Guyana Times - Wednesday, May 13, 2020

See Region 4 SoRs comparison with released SoPs on pages 14, 15, 16 & 17 All SoRs are available on our website Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4284

THE BEACON OF TRUTH WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

PRICE

Recount Day 7

Mingo defrauds PPP/C, gives hundreds of votes to APNU/AFC

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Carter Center’s shutout

P9 Election process has not concluded – Nandlall to Govt …says if accreditations were revoked, then it must be gazetted

See story on page 3

…as GECOM still to count 2044 boxes

Sooner a P12 democratic Govt installed, better – EU Ambassador

Guyana's COVID-19 P7&11 cases increase to 113 …COVID-19 patient escapes from Lethem hospital

GECOM now wants APNU/AFC’s approval for more counting stations See story on page 7

Landslides, flooding P13 predicted across Guyana – CDC

...as PPP maintains COVID-19 Task Force permission not needed National elections recount

Bipartisan US Members of Congress up pressure for Carter Center’s return to Guyana …urge accurate counting of every vote See stories on pages 7 and 10

...OAS Permanent Council to receive report on Guyana’s elections today

Process interrupted after APNU/AFC counting agent started coughing See story on page 7

…everyone screened for COVID-19 amid recount

Another P2 company makes rival offer to buy over Guyana Goldfields …says its proposal is “far superior” to Silvercorp’s bid

2 NEWS Another company makes rival offer to buy over Guyana Goldfields WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…says its proposal “far superior” to Silvercorp’s bid

Guyana Goldfields Chief Executive Officer Alan Pangbourne

ness combination between Gran Colombia and Gold X is conditional upon the successful concurrent acquisition of Guyana Goldfields, and the proposal to Guyana Goldfields is conditional on the concurrent acquisition of Gold X,” the company said.

It added that the combined entity will continue as Gran Colombia and will be managed by the current Gran Colombia executive team, with corporate headquarters remaining in Toronto.

Shareholders of Gran Colombia will own 60 per cent of the combined compa-

Gran Columbia’s CEO, Lombardo Paredes

ny, with Guyana Goldfields and Gold X shareholders owning 25 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively, on a basic shares outstanding ba-

sis.”

According to Gran Columbia, which already has underground gold operations in Columbia, there are several benefits to such

A

nother company has entered the fray to buy Guyana Goldfields shares. This time, Gran Columbia Gold Corp, another Canadian company, has made a pitch to Goldfields by proposing to buy all its issued shares.

In a statement in which it did not hesitate to call its offer a better one that Silvercorp, the company revealed that it has already approached Goldfields.

Goldfields is not the only company in its sights, as it has already signed an agreement to merge with Gold X Mining Corp.

“The contemplated busi-

a transaction. Back in April, it was announced that Silvercorp, also Canadian, could provide Goldfields with interim loans of up to $15 million as part of its deal.

This loan would have, among other things, funded Goldfield’s underground operation and other operational costs. Gran Columbia made a similar offer.

“Gran Colombia and Gold X believe the immediate value creation afforded to Guyana Goldfields shareholders via the upfront offer premium and the ability to realise further value through the continued operations in the new larger, stronger entity represents an opportunity far superior, both strategically and financially, to the proposed transaction between Silvercorp and Guyana Goldfields announced on April 27, 2020.”

Meanwhile, Gran Columbia’s Chief Executive Officer, Lombardo Paredes was quoted as saying that his company has “studied the integration of Aurora and Toroparu [another local mine] and strongly believe in its potential. Based on our internal integration plan we have identified US$200 million of synergies as there are a number of different areas

Aurora Goldmine

where Toroparu can benefit from the existing infrastructure at Aurora.”

All of this comes on the same day that Guyana Goldfields announced it would be making large scale layoffs of its staff at the Aurora Gold Mine.

Goldfields had blamed COVID-19 and financially-related challenges for its decision.

This was communicated in a letter from Goldfields Chief Executive Officer Alan Pangbourne, dated May 11, 2020. In defence of the decision, Pangbourne cited issues with COVID-19 and other difficulties over the past few months. “… with great regret I

am writing to all employees to inform you that we will be reducing the size of AGM’s workforce. This reduction in the workforce will take place at all levels including both national and expatriate employees as the company will transition its mining operation into a state of care and maintenance for an undetermined period,” the CEO’s letter to employees had stated.

Guyana Goldfields has had a roller coaster past year, with former CEO Scott Caldwell resigning and a shareholders dispute. They have also had to contend with workers striking due to concerns over their severance.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Recount day 7

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, May 13 – 09:30h – 11:00h and Thursday, May 14 – 11:00h – 12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, May 13 – 08:40h – 10:10h and Thursday, May 14 – 10:00h – 11:30h.

Mingo defrauds PPP/C, gives hundreds of votes to APNU/AFC

…as GECOM still to count 2044 boxes

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Expect light rain showers and thundery showers during the morning. There will be light cloud during the afternoon and at night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 08:30h and 21:18h reaching maximum heights of 2.28 metres and 2.11 metres.

Low Tide: 14:42h reaching a minimum height of 0.95 metre.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020

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T

he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) on Tuesday concluded its first week of the National Recount exercise currently ongoing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), completing an additional 48 boxes.

This brings the total number of boxes counted thus far to 295, leaving 2044 more ballot boxes to be recounted in the remaining 18 days approved by the Commission to complete the process.

It would mean the Commission—at this rate— would need another 48 days to complete the recount exercise.

Additionally, further analyses of the figures being released continue to corroborate Opposition claims that the Region Four results that were declared by Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo was, in fact, inflated heavily in favour of the incumbent coalition.

On Monday, ballot box 4064 from the Friendship Nursery School was recounted and the Statement of Recount generated revealed that the coalition gained 71

for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) than what was found in the box during the recount.

Notably, Mingo’s figures declared for the Opposition PPP/C were found to have been gouged by about two dozen votes in that single ballot box—a Polling Station for which only 275 persons were registered to vote.

The SoR generated on Monday found that the PPP/C gained 96 votes, three more than had been recorded in the SoP on election day. Mingo, however, declared 73 votes—23 votes less than what the recount unearthed in favour of the Opposition.

This trend continued at the Supply Primary School on the East Bank Demerara where Mingo was found to have declared in excess of 110 votes extra for the APNU/AFC. While the SoPs and SoRs both found the exact number of ballots for the Opposition PPP/C, Mingo’s declared figures for that party revealed that he had under-declared by 10 votes.

The SoR and SoP both

votes—one more than the Statement of Poll (SoP), a copy of which was given to each party.

Contrasted against the figures declared by Mingo, however, it revealed that he had declared 99 more votes

found that the APNU/AFC had gotten 182 votes in that ballot box while Mingo claimed that the party had gotten 292 votes.

Votes for each of the other contesting parties were confirmed in the SoRs with

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the numbers of votes represented for those parties in the SoPs from Elections Day. At the Craig Nursery School, in ballot box 4074, Mingo subtracted 20 votes from the PPP/C while adding 54 votes extra for the APNU/AFC. This was re-

but according to Mingo’s declared figures, there were only 64 votes cast for the Opposition in that box—20 less than what the recount found the party had actually gotten.

At Garden of Eden in ballot box 4063, Mingo again

vealed when contrasted against the SoP and SoR. At that station, both the SoP and SoR confirmed 86 ballots in the box for APNU/ AFC while Mingo declared 140 votes for the party.

The recount document also corroborated 84 votes for the PPP/C in the box,

was found to have declared 70 more votes for the APNU/ AFC than what the recount unearthed in the ballot boxes. In contrast, the Opposition numbers were found to have been also gouged by Mingo, to rob the party of another 30 votes in that box alone.

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 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

Those ‘observation reports’ I

t seems as if it is one controversy after the other at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Since the Commission started planning for the March 2 General and Regional Elections, almost every one of its activities has been marred by controversy and disagreement. Certainly, these elections will be remembered as one of the most controversial, especially considering the fact that it is now two months after and a credible winner is yet to be announced.

Following a relatively smooth voting process on Election Day, controversy peaked after Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo proceeded to declare fraudulent results for District Four, in spite of protests from all stakeholders except the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC). This led to the country being on the brink of almost having a president being sworn in on the basis of concocted results by Mingo and company.

After a string of court cases and lengthy delays, the way was cleared for a national recount, which is now underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). However, everyone is cautiously optimistic about the process, as from time to time there seems to be some impediment being constructed by certain forces to derail the exercise from being completed in a transparent and expeditious manner.

A case in point is the use of the observation reports, which seem to be the source of much controversy in the recount process. The observation reports are attached to the Statements of Recount (SoRs) after each ballot box has been counted and processed. GECOM, at the request of the APNU/ AFC coalition, took a decision to include observation reports in the tabulation process.

However, not only is the preparation of the observation reports a time-wasting exercise, they also contribute to much of the delays currently being experienced in the tabulation of the SoRs. What is even worse is that they are used with the intention to discredit the election itself.

APNU/AFC, who had agents present at each of the 2339 polling stations on E-Day, is now making a number of unsubstantiated claims which it is demanding must be recorded in the observation reports. These claims include allegations that dead people and persons who have migrated were allowed to vote. This is in spite of the fact that all stakeholders, including political parties, local and international observers, etc, have stated that the voting process was generally smooth and transparent.

These allegations are ridiculous and the APNU/AFC would find it very difficult to convince right-thinking Guyanese of their merits. Coalition leaders are on record congratulating GECOM for an excellent job in holding free and fair elections.

On May 4, President David Granger himself, in a public statement, described the elections as “free, fair and orderly”.

To begin with, it is difficult to believe that these ‘irregularities’ would happen in spite of all the various party agents, observers and GECOM staff being present at each polling station. For something like this to occur, it would require a great deal of collusion with the involvement of everyone present. It is, therefore, left to question if these claims are indeed true, as is being claimed by the coalition, then what were their own agents doing on polling day to have missed such blatant voter malpractices and illegalities.

We have also noted that since these allegations began gaining traction, GECOM, the body that has a constitutional mandate to manage the conduct of elections in Guyana, has not uttered a word debunking these claims which are now being placed on official record in the form of the observation reports.

