Guyana Times - Tuesday, May 19, 2020

See Region 4 SoRs comparison with released SoPs on pages 14 to 16 All SoRs are available on our website Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4290

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

PRICE

Lowenfield’s logistical changes designed to slow down recount – GECOM Commissioner

WHAT'S INSIDE:

7 new COVID-19 cases recorded

Compromised GECOM operative to oversee Region 4 recount See story on page 9

COVID-19 68-year-old mother of 6 found raped, murdered in cemetery Task Force approves return of stranded Guyanese law students, cruise ship workers See story on page 9

Page 11

…as Carter Center remains barred

P10

…6 out of 7 new cases are males

Page 3

…as PPP demands details of private meeting

$80 VAT INCLUDED

Dead: Margarett Dawnson

PSC calls on GECOM Chair Granger to sidesteps APNU/ directly confirm AFC’s COVID-19 Task acceptance of Force to add new stations recount results …calls Govt guidelines informative, not mandatory Page 7

Page 4

Senator who urged return of Carter Center now heads Senate Intelligence P9 Committee

Motorcycle P12 thief shot dead after robbery

Caretaker Govt must reconsider rejection of Carter Center – Int’l Center for Democracy P12 …calls out GECOM Chair for private meeting with Granger

Linden ‘gang’ member slapped with 2nd murder P8 charge End discrimination against victims, health workers –P13 COVID-19 survivor

2

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, May 19 – 03:00h – 04:30h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Wednesday, May 20 – 03:30 – 05:00 and 14:30h – 16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, May 19 – 14:45 – 16:15h and Wednesday, May 20 – 15:20h – 16:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect light cloud and light rain showers during the morning hours. There will be sunshine during the afternoon. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly to Northerly to North North-Westerly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 14:45h reaching a maximum height of 2.45 metres.

Low Tide: 08:20h and 20:35h reaching minimum heights of 0.79 metre and 0.78 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

01

12

13

14

15 16 21

PAY DAY

SUPER PAY DAY FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020

01 04 08 12 14

08 12 15 19 21

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

$34.81/barrel

+6.64

Rough Rice

$289.40 /ton

+0.36

London Sugar

$359.20/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1735.90

$1736.90

Low/High

$1726.70

$1765.30

+3.90

+0.23%

Change

Lowenfield’s logistical changes designed to slow down recount – GECOM Commissioner

P

eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) Commissioner to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Sase Gunraj on Monday welcomed the addition of two new counting stations at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) for the National Recount of the ballots cast on March 2.

He, however, nonetheless expressed reservations over the fact that the Secretariat has not used the additional resources to address the region with the largest number of ballot boxes to be recounted.

Speaking with reporters at the conclusion of day 13 of the recount exercise, Gunraj used the occasion to remind that Region One (BarimaWaini) was completed on Friday which led to the beginning of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and with the completion of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Monday.

As announced by the GECOM Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, one of the new counting stations would be assigned to Region Six while the other would be assigned to Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to Gunraj, this would mean that three stations would be addressing Region Six and a singular station to recount the ballots for Region Seven.

He noted too that even more worrying is that of the remaining 1700+ ballot boxes to be counted, in excess of 700 are from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) but the Secretariat maintains the three counting stations for that region.

According to Gunraj, the combined number of ballot boxes for the Regions Seven, Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) do not amount to more than 725.

He was adamant that it would have made more practical and logistical sense to have the new counting stations assigned to the ballot boxes for Region Four.

Speaking with media operatives outside of the ACCC venue on Monday, the PPP Commissioner was also critical of the utilisation of the work hours in the day and the circumventing of a Commission decision to not stop opening ballot boxes at 17:00h each day.

He cited as an example the fact that at 18:00h on Monday, eight of the 10 recounting stations had already closed off working for the day.

“It is an issue because it affects the efficiency and the output level of this recount process,” according to Gunraj.

“It is disappointing because we are struggling, yesterday (Sunday) we did 60 boxes, today (Monday) we did 54 boxes, every time you see some marginal increase in the number of boxes completed per day which perhaps lend some measure of hope to the process that the

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

process is moving or gaining momentum you see things like this.”

As such, Gunraj has since questioned: “…whether there is a deliberate attempt at slowing down this process rather than expediting it and making it go more efficiently.”

He cited as an example that Monday “one station did two boxes, all day, one morning and one afternoon.”

According to Gunraj, the team involved in completing two lone boxes on Monday had been known to be efficient in the past “so you ask yourself is there a deliberate attempt to slow down this recount exercise and if so, what is the reason for that.”

Acknowledging that the ultimate duration of the exercise will be influenced by the number of working hours utilised per day, the number of stations being used and the time taken per box, Gunraj reminded that the Commission has taken some independent measures to seek to make the process more efficient.

He did note, however, that in “some instances, instead of expediting it, we have seen a deliberate attempt to slow the process down.”

The PPP Commissioner recalled that on Monday there was a controversy at the venue when it was time to open more ballot boxes to be recounted.

According to Gunraj, par-

ty agents—whom he did not identify—refused to turn over the keys to have the containers opened in order to access the ballot boxes in order to have the count continue.

He was unable to say why the Secretariat—headed by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield— did not opt to have the chains forcibly cut, as had obtained on a previous occasion.

According to Gunraj, he is in receipt of reports of party agents deliberately stalling the recount process ahead of the identified 17:00h.

Gunraj has since disclosed an intention to table a specific motion to the Commission, meant to address the matter of optimum use of time during the recount exercise, including extending the hours in the working day.

At the end of day 13, the recount exercise had completed an additional 54 boxes, bringing the total amount of boxes recounted across the country to 642 of the 2339 boxes across the ten regions.

Additionally, the exercise completed the recount exercise for Region Two

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

(Pomeroon-Supenaam) and has since moved on to begin recounting the votes cast in Region Six, completing three boxes for the day.

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward also confirmed that two of the ballot boxes were found to have had their Official List of Electors sealed in the wrong boxes—each other’s.

As such, a decision has since been taken by the Commission to summons the two Presiding Officers that would have been in charge of those Polling Stations on Elections Day, in order to ascertain what led to the discrepancy.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 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

Citizens feeling the squeeze

T

here are rumours and much speculation that the caretaker coalition Government may soon be moving towards a total countrywide lockdown in an effort to control the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). However, while this may have proven to be effective in other countries, the Government must think carefully before moving in this direction considering the current hardships being faced by families across the country.

Hence, we urge the authorities to seriously engage the various stakeholders, including the Private Sector, with the aim of reducing the impact of the closure, on individuals and businesses.

It would be nonsensical to shut down an entire country where citizens are already facing severe economic hardships without putting in place certain support measures to cushion the impact.

Guyana, at the moment, is facing not one, but two major threats to our economic survival – the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) and a major political crisis due to a stubborn APNU/AFC Government fighting to the very end to stay on in power.

At the moment, thousands of persons are facing unemployment, small businesses are facing closure as they cannot afford to sustain themselves, prices for basic commodities have gone up and are rising steadily, there has been no break from paying utility bills and households are facing additional expenses to purchase items such as sanitisers and other medical supplies to protect themselves against the coronavirus, etc.

While many countries around the world have justifiably instituted partial or full lockdowns and other measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, they have all taken steps to provide relief measures to citizens so as to avoid much bigger social and economic problems.

It must be noted that already there is a partial lockdown in effect in Guyana, which requires certain ‘non-essential’ businesses to close operations and persons to adhere to curfew measures.

It is now going on two months that these businesses which are classified as ‘non-essential’ have been out of operation. For example, small clothing boutiques, barbershops, hair salons, etc, which provide employment for mostly low-skilled persons have been forced to close their doors due to the strict enforcement of the Orders.

Small businesses have been pleading for some leniency on the part of the Police in relation to enforcement of the measures, to allow them to operate, but these calls have largely been ignored.

Several minimum-wage earners were thrown on the breadline and face starvation due to the enforcement of these measures.

Since the Orders were issued, the authorities have not come up with a single plan to seriously address the impact of the shutdown on poor families and small businesses. It’s as if they have become oblivious to the suffering of these persons in spite of pleadings from various quarters for them to show some care and concern.

In fact, the Government’s intervention thus far explains why it lost the confidence of the majority of the citizens on March 2. Its policies in relation to the COVID-19 relief measures continue to be lacklustre as they lack serious planning and are not designed to benefit the poor or working class. For example, the VAT reduction on electricity announced by the Finance Ministry will not benefit the working class, since that measure caters for persons whose consumption surpasses $10,000. Similarly, the VAT reduction on interior travel will not benefit the poor or the working class, as they rarely utilise such a service.

The Government has basically ignored the recommendations made by the various stakeholders. The Private Sector Commission (PSC), in particular, had made some important recommendations in relation to various tax waivers and suspension of financial household commitments; these include: immediately raising the threshold to accommodate no taxation for employees earning $65,000 to $100,000; zero rating VAT on food items, detergents, a temporary removal of the requirement to pay income and corporation taxes upfront, reduced excise taxes on fuel, and emergency funding for small establishments or businesses at risk of closure.

Several other organisations had also made recommendations in relation to utility companies deferring payments and/or reducing charges by at least 50 per cent and direct payments to citizens; such as unemployment payments.

The caretaker President has shown extremely poor leadership during this crisis. He has said and done very little to ease the suffering of persons. It clearly does not make any sense to implement a total lockdown when there are no proper support or relief measures in place to assist households and businesses.

The situation is already pressuring and it will get worse if the Government moves in this direction without any real support measures.

World Family Doctor Day “Family doctors on the front line – first in, last out”

Dr Tariq Jagnarine

BSc, MD, MMED Fam Med, CCFP

W

orld Organisation of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians/World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA) first declared World Family Doctor Day (FDD) on May 19, 2010, and it has become a day to highlight the role and contribution of family doctors in health care systems around the world.

The event is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the central role of the family medicine speciality in the delivery of personal, comprehensive, and continuing health care for all of our patients, especially in these times facing a global pandemic. It is also a chance to celebrate the progress being made in family medicine and the special contributions of family doctors globally.

This year, the theme chosen highlights the relevant challenges and responsibilities of family doctors in the new global coronavirus outbreak, that is, “Family doctors on the front line”.

The focus this year is to especially emphasise that family doctors have a key role in the management of pandemic outbreaks and their pivotal role of “first in, last out.” Therefore, it is appropriate on May 19 to reflect on both the value physicians bring to society and how they are viewed from a public policy perspective.

Family physicians around the world handle an overwhelming multitude of patients in offices, inpatient and emergency department throughout the year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They diagnose illness, admit patients to the hospital, prescribe drugs, develop treatment plans, perform complex procedures, coordinate care, save, and enhance countless lives in the process. Despite the growing role of other types of clinicians, family physicians remain at the core of health care delivery and are indispensable as diagnosticians, local surgeons, team leaders and patient advocates.

They also play a central economic role within the communities in which they practice. Each primary care physician supports jobs for other health care workers and reduces the health economic burden by millions of dollars in communities with health centres, according to a study conducted by IMS Health for the American Medical Association (AMA).

Most of the doctors are rarely acknowledged and recognised, let alone receive accolades for their dedication and

hard work. Monthly salaries are limited and underpaid for the vast multi-talented roles they play in society. However, there has been no lack of complaints about the services provided by public and private doctors and nurses. While some of these complaints are justifiable, the majority are not.

The current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is a reminder of the dedication of the doctors, nurses and other health care professional professions, without them the world would have been in the worst state. Family doctors ‘care for their patients, colleagues, and families – beyond prescription’.

Facts about family doctors:

• Family doctors play an important role in access to health care as they are geographically distributed across the country more equitably than physicians from any other speciality.

• They are linking the community to the higher medical centres for specialised health care.

• They improve the overall health of the community in terms of preventive services and better management of chronic illnesses.

• Family doctors help to reduce health disparities in underserved populations lacking access to primary health care.

• They are more aware of the specific needs of the community and changing epidemiological patterns and variations in available resources so they can be important people in planning various health services.

• Family physicians can provide quality and cost-effective healthcare; their close contact with society can be helpful in the management of non-communicable diseases and for strengthening, preventive and promotive health-related activities in the community. Because of these qualities, family doctors can add value to systems of primary health care.

• A family doctor-patient relationship is oftentimes one of the most trusted in health care. It is a relationship that both the doctor and patient have been nurturing since the patient’s first visit— and often the patient’s first encounter with the health care system. We know patients count on family doctors and value these relationships.

• Family physicians often act as the central hub for managing your health and provide a higher level of continuity of care.

• Family physicians play an important role in health promotion and illness prevention, coordinating care with other specialities and health professionals,

and advocating on behalf of their patients with respect to the care and services they need in all other parts of the healthcare system.

