Guyana Times - Thursday, April 23, 2020

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Embrace green economy development model – EMC

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4264

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

PRICE

GECOM, APNU/AFC destruction of democracy: Day 52

Recount start date still in limbo …GECOM to meet today

See story on page 3

…Caricom yet to respond to observe recount invitation COVID-19 pandemic

Guyana vulnerable as World Bank projects drastic reduction in remittances

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt restricts imports of COVID-19 P12 testing kits …only those from WHO approved countries or “a serious reference authority” allowed

P7 Arson determined as cause of NA fire – forensic fire report

Page 2

FITUG roasts Guyana’s Nagamootoo COVID-19 tests Task Force figure unchanged over bungled in 24 hours COVID-19 response Page 9

Pomeroon boat accident

Farmer’s body found P15

Page 10

Local aircraft operators “struggling to stay in business”

Page 7

EU reorients local support to reflect COVID-19 reality …says Guyana to benefit from regional €1B aid

P14

…despite PAHO’s call to step up testing

…Georgetown ID'd as epicentre, Guyana's death rate stands at 10.4 %

GuySuCo divestment halted amid political instability – NICIL CEO …investors not willing to move forward

See story on page 11

Some COVID-19 patients not cooperating with health P15 authorities – Deputy CMO

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19 pandemic

Guyana vulnerable as World Bank projects drastic reduction in remittances

T

he World Bank has projected that in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID 19) pandemic, the world will see a drastic reduction in remittances, with the Caribbean being hit with its sharpest decline in remittances in recent history.

This was communicated in a statement on Wednesday, when the World Bank projected a global decline of 20 per cent in remittances owing to the coronavirus sweeping the world and the resulting economic slowdown.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, this fall is expected to be some 19.3 per cent.

“The projected fall, which would be the sharpest decline in recent history, is largely due to a fall in the wages and employment of migrant workers, who tend to be more vulnerable to loss of employment and wages during an economic crisis in a host country.”

“Remittances to lowand middle-income countries (LMICs) are projected to fall by 19.7 per cent to US$445 billion, representing a loss of a crucial financing lifeline for many vulnerable households,” the report also stated.

World Bank Group President David Malpass

The World Bank pointed out that remittances help to ease poverty in low- and middle-income countries, of which Guyana is one. The financial institution also noted that remittances aided in improving access to higher education and reducing child labour in lower income households.

“A fall in remittances affect families’ ability to spend on these areas as more of their finances will be directed to solve food shortages and immediate livelihoods needs,” the

World Bank also said.

Moreover, World Bank Group President David Malpass was quoted as saying that “Remittances are a vital source of income for developing countries. The ongoing economic recession caused by COVID-19 is taking a severe toll on the ability to send money home and makes it all the more vital that we shorten the time to recovery for advanced economies.

“Remittances help families afford food, healthcare, and basic needs. As the World Bank Group implements fast, broad action to support countries, we are working to keep remittance channels open and safeguard the poorest communities’ access to these most basic needs,” he was also quoted as saying.

Another risk of the COVID-19 crisis is that it can drive up costs of transferring remittances to the Region owing to operational challenges being faced by service providers. Such challenges include closure of agents and offices, reduced access to cash, foreign exchange and security.

Remittance, the act of overseas-based family members sending home money, plays a big role

in the local economy. The Bank of Guyana reported US$327.9 million in remittances for 2018. This amount was US$317.2 million in 2017 and US$264.6 million in 2016.

However, with the coronavirus pandemic, countries around the world have implemented stay-at-home policies. Staying at home and social distancing have been a two-edged sword, reducing the spread of coronavirus but also bringing economies to a halt. There have also been layoffs, including in the United States from where Guyana gets much of its remittances.

Other challenges

As if dealing with the reduction in remittances owing to coronavirus was not enough, Guyana also faces the risk of remittances being curtailed due to sanctions. This is the bleak reality if foreign Governments make good on warnings should Guyana not conclude its elections in a timely and democratic fashion.

It has already been over a month of controversy, and a credible winner of the 2020 General and Regional Elections is yet to be declared. After two declarations from Region

Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, which lacked transparency, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and caretaker President David Granger had agreed to have the Caribbean Community (Caricom) oversee the recount.

That agreement was derailed when A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) candidate Ulita Moore moved to the courts and secured an injunction against the exercise.

That injunction was discharged by the Full Court, and later the Full Court’s decision was upheld by the Appeals Court. But by then, the Caricom team had long since left. GECOM has since reinvited Caricom, leaving the ball in its court as to when the recount would start.

Financial analyst and former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar had recently warned about the effects sanctions can have on Guyana, including the effect on remittances.

Indar, in a recent warning from the business community, said the status quo of a pariah state would attract sanctions in addition to those which have been threatened against individuals that are found to be complicit in electoral fraud.

He had also said that an expulsion of Guyana would lock out the country from accessing finance from international funding agencies such as the World Bank; the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), among others.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 23 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, April 24 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 23 – 16:50h-18:20h and Friday, April 24 – 04:50h-06:20h.

Recount start date still in limbo …GECOM to meet today …Caricom yet to respond to observe recount invitation and Foreign Affairs Minister Francine Baron, and comprised former Grenada Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain; Senior UWI Lecturer in the Department of Government, Cynthia Barrow-Giles; Barbados Chief Electoral Officer Angela Taylor; and Trinidad and Tobago Chief Elections Officer Fern Narcis-Scope.

That agreement was derailed when A Partnership

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected during the day.

Partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 16:59h reaching a maximum height of 2.67 metres.

Low Tide: 10:34h and 22:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.48 metre and 0.58 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

03

06 09

19

20 21

FREE TICKET

7 Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

01 14

16 24 25

LUCKY 3

7

0

0

2

Afternoon Draw

1

2

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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PAY DAY

21 SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$20.37/barrel

+5.11

Rough Rice

$285.75 /ton

+0.04

London Sugar

$322.00/ton

-0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1713.40

$1714.40

Low/High

$1677.20

$1721.30

Change

-0.70

-0.04%

ed GECOM, a constitutional body, that it could not extend its recount into curfew hours.

These instructions were issued after the GECOM Chair wrote to him, requesting guidance on the working hours for the recount team.

Inexplicably, Nagamootoo also informed GECOM that observers granted special permission to fly in to oversee the recount must quar-

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

here has been no decision on a start date for the election recount or its logistics, but the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is expected to meet again at 09:30h today in order to continue its discussions.

This was confirmed by GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward, during an interview with Guyana Times. In response to queries, she also confirmed that the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has yet to respond to an invitation from GECOM to send a team to supervise the recount.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Commissioners are in possession of a draft recount order that is still under work and it will likely be discussed today.

In an interview with this publication, GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj explained that after reviewing the draft order, he made some recommendations for inclusion in the order.

While tightlipped on what the draft order contains, Gunraj explained that the recommendations he made included the live streaming of the recount process in the interest of transparency.

Gunraj explained that he also recommended the circulation of the order details for the recount to the relevant personnel and the exclusion of certain persons who have been deemed to have tainted the process when they were previously involved.

It has already been over a month of controversy, and a credible winner for the 2020 General and Regional Elections is yet to be declared. After two declarations from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, which lacked transparency, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and caretaker President David Granger had agreed to have Caricom oversee the recount.

The independent high-level team that came was chaired by former Dominica Attorney General

stipulations were relaxed. A decision was made for the 18:00h to 06:00h curfew to be relaxed and for foreigners coming here to observe the process to be pre-tested in their own countries as against being quarantined for 14 days upon their arrival here.

These changes were also made following the intervention of caretaker President David Granger. GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh has said that the recount will be done based on a 10-hour shift from 08:00h to 18:00h.

T

for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) candidate Ulita Moore moved to the courts and secured an injunction against the exercise.

That injunction was discharged last month by the Full Court, and later the Full Court’s decision was upheld by the Appeals Court. By then, however, the Caricom high-level team had already departed, forcing GECOM to reinvite them.

More controversy would later erupt; however, after caretaker Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo instruct-

antine for 14 days after arriving, again delaying the exercise.

After an outcry from the People’s Progressive Party (and reportedly diplomatic intervention), however, these

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 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

Ramp up testing

W

ith coronavirus (COVID-19) cases increasing daily, there are calls being made for health authorities of the various countries, including Guyana’s, to accelerate and expand testing in order to obtain a clearer view of where the virus is circulating, and how many people have been infected. Health experts have underlined increased testing as one of the key actions that could be taken to win the battle against the deadly pandemic.

Accelerating and expanding testing in the early stages of discovering the virus is very crucial, so as to better guide policy-makers, health partners, and health-care workers in containing the spread of the virus. We have seen in countries around the world, where testing took a long time to take off, how the virus was able to spread rapidly.

On the other hand, there were huge success rates for countries like Germany, South Korea and New Zealand, as they were able to test and isolate far more widely than others. They also rapidly stockpiled kits and made the test available to a larger number of labs, which allowed for more persons to be tested and diagnosed early.

There are two main reasons for testing people early: to have individual diagnosis, and to determine how far the virus has spread, so that the authorities could isolate and track those persons who may have come into contact with someone who was tested positive before others are infected.

Information garnered from testing could also be very useful in helping health-care partners plan to deal with the demand for intensive care units and other critical medical supplies.

In some countries, due to the inadequate supply of testing kits, testing is reserved for seriously ill patients in hospitals, and for certain key workers who are on the frontline, such as health-care workers, transportation providers, law enforcement officials, and so on. This means that even if you develop mild symptoms, you would not be able to be tested for COVID-19, unless you become seriously ill.

In Guyana’s case, when the pandemic was first discovered, only the National Public Health Reference Laboratory was permitted to process testing kits. However, after some pressure, the National COVID-19 Task Force gave the go-ahead for private hospitals to import kits and conduct their own testing. Even though a bit late, this was seen as a positive step towards ensuring that more persons are tested and diagnosed. To date, a total of 348 persons have been tested in Guyana, but there is urgent need for the authorities here to ramp up testing in the coming days.

No one ever imagined dealing with a pandemic of this magnitude, and certainly no country was prepared to give the kind of response that is needed in such a situation. There are indications that the worst features of the pandemic are yet to come, as some countries have not reached their peak as yet.

Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Carissa F. Etienne, recently pointed out that even though countries were prepared to test and detect cases of COVID-19 since before the pandemic was declared, the increasing cases being recorded over the past few weeks posed a real challenge, and countries are finding it very difficult to keep up. She said that, as the pandemic continues to impact the region, it is vital for all countries to actively embrace preventive measures while preparing for more cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

PAHO has since made some key recommendations for countries to: expand their capacities and use all available national laboratories; prioritise patients with symptoms, tracing contacts and following up with those who may be infected; and ensure access for all, so testing would be free of charge for patients.

PAHO has said it provided more than 500,000 PCR tests to 34 countries, and is working with other countries to track and support their capacities. An additional 1.5 million PCR tests are expected to be dispatched throughout the Region this week, followed by another 3 million next week, to strengthen laboratory surveillance networks in member states. This would certainly be a boost to the testing capacities of the various countries.

GECOM must expedite recounting process

Dear Editor, The VIRAAT SABHAA GUYANA is calling on GECOM to expedite the recounting process of the March 2nd General and Regional Elections.

The Sabhaa, like other organisations, has recognised the rapid depreciation of our social infrastructure. People are frustrated, and are becoming hostile and aggressive, especially on social media. This kind of behaviour could be reduced or avoided if the recount is completed in an expeditious

and credible manner.

The Sabha is convinced that there are deliberate attempts to delay or stall the process in the interest of the coalition party. We have been following the process right through until now, and we recognise the partial conduct of GECOM, which is supposed to be an independent body. It is very evident that GECOM is violating its constitutional obligations by surrendering its responsibility to the former prime minister and the president.

The Sabha’s suspicions continue to be aroused with the procrastinating tactics used by the organisation. The electorate participated in the process with intention to have an early result, which would pave the way for continuity. The actions of GECOM to date exemplify lack of independence and set a precedent for disaster, which our nation cannot afford.

The chairman is responsible for giving the charge, but instead of leading, is following the staff of GECOM, who are

subordinate to the Chairman.

The Sabha is advising the Chairman and her colleagues to be more responsible in the execution of their duties, as the nation deserves better at this time. Please be guided by the Constitution, and remember: we all swore to serve without ill-will or favour in the execution of our duties.

Sincerely, Pt Ravi Persaud President Viraat Sabha of Guyana

Oil price collapse, COVID-19, election impasse, international sanctions, battered economy Dear Editor, Tuesday (21/4/20), oil price has collapsed on the world market to the extent that the price of US oil has turned negative for the first time in history. Just a few months ago, oil price was riding high. In January 2020, US Energy Information Administration reported that the average price of Brent crude oil in 2019 was $64 per barrel. However, Guyana can no longer count on a windfall of oil revenues to balance its economy, and no one can predict with any certainty when this COVID-19 crisis will end, or when the world demand for oil will once again increase.

Our country now faces a fivefold setback (1) COVID-19, (2) falling oil prices, (3) an election impasse, (4) high levels of unemployment, and (5) the prospect

of sanctions from Western countries.

But Justice Claudette Singh has the solution. By using the powers entrusted to her by the Constitution of Guyana, she can single- handily directly remove at least two obstacles: the election impasse and the prospect of sanctions from Western countries, and by doing so, we can start addressing the other problems.

She must immediately put an end to this saga by ordering a resumption of the tabulation of Region 4 results from the time when Mingo began his fraudulent tabulation. This is the only region wherein the elections results were not impartially tabulated and declared.

Alternatively, if she must do a recount, complete Region 4 first, and declare the results; but she must first put

measures in place to avoid a fraudulent recount. She must have impartial observers; have present at each counting station representatives of each party that took part in the elections; have the recount televised; and prevent the tampering of ballot boxes throughout the process.

Compromised GECOM staffers must not, in any way, be involved in the counting process or the declaration of results.

The already declared statements of poll which are in the public domain, and which are legal documents, must be used as a yardstick to measure the outcome of any count.

If she allows any recount to be compromised by not implementing appropriate measures to prevent any fraudulent results, she would be committing great

harm on the Guyanese people. International sanctions will be placed upon us, we will suffer the same fate as our neighbour Venezuela, and our economy will slide further into recession.

