Guyana Times - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

Guyana supports United States for IDB presidency Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4368

P11

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

President Ali discusses reopening of economy, combating COVID-19 with Private Sector See story on page 3

Eslyn David, Joseph Harmon, Basil Williams to pay millions to Ali, Jagdeo ...as CCJ awards costs

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P17 Joinder parties begin discussions on sharing of seat

Caricom looks P11 forward to welcoming Ali to next Heads of Govt meeting – SG

…lauds President’s patience, composure

22nd COVID-19 death confirmed as cases jump P12 to 497 …active cases stand at 289

Chase Academy gutted by fire

P12

See story on page 7

Father of An environment 5 dies of peace, progress in horrific has been achieved ECD accident – Shridath Ramphal Page 14

Page 16

Broomes, bodyguard charged for discharging loaded firearm, assault Page 13

Ex-GDF Captain to spend life P8 in prison for killing reputed wife

Shepherd’s murder

“I am hurting because I was not there to defend my son” P15 – mother

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS BRIDGE OPENINIGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 5 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Thursday, August 6 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

President Ali discusses reopening of economy, combating COVID-19 with Private Sector

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 5 – 05:15h – 06:45h and Thursday, August 6 – 05:50h – 07:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers and light rain showers will prevail during the day. There will be light rain showers and partly cloudy skies during the night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Southerly to South-Easterly to East South-Easterly to Easterly to East North-Easterly to South-Easterly to Southerly to South SouthWesterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 17:49h reaching a maximum height of 2.52 metres.

Low Tide: 11:24h and 23:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.68 metre.

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$43.43/barrel

+0.63

Rough Rice

$208.71 /ton

+0.32

London Sugar

$375.20/ton

-1.68

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$2016.10

$2017.10

Low/High

$1968.80

$2031.70

Change

-3.30

-0.16%

President Irfaan Ali (second left) during Monday’s meeting with the Private Sector. He is flanked by (from left) PSC Chairman Captain (ret’d) Gerry Gouveia, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and Attorney General Anil Nandlall

M

embers of the Private Sector left a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali and senior members of his Government feeling optimistic, after thorough discussions about reopening the economy and the fight against COVID-19.

The meetings were held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and were attended by representatives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) among other members of civil society.

In an interview with this publication, PSC Executive Ramesh Dookhoo explained that during the meeting, they shared ideas with the new Government on combating COVID-19. He explained that they also advocated for better coordination between the various Government agencies.

According to Dookhoo, there should be a broad multi-stakeholder effort against COVID with a new task force that will include civil society in decision making… not the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) formulated task force.

“We shared with the President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Frank Anthony, what we have been doing in the Private Sector and that we have been collaborating with all the Government agencies to finance the COVID effort.

The provision of food, ideas, PPE (Personal Protection Equipment).”

“We also recognised that efforts by Government agencies lacked coordination. In general terms, there’s a lot of protection of turf, regarding the efforts. I think what needs to be done is for there to be a broad multi-stakeholder effort with a new task force.”

Dookhoo expressed optimism that their concerns would be addressed by the new Government.

Meanwhile, also attending the meeting was Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nicholas Boyer.

In an interview, Boyer lauded the more consultative approach of the new President. He also revealed that coming out of the meeting, they were tasked with

President Ali (right) and prominent business magnate Yesu Persaud (left) share a light moment on Monday

compiling info to combat the social and economic effects of COVID in Guyana.

“It's nice to see the President, even on his first day on the job, is worried about the pandemic affecting Guyana and obviously has reached out to the various agencies as well as the business community to see how we can collaborate to bring a more effective response to the virus as well as reopen

certain parts of the economy.”

“So, we were left with some homework out of the meeting, to start getting focus groups and information out of the various sectors.

There was a more consultative approach than before… it was heartening that one of the first things they did was to get information on what was going on in relation to coronavirus.”

President Ali was sworn in on Sunday and has since held a number of meetings with agency heads, the Disciplined Services and persons involved in the COVID-19 response. Such meetings are especially important, since as of Tuesday Guyana had 497 cases of COVID-19.

On Monday, President Ali along with Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and PPP/C Executive member Dr Frank Anthony met with health officials from both the public and private health institutions at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Meanwhile, one of the suggestions that came from Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, was for a halt to the illegal movement through Guyana’s borders, as it is evidently linked to the large increases in positive COVID-19 cases recorded in recent time.

Meanwhile, President Ali committed to continuing his consultations and had also said that a meeting will be held with other political parties before a national plan to combat COVID-19 is announced. (G3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

A proactive approach to COVID-19

W

e applaud the proactive response of President Irfaan Ali and his team to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Within a matter of hours of being swornin as Head of State, Dr Ali and his team were able to engage the various stakeholders within the health-care system, including doctors and technical officers to get a clear understanding of where the country is at the moment and plan the kind of response that is needed to bring a halt to the deadly virus.

While there are many issues that could be regarded as urgent for the new Administration to tackle head-on, President Ali has pointed out that the single most important one is that of confronting the pandemic using all the resources at its disposal.

It is clear that due to the rising cases and the number of deaths, Guyana’s response, under the previous Administration since the first case was detected in March, was way below par.

There was much confusion and a lack of foresight by those who were tasked with managing the country’s response to the virus.

Of note too is the fact that those who were spearheading the country’s response were mere politicians who, as expected, were engaged in politics rather than ensuring an effective and efficient plan was put in place to reduce the number of persons being infected and dying of the virus.

President Ali has made a very wise decision to involve all the stakeholders, especially the health experts, as there is a need to adopt a much more focused approach to halting the spread of the pandemic.

Also, in keeping with his promise to govern in an inclusive manner, he has decided to seek the involvement of the other political parties. The aim is to develop and implement a thorough and effective plan that would address all aspects of the disease, including increased testing, detection, contact tracing, treatment and so on.

It is now past six months since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. This was the sixth time a global health emergency has been declared under the International Health Regulations.

At the moment, the end of the virus seems nowhere in sight and countries are grappling with finding a balance between reopening their economies and controlling the pandemic.

In Guyana’s case, the number of infections is increasing daily.

Over the last few days, the cases have skyrocketed and even the number of deaths has gone up. This upsurge comes in the face of relaxed curfew hours, continued mining activities, and wide leverage for business operations to resume.

In the early stages of the virus, several countries, including Guyana, had announced partial or full lockdowns with the aim of eliminating the spread of the virus. Some countries were able to reopen within weeks, while others took months before they could have resumed their regular activities.

In some cases, countries which reopened were forced to reverse their decisions and had to impose lockdowns again due to a rise in infection rates as a result of persons not taking key prevention measures seriously.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated the need for continued vigilance against the disease and the need for authorities to ramp up tracking and tracing of contacts. He warned that the pandemic continues to accelerate, noting that in the past six weeks, the total number of cases had roughly doubled.

The WHO has made it clear that remaining determined to stop the virus in its tracks is key to ending transmission, along with a willingness to make “hard choices to keep ourselves and each other safe”.

The WHO has outlined that although our world has changed, “the fundamental pillars of the response have not: political leadership, and informing, engaging and listening to communities. Nor have the basic measures needed to suppress transmission and save lives: find, isolate, test and care for cases; and trace and quarantine their contacts.”

That said, while President Ali and his team are engaged in putting certain policy mechanisms in place and mobilising resources at the national level to fight the virus, we cannot overstate the responsibility of citizens to ensure that they too heed the advisories of the health authorities to take the necessary precautions and avoid being infected.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo meeting United States Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn and Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre

Anna Catherina PPP group congratulates President Ali

Dear Editor, The Anna Catherina PPP group extends its heartiest congratulations to Dr Irfaan Ali on his election as the ninth Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The people of Anna Catherina, and all of Region Three, I dare say, are extremely proud of this son of the soil, more so native of Region Three, that has been elected to this honoured position.

We are confident that President Ali will lead this nation into a path of great economic prosperity and development, social development and transformation that will benefit all Guyanese regardless of political and religious beliefs, cultural background, social standing or economic standing. During his tenure as Minister of Housing, he has shown that he has both the intelligence and ability to undertake and lead projects

successfully to bring about development for all people. This ministerial tenure has been preparing him for a bigger role in national development.

We also wish to congratulate our new Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips. We are confident that the wealth of experience, training and qualification of this distinguished gentleman is not only a tremendous asset to be used in developing this nation, but will also complement the leadership of Dr Ali, to take Guyana to new frontiers of human, social and infrastructural development at a time when these are greatly needed in a changing global environment.

With the unwavering support of the indomitable and brilliance of visionary leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, the newly elected Vice President, the brilliance of Attorney General Mr Anil Nandlall and the en-

tire party of hardworking, quality comrades, the PPP/C Government will be able to put Guyana back on the map in a positive light and bring heaps of benefits and progress for the citizens like never before seen.

I take this opportunity to also thank the Local Election Committee, all the party agents and the ordinary people of the communities who have worked extremely hard over the months in the lead up to Election Day and on Election Day. As Campaign Manager for the LeonoraAnna Catherina District, I can attest to the extent of hard work, support, contributions and labour that were put in by all these people to see their party get back into power again. Thank you to all.

It has been a long and hard battle, but in the end, victory came. We commend President Ali, his other com-

rades, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and others for a very good and hard-fought campaign and for leading the people to victory despite all the challenges and hurdles that were put in their way. This is a victory for all Guyanese.

I call on every Guyanese to work together with our new President and Government and let us move Guyana forward. I am confident that President Ali and his Cabinet will work hard to ensure that every Guyanese achieves a better life and a higher standard of living. There are exciting times ahead and we all look forward to the great development of our country.

We wish the new President and Government well. God bless you.

Dear Editor, We refer to the article in Kaieteur News, August 3, 2020 “What Happened Should Never Happen Again in The World” by Freddie Kissoon.

The views expressed are fully endorsed by every defender of democracy in Guyana and in the diaspora. We accept that had it not been for the intervention of members of the diplomatic community, Caribbean Heads of State and the international organisations, Guyana would have been plunged into a lifetime of dictatorship.

But as crucial and important a role the international community as well as many key members of the Judiciary have played, kudos must be extended also to the many activist groups, individuals and news outlets whose combined and unrelenting efforts helped in maintaining the necessary attention and focus on what really was at stake – democracy.

The totality of all the contributions allowed hope to overcome hopelessness.

One must not forget the contributions of those who have

recently passed. The late Mr Owen Arthur was mentioned but there was also the work the late Mr Depoo, whose early petition of over 7000 signatures in support of democracy and a call for personal sanctions against known riggers was the first to be submitted to the US Embassy in Guyana.

Unfortunately, he was not around to see how the sanctions impacted the final outcome.

When a petition appeared online asking for the recall of HC Chatterjee of Canada just for using the word frivolous, a counter-petition online in support of her and other diplomats garnered over 3000 signatures.

She must have felt vindicated when several courts including the Court of Appeal opined that repetitive court actions were also vexatious and an abuse of the court process.

The daily newspapers in Guyana also played a key role by publishing many letters in support of democracy.

Many groups and individuals submitted letters to the press which could not publish them.

Thousands of volunteers from

many countries also signed and shared several petitions, all helped in some way. Unlike others who are being paid and a few who should have been fired, those who should be singled out for special mention are the courageous individuals, who until the end of the recount process and at times braving the rainy weather, kept a 24/7 vigil on the containers in which the ballots were stored; And to those who spent countless hours from every corner of the globe organising and demanding action from Governments in their countries of residence.

Then there was the myriad of video conferencing and interviews, all the advocacies which helped in shaping opinions and influencing key decisions.

Democracy Watch 2020 of the GTA in Ontario joined the efforts in mid-March, by writing letters asking the Canadian Prime Minister and other world leaders to impose sanctions on the offenders who were trying to steal the election. The ad hoc apolitical group remained active throughout the struggle.

An online petition by this group

starting in mid-July calling on GECOM to declare Dr Ali President of Guyana, garnered over 200 signatures before it was mission accomplished.

Democracy is alive in Guyana through the steadfast commitment and hard work of all of the above. We hope it will be lasting. The group of volunteers at Democracy Watch 2020 is appreciative of the advice and guidance of retired lawyer and author Mr Ramnarine Sahadeo. We thank him and all others who helped in the preservation of democracy on Guyana.

As Guyana seems poised for a liberated future where cohesion, inclusiveness and participation of the citizenry aided by good governance will hopefully be realised, Democracy Watch 2020 will remain vigilant.

Best of luck to the new Administration.

Yours sincerely, Lionel Rasul Chairman of the Anna Catherina PPP group

Democracy survives in Guyana

Sincerely, S Bernard, S Alexander, N Hanif, H Ragnauth, K Ramprashad, R Persaud, N Megnauth, RM Singh, Pandit B Benimadhu

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

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

APNU/AFC would have immolated themselves Dear Editor, Sunday, August 2, 2020, saw the declaration of the March 2, 2020 election results and the swearing-in of Dr Irfaan Ali as the ninth President of The Co-operative Republic of Guyana. It was a long and arduous road, but we eventually got there, thanks to the indomitable spirit and resilience of the people of this great nation, to this end we can say home at last.

Now, as much as we might not want to acknowledge it, the walk to freedom was a rocky road which sometimes seems to be going nowhere, especially when you look at the endless circle of litigation coming from the loser incumbent.

From one court case to another, theirs was the determined effort to barefacedly prove an illegality that they have won the election, however, in the nick of time the fraud was exposed and the rigging plans came to an abrupt end.

