Guyana Times - Tuesday, May 26, 2020

See Region 4 SoRs comparison with released SoPs on pages 18 to 22 All SoRs are available on our website Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4297

THE BEACON OF TRUTH TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020

PRICE

“Demented APNU/AFC” says PPP rigged for them to win” – Jagdeo

WHAT'S INSIDE:

See story on page 6

…Polling Day staff under fire from increasing APNU/AFC’s hostility …as Harmon now introduces ‘fake ballots’ to ‘dead votes’ tale …GECOM has a responsibility to protect its integrity, defend self — Nandlall

US wants APNU/ AFC to “respect voters’ wishes” Page 6

...recount process must be free, fair, transparent, credible – Pompeo

Return of elections rigging undermines sacrifices of forefathers – PPP in Independence Day message See story on page 3

…Granger urges patience as country awaits results 84 days after election GECOM takes up APNU/AFC COVID-19 Task 85% of recount Force stymies GECOM’s bid time to process to meet recount deadline ...5 more days, over 1000 ballot boxes still to be counted 50% of ballot boxes Page 6

Page 7

$80 VAT INCLUDED

P14 Former teacher is Guyana’s 11th COVID-19 death Son arrested for setting father’s house P13 on fire

P17 Exxon commences reinjection of gas in Liza phase 1 …EPA says problems with gas compressors solved, no more flaring

APNU/AFC’s brazen actions are to deny will of Guyanese – P17 FITUG …era of rights being trampled on should not return – GAWU

Gunmen P13 invade Linden gold miner’s home …escape with over $4M

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, May 26 – 05:30h – 07:00h and Wednesday, May 27 – 05:00 – 06:30.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, May 26 – 06:05 – 07:35h and Wednesday, May 27 – 06:40h – 08:10h.

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…Granger urges patience as country awaits results 84 days after election

T

he return of elections rigging, as manifested in the March 2 General and Regional Elections, undermine the sacrifices made by the forefathers for Guyana to get independence 54 years ago.

This is according to the Opposition - People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), in their independence message to ring in Guyana’s 54th Independence anniversary.

Expressing best wishes to Guyanese at home and abroad, the party noted that independence was supposed to usher in a new era and hope for a brighter future where persons could elect a Government of their choice.

“Unfortunately, the freedom from colonialism, which so many valiantly fought for, and the birth of self-governance did not realise the dreams and aspirations of our people because soon after independence, we endured another form of imposed rule, this time from within.”

According to the party, for 28 years thereafter, the “People’s National Congress (PNC) hijacked democracy and stole from the people of Guyana their right to vote and their freedom to elect a Government of their choice.”

The party noted that it was not until 1992 that free and fair elections returned to Guyana.

Respect for Constitution

15 16 21

PAY DAY

Return of rigging undermines sacrifices of forefathers – PPP in Independence Day message

Acknowledging that there were challenges during their time in office, the PPP pointed out that under their leadership, Guyana went from poor to middle income and moreover, always maintained a legal Government and respect for the Constitution.

It added that in 2015, there was a change in Government and the PNC returned to office under the rubric of a coalition and with them returned “violations of the rule of law, destruction of democratic credentials, violations of the Constitution, discrimination, corruption, and the worse forms of incompetent governance. As we enter this fifty-fourth year of independence, our country remains precariously perched on a precipice.”

PPP/C on Monday said that the results of elections are still to be pronounced by the Guyana Elections Commission because of attempts to steal those elections by those who have lost but refuse to give up Government. “These actions continue to undermine the great sacrifices which so many Guyanese have made, before and after independence, to create a better and

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

united Guyana,” the party said.

The party also reminded Guyanese of the many promises it made in its manifesto, designed to improve the lives of Guyanese, manage the oil and gas wealth and reform Guyana’s governance and system for managing elections. “On this solemn occasion, the PPP remains resolute and determined to continue this great struggle started by our ancestors to create a free, prosperous, and united Guyana where all Guyanese can achieve their full potential and share equitably in our nation’s resources.

Once again, Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese.”

Patience

Meanwhile, caretaker President David Granger’s message was one urging

Guyanese to observe the independence in a constrained manner, in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. He also urged patience as Guyanese await the long-overdue election results.

“I urge you, also, to await the declaration of the results of the General and Regional Elections which were held on 2nd March.

The Elections Commission, which is the sole authority charged with administering the elections in accordance with our Constitution, has responded in an orderly and lawful manner to the challenges which have arisen.”

Granger, a historian by profession, also recalled the struggles that workers and the forebearers of Guyanese went through to lead up to the point of independence.

In hailing the contributions made by the workers, Granger recalled that Guyana, as part of the labour and independence movement, achieved its Independence on May 26, 1966.

“We recall that workers’ rebellions which erupt-

Caretaker President David Granger

ed throughout the British West Indies in succeeding decades, forced the Imperial Government to ameliorate living and working conditions,” Granger said.

“Britain’s response initiated a constitutional revolution and, eventually, led to Independence for its Caribbean colonies. Happy Independence to everyone at home and in the diaspora!

May God continue to bless our homeland!”

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 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

Independence and current challenges

T

oday (Tuesday, May 26) as we celebrate 54 years of being an independent nation, there is quite a lot to reflect on, more particularly how far we have come as a developing nation and the many challenges ahead which confront us as we seek to build a democratic and prosperous country for everyone.

In addition to external battles, such as the ongoing Venezuela border controversy, etc, there are battles internal which must be fought with the involvement of all stakeholders who stand on the side of decency and what is right for our country, if the idea of being independent and free is to really mean anything to us as a people.

Until the 1950s, Guyana was a British colony and there was little talk of Independence from Britain as had been the case in the older British colonial territories such as India. What we had in Guyana were labour disputes from time to time with citizens asking for better conditions of work and pay. Such disputes mostly occurred in the sugar industry which was the country’s mainstay.

On most occasions, these disputes resulted in violent unrest as the working conditions became unbearable.

After World War Two, the trend of demanding better economic and social conditions continued. The demand grew for Independence by political leaders, and the exhausted colonial power, Britain, was determined to withdraw from West Indian colonies. All three of these trends merged in the 1950s.

The colonial power, Britain, began the process of handing over power by advancing constitutional reform. But they were only finally going to hand over power to politicians who, they could trust. This was the time of the Cold War, and Dr Cheddi Jagan though, leading the party with the largest support – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was regarded as a communist and, therefore, unacceptable to the Anglo Americans, who decided that Mr LFS Burnham and his party – the People’s National Congress (PNC), were more acceptable and likely to carry on with what they wanted, especially as it relates to foreign policy.

Accordingly, before handing over power to Burnham and the PNC party, the colonial government imposed a proportional representation system to ensure that Burnham would be in office, which he did in coalition with the United Force (UF) Party.

The British were now prepared to withdraw and grant independence, but Venezuela which had tried to annul the 1899 Arbitral Award declared that they would not recognise the independent state of Guyana except the border claim was settled. Britain was then able to negotiate a tripartite agreement between Venezuela, Guyana and herself (Britain) to work towards a settlement. Guyana was then granted Independence without any Venezuelan impediment.

The local political clash between the PNC and PPP was very bitter and morphed into social political discord with violent clashes and political tensions being extremely high when Independence was granted on May 26, 1966. At 12am at the National Park, when the Union Jack was being lowered and the Golden Arrowhead was hoisted, Mr Burnham and Dr Jagan spontaneously embraced each other. This spontaneous symbolism of the ethnic and social unity of Guyanese sent shockwaves throughout the nation into grasping that they were one people with one destiny.

Today, there is an electoral dispute emerging following the March 2, 2020 General Elections, and though, there is neither that level of high tension as there was in May 1966 or sharp racial division, there are still a few voices from the past which tend to interpret issues and events through racist lens. These forces are bent on seeing all the democratic gains made post-Independence, especially the post-1992 period, reversed. However, they must never be allowed to succeed. Guyana’s development cannot be stalled because of the actions of a few.

With the countrywide recount of the votes ongoing, the winning party must be declared based on the results of the recount. The party that loses must accept defeat gracefully. And while the winning party must be allowed to govern, it must do so in an inclusive, transparent and fair manner. Real efforts must be made to ensure all Guyanese, irrespective of race or party loyalty, feel that they are part of the development process.

Once the recount process is completed, it is hoped that all other political stakeholders and development partners would join hands and work towards ensuring Guyana blooms into a successful, prosperous and unified nation – the same vision that Dr Jagan and Mr Burnham had on the first Independence Day of May 1966. Independence would mean nothing to us, if there are internal political conflicts which prevent citizens from achieving their full potential.

Happy Independence to all Guyanese.

Observation Report being used as a propaganda tool Dear Editor, The Observation Report being used in the National Recount was intended to record any findings/observations relating to the contents of each ballot box. As you already know, this Observation Report is read out in the tabulation room and live-streamed to the public. The matter of concern is that the Observation Report has morphed into a document - sometimes consisting of several pages - where one party (APNU/AFC) gets free reign to have its observations and objections recorded in detail.

The APNU/AFC agents are permitted to have recorded, the serial numbers they object to, on the grounds of migrated persons, and persons who are deceased, and they insist that every other thing - no matter how insignificant or ir-

relevant - be noted as well. In almost every box, APNU/AFC agents call out dozens of serial numbers, taking up valuable time, and in most cases, only a handful are ticked on the Official List of Electors (OLE) as voted. The most recent directions from GECOM in relation to these allegations is that the Supervisor must only record on the Observation Report the serial numbers that are ticked, and not the total amount that was queried. It, therefore, means that if APNU calls out 100 serial numbers and 5 are ticked, only the 5 ticked numbers are written in the report.

