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
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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)
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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
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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.