There are three fundamental facts that readily comes to mind as we examine the rudiments of election 2020.

1. Rigging is dead and a requiem mass has to be kept. The Burnhamite institution of rigging has reached its finale and it is time to say RIP - Rest In

Peace. No more will we countenance an election where fraud should be used to determine a winner. The PNC was even belligerent in their resolve seeking a legal cover to perpetuate that fraud, but quick action by the PPP/C brought this to an end. They tried to rig and was caught red-handed 2. In light of the foregoing I shall recommend - it is already in the PPP/C Manifesto - the ushering in of a new system of balloting where the placing of a mark on a piece of paper is done away with. We have to move into the era of machine voting, where the machine decides which votes are valid and those that are not.

In the present paper balloting, there is always the possibility for corruption to flourish. As was exemplified in the March election if a corrupt and politically-biased Presiding Officer (PNC/AFC) thinks that his party is losing he just simply refuses to stamp the ballot which automatically makes that ballot illegal and it cannot be counted.

Mark you well, the voter would have innocently cast his ballot and gone his way, but due to ulterior motives of a partisan Presiding Officer decided to disenfranchise that voter. This

will not happen in a system of machine voting. If I should add, the situation was so grave that the PPP/C lost a seat as a result of that skullduggery. To eliminate that backwardness, we must go into the realm of machine balloting, it is the system used in the USA for years now and one which eliminates the total dependence of the corrupt human factor.

3. My final point is that there must be a reorganising or total makeover at GECOM, I am talking about a reconstituted and retrofitted body equipped with personnel who are there to serve the people and not their party. In that new system of things, there will not be a Clairmont Mingo, Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers nor that so-called “IT specialist” guy who was strangely tired, but was later found huddled in another room “fixing” the figures, there is no place for such dubious persons! Further to it, the new parties will have to, I repeat will be added to the constitutional body, making it a true reflection of the political landscape of our country.

This means that the crazy and mindless antics of the PNC/ AFC cabal at the Commission would be a thing of the past.

They might not have known

Ali Administration’s policy priorities are timely and economically sound

Dear Editor The Guyana Budget and Policy Institute welcomes the budget and policy priorities of Dr Ali’s Administration. In an interview with the News Room on August 3, 2020, President Dr Ali identified “a re-alignment of public spending to public needs” and “a focus on deliverables and output” as priorities of his Administration. These priorities are both timely and necessary to ensure that public spending addresses the short and long-term needs of the citizens and the economy. The focus on output and deliverables is critical to ensure that public spending delivers on their intended purposes. These policy priorities are consistent with the institute’s priorities that it has been advocating for years and are reflected in the institute’s flagship annual budget report and analysis publication.

These policies are not just sensible and timely; they are the correct prescriptions that are necessary given the state the Granger Administration has left the economy and public finance. The re-alignment of spending on public needs is likely to have profound positive impacts on the economy.

In 2015, when the Granger Administration came into office, 13 per cent of the national budget was spent on economic opportunity sectors – agriculture, natural resources, and trade and commerce. At the end of 2019, allocations to these sectors were almost halved at just 7 per cent of the national budget. Funding for these sectors was repurposed to fund an oversized Government bureaucracy without a clear legislative and policy agenda. These resources are better spent on the Private Sector to build productive capacity, grow the economy, and create jobs for people in pursuit of real economic growth.

President Ali’s policy fo-

cus on deliverables and output, once implemented and enforced, will represent a monumental change in public administration, a change that is necessary for thrusting Guyana to the next level of development.

Too often policymakers measure progress by how much money is spent as opposed to what was delivered or achieved with the money. Shifting the focus on deliverables and output will increase value for taxpayers’ dollars; it will also improve the quality of public service and governance, core developmental needs for Guyana. Here again, it is easy to understand why such a change in policy makes economic and financial sense.

Since 2015, the Government spent more than a trillion taxpayers’ dollars with very little to show for it except for several icons of policy failure including GuySuCo, D’Urban Park, the corrupt drug bond deal, Amaila Hydro, Ocean View, and the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

President Ali also identified the size of the Government and operational efficiency as areas of concern for which his Administration will be paying attention to. For years, there has been growing frustration among taxpayers who do not know what they are getting in return for the taxes they pay.

Citizens want to know how effectively and efficiently the Government is using their money to deliver needed services.

They want to know how their money is being spent, why it is being spent that way, and what outcomes their investment yields. Most taxpayers would be hard-pressed to answer these questions. Like the others, this change in policy to focus on output and outcomes is sensible and much needed considering how much of taxpayers’ monies went to governance and administrative overheads under the

Granger administration.

In 2019, for example, funding to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Presidency totalled more than $48 billion; this is more than all the monies that were allocated to all 10 administrative regions for agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure services; it is almost three times the amount of money invested in all the economic opportunity sectors, and it is more than is spent on public safety and security for the entire country. In 2019, funding for the Ministry of Finance alone was more than the total funding for all the Ministries responsible for business, agriculture, and natural resources. Certainly, some of this funding is necessary and vital for efficient operations and planned improvement in these Ministries. But even with such considerations, there is simply no conceivable economic and financial logic that could adequately justify these allocations, they simply defied economic thinking and reality.

Less than a week ago I cautioned on the need for ending the electoral crisis if we are to save the economy and families.

Our political leaders have heeded that call and all of Guyana is better for it. What is even more encouraging are the policy priorities that the new Administration is embarking on; they are properly aligned to public needs and address the fundamental cracks in our economic management system.

Once fully implemented, the policies will benefit the economy and more importantly families in both the immediate and long-term.

Sincerely Dhanraj Singh Economist and Executive Director Guyana Budget and Policy Institute

it but the PNC-led coalition has finally immolated themselves.

Guyana must move forward,

down with rigging, down with a Government that does not reflect the wishes of the people.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Jeffries and Clarke should be consistent on the vote

Dear Editor, The US Administration and Members of Congress supported free and fair elections in Guyana. However, two Members of Congress (MOC), both from Brooklyn, Hakeem Jeffries and Yvette Clarke, were not supportive of an accurate count of the votes of the March 2 elections. They questioned and opposed the US involvement to secure an accurate count of ballots in Guyana, constantly condemning the statements of the State Department and Ambassador Lynch. They put their kneecaps on the neck of democracy of Guyana. Hakeem and Yvette should have backed down when they saw statements from Members of Congress calling for respect for an accurate vote count in Guyana and urging the Administration to bring pressure on Granger to concede defeat. They should have condemned the Government for attempting to subvert the will of voters. People must have their right respected to choose their own rulers. The incumbents must not foist themselves on the population and have Hakeem and Yvette endorse that act.

These two MOCs called for every ballot of Black Americans to be counted, and one expected consistency on voting in other societies. Black American votes mattered to them but votes of all Guyanese don’t seem to matter. Most AfroGuyanese is settled in Brooklyn in the Congressional districts of Jeffries and Clarke. They listened to racists to oppose the recount of ballots that were used for the declaration of the results. These two MOCs would be remembered for their resistance to have the right winner declared in the elections. I know these two MOCs well and am most disappointed by their position on the recounting of ballots.

Yvette succeeded her mother Una Clarke, a Jamaican immigrant who told us in Richmond Hill that her grandmother was Indian. Una, an elected member of City Council, visited Richmond Hill for fundraising and when she was forced out on term limits in 2001, her daughter succeeded her in the Council in 2002 serving thru 2006 when she sought higher office in the US Congress to replace Major Owens. In the spring of 2006, Yvette came to Richmond Hill a few times, bag in hand, to raise funds for her campaign. I was a volunteer news reporter for Indian community papers and was invited to several of these programmes pertaining to the Guyanese or Trini or Caribbean or Indian diasporas. At one of the events, Una spoke about her partial Indian roots. Ed Ahmad, Kawal Totaram, and other Indo-Guyanese businessmen donated generously to Yvette’s campaign. Ahmad hosted her for an event in his office right under the train on 107 Street.

Yvette raised money that she had never seen in fundraisers in Brooklyn. (Other politicians like John Sampson and Greg Meeks also told me that in their runs for office, they never raised

so much funds as they got in Richmond Hill). Yvette promised never to forget the IndoGuyanese and Indo-Caribbean community for being so supportive of her campaign. But she would renege on the promise when it came to elections in Guyana. She won the primary and general elections and became a proud member of the Black Congressional Caucus rising to become co-chair of the women arm. She champions black causes. Last year she visited Guyana with Queens Congressman Greg Meeks and the chair of the subcommittee (Albio Sires) in charge of affairs in the Western Hemisphere.

She joined them in calling for free and fair elections, and she came to Richmond Hill last February to speak of her experience in Guyana. She recommitted to supporting democracy in Guyana and free and fair elections and gave the assurance that she would oppose fraud.

After the election of March 2, facing the pressures of constituents and race loyalty, she backpedalled on free and fair elections in Guyana and endorsed fraud. Among Guyanese, that is nimakharamism or ingratitude.

I have not had an association with Hakeem Jeffries but I know his uncle, Len Jeffries quite well. Len was the Professor Chair of the Black Studies Department of City College, my alma mater. He was embroiled in controversy on race issues. He perennially attacked Jews, making news headlines. And he was not friendly to people of Jewish, Indian, and Hispanic descent, and even Black West Indians, seeing us as somehow impacting on the economic status of American Blacks. I remember him chasing after Guyanese PPP supporter Chuck Mohan with a stick on campus; Chuck, who majored in Black Studies and who opposed Jeffries’ racist ranting, may wish to disclose more on that episode. At Black Studies Department, Chuck and I supported Black struggles for equality and right to the ballot. But academics in the department except for prof Samad Mathias and a couple others did not reciprocate in the struggle for free and fair elections in Guyana. I interacted a lot with Jeffries, who was a close confidante of James Small, a supervisor in the office where I worked at City College in Student Affairs Department.

I would overhear the two of them in conversations on race and attended several of their seminars on Afro-centrism where they laced into other ethnic groups. Jeffries praised Dr Walter Rodney and condemned his murder by Burnham, but he was of the view that Walter should have teamed up with the dictator on Black solidarity against the PPP. Hakeem said when he would meet his uncle at the grandmother’s home in New Jersey for a get-together, Uncle Len spoke strongly about African civilisation and race hate but that he was not influenced by it. But Hakeem,

a proud member of the Black Caucus, endorses Black solidarity. He backs electoral fraud in Guyana in support of the anti-democratic position of some Afro-Guyanese constituents of Brooklyn. As a counterbalance to the views of Burke and cronies, Jeffries did not seek to obtain the views of or interact with Indo-Guyanese constituents who live in Ozone Park and Howard Beach (and sections of Brooklyn like East NY) that are also parts of his 8th Congressional District that used to be represented by a gentleman Congressman Ed Towns who I had much interaction with while I taught students in his district. Upon retirement, Jeffries replaced Towns in January 2013. Several IndoCaribbean people informed me they gave funds to Hakeem Jeffries for his campaign. Other Indian Americans also make contributions to him. But those resources did not influence Jeffries to support free and fair elections in Guyana.

The position on elections adopted by Jeffries and Clarke is the anathema of what America stands for. Free and fair elections and the right to vote and have the ballots accurately counted must be of paramount importance to all and especially to those elected to the highest legislative office in America.

It is the hallmark of democracy.

It is hypocrisy to call for every ballot of Black Americans to be counted but not those of other ethnic groups in other parts of the globe. On this point, I wish to salute Black American Greg Meeks and White American Sires (of New Jersey) who were consistent that the accurate count of SoPs and the recount numbers must be the basis for the declaration of the election in Guyana. Yvette Clarke opted not to support their repeated statements. And never once did Hakeem ever say electoral fraud in Guyana is wrong. For Jeffries and Clarke, it is a case of race trumps democratic outcome of elections.

The two MOCs should have been consistent in their position regardless of the problems Blacks face in America.

In not supporting the right to the vote, they betray the black cause. One can be in solidarity with the cause of one’s race.

But one does not have to support electoral fraud. They should have followed the legacy of Walter Rodney, who loved his race but fought against fraud. Rodney defended the human and constitutional rights of Arnold Rampersad, appealing to Africans not to do the dirty work of Burnham and convict an innocent man of a trumped up charge. Africans listened to Rodney and freed Rampersad.

Jeffries and Clarke spoke glowingly of African emancipation. But what does emancipation mean when democracy is lynched in Guyana, degutting the aspirations of the masses, including Blacks.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

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Foundation

SUMMER OF LEARNING Æsop’s Fables for Children

Power Up Math

T

he mice once called a meeting to decide on a plan to free themselves of their enemy, the cat. At least they wished to find some way of knowing when she was coming, so they might have time to run away. Indeed, something had to be done, for they lived in such constant fear of her claws that they hardly dared stir from their dens by night or day.

Many plans were discussed, but none of them was thought good enough. At last a very young Mouse got up and said:

S

tars look pointy and seem to twinkle because we see them through the layers of the atmosphere — the gases that surround our planet. The movement of air and dust in the atmosphere bends (refracts) a star’s light in different directions.

Because the light is scattered by the time it reaches our eyes on Earth, stars appear to twinkle.

Even though stars do not twinkle or have points, these huge, hot balls of gas do shine.

Supplies

>> Aluminum foil >> Black thread

Twinkle, twinkle mobile

sure and cut lengths of thread about 2 feet long. You’ll need a thread for each hole poked in the cardboard. You will also need a square of aluminum foil to make a star for each thread.