On the other hand, all of the other parties, including the PPP/C, are only allowed to say they object to the allegations, and not to give reasons for their objections. GECOM

has gone as far as to set out the language a Supervisor must use, in a document called ‘Basket of Issues’. The Supervisor, when recording an objection to an allegation must note “party XYZ objected to this allegation”. It, therefore, means, that the Observation Report will not provide an accurate account of what is taking place at these workstations. For example, in ballot box number 3329, the APNU/ AFC agent objected to serial number 39 on the ground that the person is deceased. After checking the list, the GECOM staff confirmed that the elector listed at that serial number did not vote on March 2, 2020. This allegation was debunked right there at the workstation, but will not be read out to the public on the live stream. If the Observation

Report accurately reflected the nonsensical and preposterous allegations being made by APNU/AFC, the public would understand why this process is so slothful, and more importantly, they would understand that this is nothing more than a fishing expedition to try to discredit the elections.

Editor, I have been present at my workstation since this recount began, and not an iota of evidence has ever been produced or presented to support their claims. The use of the Observation Report to further the sinister agenda of the APNU/AFC, and prejudice all of the other parties, is inherently unfair. The Observation Report is simply being used as a propaganda tool.

Yours faithfully, Susan Rodrigues

Inventing non-recount-related issues will not derail the PPP/C’s hold on election victory Dear Editor, A major spinoff of the 2020 elections is the catapulting of the PNCR’s cabal to the political theatre as great dramatists, pretenders, goalpost shifters and the diversionists. They still act as if they are “surprised” that they lost the elections!

Did their internal polls and consultants feed them with the wrong information? After viewing the GECOM-issued and signed SoPs on March 2, 2020, they knew that they had lost the elections. It was only then that they should have expressed surprise and moved next to take their consultants and advisers to task.

This is not to suggest that there are no smart people in the PNCR that could have analysed their prospects of victory from an alternative approach.

Rather, they have been so immersed in holding onto power that they have become consumed in it, and in the process have lost rationality, fairness, compassion, and morality.

On March 3, the crescendo of elation on Election Day precipitously collapsed when they learnt that the PPP/C had amassed an unassailable lead of 52,000 votes with only Region Four remaining to be counted.

This meant, therefore, that the APNU/AFC (referred to as PNCR) had to win Region Four by a margin in excess of 52,000 votes.

Not having any other option, the PNCR was forced to do a somersault of the vote tabulation process in Region Four in order to reverse the PPP/C’s victory. The fraud perpetrated by GECOM’s Clairmont Mingo was not only clumsy in content but it was also daring in modus operandi, having it committed in the full view of the world.

The Mingo fraud at GECOM’s Command Centre on March 4 has been subsequently confirmed in the recount process at the ACCC that started on May 6, 2020. GECOM’s Mingo’s announced figures for

PNC in a sample of 87 ballot boxes were inflated in the combined sum of 4495 votes, at an average of 52 votes per ballot box. For the PPP/C, their votes were reduced by 758 in 32 ballot boxes, at an average of 24 votes per ballot box. The PNCR was therefore given an additional 5253 votes by Mingo.

The three attempts to install Mr David Granger as President backfired with the threat of sanctions. To save face from those setbacks, Mr Granger, with the concurrence of Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, hurriedly requested Caricom to oversee a recount process; a move that incurred the displeasure of his team. Their mortal fear was that a recount would expose GECOM’s Mingo fraud and their complicity in it. Well, this did happen, so they have begun to look everywhere to invent and contrive issues that would neutralise or divert attention from the Mingo fraud.

The PNCR continual stream of allegations of election irregularities is contrary to the position taken by their leader, Mr David Granger, who told the world on March 3, 2020, that the elections were “free fair and orderly.” The credible and transparent elections on March 2, 2020, were reinforced by GECOM Chair, Ms Claudette Singh, all the accredited observer groups (OAS, Commonwealth, EU, Caricom, Carter Center, PSC) as well as the diplomatic community.

Any objective analysis of the PNCR’s election campaign and track record would have shown that they were in no position to win the 2020 elections. It’s not only that their performance over the last 5 years was at best mediocre; it was also tainted with mismanagement, corruption, executive lawlessness, racism, lack of accountability, and poor social policy.

Despite their horrid performance, their base has remained strong. But what stung them the most was the poor showing at the polls by their AFC partner. The AFC’s precipitous

decline brought to the PNCR less than 5000 votes in 2020.

This collapse of the AFC voting strength was responsible more than anything else for their (PNCR) defeat.

Just think about it, in 2006 the AFC got 28,366 votes; it continued to expand its support base and in 2011, it received 35,333 votes. In 2015 AFC delivered the 10 per cent Indian votes to the coalition in addition to votes from other groups (an estimated combined total of 40,000).

For the 2020 elections, most of those 2015 AFC votes had gone back to the PPP/C, while some went to ANUG, JLP and other parties. This meant that the AFC failed to deliver over 30,000 votes to the coalition.

There was no way, therefore, in which PNCR could have made up this huge deficit from other constituencies, other than by rigging. In 2015, it was the AFC votes of 40,000 that allowed the PNCR coalition to win by just 4545 votes.

The PNCR is trying extremely hard to find faults in the electoral process that are unrelated to their loss, but which they hope could be the basis of an election petition.

They are not short on creating new narratives with almost reckless abandon. We will look at the efficacy of two of these narratives: bloated voters’ list and foreign interference.

First, the compilation and updating of the voters’ list is the responsibility of GECOM. All the political parties went into the elections accepting the list. Second, in 2015 there were 583,444 persons on the voters’ list. In 2020 that figure rose to 661,028 (+77,584 or 13.3 per cent).

Now, the population agegroup 13-17 numbering 84,132 during the period 2015-2020 would have attained voting age in 2020 and therefore became registered as voters. Thus, the increase of 77,584 voters between 2015 and 2020 was due primarily to the new (youth) registrants. The difference

(84,132-77,584) is due mainly to the removal of names from the voters’ list on account to deaths of registrants.

Some credence was also given to foreign interference into Guyana’s 2020 elections. They say that in politics our memory tends to be short. In 2015, for example, the PPP/C had asked and were promised recounts in Region Eight and elsewhere, but those were subsequently retracted on the suggestion of the US envoy who advised GECOM to declare the winner on the basis of the total tabulated results, and let the aggrieved party seek relief via election petition(s).

Mr Bryan Hunt, the US Envoy had an extensive presence in the 2015 elections and he also “exerted influence on the Elections Commission,” (Freddie Kissoon: KN 9/25/2019).

The envoy’s behaviour was not deemed as foreign interference then, but the current crop of PNCR operatives are ready to attack the US Ambassador and other diplomats for defending democracy by insisting on credible and transparent elections; principles that are shared by all lovers of democracy, including all the international and local observer missions. And this has also been Mr Granger’s position. And the majority of Guyanese support the position taken by the envoys. Without them, democracy will be smothered to death by the PNCR cabal.

That the 2020 voters’ list is bloated is a myth and so too is foreign interference in the 2020 elections. To the existing PNCR culture of lies and deception is now added myths. Truth and morality have become casualties in the process. To replace lies/deception with truth, and myths with reality, Mr Granger should accept defeat, and allow the democratic process to flow into the future, when Guyanese will be free from suffocation.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020

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Fight for freedom on this Independence Day

Dear Editor, Independence Day 2020 is reaching us at a time when the progressive and democratic forces are locked in serious struggles to defend freedom, decency and the integrity of our people and nation.

The attempt of the PNC-led APNU/AFC cabal to barefacedly and openly steal the elections of March 2, 2020, if allowed to succeed, will do very serious damage to every aspect of our country’s lives. It will drive us back to the darkest days of the PNC dictatorship and lead to the degradation of our socio-economic advancement.

Cheddi Jagan, the foremost fighter for our independence, was never tired of stating the link between democracy and all-round progress. One of the constants throughout his long and illustrious career was to bring to the Guyanese people, the awareness that there can be no social and economic progress without political democracy.

Guyana’s political history has proven that beyond the shadow of a doubt.

When the PNC was pitchforked into Government in 1964, Guyana was one of the leading countries in the region.

Its achievements in every aspect of life were just remarkable. In seven short years, from 1957 to 1964, the PPP transformed Guyana beyond recognition.

Production in every area, bauxite, sugar, rice, coffee, cocoa, coconuts, timber, gold to name a few moved rapidly, many becoming important exports to all parts of the world.

The PPP Government at that time created institutions to ensure that the human capital necessary for nation-building were in place. Hundreds of schools were built. Education began reaching people for the first time in the remote areas of Guyana. In order to give all Guyanese secondary education, the PPP had established All Age Schools. Students moved seam-

lessly from primary to secondary classes.

We were one of the most literate people in the world. We built the University of Guyana with great opposition from the PNC to give us the skills to administer Guyana and not to be totally dependent on a foreign specialist.

Health services too expanded and new hospitals were constructed in various parts of the country.

The housing drive witnessed a marked improvement.

Many of the houses in town and the countryside are still standing as a testimony of the untiring efforts of the then PPP Administration to give our people their own homes.

The PPP took major steps in diversifying our agriculture.

We produced so much coffee in the North-West and Pomeroon areas that, despite colonial sabotages, were sent to Nestle’s in the US to be converted to Guyana Instant Coffee.

The fact today that we are self-sufficient in things like cabbage, peanuts, carrots, blackeye peas and red beans to name a few is because of our policy of broadening the base of the economy.

In that period too the Government launched the Guyanisation drive. That programme was ensuring that qualified Guyanese were taking over the top administrative jobs from the colonial personnel before independence.

Many outstanding Guyanese came to the fore, in that time.

One that immediately comes to mind is Gavin Kennard, who was the CEO of the new Guyana Industrial Corporation.

The Chairman of the Board was Ashton Chase.

Cheddi Jagan is on record advocating for a Guyanese Governor when Sir Ralph Grey was recalled.

Other institutions such as the Bank of Guyana and the Mon Repos School of Agriculture still stand to reflect the hopes

and the courage of our leaders.

It was the work done by the PPP Government, and Cheddi Jagan in particular, that we often boast our strong foreign service. In preparation for independence, Jagan established a department for foreign relations. Two of the persons recruited at that time were Rudy Insanally and Raleigh Jackson.

