Guyana Times - Wednesday, April 9, 2020

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Issue No. 4243

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

GECOM, APNU/AFC destruction of democracy: Day 30

Full Court paves way for elections recount See stories on pages 3 &7

…says Justice Holder erred in deciding to hear APNU/AFC candidate's case

…Granger out of excuses – Nandlall

CJIA, Ogle Airport shutdown extended to May 1 COVID-19 task force not functioning "as expected" – PSC Page 11

…calls for more testing as data provided "less than satisfactory" …uncertainty creating hardship for Private Sector – GMSA See stories on pages 10 …as GCCI proposes 7pm curfew & 17

Fmr ACP Secretary General joins call for vote recount …threats of sanctions must be taken in Guyana seriously, avoided – tells authorities Page 7

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Berbice labourer hacked to death

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Son shoots father during argument P8 2 nabbed for ganja in boat

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Fish vendor found dead in Pouderoyen

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Chartered P16 flight to take stranded British nationals in Guyana home today

P16 Sinks installed in public spaces, businesses modify operations …as Region 2 prepares for coronavirus

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 Full Court paves way for elections recount NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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…says Justice Holder erred in deciding to hear APNU/AFC candidate’s case

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he Full Court on Tuesday upheld an appeal filed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo challenging an earlier decision

by Justice Franklyn Holder to hear a case brought by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU) candidate Ulita Grace Moore.

That course of litigation had sought to prevent a countrywide recount of the votes cast in the General and Regional Elections of March 2, 2020 under an agreement brokered by a Caribbean Community Initiative that had been agreed to by the major stakeholders: caretaker President David Granger, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice (retd) Claudette Singh.

The arguments were heard by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan on Monday, and the ruling was read on Tuesday by Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George. She also refused an application

by Moore’s Attorney, Mayo Robertson, to stay the orders in order to facilitate an appeal.

The acting Chief Justice, in denying the application, said there was no chance of a successful appeal, but that did not stop Roberson and Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde from indicating to reporters that they have every intention of filing a challenge in the Court of Appeal.

As a consequence of the ruling, the injunction against the recount stands discharged, and Moore’s Fixed Date Application has been dismissed on ground that the High Court has no jurisdiction to hear it.

Justice Holder had, on Friday last, held that the High Court has jurisdiction to hear the injunction filed

by Moore against the decision regarding a national recount, but the Chief Justice, in her ruling, pointed out that Justice Holder recognized that Section 140 of the Representation of the People Act prescribes an alternative statutory remedy to the concerns of the Peoples Progressive Party as it relates to validity of the elections results in the form of an election petition.

It was also noted that in the case before Justice Holder, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in its submissions to the court, acknowledged that it (GECOM) may not have jurisdiction to conduct a national recount, and had sought to give itself jurisdiction by amending the provisions of the Representation of the People Act by an order pursuant to the protocols under Section 22.

According to the acting Chief Justice, the petition-

Full Court Judges: Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George and Justice Nareshwar Harnanan

er Moore, in her petition to Justice Holder, had contended that any order for a recount must be within the constitutional jurisdiction of GECOM, while Justice Holder held that the High Court remains the guardian of the Constitution.

The acting Chief Justice also detailed to the court the circumstances that have led to the failure to have elections results one month after the polls, including difficulties with the declarations made by a Returning Officer, and the refusal to do recounts.

In handing down her ruling, she was adamant that Article 162 (1) (B) of the Constitution gives wide powers to GECOM to ensure an impartial and fair process, while Section 22 of Act 15 of 2000 supplies and supplements one of many mechanisms to ensure that there is

compliance with Article 162.

According to Justice George, Section 22 of that law operationalises the functions of GECOM as mandated in Article 162, and specifically permits GECOM to address any difficulties encountered.

She noted that in situations such as these, where Parliament is dissolved, there is no need for an order to be subjected to the National Assembly to deal with matters arising from the election.

Accordingly, she ruled that it cannot be in the jurisdiction of the High Court to prevent GECOM from meeting and discussing whatever is relevant to ensure that the provisions of Article 162 for an impartial and fair conduct of an election are carried out.

For the High Court to do so would be to overreach and trespass on the functions

Justice Franklyn Holder

of the Commission, she declared.

As such, the acting Chief Justice said, the Full Court is of the view that Justice Holder erred in failing to have his decision fully take into consideration, or apply the considering of, similar cases.

She concluded in her analysis that any decision and function of GECOM in determining the results of an election would fall under Article 162, which speaks to inquiry into acts of the Commission.

According to the Chief Justice, the court is of the view that filing of judicial review as done by Moore undermines the legislative process which affects finality in the election process, and, as such, the appeal is allowed and the order of Justice Holder: that he has jurisdiction to hear the injunction case, is vacated.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

Views Democracy will prevail over tyranny 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

Trampling upon democracy in the name of “Sovereignty”

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he APNU/AFC are clearly “unbothered” at the warnings from the most powerful capitals in the world about sanctions that would face Guyana if a government is formed on the basis of fraudulent elections’ results. The APNU/ AFC – led by caretaker President David Granger -- are hell bent on holding on to power using the same old tricks that were practised by then President Forbes Burnham decades ago. What they do not realise is that, this time around, the ball game has changed, as the internal and external forces are different. The world values democratic governance and the general fundamentals of democracy as a whole, an important aspect being free and fair elections.

Just a few days ago, Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Dr Riyad Insanally, was summoned to a meeting with Assistant Secretary of State, Michael Kozak. It is almost certain that what Kozack had said to the Ambassador in that meeting had restated the position of the US Administration: that it would not take lightly the formation of a government here based on questionable elections results. Along with Washington, other superpowers have made their positions clearly known on this matter, hence irrespective of what is the outcome of the legal challenge to the vote recount case, the results of the March polls would only be accepted if a credible vote recount process for District Four is conducted.

Mere days after the Ambassador was summoned, in a typical act of defiance, the Government, through the caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings, issued a statement ‘reminding’ the international community that Guyana is a ‘sovereign state’, meaning that the APNU/AFC would not allow foreign powers to intervene in our domestic issues.

It is a fact that Guyana is a sovereign state, but, at the same time, we claim to be part of a democratic fold of nations, and we are also signatory to a number of international conventions and agreements which compel us to adhere to certain basic democratic norms. One of those norms is ensuring that citizens are allowed the opportunity to elect a government of their choice in a free, fair and transparent manner.

In its statement, the Foreign Affairs Ministry further claimed that the Executive branch of Government has “never tried to influence, interfere with, or instruct GECOM in any way. The electoral process is not yet completed, and no declaration has been made by GECOM.” However, based on all that is coming to the fore, we -- along with the entire nation -- know that this is far from the truth, and we say no more.

In the Ministry’s statement, reference was also made to the aborted Caricom-supervised recount of the votes from the March 2 General and Regional Elections. Caricom’s supervision of the recount was sought by caretaker President David Granger and agreed to by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, Caricom, and GECOM. That was until Ulita Moore, a candidate in Granger’s own party, secured a High Court injunction against the recount.

As expected, Granger has so far distanced himself from the case.

Writing in Monday’s online edition of the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, respected Caribbean personality Reginald Dumas asked: Why would Granger have invited Caricom to “supervise” the recounting of Region 4 ballots…if – so we now hear – it is “unconstitutional” for Caricom so to do? Did Granger know that at the time of his invitation? Why would PM Mia Mottley have later mused that “there are forces that do not want to see the votes recounted, for whatever reason? Why a sudden stoppage of the vote count for Region 4, followed by the disappearance of the Returning Officer and the appearance of a spreadsheet purporting to prove that the ruling coalition has won?

Guyana cannot claim to be democratic and a basic element of allowing citizens to choose their government is missing. In times such as this, when citizens’ democratic rights are trampled upon and they are fearful of being victimized, it is the duty of the international community to act. In these past elections, one could only imagine what would have happened here had international community and international observers remained silent.

Like many others, we have also asked: If the APNU/AFC are so confident of victory, why is every effort being made to stymie the vote recount process. Dumas is of the view that it would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t believe that a determinedly cynical and focused attempt is being made by the David Granger Administration to stay in office. This is also the view of many others.

Dear Editor, From its inception, electoral democracy has always been based upon the will of the majority. So it has been for centuries and so it will be for aeons. Societies in which this system obtains, have always accepted this reality. Today, they constitute what is now regarded as the free world. Democracy is the name of the game. The will of the majority is its most quintessential rule. Those who subscribe to the game are bound by and always bind themselves to that rule.

In some countries, the political systems have been altered to suit the needs and peculiarities of those societies. As a result, there are occasions when a majority vote does not yield Government. For example, five Presidents of the United States of America were elected and allowed to govern, though not winning the popular vote. However, those are the rules by which they agreed to play. When the results come, they do not and cannot quarrel with those rules. In such an instance,

it means more people did not vote for the Government than those who voted for the Government. Yet, you not once hear about “half the country being left behind”.

Political parties from all over the world have drawn their core support from particular constituencies that constitute formidable segments of the demography in those societies, be it class, religion, sects, tribe, caste, ethnicity, race, ideology, etc.

So, every time one political party wins an election, its constituency wins and the other constituencies that do not win must accept defeat.

These are the rules of the game. However, not for one moment does this mean that a Government so elected, must focus only on its own constituency. It must govern for all. Sagacious politicians, who lose, would normally begin to work to win the next elections. These are also the rules of the game.

What is absolutely prohibited is when one party loses, that party fraudulently uses the state apparatus and public funds to pro-

ject false results, in order not to give up Government and worse yet, refuses to give up Government, when those fraudulent results attempts are subverted by clamouring to “share the Government” with the winner, on the basis that their constituency would be left behind. If this is ever allowed to prevail, then it will be the end of modern electoral democracy as we know it. If President Donald Trump loses the next election, he will refuse to give up power and will demand that the Democrats share Government with him because if not, the Republicans, constituting half of the population of the United States, would be “left behind”. Just imagine for one moment this horrendous occurrence replicating itself across the globe.

It will sound the death knell of democracy and the birth and glory of tyranny.

This is the tragic narrative of those who have lost the March 2, 2020 elections in Guyana. The free world will never countenance it.

The PPP lost the 2015 elections by just over 4000 votes.

The APNU/AFC lost the 2020 elections by over 15,000 votes, by nearly four times more votes than the PPP lost by in 2015. The PPP, in the traditions of democracy, gave up Government. The PPP, from its birth, has always commanded the electoral support of over 50 per cent of the population. That reality has not changed.

To those who speak about Indian domination, I say that, currently, the Indians constitute a mere 39 per cent of the population and the Africans are extremely close behind. Therefore, it is not about Indians and Africans.

It is about leadership, policies and programmes. Those are the foundation pillars Dr Cheddi Jagan built and left in the PPP. Nothing stops the other political parties from emulating the Father of the Nation.

Their narratives will never succeed. The quicker they understand that, the better.

Dear Editor, The AFC has lost all the bargaining power they had, to call for a national unity Government. Their greatest opportunity was in 2011, but at that time the bullish Nagamootoo and Ramjattan were led by their nose into the PNC camp. These bulls went against all the ma-

jor projects proposed by the PPP/C Government in the National Assembly, the speciality hospital, hydroelectricity and the rest is history. Today our speciality hospital would have been equipped to lead the fight against COVID-19, we did not have to use a dormitory for this.

Come 2015 they were fed the taste of power that intoxicated them when they were castrated and lost all their manly characteristics. Now when their political value is left at zero on the number scale, they have no political power to do so.

AFC, the issue at hand is

the Region Four election results, show us the GECOM Statements of Poll (SoPs) that you have in your possession before attempting to make any demands. You have no credible footing to stand on.

Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall Attorney-at-Law

AFC has lost all its bargaining power

Sincerely, Jagnarine Singh

The lust for power and wealth destroys conscience Dear Editor, Guyana is once again on the precipice of a dictatorship which “is a form of Government characterised by the rule of one person or a small group of people who have no checks and balances on their power. While they portrayed to their people as benevolent, loving rulers, dictators typically come to power simply to benefit themselves”. Whilst some dictatorship comes into being by military coups, some rigged the electoral system to get into power and hold on to power.

This exactly what is happening in Guyana and what everyone fears, including the international community. Democracy is a treasured commodity and must be upheld at any and all cost!

