Guyana Times - Wednesday, April 22, 2020

NGSA exam date still to be determined – Education Ministry P12 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4263

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

PRICE

GECOM, APNU/AFC destruction of democracy: Day 51

Nagamootoo regulating GECOM’s recount unconstitutional – fmr AG

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Businessman arrested P15 for rape of 14-year-old …tells Police girl’s mother approved relationship

Page 7

…as Commission yet to announce starting date

132 more workers now on the breadline …as bauxite shipping company closes operation in Guyana Page 14

Ramjattan confirms COVID-19 outbreak APNU/AFC Guyana confirms hired COVID-19 lobby firm cases now 67

Lusignan Prison brawl leaves 1 P14 dead

Woman dies, husband critical after 3-vehicle collision Page 15

Page 16

Page 3

Page 11

Farmer feared drowned after GDF vessel collides with boat in Pomeroon River

P12 India examining Guyana’s COVID-19 assistance request – High Commission …approves US$1M to Antigua and Barbuda

Senior citizens to receive P14 early pension payment – GPOC

Missing: Ryan Khayum

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, April 22 – 04:30h – 06:0h and 14:30h – 16:00h and Thursday, April 23 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, April 22 – 16:50h – 18:20h and Thursday, April 23 – 16:50h – 18:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be clear skies night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly to North North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 16:28h reaching a maximum height of 2.64 metres.

Low Tide: 10:03h and 22:16h reaching minimum heights of 0.54 metre and 0.59 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

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DAILY MILLIONS

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

COMMODITIES Indicators

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Crude Oil

$19.33/barrel

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Rough Rice

$273.24 /ton

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London Sugar

$329.10/ton

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Live Spot Gold

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$1655.20

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Change

COVID-19 outbreak

Guyana confirms COVID-19 cases now 67

T

he number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Guyana, with the figure now at 67.

This, according to the Public Health Ministry’s daily update dashboard on Tuesday, represents an increase of just one case when compared to the figure given the previous day.

With the number of confirmed cases jumping just one place, to 67, Guyana’s COVID-19 deaths remain the same.

Since its first coronavirus death on March 11, the country has recorded seven deaths to date – the last recorded on Saturday following the death of Sydney Trellis, a 49-year-old man from Wismar Housing Scheme, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), who died in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

According to the Ministry in its latest update, there are currently three persons in the dedicated COVID-19 ICU. The number of persons tested thus far for the novel coronavirus in Guyana is 348, of which 281 were negative.

Meanwhile, there are presently 51 persons in institutional isolation, while 17 persons are now in quarantine.

As Guyana continues with efforts to contain the spread of the deadly virus and minimise the death toll, nine persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease to date. At least five of these recovered persons are relatives of ‘patient zero’ – 52-year-old Ratna Baboolall, who died days after returning from New York and is Guyana’s first imported case.

The now recovered persons were placed in isolation and treated after also testing positive for the life-threatening disease.

Last week it was revealed that Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) continues to account for most of the confirmed cases – the majority of which are from Georgetown. It was noted too that the 30-49 age group accounts for the highest number of positive cases, with a 4:1 ratio of males to females.

Pointing to the fact that Guyana's COVID-19 numbers are climbing rapidly, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence had implored persons to adhere to the curfew and restrictions put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

“I hope by now that you understand the reasons for the widespread message of staying at home and maintaining your distance. Stay at home means you do not go out of your yard to visit

with family – brother, sister, grandmother etc – nor even your partner if you are not already living together,” the Minister implored.

Only Friday, Country Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO), Dr William AduKrow warned Guyana against lifting the emergency measures too soon, noting that it could result in an exponential spike in the number of cases here.

On April 3, the Public Health Ministry issued a series of curfew and restrictions to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus here.

These are in place until May 1, when it will either be extended or lifted.

But according to Dr AduKrow during a virtual press conference, “If at May 1, the Government relaxes all the curfew and everything… it begins an exponential rise [in the number of coronavi-

rus cases].”

In fact, he noted that if the measures are lifted as scheduled, then by mid-May there could be as much as 5000 cases in the country.

Last month, PAHO/ WHO had projected that Guyana would record some 20,000 COVID-19 cases. But the country representative explained that this projection was in the event that the country did nothing to curb the spread.

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

According to the World Health Organisation, COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are

fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.

However, some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell. In fact, most people (about 80 per cent) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

To this end, persons are urged to take precautionary measures to prevent themselves, as well as protecting others, from contracting the infectious disease. Persons are urged to wear face masks whenever they go out in public and are around other persons.

Additionally, local authorities have also been encouraging persons to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals as well as being physically active.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 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

Secrecy in spending public funds

T

he level of secrecy surrounding the current renovation works of the flood-prone Ocean View International Hotel has not come as a surprise to many at all; in fact, the David Grangerled Administration has become known to operate in such manner where the basic principles of good governance are thrown out of the window or ignored.

It is usually after the media and other stakeholders put pressure and insist on accountability and transparency in utilising public funds that Government officials release bits of information in relation to details of what taxpayers’ monies are used for. This is unacceptable by any measure and is looked down upon in countries that are really serious about practising good governance, especially as it relates to spending public funds.

Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the caretaker Government has been engaged in a massive project to renovate the Ocean View International Hotel at Liliendaal, into a COVID holding facility. Caretaker Finance Minister Winston Jordan has since revealed that the project will cost in excess of a whopping $1 billion to complete. This $1 billion price tag does not include the operational costs for the facility.

It should be noted that this bit of information was provided by Jordan weeks after the project had already started. The Government, for reasons unknown, has withheld crucial information in relation to the project contract, etc. Crucial questions remain unanswered. For example, what are the terms of the contract, if there is any in place at all, what obligations would the Government have going forward, will the Government be renting the facility once it is completed, how long will the contract be valid for and what happens after the pandemic subsides, which company was awarded the contract to renovate the facility, and was it done through transparent legal procedures and so on.

The idea of having adequate facilities in place to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic is an excellent one, especially if there is a surge in positive cases being reported which would require enough hospital rooms to house patients. However, this is quite a hefty sum to be renovating a property, which, from all indications is owned by a private businessperson who had endorsed the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition for the 2015 elections.

At the end of the day, it is taxpayers who carry the burden of paying for such projects, hence the need to ensure the country gets maximum value for money. For example, would it have been better to utilise one of the State-owned buildings, instead of getting into a private arrangement; or did the Government consider utilising one or two hospitals and converting a section into a unit for COVID-19 patients. And what about the location of the Ocean View Hotel; which is well known to be a flood-prone area due to its close proximity to the seawall.

In addition to this most recent case, there were several other cases of the coalition’s involvement in projects which had raised eyebrows. It could be recalled that the Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) had awarded a contract for the feasibility study and design of the new Demerara River Bridge which was later found to have breached certain aspects of the Procurement Act. Then Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira had written the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) asking it to investigate the selection and award of the $146 million contract after it was revealed, and later confirmed by then Minister David Patterson, that the project was sole-sourced to LievenseCSO. Also, citizens were only made aware that two Government Ministers were benefitting from full scholarships being paid for by the State after questions were raised in the Parliament during consideration of the 2017 Budget estimates.

Then there was the controversial drug bond deal which saw then Public Health Minister Dr George Norton coming under severe pressure for advancing some $25 million to Larry Singh for the use of his building – Linden Holding Inc – for the storage of Government medicines. In justifying the request for the ‘emergency’ expenditure and the reasons for choosing the company selected, Norton made a number of statements in the National Assembly which were found to be inaccurate. After much public outrage, he apologised and was transferred to another ministry.

And if that were not enough, mere weeks after, the Minister who replaced Dr Norton, Volda Lawrence was forced to defend her ministry awarding a $605 million drug contract under highly questionable circumstances, to a foreign company. Again, only after huge public pressure, she attempted to defend what was clearly indefensible.

All of this happened with the Head of Government failing to act.

A responsible Government not only talks about being accountable and transparent, its actions should prove that it is serious about ensuring accountability and good governance, which are the hallmarks of service.

Justice Claudette Singh has constitutional power to end electoral shenanigans Dear Editor, The legal power to bring a speedy end to the tabulation of Guyana’s March 2, 2020 election, resides solely with the Chairperson of GECOM. This has been the reality since March 4, 2020.

Justice Singh has not utilised or sought to utilise the Region Four Statements of Poll to complete the adding and tabulation for Region Four.

Justice Singh has not instructed that the fraudulent Region Four results be removed from Guyana Elections Commission’s website.

One assumes that thoughts and feelings must torture the Chairperson on a daily basis, through her conscience!

Yet, even now, the GECOM Chairperson can clear her conscience and use her constitutional power to quickly end this kabuki dance.

The loud and senseless screaming of Commissioner Vincent Alexander must be ignored. The shameful and disgraceful echoing of Alexander by the other two Commissioners representing PNC/APNU, namely Trotman and Corbin, must also be disregarded.

The Chairperson has the casting vote to join with the three Commissioners from the PPP and end to the madness that has enveloped Guyana, with increasing mental timeouts: from Mingo-schizophrenia to the

magic dossier.

We have seen many justifiable requests in the media to use the Statements of Poll in a legal and transparent manner to conclude the adding and tabulation of Region Four votes, and rightly so. A Region Four completion by the Statements of Poll tabulation process that requires two days at most.

Instead, the irrational screamer and his echoing cohorts seem to be prevailing over reason, by howling to recount in excess of 450,000 ballots over an interminable period that will be haunted by planned and unplanned delays.

Madam Singh has the casting vote to avoid the nonsensical and witless requests of the PNC/APNU Commissioners.

If ever there was a time for essential action to bring about democratic transition in Guyana, now is the time.

Due to the coronavirus - tens of thousands of workers are now unemployed in Guyana, our 30 per cent plus poverty level pre-election, has probably doubled, many of our folks are living on the edge of starvation, physical and mental health has worsened, insecurity and crime have increased, there is no economic relief package from the illegitimate Government and the international community will not support the election aborters of democracy; decisive action is needed now.

Chairperson of GECOM,

Retired Justice Claudette Singh has the power bestowed on her by the Constitution of Guyana to end the electoral shenanigans; and must avoid making vague, amorphous or indeterminate statements that diminish the responsibility and authority vested in her by the Supreme Law of Guyana.

Justice Singh must use the powers granted to her under the Constitution of Guyana and heed the wisdom of what David Granger said verbatim as Opposition Leader at a press briefing held two days after the Guyana National and Regional Elections of May 11, 2015: “We felt also that many of the requests for a recount were frivolous, they did not have, no not frivolous, no reason was stated and that it was not sufficient grounds for more and more boxes to be opened and there seemed to be a deliberate plan to simply call for the opening of boxes in all ten regions in order to delay the possibility of having an early declaration, so we feel it is contrived and it is causing great distress to the population of Guyana.”

We also have the powerful aide to the then Opposition Leader stating on the same date, what needs to be done by GECOM; - judgment of Harmon: “That the Chairman of GECOM that they will release all of the Statement of Polls that they have, they will release

it this evening.”

The logic of Trotman was also espoused at the same press briefing: “We believe that the request for recounts, though they have started, were done in error and that the Commission should not continue beyond those few that have started, because if not, we could have a ridiculous situation of boxes being opened throughout the country, and I don’t think that the country and the people of Guyana deserve that.”

Madam Singh should fulfil the exhortations made

by Granger, Harmon, and Trotman, as the statements are reasonable and sensible; and also applicable to the March 2, 2020 - General Elections. The requests by these gentlemen were made two days after the May 2015 General Elections. Now, fifty days after the March 2, 2020 elections, we are still in Lowenfield’s wonderland, instead of having concluded a democratic transition.

The time is beyond overdue for Justice Singh to use the constitutional powers bestowed on her to end the kabuki dance with maximum speed, by formalising and finalising the simple Region Four tabulation process using the Statements of Poll and not indulging in further diddle and delay by dancing to the grisly cries of Vincent and his two acolytes.

Dear Editor, So now it is Moses Nagamootoo’s turn to tango on GECOM’s dance floor 14 days of quarantine for all foreign observers! This man would definitely have his antics written in Guyana’s history books (in bold) as a most useless and comical official who assumed the captaincy of Prime Ministership in 2015 and now steps off as a porter.

Poor Moses; the only decision (to quarantine) he ever made was smashed against the rocks the next day!

This solidifies the beliefs espoused by Hon Mia Mottley, the Chair of Caricom and head of that body’s observer mission, that there are dark forces at work to derail the results of the March elections and which one columnist described as asinine conduct at the worst level.

From fabricated spreadsheet to dirty bedsheet comes another sheet: the role of the PM in Guyana is nothing but a cover sheet and with no forthcoming

semblance of any result, a state of affairs to his house being on fire yet he argues with the fireman. The Prime Minister, above all persons, should know what happens to thoroughbreds when they have completed their mission on the racetrack. Their final race is to pull the cart.

But then again … is this not what you are doing?

Finally, Moses, you have perpetually indicated that you were the chosen one to be the successor to the great PPP leader Dr

Cheddi Jagan. Do you think you could face him if he was alive today? From his resting place at Babu John, the relentless fighter for free and fair elections would, like Julius Ceasar, ask ‘et tu Brute’? With your connivance and official charade, how can you claim to be Dr Jagan’s successor Moses?

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

Moses Nagamootoo’s antics

Sincerely, Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine Former AFC executive New York

Worthy option to consider within a contained environment Dear Editor, It was appalling to read the advisory from the Chairman of the National Task Force for COVID-19 to the GECOM Chairperson, suggesting boldly that the national recount is not an “essential” activity. Thankfully, His Excellency, President Granger intervened and overrode this decision.

I wish to point out that I am happy that the GECOM Chairperson is concerned about the safety and trans-

parency of the recount process. As an esteemed retired Judge, it goes without saying that she ought to have a deep appreciation and understanding for the urgency in the interest of national importance amidst the current pandemic and political deadlock - to get on with the recount most urgently and efficiently.

To this end, I am trying to comprehend the logic for the limit of 10 workstations using COVID-19 guide-

lines as the reason for this.