Both of whom distinguished themselves as outstanding diplomats.

With such great promise, why did we not achieve more in the post-independence period, one may well ask.

There is no one answer.

However, at the heart of all the reasons was the destruction of our democracy.

Independent Guyana was born in very difficult times.

After changing the voting system from the Constituency system to Proportional Representation, the only country in the Commonwealth at that time with such a system a Government was installed to protect the substance of colonialism under the flimsy excuse of fighting communism.

Guyana is the only country that was granted independence with a State of Emergency in place. Leaders of the PPP were imprisoned and many including Cedric Vernon Nunes, then Minister of Education, under whose watch so much was done for education. PPP leaders remained there long after independence.

As the dictatorship became entrenched, it got more intolerant and brutal that led to political assassinations. The most prominent was Walter Rodney, whose worse ‘crime’ was to condemn the PNC dictatorship.

Those things pauperised us.

We became the objects of pity from persons in the region as we tried to smuggle flour, bread and other basic necessities of life. That led to massive migration where today there are probably more Guyanese living abroad than those of us here in

Guyana.

In the last fifty-four years, we had one period of great hope.

That was when our people’s struggle and international solidarity led to a democratic renewal in October 1992.

The PPP transformed Guyana from a Heavily Indebted, Poor Country (HIPIC) to becoming an Upper MiddleIncome Developing Country.

I recall, with some pride in early 2015 when I was invited to go to Rome to accept the recognition of the International Community as being one of two countries in the Caribbean that not only reduced poverty greatly, but also significantly improves the nutrition of our people.

This was remarkable when we take into account that in 1992, Guyana had 80 per cent of its people living in absolute poverty. Those were figures that SIMAP had worked out just before the PPP took office.

Unfortunately, I could not go because of the elections campaign, but Cde Sam Hinds did the honours for us. For those who may want to know which was the other country, it was St Vincent.

We made this achievement under difficult circumstances.

The undemocratic cabal that leads the PNC opposed every single project that had the potential to advance our country and benefit our people.

Coming to mind immediately are the Amaila Falls Hydro and Marriot Hotel projects. They also set about to deliberately damage the financial sector, the heart of the economy by refusing to support the Anti-Money Laundering Bill.

The PNC had always been a party that wants power for power sake. It was never about transforming the country in the interest of the people. Now that we have reached that stage we need to have a broad stage and serious discourse to identify those things that are retarding our developments and fix them. Simplistic suggestions

This Independence Day we should remember the ballot box martyrs Dear Editor, This year Guyana celebrates 54 years since we gained Independence from the British. However, this year’s celebrations are marred by the situation that is taking place in our homeland. This year, our Independence Day will not be the same because to me, I find it ironic that we would be celebrating freedom from one authoritarian group while another is blatantly trying to gain a foothold. At this point, it is too painful to not see the attempts by the PNC to sabotage the electoral process.

Please note I said PNC and not “APNU/ AFC” as it is clear that the Kabaka disciples are running the coalition. The AFC is dead, a breadcrumb long flicked away.

First, the recount took a while to take off the ground due to the (in my opinion at least) PNC propping up Ulita Moore to block the recount. Next, we saw President Granger reject The Carter Center observers, politicising COVID-19 as an excuse.

Now, as more boxes continue to be recounted, more and more, we see how Mingo’s numbers were inflated to favour the PNC (and in some cases deflate the PPP’s numbers).

Now they have moved onto their next trick: Aiming to void the election and apply for a doctrine of necessity through the courts to appoint an interim Government.

They will use the pandemic as an excuse to rule the country until another election is held.

However, we, the people of Guyana, are waiting on the PNC to produce evidence of any voter fraud that took place. In fact, we

are still waiting on them to produce their Statements of Poll.

Let us take a look at their nonsensical “voter fraud” campaign. On a post made on their Facebook page, the “coalition” claims that of the 699 ballot boxes examined on May 22, there have been 86,367 votes “lacking credibility”.

I am not making this up, they did.

Their line of thought is that if so many voter frauds are uncovered in just 699 of the boxes, what will be uncovered in the other 1640 boxes? This is where things resemble a Looney Tunes cartoon.

If massive voter fraud is “uncovered” in the remaining fraction of boxes, this would mean every single PPP agent, APNU agent at the Polling Stations deliberately turned a blind eye to the electoral process in some elaborate scheme by the PPP to rig the elections – which still resulted in an APNU victory.

The only gain from this hogwash is continued brainwash of their blind supporters, who they will utilise for a recreation of ’98 PNC election violence when the recount shows they lost. I really have no words left to comment on it. Instead, I will quote Odo himself by saying “You must pull a rabbit out of the hat every time”.

Moreover, I feel with all this malarkey taking place while we celebrate our sovereignty, we should remember two lessknown freedom fighters: the ballot box martyrs. They may not be remembered by the youth of today so I have chosen to enlighten them, and anyone else. During the 1973 rigged elections, military troops were

known for seizing the ballot boxes and taking them to GDF headquarters where they were stuffed to ensure a Burnham victory.

At No 63 Village on the Corentyne, noisy protests ensued upon the troops’ arrival, prompting the troops to open fire, injuring many and killing two: Jagan Ramessar, 17, and Parmanand Bholonauth, 45. Jagan’s treatment was harsher than Bholonauth’s.

He didn’t die immediately. Instead, he was seriously wounded from the shooting and received no medical attention. The police and soldiers transported him to the No 51 Police Station where he died after further physical brutality from them.

Hearing this incident made me sit and think. Jagan was only 17. He and I are around the same age. If he were alive, he would’ve probably retired with lovely grandchildren by now. But alas he is not, all due to protesting the great PNC rigging of ’73. Those two individuals died protesting an authoritarian rule then, as we are now.

While Guyanese all across the country typically use Independence Day to celebrate freedom from the British, I feel this year we should think of the ballot box martyrs, honour them with at least a thought. Say their names: Jagan Ramessar and Parmanand Bholonauth!

For they were fighting for freedom too, freedom from an authoritarian rule. Here we are in 2020, same old story. I would like to wish my fellow Guyanese a happy Independence Day. Yours faithfully, Nikhil Sankar

that sound good can lead to even greater frustrations.

I suggest that we first look at all of our elections system.

The evidence is there to show that the vast amount of countries with this system have issues of racial and religious problems. The system encourages organising on the basis of narrow interests, and not national interests. That to me is one colonial imposition that should be removed, after all, we are fifty-four years old.

Today, as we celebrate this occasion, all democratic and peace-loving Guyanese must call for the swift and transparent conclusion to the embarrassment that is going on at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

In concluding, I wish to salute the contribution of so many who came before and those that bore the brunt in the anti-colonial struggles.

Of recent times, we have lost some giants whose contributions were immense and spanned the colonial times, the PPP time in the 1960s and later.

They are Cyril Belgrave, Komal Chand and Feroze Mohamed, we remember them and all the others today.

On this Independence Day, all progressive Guyanese must now stand up and guard our votes.

Happy birthday, Guyana!

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Stanley Ming joins Mingo et al… with Bingo numbers!

Dear Editor, The only question I have for Mr Stanley Ming is approximately how many Guyanese persons that migrated from Guyana were on Official List of Electors (OLE) and how many dead Guyanese are estimated to be on the OLE. One can infer from Ming’s pronouncements on Benschop Radio 107.1 FM, which was published on May 24, 2020, in Guyana Chronicle under the caption “Bloated OLE was a recipe for disaster”, whereby the persons on the voters’ list who migrated from Guyana are not on the OLE nor are the names of dead Guyanese on the voters’ list.

Of course, every final electoral list in the world has names of persons who have migrated to other countries and the names of dead people. Walking, then voting while dead are not considered realistic events; even if such phenomena were possible, the checks and balances at the voting stations would have stopped the wannabe voters dead in their tracks.

Mr Ming’s numerical claims provide a challenge to untangle; suffice to say that he arrives at 586,000 (837,000 multiplied by 70 per cent) as the approximate number of persons who should be on the OLE. The OLE produced by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and used in the March 2, 2020 Elections allowed for 661,028 electors.

Unravelling from Ming’s computation, the OLE is overstated by 75,000 (661,000 minus 586,000), with numbers being rounded to the thousandth.

Using Ming’s math, APNU/ AFC coalition’s claim that the election list is bloated by over 200,000 - is an extreme distortion. The difference amounts to 125,000 (200,000 minus 75,000) representing the minimum amount over-bloated by the coalition and substantially exceeding the swollen numbers of 75,000 inferred by Mr Ming.

Here we have another member of the intelligentsia in Guyana, being creative with numbers and nullifying logic.

In returning to reality, we only have to look at the ruling made

by Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George on August 14, 2019, when she stated that the “right to vote and the right to be registered to vote are sacrosanct, …residence requirements from citizens is no longer a qualification for registration”.

Justice George also highlighted that it is unconstitutional for qualified persons to be removed from the list if they are not in the jurisdiction or not at their residence during the registration exercise and that only deceased persons and those otherwise disqualified under Article 159 (2), (3), or (4) are to be removed.

Mr Ming unstudiously overlooked the ruling by Madam Chief Justice and instead purposed his one-eyed computation in a biased and partisan manner, quite like Mingo ignoring and amending numbers on the Statements of Poll (SoPs) for Region Four.

In addition, Attorney-atLaw Mr Nigel Hughes, another member, if not leader of Guyana’s intelligentsia, claimed: “that the list that existed prior to elections was bloated.” The attorney noted that the court’s decision that migrants cannot be removed from the National Registrants Database (NRDB) was not in the best interest of Guyana.

My question for the honourable attorney-at-law is whether GECOM should have ignored the court’s decision. The recent mathematical observation by Mr Hughes - that under certain conditions, 33 is not a majority of 65 - was in the best interest of APNU/AFC, if not in the best interest of Guyana. Indeed, we Guyanese now live in the epoch of the inexplicable, the incomprehensible and the paranormal; we certainly are not living in evidence or experience-based reality.

