cayman and was as many as the island could reasonably use, given other constraints around lab capacity. (Excerpt from CMC)

rus in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“While the pandemic continues to spread across the Region, countries are facing the worst economic recession since countries started producing national accounts statistics in the 1950s,” he wrote.

“The challenging external environment, coupled with much-needed measures to contain the pandemic, have led to a plummeting of economic activity across Latin America –where growth is poised to contract by 5.2 per cent in 2020.

“Given the dramatic contraction in 2020 and as countries implement policies to

contain the pandemic and to support their economies – as emphasised in our previous blog – a sharp recovery in 2021 can be expected,” Werner said, adding “yet, even under this quick recovery scenario, the Region faces the spectre of another 'lost decade' during 2015–25,” he added.

With atypical supply and demand shocks, a health crisis and high financing costs across the Region, the top IMF official said the required actions to mitigate the human and economic costs of this crisis will be “quite daunting and will require an unprecedented approach.” (Excerpt from CMC)

orty-four Guatemalans deported on one flight from the United States this week have tested positive for COVID-19, a Guatemalan Government official with knowledge of the situation said, amid rising rejection of deportees due to virus fears.

Later Thursday, Guatemala Foreign Affairs Minister Pedro Brolo told The Associated Press the Government had again suspended deportation flights. He did not explain why, but said the move was temporary.

"We're working on the details," Brolo said, adding that he did not know when the flights would resume.

Presidential spokesman Carlos Sandoval said that "Guatemala is working with United States authorities to revalidate the health of Guatemalans returned in recent days." He said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Guatemala's national laboratory would retest all those who were found positive and negative.

Asked for a response, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the CDC had representatives in

Health workers bring in supplies delivered by family members to a temporary shelter for Guatemalan citizens deported from the United States where deportees must wait for their new coronavirus test results, in Guatemala City, Thursday, April 16, 2020. Guatemala's Health Minister said on Tuesday that deportees from the US were driving up the country's COVID-19 caseload

Guatemala reviewing the COVID-19 tests and attempting to confirm the results.

Once results are available, the immigration agency said it would determine whether it needed to work with the CDC to re-evaluate its medical procedures.

Ursula Roldán, an immigration expert at Rafael Landívar University, said Guatemala was under great pressure to continue receiving deportees at the same time deportees were becoming a flashpoint in the country.

"It's very clear there is pressure from Washington," she said. "If before there was an immigrant problem, now it's a triple problem. They don't want them."

She said Guatemala needed to start quarantining all deportees in Government facilities with proper medical attention rather than telling them to self-isolate in their homes with their families.

"If we want containment, this is the point of containment," Roldán said. (Excerpted from VOA)

Mexico calls on older medical workers at home to return to work

M

exico’s President on Friday urged medical workers aged 60 to 65 to return to their jobs and treat non-coronavirus patients, in a bid to help the health system handle an expected surge of demand from the virus.

There are some 20,000 nurses and doctors in good health who would qualify to participate, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told his regular news conference.

They would work from April 23 to May 23 to free

up younger health workers for coronavirus cases, which are expected to hit a peak by May 10 in the populous capital of Mexico City and surrounding areas.

“According to the projections, we calculate that the number of hospitalisations will increase, and there will also be an increase in intensive care,” Lopez Obrador said, adding that 20,000 extra workers would be sufficient to cover the higher demand.

Mexico has so far registered 6297 cases of the coro-

navirus and 486 deaths, and authorities are urging people to stay at home to prevent mass numbers of illnesses that could overwhelm the health system.

Government workers over 60, including medical staff, had been told to stay home as a precautionary measure to protect their health, Lopez Obrador noted. Mexican health authorities have said people above that age could be especially vulnerable to developing complications from the coronavirus. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Senior IMF official warns C'bean faces Brazil's Bolsonaro wants borders another 'lost decade' due to COVID-19 reopened, says worth risk

A

senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official has warned that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries face the threat of another “lost decade” during the 2015–25 period amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Director of the IMF's Western Hemisphere Department, Alejandro Werner, in a blog posted on the IMF website under the caption “Economic Policy in Latin America and the Caribbean in the time of COVID-19,” said that, as of Thursday, an estimated 3000 people had died from the COVID-19 vi-

B

razilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday called for the reopening of the country’s borders, as he pushes to restart South America’s largest economy, but conceded he may be blamed if the new coronavirus outbreak worsens as a result.

Bolsonaro fired his Health Minister on Thursday after clashing with him over lockdown measures, which the President argues are overly damaging to the economy and should be rolled back.

But the right-wing populist conceded on Friday that it’s not up to him to decide whether or not social distanc-

ing measures should be relaxed in states and cities after the supreme court ruled that Governors and Mayors are responsible for the decisions.

The borders, however, are Bolsonaro’s to control.

He said on Friday he had discussed the possibility of reopening land borders, particularly those with Uruguay and Paraguay, with Justice Minister Sergio Moro.