With this in mind, I was utterly flabbergasted when I read that Nagamootoo wants an ‘international inquiry’ into foreign interference in Guyana’s 2020 General and Regional Elections. He further said that “foreign electoral engineers and their local lackeys have attempted to dislodge a democratically elected Government”. He described the threats of sanctions as an “undeclared war of terror”. It would seem that

Moses Nagamootoo is still under the delusion or by some time travelling that he is under the dictatorial rule of the PNC. One could recall that he would have used similar rhetoric against the PNC whilst he was a member of the PPP. With a mindset from the past, it was easy to do his transposition. Stop this delusion, Moses! You are now part and parcel of the PNC rigging in 2020 and you are supporting what you fought against for 50 years! Where is your conscience?

Moses, you were with the PPP when in 1980 international observers were threatened, beaten and arrested; you were there when international observers were banned from observing the 1985 elections; you were there when the ballot boxes were stolen and stuffed with bogus ballots; you were there when the military killed two of your erstwhile comrades whose only crime was that they wanted to accompany the ballot boxes, and you were there for 28 years and you witnessed the atrocities committed against your Guyanese people. Moses, you are aware that the PNC used the Elections Commission to rig four General and Regional

Elections and one referendum but you are now claiming that the PNC does not run elections and that is the remit of GECOM, a constitutional body. Under the PNC, Article 226 ceased to have legal effect in this country since your party, the PNC has now been flouting the said Constitution since October 2017 when Granger stealthily and in the dead of the night illegally swore in Patterson as GECOM’s Chairman. Moses, you and Ramjattan, the other rubber stamp, supported this illegality even though both of you are lawyers but material gains and the lust for power have taken precedence.

This reminds me of the 32 versus the 33. After the CCJ ruled that the appointment was flawed, Granger was adamant that his interpretation of Article 161 (2) was correct and both of you supported him. How can you still support such a party?

Now again, you and Ramjattan are supporting an electoral process which is so blatantly fraudulent that it is utterly condemned both locally and internationally. Now we are hearing of Guyana being a sovereign state and that foreign countries must

not interfere with our electoral process. Both of you begged foreign powers to intervene during the PNC dark era. Sadly, Ramjattan is now in the company of Hamilton Green, an accomplished PNC rigger and thug, trying to convince the Guyanese public that the PPP rigged the 2020 elections and have used the Russians to do so. This is ludicrous and extremely comical.

It seems that only a ‘visionary’ like Ramjattan saw that our voting system is electronic and can be hacked into.

Everyone knows that GECOM and the courts are being used to avoid the use of the SoPs and a recount just like the courts were used to delay the effect of the NoConfidence Motion. The question is: Instead of misusing the judicial process, why not withdraw the injunction and allow the use of the SoPs or a recount? Anyone who wins an election will never be afraid of a recount. Simply put, the coalition lost the elections and that’s why they cannot afford to complete the electoral process. Why else will the AFC now want a national unity Government? In 2015, they did not want that!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

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Only a legitimate Government can have our respect

Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) at the time of preparing this statement recognised that 29 days have gone by since the March 2 National and Regional Elections, yet it appears to us that the nation is no closer to having credible results being declared. The actions of the ‘independent’ Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) represents an indelible, dark stain on our electoral body which is not only expected but mandated as well, to discharge its responsibilities in an impartial and objective manner.

The Commission’s aura of neutrality has been shattered by what we consider as most reprehensible actions and acts by certain elements who, in effect, have

served to severely tatter the name of the organisation. In so doing, they have tainted the reputation of the many committed, fair and hardworking men and women of the Commission. The incredulous acts by certain forces in the electoral body, who are seemingly aided and abetted by certain personalities, has been confirmed by several reports and statements emanating from local and international observers, the ABCE ambassadors, several political parties and individuals who were present. Those testimonies, as it were, have been buttressed by video footage of what actually transpired and which will now live in infamy.

The electoral results, of course, have been stymied by the manoeuvres in the Judiciary to ostensibly

This is not about race!

Dear Editor, This cannot and will not end well. There is no good in any of this for the future of the nation.

The string was drawn taut and the arrow has left the bow. Only God knows how it will land and what casualties are incurred.

This is not about race. It has never been about race.

Rather, it is about the flagrant rigging and irregularities surrounding the verification of the Statements of Poll for Region Four. It is about the hijacking of GECOM and using it as an instrument and agent for the Granger regime. It is about GECOM deliberately thwarting (at every step along the way), the mechanisms, processes and procedures that it is mandated by law to execute.

This is about operatives and agents of GECOM introducing falsified data from a concocted spreadsheet in lieu of official verified Statements of Poll. This is about GECOM being caught red-handed doing so.

This is about GECOM operatives surreptitiously opening sealed envelopes and removing documents.

This is about those individuals being caught on camera doing so.

Caught once!

This is not about anyone storming GECOM. Rather it is GECOM’s attempt to storm through with a well-orchestrated attempt to rig on behalf of the Granger regime.

This is about the Granger Administration planting operatives within GECOM. It is about those operatives fraudulently altering previously verified data. This is about those operatives being caught doing so live on worldwide media in the presence of party agents, local and international observers, diplomatic corps and witnessed by all and sundry.

Caught once before, caught twice!

This is about Keith Lowenfield caught urging the police to remove evidence in the form and shape

of laptops and flash drives from GECOM’s office after GECOM’s operative was caught tampering with data.

Caught again!

This is about turning GECOM into Theatre Guild.

Theatrics, drama, lies, spin, counter spin, espionage, faked illnesses with ambulances, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, a hostage-taking with a dramatic attempted rescue, flared tempers, assaults and more filling GECOM’s offices played out live on air as the world watched in disbelief.

Life imitates art. Art imitates life.

This is about the insurmountable and growing mountain of evidence that continues to pile up on the rigging machinery that is GECOM and the Granger Administration.

Never was this about race!

Race is a card that has long been played whenever we get to these five-year cycles. It is an excuse to distract from what has really transpired.

This is about criminal activities at GECOM. This is about the suspension of the verification of Statements of Poll for Region Four, the booting out of party agents and observers, the lockdown of the offices of the GECOM office. This is about the unfettered access to GECOM by unidentified individuals. This is about attempts to access blank SoPs. This is about the access that individuals may have had to sensitive documents and data stored at GECOM’s office at Hatfield Street.

This is about electoral fraud!

This is about the blatant and barefaced rigging of the 2020 polls by APNU/AFC and GECOM. This is not about race. It has never been about race.

Rather it is the prostitution of GECOM and the rape of democracy.

Sincerely, Jay Mobeen

thwart a national recount of votes under the supervision of a team appointed by Caricom. While the FITUG upholds a citizen’s right to seek judicial redress, we, at the same time, hold that in this matter, it appears, there is a witting intent to frustrate a process that was agreed to by all the players.

Inexplicably the court action appears in the name of a candidate of the coalition, which itself, through several officials, has advocated and expressed its support for the vote recount. Several rationales to explain-away the court actions by coalition officials have been advanced but they hardly hold water.

We, like many Guyanese, hold the view that they are concerted attempts to thwart the will of our people.

We have recognised too that even the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh, in her affidavit to the court, has confirmed that the Commission is empowered, lawfully, to conduct a recount.

Moreover, she has informed the court that a decision has been made to proceed with

that recount but is held up owing to the ongoing machinations. It behoves us, notwithstanding the clarity and all-round support, that the recount which will go a far way to dissipate the dark clouds that hover over our nation has essentially been put into abeyance at this point in time. It is our view given the public expressions of support, that the legal gymnastics be abandoned and a credible recount, under conditions that bring comfort and promote fairness, proceed without any further delay.

The FITUG contends that any Government formed without a recount and on the basis of the heavily criticised results cannot hold itself out as legitimate. We believe irrespective of the court’s decision, any worthwhile politician and decent political party that wishes to hold executive authority ought to ensure that this is done on the basis of credible and acceptable results.

Legal cover, in this case, is not sufficient and will not bring about any comfort whatsoever. Already,

we have been warned about the consequences of such a Government foisted on the people. We believe that we ought to take such warnings seriously especially given our position as a small, open economy whose productive sectors have been severely damaged in recent years.

At this time, we have seen too, resurgent calls for power-sharing. On the surface, this appears to be a most worthwhile suggestion but we hasten to remind that all that glitters is not gold. Power-sharing is something that, we believe, needs to be fleshed out, carefully analysed and considered from all angles if it is to be pursued. While we recognise the quarters the power-sharing calls have emanated from, we, at the same time, contend that such calls can only be answered by a legitimate Administration that is supported by the people through their votes. It is only in this context that we consider such a discussion could meaningfully commence.

The Federation sees our democracy as one of our

core rights and its disregard could well foretell undermining of other inalienable and cherished rights of our people. It is in this regard that the FITUG stands on the side of the democratic, peace-loving, law-abiding and right-thinking forces at this time. We have seen the travesty that unfolded when we traversed this road in the past and we need not repeat that sad period of our history. As still a young nation with many aspirations yet to realise, we need to chart a future with a democratically-installed Government.

We contend that any Government, coming to office, by any other means cannot be deemed as legitimate and cannot have the respect of our Federation.

We will, within every lawful mean, continue, with other forces, in our expressions to ensure that democracy is upheld and a legitimate Government is installed.

Sincerely, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)

GECOM is a sad embarrassment to the nation

Dear Editor, Clearly, the agency charged with holding free and fair elections is instead aiding, abetting, and facilitating the 2020 election rigging.

Granger and the PNC say they want “credible” elections, but the farcical result for Region Four is incredible, not matching the original Statements of Poll provided by GECOM to all party representatives and posted at the Polling Stations after the close of poll. On election night, everyone knew who won the elections based on these GECOM statements.

Reportedly, the PPP won 53 per cent of the votes.

Far from GECOM being an independent, honest broker in elections, GECOM, as is, with an imbalance in the diversity of staff and dominated by PNC supporters, is designed to help the party in power to remain in power. Instead of making sure everything was fair, transparent, and honest, everything they have done is to rig in favour of the PNC. GECOM and the PNC are Siamese twins, joined at the hip. As part of his grand design, it was important to Granger that his man was in control of GECOM. So while other Judges were let

go for being too old, Granger unilaterally appointed his old buddy Mr Patterson, in violation of the Constitution.

Mr Jagdeo humbly kept going to him with new lists, and Granger rejected Mr Jagdeo’s three lists. Having his own puppet in the Chair’s position was important to Granger whose idol is founder rigger, Mr Burnham. Remember, Granger said he was the “man with the plan,” including the “Nassau” plan. After the CCJ ruled that Granger’s action in appointing Patterson as GECOM Chair was unconstitutional, Granger’s war of attrition led to the appointment of Justice Singh, dubbed the “iron lady” but who turned out so far to be the biggest disgrace to that office.

Ms Singh has been weak, missing in action, shows weak management, poor communication and leadership skills since being appointed, resulting in the current fiasco. For this election, everything was a series of intentional fumbling, bumbling, bungling actions by GECOM to facilitate trickery. Chair Singh seems to be a figurehead with no clout or authority and seems to be a puppet on a string by her top officers. How can

someone with such a distinguished career become such a disappointment, and under her watch GECOM is unable to follow the process to provide credible results, tearing the nation apart, as patience and hope wear thin.

The Chair has enormous powers and can still put the counting process back on track. The Chair is the boss of Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo and other GECOM staff. Once the CJ ruled against Mingo’s illegal actions, the Chair should have removed Mingo immediately and censured the Chief Officer for not supervising properly. The Chair has some veto powers over their staff and can step in when the process is failing. Going into hiding, not being in their offices, pretending to be sick or tired, hiding from court marshals serving warrants, and being incommunicado were all intentional and designed to frustrate the opposition parties and observers. How can the Chair not know the whereabouts of staff? How can they not know where Mingo is? Is Mingo a law unto himself? How is it that lower officers can harass the Opposition Commissioners, and the Chair cannot fix

The lust for power and...

Perhaps both these self-acclaimed disciples of Cheddi Jagan need to understand that every person witnessed what went on during the tabulation of the Statements of Poll for Region Four. The process of using the SoPs tabulation was stopped after the use of 427 such SoPs and thereafter already tabulated figures continued from a mysterious spreadsheet. Five political

parties and the international and local observers saw this fraudulent exercise. As one local columnist summed it up, “Fiction becomes reality and the counter looks at his corrugated pieces of paper, finds imaginary meaning in them and simply tells an entire country, I counted what I imagined, what I imagined came through, and what came through is what you must accept”. Will these two

that problem? Why is it that they can prevent the PPP Commissioners from entering GECOM facilities and from checking up on the containers holding ballot boxes? And the Chair does nothing! How is it that ballot box containers can be moved around and the rules are not followed? And the Chair does nothing?