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando PonzCanto, said if there is a breach of democracy, the EU will have to impose sanctions on Guyana. This statement is echoed by Canada, The United States, Caricom, The Commonwealth, The Organisation of American States, The Carter Center, and all other local and international observers. Any sanctions against Guyana will devastate an already battered economy, and we will no longer be able to depend on oil as our saviour.

Dear Editor, There are reports circulating that Chairwoman of the GECOM, as well as Government-appointed Commissioner Vincent Alexander, have been threatened by person/s unknown on the social media platform Facebook. The Chairwoman explicitly stated that “a bounty is on her head”, which means that her safety is at risk. This is no idle talk, especially at a time like this, when the Madam Justice (retired) is “trying” her “best” at the balancing act of pacifying an ongoing electoral bat-

tle between contesting political parties.

Certainly it is no easy task standing in her position, so I urge the authorities to give this matter their urgent attention.

I would not, in the least, trivialise this allegation, knowing fully well how contentious, volatile, and violent the political landscape in Guyana can become. We have gone down this road before many times over with morbid results being our legacy, so my advice to those involved is: let’s stop this nonsense right now.

That being said, I would like to share a few pieces of information that might shed some light in this dark tunnel of Guyanese politics. I would like us to focus on the 2015 election. In that election, the Commission Chairman was a little tardy in his declaration of the final results, which on that occasion would prove the PNC/AFC Coalition winners. In true PNC style, they called out their supporters to a wake outside Mr Steve Surujbally’s home. Now, what is the purpose of a wake without a dead body; but that sent a spine-chilling signal to

the chairman what their intentions were. Two days later, the coalition was declared winners of the 2015 Elections by a slim majority. After that, there was peace in the valley.

In closing I urge Madam Justice (retired) Claudette Singh to check on the histrionics of the party she is shielding right now, thereby gathering valuable information with which law enforcement can work and get to the bottom of this whole affair. I rest my case.

Sincerely, Harry Beharry

PNC is notorious for its passive-aggressive actions

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Guyana cannot build a future without trust Dear Editor, We hear often that Guyana has a wealth of commodities. The reality is: with an economy still based on the export of unrefined commodities, we are invariably victims to the vagaries of the markets. (And perhaps those who felt that oil was

somehow immune to this syndrome have now learned that it is among the most unpredictable of assets).

There is one commodity that has always been in scarce supply on these shores: trust. Trust in Government, trust in public institutions, trust in public office holders,

trust in each other.

Trust is the thread that binds our social fabric. It has been depleted almost to vanishing point by the events of the last six weeks (some would say 18 months).

Oil is a fickle companion on the road to nation-building. Trust is an indispens-

able one. Guyana can build a future without oil, if necessary; but we cannot build a future without trust.

This is what is at stake.

This is what is being squandered.

Yours faithfully, Isabelle de Caires

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

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Greater social, health Recount of votes should not be and economic risks subject to COVID-19 curfew

Dear Editor, Does GECOM Chair, Justice (retd) Claudette Singh, still not realise that the continued delay in completing the election is putting Guyanese at greater social, health and economic risks?

Justice Singh continues to oversee delaying tactics which hamper her duties, legal duties which the Elections Laws give her full authority to carry out without interference.

The Law does not provide for the President and/or political party members to dictate or frustrate the process.

The Law does provide a ro-

bust system for every valid vote to matter. Once Justice Singh and all others involved in the preparation of the results do their jobs honestly, professionally, and as God would expect, the result would be fair.

Justice Singh should spare Guyanese more prolonged anguish. Several suitable suggestions to shorten the time to get the results were published in the media. While deliberating on how to carry out the full recount, Justice Singh should consciously consider to begin with Region 4 recount (or finish the Region 4 count that

was stopped), followed by the next region/s which may affect the final result. This should give good reason not to waste time in completing the full recount. Guyanese are smart people and can see the story for what it is.

Justice Singh has the right and the responsibility to seek the shortest period for the exercise. Time for a swift result; for many reasons, this is important. This would also keep the inconvenience to the overseas observers to the minimum.

Sincerely, Patsy Downey

Days vs people & locations Dear Editor, There has been a lot said about the number of stations to complete the recount. Having more than one location would allow for ensuring a swifter recount, while also keeping in place the precautions necessary for the coronavirus. A balance must be obtained when weighing the risk of the total number of days of bringing people together from various communities vs. quick work in multiple locations. The team involved should consider the risk of transmission from extended potential exposure due to the number of days for the recount.

It only takes one infected

person to cause the virus to spread to multiple communities, and the more those involved are travelling back and forth to conduct the recount, the more opportunity there is for exposure to the virus.

A shorter timeframe should be considered, to reduce the risk. Multiple locations would help to get the work done in a timely manner. Starting with the end in mind as it pertains to the desired timeframe to complete the work would help tremendously to settle the debate.

Is it a week or two weeks?

The Bar Association has given some guidance, and the Attorney General has clari-

fied what is acceptable via a legal precedent. It’s time to set an end date and plan accordingly.

Reminds me of the great work done on election night at the polling stations. That was an election process that made everyone proud.

GECOM has already shown us that they are capable of getting this done in a timely manner. No need for unnecessary risk- taking. Please set a date for the recount to end, plan accordingly, and work towards getting the recount completed by that date.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Dear Editor, It was clear from Moses Nagamootoo’s statement that the COVID–19 mandatory conditions were sine qua-non for the national recount of votes cast in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

What Nagamootoo is deliberately orchestrating is using the remnants of a de facto regime to further delay the recount process. But this is just to edify this “Guyanese” that a new and legitimate government is absolutely essential for Guyana, (which is long overdue) in order to take

charge of the country and really handle the coronavirus pandemic in a more responsible way, and not the PNC– APNU/AFC regime anymore.

Nagamootoo’s so-called two weeks’ quarantine of international observers was baseless and ludicrous, as this was seen as another gimmick to earn another month’s salary off tax payers’ dollars. Further, why should the 6am-to-6pm curfew still be applied to the national recount exercise? The national recount of ballots is a matter of national importance, above and beyond all

other matters at this juncture of Guyana’s affairs, and should not be subject to any curfew in the interest of time.

As a matter of urgency, the recount process should be on a two-shift system, between the hours of 8am and 10pm, and the entire national recount of ballots must be completed and declaration of the final results of the elections made within two weeks of commencement of the exercise.

Yours sincerely, Paul Ramrattan

Very little social distancing being practised between vendors and shoppers Dear Editor, Yesterday (Tuesday) I visited ‘Big Market’, Stabroek Market in Georgetown, to purchase food items. Based on my financial situation, I, like many Guyanese, cannot shop at large supermarkets, and, as such, have to shop at the municipal markets, where food items are marginally cheaper.

It was mandatory to wash my hands with water and a cake of soap that was being used by everyone venturing into the market. Now, I know you may be disgusted by the use of one cake of soap by hundreds of persons at the gate

of the market, but even more alarming was that, after entering the very crowded market, there was very little social distancing being practised between vendors and shoppers.

The market administration should provide liquid hand soap, and also rotate the number of vendors operating, whilst limiting the number of shoppers allowed to enter at any one time.

On my way out of the cramped greens section, located a stone’s throw away from the fish section, my eyes landed on a basket of oranges. I asked the vendor, “How the oranges

going?” He smirked and said, “That is Mr Orange”, but he did not indicate the price. I pressed for the price again, and the vendor responded, “2 for $500”.

Shocked by the response, and ashamed that I couldn’t afford oranges at that price, I didn’t even respond, but bent my head and headed out of the market.

At this time of global crisis, I call upon all to be kind to each other, and not seek to profiteer from the situation and exploit the vulnerable.

Dear Editor, It seems as if the Police on the West Coast of Demerara are confused about the COVID-19 curfew guidelines, and it would be very helpful if the Police Commander for that area, or Police Commissioner would provide some clarity to his men, so that the rules could be applied across the board.

I have a small cellphone/ clothing store on the West Coast of Demerara, but I was told that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all non-essential businesses would have to be closed for one month; only essential businesses, such as pharmacies, gas stations and markets, would be allowed to open.

However, if one were to take a drive from Parika to Vreed-en-Hoop, one would notice that some businesses are still operating as per normal, especially some of the big stores. After observing the confusion, I made a call to the Leonora Police Station, and was told that businesses could operate.

However, another officer at

the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station said something else: that non-essential businesses cannot operate.

The Commissioner should say what is the correct thing to do: Is it a case that businesses can operate from 6am to 6pm, or should they not open at all? And if it is a case that they cannot operate, this should be applied to everyone. The Commissioner’s direction should be clear to the relevant Police Stations.

From what I gather, some big businesses have friends in the GPF, and those businesses are allowed to operate. This is wrong, and should not happen. We all have financial commitments to take care of, staff and rent to pay etc. And we would all like to open our businesses, but we decided to adhere to the guidelines to close our operations. Why can’t the others do likewise?

I await guidance from the Commander/Police Commissioner.

Sincerely, Marcus Perry

Guyana needs to get back on track with a legitimate Govt West Coast Demerara Commander should provide clarity

Dear Editor, Guyana has failed to take its first tentative steps towards rebooting this stalled economy, because of political and administrative inaction by GECOM and the de facto regime. A steep drop in oil prices, combined with COVID-19 and the political crisis, has created a human development “Molotov cocktail” for Guyana.

What is vitally needed is a legitimate Government, which has the power to engage the people and the international community in crafting a comprehensive support programme, coupled with a national stimulus package to restart economic expansion. Such a programme must be aided by a 10-year national development strategy that would actively contribute to economic progress. That is why Dr. Irfaan Ali’s message this week on his economic strategy was reassuring, since it planted a menu of policy actions that are geared to guiding us through this dark economic tunnel.

It is unfortunate that the de-facto President, Mr. David Granger, could not have offered any menu of measures in these last days of his regime.

Initially, the IMF had projected in 2019 that Guyana was going to have an overall growth rate (including oil) of 86%, with oil revenues projected at US$230 million (using an assumed oil price of US$64/barrel). Growth rate in the nonoil economy was projected at 4.7%.

Oil revenues were supposed to play a lead role in the Guyanese economy in 2020, but the world has changed drastically over the last 3 months. At the end of March 2020, we are now expecting an annualised meltdown in the no-oil economy measuring no less than minus (negative)

9.3% based on the computations I have seen using public economic data from the Bank of Guyana. If we are to look at the projected oil revenues for 2020, we would be lucky to get US$105 million at an average oil price of US$20/barrel. That is a 55% decline in oil revenues payable to Guyana this year. This translates to an overall GDP growth rate at best of 26% for 2020, and that is before capturing the economic drain from COVID-19.

Based on preliminary estimates being worked on by a technical team analysing these issues, we are seeing computations that are reflecting a 6% - 8% growth in GDP for 2020, after including these preliminary COVID-19 charges.

But GDP is not GNI. To really assess more accurately how these three major human development activities (oil prices, elections, and COVID-19) are adversely affecting the Guyanese people in 2020, one must evaluate the GNI computations. For the record, GDP is the total value of goods and services produced by locals and foreigners in a country during a year, but not all of it is injected into the local economy. GNI, on the other hand, refers to that portion of the wealth created in a country that stays in that country. So GDP is not the most accurate assessment of what would happen to the Guyanese people, it is more an academic statistic. GNI, on the other hand, is a more pragmatic assessment of the economic reality for the people.

Based on the computation using the publicly available data sourced from the Bank of Guyana, the annualised GNI for 2020 is expected to decline by minus (NEGATIVE) 5.3% in 2020. This is mainly driven by a 70% decline in oil prices since January 2020. If we tack on

the COVID-19 related economic costs, we are seeing a computation that concludes that the economy would contract by minus (NEGATIVE) 17% - 19% in 2020.

Every day that this de facto Granger group continues to ignore these issues and kick the bucket down the road, we are losing foreign direct investments, which is the key to our economic turnaround. If one is to assess what is happening in the local private sector, we can clearly conclude that confidence in the economy is at its lowest for 36 years in 2020. And to add salt to the people’s injury, we have a menu of incoming international sanctions which will instantly recreate “GUYLINES” from the Burnham era. There will be a dire shortage of foreign currency, and the exchange rate will slide, which would drive up the cost of living for our people. This will bring immense hardship to the Guyanese people.

Some 18,000 persons have lost their full income over the last 4 weeks, especially people like the Regent Street sales staff. Today, many of these people are dependent on food handouts to survive. Medical analysts have said lately that Guyana’s lockdown has slowed the spread of the pathogen, but the economic impact is catastrophic as the number above revealed.

Guyana needs to get back on track with a legitimate Government recognised by the international community, and every day Madam Claudette Singh fails to conclude the recount process is one extra day we do not have. I trust good sense will prevail.

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

Yours truly, T Khan

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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers. This is the second part of Mathematics Paper 1, 2008.

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.

MATHEMATICS

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.

Study the diagram below, then answer question 23.

Here is an example done for you. letter next to the answer you have now 1. The sum of 4 and 5 is chosen.

ANSWER SHEET (A) x (B) 1.

A B C D 6. REMEMBER, each answer MUST only be shown (C) 20 (D) 45 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

(C) 1:4 (D) 1:10 26. A piece of paper of area 60 cm is divided into 2 pieces A and B so that the area of A is 2/3 area of 13. The area, in cm of the larger piece is

(A) 20 (B) 36

(C) 40 (D) 60

23. The complement of P in Figure 5 is

(A) x (B) {d}

(C) {c, d} (D) {a,b} 24. 20% of 150 is

(A) 10

(C) 30

(D) (D)

20 40

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

(C) 5.4, 4.5, 0.54; 0.45 (D) 0.45. 0.54, 4.5, 5.4

32. Estimate the length of XY in cm.

(A) 4.5 (B) 5.0

(C) 5.5 (D) 6.5 33. A pipe can fill a tank in 6 minutes and another pipe can fill the same tank in 12 minutes. If both pipes are turned on together, how long will it take to fill the tank?

(A) 4 (B) 6

(C) 12 (D) 18

34. The circumference of a bicycle wheel is 200 cm. How many revolutions would it take to cover a distance of 5000 cm.

(A) 25 (B) 250

(C) 400 (D) 500 27. Table 1 shows the ages of a number of children in a class. How many children are in the class?