“Opening trade is a risk that I take, because if (the outbreak) gets worse, it will fall on my lap,” Bolsonaro said at the inauguration event for his new health minister, Nelson Teich.

To slow the spread of the virus, Brazil closed its borders last month to non-resident foreigners, with some exceptions, although cargo shipments largely still flow freely.

Medical experts say the outbreak of the coronavirus is still far from its peak in Brazil as cases and deaths, already the highest in Latin America, continue to rise sharply.

Brazil has 33,682 confirmed cases, with some 200 fatalities per day in the last four consecutive days, bringing the death toll to 2,141 as of Friday, according to Health Ministry data. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

Around the World

China virus epicentre Wuhan raises death toll by 50% C

hina’s coronavirus ground-zero city of Wuhan on Friday admitted missteps in tallying its death toll as it abruptly raised the count by 50 per cent -- as world doubts mounted about how transparent China has been during the crisis.

The United States has led the charge in questioning Beijing’s handling of the pandemic and how much information it has really shared with the international community since the virus emerged late last year.

Authorities in Wuhan initially tried to cover up the outbreak, punishing doctors who had raised the alarm online in December, and there have been questions about the Government’s recording of infections as it repeatedly changed its counting criteria at the peak of

Medical staff put on protective equipment at the Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus first emerged in late 2019

the outbreak.

Wuhan’s epidemic control headquarters said in a social media posting on Friday that it had added 1290 deaths to the tally in the city, which has suffered the vast majority of China’s

fatalities from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

That brings the total number of deaths in the city to 3869. But the city government only added 325 cases, raising the city’s total num-

ber of infections to 50,333.

The change also pushes the nationwide death toll up by nearly 39 per cent to 4632, based on official national data released earlier on Friday.

The official toll in the country of 1.4 billion people, however, remains well below the number of fatalities in much smaller countries such as Italy and Spain.

China has come under increasing pressure from Western powers, with Washington and others raising doubts about transparency, and the US probing whether the virus actually originated in a Wuhan laboratory.

US President Donald Trump said China’s death toll was “far higher” that it had admitted -- even after the new numbers were issued. (Excerpt from AFP)

WWII veteran, 99, raises nearly £20M for UK health workers

A

99-year-old British World War II veteran who has become a global phenomenon for his fundraising efforts had on Friday raised almost £20 million ($25 million) for health workers fighting coronavirus.

Tom Moore, a captain who served in India, completed his target of 100 laps of his 25-metre (82foot) garden, with the help of his walking frame, on Thursday, but is still pacing his grounds as the funds continue to pour in.

By Friday evening local time, he had raised a total of £19,701,645.51.

Around 900,000 peo-

ple have now sponsored the veteran, who has provided a much-needed good news story to a public inundated with grim pandemic coverage, with politicians, royals and celebrities praising him as an “inspiration”.

“Thank you so much for your INCREDIBLE support and generosity so far,” said the Captain, who turns 100 at the end of the month, in his latest Twitter update.

Moore initially set himself the goal of raising £1000 for a National Health Service (NHS) charity in time for his birthday, after receiving treatment for cancer and a broken hip.

But his efforts have made

him a global star during a pandemic that has killed more than 140,000 people, including almost 14,000 in Britain alone.

“It’s incredible, it’s amazing,” Britain’s Prince William said of his achievement.

“He’s been around a long time, he knows everything, it’s wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his story and determination.”

The final lap of his garden in Bedfordshire, south England, was met with a guard of honour from the Yorkshire Regiment and broadcast live on British TV on Thursday. (Excerpt from AFP)

Captain Tom Moore

OILNEWS US shale industry expected to shrink sharply as oil price falls

T

he US shale industry is expected to shrink by more than two million barrels a day following a collapse in global oil prices which has forced oil producers to shut down their fracking rigs.

The US oil market slumped to fresh 18-year lows and below US$18 a barrel on Friday following one of the biggest hikes in US oil stocks on record as demand for oil continues to fall and storage facilities near their limits. The international benchmark oil price fell to US$28 a barrel.

“The market knows that the US crude stocks will fill very rapidly,” said Bjørnar Tonhaugen, the head of oil markets at Rystad Energy. Tonhaugen said US crude oil stocks might reach an all-time high by the end of the month and continue to build in May. Rystad Energy expects the US shale industry to shrink by 2.1 million barrels a day, or two per cent of global supplies, compared with forecasts for the industry before the coronavirus outbreak.

US shale was expected to grow by 650,000 barrels a day this year before the coronavirus outbreak wiped out forecasts for global oil demand, triggering one of the steepest oil price declines on record. It is now forecast to shrink by 1.5 million barrels a day compared to last year and that may accelerate even further.

One of the largest US oil companies, ConocoPhillips, plans to slash its North American oil production by 225,000 barrels of oil a day and cut its planned spending by more than a quarter to $4.3 billion.