Quotes from our family doctors

“I have the honour of wearing this white coat, which I know has become a little bit iconic. However, it became very clear to me that I am wearing a symbol of all my friends, colleagues, and family members who are out on the front lines. I am thinking about you a lot – more than I can express because I have spent many years on the front lines and sometimes feel frustrated that I cannot just come in there and work alongside of you in doing this bigger picture planning. But this white coat represents all of you”. – Dr Amy Anton, MD “My decision to become a doctor was driven largely by values instilled in me by my faith and my family. The idea of being a part of a profession focused on helping others regardless of circumstance, focused on facilitating people leading healthier and, therefore, happier lives … I can’t imagine a more fulfilling job.” – Dr Erica Marsha, MD “When I decided to be a doctor, I never really quite understood what it meant.

I would not have predicted the amazing highs of directly influencing someone’s life, nor the deep lows when a patient did poorly. Every day, it is a gift to have the opportunity to care for patients in their most vulnerable times. Despite the stress, long hours away from home and family, I could never imagine a different career.” – Dr Nicolas Osborne, MD “I’m passionate about helping youth reach their potential and live their best lives. As a doctor and researcher, I have the honour of collaborating with communities to find ways to solve the everyday problems that make leading a healthy life so hard. The incredibly strong and resilient young adults I work with every day are why I became a doctor.” – Dr Tammy Chang, MD “I became a doctor because I enjoy caring for people. This was further solidified when I understood that medical translational research has direct impact on us the patients. This concept of working on a medical problem whose solution would lead to better health for individuals is extremely satisfying.” – Dr Aditya Panday, MD. Thank you to the many doctors and nurses in primary health care here in Guyana and around the world who effortlessly care for us from the ‘cradle to the grave’ especially in these challenging health crises. Happy World Family Doctor’s Day.

PSC calls on Granger to directly confirm acceptance of recount results See full statement below: The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is pleased that President David Granger, the Electoral Candidate of APNU+AFC is seeking to restore public confidence in the recount of the General and Regional Elections being conducted by GECOM by his recognition that “the recount is necessary to determine the credible final result of the March 2nd Elections” and, once again, committing that he and his Government will abide by the final declaration coming from the Chairman of GECOM. The Private Sector Commission would, howev-

PSC Chairman Gerry Gouveia

er, have been more assured had Mr Granger directly confirmed that the result of the recount, when declared

by GECOM, would be accepted by his party as the final and unqualified result

of the General and Regional Elections.

The Private Sector Commission, and we believe that we speak for the great majority of Guyanese, would have been even more assured had Mr Granger rejected any possibility of him, his Government and his party accepting the declaration of the Chief Elections Officer which includes the fraudulent results for Region Four, currently held in abeyance by the Gazetted Order for National Recount as acceptable or valid.

The Private Sector Commission also commends Mr Granger for expressing confidence in the Caricom team of scrutineers to en-

sure that the recount process is transparent and credible.

The Private Sector Commission continues, however, to urge Mr Granger to accept that the presence of The Carter Center along with all of the other international observer missions would enhance and reinforce the work of the Caricom team.

The Private Sector Commission urges President Granger to encourage the COVID-19 National Task Force to approve the request of the Chairman of GECOM for the introduction of all additional six counting stations consistent with his wish for the recount to be concluded as soon as possible.

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

5

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

GECOM – time to remove fraud from its agenda PPP/C peaceful protest for Dear Editor, On Election Day, after the close of poll, the officials at each Polling Station, together, count all votes cast and prepare a Statement of Poll showing votes received for each contesting political party. All parties are required to sign this Statement of Poll.

This is the official count. A copy of this Statement of Poll is posted outside the Polling Station for public viewing, and signed copies are distributed to various levels of the GECOM organisation and the political parties. Bottom line is that signed, authorised copies of these Statements of Poll, which represents the official vote count are widely available.

The votes from the Statements of Poll for nine regions (all regions except Region Four) were tabulated and disclosed without any controversy. The results from these nine regions showed the PPP/C leading the APNU/AFC coalition by 52,000 votes.

Each Region has a Returning Officer who is responsible for tabulating the votes for each region using the official count on the Statements of Poll. This was done for the nine regions. Clairmont Mingo, the GECOM Returning Officer for Region Four was responsible for tabulating the votes from the Region Four Statements of Poll and declaring the results for the region.

There were a number of irregularities in this process.

Primarily, we know that after using some Four00-plus official Statements of Poll to tabulate the results for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo resorted to the use of numbers from a spreadsheet for the remaining Polling Stations. At the start of the use of spreadsheet numbers, the GECOM Chief Elections Officer was called in and he confirmed that the spreadsheet numbers were significantly different from the corresponding Statements of Poll.

Despite knowing this, he allowed the count of votes from the spreadsheet to continue.

The matter went to court. Following court review and order, Mingo was able to continue the tabulation of results, using unverified Statements of Poll and a flawed process. Again, GECOM either through its Chief Elections Officer and or other members facilitated this process.

When Mingo’s tabulation of votes for Region Four was added to the other nine regions, the PPP/C lead of 52,000 was

changed to an APNU/AFC coalition lead of 15,000.

Except for GECOM and APNU/AFC coalition, all other observers declared Mingo’s Region Four Declaration as fraudulent and is seen as a brazen attempt to rig the elections in favour of the APNU/AFC coalition.

The PPP/C disclosed their tabulation of votes from Region Four using the official Statements of Poll in their possession. The tabulation and the supporting Statements of Poll were also disclosed to the public.

These verifiable results were very different from Mingo’s results. These results, when added to the other nine regions, showed the PPP/C continuing in the lead by 17,000 votes.

Despite having their own copies of the Statements of Poll for Region Four, to date, neither GECOM nor the APNU/AFC coalition is disclosing their copies of the Statements of Poll to support Mingo’s declaration.

With full knowledge that Mingo’s Region Four declaration was based on unverified Statements of Poll and lacked credibility, the Chief Elections Officer used it to complete the tabulation of results for all 10 regions and attempted to have it declared as the final results. There was across the board objection to this.

Again after court review and various representations from accredited observers the world over and local Guyanese institutions, GECOM agreed to do a physical recount of each ballot in each ballot box from all 2339 Polling Stations.

Just prior to the start of the recount, Commissioner Gunraj moved a motion to have the Mingo declaration of results declared null and void and removed from the record. The GECOM Chair voted against this motion and opted instead to hold the declaration in “abeyance”.

“An abeyance is a temporary halt to something, with the emphasis on “temporary.” It is usually used with the word “in” or “into”; “in abeyance” suggests a state of waiting or holding. Different legal rights, like property rights, can be held in abeyance until matters are resolved”.

Since then, we have seen factual evidence that the numbers used by Mingo in the tabulation of results for Region Four were wrong. We know this from the recount.

With evidence from the recount confirming that Mingo used false numbers in arriving at the results for Region Four, the declaration that is now held in abeyance should be discarded completely.

As I understand it, anything held in abeyance can become permanent.

Therefore, knowing what we know today, it should not be allowed to exist any longer.

I believe that as long as the current Mingo declarations continue in abeyance, APNU/AFC coalition and GECOM and the COVID-19 Task Force will not act in good faith and allow the recount to conclude normally. As such, the declaration that is currently in abeyance can become permanent.

I believe this to be highly likely.

At this point, 528 boxes have been recounted – 22.5 per cent of the total. In terms of sampling, this is a very large sample.

From this sample, there has been no significant discrepancy between the recount and the Statements of Poll. Other than proving that Mingo’s results for Region Four were fraudulent, the recount also proves that the Statements of Poll issued on Election Day are accurate. It is reasonable to expect that this same condition will exist in the remaining 1811 boxes.

What is important to note is that after 11 days of recounting, 528 boxes were counted. From this point, we could expect an average of 60 boxes per day to be counted. There is no way the recount can be completed in 25 days, even with the introduction of additional workstations.

Conditions are ripe for matters to remain unresolved; either after 25 days of recount or for any other number of reasons. At the end of the 25 days of recount, the Temporary status of the Mingo and Lowenfield declaration will automatically become permanent. This will not be good for Guyana. This is a lose, lose and lose scenario.

Accordingly, I am suggesting that Commissioner Gunraj should go back to GECOM with the following motions: 1. That the declaration currently held in abeyance be declared null and void.

2. That having established from a large enough sample that the recount is confirming the accuracy of the Statements of Poll; the decision is taken to complete the recount process using Statements of Poll.

Dear Editor, My head is spinning as the PNC has embarked on a silly campaign of claiming that the PPP rigged the elections that the PNC was okay with and wanted to be sworn in as the winner, after Mr Mingo’s fraudulent declaration for Region Four.

As Freddy said, somebody needs to advise the PNC people to keep their mouths shut because every time they open their mouths sheer stupidness comes out. Do they not know that when you are in a hole, you have to stop digging? People are laughing at the PNC folks for all the silly things they come up with. They have woven a tangled web to deceive, and even their own people are embarrassed about them now trying to discredit the election they initially hailed as credible.

Granger was the one who said the list was bloated. They supported the Houseto-House Registration and fought for the House-to-House numbers to be added to the 2018 list, although the PPP advised against it. PNC and Granger did not have a problem with the final merged list still being bloated, because GECOM was doing everything they wanted. Now we are seeing that the PPP was right about the list and now right about 20 stations were needed for the recount.

What the PNC is doing now is throwing GECOM, the Chair, Lowenfield and assistant, and what people have called the clique of “coup leaders” in GECOM, under the bus.

GECOM, which has done everything to support and be in lockstep with the PNC’s playbook, to facilitate the Mingo rigging, and delay the process of recounting by doing an audit instead and aiding and abetting the PNC shenanigans, will now be turned upon by the PNC as being incompetent and using a flawed process during the elections. So,

when the PPP gets in and fires Lowenfield and top officers of GECOM, maybe the PNC who is providing the ammunition will vote for that move. (At least the top guy would still get to keep that large plot of land awarded to him).

Mr Granger, an illegal caretaker, holdover President (since Parliament had not extended their stay in Office) offers no solace when he says he will accept the results of GECOM that are “legitimate” and “follows the Constitution.” Granger’s Statement is empty, as Granger would arrogate to himself what “legitimate” means and what “follows the Constitution” means, ignoring decisions of GECOM or the courts.

Granger has not proven to be a promise keeper, that’s why they were kicked out.

Granger’s credibility has long been shot.

Granger has shown that he would look you in the eye and say he is following the Constitution while he is violating it. To remind you, he and Nagamootoo said they will follow the Constitution after the NCM; they did not. Violating the CCJ’s order, they did not hold elections in 90 days, dragged it out over a year to name a date, and now the elections have been held, they are dragging it out again, and we do not have results after 78 days. This is the man who refers to Judges’ orders as their opinions and that he has his own, better opinions. The PNC is all about retaining absolute power, not power-sharing or honest counting.

Granger is the man who brought the Caricom team for a recount then his own party candidates filed and argued a lawsuit against the recount, and then appealed the decision against them. So apart from his lack of honesty, integrity, and decency, Granger doesn’t seem to have control of his own party, unless he is playing a game of

“good cop, bad cop” with the nation. He says one thing, then his minions do the opposite.

This case of Granger saying he will abide by the recount results is just meant to keep the tiny 3-member Caricom team from leaving again, since Granger’s people are saying the recount results cannot be legally used to swear in a new President. If that is true, then why should the Caricom team leave their families and make such sacrifices to come and help us resolve our election problems if they are merely wasting time since results would not be accepted? If GECOM does not urgently take control and add more counting stations or do double shifts for counting (with or without permission of Nagamootoo’s group), we will lose the Caricom team after the stipulated 25 days. If Granger is sincere, he can tell Nagamootoo’s group to get with it and not hold up the additional counting stations.

Granger likes to say GECOM is an independent body and he cannot direct GECOM, so why doesn’t the Chair use her constitutional powers to move forward with the new stations? Why is she delaying when she knows the PNC is now throwing her under the bus, and that the Caricom team will leave soon after day 25, and there will be no foreign observers left. But maybe that’s what the PNC wants since that’s crunch time when most of the results would be in and the PNC will have to give up. And then all the PNC lawsuits will fly, street action will commence, and there will be no observers left to see and report it. I submit that is why Granger doesn’t want The Carter Center here. Remember, Granger said he is “the man with the plan.”

Respectfully, Sase Shewnarain

PNC is unravelling as confusing messages emerge after recount numbers verify fraud

Sincerely, Jerry Singh

the return of “Carter Center”

Dear Editor, Leading members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) organised a “peaceful’ picketing demonstration to strengthen the call for the reputable Carter Center observers to return to Guyana and participate in the ongoing March 2, 2020 National and Regional Elections recount.