GECOM must urgently respond to these claims that are continuously being made by the APNU/AFC. For example, the agency must say whether it allowed dead people or persons who migrated to vote in the elections.

It is also quite unfortunate that these observation reports, with unverified allegations and objections, are being broadcast publicly without GECOM conducting any investigation as to whether the objections were factual or lawful.

GECOM cannot allow APNU/AFC agents to use the observation reports to persistently record matters based on allegations which are unsupported by the presentation of any credible evidence. The electoral body must be well aware that these allegations directly question GECOM’s conduct of the elections process and to completely ignore them does not do any good to the image of the organisation.

The Commission is meeting again today; it is our hope that this issue would seriously engage its attention.

GECOM must divorce itself from the APNU/AFC

Dear Editor, As Guyanese we expect our voices to be heard, our views to be respected, and our votes to be truly recounted.

After seeing what has unfolded during the present recount, as Guyanese voters, we continue to demand greater transparency in our elections recount which has been ongoing over the last seven days.

With the system implemented for the recount, we have seen a direct attempt to derail the process and to impede or delay the count. Through this process, all the political parties have developed and proposed a template of characteristics that they believe were necessary for election results to be trusted.

Any free and fair election must minimally satisfy the following requirements, whereby each step of the election process should be easily understood and open to scrutiny by all stakeholders (voters, political parties, outside observers and most importantly the people of Guyana).

All results should be independently verifiable and auditable.

The choices that every Guyanese voter made must remain private both during and after the elections. The integrity of the election must be preserved since only eligible voters were allowed to vote at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections and those votes must be protected from any alteration or exclusion.

All eligible voters, regardless of location, group membership or disability, had a reasonable and equal opportunity to cast his or her vote which they all did overwhelmingly, it was Guyana Chronicle March 4, 2020 headlines – Elections was free and fair.

Why would the APNU/ AFC openly try to disrespect GECOM’s regular and parttime staff and roll on their own APNU/AFC polling

agents - over 2400 of them – who worked on E-day?

To now claim that dead or migrated persons voted on March 2, 2020, is simply absurd and disrespectful. All the opposition political parties are objecting and accusing APNU/AFC of trying slow down the recount process by bringing up allegations which they have no evidence to support. The APNU must desist from perpetuating this misrepresentation and making these false accusations, even when they know the truth. It is most unethical.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is the entity that is responsible for the administration and conduct of elections in Guyana, established in May 2000 by virtue of the Constitution (Amendment) Act No 2 of 2000, which repealed and re-enacted Article 161 of the Constitution on the basis of recommendations emerging from the Constitution Reform Commission that were ratified by Parliament. Guyana's independent Electoral body was put in place to ensure free and fair elections in Guyana, to oversee the conduct of the election. All stages of the of our electoral process were left entirely in the hands of GECOM without any interference from any quarter of the political divide.

This was necessary because, in every election, disputes may arise at any stage of the electoral process. There must, therefore, be an independent body that can adjudicate the disputes and come out with a ruling that can satisfy all parties involved.

After 20 years of existence, GECOM has neglected to live up to those simple obligations mandated by our Constitution. May 2020 must be the month and year that GECOM divorces itself from the APNU/AFC. GECOM has a duty and an obligation to the people of Guyana and not any political

party. The authoritarian caretaker regimes have done everything in their power to manipulate the electoral process to make sure that the election is rigged in favour of the APNU/AFC. These outrageous electoral fraud and manipulation employed by this APNU/AFC authoritarian regime took a variety of forms. They were aimed at every step of the electoral process, ranging from altered voter registration lists, to disrupted campaigns, to rigged vote tabulations. Some were brazen while others were subtle. In the past five years, the APNU/AFC regime had become increasingly adept at keeping up the appearance of meeting democratic norms while subverting the integrity of the electoral process.

The growing sophistication of electoral fraud and manipulation has, however, been matched in 2020 by improvements in the skills and methods of elections safeguard. All the opposition political parties, domestic and international monitoring and observing organisations have been adopting a more comprehensive approach to Guyana's election recount observation.

They have assessed Guyana’s election laws and regulations, which has now tilted the playing field in the hand of people of Guyana, as they continue to monitor this important recount.

The announcement in March of implausible election results had indicated that vote tabulations were falsified. Thanks to Election Observation Missions including The Carter Center and the many observer teams challenging the legitimacy of APNU/AFC who seek to stay in power through rigged elections. It is now clear to all that Mr Granger is an authoritarian leader, who will do anything to stay in power. His deceptive scheme of shifting narratives and fooling the people of Guyana on whom in

Government was responsible for blocking approval of The Carter Center observer team’s return - "what happens in the dark always comes to light".

A document had emerged indicating that it was the caretaker President Mr Granger himself, communicating through the caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs who opposed the team’s re-entry into Guyana, citing the airport lockdown. The correspondence was a deliberate act to prevent further scrutiny from The Carter Center, The Carter Center was among the many foreign observers who were very vocal on the lack of credibility of the declaration that was made by Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo.

Mingo's unverified declaration would have placed Mr Granger back in power...Mr Granger must be careful that he is not labelled as the mastermind behind the riggings when this is all over.

To prevent fraud and manipulation in our recount process, election observers and counting agents have promoted transparency in the entire process, and we have seen a substantial representation of the opposition parties and other stakeholders monitoring every stage of the electoral process effectively and efficiently, despite the APNU party taking every step to frustrate the ongoing recount and audit of the votes. This recount of ballots will be validated. So far, the Statements of Recount (SoRs) correspond to the vote tabulation of the original SoPs and support the PPP/C’s claim to victory.

We must dismiss all misleading, mischievous, and propagandist communication if we are going to make the first step toward democracy after this recount is completed Sincerely, David Adams

Would misguided political action in Guyana help keep Democrats out of White House?

Dear Editor, I refer to the report published in the Sunday Chronicle "Top US Congressman blasts US Government and Ambassador for interference in Guyana's Elections" wherein Rickford Burke lobbied Congressman Hakeem Jeffries on behalf of his PNC party. Mr Burke was an employee of the PNC party and when he emigrated, he continued to be a committed supporter.

Congressman Jeffries was given a warped and inaccurate account of the Guyana Elections and the delay in issuing results.

This led to an unfair attack on the US Government and the Ambassador. The truth of the matter is: The

US Ambassador in keeping diplomatic protocol and the long-established policies and interests of the United States tried to ensure that free, fair and transparent elections took place in Guyana and democracy was upheld.

The interest of the Embassy was to maintain democracy and never in any political party. This policy was in consonance with the imperatives of American policy which, from 1990, invested tens of millions of dollars in re-establishing democracy in Guyana. Ambassador Lynch's efforts to uphold democracy in Guyana were, therefore, endorsed by the highest level of the US Government And as if to support Ambassador Lynch's posi-

tion, all the main countries in the world supported her by taking identical positions - United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, the Organisation of American States, Caricom and other states. At no time did the US Government or Ambassador Lynch interfere in Guyana's elections and the same could be said of the other countries which spoke up for democracy.

Mr Burke was associated with other inaccuracies.

In the Chronicle's report: . . . "the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) named the APNU/AFC as the winner of what is termed the mother of all elections in Guyana.” GECOM has rejected this statement; GECOM has named no such

winner.

The PNC is isolated and no one seems to associate with them and Congressman Jeffries being misguided into supporting Burke’s PNC has certainly now interfered in Guyana's politics and opened his Democratic party to a devastating Republican party assault. It is actions like Congressman Jeffries' that could cause the Democratic party to lose and the Republicans remain in the White House.

Mr Jeffries could do damage control by fully seizing himself of the political milieu in Guyana and then distancing himself from Burke's inaccuracies.

Yours sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

5

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

Dirty old men in politics Dear Editor, It is said that politics is a dirty game but I vehemently reject that statement, I'd rather say there are dirty men in politics and my confirmation of that declaration is based on the solid facts that confront us in Guyana.

A cabal of dirty old men and women who refuse to submit to the rule of law that states when you lose an election, the decent, moral and upright thing to do is concede defeat and let the country move on. Not to hold on to power, not resorting to all sorts of frivolous and downright ridiculous excuses for not wanting to leave office.

I am talking about the sickening situation where after 71 days of an election

no legitimate Government has been installed. It is the sort of thing that causes you to get sick in the stomach and makes you want to puke. This is Guyana, "Oh beautiful" Guyana; it's all happening right here.

Doubtless to say we have also painted for ourselves the disgraceful picture of being the mocking-stock of the world!

In normal places, where there are normal people, at the end of an election, the normal thing is for the loser to pick up the phone and call the winner congratulating him on his accession to office and that's about it.

Guyana Elections on March 2, 2020, did produce a winner as well as a loser, however, the loser refuses to call

the winner to congratulate him.

And here we have a problem, a huge problem where the loser is either "not normal" or just a plain old barefaced bully who plans to tough it out to the very end.

This is unacceptable behaviour that would not be allowed to flourish here.

At this critical stage of our existence, we can ill afford to have an ageing dictator directing our affairs, the people of this great country have spoken in no uncertain terms and that I think must be respected. I call on Mr Granger to do the decent, moral and gentlemanly thing and concede defeat.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

At least 9 more work stations will be required to complete count in 25 days

Dear Editor, There are 2339 ballot boxes to be counted.

Approximately 93 boxes (2339/25) must be processed per day to complete the recount in 25 days. Up to day 5, only 211 boxes were processed by GECOM. This gives a daily average of approximately 42 boxes per day, which is less than 50 per cent of the required 93 boxes that must be counted to conclude the exercise in 25 days. At the current rate, the recount can take as long as 55 days, more than double the time initially agreed

by GECOM. Based on my calculations, the recount can be completed within one month by adding more work stations. On average, each workstation processed ap-

proximately ten boxes per day. Therefore, to bring the total boxes per day to 93, at least nine more work stations will be required.

Initially, the PPP had proposed 20 work stations to accelerate the process, but only ten was agreed to by GECOM. Alternatively, the time wasted on addressing unsubstantiated queries should be minimised if GECOM wishes to complete the recount in the shortest possible time with the same number of work stations.