(A) 15 (B) 16

(C) 27 (D) 55 28. The mode of the class is

(A) 2 (B) 3

(B) 11 (D) 16

In a group of 15 children, 7 can speak Spanish, 8 can speak French and 3 can speak neither. The diagram below shows this information. Use the diagram to answer questions 35 and 36.

29. The number 15.45 to one decimal place (A) 15.0 (B) 15.4 (C) 15.5 (D) 16.0 25. The dimension of Figure 6 is 10 cm by 4 cm. The ratio of the length to the width is (A) 5:2 (B) :5:4

30. Which number when multiplied by 10 will give an answer of 1?

(A) 0.01 (B) 0.1

(C) 1 (D) 10 31. Which group of numbers is arranged in ascending order?'

(A) 0.45, 4.5, 0.54 (B) 0.54., 5.4, 0.45, 4.5

35. What fraction of the group speaks both French and Spanish?

(B) 4/15

(A) 3/15 5

(C) /15 (D) 7/15

36. The number of children in the set S U F is

(A) 3 (B) 4

(C) (D) 12 37. The area of rectangle is 36 If the lengths of the sides are halved, the area, in of the new rectangle is

(A) 9 (B) 18

(C) 36 (D) 54 TO BE CONTINUED

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Local aircraft operators “struggling to stay in business”

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s a result of the series of restrictions placed on the local aviation industry in light of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, operators are struggling to stay afloat.

This is according to the Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana (AOAG), which comprises of Trans Guyana Airways, JAGS Aviation, Wings Aviation and Roraima Airways – who is also a member of the National Air Transport Association (NATA).

Following the discovery of its first case of COVID-19, which was imported, Guyana closed its borders, including

its air space, and restricted domestic passenger travel to border communities in the hinterland.

Additionally, the Public Health Ministry has imposed restrictions on public transportation, including air transport.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the Association said, “The fact is that the shutdown of almost all passenger operations in the interior has led to a more-than-50-per cent reduction of all flights and making the removal of VAT (Valued-Added Tax) ineffective and leaving our members struggling to stay in business.”

en the mitigation measures already in place against the risk of spreading the virus, and that these measures have been taken without sufficient regard for the negative economic impact on the hinterland communities,” the missive outlined.

Punitive COVID-19 restrictions

According to the AOAG, since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, its members have introduced stringent protocols to ensure the safety of their passengers, includ-

Arson determined as cause of NA fire – forensic fire report

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he fire which completely destroyed a building in downtown New Amsterdam, Berbice on Tuesday afternoon is believed to have been caused by an act of arson.

This is according to forensic fire investigators who concluded their initial probe on Wednesday.

Station Officer and Second in Command at B Division Fire Department, Otis Charles told the media that the fire was deliberately set by a person or persons unknown.

“The investigation is still ongoing,” he added.

The Tuesday afternoon blaze in the downtown area in the country’s oldest town left two persons homeless. Anthony Giddings, 43, called “Bighead”, was not at home when the fire started at the Lot 14-33 Pitt Street building and was unable to save anything. He told Guyana Times that earlier in the day, he and his reputed wife had an argument and he left home. It has been reported that

The building on fire at Pitt Street, New Amsterdam

shortly before flames were seen coming from the building, his reputed wife was at home and was visited by her son and his father. Giddings had lived in the building with his reputed wife for the past five months. The building had been unoccupied for some time before Giddings took up residence.

According to Charles, the Fire Service responded when they received the call, but from all indications, the fire was burning for some time before the call was made.

“On arrival, the entire building was completely engulfed with flames. We immediately started firefighting and brought the fire under control and subsequently extinguished it.”

At the time, there was no power supply to the building.

Meanwhile, Giddings told this publication on Wednesday that he has not seen his spouse since the fire. He said he made checks at her previous home and other locations, but could not locate her. The investigation is continuing.

ing 100 per cent temperature testing of all passengers and staff, sanitising of aircraft before every flight, the compulsory wearing of face masks and hand sanitising before passengers and crew board the aircraft. It added too that all cargo was similarly sanitised.

In spite of these strict precautionary protocols being applied, the Association pointed out that the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) has further enforced a 50 per cent passenger restriction on all domestic flights – it was initially set at 75 per cent.

AOAG added that the Task Force further stopped all passenger flights to border destinations, which, inexplicably, have included Matthews Ridge and Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini) even though these border locations were already closed off and a No-Fly Order was in place for all foreign travellers.

“The Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana has discussed these matters with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and has advised that the measures being enforced by the COVID-19 Task Force are excessive, giv-

In fact, the AOAG noted that while Guyana’s domestic airlines are suffering from punitive COVID-19 restrictions and are being threatened with Government control, Governments in other countries are moving to bail out airlines in financial trouble resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. No such move has been made locally.

“The AOAG must also point out that while these restrictions are being placed on aviation traffic to border areas, there is ample evidence that there is little or no enforcement in place on the ground as passenger vehicles and boats continue to operate freely at these locations,” the Aviation Association contended.

Meanwhile, the AOAG has also refuted allegations that its members have increased their passenger and freight prices as a result of the restrictions imposed on the industry by the COVID-19 Task Force through the GCAA. “The Aircraft Owners Association of Guyana completely rejects the assertions made… by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) accusing all domestic aviation operators of increasing airfares and is shocked that the Authority should do so with-

out first checking the facts,” it posited.

Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) member Michael McGarrell has raised concerns over the increase in passenger and freight fares by domestic operator Air Services Limited (ASL). He had disclosed that a flight from the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, to Paramakatoi, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) is $68,000, while a flight back to the city is $41,800 – a roundtrip cost of $109,800. Freight charges were increased from $130 to $290 per pound.

While ASL Executive Annette Arjoon-Martins had defended the move, saying it was “uneconomical” to operate flights under the imposed measures especially since fewer passengers were travelling due to the restrictions, GCAA Director General Egbert Field had condemned the act.

But according to AOAG, it is unfortunate that DG Field should use terms such as “unconscionable” and “unscrupulous” to describe the entire domestic aviation industry based on a complaint made by the APA, referring only to ASL, which was operating exclusively at the time in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Nevertheless, the Aviation Association said it understood the concerns expressed by the APA and the Government with regard to food and freight supplies to Region Eight, and has decided to immediately look at introducing flights to provide relief in this area.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Earth Day 2020

Embrace green economy development model – EMC

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n a world where everyone witnessing the effects of climate change on a daily, the Environmental Management Consultants (EMC) is urging the adaptation of a sustainable development model as we continue to preserve the integrity of planet earth and battle climate change.

The EMC, in its Earth Day message, noted that the impacts of climate change are being felt globally, and with increasing intensity. It noted that urgent action is needed to mitigate and adapt to these impacts as well as to protect our natural systems and biodiversity and secure the future of humanity.

“As we move to revamp our economies in a post COVID 19 scenario, it will be even more important to ensure that we adopt a sustainable development model, one which embraces a green economy approach, including forest conservation and renewable energy. Some countries, including Guyana through its Low Carbon Development Strategy and Partnership with the Kingdom of Norway,

Managing Director of EMC, Shyam Nokta

have already provided valuable lessons and experiences in this regard. Let us remain committed to playing our part to address climate change and protect nature. Our future depends on the actions we take today,” the Shyam Nokta headed Organisation noted.

Earth Day was a unified response to an environment in crisis — oil spills, smog, rivers so polluted they literally caught fire.

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — 10 per cent of the U.S. population at the

time — took to the streets, college campuses and hundreds of cities to protest environmental ignorance and demand a new way forward for our planet.

According to the Earth Day website, the first Earth Day in 1970 launched a wave of action, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States.

The Clean Air, Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts were created in response to the first Earth Day in 1970, as well as the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Many countries soon adopted similar laws.

Earth Day continues to hold major international significance: In 2016, the United Nations chose Earth Day as the day when the historic Paris Agreement on climate change was signed into force.

Earth Day 2020 is observed under the climate action banner. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.

The website explains the

motive behind the theme as “The enormous challenges — but also the vast opportunities — of acting on climate change have distinguished the issue as the most pressing topic for the 50th anniversary. Climate change represents the biggest challenge to the future of humanity and the life-support systems that make our world habitable.”

At the end of 2020, nations will be expected to increase their national commitments to the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.

“The time is now for citizens to call for greater global ambition to tackle our climate crisis. Unless every country in the world steps up – and steps up with urgency and ambition — we are consigning current and future generations to a dangerous future. Earth Day 2020 will be far more than a day. It must be a historic moment when citizens of the world rise up in a united call for the creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery that we need to meet our climate crisis and seize the enormous opportunities of a zero-carbon future,” according to the website.

Motorcyclist hospitalised after slamming into minibus

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motorcyclist is now hospitalised and nursing a fractured leg and multiple injuries about his body after he lost control of his motorcycle and slammed into the left side of a minibus at Third Avenue, Bartica.

Injured is 21-yearold Akeem Timmerman of Seventh Avenue, Bartica,

Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Reports are that around 13:00h on Monday, minibus BXX 6814 was proceeding north along the western side of Third Avenue, Bartica while Timmerman’s motorcycle, which had on a trade plate numbered JSP-1, was alongside the bus.

Guyana Times was told that the rider allegedly lost control of the motorcycle and ran into the left rear bumper of the minibus, resulting in him falling to the roadway and injuring himself.

Timmerman was picked up by public-spirited citizens, and was rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital.

Meanwhile, Police said that a breathalyser test was administered on the 42-yearold minibus driver and no trace of alcohol was found.

The minibus, along with the motorcycle, that was involved in the accident are currently at the Bartica Police Station.

Spinning wheels…

T

…in politics here’s a whole heap of adynatons (saying something that’s never gonna happen) on the futility of spinning cobwebs: “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride”! Or the more derisive rejoinder to such statements, “Sure, when pigs fly!!” And this is for good reason that a lot of well-meaning persons have their heads in the clouds and are given to day dreaming.

Your Eyewitness saw one such effort yesterday in the burgeoning field of “solving Guyana’s problems by creating all sorts of elaborate changes in the constitution, form of government, electoral systems, etc”. This was by the indefatigable Henry Jeffrey, once PNC, then PPP, and now ANUG – but from the sidelines, thank you. The latter decision to not engage on the hustings during the last elections, of course, didn’t lend much confidence to the fella’s elaborate proposals.

He followed one Lalu Hanuman, who informed us he’s a Guyanese who hails from Barbados, via London. While his residence, of course, doesn’t disqualify him from making suggestions, one wonders whether it wouldn’t have helped a tad if he’d returned to link up with Jeffrey to ensure, as the latter said, that “rubber hits the road”. In the meantime, its all “airy fairy” speculations, ent it?

The fatal problem with all these proposals isn’t about whether they’d ‘work” or not. This’ll always be an unknown – since the fact that a particular proposal might have worked in one locale doesn’t meant that it would work here. To paraphrase Tolstoy’s aphorism on families: “All functional societies are alike; each dysfunctional society is messed up in its own way.” Or to put it another more grounded way, no one plaster can cure every political sore out there.

But these fellas would most likely retort plaintively, “But at least we should give it a try since if we keep doing the same thing again and again, we’re just guaranteeing the same result!” But the fly in the ointment is who’s the “we” these fellas are talking about? In the end the massive changes in the political environment and structures they are advocating can only be implemented by the PPP and PNC acting together.

But most pertinently, the changes – such as executive power sharing and new electoral mechanisms - will mean the demise of the leadership of the two parties as we know them. Do these worthies think the incumbents will commit political hara kiri to institute changes that have no guarantee of working, but to top it off means they’ll have to step aside or play diminished roles??

The real world and real people don’t work like that!!

Even the Mahatma bulldozed his opponents to ensure his protégé Nehru remained top dog!! …on COVID-19 response Your Eyewitness returns to the vexed topic of triangular pegs in round holes in this fight against COVID-19. By now you’d think even the non-medical-non-scientific worthies who’ve been foisted on us would understood that until we get a vaccine all we can do is test, trace and isolate until we reach a point of no new infections.

But we’re then come a full circle, haven’t we?? How do we ever know there’s no new infections unless we’re testing?? The question is why haven’t we been more aggressive in getting testing strips and equipment for conducting the tests? OK…we know you can’t get them on the street corners and even the US has challenges. But hey…Barbados has been able to get supplies to up their testing, so why not us?

Then there’s tracing. Can we really say we’ve put the infrastructure in place to do this kind of field work when the inevitable wave hits us?? What are we waiting for??

And finally – isolation.

Can you believe rum shops are still open?? Where’s Ramjattan when you need him?? …on Granger Once again, we’re hearing Granger’s under attack by “hard liners” in the PNC and governmental hierarchies .

Bollocks!

The man has supreme powers under the PNC and Guyana’s constitution to manners any mutiny!!

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

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s COVID-19 tests figure unchanged in 24 hours

…despite PAHO’s call to step up testing …Georgetown ID’d as epicentre, Guyana’s death rate stands at 10.4%

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n its latest update on the COVID-19 situation in Guyana, the Public Health Ministry’s figures show that there has been no new COVID-19 test recorded compared to the previous day.

According to that Ministry’s daily update dashboard on Wednesday, the total number of persons tested in Guyana for the novel coronavirus to date stands at 348, of which 67 were positive and the remaining 281 were negative; the same figures were given on Tuesday.

On Monday, the number of tests conducted was 328. Only last week, Guyana recorded 18 new cases.

PAHO call

Meanwhile, this situation of no new tests comes even as the Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr Carissa F. Etienne, calls for accelerated and expanded

testing for COVID-19 in countries of the Americas.

During a virtual press briefing on Tuesday, Dr. Etienne said there is need for a clearer view of where the virus is circulating and how many people have been infected, in order to guide actions.

“The pandemic continues to impact our region, and it’s vital for all countries to actively embrace preventive measures while preparing for more cases, hospitalisations and deaths,” she noted.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported on Wednesday that there were 925,291 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 44,775 deaths in the region of the Americas.

According to the PAHO Director, countries in the region have been prepared to test and detect cases of COVID-19 since before the pandemic was declared.

Since February, PAHO had trained and equipped laboratories for PCR testing in more than 30 countries, but she noted that as cases have increased, countries have found it increasingly difficult to keep up.

To this end, Dr. Etienne highlighted PAHO’s recommendations for countries: to expand their capacity and use all available national laboratories; to prioritise patients with symptoms, tracing contacts and following up with those that may be infected; and to ensure access for all, so testing would be free of charge for

patients.