The caretaker Government in Guyana has bluntly refused to allow The Carter Center and the IRI advisor to participate in the overseeing of the recount of the votes cast in the March 2, 2020 elections.

The PPP/C organised approximately thirty persons to follow the COVID protocols and participate in a peaceful picketing exercise to strengthen the call for the international observers. It must be noted that the persons in the protest in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were all wearing a mask on their face, they had on their ‘peaceful’ picketing tag.

Further, they were standing on the road shoulder approximately twelve feet apart from each other, in compliance with established regulations.

The police came and insisted that the protesters leave from

in front of the Ministry. Former Minister of Government Dr Jenifer Westford explained that we were quietly standing on the parapet in support of the return of The Carter Center.

At no time the peaceful protesters chanted anything. There was no chanting and ranting. At no time was a vocal demonstrator arrested. Because there was no vocal demonstrator.

Guyanese are of the view that the Granger caretaker Government is using COVID-19 conveniently to discriminate against peaceful citizens.

Among the protesters were Attorney-at-law and former Minister Priya Manickchand, who pleaded with the officers to appreciate that the peaceful protesters were within the Laws of Guyana and they were indeed peaceful.

The police were on their phones receiving instructions from the APNU/PNC. One of the persons arrested was never in the ‘picketing’ line, while Neil Kumar was fully within his ‘rights” to support the return of The Carter Center.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

The good cop/bad cop game Dear Editor, The letter pages continue to be filled with comments from letter writers who are outraged by the brazen attempts at fraud being carried out by the PNC and its co-conspirators in APNU/AFC and GECOM. In their good cop/bad cop routine, David Granger plays the good cop and emerges on occasion to mouth appropriate lines from their playbook that he will abide by the Constitution which he has yet to do starting with upholding the No-Confidence Motion of December 2018 that removed him and his Government from office.

He and his Cabinet, however, continue to squat in their various public offices and are presenting various and conflicting narratives hoping, perhaps, that one will stick and deliver the elusive electoral victory that they so desperately seek.

The “Jamaica Observer” in a recent article about our post-election impasse rightly dubbed it a circus referring no doubt to the most bizarre performances that could possibly be presented.

The PNC and its loyalists are also trying to contain their circus to a one-ring act with the PPP/C as their lone target while studiously ignoring the fact that their brazen and shameful attempt at electoral fraud has long since attracted the condemnation of the entire democratic world.

It is not only the smaller political parties who also have a stake in the March 2020 elections outcome that are standing strong in the cause of democracy. Also aligned against the PNC attempts at electoral fraud are the world’s leading democracies of the US, UK, Canada and the European Union, and organisations such as the OAS, the Commonwealth, The Carter

Center, and our own regional Caricom.

While some of the public commentators who once supported the coalition Government have found the attempted fraud too much to bear and defend, some letter writers who once appeared fairminded and principled have now borne themselves as PNC loyalists.

The impasse is showing us in our truest colours. Those who are prepared to publicly defend the PNC’s attempts at fraud are standing bravely by their justifications and explanations no matter how abhorrent they might appear when viewed through the lens of facts, truth, and what is known universally about the PNC’s post-election shenanigans.

There is no shame, however, and while the PNC and its loyalists are trying to portray the impasse as a lone battle with their political foe, the PPP/C, they are undoubtedly aware that the entire global establishment that upholds and defends democracy is watching as their plot unfolds daily.

This struggle has long since gone beyond the narrow confines of being a localised political issue. At stake is the respect for democratic norms and values in every country where such conventions are upheld. No democracy anywhere will stand by and have Guyana slip back into dictatorship.

The PNC and its co-conspirators would do well to consider this fact as they look to their future as not only a political party in Guyana but as one that would want to be respected and viewed by the world as a guardian of democracy whenever they are returned to Government.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 20

6

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers. Below are the conclusion of Social Studies Paper 2, 2018 and English Paper 2, 2008.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT

SOCIAL STUDIES

Reading Time: 10 minutes Writing Time: 45 minutes

2. This paper consists of two sections: Section A and Section B.

Read these instructions carefully before you attempt to answer the questions.

Section A consists of four letter topics. Section B consists of four composition topics.

1. Write your candidate number clearly on each page.

Answer one question only, either from Section A or Section B. Each question is worth 20 marks.

Question 5 Study the picture below which shows one of Guyana’s national symbols and then answer the questions that follow.

3. You have 45 minutes writing time and 10 minutes reading time. Writing may begin during the reading time.

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

4. Write the answerfor each questuion in the space provided in the booklet.

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

5. Answer must be writen in complete sentenses.

(d) Give two reasons why national symbols are important to Guyana.

(2 marks) Total 5 marks Question 6 Study the information below and answer the questions that follow.

7. Look over your work when you have finished.

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

information given above?

(1 mark) (c) Give two reasons why farmers should listen to the daily weather report.

(2 marks) Total 5 marks

END OF TEST This paper has two questions. You must answer either question I or question 2.

1. In 120 -150 words, write a letter on one of the following: (a). You would like to become Paul Singh’s pen pal. Write a letter to Paul, telling him about yourself. (b). Write a letter to your mother, persuading her to send you on the school tour. (c). You recently attended a Health Fair. Write a letter to a friend telling him/her about the Fair. (d). The buses which pass through the area where yarlive are being driven very-fast.

(a) What is the national symbol shown in the picture?

OR

(1 mark) (b) What does the jaguar holding the pickaxe represent?

(1 mark) (c) Name an occasion that allows Guyanese to highlight the words of their national motto.

(1 mark)

(a) Define the term ‘weather’.

(2 marks) (b) Which agency is responsible for providing the

Write a letter to the Traffic Chief informing him about your views on the matter. Give him two recommendations that may solve the problem.

2. In 120 — 150 words, write a composition on one of the following: (a) A story that you read (b) The Day the boat capsized (c) A Day at a Camp (d) A day of sports I enjoyed (e) Write a story based on the picture below.

END OF TEST

NEWS

7

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM Chair sidesteps APNU/AFC’s COVID-19 Task Force to add new stations …calls Govt guidelines informative, not mandatory

T

he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has been given the APNU/AFCappointed COVID-19 Task Force’s approval to set up an additional two—of the requested six counting stations—at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), to aid in the accelerated completion of the National Recount of the votes cast on March 2.

The new stations—to be implemented from today— are not expected, however, to be enough to supplement the existing ten counting stations’ bid to recount the 2339 ballots boxes in which votes were cast across the country, within the 25-day deadline.

The diktat from the National coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Task Force, however, came after GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, had already gone ahead and taken a decision to establish two new counting stations at the venue.

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander confirmed the additional workstations on Monday, as the Commission set about concluding day 13 of the recount exercise.

GECOM failures

Alexander told reporters—encamped in the makeshift media centre outside of the ACCC venue—permission was handed down by the National COVID-19 Task Force, which submitted its report to the Commission on Monday.

Alexander told reporters, “I saw a report emanating from COVID [-19 Task Force], which report has given us permission to establish two more workstations.”

He indicated also that there was an expressed concern in the report with regard to “total adherence to the stipulations that they have previously given to us and in giving permission for two additional workstations, they are emphasising

that we should adhere to all of the stipulations.”

The GECOM Commissioner cited as an example, social distancing, in addition to proper sanitising and other COVID-19 measures that have been put in place by the Task Force.

Unable to speak to the specific criteria used by the Task Force to deny the total requested six additional stations and to only approve two, Alexander told media operatives, “they raised the question of congestion; I think congestion speaks to the overall number of persons in the location.”

According to the Commissioner, the Task Force expressed concern over the number of persons that would be accommodated at the venue.

GECOM Chair acted

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward in confirming the setting up of the additional workstations indicated that the electoral body’s Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, had, prior to receiving the report, indicated to the Commission that she was going to go ahead and set up the two stations.

She told reporters that one of the new workstations would be allocated to the recount of the ballots cast in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and another doing Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Briefing media operatives on the Task Force’s report, Ward told media operatives that following the field visit by the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), the unit lamented the fact that guidelines that had been issued were being flouted and that the venue was congested.

As such, the Task Force indicated that “we do not envisage more than two additional recount stations as this will increase [the] probability of the spread of infec-

GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

tion.”

Speaking specifically to the deficiencies identified, Ward noted that during the site visit, some 19 persons were found not wearing masks, while a rapid inspection of the Centre found that two of the handwashing facilities did not have soap.

Additionally, the social distancing guidelines were not being adhered, according to Ward.

This was noted specifically at the counting stations, where it was found that those agents and GECOM staff were, in fact, clustered and not adhering the issued guidelines.

Asked to pronounce on the fact that Justice (retd) Singh, prior to receiving the Task Force’s go ahead, had already taken a decision to implement the new stations, Ward told media operatives, “I think the Chair in her own deliberate judgement, she has been looking at the possibilities of expediting this process.”

Coincidence

She declined to speculate on the rationale behind Singh’s decision to add two new stations prior to receiving consent from the Task Force, save to say “I think she was trying to really play it safe in establishing two while she awaited the Task Force.”

Conceding that the recount exercise is currently

behind schedule, Ward noted: “it is coincidental that in their report that they would have also suggested two.”

Speaking to the need for the pronouncement by the Task Force with regards GECOM taking indepen-

dent decisions, and the willingness of the Chair to go ahead and add more workstations prior to receiving permission, Ward said: “We are looking at a time factor and against that backdrop of a time factor, if we are to really look at things, I think the Commission in its judgement to expedite the process needed to make some decisions.”

It was noted that the Task Force had visited the GECOM venue at ACCC last Wednesday, with a promise to have the report submitted by the following day.

Asked whether the diktats of the Task Force were, in fact, mandatory, prior to the establishment of any new workstations, Ward responded, saying “I am not sure, I think it's informative, considering that we have a pandemic, we do not

have health officials that sit on the Commission and it's important for us to have that direction.”

According to Ward, while the Commission would want to have the recount done in an expeditious manner “we have to also consider lives are at risk, we are dealing with a health situation and, therefore, whatever information we have coming from the health authorities, of course, will help to guide the Commission.”

This, she said, is to ensure the Commission’s actions do not jeopardise lives, “so while I wouldn’t want to say that it's mandatory but again I think it's informative and I think it is wise that if we are to move ahead considering the current environment we have that it will be instructive in some of those decisions.”

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden ‘gang’ member slapped with 2nd murder charge

Murder accused: Lennox Leon Estwick

T

wenty-three-year-old Lennox Leon Estwick, also called “Swipey”, was on Monday arraigned for the murder of Ian Williams, also called “Ojay”, who was gunned down in Linden.

Estwick, of Lot 640 South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, was not required to plead to the indictable charge when he made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s

Court.

Police stated that the accused murdered Williams at Amelia’s Ward, on September 28, 2019.

Williams, of Lot 4 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden, was gunned down while his girlfriend was shot twice during an incident which allegedly stemmed from a “gang war” in the mining community.

It was reported that Williams drove to a location at Lover’s Lane, Amelia’s Ward, after receiving a phone call from his girlfriend requesting that he pick her up from a party.

Shortly after, the couple came under fire. Williams reportedly attempted to escape the gunfire but was chased by gunmen and another vehicle. The couple were shot multiple times after attempting to abandon their damaged vehicle.

Williams succumbed to his injuries.

The now deceased man, who was a father of two, was the cousin of ex-cop Teon Allen, also called “Spoil Child”, who is allegedly the

Dead: Ian Williams

leader of a gang in Linden.

There were allegations of a war between the ‘Linden gang’ and a Cayenne gang at the time of the attack. Allen is presently behind bars facing charges for the murder of his girlfriend, Colissa Hunte.

This is the second murder charge for Estwick, who is presently on remand after being charged with the October 14, 2019 murder and robbery of Essequibo

businessman Deon Stoll, called “Mow”.

Stoll was shot dead during a robbery in front of El Dorado Trading at Da Silva Street, Kitty, Georgetown.

The gunmen are said to have attacked Stoll and his driver just as he was about to enter the building to conduct business.

Stoll managed to return fire and reportedly shot one of the gunmen twice. His driver and a security guard at the business place were also shot and injured during the incident.

Two Mondays ago, Estwick was also sentenced to a total of three years, six months after he was found guilty of possession of a firearm, ammunition and narcotics.

He was jointly charged with his brother, 21-yearold Oneil Estwick for the offences. The younger Estwick is also facing charges for harbouring a criminal – his brother – knowing that he was wanted by the Police for murder.

Estwick was remanded to prison until June 8, 2020.

4 arraigned on accessory to murder Linden woman charge

S

everal men were on Monday arraigned on charges of being accessories after the fact of murder in the shooting death of Lindener Colissa Hunte when they made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Wanda Fortune.