The panel on Benschop’s radio program also included Commissioner Mr Desmond Trotman. The Commissioner implied that Guyanese eligible to vote, who reside outside of Guyana and deceased Guyanese are - “impurities that exist on the present list.” I have little doubt that Mr Trotman did not intend to refer to any amount of Guyanese alive or dead, as impurities.

Now more than ever, the deliberative and cunning Vincent Alexander, Commissioner of GECOM, is needed to provide a crumb of common sense, tolerability and thread of logic to the utterances coming from APNU/ AFC Commissioners and some other representatives of APNU/ AFC. Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

6 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Demented APNU/AFC” says PPP rigged for them to win – Jagdeo …Polling Day staff under fire from increasing APNU/AFC hostility …as Harmon now introduces ‘fake ballots’ to ‘dead votes’ tale …GECOM has a responsibility to protect its integrity, defend self – Nandlall

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he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has frontally addressed the broadcast by the APNU/AFC General Secretary Joseph Harmon, saying that as the reality of the uncovered fraud perpetrated by Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo sets in, “it is driving APNU/AFC into such desperation that they are making utterances that can only come from a demented mind.”

Recalling that Harmon has been mired in a series of multi-billion-dollar corruption scandals, the party suggested he “obviously is afraid of criminal prosecution, should there be a change in Government.”

The PPP in its statement posited “this can be the only reason for him to make the series of false and ridiculous al-

legations that he has levelled at the PPP/C.” According to the party, Harmon’s accusations are now being levelled against the entire GECOM machinery that worked on Elections Day. These would include accusations against APNU/AFC polling agents along with the seven other political parties that participated in the elections of being in a conspiracy with the PPP/C to enable the PPP/C to rig the elections.

Notably, the PPP observed, “in the end, he [Harmon] said that the APNU/AFC has won those very elections.”

As such, the Opposition has since placed on record its rejection of “this litany of false and unstable ramblings of Harmon.”

The party was adamant,

“GECOM can no longer remain silent on this matter” and as such called on the Chairperson of GECOM, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, “to respond to this devious and malicious attack

by Harmon on GECOM’s integrity and the integrity of thousands of Guyanese who worked honestly and diligently to deliver free and fair Elections Day activities which have been so certified by all the accredited local and international observers teams.”

Among the tales that the APNU/AFC has concocted is that migrants and dead people voted. They also alleged that there were fake ballots, unstamped ballots, missing lists of electors and missing poll books along with ballots in wrong envelopes.

Hostilities

Meanwhile, the staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is coming under increased hostilities with the daily barrage of accusations of electoral fraud being levelled by the coalition APNU/ AFC, and the political opposition has called on the electoral body to defend itself and personnel.

The views were articulated by the Opposition on Monday, subsequent to a live broadcast message by APNU/AFC General Secretary, where he accused the GECOM staff of being in cohorts with the PPP/C to rig the elections.

Harmon, in levelling the accusation, has since introduced a new dimension to the coalition’s version of events

GECOM takes up 85% of recount time to process 50% of ballot boxes

…must now consider extending timeframe — Opposition

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he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at the end of Monday, day 20 of the National Recount exercise, completed recounting 82 more ballot boxes, bringing the total amount recounted to date to 1206 ballot boxes, which leaves 1333 more to be done.

With the allotted 25day timeline set to expire on Saturday, it would mean that the electoral commission has spent more than 85 per cent of the allocated timeline to complete just over 50 per cent of the total amount of ballot boxes.

With 12 workstations up and running at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) venue, notable developments on Monday included the completion of the ballot boxes for Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) – two of the workstations had been dedicated to the recount of the ballot boxes for that electoral district.

As such, one of those stations has since been direct-

ed to begin counting ballot boxes for Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and the other to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

This would mean that the recount exercise has completed recounting votes cast in Region One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)— both of which confirmed victories for the Opposition People’s Progressive Party— and Region Five.

The only outstanding region to begin having its ballot boxes recounted is Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), while Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) continues to be the electoral district with the single highest number of ballot boxes to be addressed.

Breakdown

A breakdown of the counting stations at ACCC on Monday saw a total of 18 ballot boxes being recounted for Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Votes tabulated thus far for the region indicate anoth-

er resounding lead for the Opposition PPP/C which has so far had 40,926 of its votes for that district recounted while the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) trails at 18,224 votes.

The counting stations responsible for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), completed its highest total in a single day since the recount exercise commenced three weeks ago, finishing 21 boxes.

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), which saw the container housing its ballot boxes being opened for the first time on Monday, had the votes cast in seven of that district’s ballot boxes recounted.

Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) had 18 ballot boxes of that district’s votes counted while Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) had five boxes addressed.

Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) saw the votes cast in five of ballot boxes that electoral district recounted.

Six ballot boxes were ad-

dressed for Region Nine.

Addressing members of the media at the end of the day, PPP/C tabulation agent, Anil Nandlall expressed the hope that an additional two counting stations would be added by the Commission to the recount venue.

“Hopefully we get an additional two stations tomorrow [today] and we are hoping that both would be dedicated to the counting of Region Four ballots because as you know that is the largest number of ballot boxes to be counted.”

Pressing the need for additional stations to be housed at the venue in order to accelerate the recount activity, Nandlall stressed: “We are far behind the deadline.”

According to the former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, “there is no doubt anymore that the deadline with not be met, the 25day deadline, even if we get the workstations, so GECOM has to now consider extending the timeframe unfortunately to complete the exercise.”

to say there are now multiple ballots being found that bear similar counterfoil markings suggesting that fake ballots were somehow introduced to the ballot boxes.

This is in addition to repeating the allegations of dead or migrated persons listed as having voted on Elections Day. Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall addressed the broadcast statement by Harmon during a media engagement with reporters on the outskirts of the National Recount exercise underway by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

Nandlall told reporters, “I am worried about unnecessary hostilities being excited in our country by political leaders who continue to make irresponsible, baseless accusations and insinuations and a pack of political leaders who continue to attack the character, reputation and good standing of tens of thousands of Guyanese.”

According to Nandlall, the APNU/AFC speakers “are accusing every person who participated in the elections of fraud; they are accusing all those people of a criminal of-

fence and all those who man the electoral machinery on Elections Day are being accused of perpetrating multiple criminal offences. You can’t continue like that in a society and GECOM has a responsibility to protect its integrity.”

Seeking to give a holistic analogy to the political process that has engulfed the country, Nandlall told reporters some years ago, “…a Barbadian Prime Minister had said at some Caricom (Caribbean Community) Conference that Forbes Burnham is a ‘cross’ that all Caribbean people have to bear.”

According to Nandlall, “Forbes Burnham’s legacy is still with us and we still have to bear that cross on our shoulders,” as he pointed in the direction of the recount venue and its activities.

The politician used the occasion to recall that “we went to elections in 2015, GECOM said we lost, we disagreed with the results but we left the Government, we behaved like civilised human beings, not like barbarians, we obeyed the rule of law, we obeyed the Constitution of the country and we left the seat of Government in a peaceful way”. He went on say: “look at what these pack of riggers are doing to Guyana.”

US wants APNU/AFC to “respect voters’ wishes” ...recount process must be free, fair, transparent, credible – Pompeo

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nited States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday reiterated his call for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) caretaker Government to respect the will of Guyanese voters.

In an Independence Day message to Guyana, Pompeo said, “your anniversary is especially meaningful this year, as Guyana stands on the brink of a new and more prosperous era. We urge the Government to respect the wishes of the voters, as peacefully expressed in the March 2 election. Any recount should be conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and credible manner.”

He added that the US stood with the people of Guyana, who want their voices heard.

He extended greetings on behalf of the Government and people of the United States. “…congratulations to the people of Guyana on your nation’s 54th Independence Day…Once again, I extend my congratulations as you proudly celebrate your Independence Day,” Pompeo said.

Since the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, the US has expressed its commitment to ensuring that the process is transparent and credible.

Following the two fraudulent tabulations by Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, the US Government

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo

warned election authorities, “to follow accepted procedures and allow international observers to verify the results”.

Only recently, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch reminded that the threat of sanctions still hung over Guyana’s head over electoral fraud.

Lynch explained that sanctions ranged in seriousness from targeted measures such as individual visa restrictions to financial measures that could impact the economy.

“You’ve seen some of the statements coming out of Washington. Secretary (of State Mike) Pompeo.

Assistant Secretary (Michael) Kozak. The National Security Council. They have been very strong. And Secretary Pompeo did point to serious consequences if the democratic process, the rule of law, and the principles of democracy are not followed in Guyana,” Lynch said.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC COVID-19 Task Force stymies GECOM’s bid to meet recount deadline

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ommissioners of the Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) on Monday met to discuss measures aimed at increasing the number of ballot boxes being counted each day at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) during the recount of votes cast on March 2, last but a decision is still to be taken.

This is, in part, as a result of the failure of the National coronavirus (COVID-19) Task Force to provide its report advising on whether the Commission should establish the two additional counting stations to supplement the 12 in operation currently. The original timeframe for the recount is 25 days.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj briefed reporters encamped in the makeshift media centre outside of the ACCC venue following the meeting and lamented the stalemate.

He told reporters that the Commission has recognised a need to identify a definitive end for the recount process and “in getting there efficiently.”

“What I believe was agreed on today [Monday] is for a need to have some

definitive end to this process and in getting there, that the efficiency that we are currently operating at needs to be improved and improved significantly.”

Gunraj told reporters he is of the view that if GECOM were to go ahead and set up the additional workstations independent of the Task Force report then the electoral body would not be in breach of any local laws.

“I don’t believe that they will be in breach of any laws of provision of any law if we are to go ahead and establish the station without the report,” he said.