PAHO has said it has provided more than 500,000 PCR tests to 34 countries and territories, and has worked with other countries to track and support their capacity.

An additional 1.5 million PCR tests are being dispatched throughout the Region this week, “followed by another 3 million next week, to strengthen laboratory surveillance networks in our member states,” the Director highlighted.

To date, Guyana has received 1,800 testing kits from PAHO, and Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow disclosed last week that an additional 7,000 more are expected.

He told reporters during a virtual press briefing that PAHO would continue to support the Public Health Ministry’s response to COVID-19 by providing the necessary supplies to conduct

testing, in order to ensure that everyone who needs to be tested is tested.

The Public Health Ministry is now expanding its testing capacity by allowing private hospitals to conduct tests as they follow the necessary guidelines, and Dr Adu-Krow noted that PAHO is also willing to assist in training private laboratory professionals so that the quality of tests conducted and results delivered can be the same quality as those from the National Public Health Reference Laboratory.

Georgetown epicenter

Meanwhile, during her daily update on Wednesday, caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence disclosed that, like the number of positive cases, 63 of which were locally transmitted, the number of deaths in Guyana remains unchanged at seven.

As Guyana’s confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to climb, Lawrence pointed out that the Georgetown capital has been identified as the epicenter.

“I am sure that you are noting the steady increase in our COVID-19 confirmed cases, as well as the number of persons who have died as a result of the coronavirus disease. I cannot emphasise enough that your daily behaviour is the key to whether we can flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19 in our country, or we allow the pattern to continue,” she asserted.

She added that there is a perception that because only 67 persons have tested positive out of 328 tests done, Guyana is not in a critical situation. “We beg to differ, because 7 deaths out of 67 cases represent 10.4%, which is much higher than the death rate of COVID-19 presented

by WHO, (which) stands at 2-4%. I urge you to stop taking matters in your own hands, COVID-19 is serious business; please call the COVID-19 hotline or utilize the App.” Additionally, 17 persons are still in institution-

al quarantine, while 50 others are in isolation. However, of the three persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), one of them is in a critical condition.

On the other hand, one more victim of the deadly coronavirus has recovered, bringing the country’s total number of recovered cases to 10.

HIV persons vulnerable

During Wednesday’s update, Director of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat

(NAPS), Dr Rhonda Moore, disclosed that persons living with HIV are more at risk of contracting the coronavirus, and as such, she implored those persons to reduce their risk of being infected.

“If you are living with HIV and you are not on treatment or you are not virally suppressed (i.e. your HIV virus is under control and thus allowing your immune system now to fight other infections) you are at increased risk of developing the most severe form of this disease, which will require hospital stay and in

most cases ICU care. And it is also very possible that you may die… The HIV virus, as you know, attacks your immune system, making it difficult for your body to fight off any infection, COVID-19 included,” she explained.

The NAPS Director went on to encourage persons to contact the COVID-19 hotline for any assistance, including support for balanced diets. She noted that the NAPS Food Bank is prepared to work with treatment sites to provide HIV-infected persons with hampers.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FITUG roasts Nagamootoo Task Force over bungled COVID-19 response

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uyana confirmed its first case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) over five weeks ago and with 67 persons now testing positive—including seven who have since dead —the illegitimately governing coalition’s only plan appears to be spending more than $1 billion to retrofit a private hotel, and to set up a taskforce that has so far been able only to announce that it is building a database as part of its bungled response to the pandemic.

This is the conclusion of the country’s largest umbrella workers’ representative body—the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

The union body on Wednesday lambasted the Moses Nagamootoo-led National COVID-19 Task Force, saying “many measures to address the plight of the ordinary people remain entrapped in bureaucracy of this or that committee”.

According to FITUG, it remains most concerned about the inadequate response by the authorities to address frontally the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and that “we remain concerned that the authorities are, seemingly, not seriously addressing the situation.”

Taking Nagamootoo to task, the union representative body said it appeared that the only recommendation which received positive

consideration from the Task Force is the approval of some $1 billion to renovate and retrofit the flood-prone former Ocean View Hotel into a COVID-19 treatment facility.

It was noted that “while, we believe, that such a facility may be necessary, wouldn’t it also have been prudent for the identified sum be utilised to upgrade a public facility…Certainly the large expenditure on a private property where no arrangements regarding leasing and/or purchase have been finalised seems foolhardy at the least.”

The union body questioned whether “a similar sum to provide relief to the vulnerable would have been a worthwhile initiative” adding that “it would have assisted in keeping persons off the street and thus staunching the spread of the virus.”

Criticise rather than laud

FITUG also railed against Nagamootoo’s recent public castigation of persons across the country engaged in the free distribution of face masks as part of the collective efforts to stem the spread of the virus.

Nagamootoo over the weekend had suggested that those persons involved in those exercises were doing so out of political considerations.

FITUG responded saying it was taken aback by

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

Nagamootoo’s criticism of ordinary Guyanese, noting that he made such statements after his task force ordered that Guyanese wear such masks when out in public.

Additionally, Ministry of Public Health officials are on record encouraging the use of the widely distributed masks through private citizens and collective initiatives versus using the medically certified ones such as the popular ‘N95’ masks, since this would deplete the already limited supplies available for those on the frontline, including medical and emergency services workers.

According to FITUG, “for us, it is simply befuddling that Mr Nagamootoo would choose to criticise rather

than laud those who are engaged in such an effort.”

It said, “considered in totality, it seems clear to us at least, that the authorities are not really up to scratch in addressing meaningfully the pandemic…It seems to us, like many, the COVID-19 situation is being exploited to pursue narrow political ends and illegitimate preservation in office.”

The union body was adamant that given the Administration’s national response to the pandemic, “the lack of a holistic approach from the now illegitimate Government is yet another indicator that they are either clueless or ill-prepared to address the public health crisis that grips our nation”.

Absurd decision

FITUG used the occasion to also take to task the State-run Civil Defence Commission (CDC) over its “absurd decision to suspend the distribution of hampers while a successor arrangement has yet to be fully considered by some committee”.

The union chided the public assertions of vouchers as a substitute and questioned whether the initiative would not in fact “defeat the call to stay in our homes during this period…

Won’t the distribution of vouchers cause recipients to congregate at redemption

the coordination of the social relief measures, Joseph Harmon, disclosed that the exercise that was being carried out by the CDC was halted since more long-term solutions were needed at this time.

Social impact

NCTF Head Moses Nagamootoo

centres?”

According to FITUG, in the absence of any successor initiative to the distribution of hampers by the State, “the depressing situation, undoubtedly, will force many men and women, who stare at bare cupboards, to venture out in order to find a means to feed their families. What happens then?

Have the authorities considered this before they took their decisions?”

The workers’ representative body was adamant, “the situation has already exceeded worrying proportions and yet proactive leadership and decisive decision-making remain an absent feature”.

Last week, Chairman of the Sub-Committee with responsibility for the CDC and

It further outlined the failure of the Government, through the Nagamootooheaded task force to approve or implement any fiscal and/or social impact measures. Nagamootoo had said earlier this month that the Committee had recommendations aggregating over 20,000 words before it.

“Is the Government really serious or just blowing hot air as it is known for? In fact, it appears many measures to address the plight of the ordinary people remain entrapped in bureaucracy of this or that committee. All we heard on this front is the creation of a database. Has consideration been given to access to the database? Or, what criterion will be used to determine the beneficiaries? In a most fluid situation, it seems the authorities have been swept away with the tide,” the umbrella body stated.

The umbrella union is calling on all Guyanese to practise social distancing, regularly wash their hands, use a mask when out in public and to heed the other warnings of the experts.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GuySuCo divestment halted amid political instability – NICIL CEO

…investors not willing to move forward

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ivestment of the Guyana Sugar C o r p o r a t i o n (GuySuCo) remains on pause while Guyana’s political situation remains an unstable one.

This was confirmed when this publication made contact with National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited’s (NICIL’s) acting Chief Executive Officer Colvin Heath-London.

NICIL has been seeking investors for the closed sugar estates and their assets, but Heath-London informed this publication that, for now, this is all on pause until political events are resolved.

“In terms of the divestment, we have several investors lined up. But they’re

all not going forward until the political situation returns to some normalcy. So, it’s wait-and-see until then.”

He explained that this is the situation with all the estates being divested.

Zeroing in on one of those estates, this publication requested clarity on the status of Wales. In response, Heath-London said private farmers and some former sugar workers have taken up land at Wales for farming.

He also explained that Amazonia Expert Services Limited, the company granted a 20-year lease last year by the Government to cultivate and process coconuts, has started its preparations.

“Wales, to some extent, those lands have been divested to farmers. Farmers

Motorcyclist injured after slamming into pick-up

A

speeding motorcyclist is now nursing a broken right leg after he collided with a pickup while overtaking another motorcyclist on Monday afternoon.

Injured is Hasif Melville of Christianburg, Blueberry Hill, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The accident occurred around 14:45h along the Kurubrang Trail, Potaro River, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

Reports are that motor vehicle GNN 6425, which was driven by a resident of Byderabo Road, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), was proceeding north along the western side of the Kurubrang Trail while Melville, the owner of motorcycle CJ 1834, was said to be proceeding south along the eastern side of the same trail at a fast pace.

It is alleged that the motorcyclist overtook another

motorcyclist who was proceeding in the same direction.

However, the area at which Melville decided to overtake the other motorcyclist was around a turn which resulted in him running into the right side of the pick-up.

The impact caused Melville to get tossed off his motorcycle, onto the road where he sustained injuries about his body.

The driver of the pickup went to Melville’s assistance and rushed him to the Troy Resources Medical Centre, where he was examined by a doctor and was later transferred to the Bartica Regional Hospital.

He was subsequently admitted.

The matter was reported to the Police, and the driver of the pick-up was currently in custody assisting with the investigation.

NICIL’s acting CEO, Colvin Heath-London

are, for the most part, doing farming there. That is not dependent so much on foreign investors and the political situation,” HeathLondon said.

Since closure of the Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall and Skeldon estates, and the firing of thousands of sugar workers, Government had moved to

divest the facilities.

United Kingdom (UK) company PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), was contracted to carrying out valuations of GuySuCo’s assets up for sale, and had invited expressions of interest from potential buyers.

Initially, 10 expressions of interest were received,

but only five companies eventually entered bids.

Extra Virgin Coconut Products (EVCP) and Amazonia Expert Services Incorporated (AESI) are the two companies which received 680 acres of land from the estate’s assets.

However, just prior to elections in March of this year, former sugar workers were lamenting the fact that they were still waiting on the land grants that the APNU/ AFC Administration had promised they would receive to continue their livelihood.

Many sugar workers, throughout this time, have vented their disappointment in the coalition Government for “neglecting” their woes and interests.

However, the No Confidence Motion passed against the Government in 2018, followed by a year of controversy and then un-

resolved elections have all contributed to halting the divestment process.

Since the elections were held over a month ago, a winner is yet to be announced. Most observers who scrutinised the tabulation process have pronounced it not credible, and there has been international pressure for Guyana to ensure the process is transparent and credible.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) itself has 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 GECOM Chairwoman, retired Justice Claudette Singh.

The date for recount of the votes is yet to be announced.

12 NEWS Govt restricts imports GTT warns against scams of COVID-19 testing kits THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…only those from WHO approved countries or “a serious reference authority” allowed sociated with sensitivity and specificity.

Accordingly, Cole said the GA-FDD would only approve the use and facilitate the import of RDTs for COVID-19 diagnosis which have been approved and validated by the WHO or a serious reference authority.

Additionally, importers must be registered with the GA-FDD as an importer and obtain a permit to import medical devices.

According to Cole, importers or distributors must demonstrate that the medi-

Rapid serological blood test kits

T

he Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) said that it would only be permitting reagents and testing kits approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or “a serious reference authority”.

The announcement was made by Director of the Food and Drug Department, Marlon Cole, who in publicising the restrictions said the agency has “observed an increase in applicants and requests for the importation of medical devices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic”.

He noted. however, to date only the use of the Reverse TranscriptasePolymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) as a test method has been approved for the identification and lab-

oratory confirmation of the COVID-19 diagnosis.

As such, the Department will only facilitate the importation of test kits that utilise the RT-PCR method from the eight countries, which have been listed by the WHO to produce in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) test kits and laboratory reagents for the COVID-19 diagnosis.

Those countries are Australia, Brazil, Canada, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, and the United States of America.

It was noted that with regard to the Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) that are either serological (blood-antibodies) or antigen-based, none has been approved or validated by the WHO as a result of several challenges as-

origin.

The Administration last month had announced the waiver of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on medical supplies being imported to combat the pandemic.

The Guyana Revenue Authority last month said that the Government of Guyana has zero-rated the VAT on all medical supplies for the testing, prevention and treatment of COVID-19 for the period March 26, 2020 to June 30, 2020.

The list includes test kits, protective garments,

Rapid antigen-based tests

cal devices being imported are manufactured according to the required International Standard Organisation (ISO) Standard in addition to having a Free Sale Certificate (FSC) that the medical device is freely sold and used in the country of

thermometers, disinfectants, patient-monitoring devices, medical ventilators, rubbing alcohol, Vitamin C tablets, and soaps.

Businesses were also asked to immediately cease charging VAT for these supplies.

G

TT has said it is not distributing care packages costing some $3000 and is urging the public to be aware of scams as persons are trying to capitalise on vulnerabilities during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to GTT Public Relations Manager Jasmin Harris, the company has received a number of queries and reports from customers over the past week on whether the company is distributing care packages at a cost of $3000.

However, customers are reminded that approved GTT promotional activity is listed on the company’s social media platforms and its website – https://www.gtt. co.gy/promotions/.

“It is disturbing that fraudsters will try to take advantage during this vulnerable season. I am pleading with the public to not fall prey to these scams. GTT will never ask anyone to pay for acts of kindness from the company,” Harris said.

Harris also indicated that the company has received information that persons pretending to be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company are offering to pick up monies to pay bills on behalf of GTT. “GTT does not have a sys-

tem where we are picking up monies from persons’ homes to pay bills on their behalf.

There are established methods through which payment can be made. These can be found on https://bit.ly/ HowtoPayBills and include MMG agents, local banks, Onecart or HeroCarts,” she said.