Everyone thought that with votes being counted at the place of poll, it meant that elections cannot be rigged anymore, as Burnham used to do. But, we were in for a rude awakening, as GECOM and the PNC have shown they can rig the Statements of Poll right in front of your face, and you can’t do anything about it. At least Burnham used to take the boxes away and switch the votes, but Mingo shows they can rig it right in front of you. It’s the Burnham magic! PPP votes become PNC’s votes right in front of your face! If this rigging is allowed to stand, this is the end of free and fair elections and the death of democracy in Guyana. Will we let the PNC and GECOM bullies get away with this?

Sincerely, Dr Jerry Jailall, USA

FROM PAGE 4

charlatans ever “invoke their conscience” or are they “beyond redemption”? To quote the columnist, “Is it possible that some humans can exist without that priceless value that Heidegger saw as one of the fulcrums of human existence-conscience?”

Whenever there is a need to spin and fabricate lies, the PNC uses Moses and Ramjattan since this duo has ceased to bring votes to the

table and they are not averse to stifling or killing their conscience to continue to eat the crumbs of sin whilst they happily drink from the tears of the poor and downtrodden.

This is “politics without principles” which Gandhi warned against. Will these two find that inner being called the conscience?

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

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Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers.

This is the second part of Mathematics Paper 1 .

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT PAPER 1

TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS. 1. WRITE YOUR CANDIDATE NUMBER ON THE ANSWER SHEET AND UNDERLINE THE SUBJECT. 2. This test contains 40 questions. • You

MATHEMATICS

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.

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

Figure 1 below shows the measurement of a piece of plywood. Study it carefully, then answer question 2.

AS THE ONE YOU HAVE USED ON YOUR ANSWER SHEET. Here is an example done for you.

1. The sum of 4 and 5 is (A) 1 ANSWER SHEET (B) 9 A B C D (C) 20 (D) 45 A heavy black line has been drawn through the letter B on the answer sheet because 9, the correct answer, is next to B.

The Bar Graph below names the favourite fruits of children of Grade 6. Study it carefully, then answer question 4.

In the table below the heights of 5 men are listed. Study it carefully then answer question 5.

5. (a) Name the shortest man

Figure 1 2. Calculate the area of the plywood.

3.A Sony TV set is sold for $67,200. A Sharp TV can be bought by making twelve monthly installments of $5200. (a) What is the total cost of the Sharp TV? (2 marks) (b) How much more or less will you have to pay for the Sony TV? (2 marks) (c) Express your answer in (b) as a percentage of $67, 200.

(1 mark)

5. If you make a mistake, erase the line cleanly, then draw a heavy black line through the letter next to the answer you have now chosen.

6. REMEMBER, each answer MUST only be shown by a heavy black line on your Answer Sheet.

7 Remember only ONE answer must be provided for each question.

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

4. (a) Which fruit is liked by most children?

(1 mark)

(b) Which two fruits are least liked by the children?

(1 mark) (c) Which two fruits are liked by 25 and over children?

(1 mark) (d) How many children are in Grade 6?

(2 marks)

(1 mark)

(b) Between which two men is the difference in height largest?

(1 mark) (c) What is the difference in height between Mr Khan and Mr Jones?

(1 mark) (d) What is the total height of the five men?

(2 marks)

The Venn diagram below shows the number of girls in a class. Study the information, then answer question 6.

6. (a) How many girls like mangoes and cherries?

(1 mark) (b) How many girls like cherries only?

(1 mark)

(c) How many girls like neither mangoes nor cherries?

(1 mark) (d) How many girls are in the class?

END OF TEST

(2 marks)

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger out of excuses – Nandlall …GECOM now expected to start recount

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aretaker President David Granger is now expected to consummate his commitment that he gave to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for a countrywide recount of the votes cast at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections This is in light of a Full Court vacating the decision

by Justice Franklyn Holder to hear a case that halted a decision by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to pursue a recount.

This is according to Anil Nandlall, one of the attorneys for the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, who successfully appealed the decision

by Justice Holder on Friday last, to hear a case brought

by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) candidate, Ulita Grace Moore, which was aimed at preventing the Caricom-monitored recount.

Speaking to members of

the media following the ruling, Nandlall said: “now that the way has been cleared, we expect that GECOM would now take up the mantle and the commitment that the Chairperson of GECOM gave publicly, gave to several courts…”

According to Nandlall, the GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh has already indicated that a recount, already decided upon by the Commission, will now be carried out “and that political parties will be allowed to participate fairly and observe that recount.”

Optimism

He used the occasion to express optimism at the return of the Caricom team of observers led by Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, in addition to the international observers “to ensure that the recount is done in accordance with law and in a transparent manner to re-

move all doubts and all suspicious from the process so that in the end we will have declared the real results of these elections as expressed by the electorate.”

Speaking to the likelihood of an appeal as signalled by Moore’s attorneys, Nandlall expressed hope that the Judiciary would not stand in the way of GECOM carrying out its constitutional functions and mandate “and we can bring an abrupt end to this impasse that has permeated this country over the past month.”

He suggested that in the interim, “monies are being spent illegally, Government holds onto power illegally and the country is deteriorating.”

According to Nandlall, the Caricom Initiative—an agreement brokered by Mottley for a recount and agreed to

by President Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo—remains in place.

He reminded that Granger

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

Caretaker President David Granger

had suggested that the only reason why he could not comply with the process was because of the injunction that was filed by Moore.

Nandlall posited that “now that, that injunction has been lifted, that excuse is no longer available to the President and we will expect that the President will consummate his commitment that he gave to Caricom and will allow the recount to take place under the supervision of

Caricom and the international observers.

He used the occasion to note, however, that Justice (retd) Singh in her submission had indicated that GECOM was prepared to go ahead and do the recount without a Caricom input.

“She emphasised that, that recount would be done in a manner that will dissipate any doubt and will be done in a manner that will inspire public confidence in the sys-

tem.”

Speaking to the need for as many observers as possible monitoring the process, Nandlall reminded that his party did not trust the Secretariat.

“The more observers available obviously will allay not only our own suspicion but the suspicion of the country because no one has confidence anymore in the GECOM Secretariat after what we have seen,” Nandlall insisted.

Fmr ACP Secretary General joins call for vote recount in Guyana …threats of sanctions must be taken seriously, avoided – tells authorities

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ormer Guyanese Secretary General of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) nations’ bloc, Dr Patrick Ignatius Gomes is warning Guyanese authorities that “threats and warnings of sanctions from major powers with whom trade, development and investment must rid our country of poverty, illiteracy and inadequate health care for all Guyanese must be taken seriously and avoided.”

The former ambassador is among the latest to caution the David Granger Administration against the pitfalls of having a President declared on results that lack transparency and credibility.

Guyana held its General and Regional Elections on March 2, 2020, but a month later the Guyana Elections Commission is yet to declare official results since declarations for the votes cast in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) were discredit-

ed as a result of the decision of the Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, to use unverified figures rather than the Statements of Poll data to tabulate the region’s result.

The matter has since engaged the courts but not before outbreaks of sporadic violence across the country that has led to the death of a teenager, killed at the hands of ranks of the Guyana Police Force.

According to Dr Gomes, “the time has long passed for leaders of all political parties to give an unequivocal commitment that transparent, verified and reliable results from a re-count of our March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections shall be accepted in their entirety as the legal basis for a democratically elected Government to assume office without further delay.”

He was adamant that “the urgent resolution of this political impasse is essential to keep our place in history

Dr Patrick Ignatius Gomes as a proud, self-respecting and law-abiding member of the Caribbean Community, who generously offered assistance; and also as a key member of that inter-continental, inter-governmental organisation of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific States, whose navel string in the Georgetown

Agreement of 1975, has given continuing solidarity to all peoples of the global south in the fight to end poverty and achieve sustainable and equitable development.”

According to Dr Gomes, “the hand of friendship from our Caricom neighbours, needs to be encouraged and not appear as almost insulted, making it necessary for the Caricom team to leave prematurely….Let the recount begin and credible, verifiable evidence give us the lawfully elected Government that our forefathers and mothers fought for and this and future generations deserve.”

Dr Gomes served as Secretary General of the ACP Group of States from March 1, 2015, until March 1, 2020.

He is the latest of a long line of diplomats who have called for a creditable recount of votes in Guyana.

Admonitions have flowed from the United States; the United Kingdom; Canada;

the European Union (EU); the Caribbean Community (Caricom); the Organisation of American States (OAS) and The Carter Center.

Only on Friday, one day after Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Riyad Insanally was warned that any Government sworn in based on flawed results would not be recognised by the Trump Administration, Michael Grant, Assistant Deputy Minister for Global Affairs of Canada has echoed similar sentiments.

Grant, in a statement, said that the Canadian Government is closely monitoring the legal proceedings relating to Guyana’s National and Regional Elections that was held on March 2, 2020.

“We believe a recount of ballots is necessary to ensure every vote is counted. The will of the people must be respected for Canada to recognise the legitimacy of a duly elected Government.”

On Thursday last Michael Kozak, acting Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, stated that the Guyanese Ambassador was summoned to a meeting where the US reiterated its stance on the current political situation in Guyana.

“On behalf of the US Government, today [Thursday], I summoned Guyana Ambassador to the US, Riyad Insanally to convey our firm position that any Government sworn in based on flawed election results would not be legitimate.

Every vote must be counted,” Kozak tweeted.

The US has previously warned that there would be “serious consequences” for those who seek to benefit from electoral fraud in Guyana.

This warning was even relayed by the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, during a press conference on March 17.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Son shoots father during argument

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drinking spree in the Siparuni Backdam, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) turned bloody on Monday evening after a miner was shot dead by his son during an argument.

Dead is 50-year-old

Jonathan John, a miner of Paramakatoi, North Pakaraimas, Region Eight.

Preliminary reports by the Police stated that about 14:00h on Monday, the now dead man and two others, including his son, were imbibing at their

camp when an argument broke among them.

It was at that time, the suspect picked up a shotgun and discharged a round in the direction of his father. The man was shot once to the stomach after which his son fled the

scene.

The victim was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The Police are continuing their hunt for the now dead man’s son.

One step forward…

I

…and another step backwards? f nothing else, with all the PNC’s never-ending series of challenges to the Constitution and laws of Guyana since the NCM of Dec 21, 2018, the citizens of the country are earning a graduate-level degree on civil procedure of our Judiciary. Whether they like it or not.

In yesterday’s episode, we learnt that the FULL Court of the High Court (in this case the Chief Justice and another Justice) – could review a decision of a Justice of the High Court (in this case Justice Holder).

With the CJ involved and not Holder holding court, your Eyewitness was able to hear the goings-on inside the courtroom, since she had everything piped outside via loudspeakers. What it boiled down to was the Full Court struck down Justice Holder’s decision last week that GECOM couldn’t proceed with the recount it had agreed to. This was the position of APNU’s candidate Ulita Moore, who “seemingly” disagreed with her party leader David Granger. He’d not only agreed to a recount but had actually invited a Caricom team to witness the said recount!!

So, does this mean that GECOM can now go ahead with the recount?? As we should know by now, the answer is, “it depends”! In the last year, we’ve learnt that the PNC will not take legal defeat lying down – like they showed when the CJ had ruled that 33 was the majority of 65. Everybody thought that was a home run – but we know to Guyana’s cost, the PNC appealed (to the Appellate Court) and found two of the Justices at that elevated level to agree with them!!

So the PNC will appeal to the Appellate Court, right??

Not so fast!! The Full Court “denied leave to appeal” to the PNC candidate – ‘cause they found “no merit” in the arguments presented. Art 162 was pellucid that no court could question a decision of GECOM and that was that! But is it?? Didn’t everyone think that 33 was more than 32, yet the Appellate Court accepted that case on an argument that the CCJ later derided?

But hope beats eternal, and all that. Maybe the looming sanctions will focus the Appellate minds? …and a second step backward??

But the drama in the Courts weren’t over yesterday.

There was the second matter in front of Justice Holder – brought by the Opposition Leader – who’d challenged Mingo’s March 13 declaration of the election results.

Mingo, of course, had been bitch-slapped by CJ George for his first declaration from the balcony of Ashmin’s!

She’d instructed him in no uncertain terms that any tabulation of Reg 4’s SoPs has to be done with the said SoPs exhibited to the political parties’ reps and other observers.

Mingo blithely proceeded to repeat his sleight of hand - -this time using a blurry projector rather than dodgy spreadsheets. But not surprisingly, Justice Holder – who’d just declared he had jurisdiction to deny a recount – now declared that he didn’t have jurisdiction to slap down Mingo’s numbers!!

But hold it! Hasn’t Claudette Singh committed to a recount and has the casting vote in GECOM??

Stay tuned!! …and the AFC falls over the cliff!

The AFC, such as it is, insisted its coalition with the PNC won the elections. But it now wants a one-tern unity govt to discuss “power sharing.