Tape a thread in the centre of an aluminum foil square.

Then squeeze and shape the foil into a ball around the end of the thread. It’s a bright,

>> Scissors, pen or pencil, ruler, glue, and tape >> Cardboard (at least 8 x 11 ½ inches in size) >> White paper >> Black construction paper and paint

Getting started

To bring the stars inside, select a constellation (use template or check Internet). Cover the cardboard with a piece of black paper and glue it in place. Then draw the constellation onto white paper. Then place the tracing over the black-covered cardboard and use the pencil or pen to poke holes into the cardboard where

"I have a plan that seems very simple, but I know it will be successful.

All we have to do is to hang a bell about the cat's neck.

When we hear the bell ringing we will know immediately that our enemy is coming."

All the mice were much surprised that they had not thought of such a plan before.

But in the midst of the rejoicing over their good fortune, an old mouse arose and said: "I will say that the plan of the young mouse is very good.

But let me ask one question: Who will bell the cat?"

round star!

When all the stars are ready, pull the end of a thread through each of the poked holes in the cardboard. Tape the thread to the back of the cardboard to secure it in the “sky.”

Hang the mobile on the ceiling with tape or tacks. (startwithabook.org)

WORD SEARCH the stars are drawn. Now that the constellation is in place, surround it with more stars

using drops of white or silver paint.

While the paint dries, mea-

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Eslyn David, Joseph Harmon, Basil Williams to pay millions to Ali, Jagdeo ...as CCJ awards costs

President Irfaan Ali

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he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has awarded costs to President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, in the Ali v Eslyn David et al case, to be paid

by David, former Attorney General Basil Williams and Joseph Harmon.

The award of costs was stated in an order on July 31, to be paid by coalition supporter Eslyn David, Williams and Harmon. In addition, costs for counsels can be taxed and otherwise acquired if they fail to pay up.

According to Attorney General Anil Nandlall, these costs can run up to several millions of dollars.

Nandlall, who was on the legal team that represented President Irfaan Ali and Bharrat Jagdeo, said in a social media post that a bill of costs will have to be submitted to the court.

This will include legal fees, stationery, photocopying and preparation of written and oral submissions.

To put it in perspective, he said the photocopying costs alone for one appeal could cost $500,000. As such, costs will likely amount to several millions of dollars, the cost of “frivolous, vexatious and abusive litigation.”

Meanwhile, prominent Caribbean lawyers like Trinidadian Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, who led Ali and Jagdeo’s legal team, charge hundreds of United States Dollars (USD) an hour.

In an interview with this publication on Tuesday, Nandlall explained if the court-ordered costs are not paid then like any other order, it will have to be enforced by remedies that are available to enforce orders of the court “It’s an order of the court.

Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes

Like any other order, it will have to be enforced by the enforcement remedies that are available to enforce orders of court. They include filing of contempt of court proceedings. Contempt of court proceedings carry with it imprisonment if you are found guilty.”

“Secondly, you can levy on their properties and what they owe… that is, the court can sell their property. Thirdly, you can garnish money out of their bank account or anything that may be owed to them.”

According to Nandlall, the CCJ awarding costs against David and her collaborators is the natural conclusion of them filing court cases that were frivolous in nature. The AG pointed out that other courts had held the same view regarding the cases.

“Here, the costs would be punitive because the proceedings which were filed had no merit. All the courts said that. The High Court said it. The Court of Appeal said it,” Nandlall also ex-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Former AG Basil Williams

plained to this publication.

Following the 33-day National Recount, it was demonstrated that the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) won the elections with 233,336 votes while the APNU/AFC coalition garnered 217,920. But just when Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh looked set to use the recount results to declare the elections, David moved to the Court of Appeal to prevent GECOM

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

APNU/AFC Campaign Manager Joseph Harmon

from doing its work.

Among the things Eslyn had sought was an order from the court restrain-

ing the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) from submitting a final report based on the recount. She had also sought an order to interpret Article 177 (2) (b) of the Constitution of Guyana and whether more votes meant more valid votes. In a 2-1 decision, Court of Appeal Judges Dawn Gregory and Brassington Reynolds ruled in David’s favour, while Judge Rishi Persaud ruled against.

After their ruling, the GECOM Chair wrote to her Chief Elections Officer,

APNU/AFC supporter Eslyn David

Keith Lowenfield, on June 16, instructing him to prepare a final report based on the recount. But using

Caribbean Court of Justice President, Justice Adrian Saunders

the Court of Appeal ruling, Lowenfield submitted a report invalidating over 115,000 votes based on unsubstantiated allegations of dead and migrant voters, made by the APNU/AFC. Lowenfield’s actions caused an immediate uproar and the varying sides found themselves in the CCJ for the Irfaan Ali et al v Eslyn David et al case. Among other decisions, the CCJ ruled in a unanimous decision that Lowenfield’s report, which arbitrarily disenfranchised voters, was invalid and that the concerns raised by the APNU/AFC coalition must be addressed in an elections petition.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ex-GDF Captain to spend life in prison for killing reputed wife

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ormer Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Captain Orwain Sandy was on Tuesday sentenced to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years, after he admitted to shooting his reputed wife, Reona Payne to death on March 31, 2018.

Initially, the 38-year-old man was indicted for murder, but he opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter. He admitted that he shot Payne 14 times with his service revolver.

Sandy, a father of four, appeared via Zoom before Justice Sandil Kissoon for sentencing on Tuesday.

The court heard that on March 31, 2018, Sandy and Payne, a mother of three, were in a motor car proceeding along First Street, Alexander Village, when an argument ensued after the then GDF Captain accused her of infidelity. According to reports, Sandy suddenly stopped the car, and as the woman exited, he shot her 14 times.

After the incident, Sandy – who was a Special Assistant to the Chief-of-Staff – turned

Orwain Sandy and Reona Payne in happier times

himself in at the Ruimveldt Police Station.

He was subsequently charged for murder. He was granted an application to be mentally evaluated after his attorney, Ravindra Mohabir told the court that the examination was critical to his client’s well-being, since he had been consulting with a psychiatrist for two years prior to the fatal shooting.

During the virtual hearing, the father of Payne’s children, Richard Bevany, as well as her children, shared how the death of Payne has

affected them. Bevany told the court that the passing of his children’s mother has caused their children to lose focus in school.

In fact, Payne’s daughter and son relayed to the court that they “miss” their mother “very much” and feel like their entire world is falling apart. Meanwhile, Sandy’s lawyer, in a plea of mitigation, told the court that on the day of the killing, his client had a “sudden and temporary loss of self-control due to provocation”.

Mohabir related that

Sandy asked Payne to call the person she was having a relationship with and demanded that she ended it. In response, Mohabir related, Payne threw his client’s gun out of the car window, which angered him.

Justice Kissoon asked Sandy if he has anything to say and Sandy responded by saying that the incident has increased his passion for advocating against domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

With tears in his eyes, the father of four added that ending his first love’s life has left a hole in his heart, that he did not think would be filled. He narrated that on the day of the killing, he suffered a mental breakdown and that after the killing, he was haunted by suicidal thoughts. Moreover, Sandy urged young men to learn from his actions.

Meanwhile, State Prosecutor Lisa Cave told the court that it needed to send a strong message that such acts against women would not be tolerated and impose a severe sentence. (G1)

Moving on...

T

...with our politics he Carter Center tempered their congratulations to the new Ali Administration by insisting that the fivemonth long elections “highlight(ed) deep divides that persist in Guyanese society and the ways that the current political and electoral systems reinforce these divisions”. They suggested “electoral and constitutional reform”. Your Eyewitness vehemently and emphatically disagrees!!

Yep... there are definitely “divides” in Guyana. But which society on planet earth doesn’t have “divides”?? In even the most homogenous societies in the world – say Japan and the Scandinavian countries, you have class divisions.

Human beings will always divide themselves...it’s the way with the world. The challenge is for leaders to work for the good of the country and not exploit divisions. And that’s the problem in Guyana!

The PNC exploits our Guyanese divisions for their own narrow, selfish compulsion to rule in the image of their founder-leader Burnham and seize power by hook or crook. Especially by crook! That’s all there is to what went down over the last year and a half. How in the world do you FIX a situation that works in every parliamentary democracy in the world with absolutely no problem – the NO Confidence Motion (NCM) – with “electoral and constitutional reform”?? Do you need “electoral and constitutional” reform to make the PNC accept that 33 is the majority of 65 – especially when they had got into office with that majority??

And that’s the problem we have in Guyana....it’s a situation that has nothing to do with Guyana’s “divisions” and everything to do with the PNC and their bullyism.

Your Eyewitness knows where the Carter Center’s coming from. They’ve been harping on this theme ever since they became involved with Guyana’s elections back in the 1990s.

At that time, they helped with “electoral and constitutional reform” that saw the PNC given greater Parliamentary power over the government through the “Parliamentary Sectoral Committees” that had oversight over every aspect of the government’s work.

But that didn’t satisfy, the PNC did it?? And the bottom line is nothing else but total power for ever and ever will ever satisfy them. The demographic change in our country – wrought by the PNC’s reversion to violence after every election which pushed Indian Guyanese emigration – has resulted in a situation where there’s no one group that has an absolute majority. All the PNC has to do is rein in its thuggish behaviour – like it did in 2015 – and it can gain office through the electoral and constitutional system we have in place.

The Americans have a pithy saying that’s very apt for us right now: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

Just have the PNC fix their demons!! ...with fixing Guyana Your Eyewitness takes absolutely no credit for President Ali coming out with the double-barrelled announcement that he’s prioritising the COVID-19 fight and the economy – just because you read in this space that this was the way to go!! Fact is, any administration that wasn’t just consumed with holding on to power by any means necessary would’ve done the same. But we just described the PNC to a “T”!

Didn’t we??

Your Eyewitness isn’t saying it’s gonna be easy...but damn! if you don’t identify your problem, how are you ever gonna fix it?? Take the COVID “fight” by the PNC. Hadn’t the medical officer been emphasising the porous borders with Brazil is a challenge?? Did she even have to tell the Government’s COVID Task Force? How come it took President Ali on his first day at the office to bring the GDF Chief-of-Staff and the Police Commissioner? Aren’t these the institutions responsible for our borders??

Your Eyewitness guarantees that the new PPP Administration will immediately work to equip the COVID-19 Hospital! ...with personnel It doesn’t matter how circumspect the PPP will be in getting personnel in place to implement their plans. The PNC will still come down on them like a ton of bricks.

Deliberately designed to widen our divisions.

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

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ExxonMobil Guyana field development to be slowed …capital spending to be reduced by 30%

I

n the face of still lacklustre oil prices, ExxonMobil anticipates further slashes in its capital expenses and budget, downsizing its operations to remain financially viable while dealing with an increased year to date debt of over $20 billion.

This is according to a presentation made by Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil, Neil Chapman, during their second quarterly report for 2020. During his presentation, Chapman informed investors that their objective is to reduce short term capital spending by 30 per cent.

In addition, Chapman revealed that the company plans to reduce cash operating expenses by 15 per cent in the short term, further reduce their cash and operating expenditure during the COVID-19 uncertainty, all while developing strategies to keep its debt stable and maintain its dividends.

“While we manage our capital priorities over the long term, we also recognise the need to balance and re-

Senior Vice President of ExxonMobil, Neil Chapman

spond to market conditions.

In response to the unprecedented environment we find ourselves in, we’ve taken drastic steps in 2020.”

“This is a volatile market and we can’t know with certainty how the market will evolve from here. There are too many unknowns. While we’re developing plans based on what we can reasonably expect, we must maintain flexibility,” Chapman said.

When it comes to Guyana

and the company’s plans for the Payara-Pacora project, Chapman had cautioned that they have been unable to move forward with an approved development plan and the Final Investment Decision (FID).

He had warned that if approval comes in later than September, weather conditions could affect operations, causing Guyana to lose significantly.

“It is very simple.

Everything we and the partners can do to progress Payara on schedule, we are doing and we’ve done…We need to be ready to move as soon as the Government is ready and we are ready.

We need an approved development plan and that approved development plan needs to come from the Government…It’s very important that we have this development so that that we can FID in September timeframe. There are weather conditions that if you miss a certain window it could result in delay of some months,” Exxon’s VP had stressed.

Guyana’s five-monthlong political stalemate was only brought to an end on Sunday when President Dr Irfaan Ali was sworn in as the ninth Executive President of Guyana. Ali has said that his Cabinet will be fully appointed over the course of the week.

uncertainty could further impact the next project offshore Guyana.

“We have looked at four potential scenarios with delays ranging from three to 24 months. Our analysis shows that Guyana may lose around 10 million barrels of oil that could be pro-

also dragging down job creation and GDP generation in the country.”

ExxonMobil has identified Payara as the third potential development project within the Stabroek Block after Liza Phase 1 and 2.

The Payara discovery was announced in January 2017.

It was only recently that Norwegian researcher Rystad Energy highlighted that prolonged delays will result in a decrease of the country’s planned oil revenues, the asset’s net present value (NPV) and its expected production.

It said the Payara project, which was expected to rake in billions of dollars to Guyana’s GDP, could face tremendous financial losses after being plagued with delays. However, it is clear that the prolonged political

duced from the project by 2030, presuming just a three-month delay, a number which climbs to around 75 million barrels assuming a 24-month delay.”