Harris urged persons to visit the company’s promotion page to become familiarised with all its payment methods or call 0488 to make queries. She noted that they were working with the Police in an effort to bring the fraudsters to justice.

The PRO said while the company has distributed COVID-19 care packages to cancer patients and care providers through the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Oncology Unit and the Beacon Foundation, it has not indicated intentions of distributing such to the public at this time – and any caller claiming such undertaking would be doing so from a point of intended deception.

She explained that GTT would continue to update its social media platforms and use the media to make announcements of future approved events and initiatives.

13

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Helping in fight against spread of COVID-19 Volunteers of the People’s Progressive Party National COVID-19 Stakeholder Forum distributing face masks and food hampers countrywide as they lend a hand of support to those most vulnerable.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

EU reorients local support to reflect COVID-19 reality U

Trump signs immigration order curbing green cards

…says Guyana to benefit from regional €1B aid

H

igh Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Osep Borrell Fontelles said that the bloc of nations would be reformulating its bilateral programmes in Guyana to take into account the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) reality.

The announcement was made on Wednesday as part of the EU’s almost one billion euros being made available to Latin America and the Caribbean as part of the global response in support of the efforts of partner countries to tackle COVID-19.

He said, “In Guyana, specifically, the EU Delegation is reformulating important parts of its sizeable cooperation programmes towards fighting COVID and its longterm impacts, and also undertaking immediate concrete action.”

He noted as an example, that in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Demerara, the Delegation is making this week an urgent donation of personal computers and smartphones to the Deaf Association of Guyana, and additional personal computers and smartphones will be donated to Guyana Society

Osep Borrell Fontelles

for the Blind. “The devices are to aid both organisations in their communication needs, especially during this period where movement and regular daily activities are restricted.”

According to the European plenipotentiary representative to Guyana, the coronavirus is a critical test of resilience for societies, economies, and governance around the world.

“In the face of a global pandemic, there is no room for exclusively national responses or an interested use of cooperation or economic power for geopolitical purposes,” according to Fontelles.

According to the European diplomat “without mutual support or joint global actions, the impact of the disease can be even more devastating for everyone.”

Speaking to the support being provided generally, he noted that nine million euros would be allocated to finance the work of the Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO] and the International Federation of the Red Cross in Venezuela and neighbouring countries.

He said in the Caribbean, the EU was supporting the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) with nine million euros, and specifically in Jamaica, the EU has financed 29 ventilators for intensive care units.

According to Fontelles, “both Guyana and Suriname will benefit from the CARPHA and PAHO interventions. “ The diplomat reminded also that the European Investment Bank has already announced that it would mobilise up to 5.2 billion euros to respond to urgent financing needs in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The EU support comes as part of its reorientation of the technical and finan-

cial cooperation programmes with Latin America and the Caribbean to respond to this pandemic, with a total of 918 million euros.

He noted that “beyond these resources, where our strategic partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean can be most effective is promoting together a robust, coordinated and multilateral response.”

According to Fontelles, “our regions have known how to respond to the health crisis, applying drastic but necessary measures such as social distancing or confinement”, but the health crisis knows no borders, regions, or countries.

He cautioned that the challenge has only just begun and that “the coronavirus is causing a global economic crisis, which will increase inequalities and more severely affect the most vulnerable.”

According to Fontelles, Europe and Latin America can do much more together, advancing a multilateral agenda in the G20, the United Nations and the multilateral financial institutions, so that there was more fiscal space to avoid health collapse, economic collapse and a serious social crisis.

S President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an order to temporarily block some immigrants from permanent residence in the United States, saying he was doing so in order to protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The order, which was immediately slammed by immigrant advocates and lawyers, is set to last for 60 days and then will be reviewed and possibly extended.

Some critics saw Republican Trump’s announcement as a move to take advantage of the coronavirus crisis to implement a long-sought policy goal of barring more immigrants ahead of the November 3 election.

“In order to protect our great American workers I have just signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States. This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens,” Trump said at his daily news conference about the coronavirus at the White House.

He also said it will “preserve our healthcare resources for American patients” afflicted by the coronavirus.

White House lawyers worked all day to craft the language for the order, prompting some officials to say the signing might have to

wait for Thursday. But aides described Trump as eager to sign the document.

Trump won the presidency in 2016 in part on a promise to crack down on immigration, and has made the issue central to his presidency. But many of his major moves trying to curb immigration have been challenged in court and legal experts said this executive order could also face lawsuits.

Wednesday’s order would only apply to people applying for permanent residence from outside the US, not those already in the country seeking to adjust their status. The measure also limits the ability of current green card holders to sponsor their extended families. Several exemptions apply, however.

Trump said the order initially would last for 60 days and could be renewed for the same period or longer, and that a second immigration-focused order was under consideration.

A person familiar with the internal debate at the White House said Trump and his advisers had discussed the executive order over the weekend and that the move was directed at his electoral base.

“He’s wanted this all along,” the person said. “But now under this pandemic he can absolutely do it.” (Al Jazeera)

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)

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Some COVID-19 patients not cooperating with health authorities – Deputy CMO

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ontact-tracing is an important tool in the fight against the coronavirus. However, the Public Health Ministry have on their hands a situation wherein some patients are deliberately not cooperating with authorities when providing information on whom they’ve had contact with.

This is according to Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle in an interview with this publication on Wednesday. She noted that while some patients cooperate fully, others give the Ministry a hard time by withholding information.

“There’s room for improvement with contact-tracing. Some persons are not willing to share their information in terms of where they’ve been and whom they’ve been with. I don’t think they recognise the importance of them cooperating, so that we can do our jobs,” Dr Gordon-Boyle said.

“You have to get that kind of information from them, but it’s been a struggle, very hard for some people. Other people understand and are very responsible, forthcoming, and they tell us their various contacts and we’re able to go after them,” she explained.

According to Dr. GordonBoyle, there isn’t much Public Health authorities can do about the situation, besides doing their own investigations and also sensitising the public on the issue. She noted that, in some cases, persons would willingly walk in and admit that they’ve had contact with someone diagnosed with the coronavirus.

“There isn’t much we can do. If someone tells you they haven’t been in contact

explained.

She reminded that HIV attacks a person’s immune system, one of the body’s frontline defenders against coronavirus. A compromised immune system makes it extremely difficult for the body to fight off infections, including coronavirus.

As at April 22, 2020, Guyana had 67 cases of coronavirus infections and seven deaths. So far, 348 persons have been tested, with 281 turning up negative. There are 50 persons in institu-

Deputy CMO, Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle

with anyone for the past two weeks, they’ve been in the house all the time; or they tell you they’ve only been in contact with one person, it’s hard to know,” she explained.

“Sometimes what happens is you might have people turn up and say, ‘Oh, I understand you have this case,’ and sometimes that’s how we get information, but it’s not necessarily the way you want it. You want to be (pre-emptive),” Dr. Boyle explained.

Coronavirus is a multi-faceted pandemic. One of those facets is the risk it presents to persons who are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive. In a video- broadcasted plea to such persons on Wednesday, Dr. Rhonda Moore, Director of the National Aids Programme Secretariat, urged that special precautions be taken.

“If you are living with HIV and you are not on treatment or are not virally suppressed, you are at increased risk of developing the most severe form of (coronavirus), which will require hospital stay and, in most cases, ICU care. It is also very possible that you may die,” Dr Moore

Farmer’s body found

Dead: Ryan Khayum

A

search party has found the body of missing 32-yearold Ryan Khayum of Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

This farmer was thrown overboard after a Coast Guard vessel belonging to the Guyana Defence Force

Lorna’s Snackette and Bar at the corner of Main and Pitt Streets, New Amsterdam

T

However, there have been 10 cases of recovery. (Jarryl Bryan)

Pomeroon boat accident…

(GDF) collided with the boat in which he was travelling on Monday evening.

It is alleged that GDF ranks were under the influence at the time of the accident, since they were reportedly seen imbibing on Monday at Charity.

Reports are that the body of Khayum was identified by the clothes he was wearing,

Thieves burglarise NA store

hieves have continued their rampage in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne), targetinghomes and businesses when the occupants are away.

In the most recent incident, Lorna’s Snackette and Bar at the corner of Main

tional isolation, 17 in institutional quarantine, and three in the Intensive Care (ICU).

and Pitt Streets in New Amsterdam was burglarized, and the intruders reportedly carted off utensils and beverages valued in excess of $220,000.

Lorna James, who operates the business in the heart of the town’s shopping area, told Guyana Times

that she had temporarily closed the business as a result of the restrictions during the COVID-19 outbreak.

She explained that she had been paying regular visits to the building since closing the business three weeks ago.

According to the distressed woman, she was there last Thursday, and when she returned on Monday, she discovered that there was a huge hole in the wall.

Upon further investigation, the businesswoman discovered that the top half of the back door was left open. “There was a big hole in the back wall,” she said.

Her microwave, four electric pan warmers, several cartons of cigarettes and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages were discovered missing.

The building has eight closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

However, the memory card with the recordings were missing. The bandits also took the woman’s cable box.

The matter has since been reported to the Police. She said Police visited the business premises one day after she reported the matter. She related that she had to bombard the Police with telephone calls before they eventually went to her business place and examined the scene.

since his face had been badly disfigured from the impact of the collision.

Reports are that the GDF vessel, bearing registration number GDFS HAWK, which had four ranks on board, was returning from Charity to the Floating Base when it collided with the civilian boat carrying the now dead man, his wife and two workers.

Following the collision, three of the civilians were rescued and taken to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital at Charity.

Based on allegations made against the ranks, GDF has launched a Board of Inquiry (BoI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US orders Chevron to "wind down" Mexico coronavirus cases top 10,000 as sickly economy contracts Venezuela Operations by Dec 1

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he Trump administration on Tuesday gave Chevron Corp, the last major U.S. oil company still operating in Venezuela, until Dec. 1 to “wind down” its business in the OPEC member-nation and will allow it to conduct only severely limited operations there until then.

Seeking to ratchet up pressure on socialist President Nicolas Maduro, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed tight new restrictions on Chevron’s joint ventures with Venezuelan state-run oil company PDVSA, which could pave the way for the California-based company’s departure.

Chevron has had a special U.S. operating license exempting it from sanctions on Venezuela’s vital oil sector since January, but the latest three-month waiver was due to expire on Wednesday.

The action targets what some Trump administration officials say is a key financial lifeline for Maduro as Washington seeks to stifle trade in Venezuelan crude and remove his grip on power.

Chevron and other US oil companies are being squeezed amid a coronavirus-induced supply glut.

The collapse in oil prices

has threatened to tilt the once-booming U.S. oil industry into bankruptcy.

Chevron’s shares have fallen sharply over the last two days, after U.S. crude futures on Monday fell into negative territory for the first time in history.

The decision on Chevron was made after a fierce debate in the administration, with some officials arguing the United States needed to keep a corporate beachhead in the crisis-hit country, while more hawkish Trump aides said staying in Venezuela was helping Maduro keep his grip on power, according to people

familiar with the matter.

Treasury’s announcement appeared to mark a partial compromise by setting a potential end point for Chevron’s operations in Venezuela, where the company has been active for about a century, while giving it more than seven months to bring it to a close.

Treasury said Chevron, under a much more restrictive temporary license, would be allowed only to conduct transactions with PDVSA “necessary for the limited maintenance of essential operations in Venezuela or the wind down of operations” by the beginning of December.

Chevron would be barred from the drilling, sale and transport of Venezuelan oil, infrastructure work except for safety reasons and any financial transactions with PDVSA. Treasury stopped short of formally ordering Chevron out of Venezuela, but will allow so little activity there that it might be untenable to stay. (NY Times)

Cemetery workers wearing protective suites carry the coffin of a coronavirus victim at the municipal cemetery, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Tijuana, Mexico April 22, 2020 (Reuters/Jorge Duenes)

M

exico reported on Wednesday it now has over 10,000 cases of coronavirus, the fifth-highest tally in Latin America, as containment measures and rock-bottom crude prices wreak economic havoc on the oil-producing country.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has frequently expressed optimism that Mexicans will

overcome the outbreak, arguing that tight-knit families offer the best protection, even as he has balked at more aggressive stimulus measures to help both businesses and individuals.

Mexico’s economy, Latin America’s second biggest and already ailing before the outbreak, is expected to contract by as much as 10% this year.

As late as March 22,

The parties agreed to temporarily lower the tax burden for the catering industry through a reduced VAT rate of 7% for food and to give tax relief for small companies by simplifying loss carry forward.

The package also envisages increased financial support of the federal government worth 500 million euros for schools and pupils to boost e-learning and digitalisation.

“Germany has successfully slowed down the COVID19 pandemic through drastic restrictions. This has significant

economic and social consequences,” the coalition parties said in a joint statement issued after more than seven hours of negotiations.

“Nevertheless, we can only loosen the restrictions in small steps, because the virus is still widespread in Germany and we must not jeopardise success by another exponential wave of infections,” the parties said.

The package will allow the government to keep financial means for future measures, the parties said, suggesting that the government wants to keep some of

Lopez Obrador was still encouraging Mexicans to go out with their families to restaurants, while allies, including the mayor of Mexico City, began ordering the closure of movie theaters and gyms and asking residents to stay home.

Earlier this week Mexico entered into the so-called “Phase 3” of the spread of the novel coronavirus, the most serious stage, as senior health officials warned that the transmission of the virus is intensifying.

Mexico has so far registered 970 coronavirus deaths and 10,544 confirmed infections. The first confirmed infection was reported on Feb. 28, and it took 32 days to reach 1,000.

Barely two weeks later, it hit 5,000 cases, according to a Reuters tally. It took just another nine days to double to 10,000 cases.

Across the region, only Brazil, Peru, Chile and Ecuador have more confirmed cases. (Reuters)

Germany agrees to more aid to shield workers, companies from coronavirus hit

G

ermany’s coalition parties on Thursday agreed to further measures worth some 10 billion euros ($10.81 billion) to shield workers and companies from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The aid package includes higher state transfers for people in short-time work schemes, according to a document agreed by senior members of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling coalition.

German Merkel

Chancellor

Angela

its fiscal powder dry in the event of another escalation in the outbreak.

Germany has already approved an initial rescue package worth over 750 billion euros to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, with the government taking on new debt for the first time since 2013.