Sanctions do focus the mind!!

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

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10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Covid-19 task force not functioning "as expected" – PSC …calls for more testing as data provided "less than satisfactory" …as GCCI proposes 7pm curfew

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aretaker President David Granger had appointed a high-level Task Force to monitor and oversee measures relating to the coronavirus, shortly after it was considered a global pandemic.

Headed by acting Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the panel was required to respond to the threats of COVID-19 and work towards engaging stakeholders and frontline agencies.

However, the Private Section Commission has voiced concerns over the functionality of this body and disappointment in the coalition Government’s approach in dealing with the rampant disease.

The Commission was one of the stakeholders asked to participate in the discussions by appointing a representative. Two weeks have since elapsed but there has been little to no actions on the part of the Task Force.

“The Private Sector Commission, however, regrets to say that our representative appointed to participate in the Task Force has informed Prime Minister Nagamootoo that, to date, there has been no meeting of the Task Force to which

he has been invited and, to all intents and purposes, the Task Force does not appear to be meeting and functioning as would be expected,” the PSC indicated.

In the statement, the Private Sector organisation went on to say that this national Task Force lacks the inclusivity of major stakeholders and the characteristic of being non-partisan.

“It must be inclusive of all major stakeholders, must function transparently, must be non-partisan and must fundamentally be professionally technical in composition and operation. This is not now the case. The Private Sector Commission is, therefore, deeply concerned at the manner in which the Government has, to date, approached the management of the COVID-19 crisis,” the Commission said while adding that this epidemic threatens the lives of the people.

It also went on to analyse data provided by the Public Health Minister, labelling it as “less than satisfactory”. Instead, the Commission called for the Chairman of the Task Force to make such updates to the nation.

“The Private Sector Commission has held inten-

sive consultations with medical professionals and remains deeply concerned over the information being provided through the Ministry of Public Health to date.

Broadcasts and the most recent Press Conference by the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, have been considerably less than satisfactory.”

Additional testing

Meanwhile, Guyana was able to project some 1400 cases as the spread gets wider. For this, questions were raised as to why additional testing has not been done.

“There is clearly a need for much more immediate testing and consequential tracing to be carried out.

Without extensive further testing at this point in time, the Government and, indeed, the country, remain blind to the actual extent to which the country has been impacted by the COVID-19 virus,” the PSC highlighted.

It went on to say that the idea of eliminating private medical facilities from the fight against this coronavirus is unacceptable; as a holistic approach is needed to effectively combat this deadly disease.

PSC Chairman, Captain Gerry Gouveia

It was noted that the PSC understands that private hospitals and private laboratories have so far not been included in the national effort to bring the virus under control. “This is unacceptable. There clearly needs to be a nationally coordinated involvement of the country’s entire medical facilities and personnel in tackling and managing this crisis if the country is to avoid being overtaken by the virus.”

The entity would have submitted recommendations to the National Task Force, specifically regarding the management of public information, national capacity for laboratory testing, increased testing; the inadequacy of response to hotline calls among other key issues.

To the Finance and Business Ministries, proposals were made to cushion the financial impact on the country and moreover, vulnerable citizens by tax relief, emergency funding, deferment of payment for public utility services and rescheduling of loans and mortgages. These proposals have not been acknowledged to date.

Curfew

Meanwhile, another Private Sector organisation, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) sought to comment on the recent position shared by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, which states that it does not have the authority to implement a lockdown.

For this, the Commerce urged businesses to establish proper sanitisation mechanisms for stakeholders as well as the closure of activity at 19:00h.

“Recognising that the M&CC has stated that it does not have the authority to enforce the closure of businesses, the GCCI calls on the business community to voluntarily practice social distancing, establish measures for hand sanitising, and for

GCCI President Nicolas Boyer

restaurants, bars and liquor stores to close at 7 pm,” the GCCI suggested.

It added, “The GCCI recognises that this is not a normal situation and thus, it requires abnormal solutions until we can gain control of the spread of the disease.

The Chamber remains willing as ever to work with the authorities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

The statement went on to indicate that these measures are all recommended to “flatten the curve” and reduce any possible spread.

“Based on the studies conducted, it is increasingly clear that we should practice social distancing and practice it early. Social distancing can reduce the spread of COVID-19 significantly,” the Chamber also said.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CJIA, Ogle Airport shutdown extended to May 1

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s the fight against the novel coronavirus continues, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the ministerial task force have announced that both the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Eugene F Correia International Airport will remain closed for another month.

This was confirmed by caretaker Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson late on Tuesday evening.

“It is closed until May 1, 2020. The original order was up to March 31, but due to the circumstances not only in Guyana but internationally, the GCCA had recommended that it remains closed.”

Guyana has recorded four new cases of coronavirus infection in two days, bringing to 12 the total number of persons infected. Already, two of those persons have died.

Patterson has posited that another reason for the decision to keep the airports closed is because other countries are closing their airspace.

“They said that all the major hubs to Guyana have closed their airspace already; so Panama has closed their airspace; Trinidad has closed their airspace; (from) New

Caretaker Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

York, no flights are coming in to Guyana; and they also advised that it is the most prudent thing to do; so it remains closed,” he explained.

Further, priority will be given to outgoing flights, cargo flights, medevac flights, or technical stops of aircraft that require fuel, and specially authorised flights.

Guyana joins Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and many other countries in closing its airports to international flights. Domestic flights will continue as per normal. These will be examined by GCAA inspectors.

Last week, American Airlines announced that from March 16, 2020, it would be suspending its flights to several locations across the world, including to Guyana, in a bid to slow down the rapid spread of the virus.

Berbice labourer hacked to death

The house where the incident took place

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resident of Onderneeming, West Coast Berbice, in Region Five (Mahaica/ Berbice), was on Monday evening hacked to death by a man who whom he had had an old grievance.

Twenty-five-year-old labourer Kevin Garraway of Lot 52 Onderneeming, WCB was reportedly attacked and chopped while visiting friends at Hopetown, but persons who allegedly witnessed the act are refusing to provide any information.

Guyana Times understands that after being chopped, the injured man was removed from the scene and taken to the head of the street; and persons who saw him lying on the roadway rushed him to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he was treated and referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Garraway’s relatives explained that the suspect had stabbed him in Georgetown at the beginning of March in an incident that stemmed

from an alleged robbery, and he had been hospitalized for his injuries. The matter had been reported at the Brickdam Police Station, but the suspect was never arrested. However, on Monday, it is believed that the suspect received information about Garraway’s whereabouts, and committed the act before fleeing the scene.

This suspect on Tuesday turned himself in to the custody of the Police at the Fort Wellington Police Station, accompanied by his lawyer.

“I was approached by the suspect, and he told me a couple of things which I am not at liberty to disclose,” the attorney stated.

He was at the time speaking with reporters at the Fort Wellington Police Station.

“Because of his lack of sophistication, that he should not sign or say anything, and the Police will have to do what they have to do,” the lawyer stated.

Up to late Tuesday afternoon, a statement was yet to be taken from the suspect.

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14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases climb to 12 …2nd death recorded

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he number of coronavirus cases in Guyana has seen a sharp jump in just one day, with four new persons testing positive. Alarmingly, the country also recorded its second death, also on Tuesday.

This was confirmed

by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle while providing a daily update on the situation in Guyana.

“We have moved from eight to 12 confirmed cases and one probable case. Our deaths have moved from one to two,” she said.

The data shows that all of the new cases originated from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), as the region leads the list with eight cases. Other than that, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have one case each.

Thus far, 52 persons were tested to which one proved inconclusive and; of

the total confirmed cases, the number of imported is four with eight local transmissions.

“The number of persons in institutional quarantine is now 43. Of the 11 persons in isolation, one is hospitalised in the COVID-19 ICU. As of yesterday, calls to the COVID-19 hotline moved from 998 to 1065. These calls were received from seven of the 10 administrative regions,” Dr Boyle added.

2nd death

Meanwhile, the second person to have died is 38-year-old Jermaine Ifill, who was one of two persons placed in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) after testing positive for COVID-19.

Ifill was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), who worked at a health care centre in Kitty, Georgetown.

About one week ago, he reportedly complained of feeling unwell and was tested.

He died on Tuesday morning. His wife, a nurse at the GPHC, has since been quarantined. This newspaper was told that prior to being placed in the ICU, he was in the male wade at the medical facility.

Prior to his death, the medical professional had cautioned the hospital – where his wife is a professional nurse – to enable precautions to ensure people are kept safe. This was also directed at the Ministry via his social media account.

This second death comes almost three weeks after the country recorded its first death. On March 11, 52-year-old Ratna Baboolall died at the GPHC after being admitted one day prior.

Baboolall, also referred to as patient zero, had returned to Guyana from New York.

Upon testing her relatives, four of them also tested positive for the deadly virus and were subsequently placed in isolation.

Dr Boyle, in her update,

of signs and symptoms, or those who came into contact with a COVID-19 infected person or close contact with a confirmed case.

Projection

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle

said that testing will continue as long as persons manifest symptoms in correspondence with the World Health Organisation. Any person with acute respiratory illness, fever and at least one sign or symptom of respiratory disease such as a cough or shortness of breath will be tested.

The criterion also extends to persons with travel history to a COVID-19 infected country during the 14 days prior to the onset

Just Monday, caretaker Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence indicated that Guyana is projected to have 1400 confirmed coronavirus cases, where about five per cent are expected to be critical.

Additionally, 81 per cent of the cases are expected to be moderate and 14 per cent severe.

These figures were derived after using a model from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). On the Ministry’s end, preparations are being made for 100 persons requiring ICU, 300 isolation beds across the country and 730 beds for institutional quarantine.

While it is unclear when these mechanisms would be ready, the number of cases has been increasing at a faster rate within the last few days.

Second COVID-19 victim Jermain Ifill

Director of the Disease Control Unit, Dr Nadia Liu has already stated that only persons who present symptoms are being tested, since timing can influence the accuracy of the results.

To date, the number of globally confirmed cases in 210 countries and territories stands at an alarming 693,224.

If anyone is experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus, they are asked to call the hotline on 227-4986 ext 215 or 624-3067 and a team would be sent to their location.

Guyanese engineers install 1st subsea field

The Guyanese team who are a part of Offshore Innovators Inc

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team of Guyanese engineers, working as Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) pilots/technicians for Offshore Innovators Inc, have successfully supported the installation of the country’s first-ever subsea field, making first oil possible at ExxonMobil’s Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO).

The world-class team, which recently cross-trained in Subsea Robotics and Offshore Safety, worked onboard the DOF Subsea Skandi Neptune vessel in support of Saipem’s Subsea Tie-Back Campaign.

The team operated the two Forum Perry Slings by XLX ROV systems, and successfully installed several subsea production assets including Flowline Jumpers, Steel Tube Flying Leads and Electrical Flying Leads.

This achievement represents a major milestone in the transfer of subsea technology to Guyana and paves the way for greater participation in technical roles by Guyanese.

Operations Manager of

Offshore Innovators Ltd, Dylan Galt, speaking on the recent success, expressed satisfaction with the performance and involvement of the Guyanese team.

“We are excited that our team of Guyanese ROV personnel have played a vital role in the first subsea development in Guyana. Our commitment to this group of talented engineers has been met with very positive feedback from the industry. We were able to leverage the competence of our existing subsea team in the development of their Guyanese counterparts,” he stated.

He added, “Our Guyanese and Trinidadian ROV personnel are in a great position to support the current offshore operations of subsea contractors offshore Guyana, which are facing challenges due to COVID-19 quarantines and travel logistics issues”.

The company’s personnel development programme for Guyana is modelled after the company’s successful local content development programme implemented in Trinidad over the last decade.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

COVID-19

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Guyana’s borders being monitored Reckless endangering for movement of migrants – CDC

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of people’s lives

his is a good time to acknowledge the sterling contributions healthcare providers – doctors, nurses, medex, dentists and dentex, technologists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, etc – make to help keep people safe from diseases and infectious pathogens. As COVID-19 ravages through the world, with a ferocity never seen before, leaving a trail of sickness and deaths, these health-care providers stand between us and death. They sacrifice their own wellbeing so that their sisters and brothers can be kept safe and can be taken care of. At the end of this latest scourge, I hope we dedicate a day to recognise their heroism. I hope we do more than that. I hope our new Dr Leslie Ramsammy Government gives every healthcare provider some form of tangible reward.