Based on my observations, half of the time is wasted on addressing unsubstantiated queries intended to delay the counting process and ultimately discredit the results from the recount. The boxes processed could have been doubled by merely re-

ducing the time utilised for queries that do not add any value to the exercise.

Already, the nation has waited too long for the results. GECOM has a moral and professional responsibility to at least stick to the 25-day timeline. Increasing the number of days for the recount is not a healthy option. The long wait for the results has eroded the sanity of many people. It is, therefore, important that GECOM does its best to bring an end to these elections as soon as possible.

Adding more work stations or reducing the time wasted to address unsubstantiated queries can help in this regard.

All Guyanese must call on or petition GECOM to make available the SoPs for the public to see.

SoPs are public documents - GECOM and Commissioner Alexander should be reminded.

It is an injustice to the Guyanese people to not have a legitimate Government after 2 months of going to the polls.

I urge support for the comparison of SoPs with the

present SoRs and the releasing of SoPs that were used to make the declarations on March 4 and 13, 2020.

As the ongoing recount is on, it is hoped GECOM will ensure the results are transparent, credible and a reflection of the will of the Guyanese people.

With regards, S Pasha

There must be comparison of SoPs with SoRs

Dear Editor, As a citizen of Guyana and voter who voted at the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and who like every Guyanese has been waiting months now for a free, transparent and credible declaration, and not one that was void of the above mentioned – as a voter I find the 'strong resistance' by APNU/AFC Commissioners to support a comparison or to compare the questionable SoPs used on March 4 and 13 by Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo and the SoRs now in the interest of transparency and restoring public confidence in GECOM which has been alleged to be compromised, disgusting and unacceptable and should be condemned without reservation by the Guyanese electorate.

Sincerely, Trade unionist Sherwyn Delano Downer

Ian McDonald got it right on Sunday

Dear Editor, Ian McDonald's Sunday column entitled “Something rotten in the State” is an attempt to examine and fathom the mind of a scorned ex-soldier. Ian surmises that the APNU/AFC would "burn the country if only they could be the kings of the ashes", in this McDonald has glimpsed into the deviant minds of those clinging desperately to power. We are looking at a military strategy described as a 'scorched earth policy' being waged against a hapless civilian population.

The term 'scorched earth' comes from Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia. As the Russian army retreated, Tsar Alexander I, ordered the soldiers and citizens to "leave nothing of military or economic value but scorched earth" in the invaders' path.

In this instance, it is our nation's economy and social fabric. It all began after Granger's Administration fell to a motion of NoConfidence on December 21, 2018. At that time, the economy was starting to feel the ill-effects of the hefty increase in taxation which was causing local businesses to slow or go under but the inflow of oil-related service companies was providing cushion and alternative employment. Foreign reserves stood at US$580 million, but the sugar industry closure was already hurting foreign currency inflows. As of May 12, 2020, our reserves are lower than our deficit ($90 billion) for the first time in a decade. The bulwark against recession has been burned to the ground and then some.

Guyana Goldfields announced the layoff of 85 per cent of its workforce of fail-

ure to gain approval from Guyana's Environmental Protection Agency of their Revised Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) permit for underground mining. Exxon announced in April that production at the Payara project, its third development in Guyana, could be postponed due to delays in Government approvals and then subsequently shelved it indefinitely. Olendorff has pulled out of Guyana costing 140 jobs, RUSAL is effectively out also and those 500-plus jobs are gone without much hope of return as the Aluminum market has tanked. All of these industries were victims of slothful Government and inaction.

RUSAL executives visited Guyana in March 2019 to explain the precarious nature of the industry; a clear presentation was made and disregarded. Jobs lost are not easily regained and future investment has been made increasingly difficult; Guyana is now a high-risk environment based on the uncertain political climate.

The earth has been scorched and the rebuilding made ever more difficult in the global depression caused by the coronavirus.

Granger's intransigence has scorched our society by pitting us against each other, lawyers are finding it difficult to look judges in the eye, who (judges) could not ascertain the majority of 65; citizens have seen the weakness of the Judiciary exposed and men of God have failed to pronounce on the immorality of attempting to rig an election. In every corner of our life, cracks of division have opened up. We have all

been singed since December 21, 2018.

The Fiscal Management and Accountability Act prescribes a 1/12th budget allocation, it is anybody's guess when monies to pay public servants will run out.

Granger invented various super salaried jobs for dozens of his army cronies who are paid more than two million dollars per month; will they be given priority when the inevitable cash-crunch comes? Granger has created a loophole by usurping the powers of the Chief Medical Officer with the issuance of the Public Health Ordinance which allows the COVID Taskforce unlimited access to the contents of the Treasury. The longer Granger stays in office the more damage will be done, even the most avid supporters must doubt that Granger can rebuild the economy given his destruction of the healthy one he inherited in 2015. Can Granger lead us over the land he scorched in retreat? I think not.

Something is not only rotten in Guyana but Granger's actions are downright contemptuous, spiteful, and border on insanity.

These actions to destroy the Guyanese economy are not those of right-thinking men; it is of uncaring beasts reacting to the rejection of the population. The lower-income families all across the nation are the hardest hit by the actions of the old soldiers; that many are APNU/ AFC supporters is of no consequence to the military men; the term used is 'collateral damage'.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

Page

Foundation

Guyana Times is pleased to publish the Education Ministry’s National Grade Six Assessment Past Papers. Below is Mathematics Paper 2, 2019.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT

MATHEMATICS

Reading Time: 10 minutes Writing Time: 50 minutes

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

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

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

1. Write your candidate number clearly on each page.

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

1. Zara used some buttons to make shapes which form a pattern. The first 4 figures in the pattern are shown below.

Study the pattern and answer the questions that follow.

3. You have 50 minutes writing time and 10 minutes reading time. Writing may begin during the reading time.

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

4. Write your letter or composition on the pages provided in this booklet.

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

5. Ensure that your handwriting is clear.

7. Look over your work when you have finished.

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

Complete the number sentence below to show the rule for the number pattern.

(2 marks)

Total 5 marks Instruction: Answer any three questions from Questions 2 to 6. (a) Draw Figure 5 of the pattern.

(b) How many buttons will be in Figure 6?

(i) Find the value of x in Tile Q. (1 mark)

(ii) Calculate the area of Tile Q.

(1 mark)

(1 mark) (1 mark)

(c) Which figure will have 19 buttons?

(iii) How much more space will Tile Q cover than Tile P? (1 mark)

(d) The table below shows the number of buttons (x) that is used to make each figure (n). Study the pattern and answer the question that follows.

(1 mark) Total 5 marks 3. The selling price of the bicycle shown below is $12 000.

2. (a) Look at the figure shown below.

What is the value of Angle a?

(2 marks) (b) The square tile (P) shown measures 20 cm by 20 cm. The width of the rectangular tile (Q) is 16 cm and its length is 10 cm longer than the length of the square tile.

(a) Mark buys a bicycle at the sale. How much does he pay?

(2 marks)

(b) Ramona buys a similar bicycle at another store. She makes a down payment of $4 500 and 6 monthly payments of $1 500 each. (i) How much does Ramona pay altogether for her bicycle?

(1 mark) (ii) How much more does Ramona pay for her bicycle than Mark?

(1 mark) (iii) Write the extra amount paid by Ramona as a percentage of the amount paid by Mark.

(1 mark)

Total 5 marks

TO BE CONTINUED

NEWS

National Elections recount

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Process interrupted after APNU/AFC counting agent started coughing

…everyone screened for COVID-19 amid recount

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octors manning the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) for the National Recount of the votes cast on March 2, last were called in to screen one of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) agents for the dreaded coronavirus disease (COVID-19), momentarily interrupting the exercise at that station.

This, since according to reports, the agent began coughing ‘uncontrollably’, causing those in proximity to raise an alarm.

The incident was subsequently confirmed by Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, during a media briefing on Tuesday.

Reporters at the ACCC venue were told, “one of the agents was coughing repeatedly in the work station.”

This, she said, led to an objection by another agent “and so the doctors that we have on-site was asked to make a visit.”

Ward told reporters that the doctors advised that based on their examination, the

woman displayed symptoms consistent with a ‘cold.’ The GECOM PRO indicated that it was not a case where other persons in the vicinity were screened.

Downplaying the incident, Ward said it did not cause a major interruption and that the work station broke for lunch at the time.

Guyana Times understands that the agent screened by the doctors on site is APNU/AFC candidate, Shonelle Smith-Daniels— daughter of controversial APNU/AFC agent, Carol Joseph.

The woman in a subsequent public post confirmed that she was, in fact, displaying symptoms at the counting station. According to SmithDaniels in the post, “I have a cold which if I cough you can hear (not the only one in the room).”

She claimed that while on the way to the ACCC that morning, “I got soaked and some persons will know that usually, u [sic] will sneeze when that happens.”

The woman said that following audible complaints, the station supervisor “an-

nounced that the doctors are coming to do some tests because a complaint was made that an agent is sneezing.”

According to the woman, she was “asked to take a few days to which I agreed because I understand that they are doing their job and won’t want to make things hard on them.”

The woman concluded her post proclaiming “I am PNC [People’s National Congress]…I will not be moved.”

Tuesday’s incident comes days after Chairman for A New and United Guyana (ANUG) Timothy Jonas was written to by the Ministry of Public Health advising that he had been reported to be displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

He had denounced the move as a sinister attempt to sideline him from the recount process.

The recount exercise from the inception has been steered in part by the COVID-19 measures and national lockdown that had been ordered by caretaker President David Granger.

The ACCC had been re-

GECOM now wants APNU/AFC’s approval for more counting stations ....as PPP maintains COVID-19 Taskforce permission not needed

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he Guyana Elections Commission on Tuesday met to consider measures that can be implemented to ensure that the National Recount of the votes cast on March 2 is completed within the initially agreed upon 25-day deadline, including increasing the number of counting stations, number of working hours to be utilised in any given day and the reduction of counting criteria.

Two of the three decisions, however, will be dependent on guidance to be solicited from the National coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Task Force even as People’s Progressive Party Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, objected to the Commission seeking permission from the Government body.

GECOM Public Relations Officer, (PRO) Yolanda Ward, briefing media operatives on the sidelines of the recount exercise underway at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), indicated that a decision was taken by the Commission to invite officials from the Task Force to be returned to the venue in order to assess whether additional counting stations could be accommodated.