The murder charge brought against her boyfriend, ex-cop Teon “Spoil Child” Allen was also withdrawn and reinstated to include the joint charges with the others.

Allen, 33, is now jointly charged with Melroy Abrams, also called “Small Man”, 21, of Lot 206 Third Street Silvertown, Wismar, Linden; Odel Afrani, 24, of Lot 2 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden and Coby George, 21, of Lot 67 F Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden.

The four accused were not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to them. However, Allen was remanded to prison; Abrams, Afrani and

Murdered: Colissa Hunte

George were granted bail in the sum of $500,000 each.

Bail was granted under the conditions that they lodge their passports and report to the Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on the first and third Friday of every month, commencing on Friday, June 5, 2020.

The 27-year-old woman was killed while Allen, a miner of 67 E Wismar

Housing Scheme and Wenbar Road, Central Amelia’s Ward was reportedly injured in the shooting at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, on February 27, 2020.

It is alleged that Allen murdered the woman with whom he shares a child at Wenbar Road, Amelia’s Ward on the day in question.

It was initially reported that Allen and Hunte came under fire on the day in question while they were alone at the Amelia’s Ward house.

However, Police investigators believe Allen is responsible for the murder.

Reports are that Allen had alerted Hunte’s father informing him that she was dead while he went to the hospital.

Family members who rushed to the scene found the woman slumped over on the kitchen floor bleeding from her nose and mouth.

She was pronounced dead after she was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex.

Ranks who visited the scene recovered four live rounds of ammunition and several spent shells. This led investigators to believe that the shots were fired from inside the house.

A post-mortem, which was later conducted on the body of Hunte, revealed that the murdered woman died as a result of gunshot injuries to the chest.

Allen is suspected of involvement in a gang war which has reportedly led to numerous acts of violence being meted out against him.

He was also shot during another shooting incident with Police, and was being treated for a wound he sustained in the region of his upper shoulder and back.

He claimed to have been injured in the same area where he was previously shot during the incident involving Hunte.

The four men are expected to return to court on June 8, 2020.

Kwakwani man gets bail for narcotics trafficking

T

hirty-eight-year-old Randy Williams, a driver of Kwakwani Park Road, Upper Berbice River, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was

granted bail in the sum of $80,000 by Magistrate Wanda Fortune on Monday.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of

trafficking.

The court heard that Williams was arrested after he was caught by Police with 454 grams of cannabis sativa in his possession on

Sunday last.

Williams, who made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Wanda Fortune, is scheduled to return to court on June 22.

Gunmen invade Lamaha Park home

P

olice are now hunting for three men who executed a daring robbery on a Lamaha Park, Georgetown couple in the wee hours of Sunday.

Reports revealed that the three armed men broke into the home of

Delroy West around 03:15h and robbed him of items valued $920,000. West, along with his wife, was asleep when the gunmen invaded their Lot 294 home through a west-facing window.

The couple were then awakened by the one of the men who was armed with

a handgun. The men then carted off two laptops, an iPhone 11, a Samsung Galaxy cellphone and the couple’s gold and diamond wedding bands.

The men discharged three rounds into the air before making good their escape in a motor car.

Waiting…

S

…for the foot to fall ome folks are begging to wonder if the US is becoming a “toothless poodle”. How it is, they’ve extended themselves to get into action in places from Timbuktu to Kabul to protect “the American Way of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”, and yet right in their backyard they’ve allowed themselves to be reduced to supplicants to even have their citizens fly out?? What’s going on?

We know the PNC’s hopping mad that the US has spoken out against their blatant heist of the elections they were trying to pull in front of the eyes of the world. But what the heck, isn’t it their fault? Jeez! They could’ve at least given the people some wriggle room!

Deniability and all that. When Burnham had horses in England voting for the PNC in 1968, at least they were given names that were on their overseas voters’ list!

And NOT SECRETARIAT! Now I hope that no one will get on their high horse and preach about “sovereignty” and “non-interference” and such like. As the US Ambassador told one smug Government-aligned Facebook hack, if the same actions and utterances by the US back in 2015 that ended up with the PNC-as-APNU getting into office were kosher, why are they suddenly non-kosher now?? If it’s one thing the US has been quite open about is that while their foreign policy goals are obviously to protect and further their interests, they have been very open about what those interests are.

It used to be ideological back in the day when Jagan and Burnham were duking it out as to who was the Menshevik and who was the Bolshevik, but those days are long gone. So, what’s left? Well, there’s strategic and economic interests as well as democratic values. Now when it comes to picking between the PNC and PPP it’s a toss-up when it comes to the first two – especially with regards to Venezuela and Exxon’s oil. And so we’re left with democratic values.

And it’s the PNC that’s chosen to shoot itself in the foot by not only destroying the multi-racial coalition the former US Ambassador had praised them for (and helped craft, if the truth be told, right Raphael and Ramjattan?), but have now stuck the Yanks in the eyes with this rigging schtick. And we’re back to the spunks the PNC is manifesting as they defy the US. Your Eyewitness believes that it is first of all a case of them deciding that they have nothing to lose. And secondly, having benefitted from the US’ beneficence in 2015 their self-contempt is spilling over onto the Yanks.

Like Groucho’s quip, “I won’t join a club that’ll have me as a member!” …on Granger’s perception The media was all agog with Granger’s oft repeated insistence – after his royal reception by GECOM at on Sunday: “I will follow whatever the Chair of GECOM rules after this recount”. As he went on for the umpteenth time, your Eyewitness thought, “Methinks he doth protest too much”. And lo and behold, the last iteration of his “promise” came with a caveat, which was his final word: “Once it’s in conformity with the Constitution”.

And that’s what he’s always been doing, isn’t it??

They say that the word “but” is an “eraser word”, since it nullifies everything that precedes. “You’re pretty, but your nose is too big”!! And with Granger, “Constitution” is his eraser word. The moment he qualified his promise to accept the result of the recount with “conformity with the Constitution”, you know he was going to weasel out.

Not only will he find some technicality to resort to the Courts, but he himself has announced that all the courts have is their perception of the law.

And he has his!! Which trumps all! …for the end of the recount The NCTF mountain of Joseph Harmon strained mightily and produced just two more counting stations!!

So, now the count MIGHT be completed by July.

If permitted!!

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

NEWS

9

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Compromised GECOM operative to oversee Region 4 recount …as PPP demands details of private meeting

T

he Information Technology (IT) staffer attached to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that was fingered as being part of the plot by Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo to declare fictitious figures, has been promoted.

Coincidentally, the compromised staffer is the person, who left with a flash drive containing sensitive election information at the Ashmins building, High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, and was later caught in a room working with the flash drive. He has now been placed as the supervisor for the counting station responsible for the votes cast in Region Four, effectively overseeing the recount of the votes for which he was implicated as part of the plot to rig 2020 the elections.

Additionally, the promotion came one day after ‘caretaker’ President David Granger visited the GECOM recount venue at the Arthur Chung Conference’ Centre

Progressive Party which has since called for clarity on the promotion of the staffer it identified and has since sought the Commission’s “assurance that this promotion had no connection with the meeting with Mr Granger.”

Demands details

PPP/C election agent Zulfikar Mustapha

(ACCC) and held questionable meetings with the Secretariat’s management team including Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

Granger was accompanied by the coalition’s Chief Whip, Amna Ally and APNU General Secretary, Joseph Harmon.

The meetings and subsequent promotion have since been questioned by the Opposition People’s

PPP/C Election Agent and the party’s Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha, in a strongly worded missive to the GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, reminded that the IT staffer “was one of those accused of serious malpractices at Ashmin’s building during the verification process of the Electoral District 4 results.”

To this end, the party pointed out that on Monday, the workstation which the man was appointed to supervise, completed recounting a single ballot box between 08:00 – 13:00h.

The party noted that the workstation “is recounting votes from District 4, an electoral district whose recount of the votes has been, mark-

edly, the slowest of all the regions.”

Mustapha, in the letter, remarked that while a total of 1749 boxes remain to be recounted, 726 or over 40 per cent of these are from Region Four and “it is our firm view that there is a deliberate sloth” in the counting of the ballots for that district.

As such, the party’s Executive Secretary called on the “Commission to take the necessary steps to bring expediency to the counting of the ballots of all the Districts,” particularly, District Four.

This included a call to have the two additional stations which are to be established, assigned to the recounting of District Four boxes.

Additionally, the party in remarking on the President’s visit to the venue, noted that at a subsequent press briefing, he indicated that he had certain confidential discussions with the Chair, in the presence of the three-member team fielded by the Caribbean Community and

that he declined to disclose the nature of those talks, opting to leave that to the Commission to disclose.

As such, the party demanded that “you inform the Commissioners and the political parties of the details of the said discussion with Mr Granger.”

Denied promotion

Meanwhile, GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward in addressing the details of the missive made public by Mustapha, denied that the promotion of the IT staff had anything to do with the President’s visit and that the appointment was, in fact, made out of necessity.

Ward told reporters—encamped in the makeshift media centre outside of the venue—that the staff member had to be moved to the position as the workstation supervisor since there had been two other individuals that had been functioning in that capacity from the commencement of the exercise.

She told the media repre-

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

sentatives that one of those persons was the Returning Officer for Region One (Barima-Waini) and that he has since left to return to Moruca for a week.

This, she said, led to the need for “that position to be filled with a supervisor.”

Addressing the matter of the President’s visit, Ward told reporters it was more of a casual visit to express gratitude to the staffers and Caricom team, in addition to getting a firsthand look at the recount exercise and the facilities.

COVID-19 Task Force approves return of stranded Guyanese law students, cruise ship workers …return of Komal Chand’s body also approved …as Carter Center remains barred

T

he National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) has met and granted approval for a number of requests, including the repatriation of Guyanese students stranded in Trinidad and the return of the body of late union leader Komal Chand.

This was announced following the Task Force’s virtual statutory meeting. One of the requests they deliberated on is a possible phased reopening of the airspace and economy post-June 3.

But according to the Task Force, further deliberations are needed.

What they did decide, however, was to allow a number of Guyanese to return home, including 19 Guyanese students from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and 70 Guyanese cruise ship workers attached to Royal Caribbean.

In addition, the Task Force approved applications from four Guyanese in St Vincent to return home via SVG Air. Applications from 10 Guyanese in St Maarten to return were also approved.

Komal Chand

The NCTF also announced their approval of a request for the return of the body of late Guyana Agriculture and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand, accompanied by his widow, from Cuba.

Chand, also a former Member of Parliament for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), died on April 8, 2020, whilst receiving medical attention in Cuba.

Subsequent requests from his family and the Union he belonged to for the body and his widow to be returned to Guyana were denied by the Government.

The Union had said that one reason given for the denial is that had the Government allowed the body to be flown in, it would open the door to other requests for citizens abroad to be repatriated back home.

Caricom

Meanwhile, the Task Force also approved an application from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for a team of officials based in Guyana to travel to Suriname to observe the Surinamese election scheduled for May 25 and return to Guyana.

However, the Task Force took pains to warn that “the approvals are subject to the satisfaction of all requirements of the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant Ministries and agencies, and the cost of return being covered by the applicants.”

“All approvals are subject to: All requirements of the Ministry of Public Health and other relevant Ministries and agencies being fulfilled. Results of COVID-19 tests being provided 48 hours in advance of arrival.”

They warned that if a pre-test is not available, prior written consent is required from each arriving passenger for quarantine if deemed necessary by the Public Health Ministry.

They also emphasised that the applicants or their em-

ployers have to bear all costs for their return.

The Task Force noted that an application from Caribbean Princess cruise line for 63 Guyanese crew members to return via sea was not approved.

The Task Force cited the risks involved with seaport entry, but noted that they would be open to considering an application for these crew members to return by air.

Unicomer/Courts

“The NCTF also approved an application from Unicomer Guyana to open eight of their Courts stores for the purpose of receiving monthly instalment payments only from customers.

This approval was granted for Monday to Friday openings during the non-curfew hours, and is effective from Wednesday, May 20 subject to fulfilment of all requirements.”

According to the NCTF, this approval is for Courts’ Main Street, Georgetown, Bartica, Richmond, Essequibo Coast, Linden, Mahaica, Parika, New Amsterdam and Diamond locations.

Carter Center barred

These approvals came just a day after the caretaker APNU/AFC coalition Government denied a request by the United States Embassy in Georgetown to repatriate its citizens stranded here amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is despite the fact that the Government had approved requests for six previous relief flights out

of Guyana. In fact, the US mission had previously assisted over 1000 US citizens as well as others, including Canadians and British citizens, to fly to the US. The Carter Center and the International Republican Institute (IRI), meanwhile, also remain barred from entering Guyana to continue their observation of the National Recount being conducted by the Guyana Elections

Commission.