In the midst of healthcare providers boldly, bravely combating COVID-19, the Public Health Ministry is everyday showing a different side. Its clueless management of the COVID-19 response has endangered people’s lives. People are already getting very sick; unfortunately, too many will die, because of the recklessness of the Public Health Ministry. Volda Lawrence is showing the world how exactly not to manage COVID-19. To be fair, it is not the hardworking technical leadership of the Ministry. They have been sidelined. The person who sits as an imposter Minister, Volda Lawrence, continues to exert political control and has recklessly politicised the COVID-19 response, with full complicity of David Granger. In the process, they have left the healthcare providers as “sitting ducks” and have placed everybody’s lives at risk.

There is secrecy, incompetence, cluelessness; and there is corruption. In the midst of all of this, people are asking, where is the Chief Medical Officer? Why is it that less than 100 tests for COVID-19 have been done? They should have ordered testing kits since January when I first raised this issue. PAHO has given out some 1800 tests, but there are people with serious symptoms who are being denied the test. Why is quarantine a big secret in Guyana? Guyanese know where all our prisons are. But they do not know where the quarantine centres are? Since when quarantine for public health is like a high-security prison? Since when testing must be approved by the Public Health Ministry? Since when the results must be given to the Ministry, which then decides if it will release it? This is all criminal and when this is all over, an inquiry must be ordered and people held accountable.

But the recklessness of the COVID-19 response is only the latest threat to people’s safety and lives from the Public Health Ministry. As the deadly virus spreads with ferocity across the world, Volda Lawrence, and those she surrounds herself with, behave as if the virus has lost its ferocity in Guyana. Everywhere else, after the first case is identified, we see the rapid spread. In Guyana, Volda Lawrence wants us to believe that COVID-19 is taking its own sweet time.

The truth is that dozens of people are right at this moment walking around spreading the virus. It will have deadly consequences. Among the many actions that are needed at this very moment is a scaled-up testing programme.

Without this being done now, we will see an escalation that will overwhelm the health system. We have squandered an opportunity to be ahead of the virus. I am afraid that a public health catastrophe is around the bend. There will be people who must be held accountable. One of them is Volda Lawrence. The other one is David Granger.

For five years, the Public Health Ministry has put people’s lives in danger. The total mismanagement of the health sector and the corruption making this ministry a poster child for corruption have recklessly jeopardised people’s health and put people’s lives at real risk. The recent revelation a company supplied expired and fake HIV testing kits is not surprising, but still shocking. This really puts people’s lives in jeopardy. Yet Volda Lawrence is silent. But the most shocking part is that the Auditor General warned many times that this company violated legal requirements. In 2016, there was even an inquiry ordered by Joe Harmon in his capacity as Minister of State that implicated this same company for malpractice. It identified the then Deputy Permanent Secretary as engaged in questionable practices. That person is now the PS and she is again involved in yet another corruption and scam.

While its mismanagement of COVID-19 recklessly jeopardises people’s lives, the truth is that for five years people’s health and people’s lives have been under threat because the Public Health Ministry has been under the control of a cabal that does not care.

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o monitor the number of imported cases of COVID-19 in Guyana, the Civil Defence Commission has been paying close watch along the borders with assistance from Guyana’s law enforcement agencies.

Head of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig noted on Monday that these efforts would have started a while ago and are continuing, especially in the Region One (Barima-Waini) zone. The region is especially one of concern, owing to the high traffic of migrants from Venezuela.

“Before COVID-19, there was always continuous monitoring of the borders, particularly in the Region One area as it relates to migrants crossing the borders to Guyana.

And that has been a continuous process in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force,” Craig shared.

He added that they have been utilising a tracking device to acquire data from the movement of people at specific locations. Presently, the immigration authorities have shared the responsibility of ensuring that persons entering through the borders are free from COVID-19.

“As a matter of the fact, there is a tracking device that is used by IOM that track and collect data of persons traversing these locations. Apart from that, after our first case or even before our first case, the Police Force particularly when it comes to the Immigration Department is asked to ensure that they have systems to track persons,” the CDC Head said.

If a suspected case is detected, it is transferred to a hospital with the capability of handling it effectively and eliminating a possible spread.

“When you track and identify suspected cases or a person of interest, that information comes to the Health Emergency Operation Centre and they will be working closely with the different hospitals and the hospitals are equipped to manage the different levels of cases. It is an integrated approach and all information would come to the Health Emergency Operation Centre.”

Due to the economic crisis in Venezuela, persons have been trickling in to Guyana in search of better prospects. In most scenarios, they settle in the Region One area.

Just over one week ago, the United Nations had warned that the coronavirus would bring increased illegal border crossings by neighbouring Venezuelans, looking to flee the already beleaguered state.

Guyana shares a 3000-kilometre largely unpatrolled and unprotected border with Venezuela and according to a recently-released United Nations report, “…with new or revised entry requirements imposed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability of refugees and migrants to regularly enter and stay in some countries has decreased”.

As such, this would result in “risks of increased irregular border crossings and heightened pressure in areas

of concentration and available services”.

The “Global Humanitarian Response Plan COVID-19 United Nations Coordinated Appeal April-December 2020”,

released this week by the UN, found that refugees and migrants, in particular those in irregular situations, are at high risk of being left out of health responses and contin-

ue to be particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, including violence and discrimination, smuggling and trafficking, and negative coping mechanisms.

All visitation to senior citizens’ homes suspended

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n light of Guyana confirming its 12th case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Social Protection Ministry announced on Tuesday that visitation to senior citizens’ homes have been suspended.

This suspension, according to the Social Protection Ministry, was done since senior citizens are the most vulnerable to the virus.

The Ministry, in a statement, related that the suspension of visitation privileges in various homes for seniors, as well as in those for juveniles and the homeless, across the country was part of safety pro-

tocols to ensure the welfare of the elderly and stakeholders.

“Some of the homes where visitation will be suspended are the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam, the Night Shelter, the Hugo Chávez Rehabilitation and Reintegration Centre, and the New Opportunity Corps.

The suspension has taken effect from March 31 until further notice.

Last Wednesday, the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), in a bid to further protect senior citizens during this pandemic, urged the elderly to refrain from visiting the Post Offices

during the first two days of the month unless it was absolutely necessary.

This, according to the Corporation, is in wake of thousands of senior citizens who would usually congregate at the various post offices to access their pensions.

The GPOC said that it would be enforcing a minimum distance of three feet between persons accessing its services; also, persons would be asked to sanitise their hands upon entry at the Post Offices.

On Tuesday, Guyana recorded 12 COVID-19 cases, with two deaths, including one of a healthcare worker.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Judge Holder denies himself jurisdiction to hear case to throw out 2nd declaration – lawyers say ball now in GECOM’s court

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igh Court Judge Franklyn Holder has ruled that he does not have jurisdiction to hear the case brought by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. It is a decision Anil Nandlall, the lawyer for Jagdeo, criticised as inconsistent with previous decisions including his own.

This was the outcome of the Bharrat Jagdeo vs Clairmont Mingo preliminary hearing on Tuesday, which sought to determine if Holder had jurisdiction in the case.

In making his ruling, Holder relied on the Representation of the People Act, which pro-

vides for an election petition to be used to resolve certain types of electoral issues.

Judge Holder, therefore, ruled that as such, he could not entertain Jagdeo’s substantive case, which sought to invalidate the declaration made by Mingo, as the Region Four Returning Officer, on March 13.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who appeared for Jagdeo, was critical of the decision since it conflicts with other rulings of a similar nature. He also pointed out that the ruling conflicts with Holder’s previous rul-

ings, when he granted injunctions preventing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from going ahead with a recount.

“It is a very strange decision, because first of all Justice Holder in [similar] judicial proceedings, gave himself jurisdiction and granted three injunctions. That is what he did in the Ulita Moore matter.

Suddenly, he has lost jurisdiction,” Nandlall observed.

“Then Justice Holder by declining jurisdiction, has gone against the Chief Justice in Holladar’s original matter, as well as [former Chief

Justice] Desiree Bernard in Hamilton’s case as well as Aubrey Norton case. In Hamilton’s case as well as Holladar’s case, all the proceedings did is to challenge the RO’s declaration, in so far as the RO did not comply with Section 84 of the Representation of the People’s Act.” Meanwhile, opposing counsel, Neil Boston was of the belief that GECOM should go back to this controversial declaration. However, he and Nandlall agree on one thing, it is all in the hands of GECOM now.

Chartered flight to take stranded British nationals in Guyana home today

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he British High Commission has managed to secure a chartered flight to the United Kingdom (UK) to transport stranded British nationals home in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Guyana had closed its borders, including airspace, from March 18 to April 1 – one week after recording its first imported COVID-19 death.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, British High Commissioner, His Excellency, Greg Quinn thanked all the nationals for their patience and understanding in this extraordinary time when they are faced with unprecedented challenges.

He noted that the Commission is working to ensure that all British nationals return home safely.

“Let me also stress that we continue to explore options to get you all home as quickly and as safely as possible. Some of you may have heard the Foreign Secretary’s

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn announcement on March 30 of charters to repatriate British nationals,” he stated.

On Monday, the UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab stated that there are tens of thousands of Britons stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic and will be flown home under a new arrangement between

the Government and airlines.

As such, a chartered flight is expected to leave the Cheddi Jagan International Airport today at about 15:30h.

“Where those flights will originate is still under discussion. In the meantime, we are exploring all possible options for flights. There is an Eastern Airlines flight to Miami departing at 15:30 on the 1st of April. I encourage all of you to consider taking that flight and connecting in Miami to the UK,” he asserted.

Quinn noted that the Commission is not responsible for delays or cancellations since the flight is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

However, he reiterated that there is no higher priority than the protection of UK citizens and lending assistance to those who are in need at this historic time in the world’s history.

“I recognise that this is not necessarily an easy option. But in the current cir-

cumstances, I encourage you all to consider taking it. I realised these are difficult and worrying times. I appreciate the stress and the worry you are all facing. And I would like to assure you that you are our highest priority.”

To this end, he assured the nationals that the Commission is exploring every possible avenue to ensure that they return home and encouraged them to take up the offer.

“I have to be honest and say we might not be able to get all of you home in short order. Our priority will be the most vulnerable. But, for those of you who we will not be able to get home straight away, or get home quickly, we will do all we can to support you in these difficult times.”

Only a few days ago, the United States Embassy in Guyana stated that it was able to facilitate some 800 citizens here in Guyana to return home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senior Counsel Neil Boston “The Commission will have to decide whether they will consider the report sent to them by Mingo and then declare the President, they will have to do that. This morning, the Full Court said the issue Ulita Moore raised in terms of calling on the Commission to do that, is an issue for an election petition. So it’s not entirely over.”

While Jagdeo and the now deceased Reaz Holladar were the applicants, Mingo was the first-named respondent; Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield was the second and GECOM, the third.

Jagdeo was seeking to have Mingo’s March 13 declaration set aside on the grounds that the RO’s actions in tabulating the votes breached the Representation of the People Act. Jagdeo was also seeking an order to direct Mingo to recognise Charles Ramson as the PPP’s counting agent for Region Four. He is also seeking an order directing GECOM to do the recount.

Mingo’s second declaration on March 13 had come after a standoff with party agents

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall who complained that the RO was not complying with previous court orders. There had been complaints that the second tabulation lacked transparency.

In addition, the numbers differed from the previous, invalidated declaration, raising more suspicions. In Mingo’s second declaration, he claimed that A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) secured 136,057 votes to the PPP’s 77,231.

In the previous discredited results he declared, however, Mingo had claimed that APNU/AFC won 136,335 votes to the PPP’s 77,258. In addition, both of these declarations failed to match the Statements of Poll (SoPs) in the possessions of the other parties.

Last week, however, Justice Holder had defeated efforts by the PPP to have GECOM produce the SoPs in its possession, to verify once and for all where Mingo was getting his numbers from.

2 nabbed for ganja in boat

Sinks installed in public spaces, businesses modify operations …as Region 2 prepares for coronavirus

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uthorities in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have begun to implement several measures to protect the population against the threat of coronavirus, which has already claimed the lives of two persons in the country.

Although there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Region, stakeholders are being proactive with a number of initiatives aimed at safeguarding citizens.

In Anna Regina, the Town Council has approved several measures to keep the municipality and its residents safe.

Mayor Rajendra Prabhulall, Deputy Mayor Rudolph Williams, Town Clerk Diane Critchlow and other Councillors on Tuesday met with vendors of the Bush Lot and Anna Regina Markers, where they discussed a rotation system for the merchants.

It was agreed that with immediate effect, vendors within the markets will be rotated daily to avoid overcrowding.

Moreover, markets are ex-

pected to be closed by 14:00h every day while eateries, restaurants, and supermarkets are expected to shut their doors at 18:00h.

Vendors were also advised to have clean running water and detergent to wash their hands before and after selling.