However, as a humble suggestion to GECOM and the relevant stakeholders, it is worthy to consider that the Arthur Chung Conference Centre is a fairly huge building and has a fairly huge compound wherein I believe tents can be set up outside of the building and inside of the compound to increase the number of workstations for this recount.

The reasoning behind this suggestion is very sim-

ple – that is, on Elections Day, similar arrangements were made to facilitate voting where counting of votes also took place without any dispute or controversy.

Therefore, in my mind, this is a worthy option to consider within a contained environment.

Thank you and I trust that this can be considered.

Yours faithfully, JC Bhagwandin, MSc, Exec Ed

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

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

Love for country

Dear Editor, Many officials in our country are on record, at one time or the other, proclaiming their “love” for Guyana.

Some even beat their chest so vigorously that they sound very convincing. This phenomenon is not just confined to the political sphere, in which the PNC and AFC’s top leaders are the most vocal in this breast-beating display of nationalism, but it could be found in many constitutional bodies – most important being the Judiciary and in the Elections Commission. Indeed, the Chairperson of GECOM is on record as stating that all the oil in Guyana cannot buy her integrity, lofty noises indeed. We also see this same kind of “nationalism” in some trade unionists and among many columnists in our media who express similar sentiments.

One would expect that such persons would be willing to sacrifice greatly to protect and promote this country. That means doing whatever they can to assist the economic and social advancement of Guyana. One would expect that those “nationalists” would try to promote the good name and reputation of our republic.

Unfortunately, in examining their practice we see how far their words diverge from their actions/behaviour. This small group has done more to harm the welfare of our people and our country and has set us back

by decades.

The cabal that took power in 2015, PNC and AFC leaders, did nothing to promote the all-round development of Guyana. Their first order of priority was to raid the treasury, by any means, to enrich themselves.

While they were in opposition, this same group did everything to sabotage many developmental projects including the Speciality Hospital, which now would have been a great asset in fighting the coronavirus, and the hydropower station, which would have allowed us to end blackouts and to industrialise our country.

In Government, they continued the vindictiveness and abandoned these ventures completely. They destroyed jobs in sugar and forestry massively. The contracts they were involved in raised great suspicions locally and internationally as being tainted with corruption. However, the “nationalist” garments fell off after December 21, 2018, when the No-Confidence Motion was passed in the National Assembly.

The cabal began treating the Constitution as a piece of rag that could be so easily discarded. The oath taken to uphold the Constitution without fear or favour means nothing to these “nationalists”. That little cabal then began to pursue a course that has done untold damage to the integrity of this country and has tar-

nished the good name of our people greatly.

The first blow was the “dispute” they engineered about what the majority of sixty-five was. That was so laughable that no right-thinking person believed that it could stand any scrutiny. Yet we saw that our Court of Appeal upheld that nonsense. This decision undermined the confidence of ordinary people in such an important institution. It was really rather embarrassing to see the contempt with which the Caribbean Court of Justice overturned that decision.

In spite of this, some people were not surprised at that ridiculous decision by the Court of Appeal. That is because any casual observer would note the steady undermining of the Judiciary since May 2015.

The Elections petition brought by the PPP/Civic contesting the results of the 2015 elections has not seen light. No explanation has ever been given to this day.

Many other cases have been lying in the courts for years, one of which I am involved in that has been in the court since 2015. It is a constitutional case. It was completed but no decision was given to date. By contrast, Anil Nandlall and Irfaan Alli, who had trumped-up charges against them, have been dragged before the courts and appeals against decisions in their favour have been expedited. It is hard

not to believe that the court is taking directions from the cabal; or that it is so closely entwined that the court anticipates what the cabal wants and often, most dutifully, delivers. Fairness and equality before the law as it relates to cases that can have political consequences or that the regime has an interest do not seem to exist anymore. All of these have had damaging impacts on our country’s reputation.

How can anyone believe that Guyanese who have any love for our country would inflict such harm to its reputation?

Clearly, they love themselves more than Guyana.

The same can be seen in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The DPP has been refusing to lay charges against the officers in the cabal who are violating our laws, including our procurement laws.

That is not all; this same office moves with alacrity to throw out cases brought by the Opposition in their individual capacity whenever they try to stamp out corruption and those violating our Constitution. The functions of that office have become one of protecting the regime, to allow them a free hand to do as they please.

As if the above actions have not done enough damage to our country’s reputation; then came GECOM. In full view of the whole world, an attempt was made to steal the March 2, 2020 elections. Elections observers,

both local and foreign, and Diplomats were all disgusted. Yet the CEO, unashamedly and who seems to have given up all pretence of any professional integrity and decency, has announced that he needs one hundred and fifty-six (156) days to count less than a million votes.

This is after holding up the counting for almost 50 days.

Compare that with South Korea, which is a country of over fifty million (50,000,000) people, which held their elections on April 15, 2020, and in less than 24 hours the counting was finished and the results made known to the world. The offices of GECOM, the Secretariat, the Commissioners appointed by the PNC/APNU have damaged GECOM’s reputation, they have almost destroyed it.

The other public institution that appears to have surrendered its professionalism to the corrupt cabal, which is now a virtual dictatorship, is the Guyana Police Force. This body has been transformed once again into a tool of the ruling elite.

SOCU, which was set up as a body to fight money laundering, has become a political tool to harass those that are opposed to the lawlessness of the PNC/APNU/AFC cabal. It is a compromised and corrupt body. The leadership has allowed the Force to defend the political corruption of the PNC/APNU/ AFC cabal; it cannot hope to combat the other forms

of corruption in its ranks. It has to turn a blind eye to the daily shaking down of motorists on the road, mainly at the roadblocks erected since May 2015. If you drive along the coast you will see motorists being stopped for no reason and most have bribes extracted from them.

The moral authority to halt this does not exist in the leadership of the police because it is politically compromised.

All those actions that are threatening democracy in Guyana, preventing us from living in a normal society and soiling the reputation of our people, find robust support from many of the columnists in our newspapers.

One, David Hinds, has gone so far to suggest that the votes be destroyed and we should maintain the corrupt cabal in power. These people have revealed themselves as the worst anti-nationals and promoters of undemocratic governance. How can this be love of country?

Finally, all this is occurring while the de facto President, who campaigned on honesty and integrity, is doing nothing to put an end to this charade. Can any of those who perpetrate these damaging acts to our economy, our social sector, our politics and our image honestly claim to love Guyana? That clearly cannot be so!!

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Constitutional actors must function in good faith with honesty, decency, and integrity

Dear Editor, While there is a lull in court proceedings of electoral nature and I am safe from contempt charges; I would like to examine the impact the Granger presidency has had on the Judiciary. After seemingly endless months to decide simple issues, our apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice, offered neither solutions nor clear orders in the two most important matters adjudicated.

In the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the CCJ urged that, as a matter of the greatest public importance, “the President and the Leader of the Opposition should, as soon as possible, embark upon and conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman”. The CCJ did not even direct the illegally appointed Chair Patterson to demit office; Patterson was allowed to voluntarily submit his resignation.

In the absence of clear directives to an obdurate President, there was confusion with Granger even absurdly suggesting that he should be allowed to nominate persons for his consideration. The CCJ failed to grasp what was required of it.

Regarding the consolidated matters concerning the NoConfidence Motion, the CCJ noted: “that there is clear guidance in Article 106 of Guyana’s Constitution on what should happen next”. The Court then went on to read aloud the aforementioned Article; what exactly was the point of six months in court if no clear consequential orders and direction could be delivered? I am yet to receive a sensible answer to this question from any quarter.

In the post-election period, we have seen the political parties parade up and down the court steps and yet again no solutions or clear directives have emerged to accompany the billowing black cloaks and flowery outrage. Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George (CJ) has delivered impressive judgments, tight on theory and law, but of woefully inadequate practical use. Having declared Mr Mingo’s ‘spreadsheet’ process invalid, the CJ ordered a redo, this resulted in a different ‘do’ by Mingo, who simply stood on a high balcony and announced his results much like a town crier of olden times; back to the CJ, it went. At this point, the CJ, in my opinion, should have physically in-

tervened, and ordered a court-supervised tabulation; instead, Mingo was allowed to move his act to a ‘cow-shed’ and performed a tabulation reminiscent of a bovine auction, figures were called at a rapid rate, fisticuffs were engaged in, large cardboard propped up by an old car battery and draped with a bedsheet added a sense of macabre to the sordid tableau while unruly elements outside threatened all and sundry. The Judiciary had failed the people spectacularly; and yet, the people’s representatives were soon climbing those steps seeking redress of injustice and solutions within days of the fiasco.

While the CJ can hold her head high, the same cannot be said for those who declared 33 was not the majority of 65. Justice Holder’s refusal to allow media in his courtroom or recording or broadcast of proceedings speaks volumes; for despite being given the use of the CJ’s courtroom which is equipped with all modern amenities, Holder reduced access to his courtroom; fewer lawyers; no journalists; Holder denied those facilities to the media and an anxious nation.

In the end, Holder’s platform was

taken from under his feet by the Full Court.

In other court matters, such as the legality of Winston Felix and Keith Scott serving as technocrat Ministers, Granger has simply ignored the court’s rulings. In the matter of Winston Jordan being found in contempt of court and subject to imprisonment, Granger issued a pardon which was also found to be illegal and yet Jordan walks among us a free man, above the law.

I understand the difficulties Justices are having in finding legal solutions to political problems; I assert that once those matters are accepted for adjudication, the Justice involved must play an active role in the solution or deliver consequential orders detailed in minutiae. The courts must know what the issue in Guyana was; must have known that a Government was using excuses and simple lies; using their public office appointments to conspire to pervert law and logic; courts must never act in vain, for it weakens the entire system. The English courts have frequently taken matters into their hands to prevent politicians from abusing their

SEE ADDITIONAL LETTERS ON PAGE 17

power. Court orders must address the issues in dispute and resolve all issues in dispute between the parties conclusively; no matter should go through the courts for clarification and emerge with smaller issues unresolved and loopholes glaringly open.

The ultimate consequence of the Granger presidency on the Judiciary has been a weakening of the public trust and respect for the courts as arbiters of justice; for that, there can be no forgiveness.

Editor, I have little doubt that there will be moves to the court in the post-recount period; I can only ask to what effect? A country can only function when its constitutional actors do so in good faith with honesty, decency, and integrity. Much of the language of the Constitution needs “no gloss” strong judgments, clear and detailed consequential orders and directions coupled with harsh costs and penalties must be used to restore the public’s faith in the Judiciary. I look forward to the redemption of the judicial system shortly.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

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Foundation

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

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes 1. WRITE YOUR CANDIDATE NUMBER ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND UNDERLINE THE SUBJECT. 2. This test contains 40 questions. You are required to answer ALL questions. Four responses are given for each question.

The responses are A, B, C and D. Only ONE response is correct.

MATHEMATICS

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

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

1. Which ONE is a prime number?

(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) x 2. Which ONE is NOT a factor of 12?

(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 12

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

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

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

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

9. The symbol for intersection is (A) C (B) D (C) n (D) U Study the Venn Diagram below, then answer question 10

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

16. 265 x + 340 x 1 = (A) 0 (B) (C) 340 (D) 485 17. 7 x 7 ― (A) 1 (B) 7 (C) 14 (D) 49

3. Which ONE is a palindrome?

(A) 151 (B) 231 (C) 312 (D) 511 4. Comparing 14.05 and 14.5, what sign will make the statement true? 14.05 14.5 (A) < (B) > (C) = (D) < 5. Which is a prism?

(A) x (B) x

(C)

10. The shaded area represents (A) A U B (B) A n B (C) A D B (D) B D A

(D)

6. Which ONE is a polygon?

(A) _______ (B) C:=D

(D)

(D)

7. Angles are measured in (A) centimetres (B) (C) degrees (D)

degree celcius percentages

8. The shape that has perimeter is (A) (B)

(C)

(D)

/4 is the same as

11.

1

(A) (C)

25% 75%

(B) (D)

50% 140%

12. The median of 65 40 32 21 10 is (A) 12 (B) 32 (C) 34 (D) 45 13. Which of the following is true?

(A) 40 x 0 = 0 (B) 40 x 0 = 40 (C) 40 x 1 = 1 (D) 40 x 1 = 41

18. In Figure 3 above, AB is the diameter of a circle whose centre is 0. The length of AB is 25 cm. What is the length of OC in cm?

(A) 5 (B) 7 (C) 12.5 (D) 22 19. Which triangle is congruent to the one in Figure 4?

14. The next number in the sequence 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, is (A) 12 (B) 14 (C) 16 (D) 25 15. Which is true?

(A) 2 2x2 (B) 1 3 3x2 2 (C) 3 3 ― 1 (D) 4 2 2 ― 1 5

1+1 2+1 4÷2 5x2 (A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

20. The perimeter of a square is 12 cm. What is its area in cm (A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 9 (D) 24 21. The average mass of a class of children is 25 kg.

What is the total mass of the class if it has 21 children?

(A) 21 (B) 25 (C) 525 (D) 546 22. If A = {numbers from 5 to I 1}, then set A is (A) {3, 5, 7, 9} (B) ‘15, 7, 9, 11) (C) {5, 6, 7, 9, -11) (D) x

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nagamootoo regulating GECOM’s recount unconstitutional – fmr AG …as Commission yet to announce starting date The former Legal Affairs Minister, under the previous People’s Progressive Party Administration, said “it is undisputed that the Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana. The doctrine of constitutional supremacy mandates that any law, by-laws, regulations, guidelines or any decision or ac-

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

T

he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) is yet to announce a date for the beginning of the recount of votes cast at the March 2, General and Regional Elections, saying that it is now awaiting the finalising of logistics for the arrival of the team of observers to be fielded by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) before announcing a date. In a statement on Tuesday, the Commission explained the decision to have the Caricom officials not be quarantined, but instead tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), before arriving in the country for the recount.

The Commission in its statement said it is against this backdrop, once all the details have been finalised in relation to this matter, that a commencement date for the national recount would be announced and that it “remains resolute at ensuring the recount exer-

cise commences within the shortest possible time and concludes in an expeditious, credible and transparent manner.”