Last week, it was revealed by US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, that her office, as well as The Carter Center from the US, had made a second request to the Guyana Government for the organisation’s Electoral Observer Mission (EOM) as well as IRI advisors to return to Georgetown.

But despite the observers committing to the nec-

essary COVID-19 protocols in place, caretaker Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Karen Cummings in a letter dated Friday, May 15, 2020, informed the US Ambassador that “…it may not be possible for The Carter Center and the IRI advisor to participate in the overseeing of the recount of the votes cast on 2nd March 2020 General and Regional Elections which as you are aware has already commenced.”

10 NEWS 7 new COVID-19 cases recorded TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…6 out of 7 new cases are males

G

uyana is nowhere near the possibility of flattening the COVID-19 curve, as seven new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed as of Monday.

Director of Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton

Director of Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton in delivering the daily briefing noted that this now brings the total number of cases to 124 cases. It also cements the fact that there is a continued contraction of the virus.

“We are in our ninth week since the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed and sad to say we have not begun to slow the rate of transmission as our numbers keep climbing every week,” Dr Hamilton expressed.

In one day, 54 tests were done and from the sev-

en that returned positive, there were six males and one female – a clear indication that the disease continues to spread predominantly among males.

So far, a total of 1218 tests were conducted and 1094 proved negative. In the COVID-19 facilities, there are 69 active cases in institutional isolation and three in the Intensive Care Unit.

With 45 recoveries, the number of deaths remains at 10.

Dr Hamilton informed that the National Public Health Reference Laboratory is still working around the clock to process testing kits, and these results are all credible.

“Testing is ongoing at this facility and to date, we have had no incidence that can threaten the integrity of the results produced by the Laboratory. We applaud your outstanding efforts for making an impact in this pandemic, as we work towards containing this disease,” she said.

The Director reminded that neighbouring Brazil’s death rate has surpassed figures in Italy, France and Spain – demonstrating that threats from imported cases have increased significantly.

The health official added, “I cannot overemphasise how troubling this is for us especially as our residents in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-

Upper Essequibo) continue to traverse the borders without fear. Region Nine has reported only one case which was imported and with all the efforts by regional authorities, we urge the residents to comply and stop the spread of this disease in your region.”

On Monday, the Public Health Ministry launched a new communications tool, an animated episodic series titled the “Quintin Quarantine Quartet” in efforts to raise awareness.

“While most of our communication is aimed at efforts to control the spread of the disease, we recognise that the stay at home guidance has presented families with new challenges. The Quintin Quarantine Quartet explores these challenges and we hope that their honest approach to the subject would entertain while it provides coping mechanisms and strategies that families can adopt in the long periods of staying home together during this pandemic,” Dr Hamilton asserted.

Continue exercising

Meanwhile, Director of Disability and Rehabilitation, Dr Arianne Mangar also joined the briefing to share the importance of exercising during the pandemic. She sought to remind that while COVID-19

is overwhelming healthcare services, rehabilitation services are a “core component of high-value care”. For this, Guyanese were asked to get involved in some form of physical activity in helping to fight off any infection.

“We as rehabilitation professionals have a critical role to play globally, as well as in Guyana, in maintaining the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities during this coronavirus pandemic. In Guyana, we are encouraging individuals

to participate in physical activity and exercise at home and in their communities — while observing all the precautions for COVID-19 such as social distancing.”

With many persons at home during the partial lockdown, Dr Mangar stated that exercises can maintain healthy organs and boost muscle and bone strength.

Exercises at home can include moderate pace walking, deep-breathing exercises, heel raises, arm circles and seated knee extensions.

She warned the elderly population to continue using their medications, always ensure that they have one month’s supply of these drugs, maintain a balanced diet and wash their hands regularly.

According to data from the World Health Organisation, there are 4,525,497 cases globally with 307,395 deaths. In the region of the Americas, the total number of cases is 1,966,932 with 118,799 deaths.

11 68-year-old mother of 6 found raped, murdered in cemetery T NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he partially nude body of a 68-yearold mother of six was on Monday discovered in the Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown, suspected to have been raped then murdered.

Dead is Margarett Dawnson, a security officer attached to the Professional Guard Service (PGS) and of Timehri, East Bank Demerara. The now dead woman, however, stayed in Albouystown, Georgetown, so that she could travel to and from work without hassle.

Based on information received, the elderly woman left home on Sunday evening for work but her body, which was lying between two tombs in the cemetery, was discovered several hours later by passersby.

Dead: Margarett Dawnson

At the scene, her daughter, Nicola Loncke, confirmed to the media that her mother had left home on Sunday evening in a city taxi for work.

“She left Sunday to go to

work and said she is coming home the next day (Monday).

Last week [she] went to the bank, so I ask if she ready to die but she held out that she had to put something in my name because she nah know what could happen,” the woman cried.

However, the daughter praised her for being strong and convinced her that no harm would come her way.

“Like she de see it coming,” Loncke stated.

Nevertheless, the aggrieved daughter recalled that she was at home on Monday morning when she received a telephone call from her sister who informed her that their mother was dead.

Without hesitation, she rushed to the scene as she was in a state of disbelief.

There she saw her moth-

The scene where the woman’s body was found

er lying against a tomb with her clothes ripped off her body. Her body also bore marks of violence.

From all indications, the evidence pointed to the fact that the woman was raped.

Her personal belongings were also missing from the scene.

Senator who urged return of Carter Center now heads US Senate Intelligence Committee

F

lorida Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who was one of several powerful Senators to write to President David Granger urging him to allow the Carter Center to return to Guyana, has been promoted to one of the most influential jobs in Washington.

According to a report from the Miami Herald, Rubio will lead the Senate Intelligence Committee, after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell named him to the post on Monday on an interim basis.

Rubio will lead the committee, which often conducts classified work and led a high-profile investigation into Russian influence of the 2016 election, after North Carolina Senator Richard Burr announced his resignation Thursday from the chairmanship while the FBI investigates his stock transactions.

“The senior senator for Florida is a talented and experienced Senate leader with expertise in foreign affairs and national security matters,” McConnell said in a statement. “Senator Rubio was the natural choice for this temporary assignment on the basis of accumulated committee service. His proven leadership on pertinent issues only made the decision easier.”

According to the Miami Herald, Burr’s exit was Rubio’s gain. The North Carolina Senator’s cellphone was seized by FBI

Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio

agents last week as part of an ongoing insider trading investigation. Burr dumped millions of dollars in stocks after receiving classified coronavirus briefings — before the market tanked in March, the paper reported.

Rubio was the third highest-ranking Republican on the committee after Burr and Idaho Senator Jim Risch. But Risch already leads the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In a statement, Rubio said he planned to continue the committee’s serious work on intelligence matters around the world.

“I am grateful to Leader McConnell for his confidence in me to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee during Senator Burr’s absence from the chairmanship,” the Herald quoted Rubio as saying.

“The committee has long been one that conducts its work seriously, and I look forward to continuing that

tradition.”

According to the newspaper, Rubio will now also become one of eight lawmakers to receive regular intelligence briefings from the White House, joining the Senate Majority and Minority leaders, the Speaker of the House and Minority leader and the leaders of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees.

Rubio was one of five top-ranking Senators from both the Republican and Democratic Parties in the United States of America who wrote to President Granger to allow international observers from the Carter Center and the International Republican Institute (IRI) to return to Guyana to observe the ongoing national recount.

The caretaker Government has come under fire recently for not granting the necessary approval for the observers to

return, citing COVID-19 concerns. But it has granted approval for some six to eight flights since the airports were closed to international traffic, to oil giant ExxonMobil to fly in its workers.

In a letter to caretaker President Granger, which was also signed by the Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator James E Risch, the Senators called directly on Granger to allow the Carter Center and other international observers to monitor the recount exercise of the March 2 Regional and General Elections to confirm the integrity of the process.

“While we recognise that Guyana has closed its international airport as part of its efforts to address COVID-19, we understand that your government is providing special authorisation in important cases.

“With full respect for Guyana’s public health measures, we are hopeful that you will consider the presence of additional international observers an essential step to strengthening the credibility of the recount,” the Senators added.

In addition to Senator Risch, the letter was also signed by Senators Benjamin Cardin, Robert Menendez and Tim Kaine.

The coalition Government has since doubled down on its original position blocking the Carter Center.

According to Loncke, her mother was a peacemaker who was loving and caring. She would usually settle any situation regardless of the circumstances.

Law enforcement has since confirmed that the taxi driver who picked up the woman on Sunday evening was arrested. During a search on his person, some of the victim’s personal items were recovered in his pockets inclusive of a finger-ring.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings showed that the suspect’s car was at the crime scene. He is assisting detectives in their investigations.

Meanwhile, Managing Director of PGS, Sean

Kirkpatrick expressed profound sadness on the passing of a hardworking employee. In a statement to the media, the official stated that the staff is shocked to learn of the murder of Dawnson, who has been with the company for the past eight years.

“Ms Margarett Dawnson, since joining Team PGS in June 2012, Ms Dawnson showed diligence, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to her team. She was pleasant and respectful to everyone she came into contact with and was dedicated to her work and family,” PGS stated.

The security firm called on the police to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

Handyman found dead on Zeeburg seawall

Dead: Andrew McCurchin lying on the seawall in a pool of blood

T

he lifeless body of a 25-year-old man was found in a pool of blood along the Zeeburg seawall, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Monday.

The dead man has been identified as Andrew McCurchin of Zeeburg, WCD. He reportedly worked at the docking area for fishing boats as they came in from the sea.

According to reports, the man was last seen by his girlfriend around 19:00h on Sunday evening heading in the direction of the Zeeburg seawall, but he never made his way back home.

However, at around

06:30h on Monday, the man’s motionless body was discovered lying in a pool of blood by a passerby.

Police were summoned to the scene and it was discovered that there were lacerations to the man’s head.

The body was escorted to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

Guyana Times understands that two pieces of wood with bloodstains were found in close proximity of the man’s body. Several persons are currently in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

12 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Caretaker Govt must reconsider Motorcycle thief shot rejection of Carter Center – dead after robbery Int’l Center for Democracy …calls out GECOM Chair for private meeting with Granger

T

he International Center for Democracy (ICD) on Monday denounced the decision by the David Granger-ed caretaker Government to not allow the Carter Center to return to Guyana to complete their mission in observing the national elections recount.

It noted that the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on Guyana and the world at large was fully understood, but condemned Granger for using these restrictions as the main reason for the Center’s rejection. According to the pro-democracy group, it is appalled that the caretaker Government would “deny a request from the highest United States of America representative in Guyana, the Honourable US Ambassador Sarah Lynch, who has painstakingly outlined in her diplomatic note her assurance that the Carter Center Observers will comply with all necessary screening and health clearance requirements before the observers depart from the United States to Guyana.”

The ABCE countries, Caricom, international and local observer groups have all declared that the electoral process at the polling stations on March 2, 2020

were free, fair and transparent.

However, it was the tabulation process and declaration for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) that were not transparent and lacked credibility. The ICD called for a reconsideration of the decision for Carter Center and other international observer groups to return to Guyana.

Private meeting

Meanwhile, the ICD has also called out the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh for the private meeting that was held with Granger and senior GECOM staff and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) repre-

sentative on May 17, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Such a meeting, it noted, further undermines GECOM’s credibility and supports the notion of the ABCE countries, international and local observers, competing political parties and Guyanese as a whole that GECOM was not operating as an independent body and was indeed being negatively influenced by the President and the APNU. “ E x c l u d e d from this meeting were the GECOM Commissioners.

The people of Guyana and the political parties do not have confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission and senior GECOM staff that they will be impartial in overseeing the recount process in a free, fair and transparent manner and are not influenced by any political party,” the ICD stated.

It demanded that all parties must direct their representatives to stop spreading propaganda information to tarnish or discredit the validity of the electoral recount progress, adding that GECOM staff must be allowed to do their job without being negatively influenced by any political party and/or their representatives.

Dead: Kevin Thomas

A

20-year-old was fatally shot in the wee hours of Monday after he and an accomplice opened fire on Police ranks at Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Kevin Thomas, also called “Cross-eye” of Plumb Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

According to information received, the incident occurred at about 02:30h. Thomas and another man had reportedly stolen a motorcycle and were heading to Sophia but upon noticing the duo’s suspicious actions, a mobile police patrol decided to follow them.

After seeing the lawmen, the two young men decided to manoeuvre through several streets on an Elite motorcycle with registration number CK 1893, with the police patrol in hot pursuit behind.

Police have since said that ranks were in the process of closing in on the suspects when the pillion rider drew a handgun and started firing at the lawmen. They reciprocated with an exchange of bullets,

hitting the cyclist and resulting in both of them falling off the bike.