She told media operatives the Commissioners have identified some potential areas for use in the facility and that the Chairperson requested that the Task Force field health officials today sometime around noon, in order “to have a look at those spaces to determine whether they would be conducive to have counting station.”

According to Ward, the Commission is looking to have an on the spot decision by the Government body with regards to the establishment of additional stations.

Speaking with reporters following the Commission’s meeting, Gunraj, when confronted with the likelihood of the Task Force refusing additional stations, reiterated his adumbrations that GECOM is an independent constitutional body and that it did not need permission from the Task Force in order to establish more counting stations.

Gunraj was adamant, “while I recognise and appreciate the importance of COVID-19 and the effect it’s having on the world, I have lots of respect for it, perhaps even fear; however, GECOM is an independent body.”

He told reporters that he believes that “with the necessary medical advice, I believe we are free to make decisions in relation to the use of this building.”

According to Gunraj, “from the outset, let me say and I have said this before, I don’t believe that we should be seeking permission from the COVID 19 Task Force.”

The PPP GECOM Commissioner told reporters, “what we should be doing is making decisions, informed decisions based on medical advice” He maintained that the COVID-19 Task Force should merely be informed, “but we are adopting a different stance and as I said earlier.”

He qualified the position

saying “I am part of a democratic organisation, hopefully, and I will let democracy prevail.”

Additionally, Gunraj told reporters “if for whatever reason that the number of work stations that are possible here is somewhat fettered, then the other option that we have, impacts on the time, the overall duration.”

He suggested that this would be to “increase the number of hours we work in a day…It is an option that is eminently available to us and if it becomes necessary.”

According to Gunraj, “even with the increased work stations, it is also something that can be considered so as to facilitate a timely conclusion of this process.”

Expressing some optimism over Tuesday’s meeting with the Commissioners, Gunraj maintained “the Commission as a whole, as I said, feels that this thing needs to be done in a timely manner…everyone, on both sides, all seven members thinks ‘look, this thing is getting overbearing’.”

Additionally, Gunraj told reporters that other mechanisms being explored in order to reduce the amount of time being taken to complete the recount includes modifying the 19-point checklist that had been introduced for inspections of the boxes and its contents.

According to Gunraj, the checklist provides for a number of actions to be taken that have since proven to be unnecessary and time-consuming.

stricted in the number of personnel and work stations it could use at the venue by the COVID-19 Task Force.

Public observers are of the belief that the stunt pulled

by Smith-Daniels—daughter of controversial APNU/AFC agent, Carol Joseph is a mean to create havoc during the recount process. They made reference to the several bomb scares at the Ashmins building during the tabulation of the March 2, General and Regional Elections votes.

It actually turned out that there were no threats and the bomb scares were pranks to disrupt the process.

Meanwhile, in the case on Tuesday at the ACCC, GECOM in following recommendations from the Task Force subsequently institut-

The Arthur Chung Conference Centre ed a number of COVID-19related measures including restricting its working hours, adherence to social distancing guidelines—which limited each work station to 14 persons—and regular sanitisation and use of face masks, among others.

The Task Force has since been called on by the Commission, to yet again,

pronounce on the use of the venue, this time to ascertain whether additional work stations can be housed in the facility in order to accelerate the recount exercise.

Its members are expected to give that pronouncement today, when public health officials from the Task Force conduct another round of surveillance at ACCC.

OAS Permanent Council to receive report on Guyana’s elections today

T

he Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) will today receive the preliminary report of the Head of its Electoral Observation Mission in Guyana for the still to be concluded, March 2, General and Regional Elections.

The activity—taking into account COVID-19 measures—will be hosted in a virtual session by Mission Head, former Jamaican Prime Minister, Bruce Golding.

The OAS was among the international observers to withdraw its delegation from Guyana, at the time warning that “the legitimacy of any Government that is installed in these circumstances will be open to question.”

The Mission had blasted Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo over the process he employed during the tabulation and declaration of the March 2 results for that region.

The OAS had said the Mingo’s figures lacked transparency and are unlikely to produce a result “that is credible and is able to command public confidence.”

According to the OAS in a public statement at the time, the process employed

by Mingo to ascertain the results of the National and Regional Elections held on March 2, did not meet the required standard of “fairness and transparency.”

The OAS had observed, on its withdrawal, that im-

ages of the Statements of Poll (SoPs) generated by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Elections Day, copies of which were published by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) online, were never challenged by the Chief Elections Officer.

Additionally, the OAS noted that the coalition also did not challenge the authenticity of the Statements of Poll published by producing the copies in their possession.

The PPP/C’s SoPs produce a result that is vastly different from that which was declared by Mingo, a conundrum that led to the current electoral impasse, culminating with the ongoing recount exercise of votes cast.

COVID-19 patient escapes from Lethem hospital …captured in Brazil, wife also tests positive

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he Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) COVID-19 patient, Hamlet Da Silva, who escaped from the Lethem Regional Hospital isolation facility, was on Tuesday captured in Bonfim, Brazil.

Guyana Times was told that the Region’s patient zero is a dual citizen – of Guyana and Brazil.

After he tested positive for COVID-19, the man escaped from the Lethem Regional Hospital during heavy rainfall around 06:00h on Tuesday.

He was captured hours later in Bonfim, Brazil where he is currently being held in quarantine with his wife, who also tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.

Based on information received, after escaping from the Regional Hospital, the man entered Brazil via an illegal crossing and was nabbed

by Police in that country.

During an interview, Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Naail Uthman told this publication that doctors in the region were currently in contact with health authorities in Brazil. He said that the

Guyana-Brazil border crossing in Region 9

man was being treated for malaria in Brazil, but after his condition worsened, he visited the Lethem Regional Hospital and was immediately put in isolation after he displayed severe symptoms of COVID-19.

The RHO said that at present the hospital is tracing the patient’s contacts as he came into contact with several persons.

It was reported to the RHO that the man travelled all the way to Monkey Mountain in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni).

“We are all trying to deal with contact tracing and that is what we are doing right now, because this man came into contact with several persons,” Dr Uthman stated.

Guyana’s south-western neighbour, Brazil saw an increase in positive cases by 10,222 within one day and the deaths also rose by 751.

On Monday, caretaker Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence confirmed that Da Silva tested positive for the virus.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden man jailed for illegal gun, narco possession

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wenty-three-year-old Lennox Leon Estwick also called “Swipey” was on Monday jailed for three years six months when he made a virtual appearance before Magistrate Wanda Fortune to answer to the charges of illegal possession of firearm, ammunition and possession of narcotics.

Estwick, of Lot 640 South Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was sentenced to three years on the first two separate charges and six months for the possession of narcotics. The sentences will run concurrently. Estwick was also jointly charged with his brother, 21-year-old Oneil Estwick, for the offences. The duo had pleaded not guilty to the offences during their first court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. However, the younger Estwick was remanded to prison until June 8.

Additionally, the younger Estwick is facing charges for harbouring his brother, who was wanted by the police.

Police in Linden arrested Leon

Lennox Leon Estwick, also called “Swipey”

Estwick, whom a wanted bulletin had been issued for since 2019, a little over a week ago. According to information from the police, ranks acting on intelligence swooped down on a house at

Lover’s Lane, South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, at about 00:45h on April 30. Ranks also discovered an unlicensed pistol, four live rounds of ammunition and ten grams of cannabis in their possession.

Lennox Estwick is also charged with the October 14, 2019 murder and robbery of Essequibo businessman Deon Stoll called “Mow”, who was shot dead during a robbery in front of El Dorado Trading at Da Silva Street, Kitty, Georgetown. He was scheduled to reappear in court on Tuesday in relation to this charge. Several other persons were also arrested in connection with the murder of the businessman, who was killed after being attacked in a vehicle by a group of armed, masked gunmen. The gunmen attacked Stoll and his driver just as he was about to enter the building to conduct business.

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

Weaponising…

H

…COVID-19 coughs ere they go again…another day of counting… another delay inflicted on the nation by the PNC. They’re really insulting the intelligence of the Guyanese people by being so unimaginative about the ploys they are deploying. One of their counting agents coughing?? Really?? Everybody and their uncle figured they’d be using this to have doctors screen the entire team and even be tested. Eats up time and shakes up the rest of the team. The only surprise: they waited till Day 7!!

But the PNC doesn’t really care whether anybody believes them or not, do they? They know their supporters will lap up anything they spew out – and of course, further the divisions in the country, which is what they aim for.

Imagine they changed the rhetoric from “we won the elections” but wouldn’t show their SoPs to prove this – and not one of their supporters have called them out!!

That’s blind loyalty to you!! And it’s perpetuated by persuading their supporters that the PPP threatens their very existence. The PNC can only survive in a nation divided where their brand of scorched-earth politics finds fecund ground to flourish. Think about it.

The moment the PNC and Burnham started rigging in 1968, they knew they’d be allowed to get away with it domestically ‘cause they’d persuaded their constituency that D’Aguiar and his UF had treated them like dirt and looked down upon them. At one point in negotiating the coalition between the parties, Burnham accused D’Aguiar of treating African Guyanese like “used sweet drinks bottles” from his assembly lines!! All because D’Aguiar – who’d been made Minister of Finance in the coalition – said that Burnham’s socialist ideas would lead Guyana to the road of ruination. The man was a prophet!!

He continued to rig until the 1980s because he’d then explained to his supporters that Jagan and the PPP would only favour HIS people and return THEM to the days of slavery. The PPP, of course, never got a chance to rule till 1992, but by then, the damage had been done. Imagine at that time, the entire country had been ruined economically (just above Haiti); socially (rats nibbling babies’ toes at GPHC); and politically (opposition leaders like Rodney assassinated). Yet, in the 1992 elections, the PNC received the same percentage of the votes they’d received in 1964 from the African Guyanese constituency!!

But the PNC game is over: “this time na lang time”!

The fact they’re rigging the elections to cling on to power means the PPP won. And they could’ve only won if they attracted a significant number of “cross-over” African Guyanese votes, since their constituency is below 35 per cent.