The US oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron have also set out plans to rein in oil production and spending as US oil projects take the brunt of a sharp decline in global oil demand. Exxon will cut its planned spending by 30 per cent or $10 billion this year, while Chevron will cut its spending by a fifth, or US$4 billion, compared with last year.

Many smaller oil producers also began shutting their wells earlier this month as excess oil supplies threatened to overwhelm storage facilities. The glut of oil has led to negative oil prices in some inland areas of the US because the cost of transporting oil to refineries or ports is higher than the market price per barrel.

The Guardian reported last month that global oil prices may fall to lows of US$10 a barrel as the world runs out of space to store its oil. The global oil industry may increasingly look to offshore oil tankers to store its extra crude oil, but for this to be economic it would require oil prices to fall further.

(The Guardian)

Canada offers C$2.5B Africa could be Italy’s coronavirus next epicentre, deaths edge higher, new in aid for hard-hit lockdown approach urged energy sector, death WHO warns toll hits 1250 D A frica could become the next epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.

United Nations officials also say it is likely the pandemic will kill at least 300,000 people in Africa and push nearly 30 million into poverty.

The past week has seen a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Africa.

There have been almost 1000 deaths and almost 19,000 infections across Africa, so far much lower rates than in parts of Europe and the US. The UN Economic Commission for Africa – which warned 300,000 could die – called for a US$100 billion safety net for the continent, including halting external debt payments.

The WHO says the virus appears to be spreading away from African capitals.

It has also highlighted that the continent lacks ventilators to deal with a pandemic.

More than a third of Africa’s population lacks access to adequate water supplies and nearly 60 per cent of urban dwellers live in overcrowded slums – conditions where the virus could thrive.

There are almost 19,000 confirmed cases in Africa and at least 970 confirmed deaths across the whole continent, which has a population of about 1.3 billion. (Excerpt from BBC News)

eaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy rose by 575 on Friday, up from 525 the day before, while the number of new cases declined slightly and scientists warned that infections were now mainly happening among family members.

The daily tally of new cases stood at 3493, down from a previous 3786, with both deaths and infections extending the broadly stable situation in place over the last 12 days.

This plateau is considerably lower than the peaks reached around the end of March, but the downtrend has not proceeded as was widely hoped in a country that has been in lockdown for almost six weeks.

“Probably most of the infections that have occurred since the lockdown have occurred within families,” Giovanni Rezza, a director of Italy’s top health body,

the Superior Health Institute (ISS), told a news conference.

Nuclear physicist Paolo Branchini, who has been focusing on the trend of cases and deaths in Italy, told daily Corriere della Sera on Friday that the lockdown initially put a lid on infections, but had now “exhausted its beneficial effect”.

Branchini said that because the main source of infections was now within families, the only way to reduce deaths and cases further was to put all people who tested positive in dedicated centres away from their relatives.

The official death toll since the outbreak came to light on February 21 has risen to 22,745, the Civil Protection Agency said, the second highest in the world after that of the United States.

However, the Italian authorities acknowledge that the true number of fatalities is much higher. (Excerpt from Reuters)

C

anada will invest around C$2.5 billion in measures to help the hard-hit oil and gas industry survive during the nation’s coronavirus outbreak that has killed 1250 people, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday.

The sector, which accounts for 10.6 per cent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product, has urged Ottawa to free up credit and cash to help tackle the pandemic and rock-bottom oil prices.

Trudeau, saying energy sector workers faced “layers of calamity”, said Ottawa would invest C$1.7 billion to help clean up orphan and abandoned oil and gas wells

in three provinces.

“Our goal is to create immediate jobs in these provinces while helping companies avoid bankruptcy and supporting our environmental targets,” he told a daily briefing, saying the measures would maintain around 10,000 jobs.

Ottawa is also setting up a C$750 million fund to provide repayable loans to companies so they can cut emissions of gases such as methane and help Canada meet its climate targets.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, who last week said the province’s energy sector needed up to C$30 billion in liquidity, thanked Trudeau for the aid. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

19

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Excessive behavior will work against you. Don’t let someone tempt you to overspend. Let go of the past and of people who are a terrible influence. Keep your personal information secret.

Change begins within.

Share your thoughts and intentions, and someone will offer an honest opinion. If you consider people’s suggestions, you’ll receive help as well as emotional support.

Someone will oppose you if you push your beliefs. Share your motives to avoid backlash. A last-minute change someone makes should not be allowed to ruin your plans.

Keep busy to alleviate stress. Don’t let someone ruin your day. Consider the changes you can make that will improve your life and important relationships.

Don’t overspend when trying to make an impression.

If someone wants to do business with you, it will be because of your skills, reputation and ability to deliver on time.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Observe the way someone responds to what you do to figure out how much he or she cares. Don’t waste time on a relationship that lacks equality.

LIBRA

Spend time with people who enjoy the same things you do. Don’t let anyone limit what you can do or put demands on you. Know when to say no. Your happiness is your responsibility

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Refuse to let someone back you into a corner or pick a fight with you. Choose to do something that allows you to hone your skills and expand your circle of friends.