GECOM, in the execution of the recount exercise, has been doing so keeping with the guidelines that have been previously issued along with those identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Gunraj told reporters The PPP/C Commissioner disclosed that GECOM has, in fact, hired a company specifically for sanitisation of the facilities and measures such as social distancing and the wearing of marks are being ‘peer policed.’

As such, he posited “we are following the guidelines, and perhaps exceeding those, so there is nothing stopping us from putting

GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj

in two new stations.”

Maximum benefit, efficiency

Briefing the press corps, on the Commission meeting, Gunraj disclosed that it was recognised that several of the processes being employed “are not operating with maximum benefit and with maximum efficiency and as a consequence, we have agreed to take steps in relation to speeding up that.”

These, he said, include among other things, the addition of new workstations.

“I maintain that it is the singular most important factor in improving the pace

at which this process will be concluded.”

He drew reference to the fact that with the inclusion of two new workstations this past week—upping the initial number from ten to 12—there was an increase in the number of ballot boxes being counted per day, “and I believe that with the addition of more stations that the number [of boxes counted per day] can rise and rise significantly.”

Gunraj reminded that several locations have already been identified at ACCC and without the feedback from the COVID-19 Task Force “we know what

5 more days, over 1000 ballot boxes still to be counted

…GCCI joins calls for GECOM to add more workstations

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lothful actions to deliver the recount within a ‘reasonable’ timeframe has led the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to join calls for the Guyana Elections Commission to employ additional workstations.

The GCCI, an accredited local observer during the March elections, on Monday expressed concern over the pace at which the recount is going and further said the additional workstations, especially for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), would allow for the process to be expedited.

Region Four is known to be the largest of the ten districts, with 879 ballot boxes to be counted. Presently, less than 50 per cent of this number has been completed.

The Chamber stated, “The GCCI’s main concern is the speed at which the District 4 count is proceeding…completed, even though District 4 was allocated 3 stations from the start of the recount. The GCCI is of the opinion that additional stations to the existing 12 should be put in place and these stations should be entirely devoted to District Four. District Four is the most populous electoral district and will require more resources in order to

three-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) team currently observing the recount. Nandlall pointed out that they cannot stay in Guyana indefinitely.

Nevertheless, he had asserted that the PPP would continue to make efforts to have the recount sped up.

He noted that they intend to approach GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh in order to hold her to her promise of establishing more stations.

GCCI President Nicholas Boyer

be completed within a reasonable timeframe.”

With regards to the process, the Private Sector body expressed that it is proceeding smoothly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) but promised to deliver a preliminary observation report for the public to understand their ‘advocacy’ position.

On Thursday, GECOM recounted 88 ballot boxes. By Sunday, however, that number dropped dramatically to 75. Recounts have completed for Regions One (Barima-Waini), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The count is currently ongoing for Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-

West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) while Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is yet to commence.

As such, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall labelled the situation as pathetic during a media engagement on Sunday. He too was critical of the slow pace of the recount and the fact that GECOM has neither implemented new counting stations nor approved any of the PPP recommendations to speed up the process.

If the slow pace of the recount continues, there could also be implications for the

the guidelines are, we know what the extent of the facility here is, I believe that we just need to go ahead and implement them.”

He conceded nonetheless that the views expressed were personal and not a Commission position.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Ward, in announcing the decision to confer with the Task Force last week, had indicated that this was done “being cognisant that it is of national importance that this recount exercise concludes as quickly as possible, it is the intention of the Chairperson to write to the National Task Force, again, to seek their reconsideration for an additional two workstations.”

According to Ward, “we seek permission, as well as

for an assessment to be done to determine the risk involved in the establishment such.”

She conceded that the Commission had identified at least two additional proposed locations to the Task Force last week, but these would have been turned down.

Defending the Commission’s resort to the Task Force as against invoking its independence as is being touted by many, Ward told reporters “we also need to be cognisant that we cannot, while constitutionally the Commission operates in an autonomous way, we cannot operate in isolation and not being cognisant of other factors that could affect our operations; we have to be conscious that we are dealing with a health situation.”

Labourer slapped with ganja trafficking charge

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42-year-old labourer was on Monday arraigned for trafficking in narcotics when he appeared at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

Steve Pearson of Tabatinga, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson and denied the charge when it was read to him.

The court heard that on May 24, at approximately 22:15h, Police ranks were patrolling the Tabatinga area when they observed Pearson standing on the roadway.

Given the fact that the man was in breach of the national COVID-19 curfew, he was subjected to a search. During the search, lawmen discovered a transparent plastic bag containing cannabis seeds and stems.

He was then arrested and taken to the Lethem Police Station, where the

Charged: Steve Pearson

suspected cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 44 grams. He reportedly admitted ownership of the illicit substance.

Magistrate Wilson released him on $75,000 bail.

The case will continue on June 15, 2020.

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Woman struck, killed by speeding car

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mother of one lost her life on Saturday afternoon after she was struck by an allegedly drunk driver at Parika, on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE).

Dead is 48-year-old Ekene Rogers.

According to Police reports, the incident occurred at about 13:00h. Rogers, who worked at a supermarket, was standing along the roadside waiting to board a minibus.

However, the motor car driver was allegedly speed-

ing at the time when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into Rogers. She was immediately picked up and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where doctors on duty tried to save her life.

Owing to complications, a decision was made to transfer her to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where she died en route. This publication understands that the woman suffered several broken bones, including her two legs.

The driver was later taken into custody where a breathalyser test revealed that he was above the legal consumption limit. As such, he is assisting with the investigations.

Rogers is one of two women who were struck down over the weekend in separate accidents. On, Sunday, 61-yearold Bibi Zalima Subrattie was struck and killed on the East Coast of Demerara.

Reports received revealed that the car that was involved in the accident was driven by

at her home and informed her that “Kiran went into the water at Unity beach and they didn’t find him back.”

Without hesitation, she and other relatives rushed to the foreshore where they saw a group of people in the water searching for her husband.

“I hear that before he went to the beach, he take a girl to reach he sister at her house…the girl de driving… but they left and tell his sister that they going to beach…I don’t know who is the girl but, I hear that they meet like three weeks now,” the aggrieved wife stated.

Upon enquiring what took place on the fateful day, Boodhoo related that while at the beach, Persaud and his female friend went swimming but from reports received, they might have gone too far

into the water and he was caught in the heavy wave.

“The girl brother say he hear he sister screaming for help and he went to her aid… he also say that he see Kiran in the water but he bring out he sister first. By the time he went back to collect Kiran, he disappeared.”

The three persons who were with Persaud at the time of his disappearance were detained by the police.

Persaud’s wife, nevertheless, stated that from all indications, her husband drowned and as such, she does not suspect foul play was involved.

Persaud was due to attend court on Monday after he was charged for overloading his minibus amid the COVID-19 regulations and orders.

His body was taken to Jerrick’s Funeral Home

on May 20, at Princetown Public Road, Corriverton, Corentyne, he drove motor car HC 8511 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 57-year-old Marsha Adiana of Skeldon Riverside, Upper Corentyne.

Reports are that Kaidnauth was proceeding south along the eastern carriageway of the Princetown Public Road in Corriverton and Adiana was on his pedal cycle proceeding north along

the western side of the road when Kaidnauth allegedly swerved west and collided with the cyclist.

According to Police, as a result of the impact, the father of three fell onto the road’s surface, where he received injuries to his body.

a Special Constabulary officer.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the accident occurred at about 18:15h and involved motor car bearing registration number PKK 9991.

The car was reportedly driving along the Chateau Margot Public Road and suddenly changed lanes to overtake another vehicle but instead, it came into contact with the woman, who was attempting to cross the highway.

Body of minibus conductor found at Unity Foreshore

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ne day after 28-yearold Rajindranauth Persaud also called “Kiran”, of Logwood, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, disappeared while swimming at the Unity Foreshore, his body was retrieved on Monday.

The body was reportedly found by a fisherman, who immediately alerted the police.

The father of three and a group of friends reportedly travelled to the foreshore for a swim but in the process, he was allegedly swept away by a heavy wave.

The dead man’s wife, Latchmie Boodhoo, told Guyana Times that she last saw her husband alive at about 06:30h on Sunday when he left home for work. She, however, noted that at about 15:15h, his sister turned up

Dead: Rajindranauth Persaud

awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police have since confirmed that there were no marks of violence about the young man’s body. He leaves to mourn his wife, three children and other relatives.

Taxi driver charged for causing death by dangerous driving

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25-year-old hire car driver was on Monday slapped with the charge of causing death by dangerous driving and was hauled before the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

Nigel Kaidnauth of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was not required to plea to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Alex Moore.

The charge detailed that

He was picked up in an unconscious condition and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Kaidnauth was released on $150,000 bail and will return to court on July 16.

Woman killed on ECD highway ID’d as Pigeon Island resident 4 Lindeners charged T with breach of COVID-19 orders

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our Lindeners who appeared virtually before Magistrate Wanda Fortune on Friday were granted bail for breach of restriction on social activities.

The alleged violators pleaded not guilty to the charges and were given their pre-trial liberty in the sum of $10,000 each.

The matters were adjourned until June 26 for the commencement of trials.

Meanwhile, two other persons were charged with breach of the countrywide COVID-19 curfew that is

presently in place, however, they did not appear in court.

These matters were also adjourned until June 26.

Almost forty persons have been placed before the Linden Magistrate’s Court so far as Police in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) continue the crackdown on persons in violation of the national curfew and restrictions on social activities.

This has resulted in fines ranging from $5000 to $20,000 while a number of perpetrators have been sentenced to community service.

he woman who was on Sunday evening struck down and killed by a speeding car in the vicinity of Pigeon Island, East Coast Demerara (ECD), has been identified as 61-year-old Bibi Zalima Subrattie.

The now dead woman’s address was given as Pigeon Island Squatting Area, ECD. Reports received revealed that the car that was involved in the accident was driven by a Special Constabulary.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the accident occurred at about 18:15h and involved motor car bearing registration number PKK 9991.