The shooter managed to get up and escape while Thomas remained on the ground.

He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he succumbed while receiving medical attention. His accomplice is currently being sought and none of the officers was injured.

Meanwhile, the motorcycle was reported stolen from the premises of a La Bonne Intention, ECD resident on the same day. The victim told Police that he was alerted of the theft by barking dogs. As we went out on a bicycle in search of the missing motorcycle, two males were seen riding it on the Beterverwagting Embankment.

The 50-year-old man related that in an attempt to stop the men, he threw his bicycle in their path but they swerved and fled the area.

Thomas has been described as a known character by the police after past infringements with the law. He was charged with armed robbery on January 20, 2020. He was accused of stealing a motorcycle between 2018 and 2019.

In addition, he and another teenager, Joseph Macey of Agricola, robbed Rashie Matura of a cell phone, cash and a wristwatch on January 20, 2019.

They were accused of robbing Matura while armed with a knife in the vicinity of Regent Street, Georgetown. The prosecution had contended that the young men were known characters to Police and as such, opposed bail.

NEWS

13

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana blanked from US$67M CDB funding to Caribbean in COVID-19 fight …Guyana not included on list

T

he Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced that US $67 million will be made available to several Caribbean countries.

Conspicuously absent from

that list is Guyana.

According to a statement announcing the multilateral COVID funding, the bank’s Board of Directors approved the emergency loans on Monday. Guyana’s

South American neighbour, Suriname, is slated to receive US$8.2 million from that money.

Also, on the list are Antigua and Barbuda (US$13 million), Belize

End discrimination against victims, health workers – COVID-19 survivor

…declared free of coronavirus after 49 days in isolation

By Jarryl Bryan

E

thnic Relations Commissioner Neaz Subhan, previously in isolation for 49 days after he tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), was finally discharged from the hospital on Sunday. He is now giving thanks while using his experience to inspire others as they face down the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subhan was first diagnosed with COVID-19 back in March. He has since spent that time in isolation at various facilities and even a brief stint in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), during which time he was in a critical condition.

Today, Subhan is free of the virus and in high praise of the healthcare workers at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he spent the bulk of his isolation.

He credited the healthcare workers and treatment, as well as prayers and good nutrition, for his recovery.

In a statement, however, Subhan was critical of the fact that some do not seem to be taking adequate precautions.

"While, inexplicably, many here may seem oblivious of the crippling effects this pandemic has on affected individuals, their families, communities and the country as a whole, I saw firsthand."

"Therefore, I respectfully believe I am in a better position to offer related advice on the need for all to heed the advisories and take maximum precaution to help stop the spread of COVID-19," he said in the statement.

The ERC Commissioner also expressed regret that COVID-19 in Guyana has led to cases of discrimination against victims, their families and even healthcare workers on the frontlines.

Subhan reminded that the virus does not discriminate based on ethnicity, sex, politics, religion or social status. He urged that the scourge of discrimination be confronted through sustained education on all fronts.

ERC Commissioner Neaz Subhan celebrated his 53rd birthday in isolation

"Unfortunately, and inevitably, COVID-19 has attracted unnecessary stigmatisation for both patients and their families. Sadly, it has even extended to healthcare workers with some refused accessed to public transportation as one manifestation."

"This must be confronted through sustained education from all possible fronts… I will endeavour to do my best to aid in awareness for prevention and for the removal of stigmatisation. I remain available to participate in any related effort," he added.

How he became infected

It is still a mystery exactly how Subhan, who spent his 53rd birthday in isolation, got infected. In a telephone interview with this publication, he recalled that while he did not do any travelling at the time, he was doing election-related work.

"That's still a mystery to me. I don't know where - I really cannot say. But I didn't travel for sure. And I knowingly did not come into contact with anyone who's known to be positive."

Subhan also urged persons to take the warnings from the Public Health Ministry and other health officials, seriously.

Recalling the difficulties he faced in isolation, the ERC Commissioner was at a loss to say why persons would willfully disregard health guidelines.

He cited the fact that he spent 49 days in quarantine, while others are known to have spent longer. In addition, he pointed out the deadly and highly contagious nature of the virus wreaking havoc all around the world and in nearby Brazil.

"I'm not here to tell people how to live their lives.

But I'm here to tell people that if you don't be careful, you're putting yourself at risk of contracting the virus."

"And if you're unfortunate enough to contract it, you will be quarantined.

And when you take risks, you're also putting your family at risk. And you're putting other people at risk," he said.

As of May 18, 2020, Guyana recorded 124 cases of coronavirus. This means that there were seven new cases within the space of a day. There was a total of 1218 tests done, with 69 persons in institutional isolation and six in institutional quarantine. Guyana has seen a total of 10 deaths but 45 recoveries including Subhan.

(US$15 million), Dominica (US$2.5 million), Grenada (US$5.9 million), Saint Lucia (US$10.8 million), St Vincent and the Grenadines (US$11.3 million).

CDB President, Dr William Warren Smith was quoted as saying that “the provision of support to the seven countries to respond to COVID-19 and keep critical Government services and operations running is urgent to halt the economic decline and minimise social hardship, while giving focused attention to the most vulnerable people.”

In explaining the basis for the loans, the CDB explained that they are concessional and will allow Governments the fiscal space they need to meet their financial needs without diverting resources away from other social or health expenses.

“Caribbean countries are especially vulnerable to the global outbreak due to their heavy dependence on tourism for income and employment. According to CDB estimates, many of these countries, including those which will be supported with emergency loans, will fall into recession this year,” the CDB observed in the statement.

“It is expected that

CDB President, Dr William Smith

the social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic will be significant, stemming from an increase in unemployment, and loss of income and livelihoods, as well as substantial disruptions of social services, with women, female heads of households and children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and migrants as the most vulnerable groups,” the development bank said.

It is unclear whether Guyana applied to the CDB for an emergency loan.

Efforts to contact Finance Ministry officials for clarity were futile. However, Guyana’s omission follows a pattern, broken only by

the United States providing US$475,000 recently.

Otherwise, Guyana’s application for help from the World Bank since March 2020, has so far not yielded any success. The application to the World Bank, for a US$5 million loan, was still not approved as of a few days ago.

Persons, including caretaker Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo himself, have posited that Guyana’s access to foreign assistance could be hampered by the unresolved state of Guyana’s elections and the unstable political atmosphere.

It has been almost two months since citizens all over the country cast their vote, but results from this process are nowhere in sight. In fact, they were hampered by several unlawful moves and court cases, most of which were sponsored by the coalition.

This has resulted in warnings from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union countries and reputable international agencies for an immediate resolution to these issues. At present, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is conducting a recount under the watchful eyes of stakeholders.

Hauraruni Girls’ Home gets donation from ANSA McAL

A

NSA McAL Trading Limited (AMTL) under its Smalta Brand has continued its initiative of donations to orphanages around Guyana with the Hauraruni Girls’ Home being the latest beneficiary.

According to the company, a significant amount of the Smalta beverage was donated to the Hauraruni Girls’ Home on the LindenSoesdyke Highway, where 20 girls currently live.

The gesture was done as part of a series of donations that started with the St John's Basco Orphanage on April 21 and continued with St Ann's and Joshua House Orphanages last week.

According to AMTL, its non-alcoholic department identified orphanages and less fortunate homes as institutions that might face tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic and thought it is best to aid these institutions with a beverage that will boost the immune system.

Smalta Brand Coordinator Gabrielle Lopes noted that "as the world faces

Smalta Brand Coordinator Gabrielle Lopes along with a representative of the Hauraruni Girls’ Home

a health crisis, ANSA McAL under the brand Smalta is committed to reaching out to those most affected at this time. Our focus is primarily on our healthcare workers and various or-

phanages across Guyana.

This pandemic comes at a challenging time and our hope is that our small contribution can have a positive impact on the fight against COVID-19".

14 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

15

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

16 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

17

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

18 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

19

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

20

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

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

Why did the GECOM Chair, Claudette Singh, facilitate such a meeting?

Dear Editor, The meeting between GECOM and President David Granger, as well as other senior APNU/AFC coalition officials, on Sunday, May 17, 2020, is shrouded in secrecy. It does not help that President David Granger refused to say what was dis-

cussed at the meeting when reporters asked him about it.

Noticeably absent from the meeting were all six GECOM Commissioners.

Instead, present were the controversial Keith Lowenfield (Chief Elections Officer) and Roxanne Myers (Deputy Chief

Elections Officer), as well as others from the GECOM Secretariat.

This kind of meeting was the first like this. Meetings between GECOM and other political parties did not see the exclusion of all six GECOM Commissioners. This fact raises questions such as: Was there an at-

tempt made to influence the recount process and, therefore, the outcome of the electoral process?

Why did the GECOM Chair, Claudette Singh, facilitate such a meeting? The GECOM Chair must be aware that the public trust in GECOM is waning. The GECOM

Chair must provide assurances to the Guyanese people.

There are now more questions than answers and Claudette Singh can no longer remain silent.

Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

Our news media A grave and serious insult to ABCE countries houses are crucial

Dear Editor, During this difficult time, while we try to avoid the corona pandemic (COVID-19) and deal with the complexity of these 2020 elections, many of our essential workers have no choice but to keep working so that our country and communities can continue to function. They have been working hard to provide us with what we need to get through each day. Doctors and nurses are the most recognised because they are at the forefront with the pandemic and doing the most difficult tasks of saving people’s lives. However, there are many more essential workers who are quietly doing their jobs. We are dedicating a special thank you to all the essential workers in our country and communities and we hope that they will continue getting recognised for their great work.

Today I take this opportunity to recognise the media for playing an indispensable role during Guyana’s 2020 electoral process. Like in many other sectors, the coronavirus pandemic has also had a great impact on the media. In a time when professionals from different occupations are trying to manage work from home, correspondents, who usually spend a significant part of their time on the field, running after stories and people, and the whole media sector, in general, find themselves face-to-face with new challenges. Fighting an increase in fake news, The media personnel, newspaper, television, radio and social media are essential to democracy, and a democratic election is impossible without media. A free and fair election is not only about the freedom to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about a participatory process where voters engage in public debate and have adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself in order to make informed choices. Furthermore, the media acts as a crucial watchdog to democratic elections, safeguarding the transparency of the process. Indeed, a democratic election with no media freedom, or stifled media freedom, would be a contradiction.

Our media help to provide unfettered scrutiny and discussion of the successes and failures of candidates, Governments, and have performed and help to hold them to account. Yet the media also have other roles in enabling full public participation in elections: By educating voters on how to exercise their democratic rights; By reporting on the development of an election campaign By reporting results and monitoring vote counting; By scrutinising the electoral process, itself, including electoral management, in order to evaluate the fairness of the process, its efficiency, and its probity; By providing information that, as far as possible, avoids inflammatory language, helping to prevent election-related violence.

Our media presence at the counting centres is critical to preventing electoral fraud, given that full measures protecting freedom of speech are guaranteed, and that media are free to act independently and with impartiality.

Our election cannot be deemed democratic unless the public is fully able to participate and is unhindered in exercising choice.

At this point, I wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our valued observers, both locally and internationally, all our thousands of polling agents/counting agents GECOM regular and casual staff, for being a critical and necessary part of successfully conducting the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

Congratulations on a job exceptionally well done.

We consider it a successful election, free and fair, most voters had a pleasant experience and remember its outcome rather than any issues at the polling place.

Based on the feedback we have received and media reports, this was a success. We know of no major problems, no major glitches and no major surprises that interfered with E-Day. We are now hearing of all these things that APNU/AFC is alleging happened that we now have to question if they valued the services you all rendered on Election Day. As Guyanese citizens, we exercised our constitutional right and civic responsibility on March 2, 2020.

Administering a successful elections requires dedication and getting things done in a timely manner. Due to your dedication, commitment and hard work, Guyana again lived up to its well-deserved reputation for conducting open, fair, and transparent elections. Since 1992.

As we turn our attention to the recount processes. We look forward to your efficient, robust and dynamic involvement in this process.

Finally, our hearts go out to The Carter Center for their dedicated services to the people of Guyana. The Guyanese people will always consider the Carter mission as our friend.

In 1992, The Carter Center for the first time as an international observer played an important role in ensuring that Guyana from moved PNC dictatorship to democracy. In 2020, a PNCR/APNU/ AFC dictatorship had rejected The Carter Center, from returning to Guyana to observe the recount, however, history has a way of repeating itself.

Guyana stands at a crossroads.

Not only is it critical that this election is seen as credible, it’s also essential that it serves as a springboard to a future that is more inclusive and so that all the people of Guyana can share in this new wealth under a People’s Progressive Party/ Civic elected Government.