Don’t let someone from SAGITTARIUS your past interfere in your (Nov. 23life. Stick close to home Dec. 21) and to the people you know you can trust. Put romantic plans in place and make a big commitment.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Don’t fold under pressure. Stick to a budget and to the plans that make you feel comfortable. A lifestyle change will save you money.

Be frank to avoid a misunderstanding.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

Distance yourself from anyone who expects too much from you. Concentrate on what will bring you the highest returns. Turn an idea or skill into a prosperous venture.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Emotional confusion will set in if you are vague. Get your point across and ask direct questions. Take better care of your health and well-being.

20

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

T

he tennis governing bodies have joined forces to support lower-level professionals who are struggling financially during the sport’s shutdown due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The tennis season was halted in early March due to the pandemic, leaving players in the lower tiers who depend solely on tournament winnings without the chance to earn a living.

The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs the women’s circuit, suspended all tournaments until mid-July after countries started locking down borders to contain the spread of the flu-like virus which has infected over two million people.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF), the sport’s governing body, was also forced to postpone its lower-tier World Tennis Tour.

The plight of the players ranked outside the top 100 in singles prompted all stakeholders, along with the organisers of the four Grand Slams, to step in and devise plans to provide some relief.

While professional tennis players remain independent contractors and not employees, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said he was impressed by the spirit of collaboration among the various governing bodies.

“I’ve been quite touched by the top players who reached out, the big names ex-

T

A locked gate with a sign warns residents that the tennis courts are closed due to coronavirus health safety measures in Bluemont Park, Arlington (Reuters)

pressing really the desire of helping the lower-ranked players,” Italian Gaudenzi, a former top-20 player, said in a podcast on Friday.

“We’re also working and talking with the Grand Slams about it, they may want to join in the effort...

“In a world where we think greater collaboration among the governing bodies is key, I think it would be a great message if we can all support the players in this crisis.”

Gaudenzi said while the ATP’s reserves and resources were not infinite, and the body was also hamstrung by lack of clari-

he recent progress of women’s football is at risk of being undone as the sport is brought to a standstill by the novel coronavirus, the players union FIFPRO told Reuters television in on Friday.

FIFPRO said in a report published Thursday that the women’s game could face an “existential threat” and many players could lose their livelihoods in the aftermath of the pandemic.

“I think it is fair to say that it (women’s soccer) is going to hit much harder (than the men’s),” said FIFPRO general secretary Jonas Olympique Lyonnais' Sarah Bouhaddi and teammates celebrate Baer-Hoffmann. “It is a massive hit winning the Women's Champions League with the trophy (Lisi to the game absolutely and we Niesner) must also understand it’s not just careers.” the big tournaments.”

The women’s game also depended heavily on “(It risks being) thrown back many years of its development if we don’t pay attention to that now.” international tournaments for visibility, meaning Baer-Hoffmann said that, while club football that the postponement of the Olympic Games, was the main source of income in the men’s game, from 2020 to 2021, was a significant blow.

“We need those events to keep driving the many female players were “very much dependant in terms of their income for representing their public attention,” said,” he said.

Arsenal captain Kim Little added that many country.”

“They usually have a dual income stream players had been left in a “vulnerable position.”

“The circumstances that a lot of players work between their club and their national team football,” he said. “Now, when there are no games in are very unstable in the sense of contracts played, many of those players will be struggling to aren’t particularly long, some players have to work receive that compensation from the federations another job because financially they can’t just live which may just force them out of their professional off their footballing wage,” she said.(Reuters)

ty on the resumption of the sport, the Tour will offer help for those who need it most.

BREAK EVEN

While tennis is a lucrative sport for those at the top, those in the lower echelons often struggle to make ends meet.

A 2018 International Review Panel report commissioned to address betting and integrity issues said that players in the lowest tiers were susceptible to corruption because of the difficulty in making a living.

Only 250-350 players, the report said,

T

he 2020 Laver Cup will not go ahead in September as planned and will return next year due to the clash of dates with the French Open, the organisers of the exhibition event said on Friday.

The French Tennis Federation, in a surprise move, switched the claycourt Grand Slam tournament to Sept. 20-Oct. 4 from its May start due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The new Roland Garros dates clashed with the Sept. 25-27 Laver Cup, which is a team event co-created by Roger Federer and featuring the best of Europe against a World team.

Boston’s TD Garden will remain host for the fourth edition of the event, which will now be held from Sept. 24-26 in 2021.

“It’s unfortunate that the Laver Cup has to be pushed back a year, but at this stage it’s the right thing to do for everyone concerned,” Federer said in a statement from the organisers.

“Although disappointing, the good news is that TD Garden will still be able to host the event next year and I really look forward to finally playing in Boston for the first time at Laver Cup 2021.”

The men’s ATP Tour and the WTA, which runs the women’s circuit, suspended all tournaments until mid-July after countries started locking down borders to contain the spread of the flu-like virus which has infected over two million people.