Their shrunken base will soon abandon them. …COVID-19 powers Your Eyewitness hopes those who figured there was some kinda split in the PNC between Granger and Harmon now realise they were just whistling in the wind.

Sure Granger might’ve been pi55ed Harmon didn’t vet the dossier to the Washington lobbyists, which listed him as a “US Citizen”!! But Harmon would’ve pleaded he’s stretched thin what being Director of the MotP and heading the campaign to turn back the PPP’s tsunami of votes in the election!!

Harmon’s transfer to be CEO of the NCTF wasn’t any kind of “demotion” – it was a PROMOTION since that office now has ABSOLUTE power over all institutions of the Guyanese state. Harmon is the most powerful man in Guyana today. And he just showed us a glimpse of what he could do by declaring he’s contemplating a complete shutdown across the country – citing the rising numbers of folks testing positive for COVID-19.

That his government hasn’t followed strict testing, tracing and isolation guidelines to create the uptick doesn’t matter!!

We could be under de facto martial law soon! …pettiness GECOM decided not to give the domestic and overseas observers copies of the Statements of Recount – as they’d done in the beginning.

This is simply spitefulness – since the observers will get the SoRs from any number of parties.

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Carter Center’s shutout

Election process has not concluded – Nandlall to Govt …says if accreditations were revoked, then it must be gazetted

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eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Member, Anil Nandlall on Tuesday again advocated for the return of international observers including from The Carter Center since they have a legal right to be present in Guyana to observe the elections process until its finality.

Nandlall gave the position on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) continued with the National Recount exercise.

He told reporters encamped at ACCC that the international observers have since expressed an intention to return to Guyana and that they should be facilitated, since the March 2 General and Regional Elections is yet to be concluded.

According to Nandlall, “the election is still ongoing, these organisation were accredited to observe the elections to the very end.”

Adamant that the election process has not been concluded since a final result has not been declared as yet, the former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs under the PPP Administration insisted the overseas observers “have been accredited and have a legal right to be here under the Observer Act.” He told reporters the international observers were, in fact, given permission by the President of the country and that their accreditations had been supplied by GECOM.

PPP Executive Member Anil Nandlall

Speaking on the refusal of the Administration to have The Carter Center and other observers return to Guyana, the PPP Executive Member told media operatives if the accreditations for the international observers have been revoked then this should be published in the Official Gazette.

According to Nandlall, “for all intent and purposes, those accreditations are still extant”. He went on to say that the observers are still willing and, in fact, have a duty to be in Guyana to observer the elections.

The PPP Executive noted that in light of efforts being made by the observer teams to return to Guyana, he is hopeful the Administration does not seek to construct any obstacles to further prevent the teams from landing in Guyana.

Additionally, the PPP Executive reminded that the team of observers that

Armed bandits terrorise, rob businesswoman, daughter

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West Coast Demerara (WCD) businesswoman and her daughter were attacked and robbed by four armed masked bandits who invaded their property on Sunday.

The men managed to escape with an undisclosed sum of cash, a quantity of gold jewellery and several pieces of electronic devices.

Based on reports received, the 60-year-old businesswoman of Uitvlugt Estate Road, WCD, and her 23-year-old daughter, a housewife, were alone in the house at the time of the robbery.

On the day in question at about 05:30h, the woman was sweeping her yard when the four masked men confronted and started to choke her. They then dealt several cuffs to the woman’s face.

One of the men was armed with a handgun, another carried a hammer and the two others were armed with knives. The older woman was then dragged into her house by one of the bandits while his accomplices fol-

lowed.

Upon entry, the suspect armed with the hammer rushed towards the woman’s daughter and held onto her by the neck. He then placed the hammer towards her head and threatened to bash her head if she did not say where the money and jewellery were.

Fearful for her life and that of her daughter, the businesswoman handed over an undisclosed sum of cash and several pieces of jewellery.

The bandits also relieved the businesswoman of her cellular phones – a Samsung A20 and a Samsung A30.

One of the suspects also took the 23-year-old’s Samsung S6 mobile phone and her Amazon Fire 7 Tablet.

The men later made good their escape on foot. After the men left, the two women raised an alarm and the police were contacted. The house was dusted for fingerprints as the police continue their investigations. No arrests have been made.

have been fielded by the Caribbean Community were committed for a 25-day recount activity and given the slothfulness of the process, he is unsure if the team will stay in Guyana beyond that committed timeline.

Advocating for the international observers’ return, including The Carter Center, Nandlall said: “at end of the day we want a process that must be certified as a credible process, we know of forces that are present and prevailing.”

The PPP’s Executive Member advocating the return of The Carter Center comes on the heels of reports that it was in fact ‘caretaker’ President David Granger who is responsible for the denial of The Carter Center’s return to Guyana.

Guyana Times reported that Foreign Affairs Minister, Karen Cummings in a letter to the United

Chairperson of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, Jason Carter

States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, asked that measures put in place to protect from the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) be respected.

The letter dated May 6,

2020, was written on behalf of Granger and in response to the Ambassador’s request to facilitate the arrival of observers from The Carter Center.

On Saturday Chief Executive Officer of the COVID-19 Task Force, Joseph Harmon denied not approving The Carter Center’s request and noted that they can still re-apply to come.

Since the closure of Guyana’s borders, the US Embassy here has secured special permission from the COVID-19 Task Force for relief flights to repatriate its citizens.

As such, The Carter Center along with representatives from the International Republican Institute (IRI), which had provided technical support to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) during the elections, were hoping to secure

Caretaker President David Granger

permission from the Guyana Government to return to Georgetown on an Eastern Airlines relief flight that was scheduled for Monday last.

However, this permission was not granted and the flight arrived at the CJIA empty.

10 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

National elections recount

Bipartisan US Members of Congress up pressure for Carter Center’s return to Guyana …urge accurate counting of every vote

Congressman Albio Sires

Congressman Gregory Meeks

Congressman Sanford Bishop

Congressman Francis Rooney

Congressman Jeff Duncan

Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón

group of United States Members of Congress from both the Democratic and Republican parties, have joined calls for The Carter Center, hitherto blocked by the President himself, to return to Guyana to observe the recount.

The joint statement came from representatives Albio Sires, Gregory Meeks and Sanford Bishop of the Democratic party and Francis Rooney, Jeff Duncan and Jenniffer GonzálezColón of the Republican party.

On Tuesday they urged the Guyana Government to facilitate the return of The Carter Center, which was here for the March 2 elections but has since found itself locked out in the cold and unable to return.

Welcoming the recount, the Members of Congress lauded the presence of Caricom but also pointed to the benefits of having The Carter Center. According to them, both The Carter Center and the technical advisory team from the International Republican Institute should return.

“We appreciate the vital role that the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has played in advancing democratic principles in Guyana. At the same time, we urge the Government of Guyana to allow the observation team from The Carter Center and technical advisory team from the International Republican Institute to return to the country to join Caricom in observing the recount pro-

cess.”

That being said, the six congressional colleagues expressed their support for the process and a democratic conclusion to the recount exercise. They also stressed the importance of every vote being counted accurately.

“We welcome the decision to initiate a vote recount in Guyana and reiterate our bipartisan commitment to supporting a fully transparent election process that reflects the will of the Guyanese people,” they articulated in their statement.

“We remain dedicated to ensuring that the Guyanese people are free to exercise their right to vote, that their votes are counted accurately, and that they are able to shape a democratic and prosperous future for their

country,” they also said.

Back in January, Congressmen Sires and Meeks had come to Guyana, where they held meetings with caretaker President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. During their meeting with Jagdeo, he had raised the various concerns the Opposition had leading up to the elections.

Additionally, the US Congress members had met with executives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham Guyana).

It was only on Monday that a letter surfaced from Foreign Affairs Minister

Karen Cummings, written on the President’s behalf and addressed to US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah Ann-Lynch, where Cummings cites Guyana’s decision to close its airspace from commercial traffic due to COVID-19, as the reason that the Government cannot allow The Carter Centre to return.

The Minister said in the letter that the Government of Guyana wishes for the US to respect these measures.

The recount started last week without The Carter Center here to observe it, even though the team and the US Embassy requested permission for them to come.

Stakeholders have also clamoured for their presence and the additional transparency it would

bring. Both Canadian and US Governments have been making similar calls with respect to the Center being allowed to observe the ongoing National Recount.

Various explanations have been given, the latest one from COVID-19 Task Force CEO Joseph Harmon.

Harmon claimed he was surprised when The Carter Center did not come and told the media that they were neither granted or denied permission. Harmon had also indicated that they can reapply to come. However, his comment came one day after caretaker Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan said that it was President David Granger who denied the request and not the National COVID-19 Task Force.

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NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases increase to 113 …2 cases detected in Region 7

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eputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), Dr Karen Boyle on Tuesday confirmed that Guyana has recorded 113 cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), after four tests returned positive results on Tuesday.

These results come at a time when health authorities have been battling to flatten the curve.

During the daily briefing,

tested to date is 986, with 873 results proving negative. Deaths from the virus number 10.

Nevertheless, six persons are still receiving treatment in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), one in intubation and 67 in institutional isolation. From the confirmed cases, 39 have since recovered.

Dr Boyle pointed out that the country was yet to start

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Boyle

she informed that 56 tests were conducted in one day.

The total number of persons

flattening the curve, as new cases continue to surface every day.

“We must seriously think about reducing the transmission of this disease and containing the spread of the virus so that we all can return to normalcy. Isn’t this our ultimate goal? Therefore, we ask you not only to abide by the rules but those of you who have been in contact with positive cases, we ask you to come forward and provide information about your contacts as well so that you and your loved one can avoid the risk of contracting this disease and possibly losing your life,” she said.

However, the DCMO noted that once again that persons have been ignoring the established measures and

lockdown guidelines.

“As the Ministry’s response efforts continue, your behaviour is not en-

couraging; you continue to flout control measures and to put all at risk. Instead of our curve beginning to flat-

ten, we still see an upward trajectory in positive coronavirus cases.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sooner a democratic Govt installed, Teen motorcyclist dies, better – EU Ambassador pillion rider seriously injured after colliding with minibus T

he sooner a democratically elected Government and political stability are in place in Guyana, the sooner the European Union (EU) can focus on providing the next level of funding for Guyana to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19).