In fact, sinks have been installed at car parks, markets, and other public places in an effort to promote constant handwashing among the populace.

Meanwhile, protective measures have been implemented for cremation ceremonies conducted at the La Union Foreshore. Cremations will be conducted at 09:00h and only one ceremony per day will be permitted. Moreover, persons are encouraged not to gather in large numbers during these events.

The Police have been called in to enforce these measures.

Citizens were urged to abide by these temporary rules for the safety of themselves, their families and friends.

The marijuana which was found at Canje Creek, Berbice

T Some of the sinks which will be installed in public spaces in Region Two

Businesses

Meanwhile, several major businesses in the Region are closing their doors in an effort to protect their employees and customers against the spread of the deadly virus.

Alfro Alphonso and Sons Enterprises General Manager Eric Homes revealed that management has closed the Xenon Hotel in Charity as well as its other businesses in the Region.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Gomes called on other businesses in Region Two to do the same.

In Anna Regina, Shawn’s Mini Mart will be closing all three of its branches for two weeks with effect from Tuesday, March 31.

In New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), authorities have implemented lockdown measures, which have seen non-essential businesses closing their doors while various types of essential businesses were given curfews. There is one confirmed case in the Region.

In Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), the Town Council imposed curfews for businesses as well as people. There are no known cases in Region 10.

For the capital city, Georgetown, located in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – where there are 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19, Mayor Ubraj Narine says he will not be locking down the town.

wo persons have been arrested following the discovery of more than 46 kilograms of cannabis in a wooden vessel in the Canje Creek, Berbice.

The bust was made about 21:45h on Monday by ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), who were acting on intelligence gathered.

According to Police, there were 24 parcels of marijuana in the boat which weighed a total of 46.980kg.

Two men, both residents of Sand Hills, Berbice River, have been arrested and have been assisting with the investigation.

Only last week, four persons were arrested following the discovery of more than three kg of marijuana in a hire car.

Prior to that, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) had swooped down on a vessel and discovered more than 27kg of cocaine concealed in a boat bow at the Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

Wanted: Ryan Pemberton, commonly called “Sancho” of Alberttown, Georgetown

The suspects held in the bust are 35-year-old Latchman Sankar, aka “Jack”, and 49-year-old Muneshwar Dusrajh, aka “Bonny”. The third man allegedly involved in the crime is Ryan Pemberton, commonly called “Sancho” of Alberttown, Georgetown, who is currently still at large. He reportedly threatened to kill the CANU ranks after the bust.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Election, COVID-19 uncertainty creating hardship for Private Sector – GMSA

– says layoffs already started; urges stakeholders to arrive at credible solution

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he Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), has joined in urging the various stakeholders to resolve the current impasse delaying the end of the election process, while noting that the political uncertainty combined with the coronavirus threat is creating hardship for all.

In a statement on Tuesday, GMSA expressed “grave concern” over the effects the two events are hav-

ing. According to the association, it is important that the major political stakeholders seek a democratic and timely resolution.

“We support a transparent process of verification of votes cast, in all regions, in a manner that sustains confidence in our electoral process, and that establishes mature governance of our country for present and future generations. This will redound to a good business climate, and secure livelihoods.”

“Business thrives on political stability, and the current impasse is very disruptive. It threatens to erode gains made through the support of our regional and international partners and widens ethnic divisions,” GMSA also said.

The association explained that the failure to settle the election issues, compounded by the global coronavirus pandemic that has impacted not only lives but the global economy, has implications for

GTT closes all locations from today

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TT has announced that it would be closing all of its stores from today, Wednesday, April 1, as part of its continuing efforts to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff amid the growing threat from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd said measures were being put in place to ensure that staff would be retained during the closure, and every effort would be made to accommodate customers through alternative bill payment and customer service options, including the use of the company’s Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) app.

He said the decision to temporarily close all GTT stores had been taken in support of the social distancing protocol recommended by global health authorities as the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect people.

“GTT’s responsibility and our commitment to customers and staff mandates us to take this threat very seriously, and to take every action to protect our customers and staff, and Guyana as a whole. Our closure supports

GTT CEO Justin Nedd

the global call for social distancing, and we are encouraging customers to make use of the digital and online options for transactions. There are 220 MMG agents located nationwide; access the one nearest to you as need be to limit movement,” Nedd stated in a release to the media on Tuesday.

“Given the increased human traffic which our stores experience during bill payment and other peak times – and as much as we have been sanitising and staggering the number of persons entering the stores, we feel that it is our responsibility to take firmer action to our collective benefit at this time as the pandemic evolves lo-

cally,” Nedd added.

Further, he noted that safeguarding the jobs of GTT staff while ensuring a continued high level of service to customers were key aspects of the company’s strategic Covid-19 response.

“GTT’s approach to COVID-19 is that we are in this together. We will, therefore, support our staff through repurposing or redeployment as needed, and we want to ensure that our customers are protected, and not overly inconvenienced by these measures,” he said.

Customers are encouraged to visit https://mmg. gtt.co.gy/agents for a comprehensive list of agents and https://www.gtt.co.gy/notices for more information and updates. A printed, detailed listing will be made available through the media.

The CEO added that this month GTT’s billing would be paperless. The company’s dedicated printer has closed until mid-April as a result of its own COVID-19 measures.

Customers are asked to register via https://www. gtt.co.gy/webform/bill-delivery-change-request to receive bills by email.

Fish vendor found dead in Pouderoyen

The lifeless body of Hanuman Jadunauth lying on the road

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he lifeless body of a fish vendor was discovered in the wee hours of Tuesday at Swan Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WCD).

Dead is Hanuman Jadunauth, also known as “Anil” or “Bacco”, 44, of Lot 16 Swan Street.

Reports are that the discovery was made around 05:00h on Tuesday by a relative of Jadunauth, who

works with him. After seeing Jadunauth lying face down in the corner of the road unresponsive, the man raised an alarm summoning the neighbours.

One woman said that the man was known in the community to be an alcoholic, and would usually imbibe alcohol after he left work.

“He would normally drink and lie down on the road. When he finish-

es work, he would go and drink. Last night the neighbour said that they hear he groaning on the road and they thought it was him doing his usual, but this morning when one of the family members saw him lying on the road, he went to check on he and when they turn him over, he see a set of blood.”

There were visible marks of violence about the body.

She added: “It looks like somebody beat him and kill him. This is a shock to most of us, because I don’t know who would do this to him.

“Bacco” is a poor man that hardly has anything”.

Acting Regional Police Commander Simon McBean told Guyana Times that the man’s body bore two wounds.

Jadunauth was last seen about 17:00h on Monday.

The Police were called to the scene, and the body was subsequently taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

GMSA President Clinton Williams

everyone including the employers and employees.

“Layoffs have already commenced at some companies and may be expanding. We recognise the specific roles ascribed to political parties, civil society, and Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), as outlined in our Constitution, in consort with the neutral presence of both local and international observers.”

“Nevertheless, we call on the political parties and GECOM to put the interest of Guyanese citizens first in all decisions and actions.

The verification of all votes, based on established transparent procedures and processes in accordance with the relevant laws, remains a prudent course of action, for all regions and districts.”

The GMSA’s statement came on the same day that the court discharged an injunction preventing GECOM from conducting a national recount. This means that nothing prevents GECOM from following through on the recount it promised and was about to start before a member of A Partnership

for National Unity (APNU) stalled the process.

“As responsible members of Guyanese society, with a primary focus on industrial and social development, we wish to make a special plea to GECOM for appropriate action, as recommended, to be taken to defuse the present dangerous and volatile environment,” GMSA said in its statement.

Since the elections were held over four weeks ago, a winner is yet to be announced. The majority of observers who scrutinised the tabulation process have pronounced it to have not been credible and the court case had prohibited GECOM from conducting a recount.

GECOM itself had come in for much of the criticism, with repeated attempts being made by Mingo to subvert the process going unchecked by the Commission.

Only the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) nominated Commissioners have voiced their disapproval.

The international community has warned Guyana that it could be isolated and even sanctioned if a President is sworn in on the flawed results, resulting in an uneasy standoff between the international community and the Government. In fact, not a single international observer has pronounced the tabulation process as credible.

Meanwhile, Guyana now has 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with two deaths.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had recently released an assessment in which it ranked Guyana among the few countries in

the region least prepared to deal with the effects of the coronavirus epidemic, particularly the negative effects it will have on the economy and tourism.

In the assessment, the IMF rated countries in the Americas from red (least prepared) to green (most prepared). Countries like the United States and Canada were in the green zone. However, Guyana, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras were not so lucky.

Neighbouring Brazil was considered more prepared than average, while countries like Columbia were rated as less prepared. According to the IMF, the virus is likely to have immediate economic impacts in the region, including financial restrictions, declining commodity prices and reduced tourism.

Some measures have been taken by authorities in Guyana to slow the spread of the virus. These measures include closing schools and the Bank of Guyana interceding with local banks to make conditions favourable to allow customers to stay home and practice social distancing without a financial blowback. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) also announced measures of its own.

An application to the World Bank for a loan of US$5 million was also made.

The World Bank was offering loans to several developing countries to aid their fight against the coronavirus. Around the same time Guyana made its application, however, Venezuela was turned down after making a similar application.

Labourer arraigned for narcotics possession

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30-year-old labourer, who was busted on Sunday with a quantity of illegal drugs including cocaine and marijuana, was remanded to prison when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown

The parcels of illegal drugs that was discovered

Tony Lancaster

Magistrates’ Courts.

Tony Lancaster, of Third Avenue, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and Trinity Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice, denied the accusation which stated that on March 29, 2020, at Itaballi Police Checkpoint, he had 977 grams of marijuana in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

He further pleaded not guilty to another charge

which stated that on the said date and location, he had one gram of cocaine in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Delon Sullivan in presenting the facts of the case told the court that ranks at the Itaballi Police Checkpoint stopped a lorry and requested to have a search conducted on same.

During the exercise, a police rank discovered the drugs in a bag the defendant was carrying and as such, he was arrested and

placed in custody.

While in Police custody, Lancaster confided to the ranks that the illegal drugs were his.

Prosecutor Sullivan submitted that the defendant should not be released on bail citing the penalty the charge attracts and the fact he admitted to ownership of the drugs.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the prosecution’s submission, upheld same and remanded Lancaster to prison until April 6, 2020.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

Around the World

OILNEWS

Oil industry facing historic production shutdown

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he world’s oil market once fixated on how Saudi-led Opec would tweak supply in small increments to boost prices.

That concern suddenly feels quaint: the size of the global drop in consumption triggered by the coronavirus pandemic may be equivalent to the cartel’s entire output. Saudi Arabia has pledged to ramp up exports as part of its price war, but the collapse in demand will compel other producers both within and outside Opec’s 13 members, to leave lossmaking supplies in the ground. Demand is now down by as much as a quarter, or roughly 25m barrels a day. That is close to what Opec countries produce every day, or as if the US, Mexico and Canada had abruptly stopped consuming oil altogether. Storage facilities will soon be overwhelmed, say analysts, unless the industry can find a way to cut output at a scale never managed before. On Sunday evening the price of West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, slid below $20 a barrel to an 18-year low, about 70 per cent less than at the start of the year. Several forecasters see single-digit prices on the horizon as pipes and tanks fill up. “When you predict a surplus of more than 20m barrels a day we will hit infrastructure problems quickly,” said Mathios Rigas, head of Energean, a European energy producer. “With oil prices below $20, we’re going to see a lot of shutdowns.” While some producers will go bust, stronger ones will decide whether to take more drastic and potentially costly action: shutting wells that now run at a loss, risking damage to the reservoir. Others will stop short of that, but may scale back output. That could help conventional oil wells in the long run, allowing pressure to recover.

Energy Aspects, a consultancy, forecasts global oil output will fall 200,000 b/d this year — the first annualised drop since 2009 — and 1.8m b/d in 2021. That is despite expectations Saudi Arabia, Russia and others fighting a war for market share will add about 4m b/d to the market in new supplies, giving some indication of how far other producing nations will need to cut back.Goldman Sachs said as much as 900,000 b/d would be shut down, “with the true number likely higher and growing by the hour”. All told, the slump could reduce production capacity by 5m b/d, the bank said. The supply losses will be spread unevenly. Production close to ports would be most insulated from the price shock, said analysts. Norway’s Equinor even says its flagship offshore Sverdrup project in the North Sea will exceed planned output later this year.Andrew Lewis, head of exploration and production at Vitol, said many companies would want to avoid shutting production entirely, but even small cuts could be political decisions involving host countries that rely on energy royalties.“Governments are going to be involved in these decisions,” Mr Lewis said. “When the production needs to come back it will not, however, be switched back on overnight.”