Unconstitutional

The decision by the Commission to have its operations be influenced by the COVID-19 Task Force has since come in for stinging rebuke.

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall believes, however, that GECOM is insulated from the Nagamootoo-led COVID-19 Task Force.

Qualifying his assertion, Nandlall said “I am fortified in my views by the crystal language of Article 226 (1) of the Constitution “…in the exercise of its functions under this Constitution, a Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.” GECOM is one of the Commissions to which this Article applies”.

authority over the conduct of all aspects of elections in this country. This means that no other person or organisation in this land has any role to play whatsoever in relation to any aspect of the electoral process, unless GECOM permits it.”

Additionally, Nandlall drew reference to the

“…the threats of personal sanctions to those who are deliberately derailing the democratic process in Guyana must now translate into actions, lest it is interpreted by the miscreants as mere bluffs and further embolden them to continue in their fraudulent and illegal design to destroy democracy” – fmr AG tion made by any public authority, or any Government or State agency which is inconsistent with and contrary to the Constitution, renders it unconstitutional, unlawful, null, void and of no effect.”

As such, the former Attorney General and practicing attorney-at-law said: “in so far as the Task Force purports to regulate the work of the Commission, it is unlawful and unconstitutional.”

Nandlall noted also that the Task Force, headed by a “politically contaminated person who has a vested interest in thwarting the recount, compounds the illegality.”

According to Nandlall, “as Mr David Granger so often reminds us, GECOM is an independent, functionally autonomous constitutional body, with exclusive

Judiciary as an institution that enjoys similar juridical corpus as GECOM and said that “in recognition of this legal reality, the Judiciary has crafted its own COVID-19 protocols.’

According to Nandlall, “it is in this same jurisprudential vein, that the Court of Appeal, recently, ruled that the high-level Caricom team cannot supervise the recount, since to do so, would be to usurp the functions, as well as, subvert the independence of GECOM, enshrined by the Constitution.”

He posited that “the Chairperson placed the cart before the horse when she sought guidance from the

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

Task Force” and argued, “there is, absolutely, no obligation on GECOM to seek approval from any agency, in relation to the discharge of its functions regarding elections.”

The PPP executive member cautioned “…that the patience of a majority of Guyanese is wearing very thin.”

According to Nandlall, “PPP supporters, in particular, are very fed-up and frustrated. They know that they have won the elections.

They are seeing every day, to their infuriation, one clumsy attempt after another, to steal their votes.”

He suggested, “we may not be able to contain them much longer.”

Nandlall in his appeal to the international community, said “we have endured

enough” and that “the threats of personal sanctions to those who are deliberately derailing the democratic process in Guyana must now translate into actions, lest it is interpreted by the miscreants as mere bluffs and further embolden them to continue in their fraudulent and illegal design to destroy democracy.”

PPP GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj on Monday expressed similar sentiments, saying “we [GECOM] have no duty or no obligation to seek guidance or clarity or permission from the COVID-19 Task Force…it was always my position that what we needed to do is to inform them of the decision what we have taken and that we intend to implement”.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NGO pays bail for pregnant woman accused of killing husband

T

hirty-two-year-old Sandra Brescenio, a housewife of Cannaballi Village, Region One (Barima-Waini), is now out on bail after spending four days in jail since she could not post the $300,000 bail she was granted.

Brescenio was charged with manslaughter after she allegedly killed her abusive husband, Clarence Williams.

However, after she publicised her financial challenges, the United Bridge Builders Mission (UBBM), a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) went to the woman’s aid and posted

her bail.

During a telephone interview, the NGO’s founder, Bonita Montaque stated that a few volunteers along with businessmen pooled funds to post bail for the pregnant woman.

“I have been carrying out too many body bags of women being murdered by the hands of male partners. I have been dealing with several incidents where children as well are being abused,” Montaque explained, adding that Brescenio would need support.

“She is five months pregnant and also has four children, so outside of this, there

is legal team that needs to be retained. She needs quite a lot of support along with preparation for the baby and everything else. Emotional support is desperately needed,” Montaque added.

Brescenio appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts last Friday before Magistrate Dylon Bess and was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on April 14, 2020, she killed her 35-year-old partner, Clarence Williams.

Reports are that Williams had threatened to push Brescenio into a fire, which resulted in a heated argument, during which the

man choked her. It is alleged that the woman was cleaning fish and allegedly stabbed Williams twice to the groin. According to reports, prior to the incident, Brescenio was at a church service when Williams reportedly demanded that she leave and order her to return home to cook his meal.

After the stabbing incident, the man went to bed, but was later discovered dead. Magistrate Bess released Brescenio on $300,000 bail. The case will be called again on July 7 at the Acquero Magistrate’s Court.

How long?…

I

…very, very long n this time of self-isolation and lockdown, we’re all surely in need of entertainment. By now, the time it takes to scour through Netflix for stuff one hasn’t seen is enough to make even the Three Stooges look tedious.

But today, the PRO of GECOM, of all people, made your Eyewitness burst out into such a loud guffaw, his better broke social distancing rules to check if he was OK. And what was so hilarious? Well, the PRO ended her latest release with this beauty: “The Guyana Elections Commission remains resolute at ensuring the recount exercise commences within the shortest possible time and concludes in an expeditious, credible and transparent manner”!!! Just retyping that just now had your Eyewitness ROTF lmao!! Shortest possible time!?!

Exactly what does Claudette Singh and her merry band in the GECOM Secretariat understand by that??

Are they living in some sorta Bizzaro alternate universe where everything, including time, is backwards? If GECOM wanted to finish this recount in the shortest time possible, the moment Mingo claimed he had the vapours and insisted he be rushed to the hospital, Lowenfield should’ve insisted a Deputy Returning Officer step in to clean up the remaining 358 SOPs. But instead what we had since has been more slapstick comedy than the aforementioned Three Stooges plus Monty Python Flying Circus combined!! Excepting, of course, GECOM is messing with the very existence of our country as a viable state. But then there’s the genre called Black Humour which they’re doling it out piecemeal like in those old fashioned “serials”. Comedy Serial? Here, the hero (in this case Guyana) is left hanging on for dear life to some cliff or other. How will he ever extricate himself from that certain doom? Nail-biting comedy?

In today’s episode, before the risible assurance mentioned above by the GECOM PRO (now a wry smile by your Eyewitness), she took time to remind us that it was “the intervention by HE President David Granger that nothing should be done or appears to be done that could delay the start of the recount process”!! More ROTF lmao, by your Eyewitness!! It doesn’t appear that the PRO hasn’t gotten the memo that Guyana now has a CARETAKER President or realised that the “citizen” who filed that petition to stop the recount is one of APNU’s candidates.

With Granger as the head of the list!!

But to those who may wonder how much longer this farce will play out, the answer is “nobody knows”. The buck has now been passed to the Caricom Secty General to arrange for the Caricom “validating” team be tested.

It’s gonna be a long, long cloudy day!! …before sanctions?

With all the threats the Western countries have issued – including one each by the Brits and the EU yesterday – to the PNC-led APNU/AFC rigging combine, some folks are wondering whether the situation might become a case of “the boy who cried wolf”. But really, do you need to apply sanctions when they’ve already kicked in by COVID-19!!

Think about it. Why has the PNC staged this entire rigging exercise?? Yep! Go to the head of the class!! The oil money, of course! But the bottom has literally dropped out of the oil market to reach levels not seen for a century!!

Right now, for certain types of oil, you have to PAY folks to take it off your hands!! Negative prices!! Jordan was forced to admit that the next THREE shipments won’t bring in what the first ONE did!!

And about those personal sanctions? Why take away visas from the riggers and their coterie when there’s a lockdown across the world?

And, in any case, their foreign bank accounts are already frozen!! …will Moses take larwah It doesn’t give your Eyewitness any pleasure to have his prediction yesterday that Nagamootoo would do a somersault and rescind his “quarantine” on the Caricom recount team vindicated.

It gotta be painful to execute a somersault from bending over!!

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

9

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Search intensifies for Lusignan Prison escapees

T

wo days after four inmates of the Lusignan Prison escaped from the facility, the police are yet to recapture any of them but Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels stated that the search efforts have been intensified.

The four escapees are Anthony Padmore, 26, of Ogle Street, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, who was serving a three-year sentence for trafficking in cannabis; Sasenarine Bisnauth of Lot

22 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), who was charged with armed robbery; 32-year-old Ganesh Dhanraj of Parika Façade, EBE, and Kenraul Perez, 26, of Mabaruma, North West District, Region One, who were both charged for the capital offence of murder.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Samuels stated that efforts have been boosted to recapture the four escapees. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the

Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service have all been making stringent efforts to recapture the men.

“What I can say is efforts are still been made to recapture them, we have not been successful as yet,” Samuels noted.

After the men escaped on Monday, the Guyana Prison Service confirmed that the inmates escaped at about 03:46h during the heavy downpours but the official discovery was made during

The prisoners that escaped from the Lusignan facility

roll-call at 06:15h when they did not answer to their names.

Nevertheless, the CCTV recordings from surveillance cameras proved that the men escaped by jumping the eastern fence.

The ranks on duty at the time of the incident have been interrogated and are cooperating fully with the police and prison authorities. Thus far, no rank has been found culpable or would have aided in the escape of the men.

Over the past years, several persons have escaped from the Lusignan Penitentiary but have subsequently been recaptured. In 2017, 35-year-old alleged rapist Dellon Blake, of Kumuni Creek, Demerara River, used his bed sheet and wooden pallets to climb over the fence of the prison.

It was reportedly done in full view of Police ranks who were performing duties in the guard hut tower overlooking the new holding facility. Blake was charged for the rape of an elderly woman.

In 2018, three prisoners escaped by also scaling the fence between towers three and four which were equipped with security personnel.

They were 23-year-old Travis Evans of C Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Sudesh Dyal, 23, of Wales Backdam and Dexroy Pollard, 29, of Wales. Evans is a murder accused.

It was reported that the three men had taken a considerable amount of time to make their way through the razor wire.

“It is clear, especially taking into consideration the

close proximity of the two towers and the number of ranks deployed in those two towers that those ranks were not alert,” Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels had stated back then.

In addition, following the fire in 2017 at the Camp Street Penitentiary, the Lusignan Prison was used as a holding facility with several holding areas.

However, after a few days at the facility, 13 inmates had escaped by digging a hole under the perimeter fence.

The hole was about five feet in length and another five feet deep.

Paul Goriah, whose last known address was given as Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara, was the only person who was not recaptured and remains on the run to date.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Farmer feared drowned after GDF vessel collides with boat in Pomeroon River

A

Pomeroon farmer is missing after a Coastguard vessel belonging to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) collided with the boat in which he was travelling on Monday evening.

Missing is 32-year-old Ryan Khayum of Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Based on reports received, the army vessel, bearing registration number

GDFS HAWK, which had four ranks on board, was returning from Charity to the Floating Base when it collided with the civilian boat carrying the now missing man, his wife, and two workers.

Following the collision, three of the civilians were rescued and taken to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital in Charity where they were treated, but Khayum was not found.

It is believed that the

Missing: Ryan Khayum

young farmer might have hit his head and sank under the water.

The ranks searched the area, which was dark, but there were no signs of the missing man.

Several residents and the GDF Coast Guards continued the search on Tuesday morning, but up to late Tuesday, the body had not been recovered. Attempts to get a comment from the missing man’s wife proved

Residents join in the search for the missing man on Tuesday

futile, since she remains in hospital.

Meanwhile, the GDF has launched a Board of Inquiry

(BoI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate accident.

COVID-19 outbreak

M&CC forced to decentralise markets …as vendors ignore warnings

D

ue to the blatant disregard by vendors of social distancing guidelines, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is now making plans to decentralise the markets to enforce the social distancing rule.

This is according to Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine.

The Mayor told the media that a proposal was sent to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Agriculture Ministry, to decentralise the wholesalers and retailers.

He, however, added that though this is the plan, the decision will be made at the Council’s Task Force meeting on Tuesday.

“One of our proposed plac-

es is D’Urban Park, and the other one is Parade Ground,” the Mayor said.

Two weeks ago, Narine revealed that all municipal markets will be opened from 07:00h to 14:00h. He remarked that this was in line with the caretaker Government’s emergency measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The public and vendors of the various markets were urged to wear masks before entering the market places, and to practice social distancing to reduce any risk of contraction of COVID-19.

However, according to officials, this call is being ignored.

“We see that people are not practicing social or physical distancing. Some peo-

Persons walking outside Stabroek Market

ple are not even wearing the masks that were outlined by the Ministry of Public Health, or by extension, the World Health Organisation. We as Guyanese need to adhere to these measures that are put in place,” Narine said.

Additionally, he alluded

that the time for the opening and closure of the markets is also set to be reviewed.

Narine said in order to monitor movements in the various markets, the Council came to the consensus to close some of the market gates.

Stabroek Market

“Only two main gates are being opened, at those two gates, there are two constables that we would be at those gates. Also, there is a sink with hand soap that we encourage customers, or whoever so wish to enter the market, they would have to

wash their hands, and wear a mask”, he said.

On April 6, M&CC closed all of the markets to facilitate the sanitisation of the area, as well as for the installation of hygienic facilities.

The markets reopened on April 7.

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

India examining Guyana’s COVID-19 assistance request – High Commission …approves US$1M to Antigua and Barbuda

T

he Government of India is currently examining a request made by the Guyana Government to divert US$1 million of development funding towards its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is according to Commerce and Development Cooperation Counsellor at the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, Vijayakumar Kizhapate.

Head of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), Moses Nagamootoo had disclosed on April 11 that Guyana is “pursuing assistance from India by way of the Indian grant to Caribbean countries of US$14 million. We are making approaches for them to – it’s a low hanging fruit as it were – to utilise Guyana’s allocation for supplies relevant to COVID-19.”

During the first IndiaCaricom (Caribbean Community) Summit in New York in September 2019, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had announced three offers of assistance to the Caribbean including a US$14 million grant (US$ 1 million per Caricom member state) for quick impact community development projects in Caricom countries.