Rystad Energy’s Senior Upstream Research Analyst, Palzor Shenga added, “Approval delays for Payara-Pacora could have a domino effect on numerous other projects in the Stabroek Block. This would, in turn, have a substantial impact on the investments made in Guyana, thereby

The discovery well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering more than 29 metres of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs.

The Payara development plan includes a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, named Prosperity. It is expected to produce 220,000 barrels per day, supporting up to 45 wells, including production, water injection and gas injection wells.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana supports United States for IDB presidency

US nominee for IDB presidency, Mauricio Claver-Carone

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he Government of Guyana has thrown its support behind Mauricio Claver-Carone, who has been nominated by the United States of America for the post of President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said that ClaverCarone’s experience in senior positions of the US Treasury Department, the US National Security Council and as US Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) augured well for his presidency.

The IDB is expected to hold elections on September12 and 13 for a successor to the current President, Luis Alberto Moreno of Colombia, whose term ends on September 30.

The Ministry said that the nomination of Claver-Carone demonstrates the US com-

mitment to leadership in important regional institutions, and the advancing of prosperity and security in the Western Hemisphere. It noted that his leadership of the IDB is expected to strengthen its ability to deliver development impact to the Region.

Claver-Carone, as the US Executive Director at the IMF, had represented the United States – the largest shareholder – on the IMF’s Executive Board. At the US Treasury, he served as Senior Advisor for International Affairs.

The IDB plays a pivotal role in the progress and overall development of Guyana and the Latin America and Caribbean Region.

Since its founding in 1959, the Washington-based development bank has always

been led by someone from Latin America. The current head, Colombia’s Moreno, is preparing to step down after 15 years.

If elected, Claver-Carone said he would serve a single five-year term, according to the International Press.

He also vowed to reform the bank to impose term limits for all future presidents to reflect the Region’s own evolving democratic norms.

With 48 member states, the IDB is the largest source for development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. The bank’s President is elected by Member States and the Board of Governors. A non-borrowing member of the IDB, the United States controls 30 per cent of the vote, the most of any nation. (G2)

Caricom looks forward to welcoming Ali to next Heads of Govt meeting – SG …lauds President’s patience, composure

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aricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has congratulated Dr Irfaan Ali on his assumption of office as Guyana’s ninth Executive President, and said he looked forward to welcoming the new President as a member of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government at its next Meeting.

Dr Ali took the oath of office on Sunday after the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was declared winner of the country’s March 2, 2020 Elections following an extended period of challenges.

“The people of Guyana have entrusted you with their leadership, at a most critical juncture in the country’s development,” the Secretary General said in

State of Roraima looks forward to working with new Govt

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overnor of the State of Roraima in Brazil, Antonio Denarium has congratulated Dr Irfaan Ali on being elected President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

In a congratulatory message to President Ali on Monday, the Governor said: “This is a pivotal time for the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and your leadership will be paramount in realising the full potential of your country and its people.

“The future will, undoubtedly, bring many challenges and change is inev-

and energising effect on both our countries and, in particular, to your neighbour, the state of Roraima.

The Governor said that the State of Roraima is keen to build on the already good relationship that exists between Brazil and Guyana.

“May God bless you, your Government, and the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana”.

Governor of the State of Roraima in Brazil, Antonio Denarium

itable but, I have no doubt that this will have a positive

Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque congratulates new Guyanese President, Dr Irfaan Ali following his swearing-in ceremony on Sunday

his congratulatory message.

“This demonstrates their acceptance of the policies and programmes that you and your Party have put forward for the future. The confidence they have placed in you should serve as an inspiration, as you undertake the task of uniting the country going forward,” Ambassador LaRocque stated.

He added that the patience and composure “you have displayed during the prolonged process prior to your swearing-in are qualities that bode well as you embark on your term of of-

fice”.

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and its Secretariat, the Secretary General offered full support to Ali and his Government and the people of Guyana, “in the efforts to ensure a prosperous and secure future for the country, and convey[ed] best wishes for a successful tenure”.

“I look forward, Excellency, to welcoming you as a member of the Conference of Heads of Government at its next Meeting.”

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chase Academy 22nd COVID-19 death confirmed as cases jump to 497 gutted by fire …active cases stand at 289

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A

Firefighters battling the blaze on Tuesday

fire of unknown origin on Tuesday ripped through the Chase Academy building at Parade Street, Georgetown, destroying the administrative building and adjoining spaces.

Based on information received, flames were seen coming from the ground floor of the three-storey wooden structure after 02:00h in the morning.

This section housed the principal’s office, in which School-Based Assessments were stored for students sitting the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. These suffered fire and water damages.

A security guard on duty reportedly saw the flames and immediately raised an alarm.

William Arthur, who was on the corridor, said he turned off the electrical supply and proceeded to throw water on the flames.

“I was sitting on the corridor

and I saw a lot of smoke, thick smoke coming from below. My reaction was I turn off the main switch and came downstairs.

When I came downstairs, I see the fire…I started to throw water but the water was inadequate,” the security officer relayed.

By then, a neighbour came out and called the Guyana Fire Service. Tenders arrived on the scene shortly after to put out the blaze.

They managed to save the outer shell of the building from flattening completely. Along with the private academy, a special needs learning centre also operated in the same building. It is unclear how much losses were incurred.

The Fire Service has since launched an investigation to determine the origin of the fire and other surrounding details.

(G12)

uyana has recorded yet another death from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – its 22nd fatality just two days after the last one was announced.

Norbert Grant, 79, of Beterverwagting on the East Coast of Demerara succumbed earlier on Tuesday, after battling with the virus at the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, in providing an update on the situation, also informed that there have been an additional 23 new cases of COVID-19, which originated from three different regions.

This brings the total number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded in Guyana to 497. The new positives show that eight originated from Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 11 from Aranaputa and Annai in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); and four from Kanapang, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

In the daily update, the CMO acknowledged the rise in deaths to 22, following the demise of a Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara pensioner.

The total number of tests done is 6236 and the number of persons tested is 4975. Meanwhile, there are 289 active cases in institutional isolation – 38 of which are in institutional quarantine and two patients in the COVID-ICU. To date, 186 persons have recovered.

While stating that cases continue to climb in the hotspot areas of Regions Seven and Nine, the Public

Health Ministry would have detected 96 cases in four days – a scenario which does not paint “a very bright picture”.

“I wish to remind you that the coronavirus is not selective or exclusive; it’s all around us, in and out of our country; Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname; so everyone, everywhere, in all the ten administrative regions needs to make that special effort to continue playing a part in spreading the message about COVID-19,” the CMO added.

The senior health officer shared the view that there should be no complacency and a laissez-faire attitude coming from the population.

According to him, misconceptions about COVID-19 persist – including that the disease does not exist, that wearing a mask causes the disease and even suggestions that testing brings about the disease.

“We need to dispel these myths if we are going to break the back of the camel; not only in regions Seven and Nine, but in every community. This is the only way that we can be supportive of the selfless efforts of the health workers on the frontline who are risking their lives to prevent the

further transmission of the raging coronavirus disease.”

On a more widespread level, those persons experiencing symptoms were encouraged to come forward and take advantage of testing facilities. This plea was specifically generated to the younger generation.

“I wish to make a special plea to our younger persons not to delay but seek medical assistance at the earliest. Fellow Guyanese, our irresponsible actions impinge greatly on our health workers whom we need to protect at all costs,” Dr Persaud emphasised.

According to the World Health Organisation, the total number of cases has increased to 17,918,582 with 686,703 deaths; in the region of the Americas, the total number of cases is now 9,630,598 with 363,162 deaths.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Broomes, bodyguard charged for DPP returns Schenise discharging loaded firearm, assault Apple’s file to Police

Simona Broomes's bodyguard running with gun in his hand

O

ne day after former Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes and her bodyguard Dexter Austin assaulted two men and discharged a loaded firearm in Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on Monday, the police have moved to institute charges against them.

Broomes was reportedly charged for physically assaulting the men while her bodyguard was charged for discharging a loaded firearm.

Broomes claimed that she was threatened by two

men who removed a “No Fishing” sign which she had erected on Government reserves, located opposite her Lot 103 Lockoo Street, Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown home.

This, however, led to an altercation and an exchange of words before the men entered their vehicle and left the scene.

The former Minister and her bodyguard reportedly went after the men.

According to Broomes, there was a high-speed chase but based on a video that was

posted by the Minster herself, that was not the case.

As they followed the white motor car, Broomes was heard urging persons on the roadway to intercept the car.

However, the vehicle was finally intercepted in Sophia, where Broomes and some armed associates confronted the two men and assaulted them.

On Tuesday, Broomes and her bodyguard turned up at the police station in the company of their lawyer, Nigel Hughes. Whilst there, the bodyguard was taken into custody and his firearm was lodged. Broomes, on the other hand, was released on her own recognisance but will have to appear in court later in the week.

Attempts to contact her lawyer proved futile. This is not the first time the former Minister and her bodyguard have acted disorderly in the public.

Back in 2018, the duo stopped at the entrance of the Massy store to access the New Thriving Restaurant, which is housed in the upper flat of the building.

According to the guards, they did not recognise Broomes as a Government official but approached the vehicle she was travelling in when her driver attempted to park in the “no parking zone” on Massy’s tarmac.

The former Minister

…advises more investigation

T

Simona Broomes

had claimed that even after identifying herself as a Government official, the men refused to allow her driver to park and in turn raised their shotguns at them. She had maintained that at the time, she was scared for her life and had not responded in an abusive manner.

This claim, however, was overturned when the CCTV footage surfaced, displaying Broomes, as well as her driver, becoming enraged upon being told that they could not park in the specific area.

Broomes was seen stepping out of the vehicle and throwing the “No Parking” sign from the spot, before directing her driver to park there.

The two security guards were detained and released on their own recognisance after Broomes made a police report.

he Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has returned the file of Nurse Schenise Apple – whose lifeless body was discovered in her room at the Nurses’ Hostel in Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) – and has since advised that more investigations be conducted.

Guyana Times understands that the DPP identified several areas in which more investigations are needed.

It was reported that the file was sent to the DPP for advice late last year, but it was returned for additional investigation to be conducted.

The nurse’s body was found on July 2, 2019, after she did not report for duty at the Mahdia Hospital. After not seeing the woman, one of her colleagues enquired about her, and it was then that they visited the hostel and found her body.

It was initially suspected that the nurse had committed suicide, but from the inception, her family believed otherwise. However, a post-mortem examination (PME) that was done on the woman’s body proved that she was murdered.

Apple’s mother, Shonette Apple, in a recent interview, told Guyana Times that she is frustrated by the police’s

Nurse Schenise Apple

slothfulness in her daughter’s case. She said it has been one year and she is yet to hear anything from the police.

“They don’t respect young women, they don’t.

Her life just went down just like that”, she underscored.

As such, she is calling for justice for her daughter.

“I need justice. I need closure… My daughter was drugged, raped, and murdered, I know that”, the woman said.

The young nurse was posted at the Mahdia Hospital from Linden Hospital Complex back in November of 2018 as part of her contract and worked at that medical facility up to the time of her demise.

14 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

An environment of peace, progress has been achieved – Shridath Ramphal W

orld-renowned Guyanese born diplomat, Sir Shridath Ramphal has congratulated the new Government on its ascension to office as he called on all Guyanese to seize the opportunity to build a better country.

“Guyanese everywhere and Guyana’s many friends are relieved and grateful that the worst of times are over. Now must begin the best of times,” Sir Ramphal expressed in a statement on the conclusion of Guyana’s prolonged electoral process.

In congratulating President Dr Irfaan Ali and

Sir Shridath Ramphal

his new Government, Sir Ramphal said he also welcomes their expressed commitment to make “those best of times come true for all Guyana and all Guyanese.”

According to the distinguished diplomat, “the new Government starts with the goodwill of all who stood by Guyana’s side in the struggle that democracy and the rule of law has won.”

He further remarked that “the environment of peace and progress is achieved; Guyanese must now seize the opportunity to build a prosperous Guyana for all, without exception.”

5-year-old stabbed by mom’s friend recovering

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he five-year-old girl, who was rendered critical after she was stabbed multiple times about her body by her mother’s friend, is now in a stable condition and recovering.

Mureena Brock, of La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Friday last stabbed to the back, shoulder and stomach by her mother’s 40-year-old friend, Veronica Elliot, a resident of Atlantic Gardens, ECD. The woman later committed suicide.

On Tuesday, Guyana Times was informed that the little girl is recovering and having her meals as per normal. However, she is having complications as it pertains to walking.

The child’s mother, Bibi Mohamed, had explained that on Friday last, she was at her friend’s home, sitting in the yard, when Elliot began to close the grille door with a padlock. But shortly after, one of her sons started to scream and upon checking, she heard her daughter screaming.

She was unable to see what was happening to the

Recovering: Mureena Brock

child, since all the doors and windows were locked. A relative managed to break a window to get the girl to safety.

“She [Elliot] close the grille door with a padlock and was in the house walking up and down. But nobody didn’t really take this for nothing. “I told my baby, ‘walk and come to mommy’, and she come and we took her from the window,” the mother was quoted as saying.

The child was rushed to the hospital. After committing the act, Elliot report-

edly ended her life. Ryan Jaisingh, the son of the dead woman said that “my sister told me that my mom stabbed a child up. She said that she saw her locking the grille door, and then she had the knife in her hand, and then she started harming herself. She said that our mom drank poison.”