The grasscourt Grand Slam at Wimbledon has been cancelled while the French Open’s new

earned enough to break even.

Georgia’s Sofia Shapatava, the world’s 375th ranked women’s singles player, started a petition seeking assistance for lower-level professionals.

The WTA and the ATP have previously said they were working to boost players’ earnings when the sport resumes and might extend the current season to allow more tournaments to be held.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA), the organisers of the U.S. Open, has made a commitment to support the financial packages being put together by the other governing bodies.

“There’s really two things we’re doing to support t h o s e l o w er-ranked players,” USTA Chief Executive Mike Dowse told reporters in a conference call on Thursday.

“We’ve made a commitment to continue to fund the challenger series and ITF-related tournaments when those come back online. That’s an investment in the neighbourhood of $7.5 million.

“We want to do this as part of a holistic package. It will be part of that relationship we have with the ATP and WTA. Those details are being finalised right now by those two organizations.” (Reuters)

slot means the tournament will start a week after the U.S. Open takes place on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows in New York.

In recent weeks tennis governing bodies have discussed the scheduling logjam with little clarity on when the sport can restart.

Tennis Australia, who run the opening Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park, and U.S. Open organisers, the United States Tennis Association, are stakeholders in the Laver Cup, which was part of the 2020 ATP Tour calendar.

Organisers said the tickets purchased for the 2020 Laver Cup will be valid next year or fans can receive a full refund.

“We needed to make a decision now on our event,” said Laver Cup Chairman Tony Godsick, who is also Federer’s agent.

“We know our passionate fans will be disappointed that they have to wait an extra year for the Laver Cup in Boston, but this is the responsible course of action, necessitated by the emerging calendar conflicts.”

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

21

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I

t is "very unrealistic" the Toyko Olympics and Paralympics will take place next year unless a coronavirus vaccine has been found by then, says a leading global health

isers held an executive board meeting this week at which they reiterated their hope the Games can be the "light at the end of the tunnel".

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The Tokyo Olympics are now scheduled to take place from 23 July 13- August 8, 2021 (Getty Images)

scientist.

Professor Devi Sridhar said the development of effective and affordable treatment would be a "game-changer" in whether the postponed Games take place.

The International Olympic Committee and Tokyo 2020 organ-

mission chair John Coates acknowledged Covid-19 could still affect the rescheduled Olympics, which are due to take place from 23 July-8 August 2021.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, he said it could have an impact in terms of "mass gath-

erings or testing of athletes" and that the IOC would be be guided by the World Health Organization.

Professor Sridhar, who is chair of global health at the University of Edinburgh, said the chances of Tokyo 2020 going ahead as planned "all depends on a vaccine".

"We're hearing from the scientists that this could be possible. I had thought it would be a year or a year and a half away but we're hearing possibly this could come sooner," she said.

"If we do get a vaccine within the next year then actually I think that (Olympics) is realistic. The vaccine will be the game-changer - an effective, affordable, available vaccine.

"If we don't get a scientific breakthrough then I think that looks very unrealistic.

"I think they've made the right decision in saying 'we are going to put it back a year and re-evaluate'.

"And I think that is the only way you can deal with this situation - to take stock, to be hopeful, to support our scientific community and our NHS community to do what they can, because science in the long-term is going to be the way we get out of

this."

A nationwide state of emergency has been declared in Japan until 6 May because of the country's worsening coronavirus outbreak.

The IOC and Tokyo 2020 local organising committee announced on Thursday they have set up a joint steering committee to deliver the postponed Olympics, led by Coates and Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori.

Mori said: "Soon after the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Games on 24 March, Tokyo 2020 established a 'New Launch' taskforce and we have been working since then to create a structure capable of overcoming these unprecedented challenges.

"We believe that today's new step is an important achievement in advancing over the coming year what we have prepared over the past five to six years. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the success of the Games."

BBC Sport has contacted the IOC for comment.

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eeds United great Norman Hunter has died in hospital aged 76 after contracting coronavirus.

The tough-tackling centre-back, nicknamed 'Bites Yer Legs', was a key player in Leeds' most successful era.

He won two league titles during a 14-year first-team career at Elland Road, and was a non-playing member of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

Hunter was admitted to hospital on 10 April after testing positive for coronavirus.

Leeds said Hunter's death leaves "a huge hole" in the family of the club.

"His legacy will never be forgotten and our thoughts are with Norman's family

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Norman Hunter

and friends at this very difficult time," the club said in a statement.

Hunter 'a man of steel who could also produce silk' Hunter, a defender, joined Leeds aged 15 and went on to play 726 matches in all competitions for the club - the fourth-highest individual total in their history.

As an integral part of Don Revie's famous side, Hunter won the First Division title in 1969 and 1974, helped them beat Arsenal in the 1968 League Cup final, and then returned to Wembley in 1972 as Leeds defeated the Gunners to win the FA Cup. He also played in the 1975 European Cup final defeat by Bayern Munich in Paris - a year after Revie left to manage England - but he did taste European success as Leeds won the now-defunct Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 and 1971. (BBC Sport)

P

remier League clubs remain committed to playing the 92 remaining fixtures of the current season but did not discuss a deadline by which play must resume at a meeting on Friday.