However, when asked for an update on Guyana’s request to redirect its share of the grant, that is, US$1 million, towards its fight against the novel coronavirus, Kizhapate told Guyana Times on Tuesday that, “… we are working on Guyana’s request.”

While Guyana is awaiting permission, the Indian Government has given approval to its sister Caricom country of Antigua and Barbuda.

A statement from the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, which also has responsibility for the island-state, disclosed that in the context of the current situation of COVID-19, India has approved US$1 million for community development projects in Antigua and Barbuda, with immediate assistance of US$150,000 for medical supplies and equipment.

This assistance, the Mission noted, is extended considering the urgent nature of the request involving procurement of life-saving equipment. It said the United Nations Development Programme Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (UNDP OECS) and Barbados have indicated that procurement of medical supplies and

equipment has already been completed, and they are now waiting to receive the shipment in two weeks.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda had submitted a proposal in early April for assistance and collaboration under a project entitled “Strengthening national health capacities and reducing socioeconomic and human development negative impacts of COVID-19 crisis in Antigua and Barbuda”. The project was received under India-UN Development Partnership Fund which is managed by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

The project aimed to address the negative effects of COVID-19 on the population of Antigua and Barbuda by strengthening national health capacities and reducing socioeconomic and human development negative impacts of the crisis, with the following specific objectives to address: the immediate challenges in providing healthcare services to respond to COVID-19, including support for purchasing equipment for a specially designed infectious disease and isolation centre; and support to assess the socio-economic and human development impacts of the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Caribbean leaders at the India-Caricom Summit in September 2019 (file photo)

crisis, provision of policy recommendations and support the implementation of agreed recommendations.

It is also aimed at supporting food security through economic transformation and economic recovery interventions in main industries: (tourism, the gig economy, fishing and small businesswomen and men).

These will be targeted with short-term measures designed to mitigate the immediate impact of the crisis and strengthen the capacity for medium and long-term recovery.

According to the Indian High Commission, this project was processed under the guidelines of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the

UNDP as the implementing agency and will be partnering with the national institutions of Antigua and Barbuda. The modalities for implementing the project will follow the guidelines of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund.

This proposal was jointly coordinated by the Indian High Commission in Georgetown and Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York along with the Foreign Ministry of Antigua and Barbuda and its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York.

Prime Minister Modi has been interacting with a number of world leaders in connection with India’s initiatives and efforts to

fight the global pandemic of COVID-19 together. He has offered assistance to friendly partner countries the world over to share the best practices of India in controlling and containing COVID-19, as well as to share the strategy, methods adopted and efforts taken by India in this regard.

India has since assisted 55 countries with medical supplies and equipment. Essential medicines like Paracetamol, Hydroxychloroquine, etc to fight the pandemic are being supplied on a priority basis when the world is facing an acute shortage of these medicines. India also plans to assist 108 countries in the near future in their fight against the coronavirus.

NGSA exam date still to be determined – Education Ministry

A

date for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations is still to be determined. This is according to Director of the National Centre of Educational Resources Development, Jennifer Cumberbatch, who on Tuesday said that the Ministry is considering several options.

“We are considering several options because we don’t know what is happening down the line. Once we know when school is going to reopen, we are going to give our students, our parents and the public the specific date so that they will be prepared,” she said.

NGSA practice test papers are available on the Ministry’s website at www. education.gov.gy With respect to concerns being voiced about the difficulties students are facing while studying at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Ministry said that it has embarked on a long-term plan that will guarantee that no student is disenfranchised during this challenging season.

Explaining the systems that will be put in place, Assistant Technical Officer (Tertiary), Patrick Chinedu said that the Ministry would implement sanitisation hubs and improved school policies.

“The Ministry is drafting guidelines as to what would happen when school reopens so that we can maintain sanitary conditions…pretty soon there might be a policy that guides the Ministry forward as to how we should behave in schools,” he said.

Team member of the Ministry’s crisis management team, Chief Planning Officer Nicola Johnson said that the use of smart classrooms and e-testing platforms would become a regular feature in the long term.

“We have started to establish smart classrooms even before, and so we will be expanding on that initiative to establish more smart classrooms and possibly e-testing centres across the country. We’re already in the process of acquiring the software to help not just students but teachers and education officers to use because this will be a new normal for us,” she remarked.

According to Johnson, due to the outbreak of the deadly virus, all public schools have been sanitised, while the Ministry continues to provide daily learning opportunities for nursery, primary and secondary school students countrywide.

Internet issues

However, even as the Ministry promotes e-learning, only last week teachers

and students made a call for better internet services to facilitate these activities. Additionally, they also want better prices, especially during this time when the COVID-19 pandemic has halted many economies around the world.

Teachers and students are arguing that the current internet services are not sufficient to effectively facilitate virtual classrooms and other e-learning measures.

As such, they are calling on service providers to put measures in place to ensure the internet speed is improved.

Moreover, they are also lobbying for more affordable prices especially for students and teachers of low-income families.

President of Starr Computer, Michael Mohan had recently stated that his company is ready to advance virtual education during this period.

He said, “We can solve this problem.

Internet service is very expensive in Guyana…but if the Government was to step in to provide subsidies for students, that will make a difference. We at Starr Computers have many different connections with major manufactures… and we have been able to convince them to subsidise the hardware that we carry in Guyana.”

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Helping in fight against spread of COVID-19 Volunteers of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Progressive Party National COVID-19 Stakeholder Forum distributing face masks and food hampers countrywide as they lend a hand of support to those most vulnerable.

14 NEWS 132 more workers now on the breadline WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as bauxite shipping company closes operation in Guyana

G

uyana’s teetering economy was on Tuesday dealt another blow with the announcement that another 132 persons have been placed on the breadline.

Oldendorff Carriers Guyana Incorporated (OCGI)—the shipping company that has been barging and providing trans-shipment operations for bauxite exports on the Berbice River for the Russian-owned Bauxite Company of Guyana (BCGI)—has announced that it has had to close its operations in Guyana.

The company made the announcement through its Public Relations Firm, Tagman Media, which in a public release noted that the action was due to the fact that BCGI “has decided to suspend and mothball its operation in Guyana and thus not to extend the operational contract with OCGI.” The company said that consequently, “OCGI is forced to wind down operations in Guyana. OCGI

employees in Guyana. OCGI has developed wonderful working relationships with the people of Guyana, particularly in New Amsterdam and up the Berbice River, and the company is truly sad to leave this beautiful country”.

Govt’s failure to deal with crisis

Trans-shipment operations in Guyana [Oldendorff photo]

currently employs 132 Guyanese in the Berbice region.

Tagman Media has since indicated that OCGI on Tuesday delivered the Letters of Notice to the office of the Chief Labour Officer and the workers’ union.

According to the statement, “the company will work closely with the Chief Labour Officer to ensure that the wind-down is done in accordance with

Guyanese law.”

The company said it will also work together with the Ministry of Social Protection and the Department of Labour to ensure that all employees receive their due compensation under Guyanese law.

Additionally, OCGI committed to working “with our employees, the Government and other stakeholders to redeploy employees affected by the wind-down.”

According to OCGI “it is with the deepest regret that OCGI must close its operations in Guyana. Over the past 15 years, OCGI has developed a very dedicated and loyal workforce who have performed very well, often under difficult conditions”.

The company said “OCGI is very proud of what it has achieved together with its

The decision comes on the heels of months of tension and industrial unrest at BCGI. That company at the beginning of the year terminated the services of more than 140 of its staff as the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (AFC) Government failed to intervene with regards to fuel concessions it had requested.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had later slammed the Administration’s failure to deal with the crisis at the time when BCGI had sus-

pended its operations which led to protest action by scores of workers, blocking the river in the process.

Government owns a 10 per cent stake in the company.

A letter from the company dated January 29, 2020, which was seen by Guyana Times, indicated that the company was forced to further reduce operations and to lay-off employees, owing to adverse operating circumstances including shipment interruption because of the blockage of the Berbice River.

In fact, other Private Sector companies operating in the area were also forced to send home their workers as a result of the blockage hindering their operations to move materials up and down the Berbice River. The police have since moved in to remove the blockade from the river but were faced with resistance from the workers and their families.

Senior citizens to receive early pension payment – GPOC

Lusignan Prison brawl leaves 1 dead L

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n inmate of the Lusignan Prison was on Tuesday evening killed following a brawl in the Holding Bay area at the facility.

Dead is 31-year-old Jason Dundas of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara.

Based on reports received, the now dead man was attacked and chopped by two inmates at about 19:00h.

The injured man was reportedly chopped about the body. He was then picked up and rushed to the

Dead inmate: Jason Dundas

Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dundas was remanded to prison in August 2019 for trafficking in narcotics.

An investigation has been launched into the chopping incident.

On Monday, four prisoners escaped from the said facility by scaling the perimeter fence. The four men, including two murder suspects, remain at large as the Joint Services makes every effort to recapture them.

M&CC encourages residents to use MMG to pay taxes

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ith movements of Guyanese being restricted due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is encouraging residents of Georgetown to pay their rates and taxes via Guyana Telephone and Telegraph’s Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) app.

However, those who are unable to access the MMG platform are requested to make payments to the Treasury Section that is opened between Monday to Friday from 08:30h to 12:00h.

Nevertheless, the M&CC on Monday stressed that those who are visiting the office to conduct business must wear a face mask, wash their hands upon entering the compound and practice social distancing.

City Hall

Those persons utilising the MMG electronic system will be required to provide their account number which can be found on either a printed invoice, an old receipt, or on a demand notice received from the Mayor and City Council.

The use of MMG is said to be a safe, reliable and convenient service; especially since the nation is working towards putting an

end to the global pandemic.

The MMG initiative was made possible through a collaboration between the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the telephone company in November of 2017.

This was aimed at enabling persons to make their payments to the M&CC in a timely and convenient manner.

ess than a week after People’s Progressive Party Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali called for necessary systems to be implemented for pensioners to receive their monthly allowances early, the Guyana Post Office Corporation has announced a new system for the distribution of pension payments.

This new system will see pensioners receiving their money at an earlier date.

On Tuesday GPOC said that this new plan was formulated in collaboration with the Social Protection Ministry to reduce mass gathering, adding that the practice of social distancing is essential.

As such, pensions for the month of May will begin on April 29 from 07:00h at all post offices countrywide.

An alphabetical system, using surnames, will be used for senior citizens to receive their payment during the first five payment days of the month in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Surnames beginning with the letters A-E will be paid on April 29, F-J on April 30, K-O on May 4, P-T on May 6, and U-Z on May 7.

The alphabetical system will only be used during the first five payment days.

However, senior citizens will be allowed to cash their coupons on any day after the fifth payment day.

“In keeping with the guidelines provided by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the

GPOC will continue to enforce a minimum distance of three feet between individuals accessing our services.

This measure will limit the number of individuals who can enter the post office at any given time. Persons visiting our offices will be asked to sanitise their hands upon entry, and our public areas will be sanitised intermittently throughout the day.

Persons visiting the post office are asked to wear a protective mask,” GPOC indicated.

Other additional information can be accessed through their website www. guypost.gy or their social media handles.

Earlier this month, it was reported that despite stern warnings for senior citizens to avoid visiting post offices during the coronavirus threat, hundreds of pensioners were seen flocking various postal locations countrywide.

The elderly folks were waiting in long queues to uplift their pension payments, even though the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) had advised that pensioners should authorise a younger family member to collect same on their behalf.

Moreover, pensioners were urged to refrain from visiting the post offices to uplift their monies during the first days of the month, since vouchers would be available later on. The advisory was issued in light of the coronavirus disease, of which elderly folks are more vulnerable.

Recommendations

On Wednesday last, Dr Ali said that it is necessary for systems to be implemented which caters for the elderly in light of COVID-19.

In an interview with this publication, Ali suggested, as one measure, that the elderly receive advance payments for at least two months, thus eliminating the need for them to even have to leave their homes.

“Pensioners form part of the most vulnerable group.

What we’ve seen is no adjustment in the administrative mechanism,” the Presidential Candidate explained.

“One of the things they could have easily done is for the period they have this lockdown, one cheque could have been written for the two months,” he added.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Miscreants are running wild in Guyana

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harles Dickens once wrote “It is a pleasant world we live in. There are bad people in it, but if there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers”. The times are not so pleasant right now in Guyana, but there are many good lawyers. While the oil prospect seems dim right now, the prospects for good lawyers is sky-high because there are so many miscreants running wild in Guyana. While the struggle for a free and fair tabulation of the election results continue more than 50 days since elections, while David Granger and APNU/AFC continue to squat in Government, while the COVID-19 crisis worsens, while the economy continues to tank, crime is escalating.

The ordinary criminals Dr Leslie Ramsammy have found a conducive environment to terrorise citizens around the country, thinking no one is paying attention.

COVID-19 is a health crisis, threatening the lives of many, with at least seven people already dead. But, instead of confronting COVID-19 as a crisis, APNU/AFC continues to use the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to help them thief the elections and for corruption. Anyone with the information available cannot escape the conclusion that the Ocean View rehabilitation is a corrupt transaction. There was no announcement of the transaction, the Government only admitted after the media and political activists exposed the deal. The Government was forced to admit it contracted to rehabilitate the Ocean View Hotel, with the high risk of flooding and with an on-going sewer problem. It admitted that these are open-ended arrangements.

But if anyone passes by, this is becoming a major reconstruction of the Ocean View Hotel. At first, it claimed it would cost $150 million, then $200 million and now it concedes, at least, $1 billion. This does not include any retrofitting for a COVID-19 hospital. In addition, the Government will pay a rent of $22 million per month. It has not said who owns the building, with street words identifying two supporters and donors of APNU. There is no accountability, there is no transparency. This clearly is a scandal that is bigger than the D’Urban Park and the Sussex Street Drug Bond scandals. Behind the COVID-19 crisis, there are miscreants that good lawyers see as prospects for the future. Even as Guyanese have already died and even as the threat becomes greater, COVID-19 has become an opportunity for too many big miscreants.