Mohamed and Elliot were friends for some 23 years. Mohamed is still in shock over the incident.

“I don’t know if she is suffering from a mental health issue, but I never see her in that state,” she related.

Meanwhile, Regional Police Commander, Assistant Police Commissioner (DemeraraMahaica) Royston AndriesJunor confirmed that Elliot was suffering from a mental health issue.

He explained that the investigations were ongoing, and upon completion, a file would be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). But not much would come out of the matter, given that the suspect is dead. (G12)

President Ali, in his inaugural speech as Head of State, assured the public that his party will work towards building a better country for everyone.

Specifically, Dr Ali asserted that “there is one future and that future requires a united Guyana.

That future requires a strong Guyana. That future requires every Guyanese to play a part in building our country, ensuring we leave a better Guyana for the next generation. We are in this together. We are not separated by class, by ethnicity, by religion or by political persuasion. We are united in the true Guyanese spirit.”

Meanwhile, Sir Ramphal has been a welcomed voice of reason during Guyana’s tense electoral impasse.

On many occasions, the former Guyanese Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs issued statements calling for peace, the rule of law, and democracy to prevail.

In one instance in June 2020, Sir Ramphal urged Guyanese leaders “as Guyana nears the tipping point of its ‘elections crisis’ I plead with all my fellow

President Irfaan Ali

Guyanese not to allow our motherland to descend into the darkness of denial of the rule of law and regularity… we owe it to ourselves, to the Caribbean Community which we have helped to bring to life, and to the wider global community whose respect we have earned as an enlightened democratic State – not to debase ourselves by descent into the pit of lawlessness.”

Later that month when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairwoman, Justice (re-

tired) Claudette Singh had made a decision to declare the winner of the elections based on the recount results, Sir Ramphal lauded the move, noting that “as one who pleaded that we, Guyanese, ‘do not descend into the pit of lawlessness’, I applaud the Chairman of GECOM, Claudette Singh, for elevating the rule of law above all other considerations.”

The former Chancellor of the University of the West Indies has also commented when the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled in July that the recount results must be used as the basis of an election declaration in Guyana. At that time, Sir Ramphal had called on GECOM to uphold its constitutional duty and ensure democracy prevails.

Sir Ramphal had also served as the second Secretary General of the Commonwealth from 1975 to 1990 and he is also a former Chairman of the West Indian Commission.

He is currently a member of Guyana’s legal team at the International Court of Justice in the GuyanaVenezuela border case.

Magic City shooting

Trigger-friendly patrons remain under guard at GPHC – statements yet to be obtained

F

our persons are still being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital following the fatal shooting incident at the Magic City Nightclub, Garnett Street, Kitty, on Sunday evening.

The injured patrons are reportedly under guard at the medical facility.

The shooting incident has left 21-year-old Raymond Lindo of Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), dead.

However, giving an update on the shooting, a senior police rank told Guyana Times on Tuesday that investigations have revealed there was an exchange of gunfire among the men while noting that the police are yet to obtain statements from them.

“The parties are hospitalised. They are under Police guard and as soon as they recover and are in [a] state to talk to us, then we will be taking statements and moving on from there,” the official said.

One of the injured men has been identified as Edward Skeete called “Pretty Boy” of Lot 309 Independence Boulevard, Albouystown, Georgetown.

He was reportedly shot at least four times about his body and was listed in a serious condition. Another was identified as a 24-year-old

Injured: Edward Skeete

Dead: Raymond Lindo

man known as “Akeem”.

It was reported that the now dead man was at the exotic nightclub with some friends when an argument broke out between Skeete and another patron. This quickly escalated and it was then the two men drew their firearms and opened fire.

However, after the shooting, Lindo was discovered in an unconscious state in the bathroom area and was dragged out of the facility by his friends.

This publication understands that the dead young man had several brushes with the law and was arrested in connection with an armed robbery in 2018 in Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

When contacted, his relatives refused to comment on the fatal shooting other than

to say he was last seen on Saturday at about 17:30h.

On the other hand, Skeete, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), was acquitted in 2018 for the 2015 murder of Ryan Clementson.

He was also implicated in several armed robberies in the past. Meanwhile, persons living in close proximity of the nightclub told the media that they were awakened by the loud sounds of gunshots, which they claimed to be normal.

One woman claimed that every weekend, intoxicated patrons would discharge rounds in the air, thus posing a threat to villagers.

From all indications, two small-calibre weapons were used in the shootout since several spent shells were found at the scene.

NEWS

15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Already Guyana sees the difference

G

uyana welcomes its new President and new Government.

Our prayers are with President Irfaan Ali and his new Government. President Ali is a dynamic, young leader and brings with him political and Government experience that only one other person in the previous Government had.

But President Ali’s team includes veterans like Bharrat Jagdeo, still a young man, Anil Nandlall and Gail Teixeira and young women and men from all races who will begin the job of placing Guyana back on the road to development. President Ali has committed to being a President of all Guyanese, not just some.

He has promised there will be no laziness for his Government.

Guyana is in good hands and we will see rapid changes, for the better.

On Sunday, August 2, things moved at a frenzied pace Dr Leslie Ramsammy and after exactly five months of delays and shenanigans, GECOM made a declaration that could have been made as early as the evening of March 3, 2020. Nevertheless, the long-awaited declaration was made shortly after 02:00 pm August 2 and by 04:30 pm Guyana’s ninth President was sworn in.

The former President, Mr David Granger, after five months, was able to find an ounce of honesty and dignity. The new President immediately swore in the Prime Minister, a Vice President, the Attorney General and the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance. Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, the new Vice President was placed in charge of the transition team. President Irfaan Ali started his long days and nights working for Guyana. In spite of the disappointments of the last five months, the transition so far has been peaceful.

Guyana can breathe.

Guyana has already seen the difference. The President met with a large group of stakeholders and began to implement a National COVID-19 Control and Prevention Plan. In less than 24 hours, a COVID-19 response is already visible. The new Government has already secured 46,000 COVID-19 tests to begin a national widespread testing for COVID. In six months, the previous Government was able to only complete about 4000 tests. This is in spite of the fact that the WHO, CARPHA and all international public health agencies have stated unequivocally that testing, testing, testing is among the top three things to do to stop the spread of COVID-19. The old Government relied on PAHO to provide it with limited numbers of test kits.

The new Irfaan Ali-led Government has immediately made the adjustment and secured 46,000 tests, many folds more than is available in Guyana today. It means a national testing strategy is being implemented without delay. This is the difference when there is a Government that cares for the people, which is committed to doing everything to protect the health of the people and to ensure the economy is propelled forward.

The new Government has much to do, but it is already also in a catch-up dilemma. It has to begin getting the economy running while at the same time taking control of a runaway COVID-19 epidemic. Too many people are suffering, more than 30,000 who lost their jobs in the last five years, thousands more at home because businesses have closed or are working in a more limited setting. The new Government will have to begin implementing a reopening of businesses strategy with COVID-19 a clear and present danger. Schools must begin to reopen also. Doing so while keeping our children safe, will be a challenge.

The new Government has shown that it will begin to address the myriad of challenges Guyana has, that it will begin to build confidence back in the country. A number of promises were made and the new Government will begin to implement its development strategy, ensuring these promises are kept, even though it is already discovering that the treasury has been raided in the last five years, but particularly in the last two years. Guyana has a bank overdraft of more than $100 billion, a foreign currency reserve that is less than half what it was in 2015, a bloated debt, and a stagnant economy, with export in decline.

There are some promises, however, that the Government must begin to implement. The $10,000 “Because We Care” school subsidy programme, the process of eliminating university fees etc must be addressed in the new budget. The new budget must address the reopening of sugar estates that were closed. Similarly, the new budget must accelerate the Georgetown by-pass road.

Without any delay, large projects like the construction of the Demerara River Bridge and the Amaila Hydroelectricity Project must be resuscitated.

The construction of the Deep Water Harbour in the Berbice River, the Corentyne River Bridge and the Linden to Lethem Road are projects that must be given life by the new President and the new Government.

The next few weeks will show that President Irfaan Ali and his new PPP Government are prepared to move Guyana forward.

In this new trajectory, the oil and gas industry is badly in need of leadership, which is critical for Guyana to move up as a high middle-income country, moving up to the top echelons among Caricom countries. The present arrangements do not allow Guyana to benefit maximally and endanger our reputation as one of the leaders for Low Carbon Development models.

Shepherd’s murder

“I am hurting because I was not there to defend my son” – mother

Dead man’s mother: Roxanne Bess

By La’Wanda McAllister

“H

ow can you take my baby away from me; I can’t live without my son. My son is my everything,” were the cries of a tearful mother who is still trying to come to grips with the death of her 22-year-old son, Darrel James of Lot 79 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

James was found on Sunday last at about 09:00h

with his throat slashed near a community ball field at Crane, WCD, a place where he would usually take his sheep to graze.

The man’s mother, Roxanne Bess, in an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday related that her son left home at about 08:30h on the day in question to take the flock of sheep to the pasture. However, the mother said that her son never returned.

“I sent Darrel to the

IOM makes donation to CDC to fight COVID-19

Director General of CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig receives the donation from IOM’s Project Assistant Javiel Singh

T

he International Office for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday handed over several COVID-19 supplies to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). These include 178 male hygiene kits, 100 female hygiene kits, 71 baby kits, 118 household cleaning kits and 104 food hampers.

Director General of CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig was on hand to receive the donation from IOM’s Project Assistant, Javiel Singh at their Robb and Orinoque Streets location.

Craig thanked IOM on

behalf of the Government and noted that this was a timely and kind gesture.

In an invited comment, Chief of Mission and Senior Regional Coordination Officer for IOM Guyana, Robert Natiello related that the donation was made possible through the “generous support of the US Department of State to support the Government to deliver humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants and host communities affected by the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

shop, and he went and come back. He left and carry out the sheep. He said mommy I going and give them sheep an hour and I’m gonna come back. He left and I went and lie down, I dropped to sleep and all I hear is Roxanne put on clothes… something happened to your son.”

The woman said she got dressed and hurriedly went downstairs, where she saw persons running toward the field.

Upon arriving, she saw her son’s lifeless body lying with multiple stabs and chop wounds about his body.

There was also a dent to his head.

“He had about 20-something stabs, chops on his hand as if he was barring, he had a big dent in his head, they slit his throat and they also found a piece of wood in his neck,” the aggrieved mother explained.

Bess said she is having sleepless nights since her son’s death. She believes that someone in the area must have seen when her son was murdered since it was early in the morning - a time when the road is busy.

The mother said she is making every attempt to figure out who wanted her son dead, noting that he was generally a peaceful person.

In fact, she explained that the family only moved into the community a year ago.

“My son is a peaceful person and he always helping somebody. He never had trouble with people, you can go around and ask anybody around here,” she related.

James’s mother further posited that she did not allow her son to work because he had a developmental delay, which he recently grew out of.

Dead: Darrel James

The woman said because of her son’s shy and timid personality, she was always fearful that persons would take advantage of him.

“He is 22 but he looks like a 16-year-old, and he was one of the sweetest children… he grew out all the sicknesses he had. All this time I was trying to protect my son from people taking advantage of him. I bought some sheep because he loved animals. I am hurting because I wasn’t there to defend my son, I couldn’t defend him”, Bess cried.

The traumatised mother is calling on ranks of the Guyana Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation so that the persons responsible for her son’s death could face the full force of the law.

Meanwhile, investigators confirmed the dead man’s belongings were found scattered in the bushes, while his Samsung S8 phone was missing.

Up to press time on Tuesday, four persons were being questioned in connection with the shepherd’s murder.

16 NEWS Fire at GECOM Linden Office Father of 5 dies in horrific ECD accident Police seek legal advice WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

In addition, the driver of the lorry, a 52-yearold resident of Hill Foot, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, reportedly suffered a heart attack, while the porter, a 46-year-old resident of Kuru Kururu, SoesdykeLinden Highway, suffered a fractured leg.

They were both pinned in their vehicle and had

was inconsolable and could not speak with the media.

Nevertheless, the dead man’s eldest son, Mahesh Isfehani told this publication that he was at home when he received the news of his father’s death.

“This morning I get a call and meh sister tell me something happen to meh father. When me get fuh

ly in the morning to avoid the traffic congestion at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

However, the man’s son said it is quite unfortunate that his father would not be returning.

“I feel like meh heart bruk fuh see meh father in dah condition.”

The man’s son stated that his father had plans to

P

The aftermath of the fire

Dead: Zameer Isfehani

A

45-year-old garbage collector was on Tuesday morning killed following a two-vehicle collision along the Montrose, East Coast Demerara (ECD) public road.

The dead man has been identified as Zameer Isfehani of Lot 12 Leonora, West Coast Demerara. He was employed with Puran Brothers Garbage Disposal.

Based on Police reports, Isfehani was standing at the rear of the garbage truck when a speeding motor lorry bearing registration number GWW 9841 slammed into him. He reportedly suffered severe injuries to his body and would have died instantly.

The lorry that slammed into the garbage truck

to be wrenched out of the wreckage by members of the Guyana Fire Service.

However, at the home of the dead man, the family was in a state of shock at the manner in which the father of five met his demise.

His wife, Naseefa Khan,

hear everything, them tell me he reached in an accident…meh father didn’t have to die like that…my father was a good man,” the son expressed.