Clubs were expected to debate a 30 June deadline to end the season but instead discussed "possible scheduling models".

The Premier League said it "remains our objective" to complete matches but currently "all dates are tentative".

The league has been suspended since 13 March because of coronavirus.

It is understood some clubs expected to discuss the proposed 30 June deadline at Friday's meeting but it was decided now was not the right time to do so.

In a statement, the Premier League said "in common with other businesses and industries" clubs were "working through complex planning scenarios".

"Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models," it added.

"It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of Covid-19 develops."

Earlier this month the Premier League said play will only resume when "it is safe and appropriate to do so" and the number of coronavirus deaths in the UK has since risen to more than 12,000.

On Thursday, the government issued a further three-week lockdown to ensure social distancing and manage the spread of the virus.

BBC sports editor Dan Roan has learned Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden spoke to Premier League bosses this week and signalled the government was content for them to start contingency planning.

But nothing will be taken forward without the green light from the government, in accordance with medical advice.

In a section on player welfare at the meeting, it was decided tests for coronavirus would have to be widely available to the public before the widespread testing of players.

When and how football resumes has been widely d e b a t e d across the sport as clubs face up to financial difficulties and the logistical issues caused by a late finish to the season.

The contracts of numerous players expire on 30 June, including those of Chelsea midfielder Willian and Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.

If the season is extended beyond that date there is a possibility clubs will lose players before fixtures are concluded.

World governing body Fifa is aware of the problem and is looking at alternatives such as rolling contract extensions.

The 30 June date is also an issue for clubs around agreed changes in kit manufacturers. Liverpool are due to change shirt manufacturers from New Balance to Nike, while Watford and Newcastle are also set to use new suppliers.In a BBC Sport vote on how the season should be dealt with 39% of respondents wanted to 'declare the season null and void', with 28% opting to 'finish the season no matter how long it takes'.Uefa has pleaded for leagues to give them time to return with their own proposals for ending the season across Europe.

European football's governing body will meet next week to further discuss plans which include potentially using the Champions League final to end the 201920 season on 29 August.

Lower down the football pyramid in England, the EFL has sent a letter to clubs recommending they return to training on 16 May at the earliest.The EFL has not discussed a league restart date with the government but told clubs: "Our planning needs to be agile enough to allow us to be as prepared as possible for a start at relatively short notice."

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

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o r m e r

Manchester United star and Trinidad & Tobago’s most successful footballer, Dwight Yorke paints a picture of frustration at not being able to contribute to the development of sport in his country.

According to Yorke, a member of T&T 2006 World Cup team to Germany, he remains available to give back in whatever way he can.

“I would always love to contribute to my country the experience that I’ve gained at the level I’ve played at for so many years. You would’ve thought I would’ve been involved in Trinidad and Tobago football, certainly in the future,” said Yorke during an interview

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with T&T radio station i95FM. Yorke explained that he was fortunate to have been given much from the sport of football and would only be too happy to give back.

However, Yorke said, there has never been an approach for such an occurrence to take place.

“I've always wanted to contribute to my country, I always want to help. I feel that with the experience and knowledge I've got, I could certainly help out in some capacity. However, that hasn't happened, I haven't been approached," he said.

The former striker, who scored 27 times in 72 appearances for the Soca Warriors says, the problem is not one he faces alone, with stars like Brian Lara and Russell Latapy finding it difficult to make their marks.

"It does make me feel a little bit concerned that someone like Brian Lara, who is the most accomplished cricketer in the West Indies, hasn't got a role in West Indies cricket," said Yorke. “[…] the reality is there is no greater accomplishment than

Lara, Latapy and myself. Why would you not use that to your benefit? I find that very, very strange, when other countries would love to use our expertise in trying to find out what it takes, what it means ... to be out there.

Black coaches not being given the chances – Yorke

The former Aston Villa and Manchester United star Dwight Yorke has a struggle on his hands.

Just as he did when he tried to break into Premier League football in England, so it is today, where the Trinidad and Tobago native, the most successful footballer in the countries history, is finding it today.

Based in Dubai, Yorke is now trying his hand at managing but has found that the colour of his skin provides barriers just as it did during his playing days.

"I'm actually trying to get into coaching here, which is another challenging part of my career.

Dwight Yorke

It's a different challenge now," said Yorke during an interview with T&T radio station i95FM. "The challenge was to break in as a black player in the UK,” said Yorke speaking of his 10 years with Aston Villa where he scored 97 goals before becoming a household name with Manchester United in a famous partnership with Andy Cole.

“I managed to do that, and now I have to fight extremely hard and ... it's the same thing coming to management. You have to fight extremely hard to get a look-in to it,” Said Yorke.