COVID-19 is a cover for other sinister deeds. APNU/AFC is maximally exploiting the COVID-19 crisis as it continues its ominous conspiracy to thief the March 2 elections. It already succeeded in getting more than a year in government, after the December 21, 2018 No-Confidence Motion. Now it has squatted in Government for, at least, another two months since the Guyanese people fired them. A recount of the ballots of Region 4 was brokered between the Chief Justice and Justice Claudette Singh on March 14 when the GECOM Chair promised the CJ she will have the recount done. This was brokered so that the CJ would not have to find Mingo, Lowenfield and the GECOM Chair in contempt. On that same day, Prime Minister Mia Motley brokered another deal between David Granger, Bharrat Jagdeo and GECOM for a total recount. The GECOM Secretariat and APNU/AFC have twisted themselves more grotesquely than an American pretzel as they have done everything to stop the recount.

As part of the obfuscation, the delay and using sycophants to stop the recount, they are brazenly using COVID-19 to help them stop the inevitable. Moses Nagamootoo tried a thing, insisting COVID only comes out in the night and, therefore, APNU/AFC has a curfew. GECOM could not conduct a recount beyond 16:00h since everyone must be home by 18:00h.

He also insisted observers will have to spend 14 days in a Government-run quarantine centre, with bread and butter for meals. Who believe that Nagamootoo was stipulating the conditions on his own? He was set up to test the waters. Then Granger stepped in as if he wants the recount – he says the recount could go on up to 6.00pm. Well, why limit to 18:00h, why not maximally use the hours to get this done as quickly as possible before COVID-19 gets worse?

For Granger and APNU/AFC, the COVID-19 crisis is not enough for them to get wider testing capacity in Guyana.

PAHO/WHO is the only one trying to get testing. There are still health workers without protective gear and equipment. Many are calling the PPP’s National Stakeholders Forum for help.

There is no mass distribution of necessary protective material for the people. Irfaan Ali and his team are doing that. The CDC started a meek hamper distribution programme, using Private Sector donations. But the Government suspended that after the CDC distributed just over 1500 hampers, telling people, it is a long-term plan that is needed. Winston Jordan tells people there will be Government financial support, but only when they are finished with the elections. Too many miscreants are in charge. Too many good lawyers see their prospects as good.

COVID-19 outbreak

Guyana, Suriname working to better monitor cross-border activities …collaborating to clamp down on smuggling, backtrack travel

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hile their respective borders are closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Guyana and it’s eastern neighbour, Suriname, are working to better monitor activities between riverine communities on either side of the border.

This was communicated in a statement released by the Foreign Affairs Ministry on Tuesday, in which it revealed that a video conference meeting was held between officials from the two sides, to come to an agreement on collaborating against coronavirus.

It was, however, not revealed, who were the ‘officials’ that represented Guyana during the meeting.

“The two sides also discussed the need for cooperation in the areas of health, security, immigration and social protection, to strengthen both their national and collective responses to the crisis caused by the global pandemic,” the statement said. It also noted that during the meeting, both sides highlighted their successes and challenges of managing the dis-

crimes. According to the Ministry, smuggling and backtrack travel were some of the issues addressed during the meeting.

Information sharing

ease on the medical front and agreed to establish a mechanism for information sharing between their health personnel.

It was explained that even as the borders remain closed in an effort to prevent imported coronavirus cases, activity still has to go on between riverine communities on both sides of the border.

As such the parties agreed to immediately implement measures to ensure that riverine communities are able to commute and conduct their businesses, to and from points within their respective countries, under proper surveillance in order to ensure

that the protocols to combat the spread of COVID-19 are not compromised.

“The two sides emphasised that the arrangements that have been put in place will respect the fact that their respective borders remain closed and that their nationals must not endeavour to enter into the territory of the other,” the Ministry said in its statement.

Guyana’s border with Suriname has always presented issues, ranging from the smuggling of commodities to the use of the backtrack and even piracy, with pirates slipping back into their respective countries after committing their

According to the statement, the parties have established a mechanism for information sharing between the relevant institutions and agencies of the two countries to allow for the conduct of legitimate movements on the Corentyne River and to prevent illegal activities, including the movements of persons and goods between the two countries.

As of April 20, 2020, Guyana has 67 cases of coronavirus and seven deaths.

Suriname, which recorded its first coronavirus case shortly after Guyana, is reported by Reuters to have one death and 10 cases.

Among the measures Guyana has taken is the shutting down of the airspace to anything but cargo planes. Passenger planes require special permission to land. In addition, Guyana has also closed its borders with neighbouring countries.

Businessman arrested for rape of 14-year-old …tells Police girl’s mother approved relationship

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25-year-old businessman in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was taken into custody after he was accused of sexually molesting a teenage girl.

The teen is said to be from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

According to information received, the teenager and suspect became friends after she visited her mother’s shop in Region Seven

late December 2019. At that time, she reportedly told the man that she was 16 years old when, in fact, she was only 14.

The businessman approached the teen’s mother and informed her that he has feelings towards her daughter and as such, asked for consent to begin a relationship.

However, last week, the teenager and her mother had a misunderstanding

and she left her mother’s house and moved in with the suspect.

The mother, in turn, lodged a report at the police outpost in the area and an investigation was launched.

The man was subsequently arrested but the teen turned up at the station and informed the police that the businessman would usually give her money and she would hand over same to her mother.

She also told the police that her mother had agreed to the relationship. When contacted, Commander of Region Seven, Senior Superintendent Linden Lord confirmed that the man was arrested but could not divulge any information due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

He, however, related that a medical examination will be conducted on the teenager shortly.

Woman dies, husband critical after 3-vehicle collision

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woman was on Tuesday killed while her husband is critical after their motorcycle collided with a car along the No 71 Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice.

Dead is 63-year-old Laleta Rambaran of Lot 33 Section B, No 73 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, while her husband, Rishi Ram Rambaran, remains hospitalised.

Based on reports received, the motor car, bearing registration number PGG 6698, was proceeding along the No 72 Public Road at a fast rate of speed as another motor car, PMM 6565, and motorcycle, CE 8684, were heading in the same direction However, it is alleged that Rambaran made a sudden turn and ended up in

One of the cars that were involved after the accident the path of motor car PGG 6698. As a result, the driver reportedly swerved to avoid a collision but the front left side of the motor car collided with the motorcycle.

Both the now dead woman and her husband fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries. Nevertheless, mo-

The motorcycle which the couple was riding at the time of the accident

tor car PMM 6565, which was behind, ran over the injured woman as she was lying on the roadway.

She was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her husband, who reportedly suffered injuries about his head, spine and right leg, was treated and transferred to New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

Both drivers were arrested and are assisting with investigations.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 homeless after NA home goes up in flames

Ramjattan confirms APNU/ AFC hired lobby firm T

Former Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

While insisting that no Government monies were used, former Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan has confirmed that it was a Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) that hired lobby firm JJ&B LLC to plead its case in the United States.

Ramjattan made this admission during a video conference appearance on a local radio programme.

He was asked by former telecoms executive, Yog Mahadeo, about the fact that the Justice Department listed the Government of Guyana as the firm’s client.

“If there’s the thing that indicated that it is the Government of Guyana that contracted them, I want to make it quite clear it was not the Government of Guyana.

It was APNU/AFC.” “The President was obviously right when he said his Government did not take them on. It’s APNU/ AFC,” Ramjattan further explained.

When asked whether President Granger was aware of the hiring of the firm, Ramjattan said that “he probably might not have been.”

“I am aware that we have a contact with that company for purposes of ensuring the narrative is put properly in and around places of power in Washington.”

According to Ramjattan, the narrative is that APNU and AFC want to rig the elections. Ramjattan denied this and insisted that

they are within their rights in hiring the firm to counter that narrative.

“I can speak on behalf of the AFC. We will not have any rigged elections in Guyana. And I, as part of that team that said we got to get the narrative right, did indicate that this Government is under tremendous strain [because of people saying] it rigged the elections.”

“Just like how the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] took mercury, what is wrong with APNU/AFC taking on the narrative to be changed?” Ramjattan questioned.

The United States has been at the forefront in mounting international pressure for the March 2 elections results to be credible and transparent, following fraudulent declarations made by embattled Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

Mingo’s declarations have since been set aside, and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is now preparing to conduct a total recount of all the votes cast.

As such, the coalition had hired Washington-based lobbyist firm JJ&B LLC to engage the US Department of State on its behalf in changing the narrative on the current political and electoral impasse.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon defended the retainment of the firm.

“We believe [that] as a Government it was our duty, our responsibility, to ensure that our narrative – the facts as they occurred – should be placed there in these capitals [around the world]. And therefore, we felt it was necessary to have a company that has that access to be able to put out our side of the story,” he noted.

In the document filed with the US Department of Justice, which was received by the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Unit of the United States National Security Division

on March 31, 2020, the Guyana Government was named the ‘foreign principal’.

In addition, the Ministry of the Presidency was listed as the agency that is being represented by the lobbyist firm; and Harmon was named as the official with whom the company engages.

Despite this, however, Harmon had claimed that the retainer fees of the company which adds up to US$72,000, is being paid by party supporters, and not money from the State’s coffers.

The 147-page document being circulated from APNU/ AFC, titled ‘Dossier Guyana Elections 2020’, claims that the PPP has been trying to gain US support to stage a coup against the David Granger-led Government, and that if it were to succeed, then Russia and China will be in control of the area stretching from Venezuela to Suriname.

The dossier has been rubbished in its entirety by Opposition Leader and PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, who has also expressed disbelief that party supporters paid US$72,000 from their own pockets to contract the firm.

He had pointed out that when the PPP hired lobby firm Mercury, it was paid for from their own pockets and that they had the paper trail to prove it. He had urged the company to release evidence that its funding came from Congress Place and not Government coffers.

$25,000 cash.

Reports are that the man was on his way home when he was grabbed by one of the men from behind.

At the time, Hansrajua was walking along the roadway. According to the traumatised man, the bandit started to choke him, thus forcing him to the ground.

As he looked around, he saw three masked men, who started to assault him. After

relieving him of the articles, the men made good their escape.

Hansrajua was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital by public-spirited citizens where he was treated and sent away.

Police are investigating the incident but were unable to locate any closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage in close proximity to where the incident took place.

Caretaker President David Granger

Armed bandits rob, beat NIS officer

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rmed bandits continued their rampage in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyen), this time executing a brazen robbery on an employee of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) at Whim, Corentyne, on Monday.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that 29-year-old Robindra Hansrajua called “Vickey” was relieved of his iPhone 6 plus, one gold chain and

wo persons are now homeless after a late afternoon fire on Tuesday destroyed a 19th century wooden building in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Forty-three-year-old Anthony Giddings was at home alone when the fire started at the Lot 14-33 Pitt Street, New Amsterdam home.

Giddings lived in the building with his reputed wife.

Based on information gathered, the smoke was seen billowing from the upper flat of the building and an alarm was raised. However, at the time, Giddings, who is an alleged drug addict, was seen running away from the burning building.

He told investigators, “I don’t know how the fire started.”

The young man, who had been convicted for possession of narcotics and who is unemployed, lived at the wood-

The building on fire on Tuesday

en building, which was built out of pinewood and other local lumber, with his wife who recently gave birth.

Giddings has also been convicted of other crimes.

Meanwhile, two units from the New Amsterdam Fire Service arrived at the scene and with the help of public-spirited citizens, were able to put out the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

Pitt Street is the heart

of the shopping area in the country’s oldest town; New Amsterdam.

The owner of the building, Mazie James, is now diseased and the building was left unoccupied for more than two years before Giddings took up residency.

At the time of the fire on Tuesday, there was no electricity to the building. An investigation has been launched by the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Fire Service.

Govt denies request to evacuate stranded Guyanese doctors, students

– will send hampers instead

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he caretaker coalition Government is adamant in its decision to not repatriate Guyanese stranded overseas amidst the COVID-19 pandemic – this time denying evacuation requests by doctors and medical students studying in Cuba.

According to reports, the Guyanese doctors and medical students, who are on scholarships in Cuba, wrote the Public Health Ministry in Georgetown detailing their plights and requesting evacuation. They complained about deteriorating conditions and difficulties in finding food, basic goods and exposure to infection in work settings.

However, in response to the local reports, Public Service Minister, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley on Tuesday refuted the reports, saying that they do not accurately describe the sentiments of a majority of the students who are currently in Cuba.

Minister Sarabo-Halley pointed out that from the inception of the coronavirus outbreak in China, the coalition Administration had decided on and maintained its decision, despite criticisms, not to evacuate students there. This also applies to those in Cuba.

“Having done the necessary investigations, it was recognised that the letter holder and the content of the letter did not adequately reflect the views of majority of the students in Cuba and thus there was no need to entertain a discussion on evacuation,” the Minister said.

Instead, Sarabo-Halley explained that they recognised the need for other forms of assistance and as such, Government is now working to send hampers to all 77 students – both fully-funded and self-funded – who are currently in Cuba.

The students, in their letter to the Public Health Ministry, explained that the exacerbation and intensification of the United States embargo on Cuba have plunged the country into further difficulties which has now resulted in the lack and/or shortage of basic food, goods, personal care products, necessities and services. These, they added, have been further compounded with the COVID-19 spread in the country.

According to the students, the health crisis has forced a suspension of training in all areas and fields of study.

However, the sixth-year medical students and doctors are still being encouraged to continue working as an assistance to the workforce in many provinces.

“It is important to note, that in many instances our students and residents have not been afforded the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for their protection. When these matters are raised, we are met with conflicts and insults as to the presence of Cubans working in our country. Might I add, they are not facing the same challenges that we are facing here in Cuba,” the students argued.

They also highlighted troubles faced in accessing basic food items and necessities, pointing out that the locals are claiming that those items are for them.

However, Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Soyinka Grogan said on Tuesday that the Student Affairs Officer at Guyana Embassy in Havana, Dr Corlette Sengwe, has purchased PPEs and hygiene supplies for the students. These supplies, the PS noted, are already in Cuba but awaiting clearance by immigration. In the meantime, she noted that

the students are using cloth masks issued by the university.

She added that Sengwe has also been able to deliver water to those students, who are at the universities and studying online.