The first package agreed in March comprises a debt-financed supplementary budget of 156 billion euros and a stabilisation fund worth 600 billion euros for loans to struggling businesses and direct stakes in companies. (Reuters)

Trump says US will destroy Iranian gunboats harassing US ships

U

S President Donald Trump tweeted on Wednesday morning that he had told the United States Navy to “shoot down and destroy” Iranian gunboats that “harass” US ships.

“I have instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea,” Trump tweeted.

Trump did not cite a specific event in his tweet or provide details.

He said later on Wednesday that US Navy ships would shoot Iranian gunboats that get too close “out of the water”.

“We’re not going to stand for it. If they do that that’s putting our ships in danger and our great crews and sailors in danger - I’m not going to let that happen. And we will - they’ll shoot them out of the water,” he said during

a White House briefing.

“That’s a threat. When they get that close to our boat, and they have guns, they have very substantial weapons on those boats, but we’ll shoot them out of the water.”

Senior Pentagon officials said Trump’s comments were meant as a warning to Tehran but suggested that the US military would continue to abide by their existing right to self defence instead of changing their rules.

“The president issued an important warning to the Iranians, what he was emphasising is all of our ships retain the right of self-defence,” Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist told reporters at the Pentagon.

Following Trump’s tweet, an Iranian armed forces spokesman said the US should focus on saving its military from the coronavirus.

“Today, instead of bully-

ing others, the Americans should put all their efforts toward saving those members of their forces who are infected with coronavirus,” Abolfazl Shekarchi said, according to Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency.

Trump’s comments on Wednesday came about a week after 11 vessels from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy came close to US ships.

On Sunday, the Revolutionary Guard acknowledged it had a tense encounter last week with US warships in the Gulf, but alleged without offering evidence that US forces sparked the incident.

Iranian and US vessels routinely have tense encounters in the Gulf and its narrow mouth, the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world’s oil passes. (Al Jeezera)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

17

Regional

Brazil's São Paulo state to gradually T&T: Stuart blanks 250 nationals on cruise ships, reopen economy on May 11 says borders remain closed

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razil’s São Paulo state plans to gradually reopen its economy in a “safe” way starting on May 11 by relaxing some social distancing measures put in place to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, Governor Joao Doria said on Wednesday.

In the meantime, Doria told a news conference, statewide quarantine rules will remain in place in São Paulo, which is the country’s financial hub, most populated state and epicentre of Brazil’s coronavirus outbreak.

The state’s death toll from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, is expected to reach 3000 by May 3,

N

Supporters of far-right Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro protest against the recommendations for social isolation by Governor Joao Doria, at Paulista Avenue in São Paulo, Brazil, April 19, 2020

according to state Health Secretary José Henrique Germann.

Brazil’s Health Ministry

said on Wednesday the country had 45,747 COVID-19 cases and 2,906 deaths.

(Reuters)

Latin American crime gangs adapt to pandemic

M

exico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador made an unusual demand on Monday.

He told criminal gangs to stop donating food packages during the coronavirus crisis and instead focus on ending the violence which had left more than 100 people dead the previous day.

Mexican cartels are not the only ones who are continuing to operate – organised crime across Latin America, from Colombian gangs to Brazilian urban "militias", have continued to display their might throughout the COVID-19 pandem-

ic, as BBC Monitoring's Latin America specialist Luis Fajardo reports.

On the afternoon of April 7, as Colombia experienced its 14th consecutive day under a nationwide quarantine decreed to stem the spread of coronavirus, a large funeral procession made its way through the working-class suburb of Bello in the city of Medellín.

Hundreds joined the funeral cortège, held in blatant violation of social isolation rules, to honour Edgar Pérez Hernández.

The man who was also known as "El Oso" (The Bear) was the alleged head of

Medellín's powerful NiquíaCamacol criminal gang. He had died the day before of a heart attack while in jail.

"Members of the crowd applauded, and fired their guns into the air," a local newspaper described the scene.

Analysts have pointed out that, just like any other business in this unprecedented global health crisis, Latin American crime syndicates face an existential threat owing to the massive disruption to their international supply chains.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

St Lucia reports 100% recovery of COVID-19 cases

A

s of April 22, 2020, Saint Lucia has a total of 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

To date, all of the positive cases of COVID-19 in Saint Lucia have recovered, with the remaining two cases who were in isolation receiving negative COVID-19 test results and having been since discharged from hospital.

This now places Saint Lucia at a 100 per cent recovery of all COVID-19 cases. Among the 15 cases Saint Lucia recorded were individuals who fell within the category of high risk by virtue of some being elderly as well as living with chronic illness.

They too recovered well with no complications or critical care.Laboratory testing for COVID-19 continues to be conducted both locally and with the support of the Caribbean Public Health Agency Laboratory.

Saint Lucia has modified its testing strategy by testing an increased number of samples from community respiratory clinics; this would assist in the assessment of

ational Security Minister Stuart Young says there are currently 250 nationals onboard cruise ships who want to return home.

Speaking at the COVID-19 news conference Wednesday morning, Minister Young said this would not be entertained as the Government was not willing to budge on its decision to close the borders.

He said he has been informed that all the citizens were in their individual rooms and were being fed properly.

He said, “Right now Trinidad and Tobago cannot take the surge from cruise ships.”

He also sent a warning to nationals who are attempting to use Caricom countries with open borders as an avenue to “jump” into this country.

In fact, he said Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dennis Moses has written to one such country

COVID-19 locally.

Saint Lucia continues on the partial shutdown and on a 10-hour curfew from 19:00h to 05:00h. “We remain at a very critical position in the implementation of the national response to the COVID-19 threat.“Large scale public health and social measures have been implemented in an effort to break transmission of COVID-19 when in-country transmission was noted.

The public must note that many of these measures need to be sustained in an effort to achieve low COVID-19 levels in country.”Some of the measures that have been instituted include school closure, national zoning to manage population movement, the closure of non-essential businesses, travel restrictions, the partial national shutdown and instituting a 24-hour curfew.

(Excerpt from St Lucia Times)

informing them of the country's decision and advised it not to be used by people trying to get into Trinidad and Tobago.

The Minister also announced that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has approved care packages to be sent to nationals of who are on various campuses overseas.

He said this would be

done through embassies and missions abroad.

The Minister said the 33 people who were stranded in Barbados and were allowed to return home y were in a very different category.

He said he was still looking at scores of other requests for exemptions, but maintained that the borders remained closed. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaica: 10 new COVID-19 cases; total now 233

T

he Health and Wellness Ministry is reporting 10 new cases of the COVID-19 which brings the total number of cases in the island to 233.

This comprises the five employees of the Health Ministry reported earlier, who are contacts of a confirmed case; three who form a part of the work place cluster in St Catherine and two who are currently under investigation.

The Ministry also confirmed another death which brings the total number of deaths from the virus to six.

The Ministry said the five positive cases of health workers are now under a 14-day quarantine while

other members have been asked to work from home.

The Ministry said it also conducted an intense cleaning exercise for all its offices and completed the cleaning of the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to ensure that it remains functional.

It added that staff in the EOC have been staggered to ensure greater levels of physical distancing.

So far, 1936 samples have been tested: 233 are positive, including six Ministry of Health and Wellness employees; 1,695 are negative; and 8 are pending.

There are 184 persons in isolation and 24 in quarantine in a Government fa-

cility. Six people have died while 27 have recovered.

Concerning the Ministry employees who have tested positive, contact tracing is being done to determine their level of exposure to other team members. They will be monitored by the health team and provided with the necessary support during this period.

Still, their test results have caused significant anxiety, prompting the Ministry to initiate steps to calm the fears of all staff.

Those steps include making available counselling services for those who need them.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

PAHO Director: Increased virus testing critical

T Saint Lucia continues to be under a partial shutdown and a 10hour curfew from 19:00h to 05:00h

“Right now Trinidad and Tobago cannot take the surge from cruise ships” – National Security Minister Stuart Young

he Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr Carissa F Etienne, on April 21 called for accelerated and expanded testing for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in countries of the Americas, including the Caribbean.

“We need a clearer view of where the virus is circulating and how many people have been infected in order to guide our actions,” said Etienne during a virtual press briefing.

“The pandemic continues to impact our region, and it’s vital for all countries to actively embrace preventive measures, while preparing for more cases, hospitalisations and deaths,” she added.

As of April 20, there have been 839, 119 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 42,686 people have died in the

Region of the Americas.

The PAHO Director said that countries have been prepared to test and detect cases of COVID-19 since before the pandemic was declared.

Since February, PAHO said it had trained and equipped laboratories for PCR testing in more than 30 countries.

But, as cases have increased, Etienne said countries have found it increasingly difficult to keep up.

She highlighted PAHO’s recommendations for countries to expand their capacity and use all available national laboratories; to prioritise patients with symptoms, tracing contacts and following up with those that may be infected; and to ensure access for all, so testing would be free of charge for patients.

PAHO said it has provided more than 500,000 PCR tests to 34 countries and territories, “and we have worked with other countries to track and support their capacity”, said Etienne.

An additional 1.5 million PCR tests are being dispatched throughout the Region this week, “followed by another three million next week to strengthen laboratory surveillance networks in our Member States”, she highlighted.

“To address the market shortage, we are working with leading manufacturers to make these tests available through the PAHO Strategic Fund,” Etienne said. “Twelve countries are now using this mechanism to purchase quality commercial PCR-based tests.”

(Excerpt from CMC)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

Around the World

WHO warns “long way to go” in virus crisis, deaths top 180,000 T he World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday warned that the coronavirus crisis would not end any time soon, with many countries only in the early stages of the fight, as the global death toll surpassed 180,000.

The pandemic has sparked not only a health emergency, but a global economic rout, with businesses struggling to survive, millions left jobless, and millions more facing starvation.

US President Donald Trump -- with an eye on widespread unemployment and his re-election prospects – is preparing to sign an executive order suspending the issuance of green cards for 60 days.

Health experts in the world’s biggest economy

Medical workers get ready for a shift treating coronavirus patients at the Spasokukotsky clinical hospital in Moscow

warned it could face an even deadlier second coronavirus wave come winter, as some US states moved to reopen select businesses.

Nations around the world have been scram-

bling to fight the pandemic – which has killed more than 180,000 people and infected nearly 2.6 million worldwide – while desperately seeking ways to limit the devastating economic fallout.

As some countries have moved to lift lockdown restrictions that have upended daily life around the globe, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a sober warning.

“Make no mistake: we have a long way to go. This virus will be with us for a long time,” Tedros told a virtual press conference.

“Most countries are still in the early stages of their epidemics. And some that were affected early in the pandemic are now starting to see a resurgence in cases.”

Worst-hit region Europe saw its death toll climb to another grim milestone of 110,000, while fatalities in Italy, the hardest hit country behind the United States, topped 25,000. (Excerpt from AFP)

Missouri sues Chinese Government over virus handling

T

he US state of Missouri says it is suing the Chinese Government over its handling of the coronavirus which it says has led to severe economic losses.

In the lawsuit, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt alleges China did little to stop the spread of the virus.

Schmitt claims Missouri residents have suffered possibly tens of billions of dollars in economic damages.

China’s Foreign Ministry denounced the move, saying the “frivolous lawsuit has no factual or legal basis”.

A spokesperson said: “Really absurd. Based on the principle of sovereign equality, US courts have NO jurisdiction over the Chinese Government.”

Legal experts have also questioned the move and how far it will get. A legal doctrine called sovereign immunity offers foreign governments broad protec-

tion from being sued in US courts.

“There is an exception for torts committed in the United States by officials acting in an official capacity; the paradigm would be something like a car accident in an embassy car,” said Tom Ginsburg, a professor of international law at the University of Chicago.

The civil lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, is against the Chinese Government, Chinese Communist Party

and other Chinese officials and institutions.

“In Missouri, the impact of the virus is very real – thousands have been infected and many have died, families have been separated from dying loved ones, small businesses are shuttering their doors, and those living paycheque to paycheque are struggling to put food on their table,” Mr Schmitt said in a statement. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Coronavirus: South Africa deploys 70,000 troops to enforce lockdown

M

ore than 70,000 extra troops will be deployed in South Africa to help enforce a lockdown intended to stop the spread of coronavirus, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced.

South Africa has had 3465 confirmed coronavirus cases – second only to Egypt in Africa – and 58 deaths.

The country has some of the most stringent coronavirus lockdown restrictions in the world.

But security forces have struggled to enforce them.

Since March 27 only essential service providers, such as health workers, financial services providers, Journalists and retail workers, have been allowed to continue going to work.

Businesses that provide essential services have been applying for a special permit from the Government that allows their members of staff to go outside.

The restrictions include no jogging outside, no sales of alcohol or cigarettes, no

This is the biggest army deployment since the end of apartheid in 1994

dog-walking, no leaving home except for essential trips and prison or heavy fines for law-breaking.

The initial army deployment came as no surprise –- 2280 troops were deployed at the beginning of the lockdown 27 days ago.

But this latest deployment has shocked many – it is the country’s biggest military deployment for domestic purposes since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

Many believe the deployment, which is expected to conclude at the end of June, means that the enforcement will be strength-

ened and that the country could face yet another lockdown extension.

Some have raised concerns, saying the country will resemble a military state. They note that more than a dozen soldiers are already under investigation for brutality after allegedly killing a man in Alexandra township, in northern Johannesburg.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS Oil rockets higher, boosting global equities

B

eaten-down US oil prices rallied Wednesday following dramatic declines earlier this week, lifting global equities, even as American crude inventories surged closer to capacity levels.

Futures for the benchmark West Texas Intermediate for June delivery jumped 19 per cent to US$13.78 a barrel in New York. WTI sank into negative territory on Monday for the first time, but that was for the May contract that expired Tuesday.

Wednesday’s surge came after US President Donald Trump threatened to shoot at Iranian boats in a key waterway for crude shipments after Washington accused its arch-foe of harassing its ships in the Gulf.

But oil market watchers were also fixated on a weekly US inventory report that showed another big gain in crude stockpiles, including at the Cushing, Oklahoma hub where analysts say there is little remain space for more oil.

“Prices will need to continue to be at very low levels to incentive shuttering of capacity to prevent overfills throughout the system,” said Bart Melek, an analyst at TD Securities. “I would not be surprised to see single-digit futures prices on the prompts or even negative again.”

The petroleum industry has emerged as one of the most vulnerable cornerstones of the global economy as shutdowns to limit the spread of coronavirus have a devastating impact on demand for oil.