"You just have to look around the world; it's very challenging. I'm not ashamed to say it - the black aspiring managers are not getting a look-in. You look in the Premier League and you look around globally." (Sportsmax)

West Indies legends Sir Curtley Ambrose and Brian Lara William Wallace

L

awyers representing William Wallace and his executive have threatened legal action against First Citizens Bank in Port of Spain should they find that the bank has changed signatories to the accounts of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) without the required authorisation.

Wallace and the members of his executive were elected to lead the TTFA during elections held in Trinidad and Tobago in November 2019. However, less than four months later, FIFA, through a letter dated March 17, 2020, indicated that they were appointing a normalisation committee to oversee the daily running of the heavily indebted association.

Despite protests from the Wallace-led executive that such a move was unconstitutional, FIFA went ahead and appointed a committee later that month.

To exacerbate the matter, members of the executive received information recently that the normalization committee had gained control of the TTFA’s accounts, which prompted Friday’s action from the lawyers.

“Since the elections held in November 2019, following which Mr William Wallace was duly elected President of the TTFA and subsequent thereto added as a signatory to the accounts, there has been no further change,” the letter dated April 17, 2020, said in part.

“Any attempts to change the signatories on the account which may have already been made in March or April 2020 or attempts which may be made hereafter without the express approval of Mr William Wallace and/or the duly elected executives is unauthorized.”

The letter continued: “My client would like to believe that in the modern banking context which is set against a backdrop of robust due diligence, no mere letter from a body with no legal standing in Trinidad and Tobago, could usurp the due authority of the TTFA Board of Directors and/or induce the bank to breach its contract with the TTFA. “Should it come to light that the bank has provided any confidential information to, or acted to make any changes in respect to the TTFA accounts…my clients shall without delay approach the High Court or urgent assistance in preventing or stopping any breach or unlawful interference.”

Earlier this week, Wallace wrote to the Minister of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago expressing concern over discussions the normalisation committee was having with the government about the use of the ‘Home of Football’ to house citizens infected by the Coronavirus COVID-19.

Wallace insisted that he should have been a party to those conversations and not the normalization committee.

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est Indies fast bowling legend Curtly Ambrose believes batting icon Brian Lara was in too much of a rush to claim the post of team captain, going on to find the task tougher than he expected.

Having previously played under another bowling great, Courtney Walsh, Lara officially took charge of the West Indies team for the 1997-98 England tour of the Caribbean. The move was not without some controversy at the time, as some felt the then 28-year-old had been instrumental in forcing Walsh out of the post.

Ambrose seems to have been among them.

“Brian Lara, to me, was too hasty to lead the West Indies t e a m .

We knew he was going to be the natural successor to Courtney W a l s h because when Courtney Walsh became the captain he [Walsh]

had a couple of years left in him and all Brian Lara had to do was just wait on his turn because Courtney was doing a fairly good job,” Ambrose told the Antigua Observer.

Walsh had taken over the post from Richie Richardson for the 1994-95 West Indies tour of India. While in charge, the bowler went on to lead the team for 22 Test matches with a record of 6 wins 7 losses and 9 draws. In ODIs, where he led the team 43 times, the West Indies won 22 lost 20, with one no result.

Lara oversaw the team for 47 Test matches, where they won 10, lost 26 and drew 11. In ODIs he captained for 125 matches, winning 59, losing 59, with 7 no results.

“He was too anxious to be the captain and there was no competition because once Courtney left the scene he would have, but he realized it was not as easy as he probably thought. A lot of people were upset for him with that because he made it public that he wanted to be the captain; he campaigned for it and to me, it was disappointing,” he said.

Despite the team’s struggles, Lara performed well as captain individually, his 3725 runs and 5 centuries putting him 14th for most runs scored as a captain. In Tests, he ranks 8th with 4685 and 14 hundreds, including his record 400.

(Sportsmax)

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2020

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23

- has eyes set on Jaguars call Former Berbice U-19 pacer Demetri Cameron is another Guyanese player stranded in Trinidad and Tobago -- on lockdown due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of that country’s borders.

Cameron spoke to this publication about what he is[RM1] experiencing during this time, and about his future plans.

"It has been a wonderful experience for me, (seeing) this is my third year over here. It's a very wonderful experience playing among some of the best local players in Trinidad and some of the regional senior guys as well. It’s a wonderful experience," Cameron detailed.

During this testing period, when the world is at a standstill because of the ‘virus’, Cameron spoke about how he occupies his time away from cricket and the social life.

"Well, most of the time in this quarantine, I am doing a lot of fitness work; mostly working on my strengths and core. As a fast bowler, you have to be fit and strong, so I am working ‘real’ hard on my fitness at this time", Cameron explained.

This Port Mourant Cricket Club right-arm pacer has come from a humble background from whence he did not have the luxury of playing constantly at the junior levels, but this cricket late-bloomer is aiming to reach greater heights in the sport.