Grogan contended that 80 per cent of the students would like to remain in Cuba, claiming that the letter was for their return to Guyana in August. “[They want] the hamper Government would send to the students instead of coming home. This is primarily the case of the sixth-year medical students and the postgrad medical students. They are not very happy or very keen on leaving their studies at this juncture to come home with an indefinite period of not knowing when or if they’ll ever be able to complete their programme,” she asserted.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Service has informed the students that their relatives are allowed to send small packages, weighing no more than five pounds with personal items. These packages had to be delivered to the Department’s Waterloo Street, Georgetown location by 14:00h on Tuesday in order to be included in the relief cargo being sent by Government.

Since closing Guyana’s borders last month, the caretaker Government has not granted requests or heeded pleas by Guyanese stranded overseas.

In fact, head of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), Moses Nagamootoo had said during a virtual press conference earlier this month that those persons should “sit it out” and await the reopening of the country’s borders including its two international airports which have been closed to incoming commercial flights until May 3, 2020.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

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

To Retired Justice Claudette Singh, with concern Dear Justice Singh, Justice may be defined as the maintenance or administration of what is just, especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments (MW). Justice in itself is true, it’s factual, it’s impartial, it’s fair, it’s righteous and with reason.

In order for justice to be true, the wielder of the gavel must always be true to themselves. Madam Justice (retired), I don’t know you personally but you seem to be questioning yourself and your decisions a lot. You must reflect on yourself, put yourself in the shoes of fellow Guyanese and ask yourself what would you have done or how would you have reacted. Only then you will find true, unquestionable justice. Justice for the people, the way it ought to be.

Justice is always factual and doesn’t head the attention of misfitted opinions.

Madam Justice (retired), I don’t know you much but I believe that you were trained to sift through data and separate the facts from the flim-flam.

It is a fact (I know that you know it) that the Joiner of List earned a seat and that the PPP/C was the leader by a large figure halfway through the veri-

fication of the Region Four SoPs, the final region to verify I should add. Isn’t it a fact that the constitutional process was breached by RO Mingo and even twisted after acting Chief Justice George handed down direct orders on the continuation of the verification process for Region Four SoPs? Isn’t it a fact that the argument of substantial compliance was defeated and it was made clear that the process must be continued legitimately? Isn’t it evident that foul play was uncovered when Volda Lawrence had signed the Form 24 (declaration) for a falsified Region Four?

Should I list more of these daunting facts?

Madam Chairwoman, justice is always impartial and fair. It knows only what is right and that which benefits everyone, in this case, the nation of Guyana. Once again, Justice (retired), I do not know you that well but I know that you have a conscience and I urge you to let it be your guide.

I know the pressure is all on you because of the way the system is set up but based on the qualities of the title you bear, you can rationally present facts to support your decisions without seeming partisan. I must say that you’re showcasing unjustifiable partiality and putting an entire nation on the brink of chaos. Just

think about it from this perspective retired wielder of the gravel. Don’t forget your training.

Justice (retired) Singh, you proclaim to be Godfearing. Let me say that justice is righteous and let the scripture say “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly.” Leviticus 19:15 (NIV). The Quran says “So reconcile between them in justice and fairness.

Verily, Allah loves those who are just.” Surah AlHujurat 49:9. Also, a great majority of Guyana will love those that are just. Cling to these ancient scriptures and “...let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” Amos 5:24.

Madam Chairwoman, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, ponder on my message to you and rationally reason this entire process through. Think of the legacy you want to leave behind.

Guyana must overcome this situation and it starts with your ability to deliver an efficient, just decision on this recount. My home and our people are depending on you one last time. My people, don’t lose hope and let’s keep moving forward.

God Bless!

Dear Editor, A few hours prior to the penning of this article, I was appalled to learn of the death threats issued to the GECOM Chairman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh as well as the Governmentnominated Commissioner, Vincent Alexander. No matter what anyone’s political leaning is, these acts must be absolutely condemned.

Personally, I do believe that Justice Singh is being taken advantage of by the PNC. I think any mentally intact individual would know by now that the PNC will stop at nothing to delay this recount to stay in power. It must be noted that I said PNC and not “APNU/ AFC” because it is clear that the AFC is a speck of dust long brushed under the carpet, the Kabaka disciples driving the coalition.

I will not jump on the bandwagon and accuse Singh and Alexander of making false allegations.

There are most certainly crazed radicals out there who think of the two of them in such an unsightly way. I am not here to be an apologist for these lunatics.

For all they are doing is making the PPP and the

other small parties look bad. Can’t these people see that they are allowing the PNC to play the victim role?

I would not be surprised if an inquiry/investigation is made into these threats, causing the recount process to be “put on hold”.

I am urging all my comrades who are perturbed by the nauseating electoral fiasco to calm down and remain civil. Stop this impudence immediately. Attacking individuals like Justice Singh and Mr Alexander is only going to place the Opposition parties in hot water.

The last thing we need is for the PNC to accuse the Opposition parties of inciting hooliganism. These individuals (Nandlall, Gunraj etc) are fighting for us. Yes, I know that the elections are trying to be hijacked.

Yes, I know that there are sinister forces that are anticipating similar outcomes that occurred in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985.

Remain calm and let them fight for our democracy. We must not allow the PNC and their cheerleaders such as Mark Benschop to carry out this smear campaign on the PPP and other

small parties. Be civil. Be calm. Do not let them (the PNC) get to you because

Respectfully, Dr Josh Kanhai

A case for democracy Dear Editor, Please permit me space in your newspaper to comment on David Hinds’ latest article published on April 19, 2020.

After several weeks of ridiculous comments and opinions by Mr Hinds in relation to the election and the PPP/C party, he sought a change in tone in this latest rambling where he sought to invoke African traditions and our ancestral struggles to justify his position. What Mr Hinds is attempting to justify is that - in his words - “we should be willing to sacrifice democracy to save Guyana”. He is also stating that whilst most of us are focusing on what occurred in the days following the close of polls on March 2, 2020, he is looking beyond that.

First of all, I would like to ask Mr Hinds where was this same zeal in 2015, when the coalition won by the narrowest margin in the country’s history? Didn’t he believe that was the perfect time for the Unity Government he now advocates for, so opportunistically?

What occurred, election rigging, the blatant attempt at election rigging cannot be ignored. The fraudulent declarations of the results for Region Four that were made on March 5, 2020, and March 13, 2020, were done in full view of the global community. It is also the events of the days after March 2, 2020, that served

as the precursor to all that has taken place since then and that has us all in this current situation.

The vote of an individual is sacrosanct. It should not be so flippantly discarded in the way Mr Hinds seems to support. The people of Guyana chose a party that ran on issues, policies and track record against one that seeks to promote a broken leader and a lack of vision. Mr Hinds is now asking these people to give up what they voted for because people associated with the coalition he campaigned for have placed us all in a tenuous position.

He would have us reward them for this? This seems to be his agenda.

In democracies all around the world, the losing candidate, in an effort to heal a nation that might have been divided during a vigorous election campaign, graciously concedes defeat and works to ensure there is a smooth transition of power. That is called doing the patriotic thing. If David Granger had done that on March 3, when all the parties knew the results of the March 2020 elections, the events that unfolded would have never occurred.

Mr Hinds, instead of seeking to reward the coalition for subverting the will of the people, should be calling upon them to do the right thing.

Since Mr Hinds invoked our African traditions, I

you are only letting them win. I will end by quoting the legendary filmmak-

er Spike Lee: Do the right thing.

wish to draw to his attention three clauses contained in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance: We the Member States of the African Union are: ? Committed to promote the universal values and principles of democracy, good governance, human rights and the right to development. ? Seeking to entrench in the Constitution a political culture of change of power based on the holding of regular, free, fair, and transparent elections conducted by competent, independent and impartial national electoral bodies. ? Convinced of the need to enhance the election observation missions in the role they play, particularly as they are an important contributory factor to ensuring the regularity, transparency and credibility of elections.

There are nine more clauses, but I believe those three are quite apt to our current situation and would serve David Hinds and members of the coalition well to adopt. If we adopt what Mr Hinds desires, we are basically removing the people from having any say in the governing of the country and vesting power into a limited view. Mr Hinds, our ancestors did not fight and die for that.

Yours truly, S Greaves

Do not let PNC play the victim role Yours faithfully, Mokshanand Kasinauth

18

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

Regional

St Lucia’s PM: No pay cut proposed S

t Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says his administration is not proposing any form of pay cuts to public servants, as it tries to manage the fallout of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on the island’s economy.

“The Government is honouring its collective agreement,” Chastanet told reporters outside parliament today.

“There’s no cut that is being proposed – we are paying the civil servants their salaries. We are paying the civil servants part in cash and part in bonds.”

Chastanet also disclosed that a decision was made af-

St Lucian Prime Minister Allen Chastanet

ter a meeting with the unions late Monday where it was decided to push back pay that was due on April 23 to April 30 in order to “complete the decision”.

He said the Government

did not want to impose anything on the unions, but desired a collective decision.

“If in any way what the Government has proposed is perceived by anyone as biased or selective, we are

prepared to amend wherever possible,” the Prime Minister said.

“What we have realised for some time starting back in March where I have been making pronouncements to the general public and everyone, is we need to get into the idea of rationing,” he stated.

The Prime Minister asserted that this is not an ordinary time as he detailed the Government’s current fiscal position against the backdrop of the economic impact of COVID-19.

He said the same way that anyone else would ration, the Government has to ration cash. (Excerpt from CMC)

Mexican President tells gangs to stop handing out coronavirus aid

Employees of the clothing brand El Chapo 701, owned by Alejandrina Guzman, fill boxes with products to be handed out to elderly people [Fernando Carranza/Reuters]

M

exico’s President has acknowledged that drug cartels have been handing out care packages during the coronavirus pandemic, urging them to end violence instead of distributing food.

Imploring criminals to behave better, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador declared on Monday that the

care packages filled with basic foodstuffs and cleaning supplies were not helpful.

“These criminal organisations that have been seen distributing the packages, this isn’t helpful. What helps is them stopping their bad deeds,” he told reporters at a news conference.

The left-wing President, who has

advocated a less confrontational approach than his predecessors in taming raging cartel violence, said gang members should refrain from harming others and instead think of the suffering they cause to their own families and the mothers of their victims.

Videos posted on social media last week showed one of the daughters of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, Alejandrina, handing out boxes of rice, pasta, cooking oil and toilet paper with Guzman’s image printed on them under El Chapo’s 701 brand, a company founded by her.

“We are working and contributing.

A great pleasure to visit your homes and give you these Chapo handouts,” said a post on the company’s Facebook page, that was later removed, showing Alejandrina, wearing a black face mask with Chapo’s face, handing out parcels.

Beyond the Guzman-linked Sinaloa cartel, other gangs have similarly courted publicity with care packages for mostly poor residents, including the Jalisco New Generation and Los Durango cartels. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidadians stranded Barbados: 2 more people in Barbados, scheduled to leave isolation, no new COVID-19 cases to return home

T

hirty-three Trinidad and Tobago nationals who have been stranded in Barbados since March 23, were scheduled to return home on Tuesday.

It’s reported that early Tuesday, National Security Minister Stuart Young granted an exemption to the group to allow them to return to the country.

The majority of the group left Trinidad on February 27 for Dubai for a cruise on the Indian Ocean, but while on the cruise, the coronavirus outbreak became a global problem and they were forced to dock in Cape Town, South Africa.

The group eventually left South Africa for Dubai,

then to London and then to Barbados.

They arrived in Barbados on March 23, a day after the Trinidad and Tobago Government closed the borders.

National Security Minister Stuart Young said he then told the Barbados Government that the country’s borders were closed and the Trinidadians, therefore, could not come home.

The Trinidadians were scheduled to return home on two flights.

On arrival, they are expected to be medically examined, questioned and tested for COVID-19. (Excerpt from CMC)

T

he Ministry of Health and Wellness announced Tuesday that for the sixth consecutive day, there were no new cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recorded in Barbados.

However, two more people were released from isolation after testing negative twice within a 48-hour period.

Their results were among the 35 tests conducted by the Bes-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory, which brought the total number of tests carried out by this facility to 1 098.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 remains at 75 in Barbados.

Of these, 45 people are in isolation, 25 people have recovered and five have died.

Meanwhile, in Trinidad, there has been one new confirmed case of COVID-19, FOR A TOTAL OF 115.

The Ministry also reports that two more COVID-19 survivors have been discharged from health facilities in Couva. The number of deaths remains at eight persons. (Excerpt from Nation News and Trinidad Guardian)

Venezuelan Socialists, Opposition Leaders begin secret talks amid pandemic, sources say

A

llies of both Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his bitter foe, Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, have secretly begun exploratory talks as concerns grow about the possible impact of the spread of the coronavirus, according to sources on both sides.

The discussions emerged from concerns about the respiratory illness COVID-19, hyperinflation and growing fuel shortages, as well as worries among some members of the ruling Socialist Party about how to ensure their political survival under a possible change of government as Washington tightens sanctions, the sources said.

The talks, which have no clear agenda, show that allies of both Maduro and Guaidó remain unconvinced they can defeat the other amid a global pandemic and a broad US sanctions programme meant to push Maduro from office.

“There are two extremes:

Maduro and those who believe that the virus will end Guaidó’s leadership, and those on the other side (who) hope this crisis will bring down Maduro,” said an Opposition legislator in favour of the rapprochement.

“I think we have to find solutions.”

Reuters was unable to determine when the talks began, where or how they are taking place, and how Maduro and Guaidó view them. Seven sources, who represent both sides of Venezuela’s deep political divide, confirmed the talks.

Maduro and Guaidó are competing with one another to help combat the effects of the pandemic, with each side convinced the outbreak will undermine the other politically, said the sources, who asked not to be identified.

Activists and rights groups around the world have urged the two factions to seek a truce in order to coordinate the delivery of aid and boost gasoline imports.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Chile lockdown: AntiGovernment protest broken up by Police

The square where the protest was held had been empty for a month since Santiago’s lockdown was first enforced

C

hilean Police broke up anti-Government protests in Santiago and arrested 14 people on Monday night local time, citing social distancing laws.

Protests first erupted in Chile in October and were held almost daily, but largely subsided as coronavirus spread.