The young man stated that his father would usually leave for work ear-

rebuild their home so that his family would be able to live more comfortably. The man leaves to mourn his wife, five children and other relatives.

An investigation has been launched into the deadly smash-up.

Execution-style killing of contractor

Police wrap up investigations, file sent to DPP

T

hree weeks after 49-yearold Kissoondatt Premsukh, a contractor of Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, was killed execution style at a construction site at D’Urban Street, Lodge, Georgetown, the police have finally completed

their investigations and the file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

This was related to Guyana Times on Tuesday

by Regional Commander Phillip Azore during a brief telephone interview.

One day after the con-

tractor’s execution, two suspects were taken into custody for questioning, but were subsequently released. In addition, a businessman was also arrested but was released.

It was reported that the businessman had hired the hitmen to kill the contrac-

olice in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) have submitted a report for legal advice on the way forward in relation to the suspected arson committed on the sub-office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at Wismar, Linden, last month.

This was according to Commander Senior Superintendent Hugh Winter who indicated that investigations are still continuing. There have been no arrests in connection with the incident thus far.

“We have prepared a report and it was sent to get legal advice. We are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire,” Winter stated on Monday.

The sub-office, which was situated at Lot 2 Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden, was destroyed by fire in the wee hours of July 14, 2020.

It was reported that a security guard who was on duty at the time was in the guard hut when she heard a loud noise emanating

from the western side of the building.

This prompted her to make checks during which she heard another loud sound and observed flames emanating from within the building.

At the scene, there was a smell of gasoline. The guard told investigators that two males were seen running from the building as they made good their escape.

Police reportedly questioned several persons in relation to the incident but no useful information was obtained.

Ranks also canvassed the area but it was reported that the area has no CCTV cameras.

Meanwhile, the building was fitted with two metal panel doors which were well secured.

The building, which is owned by Lindener Fitzgerald London, was being rented by GECOM for the past four years.

Investigations are continuing.

Machine operator remanded on felonious wounding charge Dead: Kissoondatt Premsukh

tor, who was having an affair with his wife.

However, Premsukh was at his D’Urban Street, Lodge worksite on July 17, when the two armed men pulled up on a motorcycle and discharged several bullets in his direction. According to reports, the father of three was shot multiple times.

The injured man collapsed and was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

This publication was informed that one month prior to his death, an attempt was made to end his life. Also, on Father’s Day, the contractor was injured after he was shot twice by an unknown assailant.

Accused: Keith Abrams

A

Lindener was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Wanda Fortune on a charge of felonious wounding.

The accused, Keith Abrams, 62, of Lot 9 Rainbow City, McKenzie, Linden, was not required to plead to the indictable charge when it was read to him during a virtual court appearance at the Linden

Magistrate’ Court.

Abrams, who is an excavator operator, was arrested and charged for the stabbing of another man in Linden on Saturday, August 1, 2020.

The victim is presently hospitalised with an injury to his upper thigh in the vicinity of his groin. The matter was adjourned for August 17, 2020.

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Joinder parties begin discussions on sharing of seat T he joinder parties of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) and The New Movement (TNM) have promised to utilise their single parliamentary seat to support legislation and policies aimed at bettering the lives of the Guyanese people.

This was relayed on Tuesday as the parties met for the first time to begin discussions on the way forward as it relates to the formula for the occupation of the seat.

Following the meeting, ANUG’s Jonathan Yearwood, LJP Presidential Candidate Lennox Shuman and TNM Presidential Candidate Dr Asha Kissoon addressed members of the media where they explained that the meeting was to make proposals to take back to their respective parties.

It was noted that the Executive of each party would meet and nominate a candidate to represent it for the duration of Parliament.

Based on the initial agreement, the party with the most votes would have the first shot at occupying the seat.

The numbers coming out

jority of the discussion revolved on how the joinder parties would use the seat to improve the lives of the Guyanese people.

“Whatever motions, policies or position are put forward, the three parties would set up a committee that would be deciding on these policies. So, it is not just one person sitting in the seat, it is all three of us working as a unit to put forward policies and motions that would be in the benefit of the Guyanese people.

“We had discussions among the joinder tonight and the order of sitting in that seat is not written in stone…proposals were made to change up that order a bit but before that decision is made we would have to

Representatives of the joinder parties

of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections indicated that of the trio, LJP secured the most votes with 2657 while ANUG and TMN secured 2313 and 244 respectively. This means that LJP goes first followed by ANUG and then TNM. The duration of the terms, according to the joinder agreement, stipulates that LJP would occupy the seat for two years six months and 20 days while ANUG will serve for two years five

months and TNM 80 days.

However, a proposal was put forward at Tuesday’s meeting for the TNM’s terms to be increased to one year.

That proposal would have to be taken back to the respective parties’ Executive and agreed upon.

“The Liberty and Justice Party still have to meet to decide who would occupy that seat because there is still a lot of discussion as to how we are going to move forward as a party…what

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION AND GUIDELINES HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

meet as an Executive and come up with a final decision,” Kissoon related.

She said that at the end of the day, the joinder list’s main prerogative is working in the interest of all Guyanese.

ANUG’s Yearwood told reporters that the joinder parties are all committed to abiding by their agreement.

Yearwood noted that in the interest of furthering the benefits of all Guyanese, the parties are willing to act as a broker between the Government and main Opposition.

The party has an agreement in place to set up a committee to deal with issues that may arise during their tenure in the National Assembly. (G2)

we discussed here today is we discussed setting up committees (for issues that may arise during our tenure) and it is addressed in our initial agreement as to how we would address that,” Shuman related.

Shuman, however, noted that the discussions are still ongoing and can be subjected to change so that each individual party equally benefit from the agreement.

Meanwhile, TNM’s Kissoon noted that the ma-

SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

Fever People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the Public Health Ministry hotline 227-4986/624-3067 for further advice. They should not go to their GP, A&E, pharmacy or hospital.

If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected, you may be told to self-isolate. People needing to do so should take "common-sense" steps to avoid close contact with other people.

(Adapted from BBC News)

Headache

Chills

Sore throat

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have New loss of taste mild illness. or smell

18

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

Regional

Bahamas PM announces “complete” lockdown

P

rime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis Monday night announced a “complete national lockdown” of every island in The Bahamas for at least the next two weeks after the country recorded a significant spike in the number of cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a nationwide radio and television broadcast, Dr Minnis said that acting on the advice of the health experts “I am announcing today a national lockdown for the entire country commencing tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4, at 10:00h.

Bahamas Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis

“The national lockdown will be for a minimum of two weeks [and] nearing the

end of this period we will assess the health data and advise whether a further lockdown period is necessary.

The extension, relaxation, or cessation of the national lockdown will in part be determined by the cooperation of Bahamians and residents alike.”

Dr Minnis, who is also a medical practitioner, said the longer Bahamians take collectively “to bring this second wave under control, the longer it will take to resume a sense of normalcy”.

“All of our actions collectively make a difference during this pandemic. We all have a personal and so-

cial responsibility in the fight against COVID-19.

Both Government and citizens must play their part in helping to protect the health of others. Each island in our archipelago must do its part,” he added.

Dr Minnis said that the increase in cases of the virus is not only a situation confronting the Bahamas, but that many countries worldwide were also experiencing this second wave of the virus for which there is no known vaccine.

The total number of cases is 679, with 572 of those active. There have been 14 deaths. (Excerpt from CMC)

Peru President Vizcarra's PM loses confidence vote; Cabinet reshuffle imminent

P

eru´s Congress on Tuesday rejected a vote of confidence for President Martín Vizcarra´s Cabinet chief, forcing yet another reshuffle of his top advisers in the middle of an economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Pedro Cateriano, the Cabinet chief, lost a confidence vote 54-

37 after a marathon parliamentary session that began Monday morning.

The upheaval throws the Government’s plan to kickstart the Andean nation’s ailing economy into disarray.

The 19 Cabinet Ministers must now present their resignations to Vizcarra, who has no political party or representation in Congress. A

new Cabinet must be appointed within 48 hours.

Vizcarra, in a televised address later in the day, said lawmakers had put personal interest ahead of those of the nation.

“Congress decided to add yet another crisis to the detriment of all Peruvians,” he said. “A political manoeuvre that does not seek the wel-

fare of the population will not be accepted.”

Vizcarra said he was preparing a new Cabinet.

Vizcarra had been forced to replace more than half his Cabinet in mid-July as his popularity plunged due to the harsh economic impact of the pandemic and a lengthy lockdown. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US envoy says Washington to keep backing Guaidó after Venezuela's December election

T

he Donald Trump Administration will maintain support for Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president and expects dozens of other countries to continue recognising him following December 6 legislative elections that Opposition parties plan to boycott, a US envoy said on Tuesday.

Elliott Abrams, the US special representative on Venezuela, made the commitment to Guaidó two days after 27 Opposition parties announced they would not participate in the elections, saying they would be rigged by President Nicolás Maduro’s ruling socialist party.

The ballot still could pave the way toward a loss of Opposition control of Venezuela’s National Assembly, which could complicate Guaidó’s standing based on his position as the Speaker of the Congress.

Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Abrams insisted the United States “will not recognise this fraudulent election” and said it was in discussions with the roughly 60 countries that have backed Guaidó and they would stick with him.

They withdrew recog-

Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó

nition for Maduro after his 2018 re-election, which they regarded as a sham. But Maduro has remained in power, backed by the nation’s military as well as Russia, China, Cuba and Iran.

US officials say privately that Maduro’s continued rule despite US sanctions has been a source of frustration for President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Axios in June, Trump played down his decision in January 2019 to recognise Guaidó.

Trump’s aides, however, see his tough approach on Venezuela as appealing to the large Cuban American community in Florida, a key swing state as he seeks re-election in November.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Coronavirus: Peru allows Venezuelan medics amid pandemic Broadcaster dies P while hosting show eru is letting thousands of Venezuelan health workers who fled their country join the Peruvian health system during the coronavirus pandemic.

Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra signed a decree which exempts qualified foreign doctors and nurses from having to validate their degrees.

Peru has more than 430,000 cases of coronavirus and its health service has been struggling.

More than 830,000 Venezuelans have arrived in the country in recent years.

In total, more than five million people have fled

Venezuela's ongoing political and economic crisis with many seeking a new life in Colombia, Peru, Brazil and further afield in the US and Europe.

Some of those who sought a new life in Peru say they were met with xenophobia from Peruvians who fear that the Venezuelans are taking their jobs away.

Peru's Prime Minister Pedro Cateriano said that the emergency decree would allow qualified Peruvian and foreign doctors to practice medicine during the pandemic even if they are not registered with Peru's medical council.

"This way, all medical personnel residing here will be able to join this national cause [of fighting the coronavirus]," Cateriano said.

"Over the past days we have seen small rises in the numbers of cases and deaths.

We can't carry on as if there was no epidemic," the Prime Minister warned. (Excerpt from BBC News)

dying as a result remaining at eight.

The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) has since called for the closure of all primary schools.

However, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Roshan Parasram said while his office has offered guidelines to the Education Ministry on schools, it is ultimately up to that ministry to make a decision.

In Haiti, the authorities have reported one new death and 35 cases of the virus.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Health said that the death occurred

in the North Department, bringing the total to 166, while there are 7711 cases of the virus throughout the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country.

In Jamaica, the authorities are reporting a record increase in the number of positive COVID-19 hospitalisations, noting that total hospitalisation, including confirmed and suspected positive cases stands at 35.

The country also recorded 11 new positive cases over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 905.

The newly confirmed cases are six females and five males with ages rang-

ing from six to 76 years and the COVID-19 case record for Jamaica now includes 341 imported cases; 258 cases are contacts of confirmed cases; 44 are local transmission cases not epidemiologically linked; and 236 are related to the workplace cluster. There have been 12 deaths.

Meantime, Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow has hinted at the possibility of imposing a lockdown on San Pedro after a woman tested positive for the virus with no travel history.

Belize has so far reported 57 cases and two deaths from the virus. (Excerpt from CMC)

The decree will allow hospitals to hire foreign doctors who are not on Peru's medical register

B

roadcaster Jerry George died Tuesday while hosting his early morning Internet show “Early in the Morning with Jerry S George”.

George, a former public relations manager with the telecommunication company, Digicel, died of an apparent heart attack soon after introducing his first guest on the show. (CMC)

Jerry George

Honduras to reopen for domestic and international More virus cases in Trinidad, Jamaica, Belize, Haiti flights in mid-August

T

rinidad and Tobago has recorded 10 new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) as the authorities there insist that there is no outbreak of a virus in the twin-island republic even as new cases were being reported on a daily basis for the past two weeks.

The Health Ministry in its daily bulletin said that seven of the cases are “contacts of recent COVID-19 patients” and that the other three are pending epidemiological investigation.

As a result of the new cases, the total number of positive cases of the virus there has jumped to 192 with the number of people

H

onduras announced Tuesday it will reopen its airports to domestic and international flights in mid-August, after a nearly five-month closure due to the pandemic.

The reopening of the airport terminals is part of the government’s efforts to reactivate the economy, which is expected to contract between seven per cent and eight per cent, according to the Central Bank of Honduras.

“Under strict biosecurity measures, domestic flights will resume on August 10 and international flights will resume on August 17,” said Maria Antonia Rivera, minister of economic devel-

opment, in a virtual presentation.

The novel coronavirus has infected 43,794 people in Honduras and killed 1384 more.