"I have never made (it into any) youth team due to lack of financial sup-

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ith the COVID-19 pandemic forcing cancellation of sporting events around the world, organisers have decided to postpone staging of a special football extravaganza: the annual Mayor’s Cup/ Inter-Ward/Village Football Tournament.

Former National Football Coach Lennox Arthur, who coordinates the staging of

Lennox Arthur

Demetri Cameron (Photo: Royston Alkins)

port.

Being ( t h e product) of a single-parent home, I constantly had to work onand-off during my young age, which aided in (my)lack of interest in the game for a number o f years.

(When)I was 18 years old, I returned to play my last year of youth cricket, and in that year, I made the Berbice Under-19 team -- in 2014,” Cameron explained.

Like Nial Smith, who played cricket in Trinidad and returned to Guyana as a developed fast-bowler, Cameron has eyes set on the prize: playing for the Guyana Jaguars.

"In the next two years, I see myself playing for the Guyana Jaguars in all formats. This has been a dream from my childhood days -- to represent my country at this level in cricket," Cameron highlighted.

He is also taking it one step at a time, and one day he hopes to play for the West Indies.

Cameron has also played for the Barrackpore United in Trinidad, the Diamond Cricket Club, and the Cosmos Sports Club. Further, he has been playing in the Cricket Guyana Inc. (CGI) Franchise tournament for Upper Corentyne. One of his stand-out bowling efforts was for the Cosmos Sports Club, when he picked up a 10-wicket match haul in a two-innings encounter in Trinidad. (Brandon Corlette)

this prestigious and lucrative tournament, has tentatively rescheduled the kick-off date to the end of August 2020, in order that the grand final may be held on October 12, to coincide with the 29th birth anniversary of His Worship, the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine.

This tournament will, for the first time, have participation of 32 teams drawn

East Demerara’s representatives are: Ann’s Grove, Golden Grove, Victoria, Victoria Scorpions, Buxton Stars, Beterverwagting, Melanie, Mahaica, Plaisance and Lima Dam. The East Bank Demerara teams are Timehri and Kuru Kururu; the West Demerara teams are: Uitvlugt, Pouderoyen, Stewartville, Den Amstel, Den Amstel

from five Regional Member Associations (RMAs), who will participate in the 11-a-side format.

Six of these teams will come from Georgetown: Bourda Blues, Charlestown, Tucville, Road Warriors, North Sophia and South Sophia.

Berbice will be represented by: Mahaicony, Airy Hall, Calcutta, Paradise Invaders and New Amsterdam; while

The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has fast-tracked the process of financial aid for member associations who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic, says president Victor Montagliani.

The global spread of the virus has resulted in several sports, including football, being brought to a standstill, resulting in sporting associations being unable to host income-generating competitions.

Saying that he acknowledged some member associations had financial obligations and might be anxious in the circumstances, Montagliani told the Jamaica Observer that the continental body has eased the requirements of accessing the One CONCACAF

GFF President Wayne Forde (right) and Executive Member Ryan Farias joined by FIFA and CONCACAF President’s, Gianni Infantino (2nd left) and Victor Montagliani

Development Fund, a financial assistance programme set up to help member associations boost their development portfolios.

“For instance, before you could not use One CONCACAF for human resources, so what we have done is that during this period where there is no programming, we will allow it,” the vice-president of world football governing body FIFA told the newspaper.

“At the end of the day, football is about people and everybody will be wanting to keep their staff on as much as possible, so we are allowing that funding to target that.”

Additionally, Montagliani said, additional assistance is being crafted in conjunction with FIFA and other continental governing bodies.

“We have already started bilateral discussions with all our members and stakeholders trying to take an inventory, as we are also working with FIFA, whose ultimate intention will be to help out

Kings, West Side Spartans, Crane, Wales and Hurry Ate. The proposed venues are the Georgetown Football Club Ground, Bourda, Mahaicony Community Centre, Victoria Community Centre, and Den Amstel Community Centre grounds.

The tournament format would allow for minimal mistakes, since it is knockout-patterned.

world football,” he said.

“We are working hand in glove with not only FIFA, but other confederations because I think it’s important it be done in a holistic and responsible way.”

However, he stressed, FIFA had to be responsible in the use of its funds.

“This can’t be like the Government bailing out the auto industry, because FIFA doesn’t have that kind of money.

What’s important is for us to look to see what the real damage is, who is eligible, and how they are eligible, what’s the application process and all that kind of stuff,” Montagliani said.

COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the Caribbean football calendar, resulting in the suspension of the FLOW Caribbean Club Championship scheduled for May, along with the 2021 Gold Cup qualifiers scheduled for June.

The CONCACAF Nations League Finals carded for June 4-7 in Texas has also been postponed. (CMC)

SATURDAY APRIL 18, 2020

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

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Page 23 Page 23 Demetri Cameron (Photo: Royston Alkins)

Flashback to September 12, 2016, when Police Football Club defeated Western Tigers in the final of the most recent Mayor’s Cup

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William Wallace

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