But anger over low wages, high costs of living and inequality which triggered the protests has not diminished.

The Police said that they made the arrests because “mass congregations are prohibited”.

Health officials have banned gatherings of more than 50 people, restaurants and bars are closed and an evening curfew is in place.

It is not clear exactly how many people attended the protest at Plaza Italia, but photos posted on social me-

dia appeared to show protesters keeping their distance from each other.

During the wave of protests which swept the country last year, President Sebastián Piñera’s approval ratings fell to historic lows and he faced repeated calls to resign.

Earlier this month, he sparked criticism by posing for photos in an empty Plaza Italia while the city was under a strict lockdown.

The protests were originally triggered by a rise in the metro fare in Santiago, but soon became a much wider movement denouncing inequality in Chile, the high costs of healthcare and poor funding of education.

Excessive use of force

by Police, with hundreds of protesters blinded by rubber bullets, further stoked Chileans’ anger. (Excerpt from BBC News)

guyanatimesgy.com

OILNEWS Coronavirus: Oil price at 18-year low as turmoil persists

T

he price of a barrel of Brent Crude - the UK benchmark for oil - has slipped below US$20, its lowest level since 2002.

The more than 25 per cent slump followed negative prices being recorded for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark for US oil.

The declines are a testament to the sharp decline in energy demand due to coronavirus lockdowns across the world.

But the negative oil prices on Monday were a “quirk” due to trading deadlines, one market expert said.

“We don’t see negative oil prices as a new normal, going forward,” said analyst James Trafford of Fidelity International. “Yesterday’s price action is best understood as a quirk or peculiarity of futures trading.”

Oil prices have weakened sharply because of a combination of oversupply and a collapse in global demand due to the decline in economic activity caused by coronavirus lockdown measures.

The price of oil that we see reported is actually the future price of oil. Futures are essentially contracts to deliver the physical commodity at a later date.

So when we look at oil prices, we are actually seeing the market price for future months.

As the delivery date approaches, these contracts need to be rolled over to the subsequent period.

The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark for US oil, fell into negative territory for the first time in history on Monday, dropping to minus US$37 a barrel.

But that only related to the May contract, which was about to expire.

Traders holding the contract were unable to find buyers, because no one with the ability to take delivery wanted it.

On Tuesday, May prices remained low but returned to positive territory. However, the price for June fell dramatically, tumbling 43 per cent to less than US$12 per barrel over continued fears about storage capacity.

“This is an unprecedented demand drop. Nobody in their lifetime has seen anything like this,” said James McNally of Third Bridge Group.

The collapse in physical demand for crude products like petrol and jet fuel has left storage hubs at capacity or, as one trader put it: “They’re close to the brim.”

“Coronavirus is rewriting the rules of the global economy in front of our very eyes,” said Adam Vettese, analyst at eToro.

“While Monday’s negative WTI futures price might have been a one-off glitch, it does confirm there is trouble ahead,” said Artur Baluszynski, head of research at Henderson Rowe.

The OPEC group of oil-producing economies recently agreed to historic supply cuts, which were due to come into effect in May. The group is now is believed to be looking to cut oil output immediately, rather than waiting until next month, to ease the pressure on prices. Many North American companies have also independently announced plans to cut back their output.

However, analysts say that does not mean the cuts will be sufficient to cause prices to rebound quickly.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

19

Around the World

Global coronavirus cases pass 2.5 million as US tally surpasses 800,000

G

lobal coronavirus infections surpassed 2.5 million on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, with US cases surpassing 800,000.

The figure includes more than 170,000 deaths, twothirds of which have been reported in Europe.

It took around 75 days for the first 500,000 cases to be reported, and just six days for the most recent half million to be registered.

The first 41 cases were confirmed on Jan 10, just over three months ago, and new cases have accelerated to over 70,000 a day in April.

It compares to 3 million to 5 million cases of severe illness caused annually by seasonal influenza, according to World Health Organisation

estimates.

While experts say actual cases of the new coronavirus are likely higher than current reports, the number still falls far short of the

Spanish flu, which began in 1918 and infected an estimated 500 million people.

Despite the growing number of cases in the current pandemic, there are signs

that the spread of the coronavirus is slowing with many countries exercising lockdown measures.

North America accounts for a third of all cases, though so far the region has reported lower death rates.

In both the United States and Canada, 5 per cent of reported cases have been fatal.

In China, where the virus is thought to have originated, daily new cases have dwindled to less than 20 a day over the past three days and no new deaths have been reported this week.

Currently, many countries continue to experience a shortage of testing resources, artificially lowering case numbers and excluding infections in nursing homes.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

it investigates the 16 crime scenes in the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia that were part of the spree of murders, several of which included burnt-out homes.

The gunman, 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, who at one point masqueraded as an RCMP officer and disguised his car to look like a police cruiser, shattered the peace of rural communities during

a rampage that started late on Saturday, authorities said on Sunday.

He was shot by Police at noon on Sunday. Police did not say if he was counted among the 23 dead.

Police said on Tuesday they had information that other members of the public were injured.

“The investigative team is focused on learning more

about this very tragic situation, including accurate victim information and whether others may have aided the suspect,” the RCMP statement said.

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil told a news conference on Tuesday that Canada’s Attorney General told him the military was assisting in the RCMP’s investigation. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A nurse wipes away tears as she stands outside NYU Langone Medical Centre on 1st Avenue in Manhattan as New York Police Department (NYPD) Mounted Police and other units came to cheer and thank healthcare workers at 7 pm during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City, New York, US, April 16, 2020

Police hunt for motive as Canada's worst mass shooting death toll rises to 23

C

anadian Police were yet to determine a motive for the country’s worst mass shooting, as the death toll from the 13hour carnage over the weekend climbed to 23 from 19, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said on Tuesday.

The RCMP had said on Monday it expected the number of victims to increase as

Coronavirus: World risks "biblical" famines due to pandemic – UN

T

he world is at risk of widespread famines "of biblical proportions" caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the UN has warned.

David Beasley, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), said urgent action was needed to avoid a catastrophe.

A report estimates that the number suffering from hunger could almost double from 135 million to more than 250 million.

Those most at risk are in 10 countries affected by conflict, economic crisis and climate change, the WFP says.

The fourth annual Global Report on Food Crises high-

lights Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Nigeria and Haiti.

Addressing the UN Security Council during a video conference, Mr Beasley

said the world had to "act wisely and act fast".

The WFP's senior economist, Arif Husain, said the economic impact of the pandemic was potentially catastrophic for millions "who are already hanging by a thread".

Earlier this month, this

WFP said it was set to halve aid to parts of war-torn Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels due to a funding crisis.

It said some donors had stopped their aid over concerns that deliveries were being obstructed by Houthi forces.

The WFP feeds more than 12 million Yemenis a month, 80 per cent of whom are in areas controlled by Houthi forces.

Yemen confirmed its first case of COVID-19 earlier this month, with aid agencies warning that the disease could quickly overwhelm the country's weakened health systems. (Excerpt from BBC News)

pend immigration into the United States!"

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany issued a statement on Tuesday echoing Trump's past comments about immigration. She provided no details on what the executive order would entail.

US media, citing unnamed officials, said the order would likely apply narrowly to those seeking permanent immigration status.

The order will have a time frame of 30-90 days

and be renewable, an Administration official reportedly said.

Other workers such as those on so-called H1-B visas would be covered in a separate action, the official added.

The US has already effectively halted most immigration. Due to the pandemic, almost all visa processing by the State Department, including immigrant visas, has been suspended for weeks.

The US has also suspended the refugee programme, and

is turning back all undocumented migrants and asylum seekers who attempt to cross the border between official ports of entry.

Trump has taken credit for his restrictions on travel to the US from China and hard-hit European countries, arguing the restrictions contributed to slowing the spread of the virus in the US. But he has not extended those restrictions to other nations now experiencing virus outbreaks. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Millions across the world already rely heavily on food aid to survive

"Xenophobic scapegoating": Trump plan to ban immigration slammed

U

nited States President Donald Trump caused confusion and anger after saying in a late-night Monday tweet that he will "temporarily suspend immigration" due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Referring to the coronavirus, or "the Invisible Enemy", as well as "the need to protect the jobs of our great American Citizens", Trump tweeted that he will "be signing an Executive Order to temporarily sus-

20

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Emotions will swell up quickly. Don't overreact or say or do something you'll regret. Take a deep breath and a step back, and consider what's best for you.

Personal growth is favored.

Enhance your chance to advance. Let your work speak for you instead of your words. An offer that is too good to turn down awaits you. Don't argue over petty differences.

Your persuasive charm will influence others to see things your way. A connection you make will grow into a supportive relationship that will help you reach your life goal. Romance is featured.

Keep your thoughts to yourself. Your best efforts will bear fruit if you concentrate on doing a good job and finishing what you start. Take care of your responsibilities before doing anything else.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

You'll be a crowd-pleaser today, but your efforts may not be as warmly received by someone close to you. Don't neglect the people you love. A kind gesture will be appreciated.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Embrace change and keep moving forward.

Consider an offer that will encourage you to grow personally, intellectually and financially. Avoid getting involved in a joint venture.

LIBRA

Consider the best way to get ahead in the shortest time. Failing to disclose your feelings will lead to unwanted responsibilities.

Leave yourself time for enjoyment, romance and personal growth.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SUDOKU

Make a change at home.

A move or investment will give you the time and space you need to succeed.

Procrastination will be what holds you back. Embrace new beginnings.

Don't take on too much.

SAGITTARIUS Consider what will bring (Nov. 23the highest return and the Dec. 21) best response from the people you care about most.

Romance is on the rise.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) YESTERDAY'S WORD

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Look over your options and consider your long-term goals.

Keep your emotions under control and make decisions based on facts and figures.

Say no to someone asking for too much. Moderation is encouraged.

Question your direction.

Don't let depression hold you back. Walk away from people who bring you down or limit what you can do.

Aim for personal gain and a healthier lifestyle.

Consider what's realistic before you jump into something unfamiliar to you. Someone will mislead you due to ulterior motives.

Protect your heart and assets.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

21

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T

he four Grand Slams and tennis' three governing bodies are finalising a multi-million dollar package of financial assistance for lower-ranked players.

Details of the package, which is likely to be worth at least US$6 million, are expected to be announced later this week.

A player's ranking will be used as a starting point, but previous earnings and other income may be taken into consideration when players apply for support.

Discussions, which have proved complex, began shortly after professional tennis was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic on 12 March.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are hoping top 100 singles and top 20 doubles players will contribute to a separate $1m fund for men ranked outside the top 250.

In a letter written by Djokovic, president of the ATP Player Council, and first revealed in Sports Illustrated, they suggest donations on a sliding scale. So the world's top five - the three of them, Dominic Thiem and Daniil Medvedev - would contribute US$30,000 each, and those ranked between 51 and 100, US$5,000 each.

They calculate that would allow singles players ranked between

250 and 700 to receive a further grant of US$10,000 each.

The sentiment is admirable, but it may be difficult to persuade some players just inside the top 100, and currently without any income, to part with US$5,000.

There may also be those who question whether it is right to award $10,000 to someone like the current world number 700 (Germany's Dominik Boehler), as it amounts to more than his combined singles and doubles earnings for the whole of 2019.

Fairness has also been uppermost in the mind of the four Grand Slams, the ITF, the ATP and the WTA. T h e y hope to come up with a scheme which, while sim-

ple to access, also benefits those most in need. That will not be easy, given older players - who may not have much in the way of savings - are more likely to have a family to support, and mortgage payments to meet.

There is currently no indi-

cation the leading women's players are considering a proposal like the one put forward by the ATP Player Council. But the WTA chief executive Steve Simon says the organisation has already distributed over $3m to players since the suspension of play in March.

It is thought some of that money comes from the return of tour membership fees, and the reimbursement of travel expenses to tournaments which had to be cancelled at short notice.

Players

Professional tennis is suspended until at least 13 July, but with play behind closed doors an unattractive proposition for tournaments and promoters, the expectation is that the tours will not return until late summer at the very earliest.

Wimbledon has already been

m a y also have access to support from their national federations. In the UK, for example, the LTA are offering a grant of ÂŁ1140 for singles players ranked between 101 and 750 - as long as they are not already in possession of funding from the governing body.

c a n celled, and the US Tennis Association will decide in June whether the US Open can go ahead in New York from 31 August.

(BBCSports)

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lubs in rugby union's Premiership are working towards a best-case scenario of returning to action on the weekend of 3-5 July and accept midweek games would be needed, BBC Sport understands.

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fore the first match and would build to a final, ideally at Twickenham if it is available, on 15 August.

However, plans rely on social distancing guidelines easing, and access to coronavirus tests and emergency services for all involved being supported by the government.

Premiership Rugby sources said they were not interested in "buying testing via private routes" and would "never take resources away from the public needs".

The dates that are being worked towards would involve several midweek games. That is understood to have the approval of BT Sport and the clubs, who are keen to complete the season after it was suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Clubs have also discussed different possibilities for where to stage matches in what will be a condensed schedule.

Although Twickenham could be used as a neutral venue or a venue for multiple fixtures, and has the necessary medical facilities and pitch quality, clubs have acknowledged this plan will fall down if London is kept in lock-

down for longer than elsewhere.

Twickenham is also c u r r e n t l y being used as a drivethrough coronavirus testing centre.

It is understood that no formal conversations have taken place between Premiership Rugby and the Rugby Football Union, but there is an openness to talks.

There could also be a double-header fixture of the Premiership final and the Premiership Rugby Cup final if no team is involved in both.However, one source suggested the contact nature of rugby, the handling of the ball and the presence of bodily fluids like saliva and blood could mean rugby takes longer to return than other sports.

During a recent World Health Organization webinar, the director of medicine at the NBA said: "There are certain things that are going to be very difficult.

"For example, in the sport of basketball, what about the basketball itself? How well can we disinfect the basketball? As soon as it comes back into play, people are handling it."

Premiership Rugby bosses have been in regular contact with the government about drawing up a protocol that helps sport return safely without having an impact on NHS needs.