The reopening plan involves 263 municipalities and between 20 per cent and 60 per cent of the labour force, depending on the local impact of coronavirus.

Thirty-five municipalities that are considered hardest hit by the pandemic are excluded, and in these areas, residents are only permitted to leave the house to visit banks, pharmacies and supermarkets. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil edges up to highest since March on hopes for US stimulus

B

rent oil futures on Tuesday closed at their highest since early March on hopes the United States is making progress on a new economic stimulus package, as well as curbing the coronavirus spread.

Brent rose 28 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to settle at US$44.43 a barrel, its highest close since March 6. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 69 cents, or 1.7 per cent, to US$41.70, its highest finish since July 21.

Earlier in the day, both Brent and WTI were trading at their highest since early March.

Those price moves came ahead of the release of an industry report later Tuesday from the American Petroleum Institute that is expected to show a decrease in US crude stockpiles last week.

“Crude prices turned positive on stimulus hopes and after another positive round of economic data showed manufacturing recovery continued in June,” Edward Moya, Senior Market Analyst at OANDA in New York, said, pointing to better than expected manufacturing data in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Negotiations between congressional Democrats and the White House on a new round of coronavirus relief have begun to move in the right direction, though the two sides remain far apart, the US Senate’s top Democrat said on Tuesday.

New US coronavirus cases fell below 50,000 over the weekend for the first time since early July, according to the US Centers for Disease Control.

Despite Tuesday’s price rise, traders said crude remained under pressure due to concerns a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections elsewhere in the world will hamper demand recovery just as major producers ramp up output.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, known as OPEC+, were boosting output this month by about 1.5 million barrels per day. US producers also plan to restart shut-in production.

In Europe and Asia, meanwhile, concerns are growing that coronavirus may be spreading in a global second wave, said Paola Rodriguez Masiu of Rystad Energy. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Proportion of youths with COVID-19 triples in 5 months – WHO

Y

oung people who are hitting nightclubs and beaches are leading a rise in fresh coronavirus cases across the world, with the proportion of those aged 15 to 24 who are infected rising three-fold in about five months, the World Health Organisation said.

An analysis by the WHO of 6 million infections between Feb 24 and July 12 found that the share of people aged 1524 years rose to 15 per cent from 4.5 per cent.

Apart from the United States which leads a global tally with 4.8 million total cases, European countries including Spain, Germany and France, and Asian countries such as Japan, have said that many of the newly infected are young people.

“Younger people tend to be less vigilant about masking and social distancing,” Neysa Ernst, nurse manager at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s biocontainment unit in Baltimore, Maryland told Reuters in an email.

“Travel increases your

chances of getting and spreading COVID-19,” she said, adding young people are more likely to go to work in the community, to a beach or the pub, or to buy groceries.

Among those aged 5-14 years, about 4.6 per cent were infected, up from 0.8 per cent, between Feb 24 and July 12, the WHO said, at a time when testing has risen and public health experts are concerned that reopening of schools may lead to a surge in cases. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Massive blast rips through Beirut, killing 78 and injuring thousands

A

huge explosion in port warehouses near central Beirut killed 78 people, injured nearly 4000 and sent shockwaves that shattered windows, smashed masonry and shook the ground across the Lebanese capital.

Officials expected the death toll to rise further after Tuesday’s blast as emergency workers dug through rubble to rescue people and remove the dead. It was the most powerful explosion to hit Beirut in years.

Lebanon’s Interior Minister said initial information indicated highly explosive material, seized years ago, that had been stored at the port had blown up. Israel, which has fought several wars with Lebanon, denied any role and offered help.

“What we are witnessing is a huge catastrophe,” the Head of Lebanon’s Red Cross George Kettani told broadcaster Mayadeen.

“There are victims and casualties everywhere.”

Hours after the blast, which struck shortly after 6 pm (1500 GMT), a fire still blazed in the port district, casting an orange glow across the night sky as helicopters hovered and ambulance sirens sounded across the capital.

A security source said victims were taken for treatment outside the city because Beirut hospitals were packed with wounded.

A man is evacuated at the site of an explosion in Beirut, Lebanon August 4, 2020

The blast was so big that some residents in the city, where memories of heavy shelling during the 1975 to 1990 civil war live on, thought an earthquake had struck. Dazed, weeping and wounded people walked through streets searching for relatives.

“I promise you that this catastrophe will not pass without accountability,” Prime Minister Hassan Diab told the nation.

“Those responsible will pay the price,” he said in his televised address, adding that details about the “dangerous warehouse” would be made public.

The Interior Minister told Al Jadeed TV that ammonium nitrate had been stored at the port since 2014.

Those filming the incident from high buildings 2 km (one mile) from the port were thrown backwards by the shock.

It was not immediately clear what caused the initial blaze on Tuesday that set off the blast.

The governor of Beirut port told Sky News that a team of firefighters, who were battling the initial blaze, had “disappeared” after the explosion.

President Michel Aoun called for an emergency meeting of the Supreme Defence Council. Prime Minister Diab called for a day of mourning today.

The explosion occurred three days before a UNbacked court is due to deliver a verdict in the trial of four suspects from the Shi’ite group Hezbollah over a 2005 bombing which killed former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri and 21 others.

Hariri was killed by a huge truck bomb on the same waterfront, about 2 km (about one mile) from the port.

Internal Security Chief Abbas Ibrahim, touring the port area, said he would not pre-empt investigations.

Israeli officials said Israel had nothing to do with the blast and said their country was ready to give humanitarian and medical assistance to Lebanon. Shi’ite Muslim Iran, the main backer of Hezbollah, also offered support, as did Tehran’s regional rival Saudi Arabia, a leading Sunni Muslim power.

Western countries including the United States, Britain and France also said they were ready to assist.

Images showed port buildings reduced to tangled masonry, devastating the main entry point to a country that relies on food imports to feed its population of more than 6 million.

It threatens a new humanitarian crisis in a nation that hosts hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees and which is already grappling with economic meltdown under one of the world’s biggest debt burdens.

Residents said glass was broken in neighbourhoods on Beirut’s Mediterranean coast to suburbs several kms (miles) away. In Cyprus, a Mediterranean island 110 miles (180 km) across the sea from Beirut, residents heard the blast.

One resident in Nicosia said his house and window shutters shook. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Zimbabwe President vows to “flush out” opponents

Z

imbabwe’s President has labelled the main opposition party “terrorist” and vowed to continue a crackdown on his opponents.

Several opposition members and Government critics have been arrested in recent days and rights groups allege security forces have carried out illegal abductions.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said it has represented more than 20 people detained since last week, when the military and the police thwarted an anti-Government protest that had been scheduled for Friday.

In an address on state television Tuesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa de-

scribed critics as “a few bad apples” that should be “overcome” and indicated that arrests would continue.

“We will overcome attempts at the destabilisation of our society by a few rogue Zimbabweans acting in league with foreign detractors,” he said, warning that “bad apples who have attempted to divide our people and to weaken our systems will be flushed out ...

Enough is enough.”

Mnangagwa made the speech as local and international pressure mounted on his Administration over allegations of human rights abuses.

Security agents were deployed in the capital, Harare, and other major cit-

President Mnangagwa

Emmerson

ies last week to foil the protest planned for Friday, resulting in empty streets that

day.

Some people who tweeted in support of the demonstrations or who tried to hold low-key protests were arrested, and some were assaulted and tortured, according to human rights groups and Tendai Biti, spokesman for the main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Alliance.

Biti told AFP news agency the situation had become “untenable”.

He condemned the Government for “closing political space”, engaging “massively in corruption” and “abusing the Constitution”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Coronavirus: Melbourne Police “assaulted and baited” over lockdown rules

A

uthorities in the Australian city of Melbourne have warned of a “dangerous” rise in people resisting lockdown measures, sometimes violently.

Police said this trend included socalled “sovereign citizens” - who espouse an anti-Government ideology - confronting officers.

In one case a woman repeatedly smashed a policewoman’s head into the ground.

Authorities have increased

fines for repeated rule breaches as Melbourne endures a deadly virus second wave.

More than half of Australia’s 18,300 cases have been recorded in the past month in Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital. There have been 226 deaths nationally.

Melbourne has recently mandated wearing masks and tightened a stay-at-home order to reduce transmissions.

But authorities said many peo-

ple were breaking rules, including some who claimed to be “above the law”.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said Victoria Police had seen an “emergence” of “concerning groups of people who classify themselves as ‘sovereign citizens’”.

The sovereign citizen movement - which has roots in the US - is typically used by those who don’t believe in their Government’s legitimacy, often arguing their rights are

being suppressed by public orders.

Patton said the attack on the policewoman “highlights the type of challenges that we’re experiencing”, adding that people were “baiting” Police at checkpoints and refusing to disclose basic information.

“On at least four occasions in the last week we’ve had to smash the windows of cars and pull people out to provide details,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

DILBERT

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER (June 21July 22)

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

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SUDOKU MONDAY'S WORD - ALIMONY

Don’t stop until you have taken care of your responsibilities. Let your actions speak for you, and you will gain respect and the assistance you need to reach your target.

Size up what you will have to do, and formulate a strategy that will ensure your success. Your actions will have the most significant impact. Stubbornness will work against you.

Don’t let distancing shove you out of the loop.

Stay in touch with your associates and on top of what’s going on within the industry you work.

Anger won’t help you get your way, but channeling your energy into doing the best job possible will bring good results. Choose your battles and associates wisely.

Information you receive will help you make a progressive move. Put your energy into using your skills diversely and achieving your goals. Personal improvement will pay off.

Self-assessment will help you gain insight into what you need to do to reach your objective. Research rules and regulations that you’ll need to abide by to proceed.

Find a way to keep others occupied and out of your way. Anger and frustration will stand between you and what you plan to accomplish. Self-improvement will motivate you.

Don’t let others influence how you go about your business. A positive change at home will bring you peace of mind and encourage you to hone a skill that will help you get ahead.

Handle your investSAGITTARIUS ments, documents and con(Nov. 23tracts yourself. Someone Dec. 21) will take advantage of you if given a chance. Honesty will be vital to maintaining good connections.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Look at what you are up against, make adjustments and rethink your strategy before moving forward. A change at home won’t please everyone.

Make fitness, proper diet, health and emotional well-being your priorities. Honesty will play a role when dealing with relationship issues. Physical activity will motivate you to make changes.

Reach out to an organization you believe in, and do your part to make a difference. Someone from your past will have an impact on the changes you make.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

21

Cole continues streak as Yankees win again, deGrom shines

G

errit Cole continued his streak of wins as the New York Yankees were victorious again, while Jacob deGrom impressed in Major League Baseball (MLB) on Monday.

Cole extended his regular-season streak of victories to 19 in the Yankees' 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.

He gave up five hits in

six innings with four strikeouts as the Yankees improved to 8-1.

Gio Urshela hit a threerun home run for the Yankees in the sixth inning.

DeGrom struck out 10 over six innings in the Mets' 7-2 win against the Atlanta Braves.

In a blow to the Braves, starting pitcher Mike

Soroka tore his right Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season.

Bryant homers on return as Cubs' pitchers shine

Kris Bryant returned from illness and hit a home run as the Chicago Cubs overcame the Kansas City Royals 2-0.

Through 10 games this season, Cubs starting

pitchers have held their opponents to a .156 batting average, which is the lowest allowed by any team's starting pitchers through 10 games of a season in the live-ball era (since 1920), as per STATS. Alec Mills gave up just three hits in seven innings.

Sonny Gray has made 36 straight starts without allowing more than six hits after shining again. The Cincinnati Reds edged the Cleveland Indians 3-2.

Nolan Arenado hit a tworun homer as the Colorado Rockies improved to 7-2 by beating the San Francisco Giants 7-6.

Arrieta battles for Phillies

Jake Arrieta struggled in the Phillies' loss. He conceded seven hits and three runs in five innings.

Cruz walk-off

Nelson Cruz hit a walkoff single as the Minnesota Twins beat the Pittsburgh

Vivo set to pull out as IPL 2020 title sponsors

I

ndian Premier League (IPL) title rights holders Vivo are likely to pull out of this year's tournament, ESPNcricinfo understands.

The development follows a public outcry over the tournament's association with Vivo, a Chinese company, following clashes at the India-China border in June.

Neither the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) nor Vivo was available for comment on the issue.

In June, the BCCI had said it would "review" the sponsorship deals concerning the IPL, but did not name any brand. "Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL's various sponsorship

deals," BCCI in a tweet posted on 19.

said June

T w o days ago, the BCCI's formal announcement – signed by Secretary Jay Shah – of the IPL being played in the UAE between September

15 and November 10 mentioned Vivo as the title sponsor.

The decision is not likely to significantly affect the franchises financially.

ESPNcricinfo spoke with several franchises, each of whom said that while the IPL was yet to inform them of the development, they were not fussed at the news. It is understood each franchise gets approximately Rs 20 crore

(US$2.67 million) per year from the Vivo contract. As far as they are concerned, as long as the BCCI can rope in a replacement for Vivo, this development will not have any impact on them.

Vivo had bagged the title sponsorship for two years initially in 2015, and retained the rights signing a five-year contract (201722), paying about US$341 million. (ESPNcricinfo)

Pirates 5-4.