Sincerely, David Adams

Dear Editor, I write as a very concerned Guyanese regarding the very unintelligent and crass response and refusal by Guyana’s quasi Government, and its illegal refusal of the return of The Carter Center observers.

It is an embarrassment of great magnitude, of which I personally apologise, and quite honestly, I very much doubt that this quasi Government has even conceived the magnitude of damage that they have done in their greed for the control and use of the petrodollars.

We have seen the misuse and theft of petrodollars in West Africa, and I am sure that the ABCE countries would not allow this to happen in Guyana.

To put it mildly, and it is my opinion that the quasi Government has given a severe kick up the proverbial backside to the most powerful nation in the world.

If we go back generations, the Americans built the Atkinson Field on a lease, and then returned the Airport to Guyana. There have been hundreds of millions of investments in Guyana, and recently with the present oil company, which they will protect at

all costs.

We are all aware of history during the last World War. The commander of the fleet that bombed scores of American warships in Pearl Harbour said to his officers after he completed the bombings, that we have just awakened a sleeping giant.

It was not long after that, two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The was the end of the war, and a complete surrender.

One does not show disrespect to the most powerful nations on earth and I would say Guyana has just stepped over the border.

I am of the opinion that in the vocabulary of the ABCE countries, the word sovereignty does not apply to countries where there are dictators or Illegal Governments, as we have seen recently in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan.

I think the quasi Government of Guyana forget they are dealing with the United States of America, and Great repeat Great Britain.

I am of the view that the ABCE countries are looking at severe penalties even in the interim period.

The USA, Great Britain

and the EC have recently opened their arms to Guyana AND offered financial assistance for the COVID virus.

I can see that all financial support being placed on hold until the outcome of the political situation, until the credible and democratic Government is in place.

I have seen, quite rightly, the American Government, without any hesitation, has insisted that irrespective of the whims of the present quasi Government, there must be free, fair and credible results of the elections. That is a must.

When one looks at the options that may be taken by the ABCE countries, in the event that the quasi Government is working assiduously to rig and give a fraudulent result, the options are very clear.

I am sure the ABCE countries already have on their drawing board their plan of action.

I am sure sanctions in totality is one.

But, I am sure that the second option of the removal of a dictator or Illegal Government in on the cards. That would involve a planned military intervention in order to remove the

illegal Government, and put in place a democratically-elected Government. That can be done in the shortest possible time.

I am obviously in favour of the second option, since sanctions take time and would no doubt have a significant effect on the poor, which no doubt are presently suffering and increasingly so throughout the country.

There are jobs being lost in the sugar industry, the gold production, the bauxite industry and the Private Sector where people are being laid off.

The quasi Government does not have any inputs to generate jobs. They have already stated that finding jobs for the unemployed is not a matter for the quasi Government.

I would like to thank you for all your past efforts, in giving Guyana all your help and assistance, and I am quite assured that you will not deny the people of Guyana their true rights and the propensity to live and work with full knowledge that the Government would be democratic and legal with no dictatorship or illegal Government.

Thanking you kindly, Quinn Anderson

Guyana, Mr President, is in a state of regression Dear Mr President, It is sad to note how quickly life can change. Pre- and post-Guyana elections are a testament to this fact. In the days leading up to the General and Regional Elections, Guyana was in a state of excitement and exuberance. Guyana, once a pebble in the ocean of the world’s eye was now an island of developmental promise with a new and soon to be booming oil sector.

The name “breadbasket of the Caribbean” was beginning to be echoed once more among our Caricom counterparts and other countries. The nation grew with elation and hope at the prospect of a better Guyana. The Guyana our ancestors worked so hard to build, in hopes that one day we could all live a prosperous life was finally at our fingertips. Business was progressing, people were investing.

The United States was adopting us and the other big countries were all embracing us with shared excitement. Our sister nations in the West Indies, in particular, were even more thrilled of our prospects as they too could have enjoyed our vast oil opportunities in the form of employment and investments.

However, Mr President, this all changed post-election. We now find ourselves in a state of confusion, pain, and undue stress that is triggering much distress, depression, and anxiety. Our country is deteriorating into a dark abyss caused by political madness and desperation for power. Dark clouds of uncertainty have cloaked the nation and the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic makes it all the more overbearing.

It is my opinion that the US would have held us on their shoulders as a great protectorate and a partner for growth and grandeur while making Guyana an example to show how friendship and partnership would lead to the growth of a nation. But now, Mr President, business, and the economy have become waysides of failure and pain. Most have lost faith in our political leaders and they seem to not share any interest whatsoever of investing in the country.

It is sad to note that all the goings-on are pointing out that Guyana will enter into a realm of total degradation and shame. I am writing this letter to you, Sir, because I think that somewhere in your heart, your patriotism and love for this country supersede the mere need for political power, con-

trol, and administration of the wealth of this country.

I am worried because there are a set of people within your party and Government who are self-seekers of aggrandisement and wealth. Call it what you may, they have their alliances of their political team, financers, and such acolytes who are all together going to bleed this country and bleed the souls of the people, thereby causing total mayhem and destruction.

I can honestly say - and I know that many will concur with me – that these elections have certainly been one of the worst times in the history of our country. It has been a time of great distress, uncertainty, scare, and fear; a time of total error. The shenanigans of post-Guyana elections have made us an international disgrace whereby we are being looked down upon as a pariah nation. For it is unheard of that after two months of an election; fair, decent, and transparent results cannot be pronounced.

Then there is Mr. Vincent Alexander, who indicated that they do not have to accept the results of the recount; as if he is the spokesman of GECOM. Further, the fact that The Carter Center and the international observers are being blocked from coming to Guyana has already put these observer nations belonging to the club of democracy to start working on sanctions as soon as the swearing-in takes place.

I want to ask you, Mr President, look at Venezuela, do you think Venezuela can return? Tell me, what do you think it will take for them to return? Especially when the minds of the people have gone into criminality and bestiality! Look at how the people have scattered. How sad it is that we are regressing to the 70s and the 80s when some of our women were involved in the trading of unsavoury body parts to bring in goods to sell to this country and all kinds of immoralities were taking place.

Imagine if we are to move into a realm like that where, yes, our oil will be sold but the Government cannot touch the money.

When cash transfers to family and friends from Europe and North America to Guyana will be seized. When we will not be able to buy the basic necessities to survive. When you and your family and others within the Government and the party will be blacklisted and cannot travel anywhere.

When airlines will be controlled in

Guyana. Where the economic decline will be so stupendous that criminality will exacerbate. When such criminality that I do not even want to mention here for which we are not very famous for will become the harbinger of evil and fear in the hearts of our peoples. Is this what you want for Guyana, Mr President?

Sir, this “humanopolitico” virus has been unleashed on our people with the obvious – and I am saying obvious because I have seen it – attempts to steal a nation and to steal a Government. I tell you, Mr President, it hurts me to mention these words to you, because personally, I like you. But we have seen when military strongmen take hold of any Government, or win an election, it is not easy for them to hand over power.

It is one of the curses of the military strongmen – except for you, Sir. It is known that when military men get into politics and they start to get involved with the business - particularly internecine partnership with certain elements in the Private Sector where bills have been transferred and monies are pouring into a party; it becomes a time of total chaos and “hungishness” that takes place in the country.

Further, Mr President, this “humanopolitico” virus is causing division and ethnic strife amongst our people whereby one ethnicity is moving with a particular party and so forth. As an already poor country, we cannot afford to disintegrate or break into camps of ethnic strife and hate. It is in these trying times that we should band together and work as “One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.”

Mr President, out of concern and respect, I state to you that you do not wish for a legacy to remain where your family, your children, and your grandchildren will be looked down upon in perdition and humiliation. Look at the late President, Linden Forbes Samson Burnham; it was known that he was a dictator, albeit some people will say that he was a benevolent dictator.

Certain aspects of him I like, particularly his agriculture.

Guyana, Mr President, is in a state of regression and I am appealing to you, do not destroy your legacy. It is already under the microscope.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

21

Around the World

OILNEWS

Digicel files for bankruptcy in Bermuda courts

R

egional telecommunications giant Digicel has filed for bankruptcy before the Bermuda courts, but it insists that its day-to-day operations will not be affected by the move.

The bankruptcy filing involves the appointment of three provisional liquidators from KPMG, the global services company.

Coming days after the company implemented a group-wide salary reduction, the move is being seen as part of Digicel’s attempt to restructure US$1.6 billion of its estimated US$7 billion debt.

Earlier this month, Digicel asked all employees, including managers, to take a temporary salary reduc-

tion due to the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Managers at the highest salary tiers will get a 20 per cent cut, while employees at lower salary tiers will be asked to take a five per cent reduction. The Chairman and all non-Executive Directors will waive their entire salaries for the first

quarter of the fiscal year,” Digicel said in a statement on the issue.

It said staff on an annual salary of US$10,000 or less would not be affected by the decision.

The salary cuts took effect from May 1 and will last for the next 11 months.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

Oil jumps to 2-month high on easing lockdowns, positive vaccine results Chile’s poor clash with Police amid

O

il prices on Monday jumped to their highest in over two months on positive early results on a potential coronavirus vaccine, optimism about a resumption in economic activity and signs producers were following through on planned output reductions.

Brent LCOc1 futures for July delivery rose US$2.31, or 7.1 per cent, to US$34.81 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 rose US$2.39, or 8.1 per cent, to US$31.82.

That was the highest settles for Brent and WTI since March 11, just a few days after prices started to collapse following the failure of a production cut agreement between the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia, a group known as OPEC+.

“It has taken WTI over two months to basically clean up the wreckage from the March (OPEC+) meeting,” said Bob Yawger, Director of Energy futures at Mizuho in New York.

In the first half of May, OPEC+ has cut oil exports sharply, companies that track the shipments said, suggesting a strong start in complying with a new production cut agreement.

OPEC+ agreed to cut supply by a record 9.7 million barrels per day (bpd) from May 1. Saudi Arabia, the world’s top exporter, announced last week it would cut an additional 1 million barrels per day in June.

The rally in the June WTI CLM0 contract, which will expire today, suggested last month’s historic plunge to negative-US$40 a barrel would not be repeated.

July WTI CLN0 was the more actively traded US futures contract with volumes in the second-month contract outpacing the front-month for several days now.

The July contract closed up 7.2 per cent to US$31.65.

In the United States, the phased reopening of business and social life gained traction with more Americans emerging from coronavirus lockdowns and stock markets rising on early test results of a potential vaccine.

Early data from Moderna Inc’s COVID-19 vaccine, the first to be tested in the United States, showed that it produced protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers, the company said on Monday.

Summer weather is enticing the rest of the world to emerge from coronavirus lockdowns too.

Shops and restaurants were reopening in Italy on Monday, while other centres of the outbreak such as Spain and Portugal will gradually lift restrictions.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

concerns over food shortages

P

olice and protesters clashed in Santiago on Monday amid a city-wide lockdown meant to stem the spread of the coronavirus as local officials warned that food shortages had hit one of the Chilean capital´s poorest neighbourhoods.

A group of protesters threw rocks, shouted and burned piles of wood along a street in the destitute neighbourhood on Santiago’s

southern fringe. Images on social media and local television showed police spraying tear gas and water cannons to disperse the growing crowd.

The municipality said in a statement that families were going hungry in the poorest sectors of El Bosque, a neighbourhood where many work informally, or not at all. The city district has been under quarantine since mid-April, city officials

said in a statement.

In a statement, Melo´s office said El Bosque had distributed more than 2000 aid packages to the neediest families. But it warned the Central Government “not to continue to burden municipalities with an economic responsibility we cannot cover.”

Chile´s centre-right President, Sebastian Pinera, said in a televised address later on Monday that his government would deliver

2.5 million baskets of food and cleaning supplies directly to homes by late this week or early next.

The South American nation has already announced a massive stimulus package worth nearly 7 per cent of gross domestic product to ease the economic impact of the pandemic, although opposition leaders and social groups have criticised the package as inadequate.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Coronavirus: Hospitals in Brazil’s São Paulo "near collapse"

T

he Mayor of Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, has said its health system could collapse as demand grows for emergency beds to deal with coronavirus cases.

Bruno Covas said the city’s public hospitals had reached 90 per cent capacity and could run out of space in two weeks.

He accused those who flouted lockdown rules of playing “Russian roulette” with people’s lives.

São Paulo is one of the country’s worst-hit regions, with almost 3000 deaths so far.

Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has been strongly criticised

São Paulo’s public hospitals could be overwhelmed in about two weeks’ time, the city Mayor warned

both at home and abroad for his handling of the country’s escalating coronavirus crisis.

He defied global health advice on social distancing

on Sunday when he posed for photographs with supporters and children in the capital, Brasília.

On Saturday, Brazil overtook Spain and Italy to

become the country with the fourth-largest number of infections.