This was explained by EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz-Canto, in a recent interview in sections of the media. According to him, the EU is already providing short term support to Guyana regardless.

“We’re doing some reprogramming, to see how the money we have already committed can be refocused and a part of it [used] to do things that are responding to the COVID pandemic,” he said.

“But you have to distinguish between the short, medium and long term effects. For the short term effects, we have a humanitarian office already active everywhere. And this doesn’t depend on the political situation.”

However, he noted that political stability and a democratically installed Government would greatly assist in having the EU provide additional assistance.

According to him, it is the

EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz-Canto

heavy-duty, long term assistance to Guyana that the EU needs to partner with a stable Government.

“For the longer-term effects, which are going to be very important, we have our development cooperation.

And this is something that we do in partnership with governments.”

“So I think that the sooner we have an installed, democratic Government, fully functional, the sooner we will be able to advance with this process,” the diplomat said.

As of Tuesday, Guyana

had 113 cases of COVID-19, an increase of over a dozen cases in just a few days.

Already, there is talk of a complete lockdown, something that is likely to have a detrimental effect on the economy.

Owing to its oil sector, Guyana has been pegged as one of the few countries in the hemisphere that will see positive economic growth for 2020. In fact, this growth is likely to be in double digits.

However, the World Bank had recently flagged Guyana’s incomplete March 2, General and Regional Elections as one of the key risks to the country’s transformation projected from expected windfalls from its nascent oil and gas industry The World Bank had also projected that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world will see a drastic reduction in remittances, with the Caribbean being hit with its sharpest decline in remittances in recent history.

Remittance, the act of overseas-based family members sending home money, plays a big role in the local economy. The Bank of Guyana reported US$327.9 million in remittances for 2018. This amount was US$317.2 million in 2017

and US$264.6 million in 2016.

However, with the coronavirus pandemic, countries around the world have implemented stay-at-home policies. Staying at home and social distancing has been a two-edged sword, reducing the spread of coronavirus but also bringing economies to a halt.

There have also been layoffs, including in the United States from where Guyana gets much of its remittances.

As if dealing with the potential of an economic contraction and reduction in remittances owing to coronavirus was not enough, Guyana also faces the risk of remittances and the economy being curtailed due to sanctions.

This is the bleak reality if foreign Governments make good on their warnings should Guyana not conclude its elections in a timely and democratic fashion.

It has already been over two months of controversy, and a credible winner of the 2020 General and Regional Elections is yet to be declared. While a recount is ongoing, parties and stakeholders have complained that each day seemingly brings new challenges.

O

ne day after a motorcyclist slammed into a minibus along the Good Fortuin Public Road, West Bank Demerara, he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention the at the West Demerara Region Hospital (WDRH).

Dead is 18-yearold Mark Seegolam of Edinburgh Village, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

However, his pillion rider, 26-year-old Sohan Mangru of Recht Door Zee, WBD, remains in a critical condition.

Based on information, at about 08:50h on Sunday, Seegolam and Mangru were riding motorcycle CJ 3165 when they crashed into a minibus driven by a 44-year-old man.

The minibus was reportedly proceeding along the Good Fortuin Public Road, WBD, when the driv-

er attempted to change his course when the motorcycle collided with the right-side door of the minibus.

As a result of the impact, both Seegolam and Mangru were flung from the motorcycle and landed on the roadway.

The injured men were picked up by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the WDRH. Seegolam was reportedly in an unconscious state.

However, both men were admitted but Seegolam subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

Seegolam’s body is presently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Meanwhile, the driver of the minibus was subjected to a breathalyser test which revealed no alcohol in his system. Investigations into the fatal accident are ongoing.

Convicted drug trafficker freed of 5 gun-related charges Duo remanded for possession of gun, A ammunition 57-year-old convicted drug trafficker was on Tuesday found not guilty on five gun-related charges when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Aundre Singh of Lot 779 Section B, Block Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), who is presently serving a 3-year sentence, appeared before Magistrate Rondel Weever in relation to the possession of gun and ammunition that were found in his home.

During an audio-video virtual hearing, Magistrate Rondel Weever delivered a detailed ruling with regards to the charges against Singh.

In his ruling, Magistrate

Aundre Singh

Weever stated that the testimony of the Customs Anti

Narcotics Unit (CANU) Officer, Lyndon Thompson, was highly questionable after the cross-examination during the trial by Singh’s lawyer, Siand Dhurjon.

The lawyer pointed to glaring discrepancies which could not be justified by the prosecution.

However, one year ago, Dhurjon had challenged Thompson’s testimony in another court before another Magistrate which materially contradicted his testimony in the present matter.

During an interview with Guyana Times Dhurjon stated “This caused the learned Magistrate Weever to remark that in the present matter, she held reasonable doubt as to whether Aundre

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases...

Region Seven cases

Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) also reported its first case, joining six other regions with positive cases. Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) recorded its first two cases on Monday.

When contacted, Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Edward Sagala revealed that there were actually two cases coming from Region Seven. Dr Sagala said he did not have all the details, but from his understanding, two individuals, who were recently in Aranka, Region Seven tested positive in Georgetown.

As of now, he noted that authorities were in the process of doing contact tracing to determine if anyone else was exposed to the virus.

COVID-19 spreading

Meanwhile, commenting on the growing cases in Guyana, Boyle said: “This means that the coronavirus is slowly making its way across our entire country.

But you know what, you can help arrest and put an end to the spread of this disease…I simply ask you: wash your hands; avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth; practise physical distancing and adhere to the curfew.”

Regions Two (Pomeroon-

Singh had control of the rooms in which the guns and ammunition were found.

She felt satisfied that, from the very beginning, Aundre Singh had indicated to officers at his home that he did not live in the rooms in question.”

He further explained that the learned Magistrate further ruled that the oral confessions given by Singh could not be relied on after legal issues were raised preventing its acceptance during the trial.

Responding to Tuesday’s ruling, the lawyer said that justice has been served and that he expects to be successful very soon in the appeal against Singh’s conviction for trafficking cocaine.

The firearm and the magazine along with the two live rounds found FROM PAGE 11

Supenaam); Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Eight (PotaroSiparuni) have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud had revealed one week ago that Georgetown continued to be the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak in Guyana with the majority of the victims being males, since they were the ones in general not adhering to the guidelines and restrictions put in place to contain the disease.

He later declared that cases have been detected in Kitty, Sophia, Turkeyen, Liliendaal, Cummings Lodge, Alberttown, Bourda,

Lamaha Park, South Ruimveldt and Thirst Park.

On the East Coast of Demerara, positive cases were reported in Atlantic Gardens, Friendship, Golden Grove, Good Hope, Lusignan, Plaisance, and Strathspey. And on the East Bank, positive cases were reported at Diamond, Grove, Land of Canaan, Providence, and Timehri.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recorded 4,006, 257 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 278, 892 deaths. In the Region of the Americas, the number of confirmed cases is 1,702,451 with the number of deaths increasing to 101,874.

T

wo men appeared at the Diamond-Grove Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday jointly charged for the illegal possession of gun and ammunition.

Thirty-two-year-old Gregory Boyce, of Lot 94 Brutus Street, Agricola, Greater Georgetown, along with 18-year-old Emanuel Hawker, of Lot 346 Foreshaw Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.

The charge states that on May 7, 2020, at Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara (EBD), they had in their possession one .32

pistol and two rounds of live .32 ammunition.

The court heard that on the day in question, Police, acting on information received, intercepted the vehicle and conducted a search of it during which the firearm and ammunition were unearthed.

During the operation, the two suspects made an attempt to escape, but were promptly nabbed along with the driver of the car.

Further, the Police Prosecutor told the court that the Police may have thwarted a robbery.

As such, the men were remanded to prison with their next court appearance scheduled for May 27, 2020.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Landslides, flooding predicted Ramsammy’s Ruminations across Guyana – CDC Granger, indecent, …conducts rapid assessments of flood-impacted communities dishonest, no integrity, is the head of the rigging cabal

T

here is an indecent, dishonest man, totally lacking integrity.

Make no mistake, David Granger is the head of the rigging cabal. He tried giving the mistaken impression he knew nothing about the rejection of the Carter Center's request for one of its observers to travel to Guyana in time to observe the recount, which started on May 5. As it turns out, Granger himself instructed the Carter Center must be denied approval to travel to Guyana. Karen Cummings, still squatting at the Ministry of Dr Leslie Ramsammy Foreign Affairs, as the illegal Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that David Granger is the one who gave the instruction. Her confession is in a letter she sent to the US Ambassador informing her the Carter Center cannot come at this time because Granger said so.

Guyana found out Granger was the one all along responsible for the banning of the Carter Center through a leaked letter. The sycophants have already bombarded social media with lies and allegations that the letter was leaked to the media by someone in the US Embassy. They totally ignored the possibility that the letter could have been leaked from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself. Indeed, Karen Cummings might very well want to ensure it is known she is just a messenger. Recall her infamous threats to the international observers, including the former Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Owen Arthur. Before she left that ill-fated meeting, she threw Granger and her superiors under the bus when she told the observers she did not want to issue any threats, but she was told to do so. There is, therefore, every reason to be suspicious the letter was leaked to show that it was not her who was responsible for banning the Carter Center, but it was Granger himself.

It was the second time in a week that Granger was thrown under the bus. Last week, Khemraj Ramjattan, another squatter, who illegally is holding on as the Minister of Public Security, confessed the decision to prohibit the Carter Center from travelling to Guyana was made "above his pay grade". In pulling himself out of the Carter Center banning debacle, Ramjattan refused to take the fall for Granger.

In damage-control mode, Joe Harmon, two days after Ramjattan's brutal confession, tried shielding Granger, announcing the Carter Center could reapply for permission to come to Guyana, "following proper protocol". He spun the blame to the Carter Center for the debacle, implying the Carter Center applied at the last minute for approval from the wrong person.

But the application was made several days before a scheduled flight from Miami, not "last minute". The application was made in accordance with protocol through the diplomatic channels, confirmed through an official letter from Foreign Affairs.