Onshore North American producers will be hit badly.US shale production depends on constant drilling of thousands of wells a year and reacts quickly to price changes. Producers have already slashed spending this year by 30 to 50 per cent, and the oil rig count dropped by 40 to 624 last week, according to Baker Hughes, a GE company. “No one really makes money at a price below $35 a barrel,” said Francisco Blanch at Bank of America, of the continent’s shale producers. Barrels of crude in Midland, Texas were changing hands for as little as $7 a barrel on Monday, well below the benchmark. Pipeline operators asked producers to reduce shipments to avoid inundating pipelines and storage tanks. Recommended Markets InsightDavid SheppardOil industry faces biggest crisis in 100 years Rystad Energy, a consultancy, said that at current prices, thousands of planned wells would be cancelled. US production could fall by almost 4m b/d by the end of 2021, Rystad said, compared with a record high above 13m b/d last month. Heavy-oil output in countries such as Venezuela and Mexico and Canada’s oil sands was also now vulnerable, said Wood Mackenzie, a consultancy. Just under 3m b/d of Canadian production needed prices at $25 or more to generate positive cash flow, said Fraser McKay, head of upstream research at Wood Mackenzie. In Alberta’s oil sands, the local benchmark had been selling for about $5 a barrel and producers had cut $4bn from capital budgets, said Morgan Kwan, an analyst at consultancy RS Energy Group in Calgary.Suncor Energy, a large Canadian producer, announced last week that it would delay the restart of one project and reduce output from another, cutting about 30,000 b/d from its projected oil sands production this year.Ms Kwan said other producers would need to decide which would be less costly: producing barrels at a loss or shutting the projects.

Some analysts are warning that closing down production could make prices more volatile in the future if not all of the output is able to return.“Damage today implies less production tomorrow,” said Bjarne Schieldrop at Nordic bank SEB, “once we have put COVID-19 behind us.” ($=US$) (Financial Times)

Mass disinfections to combat coronavirus pose another health hazard

A

drone dispersed clouds of disinfectant in the sky above Indonesia’s second-largest city Surabaya on Tuesday, a response to the coronavirus pandemic which is catching on around the world despite warnings from health experts.

Mass disinfections, often by workers in protective gear resembling characters from the comedy film Ghostbusters, have become a common sight — from Turkey’s Grand Bazaar to bridges in Mexico and migrant workers in India.

But the visually-impressive measures taken to contain the fast-spreading virus which has killed over 37,000 people globally, have been criticised by disease specialists as a health hazard as

Firefighters spray disinfectant using a high-pressure pump truck to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), on the main road in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 31, 2020

well as a waste of time and resources.

“I don’t believe it adds anything to the response and could be toxic on people.

The virus does not survive

for long in the environment and people do not generally touch the ground.”

A spokesman for Surabaya’s Major said the use of drones for disinfection

was necessary in areas with confirmed cases because the virus “can be anywhere”.

Febriadhitya Prajatara compared the benzalkonium chloride disinfectant, which can cause skin irritations in high concentrations, to “soap” and said it would help “weaken the virus so it won’t enter our body”.

Coronavirus is a contagious respiratory disease that spreads through droplets from the nose or mouth via coughing or sneezing.

Paul Tambyah of the Asia Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection said handwashing and targeted cleaning of commonly touched surfaces like elevator buttons offered better protection than mass disinfecting. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US outlines proposal for Bermuda’s COVID-19 cases jump to 27 Venezuela transition, sanctions relief B

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he Trump Administration on Tuesday unveiled a proposal for the lifting of Venezuelan sanctions in exchange for the creation of a power-sharing transitional government made up of members of the Opposition and President Nicolás Maduro’s Socialist Party.

With the South American nation squeezed by low world oil prices, a spreading coronavirus pandemic and a US economic pressure campaign, Washington shifted its approach aimed at promoting new elections as soon as this year to end the political crisis there.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo formally announced the Administration’s “Democratic Transition Framework” for Venezuela, which offers for the first time a “sequenced exit path” from tough US sanctions, including on the vital oil sector, if Maduro and his allies cooperate.

But it will be no easy task to draw Maduro onto a path of political reconciliation. He holds onto power despite the escalation of US efforts to remove him and has shown no willingness to seriously negotiate an end to his rule.

The initiative comes less than a week after the US Government took a more confrontational tack, indicting Maduro and more than a dozen other current and former top Venezuelan officials on charges of “narco-terrorism”, accusations he dismissed as false and racist.

Maduro’s staying power has become a source of frustration for President Donald Trump, US officials have said privately. Maduro retains the backing of the military, as well as Russia, China, and Cuba.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attends a news conference at the State Department [Andrew CaballeroReynolds/Reuters file photo]

But the Trump Administration hopes an energy dispute between Russia and Saudi Arabia that has contributed to the plunging price of oil – Maduro’s main financial lifeline – and the growing coronavirus threat will help make Maduro and his loyalists more pliable.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ermuda has recorded a further five confirmed cases of COVID-19, taking the island’s total to 27, Premier David Burt announced on Monday night.

Tests showed three of the new cases were imported while two had close contact with a previously confirmed case. All of the imported cases arrived on British Airways flights from London’s Gatwick Airport on March 13, 15 and 17.

Burt told a news conference that of the island’s 27 total cases, two remained in hospital in stable condition, 15 were “mostly at home with mild symptoms”, and 10 have fully recovered. One of the 27 is a Police employee.

Burt said there were still no confirmed cases of local community transmission in Bermuda of the virus, which has claimed more than 40,000 lives globally.

Seventeen cases were imported, arriving by air, and eight were in close contact with infected people. Two cases remain under investigation.

Governor John Rankin said that an air bridge flight has been approved between

Bermuda Premier David Burt

the United Kingdom and Bermuda and the Cayman Islands, a sister British Overseas Territory.

In a simultaneous announcement made by Martyn Roper, his counterpart in Cayman, Rankin said the British Airways flight is likely to happen early next week, offering stranded nationals a chance to return home.

Bermuda’s international airport remains closed to regular flights and Burt said it was unlikely these would resume before the start of May. Bermuda introduced an 20:00h to 06:00h (local time) curfew on Sunday and it was expected to be rolled over after the initial three days.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Putin sending medical supplies to help US fight coronavirus – IFX

R

ussia is sending the United States medical equipment to help fight the coronavirus outbreak, the Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday, citing the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

President Vladimir Putin made the proposal in a phone conversation with President Donald Trump on Monday, when they discussed the coronavirus and oil markets, directing their Energy Ministers to speak.

Confirmed US cases have

surged to nearly 180,000 with 16,000 new positive tests reported on Tuesday.

The state of relations between Moscow and Washington has been complicated in recent years due to US sanctions on some of Russian companies in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and Russian support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, among other strains.

In the process of agreeing on the details for the medical supply on Tuesday, “it seems

that some on the American side at least did not contribute to the prompt resolution of technical issues in accordance with the agreements of the two presidents”, Peskov was quoted as saying by Interfax.

“It is important to note that when offering assistance to the US colleagues, the president (Putin) assumes that when US manufacturers of medical equipment and materials gain momentum, they will also be able to reciprocate if necessary,” he added.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

19

ARCHIE

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

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CALVIN AND HOBBES

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SUDOKU

Don’t take criticism to heart. Learn from the experience someone offers you.

Don’t let your emotions take the reins. Being patient will pay off and will lead to better options.

Take advantage of an opportunity. Don’t let uncertainty lead to hesitation and regret. Let your intuition take charge, and trust your ability to take care of business.

Events that focus on information, knowledge and technology will be beneficial.

Check your bank balance before you spend money on unnecessary items. Don’t fall victim to a polished sales pitch or pressure tactics.

Take the path that excites you. Let your mind wander, and enjoy life. A change someone makes will interest you.

Find out more and consider how you can benefit from doing something similar.

Travel will cost more than anticipated. The people you encounter along the way will be eager to part you from your money.

Caution, coupled with penny-pinching, will pay off.

Expand your interests, friendships and knowledge.

Attend functions offering information that will help you get ahead and connect you to people who can further your interests.

Simple plans will be less expensive. If you overdo it, you will end up backtracking. Don’t overreact if met with opposition. Channel your energy into something that counts.

Pursuing projects that stimulate your mind and challenge your imagination will bring you the most satisfaction. Don’t limit what you can do by the company you keep.

Get involved in chalSAGITTARIUS lenging activities. You will (Nov. 23learn a lot about yourself Dec. 21) in competitive situations.

Everyone you encounter will admire your honesty and fair play.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t let your emotions interfere with your professional integrity. Someone you care about may let you down or criticize the way you do things. Take charge of your happiness and please yourself.

Follow your heart and do what you enjoy most. Your determination and discipline will bring good results and make you feel good about who you are and what you do.

Step up and prepare to take control. You’ve got what it takes to turn your ideas into reality. Follow your heart in both personal and professional matters.

Romance is favored.

20

A

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

businessman who received millions of dollars for his work on Tokyo’s successful campaign to host the 2020 Olympics, which was postponed last week due to the coronavirus, said he played a key role in securing the support of a former Olympics powerbroker suspected by French prosecutors of taking bribes to help Japan’s bid.

Haruyuki Takahashi, a former executive at the advertising agency Dentsu Inc, was paid $8.2 million by the committee that spearheaded Tokyo’s bid for the 2020 Games, according to financial records reviewed by Reuters.

Takahashi told Reuters his work included lobbying International Olympic Committee members like Lamine Diack, the ex-Olympics powerbroker, and that he gave Diack gifts, including digital cameras and a Seiko watch.

“They’re cheap,” he said.

The payments made Takahashi the single largest recipient of money from the Tokyo bid

committee, which was mostly funded by Japanese companies. After his involvement in Tokyo’s successful campaign, Takahashi was named to the board of the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, a group tasked with running the summer Games after it was awarded to Japan.

Takahashi acknowledged receiving the payments but declined to give a full accounting of how he used the money. He said he urged Diack to support the Tokyo bid and denied any impropriety in those dealings. He said it was normal to provide gifts as a way of currying good relations with important officials like Diack. He said there was nothing improper with the payments he received or with the way he used the money.

“You don’t go empty-handed. That’s common sense,” Takahashi told Reuters, referring to the gifts he gave Diack.

Banking records from the Tokyo 2020 bid committee, which were examined by Reuters, show

Tokyo 2020 Executive Board member Haruyuki Takahashi (Reuters)

it paid around $46,500 to Seiko Watch. A senior official at the bid told Reuters “good” watches were handed out at parties organized as part of Tokyo’s campaign to win the Olympics, although he did not specify the brand.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations allowed for the giving of gifts of nominal value at the time of the 2020 bid, but didn’t stipulate a specific amount.

A day before the 2013 vote on the host city, Diack informed a meeting of African Olympic representatives that he planned to support Tokyo on merit, a lawyer for the influential Senegalese sports figure told Reuters. But he didn’t instruct anyone how to vote, the lawyer said.

The Tokyo bid committee also paid $1.3 million to a little-known non-profit institute run by former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, a powerful figure in Japanese sports and the head of the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee.

The payments to Takahashi’s company and Mori’s non-profit are enumerated in banking records from the Tokyo 2020 bid committee examined by Reuters. The payments were first reported by Japanese magazine Facta. French investigators have not questioned anyone about the payments to the Japanese recipients.

The banking records were provided to French prosecutors by Japan’s government as part of France’s investigation into whether Tokyo’s bid

committee paid $2.3 million through a Singaporean consultant to win Diack’s support for Japan to host the 2020 Games.

Diack, 86, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer said Diack “denies all allegations of bribery.”

The French are also investigating Diack’s son, Papa Massata Diack, on suspicion that he received the bulk of the money paid to the Singaporean consultant, and passed money on to his father to secure votes for Tokyo. Diack’s son has also denied any wrongdoing and said via email that he would “deliver my version in courts!!!”

Mori did not respond to questions from Reuters.

A representative of Mori’s non-profit said the entity was paid by the bid committee to “mainly analyze international information.”

Nobumoto Higuchi, the secretary general of the bid committee, said Takahashi earned commissions on the corporate sponsorships he collected for the bid. “Takahashi has connections,” Higuchi said. “We needed someone who understands the business world.”

The International Olympic Committee said it would not have been made aware of payments between private parties or gifts given to IOC members. (Reuters)

A

ended up winning the match and the $9 million payout on the fourth playoff hole.

Last October, Mickelson said he would be interested in playing with Woods again.

merican golfer Phil Mickelson got fans excited in the midst of a virtual halt to live sports by the coronavirus pandemic when he hinted at a rematch with longtime ri-

IAAF President Lamine Diack,(Reuters)

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson

val Tiger Woods.