The preference is for a unified position for all sport to follow.Rugby's return-to-play protocol has been agreed with the Rugby Players' Association, and is largely in line with that produced by World Rugby.It involves two weeks of individual training and four weeks of impact training before the first match. (BBCSports)

U

efa is still planning for a June restart across its leagues but says in "special cases" some could be cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.All 55 European national FAs met by video conference on Tuesday when ways to finish the season were outlined.Each involved a June start, with the Champions League final on 29 August.Earlier this month, Uefa warned leagues that ending competitions early could result in them forfeiting Champions League and Europa League places.However, the uncertainty over when football can restart has made detailed planning impossible and for the first time, Uefa has accepted completing the season in some countries may not be possible.

"There was a strong recommendation given to finish domestic top division and cup competitions, but some special cases will be heard once guidelines concerning participation to European competitions - in case of a cancelled league - have been developed," Uefa said in a statement after the meeting.

It was not explicitly outlined to associations what "special cases" would mean. However, Uefa expects leagues to come to it with their reasons for wanting a season to be ended prematurely.

The Belgian Pro League became the first major European league to be cancelled because of coronavirus on 15 April.Uefa has to work out the qualification process for its 2020-21 competitions, which might overlap with the end of the 2019-20 season.

While the qualification process is an afterthought for the major European leagues, it represents a crucial part of

the fixture calendar for many countries.The number of countries involved has created a massive logistical headache for Uefa at a time when travel bans are in place across Europe.

The current plan is to play the 2020-21 season as normal, including two-legged ties, but with the usual dates already put back, this may be impossible to implement.It is also not clear how Uefa intends to play out the Champions League and Europa League this season, with both still to complete the last-16 stage.The option of fitting games into the schedule around league matches as normal remains, as does completing the tournaments after domestic leagues have finished. No deadline has been put on making a final decision but the latter choice would seem more likely as it is hoped - by August - that travel restrictions will have eased.No changes have been made so far to the international calendar, with all matches currently postponed until September.It is anticipated the Euro 2020 play-offs will be completed at the earliest available opportunity, and the use of triple match windows during international breaks has not been ruled out given the present desire to complete every tournament.The working group responsible for coming up with a revised fixture calendar will meet on Wednesday, with Uefa's executive committee due to meet on Thursday.That meeting is also expected to provide an update on the Women's European Championship, which is set to take place in July 2022, and the Nations League. Both have been moved to allow Euro 2020 to take place a year later than scheduled. (BBCSports)

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tournaments this year.

"I talk to Venky Mysore [Red Chillies CEO] a reasonable amount because he has a huge amount of knowledge: what he's learned in the IPL is only going to help us, not just in terms of the audience that they bring in terms of

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to maintain its distinctiveness as a league. Last year, the number of overseas players per team was reduced from five to four, and there has been more of a

Pete Russell hands Rayad Emrit a runners-up medal after the 2016 CPL final

new franchise in the USA, a full-fledged women's league and maintaining distinctive local flavour are among the keys to ensuring the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is the second-best T20 league in the world, after the Indian Premier League (IPL), according to Chief Operations Officer (COO) Pete Russell.

Seven seasons in, the 2020 CPL is shaping up to be the most difficult yet, with the COVID-19 pandemic and its knock-on effects, meaning there is every chance the league will have to be played without overseas players, behind closed doors, or across only a handful of venues as organisers draw up contingency plans.

But in an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Russell said he was confident that the CPL was well-placed to meet that challenge, having learnt from the mistakes it has made to date.

"Private enterprise is interesting when you bring it into sport. It definitely has value to it, but you do have a lot of hurdles and obstacles you've got to overcome," Russell said.

"I think the tournament has now overcome a lot of those hurdles. It's very well established in the Caribbean – even including Carnival, it's without doubt the number one entertainment product there.”

Things have not always been straightforward regarding the franchise owners. Vijay Mallya was removed as Barbados Tridents owner after failing to pay his players and fighting extradition, officials from St Kitts and Nevis Patriots were pulled up by anti-corruption officers last season, and the St Lucia franchise has changed hands three times in as many years – it was most recently purchased

by Kings XI Punjab's parent company, KPH Dream Cricket Private Limited in February.

As things stand, two of the teams are owned by the parent companies of IPL franchises – Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel were re-branded as Trinbago Knight Riders after they were bought by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment in 2015. And though Russell admits it would "make sense" for St Lucia's new owners to change the team's name from Zouks to Kings XI, he doesn't think the CPL would lose its local flavour and turn into a mini-IPL. Indeed, in the immediate term, the fact that IPL owners have a stake in the league may help avoid a clash between the two

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aren Sammy Zouks for

the Indian market, but also the learnings and professionalism. It's no coincidence that they've won the number of titles that they have. All ships rise in that scenario: other owners know that the tide mark has gone up.

The Barbados Tridents players celebrate with the CPL trophy "Similarly with Kings XI, I'm excited to be working with some great people. If you've collaborative effort with Cricket West Indies to enhance the got owners like that, it's not as if there's any threat – at opportunities afforded to young, local talent. Better pitches the end of the day, CPL still runs and manages the league. have helped the league's entertainment value, too – scoring We're very open-minded about the way we operate. We've rates have climbed from 6.98 runs per over in 2013 to 8.30 probably got a lot more wrong than we've got right over the last season. years, but we learn from our mistakes and the league is in a "I always look at these leagues and think less is more.

I'm not one for playing 56 games, just because of the favery strong position."

Expansion is a balancing act, and Russell thinks it un- tigue element. In my personal view, the Big Bash lost their likely that a new Caribbean-based franchise will be created momentum a little bit when they did that. The IPL is a difany time soon. Instead, the target is breaking into the US. ferent beast, but again – that's a lot of games that they are That is easier said than done – players were frustrated by playing."I think we are second [to the IPL] – I don't think we small crowds and the loss of home advantage when games necessarily get the credit we deserve sometimes. Everyone were played there in 2018, and having an American CPL goes back to the Big Bash, or the Blast – and the PSL is franchise would present a clash with the USA's own plans doing a great job, the tournament they ran there was first for franchise cricket in the next two years – but setting up class – but if you just look at the engagement levels we get, an American franchise within the next five years remains we're up there for sure. When people switch on a CPL game, an ambition. they know where they are: sometimes with other leagues "Would we set up another franchise in the Caribbean? you switch on and go: where is this? Is this the Blast? Is I doubt it. Would I set one up in America or Canada? it Big Bash? It's not always the case, but they can someProbably, because that would make sense in terms of break- times be a bit samey."As for a women's league, the CPL has ing into new markets and making the commercials a little lagged behind most other competitions: last season, two T10 more palatable. games were staged immediately before the second qualifi"We've got the largest professional [cricket] league on er and the final, but only as exhibition matches."It could that side of the world, and it makes sense to collaborate and be sooner than you'd think," Russell says, with regard to to build a powerful base there. Who knows: I could quite the possibility of a full-fledged female competition. "In those easily see how you would have a North and South confer- T-10 games, we played them in Trinidad, we didn't move the boundaries in, and they were still clearing the ropes quite ence in the future, once the infrastructure is in place."

The downside with any expansion is that the league comfortably – there's some really good players there."If we risks becoming bloated: the last two Big Bash seasons, in can be the catalyst and give them the opportunity, not only which average attendances were down and interest waned does it motivate them, but it motivates a whole new generdue to an increase in the number of group games from 40 to ation of potential women's cricketers to come through. Like all of these things, the economics have to play a part, but I 56 serves as a warning sign.

Similarly, the CPL is determined think we can do it. If we can have the same attention to de-

will return as captain of the St Lucia the 2020 season.

Sammy has just finished a coaching stint in Pakistan and he will be back in his playing shirt this season. He will be captaining his home franchise once again! He has been part of the St L u c i a Zouks franchise since the inception of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in 2013.

Coach Andy Flower weighed in on Sammy’s appointment, indicating, “I can’t wait to work closely with Daren and for the island of St Lucia. I worked with Daren five years ago when he captained the Peshawar team in the Pakistan Super League and we thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I know how passionate he is about his island and its cricket, and we will do everything within our power to bring fun, entertainment, and success to St Lucia.”

Sammy is excited to be retained by the Zouks and to be captaining this year. He said: “The franchise is dear to my heart and this year I am honoured to lead the franchise one more time.

Playing at home with passionate fans and the calibre of players I anticipate will be retained, I expect to bring silverware to St Lucia.

St Lucia Zouks is well on its way in securing its team of players and looks forward to a successful year of cricket in St Lucia.”

(CPLt20.Com)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

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s May 1 quickly approaches, the group of Guyanese boxers who are currently stranded in Cuba are sitting with fingers crossed, in hopes of getting the opportunity to return home soon.

Colin Lewis, Keevin Allicock, Dennis Thomas, and Desmond Amsterdam have been in Cuba since January 5, much longer than their intended threemonth stay. The trip, which was funded by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), was geared at preparing the Olympic hopefuls for the 2020 Olympic Qualifier in Argentina, which has since

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been cancelled.

After t h r e e months of tedious work and getting to the point where the boxers were more than ready to take on the Qualifier, the event was cancelled as the coronavirus pandemic began to take its toll on the Caribbean Region.

Also, as a result of COVID-19, Guyana closed its ports, including the Eugene F Correia and Cheddi Jagan International Airports, just days before the boxers were scheduled to take a flight back home, making it impossible for them to return.

The initial two-week closure period was later extended to a month and while at first, the boxers were doing fine, they have now reached the point of frustration.

Guyana Times Sport checked in on the local team last week and it was revealed that they were doing as best as they possibly could; however, when this publication inquired about their situation this week, there were some drastic developments.

“We're here more frustrated than ever, trying to be focused, staying positive. We’re out of personal effect with no money; we just here now hoping to

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

get a call or a message to go home,” one of the boxers stated in their engagement with this publication.

While the boxers were moved to the Guyanese consulate in Havana to ensure that they were better accommodated, this provision seems to no longer be a great solution as the local pugilists are no longer able to train and their eating patterns are irregular.

“Our training has stopped completely and we know that the meals here is bad. Most mornings, we eat breakfast after 12 in the day, then we eat back again like 11 or 12 in the night.”

Understandably, any human being can only tolerate such situations for only so long and coupled with the fact that they are athletes, their current situation is extremely detrimental to their fitness and health.

“We would love to come home as soon as possible.

Things look like it’s not getting any better here for us,” the boxer pleaded.

The boxers had reportedly made great progress in Cuba, under the watchful eyes of Cuban Coach Francisco Roldan and Terence Poole. The group is more than ready for the Olympic Qualifier, which was scheduled to be held from March 26 to April 4 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but will now be rescheduled in accordance with the next date for the Tokyo Olympics.

hen Guyana Times Sport last met with Rising Stars Cricket Club Captain Elroy Fernandes, he noted that they were anxiously preparing for the annual Wales Village Day. However, the COVID-19 cases at the said time numbered 20, but things have taken a turn for the worse with the cases now over 60 and the village day in limbo.

Fernandes is optimistic that the people of Wales on the West Bank Demerara will be able to come out and enjoy a day of fun, as they are hoping to host that community’s 16th annual Village Day when it is safe to come out. The tournament was scheduled for July 4, 2020, but that remains uncertain as the cases rise daily, since Fernandes, who is the organiser of the tournament, would want to ensure the safety of his players and spectators.

Among the activities the Rising Stars have planned for this village day is a T-10 tape ball competition to be hosted at the Wales Community Centre Ground.

It would consist of 10 teams and some of the top athletes on the West Bank of Demerara battling for a top prize of $150,000.

Organiser Elroy Fernandes A domino competition is also on the cards, and the winner thereof would cart off $150,000 while the runner-up would pocket $100,000.

Fernandes has also stated that he was encouraging everyone to stay safe, wash their hands, and practise social distancing. He noted that he was really concerned about the cricketers and their families; hence, the activity has been postponed until further notice. Meanwhile, Fernandes and the Rising Stars cricket team are urging all persons to be safe and protect themselves from contracting the dreaded COVID-19 disease. The Wales Village Day activity is usually sponsored by Banks DIH, Super Bet, and the Lochan family, among other persons.

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The team of four before leaving for Cuba

The boxers while in Cuba

By Timothy Jaikarran

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he coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases have skyrocketed around the world, as the pandemic continues to cripple the global health system day by day. In Guyana, the cases have surpassed 60 as people are failing to adhere to social distancing and other COVID-19 protocols, treating the virus as if it were something common. But for those who are indoors, athletes and non-athletes, keeping fit should be made top priority.

Not everyone has the privilege of having an array of home gym equipment lying about the place, their personal boxing bag, or even resistance bands; the majority of individuals have no equipment at home.

So, if you are in the same boat as most everyone else and you aren’t blessed with equipment, there are numerous free exercises that can be done to help get you in shape or keep you in shape. At the

end of this piece, a simple routine will be laid out to help guide the average man during this isolation period.

One very useful type of exercise that can be done are High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

This is a form of interval training, a cardiovascular exercise strategy alternating short periods of intense anaerobic exercise with less intense recovery periods, until the practitioner is too exhausted to continue. Some of the benefits of HIIT workouts are: * They can burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time * Your metabolic rate is higher for hours after exercise * They can help you lose fat * You might gain muscle * They can improve oxygen consumption * They can reduce heart rate and blood pressure * Blood sugar can be reduced As we all know exercising along with our supplements and following COVID-19 protocols can

benefit our immune system, which in turn would help us to fight off the dreaded respiratory disease. One simple routine that individuals can follow, whether it be five days a week or however they feel the need necessary is: * Sprint on the spot * Mountain climbers * Squats * Press up with thruster * Crab toe touches * Up/down plank * Sprint on the spot * Ab crunches with legs raised * Slow mountain climbers * Reverse lunges * Burpees * Squat jumps * Bicycle crunches * Spiderman lunge with T-spine twist * Narrow push-ups * Sprint with burpee It should be noted that each exercise can be done for 45 seconds, the individual can then rest for 15 seconds and then continue until the end, this process will last for 15 minutes and will assure the individual of excellent results.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

Sports is no longer our game, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our business

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Page 22 COO Pete Russell

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