The car was reportedly driving along Chateau Margot Public Road and suddenly changed lanes to over-

take another vehicle but instead, it came into contact with the woman, who was attempting to cross the road.

Upon seeing the woman, the driver attempted to swerve but the right side of the vehicle collided with the now dead woman.

As a result, Subrattie fell onto the roadway where she sustained severe head and bodily injuries. The woman reportedly died on the spot but it was until after an ambulance arrived at the scene, she was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Her body was later picked up and taken to Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem. The driver of the motor car was detained as Police continue their investigations.

Have you…

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…no shame, Mr Granger? avid Granger wears his religion on his sleeves (and on his knees!), so he should know about the meaning of “shame”. It’s illustrated in his Bible as foundational to the formation – and preservation – of human society. We’re told that in the beginning, Adam and Eve stood together ‘both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed’. And then they ate of the tree of knowledge; their eyes opened; they knew they were naked; they covered themselves with fig leaves.

It was their shame that told God they had fallen and become humans of our sort.

Shame is the emotion that makes us humans signal, first to ourselves and then the world, that we know we’ve done something wrong, something dishonourable that violates our sense of decency. It’s a regulatory emotion of the self. A seminal turning point in modern American history occurred when Senator McCarthy was conducting his witch-hunt for Communists in public life – in which he ruined the reputation of thousands – but had made him into one of the most powerful men in America. Finally, one of his interlocuters in a Senate hearing asked him a simple question, “Have you no decency, sir?”

That question stirred the inchoate outrage of the American people that had been seething at the bullyism of McCarthy. Very soon, he was censured by the Senate and his career ended ignominiously. On this Independence Day, 2020, your Eyewitness asks Brig (rtd) David Arthur Granger, who held the highest office in this land and is still the caretaker President of Guyana: “Have you no shame, sir? Have you no sense of decency? How much longer will you carry on with this blatant rigging of our elections that has brought so much dishonour on our nation?”

But the problem with shame, is that it can only arise when your actions conflict with your own internalised standards of decency or that of your group and you are exposed. The question arises, then, as to what are Granger’s and his group’s internal moral standards when it comes to holding on to power. And this is where we can answer our own question: Granger has no shame.

His internal standards were set by the Machiavellian Burnham, who preached that in politics, power trumps legitimacy any day. Granger just doesn’t give a damn about what the people – here or outside – think about rigging. His ends justify his means. One can say that, like hypocrisy (which Granger knows well!), shame is a compliment that vice pays to virtue.

But what can we do when shamelessness is the order of the day with Granger and the PNC? We, the people, have to say, “Thus far and no further!” …ever wondered about our Independence date?

There’s been controversy about today’s date being picked as our Independence date ever since Burnham and company went up to the Independence Conference that was the dénouement of their sordid plot to oust the PPP from office. As part of their drive to seize power by any means necessary, the PNC was willing to tear Guyana asunder (to this day) by extending the canker of violence into Guyanese politics.

Now is not the time to tear the scabs from those old sores, but there needs to be a national discussion on the issue of May 26 and what it signifies. If we don’t, we stand in danger of having those sores exploding ever so often around election time – and as Langston Hughes reminded us, the pus that comes out ain’t pretty at all.

It’s almost three months after the elections and we still don’t have a result. How will it end??

Another round of “collateral damage” caused by the PNC in their obscene quest for power? …wondered about our COVID spike?

In this COVID-19 pandemic, the saying “no man is an island” is brought home daily – but with a twist. Because of our connectedness, we’ve now become threats to each other’s lives!

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

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NEWS

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Gunmen invade Linden gold miner's home …escape with over $4M

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Block 22, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) family was robbed of over $4 million in cash and other valuables on Saturday evening, as three gunmen invaded their two-storey home at Wismar.

Reports are the gunmen struck at about 05:30h.

According to information received, the 55-year-old gold miner, who works at an interior location, was robbed of $4 million in cash and a Samsung Galaxy J2 Curve cell phone valued $55,000.

The gunmen also escaped with his reputed wife’s Samsung S7 cell phone valued $60,000.

Additionally, the woman’s sister, who resides in the upper part of the house, was robbed of a gold and silver cricket band valued $60,000 and a Samsung Galaxy A10 cellphone valued $40,000 while their mother was robbed of four pennyweights of raw gold and a

Samsung Galaxy cell phone valued $15,000.

According to reports, the gold miner gave his reputed wife the $4 million for her sister to secure after returning from the interior last month.

The woman’s sister reportedly told investigators that she kept the money secured in a black garbage bag, which she hung on a wall in her bedroom. She disclosed that she was in her bedroom sleeping when she was awakened by two armed men who held her at gunpoint, demanding cash and jewellery. The woman told investigators that the gunmen then started to ransack the house. During this time, the other victims heard the commotion and ventured to the upper flat of the house where the gunmen then turned their attention to them. During the ordeal, one of the gunmen reportedly dealt the gold miner’s reputed wife a lash on her left shoulder while demanding cash and jewellery.

Son arrested for setting father’s house on fire

The debris of the house at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara

A

father of three is now counting his losses after one of his sons set ablaze their Lot 737 Block 8, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home.

Reports are the fire started at 15:00h on Sunday as the occupants of the house, Jagdat Gart and his two sons, were imbibing.

During the drinking spree, one of the sons set the wooden building on fire, which quickly engulfed the house.

Jagdat and his other son saw the smoke emanating from his son’s bedroom

and managed to escape the building unhurt. The entire building quickly went up in flames, and they were unable to salvage any household items.

A neighbour told this publication that she barely saw smoke coming from the house and immediately rushed to render assistance to the two males who were intoxicated.

She stated that everyone is baffled as to why the man would set his father’s house on fire.

The son has since been arrested and is assisting with the investigations.

Reports are the suspects discharged a round into the roof of the house, which caused the woman, who feared for her life, to go into the bedroom where she handed over the bag containing the cash.

One of the gunmen then proceeded to relieve the other victims of their valuables.

They then ran out of the house, making good their escape. The suspects discharged several shots while fleeing the scene. A report was made to the police, who

have since launched an investigation into the incident.

Ranks have since recovered two 9mm spent shells and a warhead fragment at the

scene. Several persons have since been questioned by Police, which has since led to the arrest of three men.

These men are a 35-year-

old self-employed resident of Silvertown, Wismar, Linden; a 28-year-old self-employed resident of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden, and a 19-year-old student of the Linden Technical Institute. One of the men has since been released while the other two are said to be assisting with the investigation. Police have since searched the homes of the suspects. Ranks are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area as the investigation continues.

14 NEWS Former teacher is Guyana’s 11th COVID-19 death TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…cases rise to 137

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Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini) man has lost his life to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), making him Guyana’s 11th fatality from the virus. His death comes at a time when there is an alarming spike in positive cases.

Vincent Torres, a former teacher, was admitted to the Kumaka District Hospital, Santa Rosa, last Friday after experiencing breathing complications and other symptoms. A COVID-19 test was conducted on the man, which revealed that he was positive.

However, the elderly man succumbed on Sunday and medical personnel who tended to him were placed in isolation. His death was confirmed by caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence on Monday.

At present, transport boats operating in the sub-district were suspended and authorities in Santa Rosa have imposed travel

restrictions in the area after it was revealed that Torres had travelled between his village and Georgetown for various transactions.

Guyana recorded its first coronavirus case following the death of 52-year-old Ratna Baboolall on March 11. The second COVID-19 death was recorded more than two weeks later. An emergency medical technician (EMT), 38-year-old Jermaine Ifill died on March 31 after contracting the disease.

Three days later, a 78-year-old resident of New Amsterdam, Berbice, Osa Collins, became the third persons to die from the coronavirus after experiencing complications from the disease.

On the same day, Guyana recorded its fourth COVID-19 death when 59-year-old Shadrach Stoll succumbed while receiving treatment in the COVID-19 ICU. Meanwhile, popular rac-

er, Deryck Jaisingh died on April 6 after testing positive for coronavirus. Two days later, the country had its sixth COVID-19 fatality following the death of Colonel John Percy Lewis, a 77-year-old engineer who also died shortly after testing positive.

A 49-year-old Lindener, Sydney Trellis, was the seventh death after dying on April 18. His death was followed by 45-yearold Lennox Williams, who died in the dedicated ICU at GPHC on April 24. The ninth COVID-19 death was 67-year-old Samuel Morris on April 29, followed by Bhaneshwar Ramdial, a resident at the Palms Geriatric Home.

2 new cases

The COVID-19 situation has been especially worrying locally, given that there was a spike of eight cases on Sunday. On Monday, Lawrence announced that another two tests were pos-

itive after 32 were conducted – adding to a total of 137 cases in the country.

The total number of persons tested is 1489, with 1352 being negative.

While 62 persons have recovered, there are still 64 active cases in isolation, two patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and another two in quarantine.

Now, health authorities are focusing on hinterland regions, since three out of the four are affected by the novel strand of coronavirus. The caretaker Minister pointed out that the mining communities make them even more vulnerable.

While expressing concern

over these threats, there have been no announcements to remove mining as an essential service on the official COVID-19 gazette document.

“Three of the four hinterland regions are affected.

I wish to draw your attention particularly to Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) where seven positive cases have been identified, most of these cases coming from the mining community. We are concerned particularly because other mining communities can be affected since

our miners can transport this disease from the coastland into the interior,” she indicated.

While Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) is considered the epicentre, it is closely followed by Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Globally, the total number of cases is 5,204,508 with 337,687 deaths while in the region of the Americas, the total number of cases is 2,338,124 with 138,116 deaths.

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16 NEWS

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

APNU/AFC’s brazen actions are to deny will of Guyanese – FITUG …era of rights being trampled on should not return – GAWU

G

uyana’s 54th Independence Day celebration has served as a reflection for trade unions, as the current political situation was compared to hurdles in the past which interfered with the rights of the people.

This year, Guyana is celebrating its Independence anniversary without a legitimate Government in place while at the helm of an ongoing National Recount of the March 2 ballots to return credibility to the polling process.