Mickelson was asked on Twitter about the possibility of a round of golf against Woods being live streamed in the near future, and the left-hander replied here: "Working on it."

When another fan tweeted to Mickelson asking him not to “tease”, the 49-year-old responded: “I don’t tease. I’m kinda a sure thing.”

Woods and Mickelson first squared off in an exhibition match under the floodlights at Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas in November 2018.

Mickelson, whose tally of five major championships is well shy of the 15 held by Woods,

“I really enjoyed it,” he told South China Morning Post.

“I hope that Tiger and I will do more events like that in the future with partners, because we didn’t have enough talking between us and I think that a partner will have more interaction. “(The partners) could be other athletes, that would bring a certain element, too.”

The PGA Tour season currently remains suspended until the end of May, while the Masters and the PGA Championship have both been postponed over coronavirus concerns. (Reuters)

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

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T

he England and Wales Cricket Board is facing the "biggest challenge in its history", said chief executive Tom Harrison as he pledged £60m of support to counties and clubs.

No cricket will be played in England until at least 28 May because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The 18 first-class counties will share £40m, with £20m in interest-free loans made available to grassroots clubs.

England's players will not be asked to take a pay cut.

Harrison, who will take a pay cut, said the financial package will "give certainty in these extremely difficult times to keep the lights on".

However, he warned that it "will be months before the full financial fallout is made clear".

The £40m is made up of three months of funds released early to help the "immediate cash flow challenges" faced by counties and coun-

ty boards.

It also includes two years worth of "facilities maintenance distribution" which no longer have to be spent solely on improving facilities.

The County Championship was due to start on 12 April, with England's first Test of the summer against West Indies scheduled to begin on 4 June.

The ECB said last week that it is considering playing international matches behind closed doors and introducing coronavirus checkpoints at grounds.

"We won't play until we know it is safe," said Harrison on Tuesday.

The T20 Blast - the domestic 20-over competition - is set to begin on 28 May, while the inaugural Hundred - a new 100-ball competition - is due to run from 15 July to 14 August.

"We will be prioritising the most valuable forms first," said Harrison.

"This includes the international games, T20 Blast and maybe The Hundred as and when we get there."

Alec Stewart, the former

England captain and current director of cricket at Surrey, said last week that the Blast and The Hundred may be the only county cricket played this summer. (BBC Sport)

MYO/Trophy Stall Inter-Jamaat Softball Cricket Competition…

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...with an eye on 1st Division status

T

he coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world in general has inevitably affected cricket in Guyana, as clubs adhere to the health authorities’ precautions regarding the COVID-19 virus.

Despite this setback and the need for confinement, players of one particular club of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) -the Rising Stars Cricket Club of Canal Number Two -- have begun to work in earnest on their individual fitness. Although training separately, they each have a passion to increase their fitness and match readiness as they aim to have their club attain First Division status when the situation returns to normalcy.

Under captaincy of the irrepressible Elroy Fernandes, the Rising Stars have participated in many tournaments locally and in the Caribbean. Most of those were private tournaments, and this team had gone on to pocket large incentives as reward for their hard labour.

They had had a successful 2019, and the same had applied thus far in

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NOT RECEIVING

By Timothy Jaikarran

T

he MYO/Trophy Stall Inter-Jamaat Softball Cricket Competition had been affected by late commencement in 2020 because of the prevailing inclement weather prolonging from December 2019.

The tournament was eventually started, but after a short period of contestation, was again put on hold around the period of General and Regional Elections. And now, with onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this competition has been suspended indefinitely.

Senior Vice President of the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), its Sports Committee Chairman Imran Ally, has, however, expressed conviction that once the situation has been declared conducive for play to resume, the tournament will be ‘up and running again’.

In a brief chat with Ally, this publication was given an insight into

MYO Senior Vice President, Sports Committee Chairman Imran Ally

competition, two more than had participated in the last tournament.

These teams are: LBI ‘A’ Masjid, LBI ‘B’ Masjid, New Mosque, New Amsterdam Masjid, MYO, Cornelia Ida Masjid,

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Rising Stars

2020, as they went up against players from every division of cricket in Guyana.

Speaking with club captain Elroy Fernandes, Guyana Times Sportwas told, “I know that for a team that isn’t recognized in Guyana, we have lots of talent, and I’m confident that we will soon produce players that are worthy to represent Guyana at all levels of cricket.”

Fernandes explained that his desire is to showcase this team to Guyana by having the team travel to various communities to participate in competitions. He declared it his intention that, through recognition, players would be able to play cricket at a higher level and provide financially for their families.

“Despite having individual players who perform exceptionally, we are not a team that promotes one person; we believe in ourselves as a team. Our club consists of 47 cricketers; we have an ‘A’ Team, ‘B’ Team and Under-19 Team. Our desire is to host one of the first female T20 competitions on the West Demerara, when the ground has been completed,” Fernandes disclosed.

MYO have been doing well in this tournament

measures the MYO has taken to promote overall safety. Ally said, “Well, we are encouraging everyone to be safe: ensure that they sanitize always, and take all the necessary precautions that the WHO and PAHO have advised us to take. There is no cricket going on at present, but we are encouraging our athletes to stay fit and still do their routine exercises, so that when play resumes, they are ready to go.”

Ten teams have registered to participate in this inter-jamaat

Leonora Masjid, Tuschen Train Station Masjid, Hague Masjid, and Diamond New Scheme Masjid.

The ratings for 2020 are as follows: New Amsterdam is ahead of all competitors, while MYO and Cornelia Ida are tied on second. Tuschen, Hague and LBI ‘B’ are next in line; followed by LBI ‘A’, then Diamond; while New Mosque is in the cellar.

This Inter-Jamaat Softball Competition is sponsored by Trophy Stall, whose owner is the generous businessman Ramesh Sunich.

22

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

G

renadian Olympic gold medallist Kirani James admits to being uneasy over the uncertainly surrounding the rest of the track and field season but does not believe he will be severely impacted by the cancellation of the Olympic Games this year.

After months of deliberation and some amount of hesitance, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the Games would be pushed forward by a year, as the world struggles to come to grips with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

For thousands of athletes around the world, the news would come as a hammer blow with months of preparation upended and a year added to a chance to shine at athletics signature events. For some, already struggling to make a final appearance due to aging, aching limbs it was even a tougher pill to swallow. The 27-year-old James, who is already a World and Olympic champions, does not fall into that category.

“I don’t think so (Impacts chance of medaling at next Olympics), at least not right now. It is what it is,” the former University of Alabama sprinter told TideSports.

“It’s not the fault of anything we can control. We just take it as what it is and try our best to prepare. That’s the decision they came to and we have to accept it. We have to prepare as best as we can.”

Like the majority, he believes it was a necessary evil.

“The way I see it is, for them to postpone it, they’re taking this pandemic very seriously and I’m sure if there was

W

est Indies players took to social media on Monday to brighten the spirits of regional fans and also reassure them of their commitment amidst the challenges posed by the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

Test captain Jason Holder told followers on popular social network, Instagram, that it was important to stay “patient and safe”, as cricket across the globe has ground to a halt.

“I can see light at the end of

the tunnel. Let’s all stay patient and safe. I miss the game so much and cannot wait to put on these colours once more,” said the Barbadian.

The post was accompanied by a close-up photo of him batting in the training nets in West Indies gear with his eyes fixed firmly on the ball.

Holder, the 28-year-old sixfooter, is the leading all-rounder in Test cricket having occupied the number spot for over a year.

West Indies’ last Test was

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

a way where they could keep it for this year, they would have. Obviously, they exhausted all their options. It is what it is. At the end of the day, safety and health trumps the Olympics every time,” he added.

James won the 400m gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London, after claiming gold at the World Championships one year prior. The sprinter then went on to claim silver behind world-record breaker Wayde van Niekerk at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. James saw his career severely hampered after being diagnosed with Graves' disease. He has since recovered and was confident things were progressing well for Tokyo before the delays.

Grenada sprinter Kirani James (at centre) “Training was good. It was very consistent, the the start of the season in April. Everything was on track.” workouts and everything. Really it was just gearing up for (Sportsmax)

against Afghanistan in India late last year and they will be hopeful of resuming the longest format in England this summer as they aim to retain the Wisden Trophy as part of the ICC World Test Championship.

However, like many series across the globe, the threematch tour is under threat, with the host board having postponed all professional cricket until May 28.

All-rounder Rovman Powell, a white-ball specialist, also

offered messages of goodwill to fans on Instagram.

“This pandemic shows us that jobs that are never celebrated are absolutely important to keep our society going. The cleaners, the supermarket shelf packers, the delivery drivers let us start (to) value people for the contribution they make,” the Jamaican wrote.

“After this crisis, let the society be defined by compassion and love rather than insecurity, fear and inequality.”

Earlier on Monday, Cricket West Indies President, Ricky Skerritt called on the players to stay at the ready for when play resumes.

In a message from his office to cricket lovers he noted: “To our players, who represent us so proudly on the field of play, I remind you that you are the true custodians of the game.

West Indies Test Captain Jason Holder

Please do your best to be fit, healthy, and ready when you get the green light to return to play.”

Skerritt added: “I strongly believe that in the midst of the unprecedented stressful

challenges that we are now facing, we can find opportunities to fine-tune and refocus our own attitudes towards cricket, our livelihoods, our relationships, and our lives.”

(CMC)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic…

T

he raging coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has forced national and international organisations to suspend sporting activities worldwide, thus football activities at all levels have been suspended on the local scene.

The Petra organization of Guyana, however, believes that the sport can make it through this testing period.

Having suspended its Milo Schools Under-18 Football Tournament on March 6, because of some incidents of unrest which occurred following the

Petra Director Troy Mendonca

holding of General and Regional Elections, the Petra organization had its hand forced again exactly one week later when the COVID-19 pandemic descended on these shores with its sweeping health risks.

An email sent by the Petra organisation reads, “The Milo U-18 2020 tournament has been suspended until further notice following the declaration of the closure of school from Monday, 16th March 2020 by the Ministry of Education. We, the Petra Organization, urge all to take necessary precautions stipulated by the MOPH and PAHO/ WHO in the prevention of the COVID-19.”

Guyana Times Sport had a chat with Petra

Director Troy Mendonca, and he told this publication that he feels “annulled” since the sport he adores is at a standstill.

“For some time (in past years), there has been no football at the various levels due to the tussle between the Federation and Associations; and due to that, we felt it right to give the footballers an opportunity and get these tournaments going.

And, over the years, we have seen a substantial improvement (in the performance) of footballers through these tournaments and at the grassroots level; most of them go on to (play in) the National side,” Mendonca explained.

“Since no football is (now) being played, I feel there’s a void; but we need to do the right thing, that’s why we suspended our tournaments, because the health and safety of the players is what’s important. But we just need to stay hopeful ( t h a t ) this (crisis) will be over soon and we can get back to where we left off,” he declared.

If the Milo U-18 Football Tournament had been completed, the Corona Futsal Competition was ironically next on the cards to be played; followed by a number of well attended tournaments, which include the ExxonMobil Boys & Girls U-14, Courts Pee Wee U-12, Smalta Girls U-11, Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers U-18 League, KFC Goodwill Series, Limacol 1st Division, and the Turbo Knockout Tournament.

Mendonca has however revealed that Petra wishes to collaborate with the Guyana Football Federation to host a Senior Football League because, “A league is critical for football if the sport is to get better.”

Having been President of the former Georgetown Football Association (GFA), which had successfully hosted the GFA/GT&T Cellink Plus Premier League for a number of years before

its liquidation -- 18 tournaments were staged at the grassroots and senior levels, and they were contested annually -- Mendonca considers himself in an authoritative position to say he has seen improvement in football to the extent that a senior league can be accommodated.

He had the following advice for footballers of all ages during this pandemic: “Stay focused, stay healthy, and try to remain fit. Even though some may not have the facilities to work out on their own, there are little things (they) can do to stay fit and healthy (in order) to help us get through this pandemic.”

He is also urging student/athletes to do as much

23

as they can, to absorb as much knowledge as they can in this time away from school, and to incorporate what they have learnt with their love for the sport; since a balanced mind produces well-rounded individuals over time.

Meanwhile, the Petra team is planning its next move forward, but since it is advised against mass gatherings, this week’s planned meeting is expected to be delayed by a further two weeks. (KB)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Coronavirus pandemic…

Page 23 Participants in the Smalta Competition

A snippet of the Milo Schools Under-18 Tournament prior to its postponement

Page 21

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