The Health Ministry reported 7938 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the total above 241,000. Only the US, Russia and the UK have higher numbers.

The death toll in Brazil over 24 hours was 485, meaning that the total number of deaths is 16,118 - the world’s sixth-highest figure.

Health experts have warned that the real number of confirmed infections in the country may be far higher than the official records, due to a lack of testing. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Coronavirus crisis "could help WHO chief vows independent review of global pandemic response ease Gulf tensions" – UAE

T

he Head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has pledged an independent evaluation of the global coronavirus response would be launched as soon as possible, with China, in an about-face, saying it backed such an investigation - but only after the pandemic had died down.

WHO DirectorGeneral Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the promise during an unprecedented virtual meeting of the WHO’s decision-making body, the World Health Assembly (WHA).

The WHO’s response to the pandemic has been criticised by some, most notably United States President Donald Trump, who froze Washington’s funding to the multinational organisation

The response to the pandemic by the World Health Organisation, led by Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (above), has been criticised by some, most notably US President Donald Trump

in April. Addressing the twoday forum on Monday, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar called WHO’s response a

“failure” of information gathering and transparency that “cost many lives”.

A resolution drafted by the European Union also called for an independent evaluation of the international health response.

On Monday, it appeared to have won consensus backing among the health body’s 194 member states. Such an investigation is expected to shed light on the origins of the virus, China’s early handling of the outbreak and the conduct of the WHO. Tedros, who has always promised a post-pandemic review, said the independent evaluation would come “at the earliest appropriate moment” and provide recommendations for future preparedness. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

C

ountries in the Gulf region - Iran and the six Gulf Arab states - will emerge “weaker, poorer and damaged” from the coronavirus pandemic, according to the UAE’s Minister of State, Dr Anwar Gargash. Speaking to the BBC from Abu Dhabi, he said the answer was for the whole region to try to de-escalate its tensions.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), one of the wealthiest countries in the world, made early preparations for the onset of the pandemic, buying in testing kits and setting up production lines for face masks.

Out of a total population of nine million, it has so far registered 23,358 cases and 220 deaths.

Iran, just across the waters of the Gulf, has been the worst-hit country in the re-

The UAE took measures to curb coronavirus early on

gion with over 122,000 cases registered and more than 7000 deaths. The UAE has sent medical aid to Iran, as well as to the UK. As far back as late January, he says, the UAE’s national security adviser warned that the coming pandemic was going to completely overshadow concerns about the ongoing war in Yemen,

where the UAE deployed forces against the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels for years before scaling back its involvement.

Yemen, for example, has experienced more than five years of civil war that has dragged in outside countries and shattered that country’s already fragile healthcare system. (Excerpt from BBC News)

22

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

Put your energy to good use. Get a plan up and running and don’t stop until you achieve what you set out to do. Personal improvements will build confidence and encourage success.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Look for unusual ways to get things done and to help others. Push forward with your plans and be open regarding your intentions and goals.

(March 21April 19)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Keep expenses low and your life simple. You’ll have difficulty controlling your reaction to emotional issues.

Be objective when faced with controversy. It’s OK to do things differently.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

How you express yourself will determine the amount of respect you receive.

Charm coupled with compliments will set the mood for a pleasant encounter. Use your skills to help a cause.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Deal with others carefully. Someone will twist your words or offer you invalid information. It’s up to you to bring about necessary changes, regardless of what others do.

LIBRA

Learn all you can about a situation before you make promises or reveal your opinion. A problem at home will require discipline and moderation. Use charm and persistence to win favors.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Get involved in something you believe in to make valuable connections. Use technology to reach the people you want to team up with, and good things will transpire.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Show a little sass and do whatever it takes to get your way. Don’t sell yourself short or let anyone lead you astray. Don’t get involved in joint ventures.

SAGITTARIUS Your fun-loving approach to life will capture attention.

(Nov. 23Revealing too much about Dec. 21) your personal life or plans will allow someone to take advantage of you.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LAST PUBLISHED WORD

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

If change is what you want, make adjustments at home. Add to your entertainment center and move things around to make space to work on a project you want to pursue.

How you handle your personal affairs will encourage others to pitch in and help. What you are willing to do to make your life better will become a guideline for others.

Take a closer look at your daily routine and habits. Look for a healthier lifestyle and for a way to get things done without jeopardizing your relationships, position or reputation.

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

CLASSIFIED ADS ASTROLOGY & SPIRITUALITY

Having Problems with Marriage/ Love Relationships, Health, Job, Money, Removal of Obstacles of any kind. Meet me once and change your life. Call 688-2135 Are you suffering from Health, Money, Job, Marriage Relationships problems? Removal of Blockage/ Evil Spirits, Clear Negative Energy, Permanent Protection. Call: 6961857 for appointment.

FOR SALE Mixed-Breed Puppies for Sale.

Contact: Tel- 253-3114/692-0126.

Foreign Used Washing Machines.

Whirlpool/Frigidaire, Complete Wash, Rinse and Spin Dry Washers.

638-1829/232-0616

SERVICE Washing Machine Repairs.

Mahaicony/Berbice/Corentyne area.

232-0616/638-1829

TAXI SERVICES GR TAXI, 24 HOURS. PHONE: 225-7878, 219-5000, 227-2100

TO RENT Bottom Flat to Rent, Fully Furnished, window/door mesh, grill, Business / Domestic, 25 North Rd. Oronoque St. Bourda. 226-7012

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Embassy taking care of Guyanese boxers stranded in Cuba – DoS

…some $1.9M spent on their well-being

O

ver the weekend, reports from the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) surfaced with claims that the four Guyanese boxers stranded in Cuba were quite frustrated with their situation and the treatment being meted out to them in the Spanish-speaking island.

During an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Monday, Director of Sport (DoS), Christopher Jones said that the reports came as a “shock” to him, since he had contrasting knowledge on the situation.

The four boxers – Colin Lewis, Keevin Allicock, Dennis Thomas, and Desmond Amsterdam, through their team leader Lewis, communicated to local media that they were at a breaking point, having now been in Cuba for over five months. Their main areas of concern were their mental health, irregular meal patterns, and simple homesickness.

“I saw the release and heard and read, in terms of what was pronounced by Mr Steve Ninvalle and I noted the use of the word deteriorate.

Again, the boxers are in the care of the Guyana Cuban Embassy. The Ambassador and all the staff of the Embassy there in Cuba have been taking care of these guys,” he went on to explain to this publication.

Jones added that the National Sports Commission,

media if possible. The DoS also noted that care packages, along with food items, were sent to the boxers this month.

Over the weekend, GBA President Steve Ninvalle said that the four pugilists were barely coping, having to contend with a lack of food supplies, little to no resources, no money, and their unfamiliarity with the island’s language, Spanish.

The Guyanese boxers just before departure in January

through the Finance Ministry, has been tasked with footing the Cuban bill, which, up to last month, was some $1.9 million.

Speaking on the issue of the boxers’ accommodation, he noted that the villa in which they are being housed, in Havana, was the same one that was usually used by Government officials when visiting the country.

“What persons have to be cognisant of is that outside of the current lockdown in Cuba, like the rest of the world is in, Cuba is a country that has sanctions imposed on them from the United States and other places, so, therefore, basic food commodities that could be had in other countries is not readily available in Cuba.

This was explained at length to these boxers,” Jones said, in

an attempt to explain why the variety of food may be limited in Cuba.

“I have all four of them on voice note, which they sent me, indicating that they understand; they know the situation they’re in and they’re looking forward for June 3rd, when the airports will be reopened and they’ll have an opportunity to head back home.”

In addition, Jones shared that Guyanese Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed caught wind of the allegations and was as troubled as he about the boxers’ claims.

Holding firm on his position, Jones shared that documents on the boxers’ stay in Cuba, along with photos, were being complied and he would share these with the

A NOW!

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

ll tournaments planned for this year by the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) have been put off until 2021.

CBC President Glyne Clarke said that the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has mandated that all championships scheduled for this year be suspended, including those to be hosted by the CBC. This would include the CBC Senior Championship, which Guyana won in 2018, slated for Paramaribo, Suriname.

The Guyanese were set on defending their title after a three-match prep series against Grenada. However, the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic cancelled all hopes of finding a host country for the regional tournament.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport, National Basketball Coach Junior Hercules said, “CBC Senior Championship was cancelled; while it is indeed, unfortunately, it does present a unique opportunity for our federation to have a national club championship and also for our overseas-based players’ options to be diverse. My advice to current and aspiring national Players are to ensure you practice the recommended

The boxers had initially travelled to Cuba in January with the objective to train in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers which were supposed to be hosted in Argentina in March.

However, with the spread of the coronavirus, the event was cancelled and before the boxers could return home, Guyana’s ports were closed.

(Jemima Holmes)

Shaquana Quintyne:

Coronavirus: CBC Senior Championships officially over

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

23

The Guyana senior basketball side that won the CBC Championships

safety measures and work on a lot of strength and healthy personal exercises.”

Once the pandemic has ended, Guyana will be able to participate in the FIBA Americup 2023 qualifying tournament.

Despite no tournament being completed in 2020, FIBA will use current rankings to decide who will represent the Caribbean, as Guyana won the 2018 CBC Championships and placed third in the Americup qualifiers in 2019.

The CBC President has also explained that going forward they would closely monitor what was happening around the world, because they were planning to have those tournaments played sometime next year. However, there were no guarantees that the host countries would be ready.

“We will be monitoring to see how the world is recovering, and it is subject to the governmental restrictions this will have on countries.

Even though we may restart, some countries might not be in a position to start as well.

“We are actually in the process of sending out some communication to the member countries, not only to check on their state of readiness, but in terms of being able to play and what the government restrictions are. In terms of financing, as you know many of the Caribbean countries depend heavily on assistance from the Government in their competitions. So, it is how well they are able to recover and to get the funding, both governmental and corporate, to help the teams to compete,” he said.

WI all-rounder battling through injury recovery

F

ormer Barbados Cricket Association member and women’s team manager Hartley Reid has claimed former West Indies Women’s team all-rounder Shaquana Quintyne is at times in ‘excruciating pain’ and barely able to walk after failing to properly recover from multiple cruciate ligament operations.

The 24-year-old bowling all-rounder has accused Cricket West Indies (CWI) of leaving her to fend for herself after getting injured during a training camp in preparation for the International Cricket Council 50-over World Cup three years ago. Multiple operations and several failed rehabilitations later the player remains not only unable to resume her craft but on occasion has issues with mobility.

CWI CEO Johnny Grave has, however, strongly refuted claims that the organization has not been supportive of the player.

“We have provided enormous financial support and medical support for Shaquana since she got injured back in 2017…we have paid huge sums of money for her to try and get her career back and try and get back to full fitness,” Grave told the Mason and Guest Radio program.

According to Grave, the organisation’s Total and Permanent Disablement policy, which did not exist for the women’s team in 2017 was extended to Quintyne, in light of the injury.

Reid, however, also a former chairman of women’s cricket for the BCA when Quintyne was captain of the team, has also disputed the level of support provided by the CWI and does not believe it went far enough.

“When she got injured in Antigua in March 2017 she was not even taken to a doctor, a clinic, or to a hospital.

She got injured and was sent back to Barbados two days after. When she came back to Barbados she was given instructions to see a doctor, that doctor was not even in Barbados. So, she contacted me in all the pain and tears, and I took her to see an orthopedic surgeon,” Reid told the Mason and Guest Radio program.

Reid went on to explain that the player was unable to continue seeing that orthopedic surgeon in Barbados, after the CWI provided recommendations and means for the player to have surgery and treatment in Jamaica. After some relief, the conditions, however, returned and Quintyne then got permission to be treated by the surgeon in Barbados.

The player again experienced some relief but after the conditions returned in 2018 was recommended for a third surgery, this time in Canada, on the advice of the Barbadian orthopedic surgeon.

“That is where Cricket West Indies assistance ended.

When she came back from Canada in March 2018, with the understanding that in three months’ time she would have returned to Canada for observation and further analysis, Cricket West Indies not agree for her to go,” Reid explained.

“So, she was in pain all of the time until she decided to go back with her own money.

In November 2018 she had another operation, all at her expense. She was spending all of her money so she is poor now because she spent all of her money trying to get herself back in condition," he added.

“Right now, as we speak as she put it, her knee has locked up and she is in excruciating pain and she cannot walk, she is crying and immobile.”

(Sportsmax)

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Coronavirus: CBC Senior Championships officially over Pg 23

Pg 23

Pg 23

Embassy taking care Shaquana Quintyne: of Guyanese boxers WI all-rounder battling stranded in Cuba – DoS …some $1.9M spent on their well-being through injury recovery GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.