On Monday, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) in their missive sought to share insight into the second tabulation – established after the District Four declaration was riddled with anomalies and breached protocols.

It stated that while this

recount has mimicked the original declarations provided, it gives “a breath of fresh air” from the “obnoxious stench” of the Region Four data that was initially provided by Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

These “heinous” acts, the Federation said, impeded on the will of the people and highlighted the fragileness of democracy in Guyana.

It went on to say that the process should be further accelerated to end this disturbing chapter in the country’s history.

“The brazen actions displayed are, for us, a heinous act and constitute nothing less than a bare-faced attempt to deny the will of the Guyanese people. There can be no justifiable reason for such actions and those who played a role can no longer be seen as decent or honest and certainly lack any

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

strain of integrity. As the recount continues, we are sure that the conscience of the decent-minded Guyanese will continue to be shocked as the depravities that were pursued reveal them-

selves…reminds us of the fragileness is our democracy and the utmost need for us all to continue to protect and consolidate it,” the organisation opined.

In relation to the ongoing recount, FITUG observed that the recount has given insight into what transpired during the Region Four tabulation and “the heavily altered results” confirmed that this is where the credibility of the process was tainted. The Guyana Elections Commission, the statement said, should conduct a full probe and legal actions should be levied against culpable wrongdoers.

“We saw too harping coming from the coalition which has made unsubstantiated accusations admittedly on the basis [of] hearsay.

This, we contend, can hardly be the basis to lodge an objection. It appears, never-

GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine

theless, that objections are being lodged for objection sake and we hold, like many others, they are misplaced in the first place.”

Recovering from adversity

Additionally, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) voiced similar sentiments, stating that the country is heading down the path of a “dictatorship” regime. With concerns, it stated that such an era should never return.

“We see too our potential being threatened by those who seek to derail our democracy and take us down a road of fraudulent elections and dictatorship. We have experienced such painful times before and history has recorded the harm it brought to the well-being of our people and the stagnation and regression Guyana experienced. We do not wish to return to such an era where our freedoms were trampled upon and impoverishment became a defining feature,” GAWU said, as they called for the process to be hastened.

Recollecting their struggles on the Independence

Day commemoration, GAWU said the country can withstand “great adversity and withstand the intrigues” that are formed against it.

“We are reminded too that those struggles involved Guyanese from all walks of life who were all committed to the common goal of political freedom and the desire for our nation and people to realise its full potential. Indeed, we hail those who played an active role in those struggles as they faced up to difficult circumstances and unstinted efforts to crush their resolve and to thwart their advancements.”

With the political situation aside, Guyana’s fateful oil boon was mentioned but followed by worries of the agreements that were brokered which might not benefit the Guyanese people as it should have. The low royalties and other fragments of the oil deal have caused room for dismay, according to GAWU. “It is yet another reminder of how endowed we are as a nation. At the same time, it stresses the need for our people, today and tomorrow, [to] benefit from pragmatic programmes and policies to really benefit from our natural wealth while we safeguard our environment. It is against this background, that the GAWU must express its dismay, once again, regarding our arrangements with respect to our oil resources. Undoubtedly, there is a mountain of evidence which confirms the sad conclusion,” the statement read.

In these unprecedented times, the Union recognised the economic hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic – another reason for a legitimate Government to be installed at the soonest.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil commences reinjection of gas in Liza Phase 1 …EPA says problems with gas compressors solved, no more flaring

By Jarryl Bryan

K

inks in their gas compressors resulted in ExxonMobil flaring more gas than expected, but according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director, Dr Vincent Adams, these challenges have since been resolved.

Dr Adams explained in an interview with this publication that the Liza Destiny Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel being used by ExxonMobil has started reinjecting gas.

He acknowledged that in normal circumstances, ExxonMobil is not allowed to routinely flare gas during production. However, he noted that the flaring done

by ExxonMobil is still catered for in their permit.

“The permit says they’re not allowed to flare routinely during production, except in cases of emergency and startup. They are in the startup mode here now.”

“And what had happened is that the equipment was assembled onshore. It was tested on a different type of gas. So when they brought it offshore, they had to test it with the gas that is going to be produced,” he explained.

Adams also explained that ExxonMobil had to flare the gas anyway because, at the startup, all the gas and accompanying pressure could not be reinjected.

“You have to produce gas, so you can test the compressor on that produced gas. While you’re testing the equipment, you have to be flaring. It happened that when they were going through that routine, they found that the seals on the compressor were not compatible with the gas. So they had to redesign, and the valves were causing problems. So this year was a start-up.”

According to Adams, going forward, flaring will not

EPA Director, Dr Vincent Adams

be allowed once the project gets past this startup phase. However, he was confident that ExxonMobil now has the right design for its equipment.

Dr Adams chalked it up to a lesson learnt. Moreover, he noted that ExxonMobil kept and continues to keep the EPA updated with their flaring and reinjection levels.

“Of course, we’ve had some very serious conversations with them. And this will be a onetime thing. We all understand what the problem was and by going through this, at least we understand a problem that was fixed. We learned the hard way.”

Guyana currently depends on to generate energy.

The Government had previously announced that there were plans to establish a 188-megawatt power plant. There are also plans to land the pipeline necessary for the transfer of the gas at a site on the East Coast of Demerara.

Part of a US$20 million loan that Guyana had signed with the World Bank had also gone towards funding a study to examine the merits of bringing natural gas onshore for the local energy market.

Meanwhile, Exxon has said that around 30 to 35 million cubic feet of natural

gas would be required for a gas-to-shore project.

Data from Norwegian research company Rystad Energy had indicated that less than 20 per cent of the 1.8 billion Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE) Exxon discovered last year offshore Guyana was gas.

The Haimara discovery made by Exxon last year was found to have 207 feet of high-quality gas condensate sandstone reservoirs.

The Liza Phase 1 project meanwhile accounts for roughly 75,000 and 80,000 barrels of oil per day.

Moreover, production is expected to be ramped up to 120,000 barrels per day by

next month.

In addition, Exxon has its Liza Phase Two project, which will contain approximately 30 wells and which has already received the requisite approval from the EPA. But the onset of coro-

Civil Defence Commission issues flood advisory

Gas reinjection

Gas reinjection is a common process used by oil and gas operators to maintain pressure and enhance oil production by reinjecting gas back into the reservoir. In contrast, gas flaring is the burning of excess gas. However, gas flaring has been cited as a source of greenhouse gas emission, not to mention the toxins that it releases, which are harmful to humans.

There has meanwhile also been talk about bringing excess gas to shore as a greener substitute for the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)

navirus, also known as COVID-19, has had a serious impact not just on lives but also the global economy and specifically, oil. Exxon has already announced that it is downsizing its operations in order to mitigate against the pandemic.

File photo: Flooding in Georgetown two weeks ago (CDC photo)

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flood warning has been issued for flood-prone areas over the next few days. According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorological Service, rainfall accumulation is expected to range from 15.0 mm to 60.0 mm, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

Persons residing in flood-prone areas are advised to prepare and take precautions against possible flash

floods while those residing in hilly areas should take similar precautions due to possible landslides.

On Tuesday, May 26, conditions are expected to continue from Monday night. However, light rain is also expected during the morning hours.

Rainfall is expected between 0.0 mm to 45.0 mm.

On Wednesday, May 27, as the day progresses, cloudy conditions can be expected across Guyana with oc-

casional showers. Rainfall is expected to be between 0.0 mm to 20.0 mm.

Similar conditions are expected on Thursday, May 28, 2020, across all regions with rainfall projected to be between 0.0 mm to 20.0 mm.

During the months of May, June and July, the Hydromet Office’s extended forecast predicts that all regions will experience above normal rainfall with some extreme events during these months. Already, the Commission has received complaints of damages to properties in a few communities due to freak storms.

Above normal high tide is expected during the period of June 1 to June 8, 2020, with the highest tides expected to reach a height of 3.13 metres on June 4, 2020, 3.16 metres on June 5, 2020, and 3.14 metres on June 6, 2020.

The Civil Defence Commission is urging residents in communities that are prone to flooding to take all the necessary precautions.

Persons were further advised to call the Civil Defence Commission’s 24hour National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 623-1700, 6007500, 226-1114 or message through the Civil Defence Commission-CDC Facebook page to report flooding or landslides in their community.

NA Market closed amid chaos over suspected COVID-19 case

M

edical personal assisted by Police Officers on Monday removed a woman from the New Amsterdam Market, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), sending vendors and customers scurrying.

The woman, who is only a suspected COVID-19 case, was taken to a quarantine facility.

While it is unclear if she is from the region, vendors were seen closing their stalls and customers hurrying to get out of the market as the news spread. The municipality then closed the Market and asked all vendors to exit.

The woman is said to have walked through the vegetable section of the market. According to vendors, the woman walked through the produce section

Fumigating the New Amsterdam Market

and did not make any purchase or stop at any stall. It was there that she was apprehended.

Shortly after the commotion ensued, personnel of the Public Health Department arrived and fumigated the vending facili-

ty.

Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens said the Rapid Response Team was called after the Department received information stating that a person who may have COVID-19 symptoms was

seen in New Amsterdam and was seen entering the Market.

According to Stephens, they received the call via the COVID-19 hotline on Sunday stating that the person might be in Berbice.

On Monday, a photograph

of the person was forwarded to the Health Department and further information suggested that the individual was seen at the New Amsterdam Market.

After acting on the information, they visited the market where the woman

was found and removed.

“The patient at the time provided no resistance to our team and is cooperating with what needs to be done at the moment,” Stephens said.

He implored the public to maintain safety precautions and to pay attention to the gazetted orders and try as best as possible to operate within the confines of the now provided laws so that the Region could remain safe. While commending the person who made the call, Stephens is also encouraging others to do the same if the need arose.

However, authorities are still to determine if the individual was infected with COVID-19.