Guyanese found out about the Carter Center's difficulties through a Twitter message from the Carter Center indicating they are patiently waiting for approval to travel to Guyana and hoped to get on the flight on May 4 from Miami. That Twitter message became public on March 30. Even then, it was not "last minute".

The Guyana Government could have responded by doing whatever was needed to resolve the issue. Instead, there was total, deafening silence. It was not until Ramjattan confessed on May 7 that the silence was broken. Various spin, shifting narratives have been put on the Carter Center's banning. Ramjattan, defensively hid behind the "above my pay grade" excuse. Harmon tried putting distance between Granger and the obscene denial of the Carter Center's right to observe the recount. Now Cummings has admitted it was Granger.

Granger was and is still silent on the matter, even though for more than a week before the recount started on May 5, various people, including the ABCE countries, the UN and the OAS directly requested him to intervene. He showed a total disregard for the Guyanese people and for countries that have been Guyana's friends and major donors helping Guyana remove itself from bankruptcy and restoring democracy in 1992. Granger dishonestly, by his toxic silence, allowed Nagamootoo and Harmon to take the blame and cast blame on the US Ambassador for a "last-minute" request. He displayed dishonesty and indecency, a total lack of integrity, in personally rejecting the Carter Center, as Cummings confessed, and stayed in hiding, leaving his underlings to take the fall.

At the same time, he promised he will accept the results of the recount, that he was fully supportive of the recount, that he wanted a fully transparent recount. Yet he has essentially banned international observers because none of the observers who were forced to leave Guyana could come back to observe the recount, not because they do not want to come, but because they require permission from the Government. As the recount slowly drags on, his underlings are creating maximum obstruction and casting unsubstantiated aspersions on the electoral process. David Granger is optimally displaying his indecency, dishonesty and lack of integrity. He is the head of the rigging cabal.

Flooding around Georgetown on Tuesday (CDC photos)

T

he Civil Defence Commission on Tuesday conducted rapid assessments in some high-risk communities throughout Georgetown, which would have been impacted by heavy rainfalls the previous day.

In a statement, the Commission said it is working closely with the Georgetown municipality to bring relief to the residents in the most affected communities. However, they have predicted possible landslides and flooding across the country.

“Based on the projected forecast, all regions across the country are expected to experience severe rainfalls which may result in flooding and possible landslides in hilly areas.

To ensure the citizens are safe, the CDC is networking with the regional officials to monitor the impact of the weather conditions over the next few days,” the CDC noted.

For precautionary measures, the Commission has urged the public to take precautions to protect their homes and families. These include placing sandbags where needed, unplugging all electrical items which may come into contact with floodwaters, elevating all household furniture and appliances, relocating livestock and using purification tablets.

The Commission also reminded persons to adhere to the COVID-19 precautions. If the need to render assistance arises, stakeholders were asked to wear a mask correct-

Vehicles travelling through the floodwaters on Monday

ly and sanitise after rendering aid.

Precautions

Meanwhile, the Public Health Ministry also sent out warnings to the public, as the possibility of flooding rises.

Health authorities have asked persons to pay special attention to health, special precautions, personal hygiene, vector control, food and water safety.

Persons living in floodprone areas should stay out of contact with the water as much as possible, to reduce the risk of contracting an infection. Direct exposure can expose individuals to several germs.

“If you are living in floodprone areas and there is any flooding, stay out of the water as much as possible, as it can greatly reduce your chances of contracting diseases such as skin infections, leptospirosis, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases…Keep children out of the water as they are most at risk of contracting diseases. Avoid swimming in flooded canals and trenches.

During the rainy season and floods, these become contaminated and can make you sick.”

It is said that during the rainy season, respiratory infections including COVID-19 can occur and may become worse.

Daily intake of fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C can help to maintain a healthy immune system and enhance the ability to fight infection. If the event arises where a person must go out into the dirty waters, there are steps which should be followed to protect themselves.

The Ministry said, “If you must venture into any area with floodwaters, use protective gear such as long boots, gloves and eye protection.

Prepare a foot bath of half cup of bleach to one bucket of water and wash your feet before entering the house. Apply Vaseline or oil to your skin as it forms a barrier and provides some protection from the dirty water.”

Meanwhile, stagnant water is a popular breeding ground for mosquitoes. Persons can protect themselves by sleeping

under mosquito nets, use mosquito repellents and coils.

“Ensure that all water stored around your homes in containers is covered to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes. Remember, the mosquito that spreads Zika, dengue and chikungunya virus breeds in fresh still water (especially rainwater) around your home,” it was advised.

Meanwhile, clean water should be used for cooking, drinking and other hygiene practices. Water can be treated by boiling or using bleach.

Fruits and vegetables must always be washed before cooking or consuming.

“Keep food supplies away from contact with any flood water. Flood water can contaminate food supplies including dry groceries, vegetables, fruits, cooked foods and beverages. Discard all foods that have been in contact with floodwaters safely by placing in a plastic bag and deposit in covered bins.”

To protect against electrical shocks, the main electrical switch should be turned off and all appliances are to be turned off if a house is under water. If there are any suspicions that the electrical wiring might have been damaged, the main should be turned off and checked by a professional.

If anyone experiences any fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, cuts, bruises or other conditions, they are asked to seek medical attention immediately or call the national or regional hotlines.

Rubis Guyana plays its part in fight against COVID-19

R

ubis Guyana Inc has an all-hands-on-deck approach when it comes to the country’s national COVID-19 response.

The energy company is supporting COVID-19 efforts in several ways including by making a donation to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to assist frontline workers with transportation to and from work.

In addition, Rubis also provided support to families who are experiencing challenges as a result of the national emergency measures which were instituted due to the pandemic.

To date, Rubis Guyana’s total contribution towards the fight of COVID-19 exceeds US$10,000.

Retail Account Executive of Rubis Guyana Inc, Joylyn Johnson explained, “The fight against COVID-19 must be a collective effort, it requires an all-hands-on-deck approach and Team Rubis wanted to be part of Guyana’s proactive measures.”

She explained that the ra-

The Rubis Guyana Inc representative hands over the cheque to Col Kester Craig of the CDC

tionale for the GPHC donation was borne out of disturbing media reports that the frontline medical workers, who are battling to restore the health of COVID-19 patients, were having serious challenges travelling to work and home.

“We wished to enable them an easy passage on their journey.”

Johnson further stated that “We felt compelled to make a contribution to GPHC towards providing dedicated and safe transportation for these special health care professionals. The money donat-

ed will provide dedicated vehicles and drivers to transport medical personnel.”

CEO of GPHC, Brigadier George A Lewis (rtd) sincerely thanked Rubis Guyana Inc on behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of the organisation for honouring their corporate social responsibility by supporting health care workers during these unprecedented times.

He said that in light of the national regulations that have been put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, the

GPHC is exceptionally grateful for the donation which will support the provision of transportation for staff who work beyond the hours of the national curfew.

In addition, Rubis made donations to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in their drive to ensure the most vulnerable citizens were also being taken care of through the provision of food hampers.

Cognisant that the CDC is facing a mammoth task, as an exercise of this nature requires many resources, Rubis agreed to come on board.

Internally, Rubis Guyana has invested in safety training for retailers and their staff on heightened cleaning standards to adopt at this time as well as provide all Rubis service stations with sinks and hand santisers.

They recently purchased face masks for all gas attendants to wear to mitigate the spread of the virus and installed COVID-19 signage at the fuel pumps to remind customers on safe practices to use.

14 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

16 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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

DISTRICT 4 STATEMENTS OF POLL RELEASED BY PPP/C

STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

18 ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

STATEMENTS OF RECOUNT

ELECTIONS 2020 RECOUNT

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guyanatimesgy.com

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

Around the World India coronavirus: PM Narendra Modi outlines economic rescue package I ndian PM Narendra Modi has announced an economic package of more than $260 billion to help the country cope with its prolonged coronavirus lockdown.

In a TV address, he said the funds, around 10 per cent

of India's GDP, would support farmers and small businesses.

He said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman would announce further details in the next few days.

On Tuesday, some pas-

senger rail services resumed, an important symbol of the slow return to normality.

India has confirmed about 70,000 cases of coronavirus and about 2300 deaths, although some analysts suggest low testing rates may

mean many cases are missed.

The very strict lockdown, which started on March 25, has already caused huge economic distress, with tens of millions of poorer Indians and migrant workers worst affected. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Newborns among 16 dead in Kabul hospital attack; 24 killed in funeral bombing

G

unmen disguised as Police attacked a hospital in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, killing 16 people including two newborn babies from a maternity clinic run by the international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders.

In a separate attack the same day, a suicide bomber struck the funeral of a Police Commander, attended by Government officials and a member of Parliament, in the eastern province of Nangahar, killing at least 24 people and injuring 68. Authorities said that toll could rise.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either attack. The Taliban, Afghanistan’s main Islamist insurgency group which says it has halted attacks on cities under a US troop withdrawal deal, denied involvement in both.

The Islamic State militant group operates in Nangahar and has carried out a number of high-profile attacks in Kabul in recent months. On Monday security forces arrested its regional leader in the capital.

The violence, as the country battles the coronavirus pandemic, risks derailing movement towards US-brokered peace talks between the Taliban and an Afghan Government long sceptical of the insurgents’ renunciation of attacks.

President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attacks and said he had ordered the military to switch to offensive mode rather than the defensive stance it had adopted as the United States withdraws troops and tries to broker the talks.

Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Hamdullah

Afghan, security forces stand guard outside Dasht-e-Barchi Hospital which came under attack in Kabul, Afghanistan May 12, 2020

Mohib said on Twitter: “there seems little point in continuing to engage Taliban in peace talks”.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Mike

Pompeo said he condemned “the two horrific terrorist attacks” in the strongest terms and noted the Taliban had denied responsibility. (Excerpt from Reuters)

As coronavirus crisis saps his popularity, Brazil's Bolsonaro courts former foes

F

acing a criminal investigation that could oust him from office, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro is courting political power brokers he once decried as corrupt in a bid to survive a crisis worsened by his handling of the coronavirus epidemic.

The dramatic resignation last month of Bolsonaro’s star Justice Minister, who accused the far-right leader of seeking to meddle in Police enquiries, prompted an investigation authorised by the Supreme Court, which may test the President’s threadbare coalition.