The commodity has been further weakened by a battle for market share that raged much of the spring between Saudi Arabia and Russia.

Some analysts think a historic agreement last week by those two producers and other leading exporters could improve the supply-demand balance in the latter half of 2020.

US-Iran tensions flare Trump, meanwhile, took to Twitter on Wednesday to say he had “instructed the United States Navy to shoot down and destroy any and all Iranian gunboats if they harass our ships at sea”.

The order came one week after 11 small armed Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps speedboats swarmed around six US Navy and Coast Guard ships in international waters in the northern Gulf.

Iran’s military spokesman on Wednesday said US President Donald Trump should concentrate on “saving” his own country from the “major crisis” caused by coronavirus, instead of making threats.

“Today, instead of intimidating others, the Americans would do better to save their troops infected by the coronavirus,” said Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for Iran’s armed forces.

The Gulf is a major gateway for oil to reach international markets, and previous spikes in tensions between US and Iranian vessels have seen crude prices similarly surge higher.

The oil rally helped boost equities in Europe and the US, where major indices were up more than two per cent.

“The monster rebound in the oil market has boosted sentiment in stocks, and in turn the major equity benchmarks are set to finish the day deep into positive territory,” said market analyst David Madden at CMC Markets UK. The reason, he said, is that “energy acts as a proxy for global demand,” and the huge drops in oil prices seen earlier in the week were an indication of a very severe recession.

(Excerpt from AFP)

Iran says it puts 1st military satellite into orbit, triggers US condemnation

I

ran said on Wednesday it successfully launched the country’s first military satellite into orbit, triggering protests from the United States and stoking already high tensions over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps said the satellite “Noor”, or “Light”, was orbiting 425 kilometres (264 miles) above the earth’s surface.

The Pentagon declined to

confirm whether Noor was in orbit and operational, saying it would take time to make such an assessment. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the launch, however.

Putting a satellite in space would be a major advance for Iran’s military following repeated failed launch attempts in recent months.

Iran’s Guards Corps said it used the Qased, or “Messenger”, carrier to launch Noor.

“The three-stage Qased satellite launcher uses a combination of solid and liquid fuels,” it said.

The US military says the same long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also allow Tehran to launch longer-range weapons, perhaps someday including nuclear warheads.

“It went a very long way ... which means, it has the ability, once again, to threaten

their neighbours, our allies, and we want to make sure they can never threaten the United States,” US Air Force General John Hyten, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Pentagon news briefing.

Tehran denies US assertions that such activity is a cover for ballistic missile development and says it has never pursued the development of nuclear weapons.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 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

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

T

his year's NFL Draft was supposed to be held in Las Vegas on a stage built over water at the Bellagio hotel's fountains.

Instead, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will be announcing each pick in his basement.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the second biggest event in the NFL calendar is going virtual. More than 11 million fans will be watching as, from 23-25 April, 255 college players will realise their dream of reaching the NFL. It may look different, but it will still be life-changing; and concerns over hacking and Wi-Fi connections have added intrigue to what is already an unpredictable event. So, we caught up with BBC pundits Jason Bell and Osi Umenyiora -- remotely, of course -- to discuss how this virtual draft might play out.

Who will be the first draft pick?

That, at least, seems clear. Having had last season's worst record, the Cincinnati Bengals go first, and want a new quarterback.

And it just so happens that Joe Burrow, 23, has had arguably the best-ever season by a college QB, leading Louisiana State to the national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy (for best college player).

"He's a proven winner," said Umenyiora.

"He's a great leader with great charisma, and a great arm with great a c curacy. I don't think Andy Dalton was all that bad, but Cincinnati need someone to reinvigorate their franchise, and he'll suit them just fine."

Yet the guys both feel that Chase Young, 21, a defensive end from Ohio State, is actually the best player in this year's draft.

"I heard all the hype, so I watched his tape, and he's a fantastic player," added Umenyiora. "He's dynamic, has good burst off the line, and a good motor, so he's constantly hustling, constantly trying to get to the quarterback.

"He's a big, physical, freaky athlete. Over the next 10 years, I think this guy's going to be a superstar. He's the only one I can point at and say, 'This is a can't-miss prospect'."

R

oger Federer says “now is the time" for the men's and women's governing bodies to merge, while tennis is in limbo because of the coronavirus.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion floated the idea in a series of Twitter posts. He said a merger of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the men's Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) "probably should have happened".

"We can come out of this with two weakened bodies or one stronger body," Federer says.

Last year, WTA president, Micky Lawler, said the merger should be seriously discussed. BBC Sport understands preliminary discussions have taken place between the two tours about greater collaboration in certain areas.

In a series of social media posts on Wednesday, Federer added: "I am not talking about merging competition on the court, but merging the two governing bodies that oversee the men's and women's professional tours.

"It's too confusing for the fans

Which team could move up the draft board?

Teams can use their picks to trade up or down the order, and the Miami Dolphins look most likely to move up (from fifth) after three straight losing seasons.

"What if somebody like Miami, who has a lot of draft capital (three first-round picks), gives Cincinnati a deal they can't refuse to take that first pick?" asked Bell. "That's the only reason Burrow wouldn't go to Cincinnati."

"But who are Miami going to pick?" said Umenyiora. "They have so many needs on the team. I think Cincinnati will go for Burrow, but after that, everyone's up for grabs."

The order in which wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs are selected is anyone's guess, but cornerback Jeff Okudah is expected to go early.

"Detroit want a cornerback, but they might move off that pick (third) for Miami or the Los Angeles Chargers to snatch the quarterback they want," Bell added. "You need those quarterbacks, and if you see a guy you love, you go up there to get him.”

What makes players fall down or move up the board?

In a nutshell: your fitness, your skills, your character. Players are assessed during physical tests, interviews and medicals at the NFL Combine, pro-days and team visits.

But this year's pre-draft activities have been hampered by coronavirus restrictions, so fitness concerns remain over p l a y ers such as Tua Tagovailoa, who was tipped to win the Heisman Trophy before suffering a dislocated hip in November.

Many mock drafts now have him below fellow quarterback Justin Herbert.

"Health is a big issue," said Umenyiora. "You want a guy who's durable because o f the rigours of the NFL. Some people come in and may be jerks, so they'd get downgraded; but some show a sense of leadership, which teams really value.

when there are different ranking systems, different logos, different websites, different tournament categories."

American tennis legend Billie Jean King, one of the prime movers behind the founding of the WTA, said a merger "has long been my vision for tennis".

"The WTA on its own was always Plan B," added King. "I'm glad we are on the same page. Let's make it happen."

Spanish 19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal added: "It would be great to get out of this world crisis with the union of men's and women's tennis in only one organisation."

Reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, Argentine Diego Schwartzman, and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza are among the other high-profile tennis players to voice their agreement on social media.

All tennis has been abandoned until at least 13 July, with Wimbledon cancelling its grass court

Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow is expected to be the number one pick

"It's also down to your tape and how well you work out. Some guys look really good players, but their draft stock goes down because they didn't test as well."

Will the Patriots draft a quarterback?

It must be the best draft pick ever. Seven quarterbacks had already been selected in 2000 when, deep in the sixth round, the New England Patriots chose Tom Brady with the 199th pick.

Twenty years and six Super Bowl wins later, Brady, 42, has joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so the Pats go into the draft with Jarrett Stidham (last year's 133th pick) and veteran Brian Hoyer as their only QBs. "From everything I've heard, they have a lot of confidence in Stidham," said Umenyiora. "I think they're going to sit pretty and see what happens next year."

"They're not going to move up [from 23rd] to get a quarterback; that's just not what they do," Bell added. "If Jordan Love falls to them, then maybe they'll go for him, but they've got other needs to fill."They might have their eye on someone we'll never know about, because the Patriots do not talk. Their scouts know the traits that [head coach] Bill Belichick is looking for, and can identify people that would fit their

tournament for the first time since World War Two because of the coronavirus pandemic. It followed the postponement of the French Open, which was due to begin in May, but has been rescheduled to take place in Paris from 20 September to 4 October.

Last week, ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said he thought the two tours working more closely together is "a no-brainer", although he did not directly discuss the possibility of a merger.

The ATP and WTA have been approached for comment by BBC Sport.

Analysis

With all sports facing an alarming financial future, one strengthened and unified governing body certainly has a ring of appeal. There would also be marketing and scheduling advantages. They wouldn't need to change the net to change the logo between matches at combined events, for example.

And maybe all televised tennis would be found in the same place,

needs and their organisation.

"That's why the draft is so fascinating.

These are the moves that teams can make. I remember a guy called Tom they drafted in the sixth round, and he did alright!"

How will this draft be different?

For starters, the broadcast will be hosted by a small team in a studio in Connecticut, with draft prospects, commentators and team officials taking part remotely.There will be no fans, no bear hugs on stage with commissioner Goodell, and no war rooms where team officials discuss their strategy throughout. But we will see exactly what it means to the players and their families as 58 of the top prospects will have cameras in their own homes."The NFL's never seen anything like this before, so nobody really knows how it's going to play out," said Umenyiora. "But teams know who they want to pick. If one falls off the board, they know who they're going to next.""They've had time to get ready, to figure out who makes the pick if something goes wrong digitally, or somebody's internet goes out," Bell added."One thing that always happens is Roger Goodell gets booed by the fans. Well, that's not happening this year unless somebody goes down to his basement!"

(BBC Sport)

and no longer require several subscriptions to access.

Women could gain financially, as most of their stand-alone events have lower prize funds, but how would men react to the potential dilution of their income and a brand which, for the moment, is significantly stronger?

How likely is a merger to happen?

Very unlikely in the short term, but not impossible in the longer term, although perhaps only in certain mutually beneficial areas.

I understand that preliminary Roger Federer discussions

have taken place, which in itself is a sign of the sport's new-found spirit of co-operation in the age of COVID-19.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

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C

ricket has never faced a crisis quite like this. With much of the world still deep in COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns, administrators are facing an unprecedented situation.

At some point in the near future, sport will resume, but in what form, and when and where exactly, no-one knows.

On Thursday, the chief executives of the 12 full-member countries, along with the ICC management, will convene via a conference call to start plotting what a new landscape might look like. Thursday's meeting is merely the starting point of a process that would remain a work in progress for the foreseeable future.

The ICC has said the aim of this virtual meeting -- and there really is only one item on the agenda -- is to check in on the health of members, and to know how they are coping with the effects of no cricket, as well as collectively work on contingency planning and sort out priorities between the resumption of international bilateral cricket, domestic cricket, and global events.

Based on conversations with various boards, ESPNcricinfo lists some of the key issues that would rank high on the list of priorities to be addressed on Thursday:

Men's T20 World Cup

Scheduled for OctoberNovember this year, this is the biggest marquee event left in 2020 outside of the IPL. Currently, the ICC remains optimistic about the event going ahead in case Australia opens its doors to host the tournament.

However, the tournament comprises 16 teams, which means each would need their respective government's approval. What happens in case one of the

Store helper- 624-003

participants is denied permission?

What would be the quarantine process in individual countries? Will air travel resume completely, to allow players to travel to Australia?

These are some of the questions that the chief executives' committee (CEC) would make note of, and it is clearly a complex issue, as one of the officials who will be sitting on the call said.

According to one official, the fate of the T20 World Cup is the most important issue for a number of boards outside the biggest few. Those boards rely heavily on revenue distribution from the ICC, and a disruption to any event -- as PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani warned -- could have serious financial repercussions for some members.

What members might be looking to discuss is a rough idea of a timeline by when a definitive decision on the tournament needs to take place.

ODI Super League

Already, this tournament, due to begin in 10 days' time, has been impacted. Three of the series scheduled as part of the ODI League, which the ICC put in place to provide more context to 50-overs cricket, have been postponed indefinitely, with Pakistan's series in the Netherlands the latest to be axed.

The ODI League serves

India and Australia are the top two sides on the World Test Championship table

as a pathway for the 10-team 2023 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted in India. Alongside India, the seven highest-ranked sides in the ODI League as of March 31, 2022 would have qualified directly for the 2023 World Cup, while the bottom five would get a second chance to make the grade through a qualifier.

The questions the CEC would need to consider include whether the league should be scrapped, or whether the number of series each team has to play is reworked so the original framework is not completely revamped.

"The reason for the ODI League was to bring context and add an element of jeopardy to the qualification for 2023 World Cup," said one official who will be participating in Thursday's call. "So: 'Is there a way to maintain the integrity of that league?' is the question that will be asked."

One alternative is that, in the absence of a league, all those series go ahead when they can, and the shortlist for the 2023 World Cup takes place based on the rankings. However, the official pointed out, countries like England would be at a disadvantage in such a scenario, because they are likely to lose out on playing ODI series this summer to accommodate various other events in the calendar.

"That is part of the challenge: you've got to make decisions that take into account all of these things, but there will so many competing agendas or viewpoints," the official said.

World Test Championship

The WTC is nearly nine months old, with the final scheduled for July 2021.

However, not all teams have played the same number of series. Pakistan head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, suggested recently that the WTC should be put on hold, instead of attempting to tinker with the original format, wherein each team is meant to play a total of six series. Not everyone agrees.

One chief executive felt that with "nearly 40%" of the WTC already played, suspending was not the best option.

"If we have cricket back in July, even if in bio-safe stadiums behind closed doors, I don't see a need for it [suspending]. But it is a big if."

The ICC, it is believed, will not make a hasty decision on the WTC. One key determining factor will be what percentage of WTC series are lost when bilateral cricket resumes. If it is not a significant chunk, then the ICC would want the nine countries in the Championship to collectively work out windows in the FTP.

"Like in the UK, the Government is quite keen to restart sport behind closed doors, because they believe it is quite good for the morale of the nation," the official said. "It will start at different places at different times, and we'll ease back into it. That's when the genuine rescheduling and decision-making around the competitions like WTC will start."

So, what might be the outcome?

Don't expect too much by way of binding decisions from this meeting. In any case, it is the ICC Board rather than the chief executives' committee that makes decisions final.

"There's going to be discussion around what the restart of cricket looks like, what competitions will have been missed, and how we go about trying to see what the next stage is about rescheduling," Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland chief executive, told ESPNcricinfo.

"But, of course, rescheduling is only going to be a relatively relevant discussion when we know more about the point from which we can definitively reschedule.