Monday's results

Cincinnati Reds Cleveland Indians New York Yankees Philadelphia Phillies New York Mets Atlanta Braves Chicago White Sox Milwaukee Brewers Minnesota Twins Pittsburgh Pirates Chicago Cubs Kansas City Royals

3-2 6-3 7-2 6-4 5-4 2-0

Colorado Rockies 7-6 San Francisco Giants San Diego Padres 5-4 Los Angeles Dodgers Oakland Athletics 11-1 Seattle Mariners

Dodgers at Padres

The Los Angeles Dodgers (7-4) dropped their series opener against the San Diego Padres (7-4) on Monday and the teams met again on Tuesday.

(Sportsmax)

Conor McGregor won't fight again in 2020, insists UFC President White

U

FC President Dana White said Conor McGregor would not fight again this year, while adding no bout was planned for the Irish star in 2021.

McGregor announced his decision to retire in June, having returned to the Octagon in January after a 15-month absence and knocked out Donald Cerrone at welterweight in just 40 seconds.

Former featherweight and lightweight c h a m p i o n McGregor had been planning to fight three times in 2020; however, the coronavirus pandemic scuppered that strategy.

And White insisted there are no plans for McGregor to return to UFC in 2020.

"This year, he is retired," White told Barstool Sports on Monday.

"He doesn't have a fight this year, and he won't have a fight this year. Conor McGregor will not fight in 2020.

"I'm not saying he won't fight in 2021, but I'm telling you we don't have a fight planned for him in 2021.

But I guarantee you he will not fight in 2020. Conor McGregor is retired."

White added: "Do we all believe he'll stay retired? I

Conor McGregor

think most of us don't believe that he'll remain retired, but let me put it to you this way: I owe fighters that are under contract with me three fights a year.

"OK? If I don't deliver those three fights a year, I have to pay them. Conor McGregor is retired, whether people want to believe it or not.

"He is not fighting right now, so when he's not fighting, I don't even think about him or what he's doing or any of that stuff on a business level. I'll still shoot him a text personally, but on a business level, he's out of the mix. He's not fighting at all. So, everybody keeps asking questions about him, and I'm like, 'Manny Pacquiao?” (Sportsmax)

22

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Webster: Dwayne Bravo, Ahmed return a plus for TKR

T

rinbago Knight Riders (TKR) batsman Tion Webster believes the return of Dwayne Bravo and Fawad Ahmed is a plus for the local franchise in the forthcoming 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament.

T h e tournament will be h e l d in Trinidad from August 18 to September 10 with matches being played at the Queen's Park Oval in St Clair and at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

This is the first time the entire tournament will be held in one country.

Bravo missed the entire 2019 tournament after getting a finger injury just before the competition began.

Australian leg-spinner Ahmed was the tournament's leading wicket-taker in the 2018 edition for TKR with 22 wickets. Ahmed played for the St Lucia Zouks in 2019, but has returned to TKR this year.

Fawad Ahmed

Talking about TKR's chances, especially with the return of Bravo and Ahmed, Webster said, "I think our team this year is a good, balanced team; a very strong team having Fawad back and the (former) captain Dwayne. I think they are two great players you could depend on in any situation, so having those guys with us is a good plus for us."

Webster only played three matches in the 2019 edition, but one knock included an unbeaten 66 off 49 deliveries. When Colin Munro returned from international duty with New Zealand for the fourth TKR game, Webster was left out of the starting XI. Webster is hoping for a place in the starting XI: "I am feeling very confident having played last year in the CPL. I played only three games, (but) one game I had a 50, so the confidence is there. I am looking forward to this one, looking for a positive start and I can't wait for it to start. Hoping obviously to get more opportunities this year."

Competition in the batting is stiff in the TKR squad as the Bravo brothers Dwayne and Darren are available from match one.

Darren, a top-order left-handed batsman, missed four matches as a result of a

tivation...without it, I don't know what will happen, but I think people will still be motivated to win the tournament."

Cricket has been relatively quiet since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. Several of the TKR players, including Webster, have been getting some playing time in the Central Super League T10 tournament over the past week and a half. Webster has not let the downtime affect his readiness. " I Dwayne Bravo have been concussion while playing for home doing West Indies before the CPL. my personal thing. I am foNo fans are allowed to at- cused on it, I was working tend the matches owing to towards it...I have been back the COVID-19 pandemic. out practising probably close "Playing (at) home, ev- to four weeks now, getting erybody will be comfortable. (some) hitting in and I am I think having the fans gives feeling good. (I am) not feelyou the extra drive and mo- ing too rusty." (TT Newsday)

Fernandes concerned about resumption of cricket on WCD

T

he coronavirus pandemic has continued to wreak havoc around the world, including in Guyana.

However, countries have started to relax some of the measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Thus, Rising Stars Cricket Club Captain Elroy Fernandes believes that certain measures can be implemented in Guyana for there to be resumption of cricket as the players are forced to wait out the pandemic.

In an interview with

Guyana Times Sport, Fernandes gave his take on how cricket can resume on the West Coast of Demerara, stating that all other members of the club have expressed similar sentiments.

“Concerning this pandemic and sports, if you notice a lot of shops and stores are being reopened, even the market. I mean, in the market the people are passing each other as close as quarter of an inch and we are wondering if all this can happen, when will there be the resumption of sports? We can all admit

that cricket of itself is a sport that is somewhat portraying social distancing, as the only time we can come together is when a wicket is taken. But I know to myself that as cricketers, we can come together and agree on keeping ourselves away from each other while on the field, instead of hugging we can just clap as a way of celebration. As cricketers, not being able to play any sports is very stressful; by going around the village, everyone is at the shops close to each other and nothing is being done. So, doesn’t that

mean that something can be done for cricket as we already feet away from each other on the field?”

Fernandes noted that he was extremely concerned and was eagerly awaiting the return of the sport. He also stated that it would be no problem for the club to install sinks and provide sanitisers while adhering to the other COVID-19 task force rules, owing to the fact that they could comply with whatever plan instituted by the task force.

Rising Stars Cricket Club Captain Elroy Fernandes

Australia v West Indies T20Is postponed, IPL to not clash with any international cricket

A

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

NOW!

ustralia's home T20 International series against West Indies has been postponed owing to the COVID-19 situation, and that means the Indian Premier League (IPL) now has an uninterrupted window – between September 19 and November 10 – as far as international cricket is concerned.

West Indies were scheduled to play matches in Townsville, Cairns and the Gold Coast on October 4, 6 and 9, with the series being seen as a precursor to the now-postponed men's T20 World Cup, originally set to start on October 18.

Now the only potential clash for the IPL – even if just by two days – is with the proposed Lanka Premier League, which has a finish date of September 20. However, Sri Lanka Cricket last week stated that it was

considering advancing the dates to ensure there is no overlap with the IPL. As such, only two Sri Lanka players – Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians) and Isuru Udana (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – are contracted in the IPL.

Meanwhile, Australia's short limited-overs tour of England is expected to end on September 15, leaving players from both sides just about enough time to hop over to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in time for the IPL, which will

be held across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. However, the IPL's Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) are yet to be made formal, and it is not known if players travelling from the United Kingdom – where the number of COVID-19 cases has been much higher than in the UAE – will need to undergo a quarantine period before entering the bio-bubbles of their respective teams, many of whom are likely to begin their training camps in the UAE after the third week of August.

Most Boards have either provided or agreed to provide no-objection certificates to their players to play in the IPL. However, there are still concerns with regard to the participation of South Africa players since their provincial and international borders remain closed to commercial flights. (ESPNcricinfo)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

Fun88 partners with CPL

...the partnership will drive deeper engagement among cricket enthusiasts across the globe

F

or a sportss t a r v e d world, the latest edition of Hero Caribbean League will serve as a global festival witnessing cricketers from several nations competing in a landmark cricket championship.

Adding more flavour to this season, Fun88, a leading online gaming operator, is proud to be CPL Commercial Director Jamie Stewart the official partner of Hero Caribbean create exciting content for fans to Premier League (CPL). enjoy, along with spicing up the The strategic partnership will championship with a competition bring the cricket enthusiasts clos- that will give fans the chance to er to the action like never before. win the prize of a lifetime.

One of the most significant feaA month-long T20 cricket tourtures of the partnership will be to nament blended with colourful

carnival experience will provide an opportunity to millions of viewers to create a deeper engagement in sports. CPL is known as one of the best cricket leagues in the world that further features some of the best teams such as Guyana Amazon Warriors and Jamaica Tallawahs.

Fun88 Spokesperson said, “We are delighted to partner with Caribbean Premier League that has the same ethos as us. We believe in collaborating and promoting sports leagues across all formats and geographies and this partnership will deliver that message across the world.

"Cricket is a well-loved sport in many of our target markets and with this long-term association, it would elevate and cement our presence and sports offerings in these markets.”

Jamie Stewart, Commercial

Director of CPL, said, “It’s a great pleasure to welcome Fun88 as Hero CPL partners. With these great sites, fans around the world can ramp up the excitement levels and have opportunities to win big.”

The CPL gets underway behind closed doors in Trinidad & Tobago on 18 August and will see 33 matches being played at two venues in the country. The teams who will be competing for the 2020 title will include current Champions

Barbados Tridents along with Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St Lucia Zouks and Trinbago Knight Riders.

Fun88 provides one of the widest range of sports markets, lines and odds to the sports enthusiast.

With customer satisfaction and entertainment at its core, it innovates a holistic experience via the latest technology, games with impeccable and personalised customer service. (CPLT20.com)

“Hero maximum” takes on Andre McCarthy devastated new meaning for Brandon King to miss out on 2020 CPL –

D

uring the annual Caribbean Premier League (CPL), commentators describe the sixes hit as “Hero maximums” in recognition of the title sponsor, Hero.

This year, the description will take on a new meaning, at least for Guyana Amazon Warriors opening batsman Brandon King.

The 25-year-old Jamaican has committed to making cash donations to charities in his homeland and in Guyana where his franchise is based.

In a social media comment, King stated: “Over the past few months, I've had some time to really think about how I could make a positive impact on communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and also the Black Lives Matter m o v e - Sixes King! Brandon King m e n t smashed 11 sixes in his ( B L M ) . scorching knock of 132 So, this not out against Barbados year I Tridents at Providence in October 2019 will be sporting my Black SG stickers and along with my management team, GGSM, we will be donating US$100 for every six (6) I hit during this year’s CPL tournament.

In his debut season for the Amazon Warriors in 2019, King hit 32 sixes on his way to a tournament-high 496 runs from 12 innings which helped his franchise to finish second in the tournament. His exploits at the top of the order also yielded his maiden T20 century – a magnificent 132 not out against eventual champions Barbados Tridents.

King noted that the donations would be split between the Greater Trench Town Foundation in Jamaica and a charity in Guyana to be decided on later.

“As athletes, we have the platform to speak up and make effective change. I am encouraging my sponsors, other athletes,

and friends to join in on donations by either supporting a #BLM initiative of their choice or by matching my donations towards these local charities.

I’m hopeful and looking forward to getting back out on the field very soon,” the number 53 for the Amazon Warriors noted.

After his dream season in 2019 where he scored the most runs, the highest individual score, and hit the most sixes, King went on to play 12 international limited-overs matches for the West Indies including eight T20 Internationals in India and Sri Lanka. The elegant right hander is passionate about the step he has taken this season and once he gets the results he is looking for, the charities will also be richly blessed.

King ended his comment with a note of gratitude for the fans and encouragement for his team, “Thanks for your support and let’s go Amazon Warriors!”

The 2020 edition of the Hero CPL is being staged solely in Trinidad and Tobago without spectators in the grounds as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 24-day tournament bowls off on August 18 and ends on September 10. In 2019, the Guyana Amazon Warriors established a record for the longest unbeaten run in CPL history with 11 consecutive wins, but lost in the final to the Tridents. Their quest for a maiden title begins on August 18 at the Queen’s Park Oval against hosts Trinbago Knight Riders.

Tallawahs CEO Jeff Miller

J

amaica Tallawahs Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Miller said batsman Andre McCarthy was devastated that he would not be able to play in the 2020 CPL season that begins in Trinidad later this month.

McCarthy, 33, and Jeavor Royal, 21, a slow, leftarm spinner will both miss

before they were to depart for Trinidad on Monday.

According to Miller, who was in his first day of a 14day quarantine period at his hotel in Trinidad, he was disappointed that the players will not be in the squad, but the health and safety of the other players had to be protected.

He explained McCarthy

Jamaica Tallawahs CEO Jeff Miller

Andre McCarthy will miss this year’s CPL

this season after they were exposed to someone who had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus just days

and Royal had tested negative for the virus and would have to take another test in seven days. However, by

then, it would be too late as there are no commercial flights going into Trinidad.

Consequently, they have been permanently replaced

by Jermaine Blackwood and Ramaal Lewis, who Miller said were already on the Tallawahs’ radar. They were on their way to Trinidad on a charter flight Monday night.

“This is a devastating blow to McCarthy,” Miller said. “He wanted to prove a lot of his critics wrong.”

The Tallawahs had already lost the services of Tabraiz Shamsi, who was unable to travel to the Caribbean because of flight restrictions in South Africa. Mujeed Rahman, the 19-year-old sensation from Afghanistan, has replaced Shamsi on the team roster.

Rahman has 17 wickets from 16 matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has 25 wickets in 19 T20 International matches for his country.

(Sportsmax)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

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‘Hero maximum’ Andre McCarthy devastated takes on new meaning to miss out on 2020 CPL to Brandon King – Tallawahs CEO Jeff Miller GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.