Bolsonaro’s persistent attempts to play down the coronavirus epidemic in Brazil – which now has the worst outbreak of any developing nation – have hurt his popularity with voters and turned former political allies against

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro wearing a protective mask speaks with Journalists amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, May 12, 2020

him.

This week, Brazil’s top Prosecutor is questioning Ministers about Bolsonaro’s shake-up of The Federal Police. With two of Bolsonaro’s

sons facing criminal and congressional probes, critics accuse him of seeking to protect his family by putting allies in charge of Federal Police in Brasilia and his hometown of

Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro has called the accusations untrue and said his family is being persecuted.

If the Supreme Court and two thirds of the Lower House of Congress see merit to the possible charges of obstruction of justice and abuse of power, Bolsonaro would be suspended from office and stand trial before the top court.

With that probe looming and calls for impeachment growing louder among opponents, Bolsonaro has begun handing out government positions to a cluster of centre-right parties dubbed the “Centrao,” or “Big Centre,” hoping to erect a firewall against any push to remove him, two Centrao lawmakers and around a dozen aides told Reuters this week. (Excerpt from Reuters)

OILNEWS Crude oil prices up after Saudis pledge deeper output cuts beyond June

O

il prices rose on Tuesday after an unexpected commitment from Saudi Arabia to deepen production cuts in June and on indications that the producer group known as OPEC+ wants to maintain existing curbs for longer than expected.

Brent crude advanced 44 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to US$30.07 by 11:17 am EDT (1517 GMT), while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up US$1.40, or 5.8 per cent, at US$25.54.

Saudi Arabia said on Monday it would add to existing cuts by reducing output another 1 million barrels per day (bpd) next month, slashing total production to 7.5 million bpd, or down nearly 40 per cent from April.

Four sources told Reuters on Tuesday that OPEC and its allies want to maintain existing oil cuts beyond June, when the OPEC+ group is next due to meet to shore up prices and demand.

OPEC+ agreed in April to cut output by 9.7 million bpd for May and June, a record reduction. While producers will slowly relax curbs after June, supply reductions will remain to April 2022.

"The Ministers want to keep the same oil production cuts now, which are about 10 million bpd, after June," one OPEC+ source told Reuters. "They don't want to reduce the size of the cuts."

The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait also committed to slash an extra 180,000 bpd in total, adding to reductions the producers agreed to under a deal between OPEC, Russia and other nations, a group known as OPEC+.

Kazakhstan has ordered producers in large and midsized oil fields to cut output by about 22 per cent in May to June, in line with the OPEC+ deal.

"Prices have recently been boosted not only by hopes that demand will soon return, but also by massive voluntary and involuntary production cuts," Commerzbank said in a note.

"The coordinated action by the Gulf states, with a total production capacity of around 20 million barrels per day, is likely to increase confidence among market participants."

US crude producing states have also logged a decline in output cuts, as collapsing prices prompted independent and integrated producers to cut operations. US crude futures have lost roughly 60 per cent so far this year.

US crude inventory reports from the American Petroleum Institute industry group are due on Tuesday and the US Energy Information Administration on Wednesday.

Output cuts should ease pressure on crude storage capacity, along with the easing of lockdowns in some countries that has helped lift fuel demand. But new coronavirus outbreaks in China and South Korea have revived concerns.

Data showing China's April factory prices fell at the sharpest rate in four years added to investor jitters.

President Donald Trump praised Saudi Arabia's decision to curb its oil output. (Excerpt from The Economic Times)

Caricom Foreign Ministers condemn EU over blacklisting of regional States

C

aribbean Community (Caricom) Foreign Ministers have “rejected the arbitrary and unilateral imposition of blacklisting by the European Union” on several Caricom countries.

Last week, the EU said under the Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD), it has revised its list, taking into account developments at international level since 2018 and that the “new list is now better aligned with the lists published by the FATF (Financial Action

Task Force)".

The countries which have been listed are The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, along with Botswana, Cambodia, Ghana, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama and Zimbabwe.

But Guyana is among six other Third-World countries that have been de-listed.

In a statement issued Monday following last week's 23rd (virtual) meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), the Foreign Ministers said they “rejected

The statement was issued Monday following the 23rd meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations, chaired by Haiti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Claude Joseph

the arbitrary and unilateral imposition of blacklisting by the EU on several Member States of the Community.

“They expressed concern over the constant shifting of goal posts, the continued lack of prior consultation or notification and the unwillingness to take into account the efforts at compliance made by Caricom Member States,” the statement noted.

It said that the “measure was viewed as detrimental to the economies of the affected states which are already in recession.

“The Community called on the EU to take into consideration the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic well-being of the small states of Caricom in their policy-making,” the statement added.

The statement said that the Foreign Ministers also reviewed the Region's relations with both its traditional and more recent partners and discussed ways and means by which these relations could further be strengthened.

(Excerpt from CMC)

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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W

hile the Hero Caribbean Premier League presses on, the Guyana Amazon Warriors were the latest franchise to have announced the West Indian players they will be retaining for the 2020 edition.

Warriors have chosen to retain six local players, three regional West Indian players and have signed a Guyanese player as one of their

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wish. They could also transfer players to other teams and sign emerging players.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Team Operations Manager, Omar Khan, commented on the retentions and signing: “The Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise has and will always be committed to the continued development of our local and regional players. From the inception of the CPL we included young Guyanese players in our squad as part of the franchise’s mandate to provide opportunities to young aspiring Guyanese cricketers to assist in their overall de-

Pooran and Brandon King, both of whom have been hailed by the cricket pundits as potential future stars of West Indies cricket and who were members of our team last year. The Guyana Amazon Warriors wish all of the retained players great success in the CPL 2020."

velopment as professional cricketers. Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford have all benefitted from these opportunities prior to them becoming full-fledged members of our team.”

He went on to state, “We are extremely delighted that we were able to retain the majority of our local and regional players, including Nicholas

The CPL is scheduled to take place between 19 August and 26 September but the tournament organisers are currently watching the current situation with COVID-19 closely and are liaising with medical advisors and governments.

A decision on whether the tournament can proceed as planned, or at a different time, will be made as soon as possible.

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Guyana Amazon Warriors Coach Johan Botha

Emerging West Indies players ahead of the CPL draft.

It comes as no surprise that Shimron Hetmyer leads the local players’ list along with Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Chandrapaul Hemraj and Anthony Bramble.

The three West Indian players retained are 2019’s Marquee signing Nicholas Pooran (T&T), Brandon King (Jam) and Odean Smith (Jam) while Kevin Sinclair has been named as the Emerging Player.

Meanwhile, international retentions and signings will be announced at a later date. As the new rule stipulates, this year teams can retain as many players from their 2019 squads as they

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ormer president of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Dave Cameron has advised the world’s smaller cricket boards to use the circumstances of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to call for more equity in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) revenue sharing.

Sporting entities across the globe continue to battle the economic fallout from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the spread of the virus bringing a halt to almost all international sport. In cricket, specifically, the massive disparity between the previous earnings of the ‘big three,’ Former CWI President Dave Cameron England, India and Australia and the rest of the smaller nations leaves them even more vulnerable to financial devastation.

The issue of economic disparity was one that was broached by the Cameron-led CWI administration two years ago in a paper to the ICC termed the ‘Economics of Cricket’. The revenue sharing model had been adjusted in 2017, but Cameron believed it still fell well short of a truly equitable system, which the result set to be exacerbated by the ongoing global health crisis.

"With the current COVID-19 pandemic wreaking financial havoc, the less wealthy cricket boards like West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will suffer more if they don't stand up,” Cameron said in an interview with the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian.

"The gap between wealthier and less wealthy cricket nations is widening and will contribute to less wealthy nations being less competitive and there devaluing the international cricket product. The gap immediately expedites the flight of talent away from bilateral international cricket as the less wealthy cricket nations are disadvantaged in funding their professional domestic and national retainer contracts.

"Given the current situation with the COVID-19, the gap will widen further as the less wealthy cricket nations won't be able to sustain investment in cricket and player development, infrastructure and administration," said Cameron. (Sportsmax)

M

embers of the Essequibo T20 Bash Cricket Committee donated a large quantity of food hampers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Sunday as part of its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outreach.

Secretary of the organisation, Travis Simon revealed that the response was great, and expressed his sincere gratitude to the donors for coming on board.

The Committee, which has 24 cricket teams across the Region, distributed the hampers from Charity to Supenaam.

“I must extend my gratitude to all the donors both in Essequibo and overseas; we target around 100 people, mostly mothers and widows, and they were also happy to be the recipient at this time,” Simon related. He further informed that several young cricketers were also beneficiaries because of financial difficulties.

Since COVID-19 began spreading rapidly across the world few months ago, several individuals and sporting organisations in Essequibo and across Guyana have responded, reaching out to people who have lost their jobs or have been unable to get employment.

Simon mentioned that his committee members took time off on the aforementioned day, since it was Mother's Day to assist with the distribution.

Cricket has also been at a standstill in an effort to help curb the spread of the disease, but Simon reckoned that the Committee's affiliated teams were adhering to the COVID-19 restricts, but were anxious to get back on the field.

The donors are: Rovendra Mandolall; Mohamed Nayeem; Vejai Deonarine; Shekkhan Khan and Jaguars Over-40 Devon Ramnauth; Lokesh Lall; Ravi Etwaroo (Cricket Zone USA); Suresh Jagmohan Construction; Alli Khan Construction; Romain Khan; Spartan Challengers SC; Himanat Nankoo Variety Store; Romest Electrical Service; Ravendra Madholall (Sports Journalist); Devonshire Castle SC; Pavendra Persaud; Imam Bacchus and Bacchus Bulls; Eickey and Rose Persaud; Fanaz Mohamed; Kissoon Singh Pharmaceuticals; R Ganesh (RG Mining); Target Hardware; Mavindra Dindyal; Guyana Beverage Inc; Prabhu General Store; Rising Stars SC; Ramnarine Family; Reliance Hustlers SC and Peter Jagroop.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2020

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

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Pg 23 Members of the Essequibo T20 Bash Cricket Committee made donations on Sunday

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