“At the moment, we do not know if this person is positive or not,” the Director added.

18 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT TUESDAY, MAY 26, 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

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 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

20 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT TUESDAY, MAY 26, 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

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 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

22 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT TUESDAY, MAY 26, 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

NEWS

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TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Returning Guyanese to be screened, possibly tested on entry – Foreign Affairs Ministry

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uyanese returning home will have to undergo screening with the possibility of testing for the coronavirus at a port of entry.

This was announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday as it explained that Guyanese wishing to be repatriated can complete a form online. Guyanese seeking to return are required to plan their return in coordination with and on approval from the Government of Guyana. “This will enable control of the spread of COVID-19 in Guyana and protect the health and safety of all citizens dwelling there, particularly those who are most vulnerable,” the Ministry said. Further, it added that in the interest of public health and safety, approvals for re-entry will be phased in a manner deemed appropriate by the Public Health Ministry.

According to the Ministry, Guyanese wishing to return must complete an application for entry form. This form can be found on the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s website, in

addition to those of Guyana’s overseas missions including embassies, consulates general and honorary consulates.

"Subsequently, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application and, afterwards, confirmation of the intended date of travel. Guyanese nationals should expect to be screened and possibly tested for the novel coronavirus on return to Guyana,” the Ministry said.

It added that this is a condition of return and will be undertaken at the point of entry. “It is anticipated that all persons entering Guyana will need to exercise patience as social distancing and health and safety protocols will be observed."

The Ministry stressed that once a Guyanese national completes the form, it serves as an acknowledgement that they have read, understood and agreed with the requirements laid out.

"We would like to reiterate that you should not attempt to travel to Guyana without gaining prior approval from the

Suriname votes in crucial poll

S

uriname went to the polls on Monday with strongman President Desi Bouterse seeking a third term, battling to hold onto power to avoid spending his twilight years in prison after being convicted of murder.

The former military dictator-turned-politician has dominated his tiny South American country for four decades, but polls suggested his National Democratic Party (NDP) was likely to lose its majority in the 51-member Parliament which elects the president.

The 74-year-old and his wife Ingrid Waaldring were among the first people to

vote at a school in the capital Paramaribo, surrounded by supporters and media.

Authorities lifted a partial coronavirus lockdown for the day and voters lined up at 1.5-metre (five-foot) intervals before the polls opened at 7:00 am (1000 GMT).

"Just a few more hours then we have liberated Suriname," said Bouterse's main rival Chandrikapersad Santokhi as he walked from his house to vote.

An IDOS survey predicted the NDP's overall share will fall from 26 seats to between 14 and 17, with opposition parties claiming 12 of the 17 seats in the capital.

(Excerpt from AFP)

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Government," the Ministry also said.

The advisory comes just one day after Guyana saw a worrying spike in the local coronavirus cases, from 127 on Saturday to 135 on Sunday. As of Monday, it is at 137, with 11 deaths.

A number of Guyanese stranded overseas, among them former Deputy Mayor of Georgetown Lionel Jaikarran, have made public appeals to be allowed home.

Many of them are in situations where they are running low on funds, have pressing matters to attend to at home or have simply overstayed their welcome at their place of abode.

A few days ago, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) approved the conditional return of over 300 stranded Guyanese during a special meeting, signalling some definitive action by the highly politicised Task Force.

TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Ramdhani siblings turn to home training in face of restrictions L

Priyanna Ramdhani

ike many athletes around the world, Guyana’s national badminton champions Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani, who are representing the Kings University Eagles and Olds College Broncos in Canada, are trying to keep up with their fitness training as there are limited to no opportunities to play and train on court during the coronavirus pandemic.

When Guyana Times last caught up with the racquet-wielding siblings, they shared how they w e r e coping with the restrictions that the coronavirus has brought and even tips for athletes at home in Guyana.

“This is the longest I have been away from badminton; the most I can do is watch badminton,” Narayan had said.

“COVID-19 restrictions made a big impact on my training schedule. I usually train five times a week: three times a week on court and twice a week at the gym for strength training, etc,” Priyanna had added.

Now, a few weeks later, the siblings are still trying unconventional methods in order to stay fit and game ready. The two players are said to be keeping busy training indoors and outdoors when the weather permits.

Currently, their focus is mainly on fitness and other outdoor activities like football, basketball, running, watching a lot of badminton videos, and outdoor specific badminton shots. They are also doing Pan Am Coaches/Athletes online training and courses.

According to their father, Gokarn Ramdhani, at the moment they are also eagerly awaiting a flight to return to Guyana for their holidays before having to return to Canada to continue their studies and badminton programmes. However, the 2020-2021 season hangs in the balance, since it is uncerNarayan tain whether or not clearance will be given should the Ramdhani coronavirus pandemic persist.

Shannon Gabriel: “I'm just taking my body back into it easy”

E

ven as Cricket West Indies continues to figure out whether the three-Test series in England – in a biosecure environment – can take place or not, few people are more eager for a bit of on-field action than Shannon Gabriel. The 32-year-old quick underwent a surgery on his right knee in November last year, and has just completed a six-month rehabilitation programme, and is now hoping to get on that flight to England.

"It's a good feeling always to represent West Indies. It's good to be back out on the park," he told i955FM. "The plan is right now to try to make it to the tour to England - hopefully that comes off. I'm just trying my best to stay positive and I hope everything goes well.

"It has been a long journey since November when I did the surgery on my ankle. Everything is going well, it has been a long process in terms of getting back to running and bowling and stuff like that."

Gabriel's last international

appearance was in September 2019, against India, in a twoTest series in which he picked up just four wickets at an average of 56.90. Then his short county stint with Gloucestershire was unimpressive too, as he picked up two wickets in three innings.

This was around the time the right knee started troubling him.

Now, having eased himself back in slowly, Gabriel hopes to be fully ready by July, when the tour is slated to happen. As things stand, the West Indies players are scheduled to leave the Caribbean in the first week of June for a preparatory camp.

"I am trying my best to be as fit as possible so I'm really working hard in terms of my fitness and managing my weight, trying not to get too heavy to put too much strain on my ankle," Gabriel said of his fitness sessions. "So I know once I put in the hard work everything will be ok in the end.

I just want to stay positive.

"There has been no highintensity work, I'm just taking

my body back into it easy, taking it one day at a time and not trying to push too hard, but it's still long while before the first Test in England and by that time I'm sure I'll be fit and ready."

The process of becoming match ready has also involved reworking his action and run-up to ease pressure on his ankles. "My run-up has probably just tweaked a bit, in terms of my running technique and stuff like that, but I don't think there are many changes," he explained. "Obviously that ankle was getting most of the pressure and obviously I don't want that type of injury to happen again, so I'm trying my best to stay fit so I can stay on the park [longer]."

With the ICC having introduced guidelines with regards to shining the ball and several other physicaldistancing measures, Gabriel also expects things to be "mentally taxing" when they return to cricket in the postCOVID-19 era.

CWI could green-light England tour by Thursday

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decision on whether the West Indies will go ahead with their three-Test tour of England could be made by Thursday this week, CWI CEO Johnny Grave has said.

The CWI CEO, in an interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), said he is increasingly confident that the CWI Board will green-light the tour.

Initially set to get underway in June, the tour was postponed because of the coronavirus (COVID 19). However, the England Cricket Board and CWI began discussions at the start of the month over the possibility of starting the Test series in July.

Grave told Sportsmax.TV that the tour would only go ahead if the ECB could guarantee the safety of its players and support staff. However, in subsequent discussions, it was suggested that the players would fly to England by charter and be housed in a bio-secure environment for up to four weeks before the series could begin.

Last week, during the ongoing discussions, Grave said the two sides were making progress after which the CWI CEO said he now believed that the ECB now believed that they had a ‘robust and safe’ plan to ensure that the series could go ahead.

“From where we sit at the moment, based on the information we have, based on the fact that every day there are less and less cases in the UK, everyone is getting increasingly confident that the tour will happen at some point,” Grave told CMC. “Our board meeting is on May 28. If the tour has to take place, by the start of June we would need to have the [CWI] board approval and support by then in order to get the charter flight logistics in place and select the players.”

If the CWI agrees, West Indies players and support staff would likely depart the Caribbean on June 8.

(Sportsmax)

NBA: Big man Leuer announces retirement

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Shannon Gabriel

"It's going to take a lot. It's going to be mentally taxing on the brain but you have to stay positive. Keep your mind fresh," he said. "I know they [England] are going to be coming at us all guns [blazing] at us, but I know the guys "Plus plenty of the guys haven't been playing any cricket, so it is going to take us a while to get back there. On the positive side, you're still getting the opportunity to play cricket and represent your country so that in itself should be enough motivation." (ESPNcricinfo)

orward Jon Leuer announced his retirement Sunday after eight NBA seasons.

The 31-year-old Leuer didn’t play in the 2019-20 season after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks in July.

Leuer made his announcement on his Instagram account.

“I love the game of basketball,” Leuer wrote. “I still want to play, but I know deep down it’s not the right decision for my health anymore. The past 3 years I’ve dealt with a number of injuries, including 2 that kept me out this whole season.

“It’s taken me a while to come to grips with this, but I’m truly at peace with my decision to officially retire.”

The 6-foot-10 Leuer played in just eight games

in 2017-18 for the Detroit Pistons due to a season-ending ankle injury. The following summer, he underwent surgery on his right knee.

Leuer averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 377 games (80 starts) with the Bucks (2011-12), Cleveland Cavaliers (201213), Memphis Grizzlies (2013-15), Phoenix Suns (2015-16) and Pistons (201619).

Leuer averaged a career-best 10.2 points in 75 games (34 starts) for the Pistons in 2016-17.

Prior to his NBA career, Leuer starred at Wisconsin and was a first-team AllBig-Ten selection in 201011 when he averaged 18.3 points and 7.2 rebounds.

He was a second-round draft pick (No. 40 overall) in 2011 by the Bucks. (Reuters)

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