"So I think it's going to be more around discussing principles: what priorities should there be between bilateral cricket, ICC events, domestic T20 franchise leagues?"

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he Champions League and Europa League look increasingly likely to be played exclusively in August, after more talks about the remainder of the 2019-20 season were held on Wednesday.

UEFA told the 55 associations on Tuesday there was still the possibility of the competitions being played throughout June, July and August; but BBC Sport understands the latest discussions revolved almost exclusively around a plan to complete the domestic leagues by 31 July, with European competition following after that.

Nothing definitive has been agreed, but UEFA is keen to leave all options on the table for as long as possible, given the general uncertainty across Europe and the knowledge there is no guarantee the season would be finished.

However, there is a view that travel restrictions are more likely to have eased in August, which would be necessary for a cross-border competition.

The scenario envisaged would be for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the respective European competitions to be played as two-legged ties between 11 and 22 August, although these could yet become one-off games.

In the plans now being discussed, there would be some flexibility for domestic fixtures to be played in August, should a July conclusion prove impossible.

The Premier League has nine rounds of fixtures remaining, but in Spain and Italy, two countries that have been badly affected, there are still 11 and 12 rounds left respectively - although both have fewer cup games to fit into their schedules.

UEFA is hoping the situation would become clearer in the next fortnight, as completing the season in this way would cause the least disruption to its qualification competition for the 2020-21 season, which was supposed to start at the end of June but has been delayed indefinitely.

Bayern Munich currently has 18 points in the Champions league

Bayern Munich currently has 18 points in the Champions League Top of Form

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THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WANTED: more local sponsors

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op national cyclist Romello Crawford began 2020 with two crushing wins, but his rich vein of form was cut short by onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought the world of sport to a standstill.

A resident of Number One Village on the Corentyne Coast of East Berbice -- home also to West Indies Under 19 player Kevlon Anderson -Crawford, who often plies his cycling trade overseas (in Canada) spoke to Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive interview in which he reflected on the evolution of his career thus far, and peeked into his future.

He is making an impassioned appeal for local businesses to support outstanding cyclists.

Speaking on how his cycling career started, Crawford

disclosed that he was inspired by his cousins. "They used to be riding and stuff, that was seven and one-half years ago, and they were doing really well, so I just picked up the cycle, and it’s actually a bloodline thing," Crawford posited.

Although he has chalked up numerous wins in local races, Crawford declared that his most memorable win came in the tour of Somerville last year.

Peeking into his future, Crawford thanks ‘The Most High’ for what he has thus far accomplished. "My goal is to get at a more intense level in cycling," he declared.

Crawford is aiming to be the best possible version of himself. "I already started racing professionally, but I want to be at the highest level,"

physically.

Asked how he is coping during this global pandemic, the eager Crawford said he is aiming to return to the cycling tracks, whereon he has been putting in the hard yards of work. "It's not affecting my training, because I still go out, but some days I can't ride. Hopefully, it ends soon. My advice to fellow cyclists is to stay fit so you can ride

Romello Crawford

Crawford noted.

He said he has encountered numerous challenges, but this humble cyclist has remained positive mentally, and stable

Crawford storming to his second win in 2020 (Brandon Corlette photos)

P

akistan's Tour to the Netherlands has been postponed indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The decision was taken in light of the Dutch government's decision to ban all sports and cultural events in the country till September 1, with KNCB confirming the country will host no international cricket this summer.

Pakistan were due to visit Netherlands for a three-match ODI series before a full tour of England, with the games slated to be played in Amstelveen on 4,7 and 9 July. Netherlands were also due to host New Zealand for a one-off T20I on 15 June, but that has likewise been pushed back indefinitely. A quadrangular series with Namibia, Oman and the USA has also fallen victim to the pandemic.

"It is sad that we have to postpone our July Tour to the Netherlands, but in the prevailing circumstances, this is absolutely the right thing to do, as human lives are far more precious and valuable than a cricket match or an event," Wasim Khan, the PCB Chief Executive, said.

"Netherlands has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their lives. Like any other country, the PCB stands firmly with the KNCB, and hope they will be able to overcome this crisis.

The Pakistan National Cricket Teams have always enjoyed touring the Netherlands, and as soon as things return to normal, the PCB will engage with the KNCB to reschedule the tour, so that we can fulfil our obligation."KNCB Chair, Betty Timmer, echoed Khan's sentiments. "It is extremely disappointing that we won't be able to host any international cricket in the Netherlands this summer," she said. "However, the health and safety of the players, staff and fans is our main priority, and in that light, the ban on events by the Dutch government is understandable. We truly hope that by next season the situation is under control again, so we can host the Super League Series against England, Ireland and the West Indies as planned. We would love to welcome back all cricket fans on our grounds in the summer of 2021."The coronavirus pandemic has shut down all cricket across the world, along with nearly all sporting activities. England's three-Test tour to Sri Lanka was among the first to be cancelled, with a slew of other series being called off as the virus began to take hold throughout the world.

An ODI series between India and South Africa was pushed back indefinitely, and New Zealand's ODI series in Australia was postponed part-way. While there has been guarded support from some players about the possibility of playing cricket behind closed doors when the time comes, it appears there is still plenty of time before even that becomes a realistic possibility.

when this is over, hopefully.”

Crawford extends gratitude to his Coach, Desmond Roberts, “whom I met a few years ago, and he has been offering help. I would like to thank my new team in Canada," he added.

Over the years, Crawford has dominated competition at the local level, and is now regarded as one of the fastest wheelsmen in Guyana. He has also gained recognition in foreign territories where he had gone to represent Guyana at the Pan American U-23 Games. (Brandon Corlette)

-but McGill Superstars waiting it out

Members of the McGill Superstars at their Annual Awards Ceremony

D

espite coming up short in the final of the recently held West Demerara Cricket Association’s (WDCA’s) Beacon Cafe 50-Over Competition, Mc Gill Super Stars Sports Club of Canal #1 Polder, West Bank Demerara are eagerly awaiting restart of the WDCA cricket season, which has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.Known as a powerhouse team of the WDCA, McGill have been putting together a string of consistent performances over the past years, having contested three of the last 5 WDCA Finals held in the last 5 years, although on each occasion they failed to get over the final hurdle. This club has dominated cricket on the West Demerara from 2000-2010, winning most of the competitions held by the WDCA and the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB). However, the club has been on a championship drought since 2010 because many youngsters have been replacing senior players in the cricketing arena.

This Club has produced national player Travis Persaud, an elegant right- handed batsman and off- spinner who captained the Guyana Under 19 Team to back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016. Two other products of the club are left-arm spinner Kheshram Seyhodan and left-arm seamer Daniel Basdeo, who were apart of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise in the inaugural season of the CPL. The Club is on a mission not only to dominate, but to win championships as it once did, and bring the long overdue championship back to Canal #1. The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately brought a halt to cricket countrywide, but members of this club are doing independent work to keep themselves fit and ready for resumption of cricket, anticipated to be soon.Founded in 1992 by residents of Canal #1, West Bank Demerara, this club has to date produced 3 national youth players. Not only has this club been performing excellently for the 2019 and 2020 cricket seasons, but outside of competition, its members have participated in a number of charitable matches as well, because the club aims to foster love on an off the field.

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CPL 2020…

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he KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited are leaving nothing to chance in their first year as owners of the St. Lucia Zouks.

They have named T20 sensation Chris ‘Universe Boss’ Gayle as their marquee player for this year’s CPL season. T2O’s leading run scorer and two-time CPL title winner, Chris Gayle, will suit up for the St Lucia Zouks with the familiar combination of blues and yellows. This will happen in a matter of months, when the Caribbean Premier League returns.

This 40-year-old batsman has played for the Jamaica Tallawahs and the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the past. He was on the Tallawahs team when it won the CPL title in 2013 and 2016, and he played for the Patriots when they contested the final in 2017.

Gayle is the leading T20 run scorer of all time, as well as the man with the most centuries in this format. He is also the leading CPL run scorer of all time, having made 2,344 runs in the tournament.

Commenting on Gayle arriving at the Zouks, Captain Daren Sammy said: “This is great news for St Lucia Zouks, and for me as a captain, to have ‘the Universe Boss’ on my side. Chris is one of the most successful T20 batsmen in the world, and with his experience with our young openers, a lot can be learnt from Chris.

“I welcome him to the Zouks Franchise. Chris will be in St Lucia, and the fans will be happy, and the fact that Jamaica has released him, I will have a motivated Chris Gayle looking to prove a point: that he is one of the leading T20 batsmen in the world. I can’t wait for CPL 2020, and hopefully the coronavirus will be under control and we can have an exciting T20 tournament. Welcome home Chris Gayle!”

Coach Andy Flower also shared his thoughts, saying: “It’s brilliant news that we have been able to get Chris Gayle with us at this year’s CPL 2020. I have got a long association with Chris, running all the way back to his debut Test match in Trinidad back in 2000. I’ve seen his exploits in all three (formats) of the game, and I am really looking forward to working with him and Daren Sammy toward a special year for St Lucia cricket.”

The CPL is scheduled to take place between August 19 and September 26, but the tournament organisers are currently closely watching the current situation with COVID-19, and are consulting with medical advisors and governments on the best way forward.

Back in February, KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited, Kings XI Punjab's parent company, purchased the St Lucia Zouks franchise and appointed Andy Flower as head coach. Gayle currently plays for Kings XI in the IPL. The team will be captained by former West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy, who is pleased to have Gayle on board.

I

n middle of a global lockdown, international and domestic West Indies players are facing another challenge: Cricket West Indies (CWI) has not paid their match fees since January this year.

Under normal circumstances, those fees would have been due for payment at the end of February 2020. It is understood that the main reason for this delay has been a severe cash crunch CWI has been facing, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The international male players have not been paid their match fees for the home series against Ireland in January (three ODIs and three T20Is) and the Sri Lanka tour in February-March (three ODIs and two T20Is).

The international women are owed their match fees for the four matches they played in the T20 World Cup in February-March in Australia.

However, the biggest losers are the domestic players, most of whom have not been paid a large percentage of their match fees for the 2020 West Indies Championship, the regional four-day competition.

CWI discontinued the competition in March, after eight of the 10 rounds had been played, and declared Barbados the winners of the Headley-Weekes Trophy (named after Caribbean greats George Headley and Everton Weekes).

The regional players are contracted under two categories: one comprises a set of 90 players that are on monthly retainers with the six franchises. The six teams include Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Leeward Islands and Windward Islands.

Those contracted players are split across four categories: A, B, C and Development. Players in Category A get a monthly remuneration of US$2,666, those in Category B get US$2,000, those in Category C earn US$1500 and those in Development get US$1,000.

The second contracted category is the playfor-pay, where players are paid on per-match basis. All regional players across both categories are paid US$1600 per match, which is separate from all the allowances, including per diem.

According to Wayne Lewis, the secretary of the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA), the contracted regional players have been paid their allowances and salaries, but match fees for all the eight rounds of the domestic four-day competition are still outstanding. Those in the play-for-pay category, though, have been paid their match fees, but only for the first three rounds.

"The players who are contracted, their monthly salaries (and allowances) are up-todate," Lewis told ESPNcricinfo. "The problem

we are having is the retained players in the regional first-class competition have not been paid their match fees for the eight rounds that have been played so far."

According to Lewis, the West Indies women have received their prize money from the T20 World Cup, but not their match fees, which have also not been paid to the men's white-ball squads. Lewis said WIPA was in touch with CWI to "ensure the money is paid as quickly as possible" to the players. Lewis also said that CWI had pointed out well in advance to WIPA about the cash crunch.CWI Chief Executive Officer Johnny Grave had given the assurance that payments would be made in the near future. "Cricket West Indies is facing a tough time financially," Grave told ESPNcricinfo.

"Whilst all of our contracted players have received their salaries and allowances, and some players have received prize money and match fees, there is still money that is outstanding, and we are trying to settle these player payments as a priority."Confirming the delay in the payments, Grave explained the match fees accrued in January for the Ireland series and the first three rounds of the four-day tournament were meant to be paid by the end of the subsequent month (February). Similarly, payments for February (rounds three to six of the

Darren Sammy and Chris Gayle will now campaign for the same side in CPL 2020

The West Indies women's team have not received their match fees for the T20 World Cup yet

"We are two months behind making match fee payments," Grave said. "I personally emailed all the players since end of February, when they (match fees) would have been due.

We have apologised to all the players, and we

The West Indies men have not been paid their match fee for the home series against Ireland (January) and the tour of Sri Lanka

championship along with the Sri Lanka tour and the Women's T20 World Cup) were due by end of March. And for the matches played in March (rounds seven and eight along with the Sri Lanka tour and the Women's T20 World Cup) are only due by end of April.

are eternally grateful for their continued patience and support. We've been very open and honest as to why we can't pay them, and all the players know it is a priority for us to pay them as soon as we can."Grave said the primary reason CWI was facing the cash crunch was the

huge losses the board suffered while hosting Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2018. "When we hosted Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, we made a US$22 million loss," he said. "The media rights contract paid us less than a million dollars for those two tours."That CWI was still able to clear dues for players for 2019 was only possible because of the England and India series at home last year. "That (the loss) was counter-balanced by having England and India in 2019, which led to record revenues. We almost cleared the balance of 2018 and 2019."And now we are in unprecedented times with COVID-19, so people that are due to pay us money haven't been able to. Unfortunately, the knock-on effect means that we are struggling to meet our obligations to our players."

Lewis said the delay was nothing new, but he had "no doubt" that CWI would settle the player payments by end of June. "We have always worked amicably with CWI, and they have settled all outstanding payments for last year (2019). It is this year's payments they are having problems with. We are working to have all those payments done by June."Grave was not sure when exactly CWI would be able to clear the dues, but he remained optimistic mainly because CWI was in the middle of negotiating a new broadcasting deal after the previous contract with Sony-Ten expired in late 2019. He also said that CWI was looking at ways to use the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, a 16-acre site which Grave called an "asset", to raise money.

"I can assure you we are working all the time to try and bring a speedy end so that we can pay everyone accordingly." (ESPN Cricinfo)

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

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

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CPL 2020…

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Crawford storms to his second win in 2020 (Brandon Corlette photo)

-but McGill waiting it out

Page 22

McGill Superstars at their annual awards

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